Good inexpensive offset wrenches?

[CoogarXR]

I have been wanting a set of offset wrenches for a while. I'm just a DIY'er who would probably only use them a couple times a year, but I'd still like to have a SAE and Metric set in full polish.

Normally I'd be OK with HF stuff, but their offset wrenches look pretty rough. No polish, lots of boogers and burrs, kinda crappy looking even by my low standards.

So, in your travels, have you seen any good deals on offset wrenches?

 

[geartow]

i have some v8 that came off one of the tool trucks duing well with occasional use .

 

[kctyphoon]

I have the HF and the craftsman.. The craftsman are much nicer (yes the Chinese) and not expensive.. I'm assuming you're talking about the double sided closed end 12 point offset type wrenches.. If not then disregard cause I don't have any like what's in the previous post.

These are what I have - http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[bczygan]

For something infrequently used, I'd go ahead and get the HF.

 

[619DioFan]

I have usa made craftsmans that are pretty nice.

 

[gdocktor3]

If HF is good enough for you most the time, then Craftsman should do just fine. Here's a set http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...ish-12/p-00944350000P?intcmp=crft-pdp-buy-cta

Or here's a Gearwrench set http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gearwrench-...814172?hash=item5b22db30dc:g:l7UAAOSwLVZVlXWs

These are pretty bad to the bone http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-5-p...166317?hash=item237369c2ad:g:q6AAAOSw4shX4FJ0

These are bad *** http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-HER...:g:K7MAAOSwTA9X2JiN&item=182309780357&vxp=mtr

I personally would hop on eBay and find a used truck brand set. Something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-12p...:g:UT4AAOSw8w1X~RsM&item=122177133047&vxp=mtr

 

[jdlong]

I have a Carlyle (Napa) full polish metric set and really like it.

 

[gdocktor3]

You might want to take this set off your list of recommendations. Those wrenches have the most over-chamfered box ends I have ever seen. There's almost no actual 12pt left after being chamfered from both directions on a couple of the wrenches.

No that's just an illusion I think. I have a lot of those older Sears box wrenches and they have inconsistent box ends. Some are thick and some are thin. Plus, looking at it from the offset box end, you will see they almost have a ring around the box end, while the other side is flush. It's just an illusion. I could be wrong of course, but if you look at these other pictures you will see what I mean. http://www.terapeak.com/worth/vinta...box-end-4pc-wrench-set-5-8-to-1/321926645263/
http://www.thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=311.0 See the small box ends. It's difficult to see the points because of how thick the box is. Plus, the angle of the offsets hide the points. I think those wrenches I first posted are in exceptionally good condition for the age.

Of course you'll argue with me, because, well that's what you do...

 

[hangfirew8]

I'm curious which type of "offset wrenches" the OP wants, since replies are mixing deep offset DBE, shallow offset DBE, and offset DOE.

I checked out the HF deep offset DBE and recoiled. Not because they were made in India, but because the castings and broaching were horrid- none of the broaching was centered in the box end. Edges were very thin to very thick. I wouldn't trust such leaning hard on such a tool- you might end up with a busted wrist when it gives up.

 

[T45]

I'm curious which type of "offset wrenches" the OP wants, since replies are mixing deep offset DBE, shallow offset DBE, and offset DOE.

this needs an answer. cheap offset box wrenches can still be 'too cheap', if that means anything. I have seen such sets and would're recommend them.

To be honest, I would be very careful about spending money on this type of wrench. Today we have much better flex head ratchets than 40 years ago. If you don't have a real need for the tool I would save up and buy a better quality tool, either in a fewer sizes or at a time when you have money to spare.

There are times when these are useful, but few times when a socket can't be made to work, so think about whether a mid-deep socket or a flex head wont help you out.

If this thread is aobout 30/60 style wrenches than I'd search for threads on those (angle wrenches). Thats a specific item, good to read up on those from folk who use them alot.

 

[jidonsu]

It really depends on your definition of "inexpensive." For example, you can order a set of Stahlwille 20/8 metric set from Amazon.de for less than $80 shipped. Some might consider that a good deal.

 

[Thumper]

Duralast from AutoZone.....lifetime warranty , polished finish...and run about 20 bucks..

 

[popparoach]

i have some v8 that came off one of the tool trucks duing well with occasional use .

these are angle wrenches. not offset.

 

[gdocktor3]

You might want to take this set off your list of recommendations. Those wrenches have the most over-chamfered box ends I have ever seen. There's almost no actual 12pt left after being chamfered from both directions on a couple of the wrenches.

Just for fun I messaged the seller and he told me "they aren't worn at all & he's only used one wrench a couple times in 20 years."

 

[jidonsu]

Is that $80 shipped to the US? If so that is a good deal. I'll have to think about those a bit for myself. I do like their more exaggerated offset design for some things, but that design also prevents the wrench from being used upside down for other situations, so I am a little on the fence about them. I don't want to buy a couple different offset wrench sets, I am hoping to end up happy only having one set and I would probably be better off with a set of the shallower offset wrenches instead. I can't remember what exactly they are called. 30 degree offset? It is tough because they are a lesser used item as others have mentioned so it's hard to want to spend a lot on them, but many of the cheaper options skip sizes like crazy and don't sell individuals to fill in the set or they aren't as well made as their regular combo wrench equivalents at the same price point. That Craftsman set kcyphoon posted and the Stahlwille set jidonsu mentioned probably are the best mid-range options available right now.

Yup. I have a set on the way right now.

 

[bcradio]

OP? You alive out there?

 

[CoogarXR]

Yep, I'm still alive, heh. I got distracted by finding that my van had been broken into overnight. No worries, nothing was stolen (he just rifled through everything), and I caught him on camera. Anyway, back to our scheduled program:

Yes, I am looking for a double box end. I guess I never really noticed that there were shallow and deep. The thing that started my desire was the timing hold-down bolt on my astro. It's under the distributor (naturally), and it's too tight to get a ratchet in there, and recessed enough that you can't get a straight wrench in there. I got it with something, I can't remember what, I think it was a long 1/4 wobble extension or something. But it was not a firm grip. Anyhow, I bet an offset wrench would drop right in there.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I think around the $30-ish mark would be comfortable. Those Duralast ones might be the winner. Cheap and shiny

 

[bcradio]

Yep, I'm still alive, heh. I got distracted by finding that my van had been broken into overnight. No worries, nothing was stolen (he just rifled through everything), and I caught him on camera. Anyway, back to our scheduled program:

Sorry to hear

 

[R_einan]

Yep, I'm still alive, heh. I got distracted by finding that my van had been broken into overnight. No worries, nothing was stolen (he just rifled through everything), and I caught him on camera. Anyway, back to our scheduled program:

Yes, I am looking for a double box end. I guess I never really noticed that there were shallow and deep. The thing that started my desire was the timing hold-down bolt on my astro. It's under the distributor (naturally), and it's too tight to get a ratchet in there, and recessed enough that you can't get a straight wrench in there. I got it with something, I can't remember what, I think it was a long 1/4 wobble extension or something. But it was not a firm grip. Anyhow, I bet an offset wrench would drop right in there.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I think around the $30-ish mark would be comfortable. Those Duralast ones might be the winner. Cheap and shiny

Sorry to hear about the break in, glad he didn't take anything though.

Do you remember what size the bolt on the distributor hold down is? You might just look for a distributor wrench. I have a few and they can come in REAL handy when you need one. Like my '68 Chevy 327, not many tools get down there very easily up against the firewall.

 

[M6erfan]

Yes, I am looking for a double box end. I guess I never really noticed that there were shallow and deep. The thing that started my desire was the timing hold-down bolt on my astro. It's under the distributor (naturally), and it's too tight to get a ratchet in there, and recessed enough that you can't get a straight wrench in there. I got it with something, I can't remember what, I think it was a long 1/4 wobble extension or something. But it was not a firm grip. Anyhow, I bet an offset wrench would drop right in there.

Check out a distributor wrench...

https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Tool-W1186-Distributor-Offset/dp/B001DKT5LG/ref=pd_bxgy_263_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=J8KVVWJ7JM8KSKB0QNQZ

 

[gdocktor3]

Check out a distributor wrench...

https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Tool-W1186-Distributor-Offset/dp/B001DKT5LG/ref=pd_bxgy_263_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=J8KVVWJ7JM8KSKB0QNQZ

At the very least he could remove the distributor easier now to get to the bolt in question

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have a set of Tekton SAE DOE wrenches... about $50 on Amazon

 

[hangfirew8]

Yes, I am looking for a double box end.

I have a set of Tekton SAE DOE wrenches... about $50 on Amazon

I have all kinds of tools not relevant to the discussion as well!

 

[kctyphoon]

The HF wrenches are deeper then the craftsman. I have both sets in metric and sae, never used either..

 

[popparoach]

+1 for the duralast set.

 

[winlinmac]

The Stahwille Offset wrenches are truly inexpensive if you buy them off from Amazon Germany

 

[CoogarXR]

Welp, I went with the Duralast set. Sorry for the grainy pic, it's dark out here, lol:

Thanks for the help guys. You always point me in the right direction. Only $4 more than harbor freight, and WAY nicer.

 

[sberry]

Those look good, priced right and are worth having. I don't have a set of every wrench made but those I do have a few of.

 

[tjpavlov]

It you have the patience sears still has some USA singles in many stores. If you play their games with points you could probably piece together a set.

 

[Parrothead]

It you have the patience sears still has some USA singles in many stores. If you play their games with points you could probably piece together a set.

A couple years ago when they were doing the switch from USA to China, I bought the set (made in China) and then swapped them out for the USA individuals. Sears didn't care as they were the same part #

 

[sberry]

It that really worth it?

 

[Parrothead]

It that really worth it?

Well, yea, as I compared the China versions vs the USA versions and there was a significant difference. Truth be told they'd have probably both worked fine but for the minimal effort it was worth it.

*just looked up the price of the Craftsman USA offsets on eBay and I might have to sell them! A set like mine sold for $325!!! Wth!?!

 

[hangfirew8]

Welp, I went with the Duralast set. Sorry for the grainy pic, it's dark out here, lol:

Thanks for the help guys. You always point me in the right direction. Only $4 more than harbor freight, and WAY nicer.

They do look much nicer, even given the fact that any wrench looks nicer than the DBE's at HF. Why HF decided to give that tool set the Ugly Treatment, when they make some other good-looking tools, I have no idea.

Please keep up updated as to how well they work.

 

[Mrmontebuilder]

I had a set of Great Neck ones in metric and standard from Ollies that cost me $8. Never broke one or had trouble stripping anything and I was not gentle with them at times.

 

[Al Borland]

They do look much nicer, even given the fact that any wrench looks nicer than the DBE's at HF. Why HF decided to give that tool set the Ugly Treatment, when they make some other good-looking tools, I have no idea.

Please keep up updated as to how well they work.

HF ones are made in India, and appear to be cast in a sand mold. I wish I was kidding, but....

 

[winlinmac]

I plan to keep mine for on the road as backup

HF ones are made in India, and appear to be cast in a sand mold. I wish I was kidding, but....

 

[creativecars]

There has been a big hole in the offerings of the long offset boxed wrench sets. I agree with others the HF look like **** and the Sears not much better. I picked up the SK sets when they were available, but double the price of HF. I would give the Duralast or these Sunex a shot if I did not have the SK's.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XW0Y24/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Derek420]

If I we're you I'd get the v8 brand off eBay which look like Macs to me and are of good quality and cost is 70 or so I think. You get what you pay for.

 

[Pho20]

Those duralasts are nice op you will like them