Double Box End and Stubby Open end

[MrTq2002]

So I'm thinking about trying to simplify what I need to grab when I work on things around the house and for friends. Motorcycles and cars.

Would a double box end non-ratcheting set + double box end ratcheting set with flex make sense? Yall think it'd be work getting stubby double open end for the offchance they're necessary too?

I'm good on sockets and ratchets and I typically use those for everything but trying to get to where I'm ot needing to lug it all out everytime i do something.

Right now I'm thinking KTC long double box, and tektons long flex dbe, in lieu of gearwrenches fixed/ratcheting combo so I can have two wrenches of the same size to use.

Side note, is franks tools site down? I can't seem to get it to load.

 

[GeoBruin]

Look closely at the Tekton long dbe wrenches, they've been out of various sizes and won't be restocking until they change over their supplier. I'd be excited to hear they've already done that but I assumed I would have heard about it.

Edit: I guess I stand corrected. I just confirmed with someone via tekton's web chat that the sets are in stock and shipping. I even made double sure by ordering an SAE and Metric set. You're welcome.

 

[MrTq2002]

So they're worth picking up? They've been sitting in my cart for a week.

 

[GeoBruin]

So they're worth picking up? They've been sitting in my cart for a week.

I mean, it's a volatile landscape as far as the the long flex dbe wrenches go. You can pick one of the Kabo made wrench sets out there but some don't have SAE sizes if you need those. The Tekton aren't reversing, so that could be seen as a disadvantage. They're six point, which some prefer, and they're currently on sale, which is a plus, but because of the supplier change, if you ever have to warranty one, you may not get the same wrench in exchange. But on the whole, I decided to pull the trigger, so obviously I think they're worth it at the current price.

 

[tamaraw]

Side note, is franks tools site down? I can't seem to get it to load.

Looks like it is down for me too, but you can give him a call at:

Spoiler: [phone number]

603-343-4067

I just took a glance at the Tekton metric set and I have to say, those are some nice sizing splits with the 8/10, 12/14, and 17/19 all together.

 

[MrTq2002]

Anyone know if franks has the best price on ktc ultra long dbe metric 5 or 6 pcs? I've been looking online and I think the best I can find is 120 but it seems a little high and can't tell if it's authentic or bootleg.

 

[M6erfan]

FWIW I'm one of the rare one's that uses DBE's and DOE's on a regular basis. Both styles are fixed, non ratcheting. I have ratcheting wrenches (KTC as a matter of fact) but I rarely use them.

 

[M6erfan]

I just took a glance at the Tekton metric set and I have to say, those are some nice sizing splits with the 8/10, 12/14, and 17/19 all together.

That's the proper way. It drives me crazy when sets are in numerical order, makes no sense.

 

[tamaraw]

Anyone know if franks has the best price on ktc ultra long dbe metric 5 or 6 pcs? I've been looking online and I think the best I can find is 120 but it seems a little high and can't tell if it's authentic or bootleg.

Which ones are you looking for? https://ktc.jp/catalog/index-category/category-list?pcategory=17&ccategory=86

 

[M6erfan]

I have the KTC TM510 DBE set. I can't say anything bad about them, and I use them often.

 

[MrTq2002]

I can't really tell the difference in the m1505 and m1603 outside sizes and quantity, I don't see any difference in lengths? What's the verdict between the two?

Or does jt make sense to just get the singles in the m160s?

This is all to mainly work on Toyota, Hondas, mazdas, ford's, and dodges. Bikes are honda and yamaha.

 

[MrTq2002]

FWIW I'm one of the rare one's that uses DBE's and DOE's on a regular basis. Both styles are fixed, non ratcheting. I have ratcheting wrenches (KTC as a matter of fact) but I rarely use them.

Bear with me, im still learning how to use the forum. Been lurking for a while just reading opinions.

Are your doe the skewed/angled ones of the same size? Or are they different sizes like dbe? What fo you typically use them on?

 

[M6erfan]

Bear with me, im still learning how to use the forum. Been lurking for a while just reading opinions.

Are your doe the skewed/angled ones of the same size? Or are they different sizes like dbe? What fo you typically use them on?

Different sizes like the DBE's. I don't have much use for angled/offset open end wrenches.

I found my workflow became more efficient with DBE's and DOE's instead of combination wrenches (but I have those too, natch!). The open ends I use mainly on suspension components and things like cable adjusters, which are everywhere on vintage motorcycles.

 

[MrTq2002]

Fair. Who makes a decent set of the doe that doesn't break the bank?

 

[M6erfan]

Fair. Who makes a decent set of the doe that doesn't break the bank?

I don't know what "break the bank" means to you, but I like the KTC TS210 set. That set seems to be going for $100-$120 these days. Given the price of everything it's still a good value for excellent wrenches, IMO. Maybe reach out to Franks tools or DRPD for sourcing.

 

[ecotec]

Fair. Who makes a decent set of the doe that doesn't break the bank?

Maybe Stahlwille when they have a sale. I guess that you would need to define your price range.

I have DOEs and DOE tappet wrenches and I rarely use them. I have used my DOE thin wrenches more.

 

[MrTq2002]

100 and under for the open cause I don't see using them as often as the boxes

This seem legit?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EQ8E5M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Franks prices popup on Google but j can't access his site and it seems like he's charging 130.

I like the 206 set more but I'm gonna think on it. 20 bucks more for the larger sizes seems worth it.

 

[Zewnten]

Forum member is selling a set of Proto SAE DOE for around a $100 I think. I see it in the classifieds section. I've thought about getting normal sized wrenches in DBE and DOE, maybe even a bit small like SK combo length and a wrench cheater but I rarely need the same size in the same style.

 

[ecotec]

100 and under for the open cause I don't see using them as often as the boxes

This seem legit?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EQ8E5M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Franks prices popup on Google but j can't access his site and it seems like he's charging 130.

I like the 206 set more but I'm gonna think on it. 20 bucks more for the larger sizes seems worth it.

KTC is legit.

Those are on the short end. Think short pattern.

 

[tamaraw]

I have the KTC TM510 DBE set. I can't say anything bad about them, and I use them often.

I have a few M150s as well but purchased mine separately without overlap; 8x10, 12x14, 17x19, and 22x24. I agree that they are pretty nice, a good length between combination wrenches and really long aviation wrench. The flat shape also comes in handy in certain applications.

 

[M6erfan]

Maybe Stahlwille when they have a sale. I guess that you would need to define your price range.

I have DOEs and DOE tappet wrenches and I rarely use them. I have used my DOE thin wrenches more.

Thin DOE's are uber handy. I have an older set of Heyco 350 series that I love, except they're sized in numerical order

 

[ecotec]

Thin DOE's are uber handy. I have an older set of Heyco 350 series that I love, except they're sized in numerical order

That is a badass set. Did you get it from KC Tool?

I have a much lower end set from VIM… also in numerical order. No regerts. The set does everything I need. It’s only a 7pc set, though. A larger set would have been better. I was using cone wrenches before I had them.

 

[M6erfan]

That is a badass set.

I have a much lower end set from VIM… also in numerical order.

I bought that Heyco set many, many years ago. From Wiha of all places. IIRC I paid around $65. Made in Germany.

Stahlwille makes these n. 10 "Motor" wrenches that are similar to the Heyco 350's. Sized in numerical order

 

[AEAdam]

If you want simple and practical, good quality combination wrenches are the answer, not DBEs or flex ratchet anything. Williams combos are very good. The new icon wrenches are not bad. The open ends are useful on good quality combos. Watch the TTC video on open ends and make a good decision.

I love my DBEs, but only as a second option to my combos. Never used my wrenches before I got good ones. Combos are legit!

 

[ecotec]

I bought that Heyco set many, many years ago. From Wiha of all places. IIRC I paid around $65. Made in Germany.

Stahlwille makes these n. 10 "Motor" wrenches that are similar to my Heyco set.

I have had that set since before Covid. I never use that set. They are about 40% wider than the VIM set.

I bought that set when everyone on GJ was posting Stahlwille deals.

I wish that I had bought a 30/60 degree set instead. It would be a more useful form factor for me.

 

[M6erfan]

I have had that set since before Covid. I never use that set. They are about 40% wider than the VIM set.

I bought that set when everyone on GJ was posting Stahlwille deals.

I wish that I had bought a 30/60 degree set instead. It would be a more useful form factor for me.

When you say "wider" do you mean beam/jaw thickness? If you have the VIM "flat" wrenches I wouldn't be surprised.

I have a few cone wrenches too, can't get much thinner than those. It's very rare that I need them though for auto/motorcycle work. Like almost never. IMO the Motor wrench style will have more utility in an auto shop.

 

[ecotec]

When you say "wider" do you mean beam/jaw thickness? If you have the VIM "flat" wrenches I wouldn't be surprised.

I have a few cone wrenches too, can't get much thinner than those. It's very rare that I need them though for auto/motorcycle work. Like almost never. IMO the Motor wrench style will have more utility in an auto shop.

I did mean the thickness of the beam and jaw.

The motor 10 set doesn’t do much that my combination wrenches don’t do.

I need to get a wrench rack for them and put them into my toolbox.

 

[M6erfan]

I did mean the thickness of the beam and jaw.

The motor 10 set doesn’t do much that my combination wrenches don’t do.

I need to get a wrench rack for them and put them into my toolbox.

The Heyco 350's and the 'Motor' wrenches are thinner and shorter than regular combo wrenches (but not as thin as Cone wrenches, and not as short as stubbies).

 

[ecotec]

The Heyco 350's and the 'Motor' wrenches are thinner and shorter than regular combo wrenches (but not as thin as Cone wrenches, and not as short as stubbies).

I have short pattern Williams and MAC in Metric.

I will definitely get my motor 10’s into my wrench drawers.

 

[M6erfan]

I have short pattern Williams and MAC in Metric.

But are they as thin?

Thinking about it, if you really don't like your Stahlwille DOE's maybe hit up @MrTq2002? He might be interested in the set.

 

[tamaraw]

If you want simple and practical, good quality combination wrenches are the answer, not DBEs or flex ratchet anything.

A few people in this thread would disagree with you.

Combination wrenches are convenient if you need to swap between a box and open end frequently on the same size.

Beyond that, DBE + DOE is far more practical because it gives you two sets of the same size (hold a nut and bolt simultaneously) with far fewer tools than two sets of combination wrenches. It also gives you two different lengths of tool in the same fastener size, both longer and shorter than a combination wrench.

Watch the TTC video on open ends and make a good decision.

Entertaining but not terribly practical. If you are putting that much force on an open end, you should be using a different tool.

 

[ecotec]

But are they as thin?

Thinking about it, if you really don't like your Stahlwille DOE's maybe hit up @MrTq2002? He might be interested in the set.

It’s not that I don’t like them… I just don’t have any room in my two metric wrench drawers… so they have just sat in the top of a Kennedy top box… out of sight and out of mind… holding up my M12 speaker.

I can pull my Williams combination wrench set out and put the motor 10 set in it’s spot.

 

[AEAdam]

A few people in this thread would disagree with you.

Combination wrenches are convenient if you need to swap between a box and open end frequently on the same size.

Beyond that, DBE + DOE is far more practical because it gives you two sets of the same size (hold a nut and bolt simultaneously) with far fewer tools than two sets of combination wrenches. It also gives you two different lengths of tool in the same fastener size, both longer and shorter than a combination wrench.


Entertaining but not terribly practical. If you are putting that much force on an open end, you should be using a different tool.

I don’t disagree with the logic. If the OP is willing to buy multiple sets of wrenches…sounded like overkill for his scenario. My vote is choose higher quality combos. Add DBEs later. And he did mention having good sockets.

Agree absolute load is not relevant. What was relevant was clearance, overall strength per unit thickness, hardness and thickness. Of that, no surprise, Snap On, and not Wright was the clear winner. Wrights open end seemed a bit sloppy, maybe too reliant on the Wright Grip feature.

Lots of surprising close seconds and thirds including Williams. I recall HF‘s Icon doing pretty respectably. There were some others I don’t recall.

 

[LWB]

LOF Offset Wrench | LIGHTOOL | ASAHI TOOLS

www.asahi-tool.co.jp

I have a few of these in various sizes. They're well made and feel nice in the hand. Surprisingly, I find myself using Mountain ratcheting the most. I rarely use a combination wrench. ***** because I went with a Canadian maker, Gray tools.