Help me pick a new wrench set....

[JMann2380]

Hello all,

I am trying to decide on a new 12 point wrench set, both SAE and Metric. I own small fabrication shop but we are not really wrenching everyday. What would you guys suggest? Are the Craftsman Pro listed on their website still USA made?

I saw this and it seems like a ton of bang for the buck, but chinese made I'm sure: http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...on+Wrench+Sets&prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=L7

That's a big set for $180!

Smallest set I want is 14 pieces or so SAE and Metric. Budget would be $300 total? I saw MSC had a coupon for 30% off $300 so maybe an Armstrong set there?

HELP!

-Josh

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

As far as I know the new Craftsman Pro are made in China.

Look into Proto, they make excellent tools at fair prices. What size ranges do you need?

 

[Trucky]

Something like these? Not sure what finish you're going for..

http://www.amazon.com/Blackhawk-MF-014-16-1-1-satin-Combo/dp/B001HWN7X2/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1310008083&sr=8-11

http://www.amazon.com/Blackhawk-BW-14MPT-7-20mm-Polish-Wrnch/dp/B001VXP5DW/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1310008135&sr=8-8

I have their full polish sets, normal length. Very happy with them.

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Ah, yes. I forgot about Blackhawk. They are made by Proto and are excellent quality.

 

[kartracer55]

Something like these? Not sure what finish you're going for..

http://www.amazon.com/Blackhawk-MF-014-16-1-1-satin-Combo/dp/B001HWN7X2/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1310008083&sr=8-11

http://www.amazon.com/Blackhawk-BW-14MPT-7-20mm-Polish-Wrnch/dp/B001VXP5DW/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1310008135&sr=8-8

I have their full polish sets, normal length. Very happy with them.

Dont think these are made here in the US anymore.

The craftsman Pro's were pretty awesome for the money, no idea on their COO these days.

Perhaps check out new SK stock?

 

[kartracer55]

Something like these? Not sure what finish you're going for..

http://www.amazon.com/Blackhawk-MF-014-16-1-1-satin-Combo/dp/B001HWN7X2/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1310008083&sr=8-11

http://www.amazon.com/Blackhawk-BW-14MPT-7-20mm-Polish-Wrnch/dp/B001VXP5DW/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1310008135&sr=8-8

I have their full polish sets, normal length. Very happy with them.

Dont think these are made here in the US anymore.

The craftsman Pro's were pretty awesome for the money, no idea on their COO these days.

Perhaps check out new SK stock?

 

[Trucky]

Dont think these are made here in the US anymore.

My set was bought brand new, from the mfg, 2 years ago. Says USA 4 times on each and every wrench

Proto and Blackhawk wrenches are still US made, I'm fairly certain. I'd hate to see them go to somewhere else, they're really great quality for a low price.

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Yes, I can confirm that Blackhawk is still USA made.

 

[davesnothere]

Williams.

 

[MalibuLX3]

Seems like a lot of money for Craftsman raised panels. I'd go the Blackhawk over those.

 

[rgeudy]

I just picked up the Bahco SAE made in USA set for $65 on Amazon. I havent used them much yet, but so far they seem to be a awesome set for what they cost.

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Bahco are nice, but not available in metric.

 

[JMann2380]

Seems like a lot of money for Craftsman raised panels. I'd go the Blackhawk over those.

That was a 43 piece set!!

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

He means it's a lot of money for lesser quality wrenches.

They'll work for most applications, no doubt about that. But the Blackhawk Proto, Bahco, etc. are several notches above in quality.

 

[JMann2380]

As far as I know the new Craftsman Pro are made in China.

Look into Proto, they make excellent tools at fair prices. What size ranges do you need?

13-14 wrenches each of SAE up to 1-1/8" and Metric up to 22 or so. Something like that.

 

[pipsters]

Hello all,

I am trying to decide on a new 12 point wrench set, both SAE and Metric. I own small fabrication shop but we are not really wrenching everyday. What would you guys suggest? Are the Craftsman Pro listed on their website still USA made?

I saw this and it seems like a ton of bang for the buck, but chinese made I'm sure: http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...on+Wrench+Sets&prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=L7

That's a big set for $180!

100% US Made, I bought mine (same set) in Feb, couldn't be happier. I owned some older ones of the same type and IMO these have only gotten better.

Keep in mind for $180, you're getting a lot of the larger wrenches. Up to 1-5/16" and 32mm. Go price out ONE of those wrenches from even a Chinese line.

I also owned the Craftsman professional wrenches that were US Made, and returned them to keep the above set. You get more, for less money, and the raised panels are machined to a tighter tolerance these days.

 

[back2class]

Extremely hard to beat Proto fulls sets on Ebay. Would not be too hard to pick up a new 15pc set on ebay for $100. Tell you a little secret. NAPA tools on ebay are dirt cheap! I have seen so many sets of fully polished USA made wrench sets sell there for like $50 and they are the same as Craftsman Pro. Allen is another source of great ebay deals.
That would be the best bang for your buck for new/newish stuff. If used is ok, Nice snap-on sets can be had for $100-150 if that is your thing.

Truth be told, the Craftsman raised pannel is a amazing value compaired to anything else on the regular retail market. Of course can be purchased dirt cheap on ebay, but if you are going ebay then see above paragraph.

 

[JMann2380]

He means it's a lot of money for lesser quality wrenches.

They'll work for most applications, no doubt about that. But the Blackhawk Proto, Bahco, etc. are several notches above in quality.

Yeah I know that and the brands you mentioned are what I am leaning towards. I just thought that was a good deal for as many wrenches that came in that set, even given the quality.

Blackhawk is looking good! Right up my price alley! So it is confirmed they are made in the US of A?

Thanks all!

 

[JMann2380]

100% US Made, I bought mine (same set) in Feb, couldn't be happier. I owned some older ones of the same type and IMO these have only gotten better.

Keep in mind for $180, you're getting a lot of the larger wrenches. Up to 1-5/16" and 32mm. Go price out ONE of those wrenches from even a Chinese line.

I also owned the Craftsman professional wrenches that were US Made, and returned them to keep the above set. You get more, for less money, and the raised panels are machined to a tighter tolerance these days.

Say what? Your saying that 43 pieces raised panel Craftsmen set is made in the US?

BTW, that is exactly what I was getting at with that set... seems like a good value even if made overseas given the number of large wrenches in that set.

 

[Trucky]

Yeah I know that and the brands you mentioned are what I am leaning towards. I just thought that was a good deal for as many wrenches that came in that set, even given the quality.

Blackhawk is looking good! Right up my price alley! So it is confirmed they are made in the US of A?

Thanks all!

Absolutely. They have great feel, balance, and quality all wrapped into one. I don't think there's a better wrench out there for the price.

Those sets only go up so far, but I have yet to use any wrench above 1". I filled the slots for 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, and 1" with Craftsman Pro (long) and they do fine as well, a bit pricey to buy in singles, but quality wins me over every time.

And yes, raised panel Craftsman is all made here.

 

[back2class]

Craftsman Raised pannel are USA and good quality wrenches. Many mechanics out there do just fine with them, though you would not think that reading the posts here.
Blackhawk, I would be shocked if it was anything but taiwan. If import is ok with you, Stanley wrenches are good quality and cost next to nothing. Practicaly free on ebay!

 

[pipsters]

Say what? Your saying that 43 pieces raised panel Craftsmen set is made in the US?

BTW, that is exactly what I was getting at with that set... seems like a good value even if made overseas given the number of large wrenches in that set.

Yes they are US made, actually made in an Armstrong plant I believe according to the date/vendor stampings on them.

FWIW I bought them for around $140 a few months ago ($144 minus around $5 for price match, so $139+tax I believe).

They've since stopped the coupon stacking it seems.

 

[Pro-Painter]

I would get the Northern wrenches before I bought Craftsman raised panels. They are much longer, full polished and cheaper. They really are nice wrenches for the money. I replaced all my craftsman raised panels with them and have been happy ever since.
They are china made by danaher, BUT they are the best china wrenches Ive ever seen. Miles ahead of anything HF offerers. They also have "surface drive" box ends just like the Gearwrench non ratcheting wrenches. They also come in many sizes 5.5mm to 27mm and 1/4" to 1.5" The finish is outstanding.

This 34pc set is only $49.99 right now.

Here is a pic of the stubbies. If your interested, I will get some good close up pictures of the long wrenches for you.

 

[Trucky]

Craftsman Raised pannel are USA and good quality wrenches. Many mechanics out there do just fine with them, though you would not think that reading the posts here.
Blackhawk, I would be shocked if it was anything but taiwan. If import is ok with you, Stanley wrenches are good quality and cost next to nothing. Practicaly free on ebay!

Just to confirm again, Blackhawk is made in USA, and has been for many, many years.

That craftsman set, if he doesn't mind the finish, would be his best bet for the price. I don't like them, so I took it up a few notches personally.

We aren't throwing Snap-On flank-drive plus wrenches at him, just something of quality for a good price.

I hate Stanley wrenches from Walmart. They'll do the job but... eh. Not my thing. They ARE cheap as anything though, and quick to warranty.

 

[DodgeZ]

As far as I know the new Craftsman Pro are made in China.

I don't think that is correct. The ones made in china don't say Pro on the package from what I can tell. I ordered the big pro set a couple months ago (not in stores) and they are USA made.

 

[Trucky]

I don't think that is correct. The ones made in china don't say Pro on the package from what I can tell. I ordered the big pro set a couple months ago (not in stores) and they are USA made.

The newest full polish (somewhat long pattern) wrench sets are indeed made in China. There are plenty of USA made ones however. The local sears has the China made ones, but the one at the other mall has some USA ones in stock... same price. Meh.

 

[JMann2380]

I don't think that is correct. The ones made in china don't say Pro on the package from what I can tell. I ordered the big pro set a couple months ago (not in stores) and they are USA made.

That's what I was wondering... how the cheap raised panel are USA made but the Pro are not????

Looks like I got some deciding to do!

 

[pipsters]

Here is the difference, the polished vs. the regular "raised panel". They (raised panel) are somewhat shorter, and have a rougher crinkle finish on them.

Like I said, I did purchase both sets of the polished, and ended up returning them. The value to me just wasn't there, and the fact that they were just a bit sloppier on the bolts I tried was the straw that broke the camels back. Oh also, I weighed them, and the raised panels were very close in weight to the polished, despite the polished being much longer. So that told me the raised panels were a bit beefier and stouter.

 

[WhiteTrash]

The raised panel are US made. I have the 43 piece set you mentioned and the 28 piece 6 point set. Bought them both this year. I am happy with them. I actually like the way they feel in my hands better than polished chrome ones.

And as far as I have been able to tell, the Craftsman "Pro" wrenches are US made. The Craftsman "Fully Polish" wrenches are China made.

I will also add, that were I going to buy the wrenches again, I would just get the double box end wrenches and a plierwrench. It is very seldom that I use the open end of my wrenches. The 28 piece double box set offers more sizes than the 43 piece set.

But I wouldn't get rid of my current raised panels.

 

[back2class]

Just to confirm again, Blackhawk is made in USA, and has been for many, many years.

That craftsman set, if he doesn't mind the finish, would be his best bet for the price. I don't like them, so I took it up a few notches personally.

We aren't throwing Snap-On flank-drive plus wrenches at him, just something of quality for a good price.

I hate Stanley wrenches from Walmart. They'll do the job but... eh. Not my thing. They ARE cheap as anything though, and quick to warranty.

The majority of new Blackhawk tools are now import. The combo wrenches offered by Blackhawk may not be, in fact I believe you are correct and they are still USA.

 

[Trucky]

The majority of new Blackhawk tools are now import. The combo wrenches offered by Blackhawk may not be, in fact I believe you are correct and they are still USA.

Well, the "parent company" is Stanley, so anything is possible. They just love making everything imported. Oh well.

OP, make your own choice. Of anything listed here (maybe minus the walmart wrenches ), you really won't be disappointed.

 

[slipjointed]

Ive done ******** research on this in the past month or so, and the best deal ive found BY FAR is at tooldiscounter.com, they have metric and SAE new old stock SK 15pc sets for $115 and $100 respectively.

Thats an even better deal than the USA craftsman pro IMO... at least with the SK you have a good chance of getting USA warranty replacements.

Ive called there twice and the phone was answered within two rings both times, and I had tracking within one hour of placing my order. They have plenty of both sets in stock and are not just shipping from some other random warehouse they sell for.

The set numbers are 86265 and 86255. They go up to 22mm and 1".

 

[bassbone52]

I have a set of the polished SAE Craftsman Pro ratcheting combination wrenches (the ones with one end turned 90 degrees from the other) and those are USA made. Nice gear action, a little thick on the open end, but a really nice wrench. Same as the Armstrong Maxxbeam, I think.

 

[z28snksknr]

I vote for Wright.

Their WrightGrip wrenches were the top performer in a detailed comparison thread a while back (too lazy to search for it). Made in the USA 100% and prices aren't bad at all.

 

[diesel research]

For the craftsman bandwagon people,


there is also craftsman industrial full polish allegedly USA

 

[Trucky]

Oh, yes, and those are sold through Grainger only I think. Gotta mention that, diesel

 

[diesel research]

Oh, yes, and those are sold through Grainger only....

It is the readers responsibility to do more research if that stuff piques his interest.

http://www.craftsman.com/ue/home/Craftsman_Industrial_Distributors_List.pdf

 

[Trucky]

Well now, looks like they actually picked up a few dealers! I'm surprised. Still not buying any, but it's good to know. Merci

Last time I look at that stuff was when it was released, so I guess I'm a bit "out-of-date" :/

 

[decaf]

I like Bahco 1952M, works fine for me.
Outstanding Quality.

 

[Notwerk]

A lot of Blackhawk's main line stuff is still USA. Ratchets are USA of global components; sockets, last I knew, were USA by the Proto plant; wrenches were USA as well. Grainger is probably the best way to see what the COO is since they carry a lot of Blackhawk product and are generally pretty good about updating COOs.

Blackhawk's ratcheting wrenches are, indeed, Taiwan. Most ratcheting wrenches are, though. Pliers and so on are also import, I believe.

Craftsman raised panels are indeed USA (for now), though I believe Professionals are now China. There's old stock floating around, which causes some confusion, but my understanding is that new production Craftsman Pros are China.

I own Kobalt/KD satin USA wrenches, which are basically clones of Craftsman raised panels (made by Danaher). They're fine wrenches. They're not as nicely finished as SK, etc., but they do a good job of turning nuts and bolts, and I don't have anything bad to say about them. They are shorter than the Pros and, naturally, aren't available in a long pattern, but that hasn't been a problem for me. At the price, they're as good a deal as you're going to get from an American wrench.

Cripe Distributing, last I knew, still had sets of Allen USA wrenches for sale at very good pricing. They also had some KD USA open stock on their e-Bay store. Those are also made by Danaher and are raised panel clones. If you go that route, be sure the item title says "USA" as Danaher outsourced all new production Allen tools. Cripe makes it quite clear in the title. If it doesn't say USA, don't buy it. Though, I should warn that if you should ever warranty an Allen USA tool, you're probably going to get an Allen China tool in return. It's up to you whether the steep discount is worth it.

http://www.cripedistributing.com/allen-29017-11pc-metric-combo-wrench-p-8072.html