Double Box Wrenches

[lightning02]

what kind of double box wrenches is everyone using?

im looking for something that are extra long and not snap-on prices (i wish i could afford the snap-on but cant lol)

 

[dodge610]

Matco has them and I think big red might. Also could try the mac website in there clearence section. Those three should be less than snappy.

 

[Jeremy77]

I've got a set of Craftsman full polished deep offset in SAE and Metric. Bought them individually so as to get an entire U.S. made set. Also have a set of of the Craftsman RP but rarely use them as the deep offset ones feel so much better when using.

 

[ssdave]

I have the long Snap on, and they're great. As you note, also expensive. I just got another full set of them last week in a box I bought, and they are even nicer than the others I already had. They're 1968 vintage.

I have (and had before Snap-on) long Proto in both offset and straight configuration. Used on ebay, they're about 15 to 20% of Snap-on retail if you shop carefully. They're very close to as good, and maybe even preferable to the Snap-on. I personally really like the ones with less offset, I don't like the deep offset ones as well.

I had a set of old Craftsman, they were nice and thin, but weren't strong enough for their length. I bent some of them, and after warrantying them for ugly clunky new ones, got rid of the set. The overall quality/usability of the Craftsman isn't even a close third to the snap-on and proto. The sad thing is the sears worshipers on ebay will pay more for them than proto.

I have a few older williams long dbe, but they are shorter than the snap on and proto. I like them, but like the short proto and short snap on better; the williams are just an in-between size that is awkward. Where I really like the DBE wrenches is the super long and the short. The ones that are the same length as a combination wrench, I just use a combo wrench instead. The other place that the DBE really excell is when you put one in your pants pocket. The short ones are great for this. The box ends don't poke you in the leg when you move, like a combo wrench does.

Overall, I'd recommend the Proto as better price and equal quality to the snap-on.


PS: As an after thought, had one additional comment. I have some nice, shiny, SK ones also. The offset in them is kind of a double 90 degree jog, they sit on the bench and in the box awkwardly, and tend to twist as you use them. I really, really, really do not like them. The gradual sweep of the Williams, Snap-on and Proto is much preferable; they don't twist off when you really torque them. Craftsman also had that sweep right on their older wrenches, but they were just too weak.

 

[btbsandman]

I have the Genius DBE wrench set. I like em for the few times I used them.

 

[FMC1959]

Not sure if these are what you had in mind for "extra" long...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GearWrench-...Box-Ratcheting-Wrench-Set-86126-/161472637396

I have these in metric 12 pt, they have a great feel in my hands. Good quality at easy on the wallet prices.

 

[bcradio]

Gearwrench gets my vote... Love mine

 

[four.cycle]

mine are Indestro and most of them are over 40 years old.
and there are boatloads of them available on Ebay in Indestro/Duro-Chrome/and many other older American-made brands.

if you're looking for a killer deal on a set of metric box wrenches and you're fast there's some on Ebay by "proamerica" - $12 for the set incl.. shipping.
better photos of the pieces HERE:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=312553

ahh... just noticed the "extra long" part.
search Ebay for Williams, Proto, SK.

my 3/4" x 7/8" Indestro double offset box wrench is 11-1/4" end-to-end

 

[lightning02]

not really looking for flex heads

as far as the GW goes do they have ones without a ratcheting end?

 

[Wamsutta]

I'm using Snap-on XBM series. Awesome wrenches.

 

[BioNerd]

I've Williams. 8-10mm, 12-14mm, 13-15mm, 17-19mm.
Killer set.

 

[1foxracing]

Cornwell WBWMLOHP7ST

 

[wornoutoldman]

If you have a Menards nearby look and see if they have any Masterforce wrenches. Made in USA and inexpensive. I paid under 30 bucks for a seven piece set.

 

[Wamsutta]

Those Cornwell's would suit me just fine too.

 

[valentine]

Got a nice set of Armstrong double box wrenches for cheap. So far I have no complaints. USA made and I expect to hand them off to my Grandchildren some day.

-Valentine

 

[McFarmer]

I have Wright and Williams, don't know how the price compares to others but they have been very good.

 

[dutchgray]

I have Stahlwille Stabil 20deep offset and Hazet 610N for a short flat option, both metric, with various other old Euro brands for a mixed SAE set.

 

[BK13]

Cornwell WBWMLOHP7ST

Good looking wrenches!

 

[lightning02]

Wow some of you guys have some nice sets.

 

[Thax]

Ive got a set from Kyoto Tool Company part # M1603. Its a three piece set of 8X10 , 12X14 and 17X19. Absolutely fantastic wrenches with a very nice satin finish and extremely tight tolerances on fasteners. Best part was the price paid 45 bucks with shipping from Frankstools.com , took three weeks to get them but seriously worth it. There is a 13X15 available also but I didnt get it since im a KIA tech and only JIS sizes are used. Illl try to take a pic of them at work. Another option is the Nepros ones by KTC , both the KTC and Nepros are longer than the tool truck offerings as well.

 

[CNGsaves]

Wow some of you guys have some nice sets.

Waiting to see post from Jason280 . . . . . . he has nice set per his Avatar !!

 

[Fedwrench]

I have the updated Cornwell set and others but, they aren't cheap. If you want a good set of long zero offset box end wrenches that will serve you well but, won't break the bank, grab the set from Genius, or wait for a NAPA sale and grab a Carlyle set. Check Ebay motors for a used truck brand set or look for JTC/KTC sets.
On a side note though, the ratcheting end/fixed box end offered by Gearwrench in their Gearbox sets are friggin sweet and very handy!!!. However, they can be too long at times.

 

[lightning02]

i looked at the Genius sets and they come out to being about $160 bucks for both MM/SAE. i can get the GW set for the just about the same price and have more sizes if i recall. plus the GW has bigger add on sizes as well. im just worried about the ratcheting end not holding up.

 

[Monte]

Hazet

 

[shoggoth80]

I have the Toptul zero offset box ends. 5pc, some sizes repwat...but I can see utility in leverage options. A lot cheaper than other zero offset box wrenches. Nicely made wrenches.

Got Williams and Thorsen at work for offset boxes. Solid stuff.

 

[dutchgray]

Hazet

Those are what I have, the 12 piece set they do plus a couple extras in metric, they are not cheap but totally worth the price, great wrench holder as well, but you need a 3" drawer for them to fit. Every pro ought to try a couple of common sizes IMO

 

[Davefr]

Cornwell WBWMLOHP7ST

Beautiful wrenches.

Too bad they're unobtainium except for the lucky few that have access to a dealer.

 

[lightning02]

I still haven't decided on which set to get yet. Any other opinions/options out there?

 

[Finky198]

I just Got a warranty replacement on the Snap On double box with one ratcheting end it was a 10mm xdhrm10... yes they're expensive, but im drunk on the Kool-Aid and they are so worth it... I'm totally hooked

 

[jallyn]

There is a well-loved set of Mac double box end long panel wrenches on eBay with the 12mm-13mm missing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SET-OF-5-MA...:g:YuAAAOSw37tWD~Ne&item=221973647392&vxp=mtr

 

[sunshineFC3s]

Craftsman Industrial is rumored to be releasing some nice double box end wrenches. Probably Armstrong clones? I haven't been able to find much info on them, but would be interested in them if the price was right.

 

[lightning02]

Craftsman Industrial is rumored to be releasing some nice double box end wrenches. Probably Armstrong clones? I haven't been able to find much info on them, but would be interested in them if the price was right.

Where did you hear this from?

 

[Badasssapper67]

Non ratcheting I have Stahlwille. Super deep really high quality, but hardly ever use them because of my SK ratcheting set. SK quality is awesome and the ratchet is a life saver when you have a bolt or nut that is hard to get a wrench on.
All in all though, If I can get a double box end wrench on it, I can get a socket and air gun on it and it's even faster.

 

[sunshineFC3s]

Where did you hear this from?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=312214&highlight=craftsman+industrial+2016

That thread turned into craftsman bashing (what a surprise), but the first few posts are relevant.
-a

 

[Scout Driver]

I still haven't decided on which set to get yet. Any other opinions/options out there?

I've got a set of Facom that I really like. Top-notch quality but they weren't over the top in price.

Mine are SAE but here is a link to a metric set:

http://www.neobits.com/facom_mod_55...html?atc=gbp&gclid=CODs_IvmhsoCFQcOaQod_XAHSQ

Another option would be to piece together a set from the pawn-shop bins. You could end up with a mix of brands, but you'd have some good wrenches on the cheap.

Scott

 

[lightning02]

I've got a set of Facom that I really like. Top-notch quality but they weren't over the top in price.

Mine are SAE but here is a link to a metric set:

http://www.neobits.com/facom_mod_55...html?atc=gbp&gclid=CODs_IvmhsoCFQcOaQod_XAHSQ

Another option would be to piece together a set from the pawn-shop bins. You could end up with a mix of brands, but you'd have some good wrenches on the cheap.

Scott

How long are they?

 

[superautobacs]

Belzer 75* deep offset Asahi 45* offset, Nepros XL 0* shallow offset, Nepros short 0* zero offset

Belzer 75* deep offset Asahi 45* offset, KTC "Profit" (two offsets in one wrench)

Comparison of offset and beam angles ("Profit" in middle):

 

[lightning02]

Those Nepros XL look really nice. They have a nice price tag to lol

 

[dutchgray]

Those Nepros XL look really nice. They have a nice price tag to lol

Definitely pricy, I have a set coming that was a gift to myself, hopefully they are as good as their reputation.
Been looking at those Profit wrenches as well, could be useful and they look quality in the pics.

 

[superautobacs]

Definitely pricy, I have a set coming that was a gift to myself, hopefully they are as good as their reputation.
Been looking at those Profit wrenches as well, could be useful and they look quality in the pics.

Pricey, yes. Quality, yes.

The Profits are pretty nice with a unique surface appearance.
One thing to keep in mind though is that they are designed with boxed/open-end and beam dimensions that are in between your standard wrench and a low-torque, slim profile wrench. In other words, they are unique.