Combination Wrenches....choices

[tw33k2514]

As a 20 year old college student, I am not exactly swimming in money. I am looking for good affordable combination wrenches. I can not afford the truck brands, and Dont want to settle for a cheap tool that I will be replacing all the time. I guess what I am asking is what exactly are my options?

Some brands that I can afford:

Craftsman Professional
Blue Point
TopTul

I was looking at http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934951000P today andd I will not lie it is tempting. And I figure a couple of you will mention the student programs for the truck brands....Even with the discount that is a lot of money.

should I even bother with craftsman Professional? Or should I just go wrenchless until I can afford the truck brands?

 

[Stuey]

Take a look at the following ToolGuyd post the mentions Craftsman's professional wrenches on sale.

If you don't have a Craftsman Club number, check out post 13 of the following GJ thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35851 .

With the wrenches on sale for as little money as they are, your choice should be a lot clearer.

Also, what do you intend to use the wrenches on? How often?

There is nothing wrong with Cman pros, and unless you plan on wrenching for a living, it might not make sense to even start saving for a truck brand set just yet.

I say go for the Cman pros and if you have any cash left over, use it for a set of Gearwrenches, hex keys, or whatever else you might be lacking.

If you're really tight on funds, you can consider the 9pc sets instead of the 13pc sets. Or a 13pc set in metric and a 9pc set in SAE, or vice versa.

Also, the 8pc Cross Force sets are pretty cheap this week. I wouldn't really recommend them as a starter set, though.

 

[64merc]

I'll put my vote in for the Cman pros. I don't know how long you can wait, but I think they go on sale now and then. Also, make sure you check Ebay.

Edit: they are apparently on sale now - I say you buy them!!

 

[CAT_serviceman927]

The Craftsman Pro set you showed would be a good set to get that you would get alot of use out of. You could also watch the used market, i.e. craigslist, ebay, pawnshops etc. for other brands. There are lots of choices out there other than truck brands like Proto, Wright, and Armstrong.

 

[fatfillup]

I personally have the craftsman pro and like them very much. They aren't snap on but have served me well for many years. Can't comment on the toptul or bluepoint.

 

[HandyManny]

Either Craftsman Professionals or Proto Combos would be my suggestion. I have and love both.

 

[The Muffin Man]

I think you should not go wrench-less until you can afford a truck brand. Wrenches and sockets are probably the most frequently used tools in a person's chest.

You can't go wrong with any of the three choices you listed. I own a set of Toptul combination wrenches and have been very happy with them. They function perfect and feel great. I actually just submitted another order this morning. The price is fantastic for the quality your getting too.

 

[Merkava_4]

My first choice would be Cornwell, but since you said you wanna go on the cheap, Toptul would probably be the way to go. $56.00 for a whole set of extra long combination wrenches is insanely cheap.

 

[volpster31]

i just picked up the 9pc. long pattern full polish craftsman sets in std & metric online..with the discounts & cc i paid $63 for both sets!!!! they sell for $59 a set so i basically bought one,got one free

 

[RRmech]

I worked a lifetime professionally with wrenches that didn't come off a truck.
Craftsman Pro's and Proto wrenches will serve you well.
You can also find NOS KD and KAL-USA wrench sets on e-bay fairly cheap too.

Steve

 

[sberry]

Menards, Allen brand, seen a set of made in USA, 9 wrenches for 28$, could pay for them on the first starter job.

 

[Merkava_4]

I own a set of Toptul combination wrenches and have been very happy with them. They function perfect and feel great.

Are the edges of the beams rounded enough so they don't hurt when you pull on them?

 

[skeletonizer]

IMO you can't go wrong with the Craftsman Pro's and here is why:

You can look at them before you buy, and if they have an issue with the chrome or another defect their is another set on the shelf right in front of you.

You know exactly where and when you can get them warrantied. Sears is never going to stay home sick, be gone fishing for a week, or just decide not to stop at your shop that day. (unless they go belly up, but that is possible with any retailer these days)

They are shiny.

They are strong.

The money you spend on them will put food on an American factory workers table. Not that I have anything against factory workers over seas but I was taught growing up to help my neighbor.

They will have a higher resale value than most import brands if you decide to upgrade later.

That one chick that works at the register on Friday's is H-O-T! I call her Dimples.

 

[The Muffin Man]

Are the edges of the beams rounded enough so they don't hurt when you pull on them?

They are rounded as much as the Snap-on SOEX wrenches. Neither of which cause discomfort when I use them.

 

[Merkava_4]

They are rounded as much as the Snap-on SOEX wrenches. Neither of which cause discomfort when I use them.

I turned in a brand new SOEXM18 into the dealer last week for being too square. He treated me as if I was insane, but I just stood there in front of the truck until I got a wrench I could live with.

 

[Joelfke]

IMO you can't go wrong with the Craftsman Pro's and here is why:

You can look at them before you buy, and if they have an issue with the chrome or another defect their is another set on the shelf right in front of you.

You know exactly where and when you can get them warrantied. Sears is never going to stay home sick, be gone fishing for a week, or just decide not to stop at your shop that day. (unless they go belly up, but that is possible with any retailer these days)

They are shiny.

They are strong.

The money you spend on them will put food on an American factory workers table. Not that I have anything against factory workers over seas but I was taught growing up to help my neighbor.

They will have a higher resale value than most import brands if you decide to upgrade later.

That one chick that works at the register on Friday's is H-O-T! I call her Dimples.

not saying you are wrong at all, but sears seems in my area at least...to be getting worse and worse...although you can NOT beat being able to walk in the door and warranty just about anything..

im not so sure about resale value...i can pick up cman pros pretty cheap around here used, but they are not bad wrenches so either way they are a good buy for the money.

and the cashier in my sears is an ugly fat lady...so no perk there..

 

[Bolster]

the cashier in my sears is an ugly fat lady...so no perk there..

Hey, we shop at the same Sears!! Oh wait, you're in NJ.

 

[tw33k2514]

Just to clear things up, I will be wrenching for a living. But, Like someone said having no wrenches isnt exactly ideal. And you have all made me feel more confident in the Craftsman Pro's. They may not be snap-on but they can at least get me started until I start getting paid.

 

[Delray]

Gearwrench makes a nice set of regular combo wrenches. Craftsman are good quality, strong tools for the money. I'm waiting on some Toptul combos and will share my thoughts when they come. Any should be a good choice.

 

[sk farmer]

i say cman pros. an excellant wrench for the money and a nice second set when you have more money or you just may decide you like them best. they play well with all my other wrenches and work just as well.

 

[volvo420coupe]

I have my original set of craftsman wrenches still and have been wrenching professionally for 10 years, they have never let me down, I have been wanting to upgrade for most of that time, but I have always chosen to buy other tools I dont have yet. when I finally do upgrade it will be to a genius brand 44 piece master metric wrench set, the standard will come later, it includes 6-32 mm combos, xl zero degrees, offsets, and stuby ratcheting all for about $430 retail, a much better deal than just getting 10-19 in snap on for about the same price. Genius brand is from canada, and is just starting retail routes in the states, I have owned several sets of their impact sockets for years, and cant wait to see if the quality exists in the rest of their proudcts.

 

[posaune]

Genius brand is from canada, and is just starting retail routes in the states,

Where did you find that Genius is from Canada? Afaik, all of their tools are made in Taiwan. I'm not saying they aren't good quality - I am just curious.

I love the avatar, btw (and name too)!

 

[The Muffin Man]

I turned in a brand new SOEXM18 into the dealer last week for being too square. He treated me as if I was insane, but I just stood there in front of the truck until I got a wrench I could live with.

I wonder what your like when buying a new car .

 

[-B-]

OK here are my suggestions if use is out of the question ( it is the only way I would buy SO wrenches)

proto, S&K, Wright, Armstrong, CM,

 

[tw33k2514]

OK here are my suggestions if use is out of the question ( it is the only way I would buy SO wrenches)

proto, S&K, Wright, Armstrong, CM,

My only concern with used is...warranty. I have heard of people not being able to warranty their used tools because they couldn't provide proof of purchase. Maybe that has changed, or those people are stupid..

 

[The Muffin Man]

I got a set of Wright wrenches from this forum's classifieds a couple months back. Out of every single wrench I've used, Wright wrenches are by far the most comfortable. Thick and rounded ( just like you like em Merkava .)

 

[walrus]

I turned in a brand new SOEXM18 into the dealer last week for being too square.

No pics of said square wrench?, I'm disappointed

 

[myslow2002gt]

I have to agree with everyone above. The Craftsman Pro wrenches are very nice and will do the job no problem for you.

 

[Packard V8]

You can't go wrong with the Craftsman Pros. However, I just don't buy new retail tools. There are always sets at garage sales, craigslist, auctions, on-line wholesalers (there aren't and never will be any screaming deals in the GJ Classifieds :>)

Bottom line, if you are git-er-dun kinda guy, just find C-man on sale and learn your trade. Most here are into tools beyond function. You'll have plenty of time to learn how important that little extra is for you.

thnx, jack vines

 

[volvo420coupe]

Genius tools company is out of Canada, I'm sure most of the tools are made in Taiwan. a country with which I have no gripes with as far as quality.
thanks for noticing the car, I wish I owned one.

 

[goodfellow]

My only concern with used is...warranty. I have heard of people not being able to warranty their used tools because they couldn't provide proof of purchase. Maybe that has changed, or those people are stupid..

I've wrenched professionally and otherwise since the early 70's and bought quite a lot of tools from "the truck" and from Sears. In all those years, the best warranty service has been with Sears.

Their Pro series wrenches are by far the best bargain in US made tools. That said, the raised panel wrenches are an absolute bargain. Do yourself a favor and don't buy into the "truck tool" hype.

Spend your money wisely on specialty tools from the truck vendors and SAVE as much money as you can to ensure a good credit rating and a prosperous future. In 40 years you'll be glad you did.

 

[sberry]

The focus on warranty amazes me, seems people are willing to pay 5 times a tools value for it when it would be way more cost effective just to replace it.

 

[MAD]

Craftsman Pro wrenches are are very good wrenches and would be my choice out of the three brands you listed.

However, to those that were taunted to the point of mental trauma by their elementary school classmates because their mother dressed them in Tough Skins jeans, I can see why the Craftsman wrenches might strike a sour note for you.

 

[billymade]

I guess I will be a lone dissenting voice! I vote for a pro or industrial brand used; look at your local pawnshop, craigslist, or flea market! Your tools are going to get scratched up and worn anway... let someone else pay full price! Used high quality pro tools are the way to go... imho!

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I will agree that the Craftsman makes a good wrench, and a great secondary wrench. At the garage, the wrenches (shops) that are hanging on the rack, are the raised panel Craftsmans. The owner told me years ago, they "stretch" more then the Snap and some other brands. He said with all the rust, and vehicle abuse he has seen, it paid to have some that could be a little loose. (so in my mind, even raise panels would be a good starting point, still prefer the pro's though).

That said, when I was 16, I bought a set of combo wrenches from Wards. I had heard of Powerkraft tools, but didn't know at the time, they no longer sold them. My wrenches were made in India, and served me well for a few years. I was looking at used when my next deal fell into my lap. (SAE seem to be fairly easy to find used/garage sales, metric, not so much in these parts) I ended up with some Lowe's gift cars, and a short bit later, they closed out the Williams made stuff (picked up a bunch). Then Christmas hit, and I ended up with two small sets of Gearwrenches (never seen around here before).

I recently ordered the Craftsman SAE/Metric sets, and they were around $58 a set. I also ordered the larger Metric set, since I have a mix of larger SAE wrenches (Williams, Proto, Dayton). My other two choices, were Williams sets from thepowertoolbox.net (similar to Snap-on flank plus), or Wright wrenches from Harry Epstiens. The price verses use, won me on the Craftsman's.

Just my $.02

 

[r0meyrome]

I use Toptul (Euro Finish) and they're quiet nice.

 

[r0meyrome]

The best I could do since my camera totally *****.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Those Top Tul wrenches look a lot like Teng wrenches.

 

[-B-]

r0meyrome

Nice high res photos 180px

 

[RRmech]

Be sure to hit yard sales and flea markets in your area for tools.
Any tool that has USA on it gets my attention.
I've gotten Snap-On sockets for $1 a socket.....who cares if they are used?

Steve