Combination Wrench Sets

[PearlWhiteGT]

Looking to purchase some new combination wrench sets both metric and standard. I don't use them a whole lot but when I do, I'd like to have what I need available in my tool box. I also don't need any fancy high dollar ones so looking for advice on some good fairly priced sets. Came across some TEKTON sets on amazon that are priced pretty good but don't know much about them. Are the HF Pro's any good or a waste of money? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I highly recommend the Tekton full polish wrench set with the holders. I have had these sets for a few years now in my home box and they have held up and worked well.

I have never owned the HF pro wrenches so I can't say if they are comparable.


part # on the metric set is 18789

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

Are you looking to stay American? I just bought Armstrong and Proto. Armstrong unfortunately is no more but still making tools per order. Proto is readily available. I have Husky now and they are nice, but I like the better quality of proto and Armstrong.

The Armstrong’s are also longer which is a plus. Matco and snap-on are nice too, but getting up there in price.

 

[Tallpilot]

I have the Tekton for my truck kit. They are an excellent value. Good broaching, excellent chrome. The HF pro are ok but the Tekton are noticably higher quality for a similar price.

 

[atikovi]

I really like the Craftsman reversible ratcheting type. http://www.sears.com/craftsman-8-pc...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=COWWwPTPm9kCFUy2swod7-oGTA

 

[vjquan]

Going to be a lot of opinions here, but I found the DeWALTs to be an excellent value. Basically a Proto clone made in Taiwan.

 

[PearlWhiteGT]

Thanks fellas. I do want to get a set of ratcheting wrenches as well but need some regular type wrenches for them spaces that I can't get the ratcheting wrench in.

 

[potato]

Tekton all the way

 

[Wamsutta]

High dollar wrenches are longer and give you more leverage. A 1/2 inch size combination wrench that is shorter than 8 inches is too short.

High dollar wrenches can be bought one at a time too.

 

[potato]

or gearwrench https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H...rench+set&dpPl=1&dpID=41z-ROhYb6L&ref=plSrch#

 

[Wamsutta]

When you start going below a size 5/8 combination wrench (non ratcheting) on a GearWrench, they start to get deformed. They can't make a small wrench accurately for some reason. Their ratcheting wrenches turn out better.

 

[JuliusPepperwood]

I have the craftsman 43 pc set on Ernst rails. Cheap and you don’t need to buy more sizes.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-43-pc-standard-and-metric-12-pt/p-00944048000P

View media item 80615

 

[MrGiggles]

Looking to purchase some new combination wrench sets both metric and standard. I don't use them a whole lot but when I do, I'd like to have what I need available in my tool box. I also don't need any fancy high dollar ones so looking for advice on some good fairly priced sets. Came across some TEKTON sets on amazon that are priced pretty good but don't know much about them. Are the HF Pro's any good or a waste of money? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

These are the only wrenches worth buying from HF. The length is great, chrome is pretty good, and they go up to 32mm and 1 1/4", which very few sets do. They don't skip any important sizes either.

https://www.harborfreight.com/14-pc-metric-v-groove-combination-wrench-set-63063.html

Tekton wrenches are great as well if you don't need the larger sizes.

 

[Tallpilot]

When you start going below a size 5/8 combination wrench (non ratcheting) on a GearWrench, they start to get deformed. They can't make a small wrench accurately for some reason. Their ratcheting wrenches turn out better.

Which is interesting because it is the opposite for Tekton. Their combination wrenches are quite good while the ratcheting versions start to get lobster claws in larger sizes.

 

[Veraciouse]

I got a set of the TEKTON wrenches the other day. They are super nice, both sides have the size stamped in them. I was very impressed. Best wrenches in that price range.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have a few Tekton wrenches and thus far, I am well pleased.

HF seems to be improving their quality recently and on the odd chance you break one, they'll swap it out with no problems (sometimes you need to bring the whole set in).

If you want to stay with USA made tools, SK, Wright and Proto are all good choices

 

[bczygan]

HF all the way.

Bill

 

[4x4gearhead]

If you see yourself using combination wrenches just for the box end then i would say most decent brands will do, but if you need strong open ends buying quality wrenches is a must. I will say one cheap option still is sourcing us made craftsman raised panel sets. If you dont mind a shorter standard length these wrenches were generally much stronger than anything else for the money. Or hold out for yard sales and swap meets. Pawn shops and consignment shops. Lots of old american brands can be had for cheap money. I always keep my eyes open for old williams(pre snap on) wrenches, proto, wright, even old sk raised panel wrenches are awesome. Lots of options if you have the time and patience. This is how I have aquired quite a bit of tools and equipment. Your average person interested in tools doesnt always recognize some of these brands as being worth buying so they get passed over which is good for you the buyer. In my opinion wrenches are one of the last things i would try to skimp on, if you are doing your own mechanical work. Anyways good luck in your search!

 

[Parrothead]

Tekton! The best value out there in combination wrenches.

I’ve owned or still do own the following combination wrenches...Craftsman RP USA, Craftsman Professional USA, Armstrong, SK, Kobalt, Husky, Harbor Freight, Crescent, ProValue, and other I can’t think of...

I’ve obviously got the Tekton’s too, and they are way better than anything you’re going to get from a box store. I like my Craftsman Pro’s the best but they don’t make them anymore. I’ve used the Tekton’s for brake and suspension work in the rust belt and beat of hem with a mini sledge. They’re not as pretty as they once were, but they didn’t deform and they got the job done. Definitely better than Kobalt or Husky.

Get the full sets in both SAE and Metric and as a DIY person you’re all set!

 

[Parrothead]

...I will say one cheap option still is sourcing us made craftsman raised panel sets. If you dont mind a shorter standard length these wrenches were generally much stronger than anything else for the money

I have both the RP Craftsman USA wrenches and the Tekton’s, and I really like both. I’ll say that the Tekton’s are every bit as strong on the open end as my RP’s. I’ve got them both to slip though (not a hard thing to do with most wrenches save Wright and Snap On). And I was definitely using a cheater pipe. I don’t think the OP would go wrong with the Tekton’s and the customer service is pretty awesome.

 

[2004EP3HATCH]

High dollar wrenches are longer and give you more leverage. A 1/2 inch size combination wrench that is shorter than 8 inches is too short.

High dollar wrenches can be bought one at a time too.

This right here.

 

[potato]

High dollar wrenches are longer and give you more leverage. A 1/2 inch size combination wrench that is shorter than 8 inches is too short.

High dollar wrenches can be bought one at a time too.

https://www.harborfreight.com/11-pi...long-handle-combination-wrench-set-44718.html the 1/2" is 9" long definitely not "high dollar"and the metric set skips a lot of sizes.good wrenches though.

 

[Ji m]

my thoughts:

If you just want to buy decent, strong, usable, good looking and good working combination wrenches for a fair price,
get the Tektons and don't look back.

I have Pittsburgh Pro swivel ratchet wrenches and they are also very good for the money,
but sizes in the sets are very limited, and you're left filling in the blanks later.

I have the extra long Pittsburgh (non-pro) Combination wrench sets
and they are missing key sizes like 13mm(!) and 18mm
with the STD extra long set being more complete except for no 1/4" & 5/16" included.

^these 2 Pittsburgh sets seem decent other than the missing sizes,
but I have not put them through the paces to the point where I don't worry about the long length + thin metal + questionable quality.
Though I have had no issues so far.

The regular length Pittsburgh non-pro wrenches, in my opinion are junk.
These are the cheapo sets advertised for $4.99 or $5.99 or whatever.
Maybe I got a bad batch of STD & Metric, but quality was beyond just poor.

The Pittburgh stubby set of wrenches are decent quality for the money, I have no complaints with them.

If you want a set of better wrenches,
the Matco RC & MC series of wrenches are a favorite of mine.

They are "old school" lengths (= not long unless you go with the RCL or MCL sizes)
are very true to size, comfortable, durable, excellent quality, USA made and can usually be found starting around $80-90 a set (and up) on Ebay.

I'll give an "honorable mention" to the newer Crescent branded wrenches.
I've seen some post here that they don't like them, but I've had a good experience with them for a fairly low price.
I use the Cresent combination wrenches in my rolling tool cart and found the quality, fit and finish to be very good for the low price.

 

[Ji m]

To include some links,

I've been happy with this Tekton set

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZJN3PQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Pittsburgh non pro long wrenches
good and cheap,
but I don't completely trust them yet

https://www.harborfreight.com/11-pi...long-handle-combination-wrench-set-44718.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/11-pi...long-handle-combination-wrench-set-47067.html




very good, cheap, but only in limited sizes HF swivel ratchet wrenches:


https://www.harborfreight.com/5-Pc-Metric-Flex-Head-Combination-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set-60592.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/5-pc-sae-flex-head-combination-ratcheting-wrench-set-61657.html



These are the Crescent wrenches I was satisfied with for the money,
though they were cheaper when I bought a few sets for the rolling cart
(though these seem to have a bad reputation here)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EXX7SRS/?tag=atomicindus08-20



I didn't mention them above, but these Sunex U-wrenches are excellent the money if you need obstruction wrenches
(I also tried HF S-wrenches and thought were poor by comparison IMHO)


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XW0XY8/?tag=atomicindus08-20


And if you want to step up to new high quality wrenches,
some sizes of Wright wrench sets are actually not that expensive

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HW8AMK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mdlee52]

I'd like to put in a recommendation for Channellock. Here is a video I made about them.

Sent from my LGMP260 using Tapatalk

 

[kb1982]

I picked up some NOS satin finished USA made Blackhawk wrenches from ebay several months ago for a cheap set at work. For 44 dollars shipped, I got a set 3/8" to 1". To bad the metric equivalents are harder to find.

 

[anndel]

I have Snap on from 1984 and still use them today even though they're not Flank Drive or Flank Drive Plus.

 

[four.cycle]

kb1982, used/slightly used SAE is usually less than metric on Ebay.

best deals today on ebay for metric combo sets:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/323070549148

https://www.ebay.com/itm/263493008714

https://www.ebay.com/itm/263493411121

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222827734151 (no 19mm - a couple CM subs)

check that "ebay hot deal" thread for Proto sets listed during the last couple weeks. there have been a few that were way below Zoro.com.

metric Proto socket sets listed today way cheap. are they hot? counterfeit?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/132502877989

and on that 3/8" flex-head Duro:
I just put a tiny dab of white lithium grease and a bit of Marvel Mystery Oil in mine. works dandy, but to each his own. I think you'll find when you open it up that the original grease has turned to bubble gum. just don't put any real heavy grease in it.

 

[HanShotFirst]

If I'm not buying US made, then I think Tekton are the wrenches to buy. They're cheap, and they're WAY better than they ought to be. Broaching is good, chrome is good, and they're pretty strong. You would have to spend nearly 3x as much to get a better wrench.

 

[jsmeece]

If I'm not buying US made, then I think Tekton are the wrenches to buy. They're cheap, and they're WAY better than they ought to be. Broaching is good, chrome is good, and they're pretty strong. You would have to spend nearly 3x as much to get a better wrench.

Has GearWrench combination wrenches fallen in quality that much over the past couple of years that people are now recommending Tekton?
I know that is not what HanShotFirst said, just asking?

I own Tekton tools, including some line wrenches, but in the larger sizes over 23mm, the Tekton wrenches cost more compared to USA made (Allen, KD, Armstrong) that one can still get from Cripe Distributing?

To me, anyway, I would rather buy New USA made tools, like Allen, KD, or Armstrong, (without any warranty), off Ebay or other on-line distributors like Cripe than non-USA made tools IF price is similar. For example, if a 26mm Allen brand wrench cost $8 dollars at Cripe, and the Tekton wrench cost between $5 to $16 dollars off Ebay, I would buy the Allen. Now if that 26mm Allen cost $26, I would likely go with the Tekton or keep looking for A USA made wrench. One needs to look at cost to quality ratio. I hope that make sense.

 

[Wamsutta]

If I'm not buying US made, then I think Tekton are the wrenches to buy. They're cheap, and they're WAY better than they ought to be. Broaching is good, chrome is good, and they're pretty strong. You would have to spend nearly 3x as much to get a better wrench.

Except for the length of the wrenches:

The 16mm is shorter than the 15mm
The 18mm is shorter than the 17mm
The 20mm is shorter than the 19mm

Fast forward to 7:36

 

[jsmeece]

Except for the length of the wrenches:

The 16mm is shorter than the 15mm
The 18mm is shorter than the 17mm
The 20mm is shorter than the 19mm

Fast forward to 7:36

I wonder why? Seems kind of weird to me.

 

[Ji m]

Except for the length of the wrenches:

The 16mm is shorter than the 15mm
The 18mm is shorter than the 17mm
The 20mm is shorter than the 19mm

Fast forward to 7:36

I didn't watch the video,
but I own a Tekton set of Metrics and the lengths are very very close to each other,
like maybe the 15&16 share a wrench blank that they were machined out of.
17&18, and 20&21 seem this way too.

all the other lengths are dofferent from one another from 6mm-22mm (though my set skips 7mm).

I never noticed it before, and even I'm not OCD enough for it to bother me

 

[Ji m]

pic added:

^hard to say from the pic,
but holding them in my hands, they seem like the same exact lengths as each other