I can't decide on a wrench set.

[DemoFly]

I am currently trying to upgrade my hand tools to stuff that isn't junk. I am not a professional mechanic, but I average about $800 a month in side work working on customers cars.

I currently have a CM-RP set from 8 to 25 with Pittsburg RP replacing the wrenches I have lost for metric and some Stanley SAEs.

I am only comfortable investing $100 in a set of wrenches. (Give or take, obviously)

That might seem cheap to some on here, but the reality is that my CM-RPs will last me my lifetime, and I have a lot of tools I need to buy with this tax return. My only complaint with them is that they are heavy, hurt my hands and don't have enough leverage. I am tired of piggy-backing wrenches for leverage.

So I was smitten on a set of GearWrench 81900 wrenches.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NICG9M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

But I am not sure if I should buy ratcheting wrenches instead. I have never had ratcheting wrenches. Part of me thinks that it's more important to have a solid set of combination wrenches before investing in ratcheting wrenches.

But here are some of the alternatives I have been looking at:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDO1DPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T8WFBU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've overthinked this to the point that I am stuck.

 

[Wamsutta]

My only complaint with them is that they are heavy, hurt my hands and don't have enough leverage. I am tired of piggy-backing wrenches for leverage.

Cornwell extra-long combination wrenches would eliminate all those problems, but they're pricey.

 

[gdocktor3]

I own Gearwrench ratchet wrenches for the ratcheting aspect, not the open end. The open ends are no better than a HF's wrenches. I am not a mechanic either, but like quality stuff. So I opted to go for the eBay approach. I bought a full set of N.O.S. Matco metric long modified wrenches for $100. I also bought a 19 piece set of Mac U.S.A. standard length wrenches from a pawn shop for $125. Picked up used Snap On and Mac's to complete the SAE set also. I always recommend buying used, brand name stuff over cheap import stuff. But that's just me.

Here's a perfect example of some stuff I might buy if I were still looking. This took me 10 minutes to find all these. Take the time to look around and you can find great deals on anything. http://www.ebay.com/itm/MATCO-WRENC...:g:8OIAAOSwll1WxK6U&item=121897666041&vxp=mtr

Great deal here - http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-Tools-10...582354?hash=item43cfd3f112:g:zEsAAOxyGwNTB~wS

These are Taiwan made, but still good. They made USA too. Offer $30 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blackhawk-B...mbination-Wrench-Set-10mm-18mm-/182036109574?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blackhawk-b...B9WAZv3hash=item2a62329906:g:uBEAAOSwZG9Whu5J

 

[wornoutoldman]

gdocktor3 has some great ones there! ^^^

Also I'd be looking for a used set of "top drawer" Snap on, Mac, Matco on Ebay. If engravings don't bother you you can find some very good deals.

 

[morgaj1]

I pieced together sets of KD, Allen and Armstrong (bought as individual wrenches) from Cripe. These are all made in USA, have off-corner engagement and have really good chrome for a great price. Here is an example:

http://www.cripedistributing.com/allen-full-polish-12pt-3-4-sae-combination-wrench-20478-usa.html

 

[gdocktor3]

gdocktor3 has some great ones there! ^^^

Also I'd be looking for a used set of "top drawer" Snap on, Mac, Matco on Ebay. If engravings don't bother you you can find some very good deals.

I scored a small tool box filled with late 90s/early 00s snap on metric wrenches, mixed with a handful of craftsman USA & Proto for $40 simply because some said Dave on them. It also came with gw x pliers, random sockets and screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, all good USA stuff. I keep it in my truck tool box and trailer box. If I lose one, who cares.

 

[Fedwrench]

Since your hands and need for leverage aren't worth more than $100, your best bet would be a used set from Ebay.

In the old days of US made Craftsman, your quest would be over with a set of Craftsman Professional long pattern wrenches but, the new PRC made versions have those funky lobster claw open ends so, those aren't a viable option.

Here's a few observations: One, the nicely US made KD and Allen wrenches from cripe are great wrenches but, they won't help you with leverage as they are the same length for the most part as your Craftsman raised panels.

Two, The long pattern Gearwrench non ratcheting combination wrenches may be great or may have issues. It's kind of the luck of the draw. Initially these wrenches were made in Taiwan and were a great bang for your buck purchase. However, some sets are now made in the PRC and there have been quality issues with those. Search the hot deals section for complaints from a buy one get one set special that had issues.

Three, if you're looking for leverage, consider a set of extra long zero offset wrenches. These are extra long boxed end wrenches that offer great reach and leverage. Genius makes an affordable quality set.

Lastly, ratcheting wrenches are a great tool. Once you start using them, you'll wonder how you got by without them. However, there are so many styles, shapes, lengths, quality levels that if you're overwhelmed trying to pick a simple set of wrenches out, your head will explode at the many ratcheting wrench sets available. Good luck in your quest

 

[bigjeff94]

I'd take a hard look at Tekton. Like you I have all USA cman rp wrenches but I saw a set of the text on full polished in the store one day and for the price I was real sup rises a pretty darn close to a full set for not a whole lot more than lunch money. Realtoolreviews did a review on his YouTube page. Seemed very similar to gearwrench and a bit cheaper I believe.

 

[shawhite]

I personally like my knuckles a lot more than $100 so I had no problem spending the money to get a set of snap on FD+ ratcheting wrenches but if I were just looking for combination wrenches I would probably give wright a good look. They are probably double your budget new but could definitely score a set on eBay for $100

 

[48548]

I bought this set new a few years ago and another one in December for 150 shipped from ebay nib. I have pulled with all my might and never broke anything and people in reviews have used pipes or double wrenched on them, not that I would advise that.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBDX60/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Empty Pockets]

I scored a small tool box filled with late 90s/early 00s snap on metric wrenches, mixed with a handful of craftsman USA & Proto for $40 simply because some said Dave on them. It also came with gw x pliers, random sockets and screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, all good USA stuff. I keep it in my truck tool box and trailer box. If I lose one, who cares.

How do you know the previous owner didn't name his wrenches "Dave"?

 

[isr2kba]

Three thoughts:

1. A combination wrench is only as good as its open end; pretty much any CW has a serviceable box end.

2. In light of the above and your budget, might I suggest upgrading just the commonly used sizes at first and then upgrade the others when budget / mood allows. Your needs may differ but for me that would 13mm & 14mm.

3. Don't bother with ratcheting box ends until you have traditional CWs. Ratcheting ones are great, but they just don't fit everywhere and they are way more fragile than traditional box ends.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Wright has a really nice set... closer to $150 for a full polish metric and another $170 for SAE. I've heard good things about Cman Pros and HF Pros, both "longer" pattern.

 

[JeepYJ]

Amazon has Wright metrics for about $130.

 

[RRmech]

Search flea-bay, and be....patient....about your search.
All kinds of tools show up....eventually.
I'd say BOTH my SAE (Blue Line, Philadelphia, PA) and Metric (KAL, Los Angeles, CA) wrench sets were around $75, delivered.

Steve

 

[Adam.C]

Wright has a really nice set... closer to $150 for a full polish metric and another $170 for SAE. I've heard good things about Cman Pros and HF Pros, both "longer" pattern.

Yeah- long pattern doesn't always mean a longer wrench. I would save my money until I could afford a set that would make a significant difference. At least get a FD+ type open end (Wright Grip, Armstrong, Williams all make something like FD+.

Otherwise, I'd look into those GW 0 degree ratchets. I have a Snap On set like those that I paid dearly for. But they are fantastic tools. The Snap on "high performance" double box wrenches are my favorites. GW look very like them.

 

[Sticky Grips]

I own the 85988 set. It's nice and long, way longer than the "long" pattern set i bought from Sunex. I wouldn't break loose stuck fasteners with either end, but they do provide nice reach and leverage.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Yeah- long pattern doesn't always mean a longer wrench. I would save my money until I could afford a set that would make a significant difference. At least get a FD+ type open end (Wright Grip, Armstrong, Williams all make something like FD+.

Otherwise, I'd look into those GW 0 degree ratchets. I have a Snap On set like those that I paid dearly for. But they are fantastic tools. The Snap on "high performance" double box wrenches are my favorites. GW look very like them.

That's why quoted it... sometimes it's only an 1" difference, which you would never notice anyway. More likely you'd notice the anti-slip open end feature (Flank Drive, Wright Grip, etc...) and the profile of the handle. Unless you jump to the really long, XL wrenches.

Personally, never had a need for wrenches that long, ratchet or impact gets the job done. Standard SO Flank Drive, Drive +, Wright, SK, Cman, etc... are just the right length for most stuff.

 

[gdocktor3]

I think x long pattern wrenches are third inline. Get standard length, then stubby, then the xls. Then that order again for ratcheting lol

 

[Tenex]

For $100 you have to be patient if you want quality wrenches. Pay attention to Amazon and eBay and you should find something. I bought a used Wright set (752) for $90 on Amazon.

 

[PJNJ]

Put the $100 aside and add about another $100 over the next few months from your side jobs. Then pick up a set of new WrightGrip from Epstein's or used Snap On flank drive plus from Ebay. The open end on either set will snap the head off a grade 8 bolt without slipping.

Here's a video showing same -

Here's a link to Epstein's -
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.p...combination-wrench-set-7mm-22mm-12-point.html

To paraphrase - Buy quality once, cry once.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I think x long pattern wrenches are third inline. Get standard length, then stubby, then the xls. Then that order again for ratcheting lol

+1

XL would be the last, if ever.... standard/long>flare>stubby>ratcheting>XL

 

[winlinmac]

SAE & Metric $99 Tekton Made in Taiwan // Amazon

 

[bobcatdan]

Save up for Wright or SK.

 

[Sal Bandini]

12 piece Hazet for EUR 135.67 plus shipping.

You will pay less once VAT is removed.

Best wrenches you will find for that price.

http://www.amazon.de/dp/B001CA1JE8/

 

[Citation]

The Tektons look appealing to me given the combination of price and longer beam. For most people I think the Craftsman stuff is just fine even if it's not made in the US anymore. I can understand being mad about that but I've seen ZERO evidence that the quality dropped when moved over seas. I also have a set of Kobalt wrenches. I prefer them to the Craftsman simply because they are smooth finish and longer. The higher end brands are generally better (though you don't always get more when you pay more) but if you are a shade tree there is no reason to pay for the higher end stuff.

BTW, as for knuckle busting, well every time I've done that the issue wasn't with the wrench. It was the nut behind the wrench. I've heard it called idiot's rash for a reason.

 

[Adam.C]

I think x long pattern wrenches are third inline. Get standard length, then stubby, then the xls. Then that order again for ratcheting lol

1/+1 I agree, but to the inverse. First wrenches and ratchet handles should be XL, then get stubby, then and only then std length.

 

[CobraChevelle]

Surprised no one brought up the Williams supercombos. You get the length of snap on, the thicker beams and there style of the flank drive open end without the teeth.

coming from a guy who owns wrights,snap on and craftsman

 

[dutchgray]

1/+1 I agree, but to the inverse. First wrenches and ratchet handles should be XL, then get stubby, then and only then std length.

I would feel you'd be better spending out on long flat DBE wrenches before XL combination wrenches, speaking as someone who owns some of both.

 

[Adam.C]

Surprised no one brought up the Williams supercombos. You get the length of snap on, the thicker beams and there style of the flank drive open end without the teeth.

Agree. Williams is exactly what everyone here says they want; Snap On without the truck service warranty and slightly less spit and polish for DIY competitive prices.

 

[Adam.C]

I would feel you'd be better spending out on long flat DBE wrenches before XL combination wrenches, speaking as someone who owns some of both.

100% agree

 

[bcradio]

12 piece Hazet for EUR 135.67 plus shipping.

You will pay less once VAT is removed.

Best wrenches you will find for that price.

http://www.amazon.de/dp/B001CA1JE8/

I've never paid VAT in my life, so less than zero would be money in my pocket... sweet.

1/+1 I agree, but to the inverse. First wrenches and ratchet handles should be XL, then get stubby, then and only then std length.

Standard length first, then XL, then stubby

 

[lightning02]

SAE & Metric $99 Tekton Made in Taiwan // Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OZJMWUI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OZJN3PQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

seems like its cheaper if you buy them like this then as a set which is weird lol

i been thinking about buying them to replace my CM RP but im on the fence if there that much longer then the CM's.

 

[Adam.C]

12 piece Hazet for EUR 135.67 plus shipping.

You will pay less once VAT is removed.

Best wrenches you will find for that price.

http://www.amazon.de/dp/B001CA1JE8/

Hazet are short and have thick ends. They are well made and may be better than other wrenches in their price range, but there are so many better choices. Choose something with a FD+ end. SK long patterns are similar in length but have finer ends to fit more places. Not sure about price difference.

 

[Sal Bandini]

I've never paid VAT in my life, so less than zero would be money in my pocket... sweet.

Only if VAT > 100%

 

[Sal Bandini]

Hazet are short and have thick ends. They are well made and may be better than other wrenches in their price range, but there are so many better choices. Choose something with a FD+ end. SK long patterns are similar in length but have finer ends to fit more places. Not sure about price difference.

Hazet 10mm = 154.5mm
Snap-On 10mm = 171mm

Hazet 17mm = 242.5mm
Snap-On 17mm = 255mm

That's less than 1/2" on the bigger wrench.

Show me something better at that price.

 

[CobraChevelle]

Hazet 10mm = 154.5mm
Snap-On 10mm = 171mm

Hazet 17mm = 242.5mm
Snap-On 17mm = 255mm

That's less than 1/2" on the bigger wrench.

Show me something better at that price.

supercombos

 

[Sal Bandini]

After VAT discount you are looking at about $110, so the supercombos are close, but not better.

 

[gdocktor3]

In Sears right now. Saw this and thought about you lol

 

[Adam.C]

Hazet 10mm = 154.5mm
Snap-On 10mm = 171mm

Hazet 17mm = 242.5mm
Snap-On 17mm = 255mm

That's less than 1/2" on the bigger wrench.

Show me something better at that price.

The supercombos are $150 shipped for a 10-19mm set. Same as the 600N shipped from Germany, but I think you get 21, and 22mm??

600N are Hazets "long pattern" wrenches. They are shorter than Snap On's std length but not by much as you stated. Snap On's long pattern 17mm is 298mm. Thats a couple inches longer, which does make a difference. But the SOEXLM are $$$$$$.

I think I'm convinced there are many good wrenches out there for $100-200