Double open end wrenches?
- Thread starter dan1552
- Start date
Bolster
Well-known member
I have a set of SAE DOE in my main box and frankly they don't get much use. Last I used them was on square nuts. However if you are pressed for space and weight (such as a small tool kit you carry) they can be an efficient choice.
crustyoldfe
Member
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2009
- Messages
- 12
Yes, they're worth owning. Sometimes you need two wrenches of the same size. They come in real handy when the ratchet and socket just won't fit on the other end of the bolt...if you get my drift. They're usually shorter as well. For those days when that combo wrench is just a hair too long
Bob
Bob
toolnut
Well-known member
Double open ended wrenches are a must in my box. They help out tightening nuts that are in tight spots. Also the assortment of sizes usually keep the load light when doing a project outside the shop. Tappet wrenches are also handy for those nuts that are just out of reach. Hats off for your service and make it back safe and soon!!
volvo420coupe
Well-known member
Buy the double open end offset head wrenches, where both sides are the same size but angled differently so you have 4 different angles to work with.
Otherwise, another set of combination wrenches would almost be more suitable if you have the toolbox space, I think of double open end wrenches as something a factory worker would carry around (to save weight), not something to have in a automotive toolbox.
Otherwise, another set of combination wrenches would almost be more suitable if you have the toolbox space, I think of double open end wrenches as something a factory worker would carry around (to save weight), not something to have in a automotive toolbox.
toolnut
Well-known member
For ease of availability the standard double open ends are easy to get anywhere. The more specialized 4-way would be through a tool distributor and cost$$$$ more. Depends on the level of work you plan to do and your budget...
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
One can never have too many styles of wrenches. However, I would only pick them up at a half off sale or at a good used bargain price. They can be handy.
-B-
Well-known member
I have two sets of metric and several more fractional I hardly ever use them except for a few of the larger sizes 1" and 32mm they rest sit as they have for decades now. I prefer to use a combination wrench or a double box end.
rsanter
Well-known member
I still have the SO set I have had for 15 plus years. I dont use them that much verses the combo wrenches but they do get used
if you want a deal, I have some spare Cman wrenches in std and metric that I can sell you
bob
if you want a deal, I have some spare Cman wrenches in std and metric that I can sell you
bob
Autoguy
Well-known member
Buy 4_way 30 and 60 degrees offeset open ends ionstead of the satndard 15 degrees ones. This wrench is much handier in tight spaces and awakward angles.
Scooterfish
Well-known member
I would buy a set each of short & long pattern combos first. Then a used set of open ends.
Canadian Charlie
Banned
What wrenches do you have now?
If you do any kind of frequent work/service on hydraulic systems, I too would have to second the angle wrenches. Like these http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=203&group_ID=560&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
The 30 and 60 degree angles on these make it much easier to access hyd. hose ends when there are like 50 hoses all running to a single distribution block under the cab of a harvester combine for example.
But - these angle wrenches always have the same size on both ends.
Most DOE wrenches have a different size on each end. I say if you already have regular combination wrenches, you don't really need the DOE ones.
The Snapon angle wrenches I have linked above are the most expensive of the bunch. I believe Wright, Martin and a few others exist for less $$.
The 30 and 60 degree angles on these make it much easier to access hyd. hose ends when there are like 50 hoses all running to a single distribution block under the cab of a harvester combine for example.
But - these angle wrenches always have the same size on both ends.
Most DOE wrenches have a different size on each end. I say if you already have regular combination wrenches, you don't really need the DOE ones.
The Snapon angle wrenches I have linked above are the most expensive of the bunch. I believe Wright, Martin and a few others exist for less $$.
Last edited:
wantedabiggergarage
Member Emeritus
They are worth having. Now, the big question is what kind......
An old timer once told me to get a set of the box end wrenches, and the open end wrenches. Less wrenches to carry in a set, and you could use one on either side to remove something. He also said you could find them at garage sales (especially the open end ones).
I had combo's but since I wanted/liked his philosphy, I modified it. I bought Armstrong's Geared end/box end wrenches (Gearboxes weren't out at the time), and Snap-on's Open end/flare nut end wrenches. This way I am covered for a lot of the situations, I run into. I could have used the open end ones, on flare fittings, like the old timer, but after some car/plumbing work, I decided I wanted to pay more for the flare nut wrenches.
That said, I am still looking for a good deal on the straight/angled wrenches. There are times when they would have been handy, that I have used a stubby and wished I had a longer handle.
Yes they are worth it, just showing you have some options to consider.
An old timer once told me to get a set of the box end wrenches, and the open end wrenches. Less wrenches to carry in a set, and you could use one on either side to remove something. He also said you could find them at garage sales (especially the open end ones).
I had combo's but since I wanted/liked his philosphy, I modified it. I bought Armstrong's Geared end/box end wrenches (Gearboxes weren't out at the time), and Snap-on's Open end/flare nut end wrenches. This way I am covered for a lot of the situations, I run into. I could have used the open end ones, on flare fittings, like the old timer, but after some car/plumbing work, I decided I wanted to pay more for the flare nut wrenches.
That said, I am still looking for a good deal on the straight/angled wrenches. There are times when they would have been handy, that I have used a stubby and wished I had a longer handle.
Yes they are worth it, just showing you have some options to consider.