combination wrenches: Long vs. Standard

[r6_cannibal]

I came to the realization today that the Husky combination wrenches I've been using for the last several years are considered long wrenches. I've been looking at updating my box with more serious tools and am not sure if I should pay a little extra for the long wrenches or go with the standard length. I used the 15mm wrench as the example, and the one I use is 233mm long.
The two new ones I'm looking at buying are 230mm for the long and 199mm for the standard. (conversion time! 230mm= about 9 inches, 199mm= 7.8inches)
What does everyone prefer, and have you noticed that much of a difference between the lengths?
Ideally I'd just get some standard length wrenches and try them out but I have no projects lined up let alone time for wrenching in the next month
So, what say you?

 

[Merkava_4]

If I had to start all over again, I'd get all extra long combos.

 

[CAT_serviceman927]

I like long wrenches better. If I were in your position however, I would probably wouldn't worry to much since if you need a long wrench, then you can just use your current wrenches. Keep in mind that companies like Cornwell, MAC, Matco and SK, their long wrenhes are all about the same as Snap-On's standard length wrenches. SO's longs are more like most companies extra-long wrenches. As for my reasons, I like the extra torque and reach you get from long wrenches.

 

[Stephenw]

You need both. The longer wrenches give better leverage. The shorter wrenches are needed in tight areas.

 

[fourfeathers]

I tend to use stubby and extra long, both in wrenches and ratchets.

 

[wrenchr]

I have a set a Mac wrenches and they are like stubbies almost.

 

[r6_cannibal]

You need both. The longer wrenches give better leverage. The shorter wrenches are needed in tight areas.

5 years ago I would have disagreed, stating that 1 inch wouldn't make much of a difference...but there have been so many times that i had wished the wrench I was turning was just 1/2 an inch shorter. I miss being younger and knowing everything. I do agree I need both but I won't be able to afford both at the same time.

And I should have clarified, the wrenches I have now will be going away in a couple months. My dad and I share a garage and I'll be moving.

 

[Brad54]

I've got a set of Craftsman full-polish standard length, which are the same length as Gear Wrenches. Next to them in the drawer I have a set of CMan long wrenches. The drawer below I have a set of stubby wrenches.
Long wrenches give a little more leverage. If I didn't have the gear wrenches, I'd grab he longs every time.

Can't have too many wrenches, and you can't have them in enough lengths.

-Brad

 

[zuspiel]

I'm a big fan of the long (or extra long) ones, too. But, yes, you definitely need at least a set of stubbies to complement them.

 

[Bolster]

...you definitely need at least a set of stubbies to complement them.

Now here is a man who can use the word 'complement' correctly AND spell it without confusing it with its homophone. I'm impressed. You must be a man of advanced learnin'.

 

[zuspiel]

Thanks! But my wife still calls me a "stupid foreigner" sometimes... Especially when I try to sue a button...

BTW, just checked: The MAC XL KS2s (which I love dearly) are really long. The 9/16 is about 257mm...

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

The longer the better, IMHO. I have the stubbies, the standards, and the longs and then there is Mac K/S 2 Extra Longs which are fantastically long. )

Adam

 

[speed bump]

I would probably say to go: regular length for combination, extra long for double box end and combination stubbies.

 

[mkdive]

I have regular, stubby and xl combos both ratcheting and non ratcheting in SAE & metric. My XL ratcheting gearwrenches are my favorites by far. They are my Goto combo wrenches.

 

[r6_cannibal]

So it seems that everyone is saying size Does matter
I've got a set of stubby gearwrenches that should get me by, so I think I'll be going with the long combos, or if they come in a set the extra-long combos. Thanks for all the input!

 

[jerk_chicken]

I had some standard CM raised panels and gave them away before I left the US, keeping my long ones. I figured if I ever needed some standard lengths, I can always buy here (saving on my transport weight), and in an emergency, hit up a DIY store and just get the 30€ proxxon set.

So now I have long ones (Cman Pros) and actually like them because i realized many times when working on anything, I was reaching for the Matco or Snap On long wrenches I had. They just felt a lot nicer. I'll be moving onto some Hazets soon. I also have a larger set of gearwrenches at an in-between length, so the open side can handle some breaking torque and the ratchet can get in there to loosen.

There have been a couple times I wished I had shorter, but then I would have gone for a stubby or an air ratchet with some extenders (had I had either).

Ideally, one should have a set of three lengths. At each category, picking the right length due to manufacturer variations is another matter.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

For me, it's regular length combination wrenches, extra-long double ring-end wrenches and stubby combination wrenches. I also have short (not stubby) flat double ring-end wrenches. Covers pretty much everything for me.

 

[eschoendorff]

I am not sure exactly what the "official" designation for the Craftsman Pro full polish wrenches are, but the length is just about perfect for 90% of what you'll need.

 

[vssjim]

You almost need every lenth of wrench you can find to work on cars today, sometimes thing are tight and in tight spots so that inch difference may make a huge difference.

 

[paramudduck]

I hate to think of the times I've had to search out a wrench in a weird length to fit in a spot.

 

[dxdexter]

My experience has been that when the standard size is inadequate, it's usually a shorter wrench, more than a longer wrench that is required. Its not often I will use a wrench to break free tight fasteners anyway. I usually use a breaker bar.

The length of the newer standard SO wrench, which is probably 25% longer than the older style is perfect for most of my needs.

A short set is very handy to have in tight areas.

 

[john w]

If this helps you, here is a comparison of the 17mm Toptul extra long, c-man pro, and c-man raised panel wrenches.

 

[PowderKeg]

If this helps you, here is a comparison of the 17mm Toptul extra long, c-man pro, and c-man raised panel wrenches.

Dang it, seeing that pic, I realize there was something else I shoulda ordered from Mike Wren before the deadline.