Combo/ratcheting reccomendations

[MarcSeattle]

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.

Yeah, I agree. The first rule of testing is to make it as realistic as possible. I can't remember the last time I used an open end, much less torqued an open end to failure using a long cheater bar on a soft fastener. All good brands have more than enough capacity.

The second is to remove variables, such as cleaning the wrenches and test bolt to remove any oils that might affect the measurement. Or see in the second video above the guy has a chewed-up allen key in a vise, and he isn't too careful about where each test wrench is placed on the allen key. There is no consistency in data collection. Another key rule of testing is to test more than one sample, especially if you get results that seem weird (as in the first video).

I also see in the second video that some wrenches get chewed-up jaws or bent jaws that are ruined by the test. The guy is declaring them victorious but the wrenches are ruined.

Everyone's work is different. If my work included regularly putting 300 lb-ft into a rod coupler, I'd likely use two wrenches side-by-side (or weld two together to make a special tool) which would spread the load and avoid ruining the soft fastener. If my job was to work on rusted suspension components of dump trucks in a quarry and a truck's design required open-end wrenches, then I'd optimize my tools for that. I don't have those requirements, so my priorities are different when purchasing. As they say, YMMV.

 

[rockettauto]

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?

For non ratcheting I just ordered both of these really great deals from Home Depot. They can be a little tricky to find online but they are exclusive to online.

Its also a bit unclear but the 44pc does say it comes in rolls, the 20 is in racks.

The spline drive set has the v cut with grooves that gives some extra grip , same as I think snap on , Carlyle, and a few other brands have used lately.

The 44pc is no skip ( oops, not isn't. It skips 16) and I think a hell of a deal at $89. Same set they charge $189 for in the plastic tray and you'll find easier.

I'm a big fan of spline drive and also of the v groove open ends. It does seem to work well on my Carlyle's.

Husky is a great mid-price, mid grade performer.....but at these prices...can't beat them.

Husky SAE and Metric Combination Wrench Set (44-Piece) HCW44PCSM - The Home Depot

Give your garage or home workshop applications a durable upgrade by choosing this Husky SAE Combination Wrench Set. Features a polished chrome finish.

www.homedepot.com

Husky Long-Pattern Universal Combination Wrench Set SAE/MM (20-Piece) HXLSPW20PCMS - The Home Depot

Provide better access to hard-to-reach fasteners with the addition of this Husky Long-Pattern Universal Combination Wrench Set SAE/MM. Easy to use.

www.homedepot.com

 

[Dakotadadv8]

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?

Not a Pro, don't have any SO ratcheting wrenches since I have the SO standard combination set 10 to 22mm. Looking at the 10mm to 19mm FD+ set but not yet a convert to ratcheting wrenches. Rarely use the CM USA sae ratcheting set over the last 20 years. SO standard combo wrenches are my go to, then SO standard ratchets and sockets, 24 inch breaker bar, then Dewalt impact wrench. Torch & oil then reciprocating saw.

 

[WWheeler]

Yeah, I agree. The first rule of testing is to make it as realistic as possible. I can't remember the last time I used an open end, much less torqued an open end to failure using a long cheater bar on a soft fastener. All good brands have more than enough capacity.

The second is to remove variables, such as cleaning the wrenches and test bolt to remove any oils that might affect the measurement. Or see in the second video above the guy has a chewed-up allen key in a vise, and he isn't too careful about where each test wrench is placed on the allen key. There is no consistency in data collection. Another key rule of testing is to test more than one sample, especially if you get results that seem weird (as in the first video).
[...]

Go back to their first round of open wrench testing and you'd see that they are using a new "unmolested" grade 8 bolt and coupling nut with each test of every wrench. The field has been leveled between every wrench tested. They all got the exact same thing and the Stahlwille **** the bed, in repeated testing rounds using a new bolt every time, even compared to some of the cheapest wrenches sold.

 

[BFHtime]

I have many and tested even more ratcheting wrenches for swing and effectiveness of the work done per swing.
When it comes to wrenches I have SO, Craftsman, Blue point, Wright, Tekton, Mountain, Geodore, Williams, gearwrench, and most recently Capri. In the past I have a been a Snap-On *****.
I do not believe Snap-On is the best value. They do make great tools. That being said.

I suggest Tekton combos, combos are needed for tight spaces, both ends. Ratcheting wrenches I like blue point locking reversible wrenches, because they can lock or not lock if you want. For regular ratcheting wrenches Craftsman v series reversible are very similar to Mac. I plan on getting some soon.

FD+ have worked great, so have Wright 2.0 with FD+ biting slightly better but usually leaving marks, where Wright 2.0 are better to pull on, don't leave marks, and disengage for speed quicker. I strongly recommend Capri XT90, for getting off rounded bolts. Capri is at a much better price point. 2 FD+ wrenches are more than a set of the Capri. I have Sae and MM FD+ not cheap. Capri out perform them and are better value.

That previously posted Proto design, on the box end. I have some long flex head wrenches with that type of ratchet box end. They are hard to get off fasteners, leave big marks, to the point fasteners have to be replace because of how much they get chewed up. I do like Proto, but the prices sometimes make look SO look cheap.

In short I would go with Craftsman V series for a set combo reversible ratchet wrenches this week, if I could not get a good deal on a Mac set. Still a bit of tool truck *****, I have to admit, but not as good a value.

Good luck. Stay healthy.

 

[KnurledNut]

Lots of great suggestions and advice in this thread.
Gearwrench has a set of long pattern (XL) non-reversible wrenches that come in a roll. Its not super heavy duty, but works fine.
The wrenches are good quality, have a modified open end, light backdrag, and not too expensive. Made in Taiwan.
Lots of boutique brands out there, but GW still holds its own.

 

[bubinga]

I just ordered a set of the Towallmark 12-Piece Reversible Ratcheting Combination Wrench Sets too!​

 

[bryant 24]

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?

Reversible ratcheting,15 offset,anti slip open end;

I beam handle for more touch.

Blue for metric,Red for SAE.(Is it neccessory to make this color for identify metric and sae?);

The blue and red color is " Nano Anhydrous Plating",which is environmental friendly than normal electroplate;

Chrome finish or satin?

What is your idea about this set?

 

[mike93lx]

Reversible ratcheting,15 offset,anti slip open end;

I beam handle for more touch.

Blue for metric,Red for SAE.(Is it neccessory to make this color for identify metric and sae?);

The blue and red color is " Nano Anhydrous Plating",which is environmental friendly than normal electroplate;

Chrome finish or satin?

What is your idea about this set?

You claimed you were promoting your product and yet you keep copying and pasting this same post over and over....

 

[bryant 24]

You claimed you were promoting your product and yet you keep copying and pasting this same post over and over....

First,this is not an product ,its just a concept,why i post over and over,because i am not sure if these function combined together would be resonable,my initial purpose was to discuss this concept with you,rather than send a link and promote it.
For example,i want to know if color coded for the ratchet is resonable?
Offset with reverse?
Satin or chrome?

Thank you a lot for understand.

 

[retDAC]

First,this is not an product ,its just a concept,why i post over and over,because i am not sure if these function combined together would be resonable,my initial purpose was to discuss this concept with you,rather than send a link and promote it.
For example,i want to know if color coded for the ratchet is resonable?
Offset with reverse?
Satin or chrome?

Thank you a lot for understand.

Color coding is okay but not something I need. Other people may like it or even find it helpful.
Offset w/reverse is usually best and I have examples of all these styles.
I prefer satin but I have all three colors.

 

[Kaline74]

My advice below is from a hobbyist point of view and not a professional technician.

I use a set of Craftsman combination wrenches (USA) that I bought back in the early 1990s. The wrenches are fairly wide and do not fit well into tight spaces. With that said, they are still in excellent condition after 30 years of weekend wrenching on cars.

I’ve read really great reviews about Tekton combination wrenches (made in Taiwan).

I recently used a GearWrench X-Beam ratching wrench and really preferred over the conventional design (my conventional set are Craftsman from the 1990s, which are identical to GearWrench today). The X-Beam design greatly reduced stress on my palm. I’m considering adding a set to my toolbox.

 

[ecotec]

I just ordered a set of the Towallmark 12-Piece Reversible Ratcheting Combination Wrench Sets too!​

Bubinga, what ever happened with these?

 

[bubinga]

Bubinga, what ever happened with these?

I got them. They seem pretty nice, but I didn't really use them yet. The font on the opposite side of the manufacturer looks just like gear wrench font. So they could very well be made by the same people that make your wrench!

 

[ecotec]

I got them. They seem pretty nice, but I didn't really use them yet. The font on the opposite side of the manufacturer looks just like gear wrench font. So they could very well be made by the same people that make your wrench!

One of the threads on here implies that 4-5 manufacturers make a huge percentage of the imported ratcheting wrenches. So, that makes sense.