Combo/ratcheting reccomendations

[Rollerlocked]

Hello, in analysis paralysis right now with regards to wrenches. I would like to get a set of both metric/sae combo wrenches aswell as a set of ratcheting metric/sae wrenches. I would like a set that comes with a tool roll or a box to keep in my truck, I don’t like digging through a box of loose tools if I can avoid it.

I’m usually someone who wants to buy quality the first time around where I can, and definitely would rather buy German/USA, Euro, Taiwan, in that order for COO.

Looking for the best quality for the money, not looking to buy Snap on level prices, but I would rather pay good money for a better set.

I work in the industrial field, so the tools will be used

So far I have been looking at the following on here, Reddit, etc

Combo:
- Wera joker non ratcheting (like the color bands, have other wera tools and like them, has tool roll)
- Wright tools (seems like a favorite here and has a tool roll)
- Haley, Stahlwille, etc
- Tekton

Ratcheting:
- Wera Jokers
- Gedore (seem very pricey)
- Proto
- Olsa
- Tekton

Looking for whatever recommendations you have, listed some higher end brands but would like a mid level option as well, need a set for truck and home and would rather beat on the ones I carry in my truck and have a nicer set at home

Bonus question: Is there really a point for normal non ratcheting wrenches anymore?

 

[Tynee]

Of the brands you mentioned, I only have experience with Tekton flex head ratcheting. They are nothing to write home about beyond an affordable price. They aren't "bad," they just aren't "great." Also, Tekton is between suppliers right now and it's difficult to get a full set of their ratcheting stuff.

 

[Ilikeike]

I really like the PROTO reversing wrenches,boxed end is still normal thickness, I reach for those more than my standard Wright wrenches.

I threw the Husky's I had in the truck tool box, I did not like them.

 

[Outline]

Ratcheting wrenches are almost all made in Taiwan or China. So that pretty much limits your options.

Best bet for you guys in the USA that want European (Facom) and/USA quality (Mac Tools) us Craftman's V-series.

Basically Facom/Mac Tools rebranded for prices I wish we could buy Facom in Europe.

Several reviews on YouTube so enlighten yourself!

And in my honest opinion;
Stay away from Gedore and Wera. For me Gedore lacks quality and durability. Wera is more branding than quality so you are paying to much. And made in Taiwan but finished in Europe.

 

[Rollerlocked]

Are the facing wrenches still made in France/Italy?

 

[DerekV]

Combos: Wright

Ratcheting: Harbor Freight Icon, wrench rolls from Tekton/similar

 

[Mgdoug3]

I don't use ratcheting wrenches very often. I would like to replace my Gearwrench set with some of higher quality but it's low on my priority list. For combos, I really like my Wright Grip 2.0. I have them in metric and considered getting a set in SAE but my SK's wrenches still do the job.

I like my long pattern SK wrenches as well but SK has recently switched to making wrenches in China. I believe the price is the same or similar so I have no interest in buying new. Used or NOS may still be an option.

 

[dnschmidt]

For the money TOPTUL is unbeatable with respect to combination wrenches and they have them in whatever length you want. I sold a ton of the extra long combos when I was in the business and my customers loved them. I don't know where you're located so I don't know if you have access to TOPTUL or not but if you do they are the clear choice.

I previously posted about an unbelievable deal on reversible ratcheting wrenches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L3HJBK2/?tag=atomicindus08-20 and I, and several other GJ members, bought that deal off of Amazon and are happy.

The best ratcheting wrenches made are the super long double box end wrenches made by KABO and sold by a number of vendors with Harbor Freight's ICON line being the best deal due to their having the best warrantee.

 

[Draftpick1]

Regular wrenches I would go with Wright or Proto, only difference being if you want a longer pattern go Proto, I have both and would recommend both just weather you mind the shorter Wright.

Ratcheting would be Proto spline, or Facom/USAG

 

[Draftpick1]

For the money TOPTUL is unbeatable with respect to combination wrenches and they have them in whatever length you want. I sold a ton of the extra long combos when I was in the business and my customers loved them. I don't know where you're located so I don't know if you have access to TOPTUL or not but if you do they are the clear choice.

I previously posted about an unbelievable deal on reversible ratcheting wrenches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L3HJBK2/?tag=atomicindus08-20 and I, and several other GJ members, bought that deal off of Amazon and are happy.

The best ratcheting wrenches made are the super long double box end wrenches made by KABO and sold by a number of vendors with Harbor Freight's ICON line being the best deal due to their having the best warrantee.

Who is a USA seller? Cryer must have went out of business as I have had to file a complaint as my order has not shipped in 2 weeks no response to several emails or voicemails and no one picks up the phone. JM tool selection is not good, cryer had individual sockets listed. I would like some Toptul to try.

 

[Komet]

Bonus question: Is there really a point for normal non ratcheting wrenches anymore?

Absolutely, the ratcheting mechanism necessarily makes the box end thicker and sometimes it doesn't fit in tight spaces. Also if you're approaching the torque limit of a 12pt box end, using the non-ratcheting is probably the better option. Theoretically you shouldn't be able to break the mechanism without a cheater pipe but I still don't like cranking hard on ratcheting wrenches if I can avoid it. I'd suggest getting reversibles so you don't accidentally get yourself in a situation where you can't remove the wrench.

 

[dnschmidt]

Who is a USA seller? Cryer must have went out of business as I have had to file a complaint as my order has not shipped in 2 weeks no response to several emails or voicemails and no one picks up the phone. JM tool selection is not good, cryer had individual sockets listed. I would like some Toptul to try.

I was but not anymore. Sad, as TOPTUL makes great stuff. They simply don't have any commitment to the American market.

 

[lardy1]

I would consider DBE in one or the other rather than loading a mobile unit down with all the redundant open ends.

I like reversing ratcheting wrenches for the offset without the weakness of the swivel. I'm phasing out my Tektons for Williams which I believe are an upgrade but there are much nicer (and more expensive) ones out there. It will likely never happen because I'm an aged hobbyisst at this point but I would like a set of Proto's.

 

[Ilikeike]

For comparison
5/8” Proto ratcheting vs Wright grip 2.0

 

[Rollerlocked]

Pretty much sold on the Wrights, so you like the proto ratcheting?

 

[Ilikeike]

Pretty much sold on the Wrights, so you like the proto ratcheting?

Like I mentioned in post #3
I reach for the Protos often.

 

[MarcSeattle]

I like the Stahlwille combination wrenches. Once we get to this level of precision and quality it's all about personal preference. I prefer the I-beam style to blade style, just for comfort. Compared to my Snap-on they're also easier to grip due to the thumb groove, and satin finish is easier to grip than full polish. The finish isn't so rough that they are hard to clean though. The I-beam also makes them lighter in weight. Plus an I-beam just makes engineering sense, and we like things that are engineered well.

Look at Amazon Germany and Amazon Italy for deals. I'm amazed at how much prices bounce around from week to week and from site to site. The tool industry must have some very odd economics. Example for the Stahlwille 14/17 set, which is 6-22mm, long pattern (17 wrenches, no skips):

KC Tool: $380 (listing msrp at $476
Mister Worker: $257 (listing msrp at $384)

Amazon US: $242
Amazon.de: EU147 (this is about $130 after deducting VAT and doing Euro currency conversion)
Amazon.it: EU135 (this is about $120 after deducting VAT and doing Euro currency conversion) (Amazon Spain has the same price)

Amazon shipping charges are pretty high from Europe but it's a good opportunity to look at other deals to combine shipping. Hazet torque wrenches have been crazy low, for example. I snagged a 50-200Nm (40-150 lb-ft) for only $120. Screaming deal since it's a $550 msrp and Amazon US had it for $340.

I suggest grabbing that wrench deal while you can. Prices for European goods are only going to go up due to their energy crisis and costs of production.

 

[Rollerlocked]

I like the Stahlwille combination wrenches. Once we get to this level of precision and quality it's all about personal preference. I prefer the I-beam style to blade style, just for comfort. Compared to my Snap-on they're also easier to grip due to the thumb groove, and satin finish is easier to grip than full polish. The finish isn't so rough that they are hard to clean though. The I-beam also makes them lighter in weight. Plus an I-beam just makes engineering sense, and we like things that are engineered well.

Look at Amazon Germany and Amazon Italy for deals. I'm amazed at how much prices bounce around from week to week and from site to site. The tool industry must have some very odd economics. Example for the Stahlwille 14/17 set, which is 6-22mm, long pattern (17 wrenches, no skips):

KC Tool: $380 (listing msrp at $476
Mister Worker: $257 (listing msrp at $384)

Amazon US: $242
Amazon.de: EU147 (this is about $130 after deducting VAT and doing Euro currency conversion)
Amazon.it: EU135 (this is about $120 after deducting VAT and doing Euro currency conversion) (Amazon Spain has the same price)

Amazon shipping charges are pretty high from Europe but it's a good opportunity to look at other deals to combine shipping. Hazet torque wrenches have been crazy low, for example. I snagged a 50-200Nm (40-150 lb-ft) for only $120. Screaming deal since it's a $550 msrp and Amazon US had it for $340.

I suggest grabbing that wrench deal while you can. Prices for European goods are only going to go up due to their energy crisis and costs of production.

Going to order that deal off DE, definitely a solid price. Now I need a SAE set lol. Been trying to find a wright set (711) but they’re either OOS on some stores, extended delivery times, or the site is sketchy.

 

[dnschmidt]

Just for reference TOPTUL uses Stahlwille as their wrench reference from which they copy their designs. When I asked them about this their response was: "Stahlwille is the world standard for wrenches." Which from a competitor is the highest form of praise.

 

[MJK]

I'd figure out up front if you want the grippy teeth in the open end. I didn't and bought: Hazet 600 Metric Combos, Facom 467 Ratchting Combos (1 metric, 1 standard) and Facom 440 Standard Combos.

Most came from Amazon.de. Been very pleased with all of the above, except possibly the Facom 440s (wish they were a little longer). I have also heard nothing but good things about Stahlwille, but don't personally own them. TBS Aachen is another good source, as it Mister Worker

I like storing 'road wrenches' in waxed canvas rolls, but some Facoms come in a nice plastic carry case. Here is an example:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003PSINDK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Outline]

For the money TOPTUL is unbeatable with respect to combination wrenches and they have them in whatever length you want. I sold a ton of the extra long combos when I was in the business and my customers loved them. I don't know where you're located so I don't know if you have access to TOPTUL or not but if you do they are the clear choice.

I previously posted about an unbelievable deal on reversible ratcheting wrenches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L3HJBK2/?tag=atomicindus08-20 and I, and several other GJ members, bought that deal off of Amazon and are happy.

The best ratcheting wrenches made are the super long double box end wrenches made by KABO and sold by a number of vendors with Harbor Freight's ICON line being the best deal due to their having the best warrantee.

I recently bought 2 sets of 16 piece TOPTUL AAEX wrenches in the metal case after dipping my feet in the TOPTUL-water with 1/4 socket set with wrenches.

They remind me of Stahlwille in terms of chrome finish used and a combination of Stahlwille (for the most part) and Facom (box end) in design.

I do find them to be a bit sloppy on the open end. Box end is a bit better. But for the money there are not a lot of options with the same quality except the generic "China" wrench.

One good option for an even smaller budget are Heytec (Heyco's budget brand) wrenches. In terms of finishing not the best but certainly better than a lot of the generic wrenches. But when it comes to fitment... Really some of the tightest I have ever experienced and I used to sell tools for a living!

I ended up with TOPTUL because the plating they use (I am a sucker for that) and the ease of storage in the metal case. Being a hobbyist with no garage and pretty limited storage and room to get my thing on. My favorite (tool roll) just takes up to much space when you only need a 13mm.

But if I was living in the USA I would take Craftman's V-serie all day every day.

 

[Outline]

Just for reference TOPTUL uses Stahlwille as their wrench reference from which they copy their designs. When I asked them about this their response was: "Stahlwille is the world standard for wrenches." Which from a competitor is the highest form of praise.

King Tony/KT Pro wants to be the Taiwanese Facom so they basically copy everything Facom does. That's because of the French idiot of the European branch who has a ***** for everything Facom and the guys in Taiwan following him blindly because 'he knows tools'.

I used to work for them so trust me on that. Was also one of the reasons for me leaving them.

 

[Tonyuk]

Facom 440s are by far my favourite, along with their ratchet spanners.

I have normal combos by Gedore, wera, hazet and stahlwille and all of them are excellent, buy whatever you think is best.

I also have a set of the FD+ snap-ons which are perfectly fine but overpriced for what they are imo, i rarely use the open end and even when i do the fastener is usually too soft or corroded for it to make a huge difference.

 

[Rollerlocked]

I'd figure out up front if you want the grippy teeth in the open end. I didn't and bought: Hazet 600 Metric Combos, Facom 467 Ratchting Combos (1 metric, 1 standard) and Facom 440 Standard Combos.

Most came from Amazon.de. Been very pleased with all of the above, except possibly the Facom 440s (wish they were a little longer). I have also heard nothing but good things about Stahlwille, but don't personally own them. TBS Aachen is another good source, as it Mister Worker

I like storing 'road wrenches' in waxed canvas rolls, but some Facoms come in a nice plastic carry case. Here is an example:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003PSINDK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I love the look of them and torque test channel’s test of them but I can’t find a way to either A. Make sure they’re not fake (I hate Amazon) and B. I can’t find something I want to store them in. They will always be in a truck but something about a spending that kind of money on nice tools and having to use something like a Chinese tool roll since they seem to only sell Hazet loose irks me.

 

[MarcSeattle]

The Stahlwille (either normal length model 13 and long length model 14) come in a custom cordura tool roll, very nice, looks durable. There are other sets of the same wrenches that come in the custom foam trays for tool cabs.

 

[Dig Doug]

In my work truck I have a zippered Klein bag I keep my wrenches in works great for me.

in a tool roll you can easily see if your missing a wrench w/ an open slot.

I use this in my SxS works really well

 

[WWheeler]

Just for reference TOPTUL uses Stahlwille as their wrench reference from which they copy their designs. When I asked them about this their response was: "Stahlwille is the world standard for wrenches." Which from a competitor is the highest form of praise.

And yet, Stahlwille performed just terrible in independent testing compared to many other brands.

 

[dnschmidt]

And yet, Stahlwille performed just terrible in independent testing compared to many other brands.

I saw that but I can't agree with the testing method of using soft connector bolts. The test was competently done I just don't agree that the results are meaningful.

 

[Draftpick1]

I saw that but I can't agree with the testing method of using soft connector bolts. The test was competently done I just don't agree that the results are meaningful.

Not every bolt on a truck or mower etc is grade 8 or higher I would like to see the same test done with stronger bolts as well to see if the results change. To me it has merit lots of low grade bolts out there, I have broken of heads on industrial high voltage transformers.

 

[65k10]

FWIW, one of our members here did an informal test with several 10mm wrenches on a hex key and the Stahlwille 14 open end had issues with slipping off.

 

[Tallpilot]

Toptul is excellent for the money so is Tekton although I wish they sold a long pattern.

If you want USA, I really like Williams. I'm sure they are more expensive now than when I bought mine but so is everything else. They are thick in the beam and feel great to use.

Moving farther up-market, I love my Snap-on reversible ratcheting. They have the FD+ open ends and the slim profile to fit places the Williams will not.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Save up for a few months, skip the liquor and a few lunches, and buy Snap-on.

 

[Rollerlocked]

Save up for a few months, skip the liquor and a few lunches, and buy Snap-on.

Starting to look that way, for the price of half the higher end wrenches you’re almost at snap-on money for ratcheting wrenches. I’ll stick with Stahlwille and the wright normal combos I bought cause they seem like a solid value but the snap-on ratcheting wrenches look solid. Any opinion on which set?

 

[ecotec]

Hello, in analysis paralysis right now with regards to wrenches. I would like to get a set of both metric/sae combo wrenches aswell as a set of ratcheting metric/sae wrenches. I would like a set that comes with a tool roll or a box to keep in my truck, I don’t like digging through a box of loose tools if I can avoid it.

I’m usually someone who wants to buy quality the first time around where I can, and definitely would rather buy German/USA, Euro, Taiwan, in that order for COO.

Looking for the best quality for the money, not looking to buy Snap on level prices, but I would rather pay good money for a better set.

I work in the industrial field, so the tools will be used

So far I have been looking at the following on here, Reddit, etc

Combo:
- Wera joker non ratcheting (like the color bands, have other wera tools and like them, has tool roll)
- Wright tools (seems like a favorite here and has a tool roll)
- Haley, Stahlwille, etc
- Tekton

Ratcheting:
- Wera Jokers
- Gedore (seem very pricey)
- Proto
- Olsa
- Tekton

Looking for whatever recommendations you have, listed some higher end brands but would like a mid level option as well, need a set for truck and home and would rather beat on the ones I carry in my truck and have a nicer set at home

Bonus question: Is there really a point for normal non ratcheting wrenches anymore?

To answer the bonus question. For electrical work, I have been using an older set of Gearwrench non reversible SAE ratcheting wrenches for the last 15 years or so. I took out the regular combination wrenches years ago to lighten up my tools.

I haven’t broken any of the Gearwrench. I have backwrenched with them many times.

I would have no problem recommending the Gearwrench. I do not know if you can get them super cheap anymore. They used to go on sale for crazy cheap.

At home, on top of having Gearwrench, I have Blackhawk, Williams SuperCombo, Husky, a Williams Taiwan.

The Blackhawk are a little shorter than the Gearwrench. I don’t think that I would make them my main set…

The Williams SuperCombo has been terrific. The beams feel amazing in the hand. My tools for work are only insured for a number that was negotiated… so I cannot justify using Williams for work. I would strongly recommend the Williams SuperCombo reversibles, though. These are what I would look at first.

The SuperCombo set was a little cheaper before Covid, but you can still find it for under $150. They are not stamped USA because the ratcheting mechanism is imported.

 

[ecotec]

I do want to try one (10mm?) Dual 80 Snap-on ratcheting wrenches.

 

[Draftpick1]

Starting to look that way, for the price of half the higher end wrenches you’re almost at snap-on money for ratcheting wrenches. I’ll stick with Stahlwille and the wright normal combos I bought cause they seem like a solid value but the snap-on ratcheting wrenches look solid. Any opinion on which set?

What prices are you seeing for snap on? New on the snap on website is $500+ truck prices would be cheaper, Zoro has a 13 piece metric proto reverse ratcheting set $298 and always find 20% off coupon. Probably spend $500 for sae and metric set of Proto buy what you want but unless you find some really good snap on prices your going to save hundreds buying proto

 

[Rollerlocked]

What prices are you seeing for snap on? New on the snap on website is $500+ truck prices would be cheaper, Zoro has a 13 piece metric proto reverse ratcheting set $298 and always find 20% off coupon. Probably spend $500 for sae and metric set of Proto buy what you want but unless you find some really good snap on prices your going to save hundreds buying proto

Any idea how to tell the difference between USA made proto ratchets and the Taiwan made ones though?

 

[KnurledNut]

@shanec78

Any idea how to tell the difference between USA made proto ratchets and the Taiwan made ones though?

The USA part numbers end in A.

DOMESTIC:




IMPORTED:






Sourced from Proto wrench catalog:
https://www.protoindustrial.com/en/support/Documents/2019_Wrenches_513-620.pdf

 

[Tallpilot]

I do want to try one (10mm?) Dual 80 Snap-on ratcheting wrenches.

This is the way to do it. Buy a commonly used smaller (cheaper) size in all the options you are considering so you know how they feel in your hands. We're all a little different and what one guy loves another might find uncomfortable.

 

[LHSA]

FYI, if you're looking for the US Proto set, they are very hard to find or only available at crazy pricing. However, I found Circle Country supply has one set left at a reasonable price:

Proto® JSCVM-14SB 14 Piece Metric Combination Reversible Ratcheting Wrench Set - Spline

Full polish finish resists chipping and rust. Box end is countersunk for easy application to the fastener. Spline design was created for use with specialty spline bolts which are used when weight and size of bolt heads must be minimized. The high contact surface area which is away from fastener...

www.circlecsupply.com

My own experience - I have the snap-on set from 10mm-19mm (which work well for me), and wanted to complete the set with smaller sizes from 6mm-9mm. With supply issues I couldn't find the matching set at a reasonable price. US made was a must, so I ended up buying the Proto US smaller sizes from Circle. Currently waiting for them to arrive.