How many wrenches does one man need?

[Letsgobowhunting]

Let me start by saying I am in sales and do not have the opportunity to use my tools as much as I would like. I have a sae and metric set of Craftsman wrenches i bought 20 years ago. I was given by a family member a complete set of inch and metric Wright combination wrenches some time ago. I kept both sets. I just bought at a yard sale a set of angled head (14 pcs) snapon wrenches.and also, a set of flare nut snapon wrenches. I was originally planning to sell the snapon stuff but have become attached to it and made room in my box for it today. I am also wanting to buy a set of ratcheting wrenches as I think I would use them the most. Oh, I also have a set of craftsman and a set of Mac flex swivel head socket wrenches too.

Am I hoarding ?????

What does everyone else own and am I all alone here on wrench envy island?

 

[devoncoolman]

If i showed u pics of my wrench drawer at work and my drawers at home ud $hit. Answer is clearly no. You can never have too many.

 

[ken w.]

Hoarder.

 

[86k10]

I have 5 metric combo wrench sets at work and home not to mention stubbys, flare nut, ratcheting, offset. Also the same on standard except only 3 sets of combo wrenches plus all the other styles.

I like wrenches also.

Now I have played with the Wright Grip wrenches I want a set of those. I need help.

 

[rusty65]

I'd say your doing just fine I have 2 metric and 5 SAE sets in my work shop alone. Craftsman and masterforce combos for metric and for SAE i have a JC Penny DOE set a Cat/Snap on combo set, Craftsman crossforce combo set, and a Cman Professional Flare nut wrench set Plus a Blackhawk DBE set. For a total of 7 complete sets minus the vintage thrown together type sets. It's just fun having and using good tools period.


Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.

 

[Gmonkee]

As a working mechanic I carried 5 sets of wrenches in the tool bags and had 6 more sets at home.

Add in all the oldies I collected and the loose stocks from street market buys it became an impressive pile of just wrenches.
Until I stopped working mechanic full time, then a major sorting and selling phase hit. I am keeping the best sets and the antiques, most all the loose stocks and broken sets are being sold off now. That is an impressive pile itself.

Excess is in the eye of the beholder I guess.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Flare wrenches, serve a different purpose.

The old timers I knew, recommended, years ago (I didn't listen), that you start with a set of open end wrenches, and a set of dual box end wrenches. What this did, was give you the benefit, if you were working with a bolt head and nut that were the same size, of having the two wrenches handy. If you started out with one set of combo wrenches, you had one wrench.
So people would buy two combo wrench sets, so they had two. One difference, is the combo wrenches are typically longer then the dual open end (and could be then the dual box end) wrenches.
Now, it isn't uncommon to see someone who works on stuff to have different lengths, different styles (straight, dual box end, offset dual box end), and even some inexpensive ones for modifying. Then you add the speeds things up ones (like Gearwrenches), and you have hit why toolboxes have grown from those hand boxes are grandfathers could fix things out of.

 

[Wakefield]

Half moon or other flat box end wrenches?
Deep offset box end wrenches?
4.7 Jeep starter 15 mm. ?

 

[bad_idea]

A set for each type of use is not a bad thing. When you started collecting sets of the same type then you have a problem. Mostly a need for more storage space.

 

[canuckian]

hoarding? naaah....you're just off to a good start!

 

[bobcatdan]

Well I have four complete sae combo sets, four metric combos, two sae 4 way angles, metric angles. Sae and metric shorts, flares, tapet, high performance box, ratchet box, ratchet combo, flex ratchet combo, half moon, Crowfeet, allens up to 3/4 and metric to 19 mm, torque adapters, pipe, chain, strape, adjustable and spanner. Don't think I forgot any.

 

[shoggoth80]

I've got two cheapie sets of HF wrenches, a set of like 6mm-25mm (made of mostly Armstrong), a set of 8mm-19mm Matco ratcheting stubbies, a partial set of Kobalt stubbies, just ordered a set of 8-19mm flex head flare nut wrenches, got a pair of brake bleeder wrenches, I want a set of EZ Reds, long pattern metrics... the list goes on. No, you can't have too many.

 

[vga]

There is no such thing as to many.

 

[Steevo]

I have no idea how many wrenches I have. I'd guess at least a hundred or more in sets and another 100 in non-sets but useful for specific tasks. i did cull about 50 wrenches from my odd sets and one-offs for my yard sale pile. Come on by my yard sale next spring and get yourself some more!


Edit:
So, I went and looked.
It seems I have seven drawers of wrenches in the shop:

And one drawer in the "garage box":

 

[bgarrett]

my most recent purchase was 75 Made in USA wrenches $15
at the same sale I got 225 sockets, another $15

 

[Lotek]

Baby steps...no stubby or deep offset wrenches?

 

[ChevyEFI]

I basically have the 1/4 to 1" Craftsmans, the 6 or 8 through 19 Craftsmans. Some of those have been lost, so I have fill-ins. Then a set of SAE flare nut wrenches, a low number of SO FN crowsfeet for pressure line apps that I've bought as-needed, some SAE regular crowsfeet, and not much else.

I don't care for duplicates. The only thing I like duplicates of are stuff that makes sense in a vehicle for travel (multiple 4-ways or lug-wrenches) or a nut driver out back for the pool timer, or a 3/8 wrench for the dremel chuck.

 

[MN4x4]

my most recent purchase was 75 Made in USA wrenches $15
at the same sale I got 225 sockets, another $15

That's my kinda deal! How did you manage that?

 

[Craptain]

How many wrenches does one man need?

One more than you have.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

The old timers I knew, recommended, years ago (I didn't listen), that you start with a set of open end wrenches, and a set of dual box end wrenches.

I did listen -- still often grab one of those double box wrenches (one of my very first work tool purchases) anytime I need that second same size wrench....although I have been opting for one standard and one ratchet type more these days.

If I had to take a wild guess, I'd say I have around 200 wrenches between work and home. Maybe more if you count the cheapo sets I bought specifically to cut up and make special tools out of. 95% of them where bought new by me, and the others where found places like the trunk of a old car I was working on. At least 1 of most any brand you could name, although my everyday work stuff is all SO.

I was actually thinking about all the different sets I have accumulated along the way. I have a set of K-D metric combos that was one of my favorite economy tool purchases. Nice finish, nice feel to them. I like them, but it ***** I had to chop one in half to make special tool out of and now the set is incomplete.

 

[cburnscrx]

I have the hated Craftsman raised panel (I like em!) in both metric and SAE, and 6pt and 12pt. I also have a set of flex head Gearwrenches in SAE and Metric, some HF deep offsets in SAE and Metric, Craftsman ignition wrenches in SAE and Metric, and some Craftsman Professional SAE flare nut wrenches. Those are just my sets...you have a long way to go and so do I!

*I forgot I have the HF 22pc wrench set for my road/travel box. I added some Valuecraft to fill in the gaps.

 

[fxgmech]

"I just bought at a yard sale a set of angled head (14 pcs) snapon wrenches.and also, a set of flare nut snapon wrenches."
Yard sale where? Beverly Hills?
"Am I hoarding ?????"
Not in my opinion. That's only 7 sets of wrenches that I counted. I can't list mine all out off the top of my head for an exact count but I think I have triple that and more for full-time wrench work. I traded in a set of Mac angle end wrenches when I found used SO 4-way angle. I've needed them since and should have kept them but I thought it was overkill at the time. Dumb move I've made too many times, selling off tools I think I won't need again. When you have more tools you have more options to address problems as they pop up.

 

[Brad54]

Amateur.

I've got a full set of combo wrenches and a full set of Craftsman ratcheting wrenches in my tool box; 1/4 to 1-inch. (the ratcheting wrenches don't cover that whole span, but most of it, with Craftsman full-polish long wrenches filling in the holes).
I've got a set of Craftsman stubby ratcheting wrenches, two 5-pc sets of flare nut wrenches, a 5-pc set of thin tappet wrenches, a pair of half-moon wrenches and three different brake line bleeder wrenches.

Then, hanging on the wall above my workbench/tool box area, I have at least two of every size from 3/8 to 1 1/4, then a couple singles bigger than that up to over 2 inches I think.
From 3/8 to 3/4, I have at least three of each size, with five or six or more in 7/16, 1/2 and 9/16.
Then, on the other side of the shop I have my road trip/junkyard Montezuma box on a handy shelf, and find myself going into it frequently. It has two of every combo wrench from 1/4 to 1-inch, with one of each being a Gear Wrench ratcheting wrench up through 7/8. I also have a set of Craftsman stubbies (non-ratchet), and a simple set of metrics.

The tool box has two full sets of metrics too, with half of them being ratcheting. Oh, and a 4-pc brake line set.

Everything is Craftsman, mac or snap-on of different vintage. The go-to wrenches are full-polish, long in Craftsman or Snap-on, the flare nut are the same.


Oh, I also have a full set of combo wrenches up to 7/8 in the tool box for the Corvair, with a set of double-box wrenches to cover the span as well, and I'm going to put together a second small kit for the 4x4.

Don't ask me how many socket sets I have...

 

[jvitez]

SAE: combination wrench sets, regular length (2 sets), stubby, and long.

Metric: open end set
combination sets in regular, long, extra long, stubby
boxed end sets in stubby, deep offset
flare nut set

 

[AV tinker er]

I'll say it,

 

[Tinner]

I have in standard and metric up to 1"/24mm, combinations, shallow and deep offset boxes, 6 point boxes, long boxes, open ends, crowfoot, stubby and flare nut. I don't skip any sizes, but some only go up to 7/8 or 22mm, some lack the ones below 3/8 or 8mm. About half are Snap On, the rest Proto, SK and Stahlwille.

I have one each combo and box end to cover 25-32mm, 1 1/16-1 5/16, a mishmash of American brands. Above that Chinese stuff to 1 3/4, 46mm.

I also have midget wrenches and a pretty complete set of half moons and s- wrenches.

I guess that seems like a lot of wrenches, but it sure is nice to have them when needed.

 

[Outlawmws]

One more than you have.

This (At least)

I'll say it,

And this!

 

[exophyusical]

I've got a few sets scattered throughout my vehicals and home, but IMO you need two sets of whatever combination wrenches you use the most, some stubbies, and a good ratchet set. Make one of the wrench sets a ratcheting one if you like and you're all set.

 

[foreverfalcon40]

There is no such thing as too many wrenches. I find myself with the same problem as I have 2x and 3x some of the sets. I have a disorder. For example I have stubby wrenches, solid, ratchet and flex ratchet. But I don't need solid ratchet if I have the flex already! Just a disorder.

 

[24X26]

Here are some of mine. I don't have pics of the others.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

I have...
Full Combo Sets, 6 and 12 point, SAE/Metric
Regular Ratcheting, SAE/Metric... want to expand to full sets
Flex Head Ratcheting, SAE/Metric... want to expand to full sets
Stubby Ratcheting, SAE/Metric... don't think I need to expand those
Those Pivoting head CMan's in SAE/Metric... might sell those, don't think I ever used them.
Old set of CMan Pro where it "ratchets" on the open end... don't like them.
Small SAE Line Wrenches... definitely need to expand.
Oh, and have sets of deep offset box that I want to expand too...

 

[justanengineer]

I think the short answer is that you can never have enough. One of the techs in our plant has an entire drawer of 1/2" and 9/16" wrenches, all cut, welded, or torch bent into different shapes to reach into some obscene area. He freely admits that hes acquired them every chance hes gotten over 20+ years since theyre our two most common sizes, and usually gives me a friendly jab with a dig about them being for PITA engineers ridiculous tasks.

 

[spacedoutbob]

Like the others are saying, You can never have enough. I have over 400 Snap On Wrenches in my Tool set. We used to have a shop, and I would not purchase the wrenches I used the most, I would buy the complete set. I always figured I would rather have it and not need it, instead of needing it and not having it.

Bob

 

[Tinner]

I think we have ascertained that a man needs many, many wrenches, to perform complex tasks and confuse neophytes who may gaze into our tool boxes.

 

[3baygarage]

Hoarding is when a guy loses track of how many 3/4" drive and 1" drive ratchets he has.
Now if I could just remember.....

 

[24X26]

16MM! where are they!!!!

 

[NUTTSGT]

Typical GJ fashion,


1. You buy wrenches till the drawer is full.

2. Once the drawer is full, you fill up another drawer.

3. When the second drawer is full, you buy a bigger box.

4. Refer to #1.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

typical gj fashion,


1. You buy wrenches till the drawer is full.

2. Once the drawer is full, you fill up another drawer.

3. When the second drawer is full, you buy another box.

4. Refer to #1.

fify...........

 

[Farmall450]

hoarding? naaah....you're just off to a good start!

+1...

 

[BDT/NWMN]

It appears that you may be the typical John Q. Homeowner..... ?? Your tools are neatly organized in your garage at home...;;;;;;;;;;;;; where they will be **** on a boar worthless if you are 75 miles from home and need to replace an alternator or loosen a stubborn lug nut to change a flat tire..... Piece together a "vehicle toolbox" for each vehicle you own;;;and keep it in that vehicle..... After attempting to assemble adequate toolboxes for your vehicles;;; feel welcome to come back to this post with a list of tools you need and an S-O-S to help find them There should be plenty of help here