Large size wrench set

[AJHD]

Yes, I will be using these wrenches in a professional environment working at a CAT shop (heavy equipment).

That said, I'm going to hold off buying anything for now. If I end up needing a set immediately, there is a HF store only a few miles down the road from both my home and the shop.

But I would really like to wait and buy a larger more complete set that also includes */16th sizes. However I have no plans to buy anything more than a Taiwan set at best in this size range unless a set for a good price pop's up on OfferUp or Craigslist.

 

[Wolfe 21]

I believe Menards has a Jumbo set as well if you happen to have one in your area. Usually around $60 and they're almost always running an 11% back offer.

 

[crewchief888]

i have a large set 1 3/8" to 2" i bought over 30 years ago from a harbor frieght type place via mail order.
they have all survived being double wrenched and persuaded with sledgehammers working on const eq.
never needed any 1/16" sizes except for a 1 5/16"

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Yes, I will be using these wrenches in a professional environment working at a CAT shop (heavy equipment).

That said, I'm going to hold off buying anything for now. If I end up needing a set immediately, there is a HF store only a few miles down the road from both my home and the shop.

But I would really like to wait and buy a larger more complete set that also includes */16th sizes. However I have no plans to buy anything more than a Taiwan set at best in this size range unless a set for a good price pop's up on OfferUp or Craigslist.

That set will be expensive, regardless. Some Taiwan tools, such as Carlyle, are. Can you get away with a set with your most used sizes, and then complete it as needed?

 

[rockinacummins]

I’ve picked up all my big (1-1/4” to 2”) wrenches at pawn shops, flea markets, and garage sales. Anywhere from $5-$25 per wrench. Takes longer to make a set, no doubt. But you might look around a bit and get lucky. All together I’ve got probably 30 big USA-made wrenches (multiples of some sizes) and probably no more than $200 in the whole lot.

 

[KnurledNut]

@AJHD
Do ya already have service wrenches and angle wrenches?

 

[AJHD]

@AJHD
Do ya already have service wrenches and angle wrenches?

No, I don't.

They are both alternative options and I will be buying both. Along with crowfoot wrenches, etc. They all serve a purpose.

But in this case and for the purpose of this thread, I'm looking for combination wrenches.

 

[Ashgrove]

We have been using the Northern Tool "Ironton" black oxide sets for servicing/repairing our farm and excavating equipment for many years, they have served us well.
Have two of the 10 pc. SAE 1 5/16 - 2" sets and two of the 11 pc. Metric 34 - 50 mm sets.

 

[Shelbylex]

Not sure where you are in Arizona. However, I randomly chose one of CL listings and put wrenches.
Proto 2" combo wrench, $45 listed for 25 days in Kingman. If you are close, offer $20- 25 and start your collection...
s://mohave.craigslist.org/tls/d/hualapai-big-proto-usa-industrial/7541460544.html

Another example - out of your area (in CA), but you can pick and choose and probably make an offer

(2) Lots of big wrenches - tools - by owner - sale

2 lots of big wrenches. 1st Lot: 2-3/8" Urrea 2-3/16" Allen 2" Armstrong 1-7/8" Urrea 1-13/16" Easco 1-5/8" Martin 1-1/2" Urrea 1 7/16" Williams - with some weld ID marks 1-3/8" Williams 1-5/16"...

reno.craigslist.org

not sure about Urrea, but they have williams, SK, blackhawk, Martin... individual from $4 for smaller one and sets for 80 and 150. ...

 

[AJHD]

We have been using the Northern Tool "Ironton" black oxide sets for servicing/repairing our farm and excavating equipment for many years, they have served us well.
Have two of the 10 pc. SAE 1 5/16 - 2" sets and two of the 11 pc. Metric 34 - 50 mm sets.

Thanks for the "review".
That is one of the SAE sets I linked my initial post...

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200758936_200758936#

It's definitely on my list of options being a larger more complete set with additional sizes.
It will just have to wait for a bit until I can afford to buy it (or any other set).

 

[Jbullfrog]

Look for auctions in your area. Often big wrenches sell reasonably.

 

[KnurledNut]

not sure about Urrea

While im not a fan of their small size wrenches, Id put their jumbo wrenches up against any of the well-known top quality brands, especially the round beams. Mexican made from US steel.

Thats a heck of a deal on those sets.

 

[Shelbylex]

I wish it was closer - I would probably pick up some as well (I do not need them now, but one never knows...). The market for large SAE wrenches is more limited - thus probably the relatively low price...

 

[619DioFan]

I have the hf jumbo wrenches in both sae and metric , not used everyday but when needed work just fine. Have no problem wailing on them either.

 

[dchawk81]

i am seeing a lot of semi poor advice here. i actually own the klutch wrenches to 2 inches. i also own a 4 pc set of no name hf quality raised panel wrenches that go to 1 1/2.

the op already owns other quality tools and needs the added ability that said wrenches will give him. the slightly higher cost will give him a much higher quality wrench with better fit and finish. i am almost positive the few extra dollars will be well worth it for him if he uses them even slightly more than occasionally. i will stand by my opinion on this. you get exactly what you pay for with the raised panel el cheapo versions, a wrench shaped object that will do a job. for a few extra dollars, the klutch gives you a satin finish wrench that actually looks, feels and works like a wrench that costs much more.

absolutely pick up better wrenches when you find them but having complete set for around 100 bucks and costing less than the cost of a meal with you and a buddy more than the hf version is a no brainer. you will thank me the first time you use them.

Fit and finish is overrated. Most people wear work gloves these days anyway.

It's whether the steel itself holds up that matters at first. Snapping them left and right, get a better set. Otherwise wasting your money just for show.

 

[dchawk81]

Yes, I will be using these wrenches in a professional environment working at a CAT shop (heavy equipment).

That said, I'm going to hold off buying anything for now. If I end up needing a set immediately, there is a HF store only a few miles down the road from both my home and the shop.

But I would really like to wait and buy a larger more complete set that also includes */16th sizes. However I have no plans to buy anything more than a Taiwan set at best in this size range unless a set for a good price pop's up on OfferUp or Craigslist.

I agree. Usually you're impacting on that bigger stuff anyway.

It's mostly the line fittings (air, hydraulic, etc) you need those wrenches on and they're normally not snap the wrench types of tight. If they're corroded beyond removal, you cut them off and throw a box end on it then replace the whole thing.

 

[Ton ton]

Following this thread. Just happy to see a heavy equipment mechanic on garage journal.

 

[crewchief888]

Following this thread. Just happy to see a heavy equipment mechanic on garage journal.

ive been wrenching on const eq for almost 40 years, mainly as a field mechanic

 

[dchawk81]

ive been wrenching on const eq for almost 40 years, mainly as a field mechanic

I didn't know fields broke down that often.

 

[sk farmer]

Fit and finish is overrated. Most people wear work gloves these days anyway.

It's whether the steel itself holds up that matters at first. Snapping them left and right, get a better set. Otherwise wasting your money just for show.

i don't think you are reading what i wrote. i never claimed any of them to be showpieces of shiny mirrored chrome.

these are huge wrenches, pounds each. whole sets for chump change. the klutch wrenches have a grippy, satin finish with smooth edges vs rough casting and crude finish. gloves or not, the difference is obvious.

this is a funny place around here. this topic in particular.

the op claims to be a heavy diesel mech that needs some large wrenches. probably has 1000's if not 10's of 1000's in tools and storage.

commentors will tell him that he should use truck brand ratchets, wrenches and sockets or at the very least some of the better respected brands with good fit, finish and ergonomics, things that should be at least somewhat important in a pro-environment.

guys will drop 50 dollars or more on pliers and 100 or more dollars on ratchets with hardly any material in them, yet he is getting advice to go el cheapo and save maybe 40 or 50 bucks on a set of wrenches that will fill a 5-gallon pail.

i am hardly a tool snob and will almost never tell anyone to waste money but i find it comical that someone insinuates that buying a klutch branded tool from northern tool is wasting money and for show

 

[dchawk81]

these are huge wrenches, pounds each.

Well gee whiz. You sure taught us all a lesson.

The little guy in the middle is a 13/16"

 

[BarrelRoll]

No, I don't.

They are both alternative options and I will be buying both. Along with crowfoot wrenches, etc. They all serve a purpose.

But in this case and for the purpose of this thread, I'm looking for combination wrenches.

Have you checked with your parts guy? I can't find them on a 2 second search though I know they exist. They also have cat branded snapon angle wrenches for around 1/3 of the truck price.

 

[AJHD]

the op claims to be a heavy diesel mech that needs some large wrenches. probably has 1000's if not 10's of 1000's in tools and storage.

commentors will tell him that he should use truck brand ratchets, wrenches and sockets or at the very least some of the better respected brands with good fit, finish and ergonomics, things that should be at least somewhat important in a pro-environment.

guys will drop 50 dollars or more on pliers and 100 or more dollars on ratchets with hardly any material in them, yet he is getting advice to go el cheapo and save maybe 40 or 50 bucks on a set of wrenches that will fill a 5-gallon pail.

i am hardly a tool snob and will almost never tell anyone to waste money but i find it comical that someone insinuates that buying a klutch branded tool from northern tool is wasting money and for show

Slow down, I'm not there yet...


First, while I don't track the combined monetary value of the tools & tool storage I own, if I were to either guess or literally put a price on every tool I currently own + my tool box (as of this post) and add it up, it would probably be approaching the neighborhood of a $10k grand total. For the record, most of my basic tools and metric tools are Snap On, but I don't own a Snap On tool box.

I'm not telling you this to brag or anything like that, the reality is that value/prices up add very quickly, especially when we're talking about tool trucks. I recently traded in some unused Snap On tools to my Snap On dealer, and he gave me over $1,600 in credit towards my account, and all I had was an 8" Milwaukee zipper tool bag full of tools, it was nothing special and nothing big.


Secondly, I am a heavy equipment mechanic/technician with a focus on Caterpillar equipment as my employer is a rather large CAT dealer (parts/sales/service/rental) here in the Southwest (AZ/CA)... However, I just got this job. I'm also coming into this opportunity as a former automotive mechanic. Working on heavy equipment is completely new to me. Like my tools, I'm nothing special. I'm running off a provided list of tools I'm expected to have, advice from GJ members and the few YT videos I can find. The rest will come with time and advice from coworkers. These wrenches are no exception.


Third, when it comes to SAE tools and something like these large size wrenches specifically, I have no plans or desire to spend Snap On/tool truck money on these tools. If I find that I'm using specific SAE tool all day every day or whatever I have just isn't working/holding up to the use, I'll consider upgrading to a higher quality version. But until such time, I'm sticking to the basics and whatever I can afford at the time. Although I'm trying to avoid buying made in China and buying HF tools when and if possible.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

The wrenches are fine. I mean, they are comically large, but they suffice for most things. Most garage users aren't actually tightening down a power generating windmill to a footing anyway, I imagine you aren't either. I bought them for the jam nuts for 2-1/4" heim joints on my off road rigs. Crows feet or striking wrenches are other good alternatives, but they cost each what that set does.

+1 on striking wrenches. Anything over an 1” at work is typically getting smashed on by a hammer and the combos pay the price. The only real positive for the combo wrench is that over 1 1/8” they tend to get obnoxiously long which gives more clearance for me to swing away. We’ve also used the sacrificial adjustables. But yeah, that’s down the road cause they are pricey.

i am seeing a lot of semi poor advice here. i actually own the klutch wrenches to 2 inches. i also own a 4 pc set of no name hf quality raised panel wrenches that go to 1 1/2.

the op already owns other quality tools and needs the added ability that said wrenches will give him. the slightly higher cost will give him a much higher quality wrench with better fit and finish. i am almost positive the few extra dollars will be well worth it for him if he uses them even slightly more than occasionally. i will stand by my opinion on this. you get exactly what you pay for with the raised panel el cheapo versions, a wrench shaped object that will do a job. for a few extra dollars, the klutch gives you a satin finish wrench that actually looks, feels and works like a wrench that costs much more.

absolutely pick up better wrenches when you find them but having complete set for around 100 bucks and costing less than the cost of a meal with you and a buddy more than the hf version is a no brainer. you will thank me the first time you use them.

Dude, I’m with you. Instead of buying the HF set, put together a set from Northern, Westward, Tekton or whatever singles. Or pay the extra $40 for the nicer set. HF stuff is ok but I’ve never been a fan of their lobster claw open ends or their warranty because they are always light on the shelves here.

 

[cannuck]

I am a tool snob when it comes to my daily use 3/8 drives and flat wrenches, but when it comes to the large stuff I usually pick up what I need when I need it used. Now: working in a Cat shop, I think you need to be more careful about getting something a bit tougher and warrantied than the Chineseum ****, but I see little need for SO, etc....UNLESSS you can pick up used in decent shape. Also: worth noting if you cover ALL of the 1/16 steps you can pretty much cover the metric sizes with US wrenches. 1 3/16 and 1 7/16 being ultra critical for 30 and 36mm.

 

[KomatsuTech]

I'm a fellow heavy equipment tech, although for Komatsu. I have done some miscellaneous repairs to CAT equipment here and there. That being said, I've been doing this for almost 16 years in both the shop and field service.

I have MIT, Valley, and Harbor Freight wrenches from 1-1/4" to 2-1/2" in combination and angle wrenches (angles only to 2"). I have metric sizes too, but once you get so big it really doesn't make much of a difference.

I've had those wrenches for 14 or 15 years. They mostly get used for hydraulic fittings and the occasional nut. They have held up just fine for me, never broke one, damaged fasteners or the wrench itself.

My mentality is buy what you can afford and what works for you in your situation.

If you break one or end up using it very often then you can upgrade if you want.

 

[65k10]

Have you checked with your parts guy? I can't find them on a 2 second search though I know they exist. They also have cat branded snapon angle wrenches for around 1/3 of the truck price.

Here are the part numbers for the larger inch combo wrenches and angle wrenches. This is from my copy of the 2016 catalog. I wish I could find a more current one.

 

[Ton ton]

Here are the part numbers for the larger inch combo wrenches and angle wrenches. This is from my copy of the 2016 catalog. I wish I could find a more current one.

Thank you.

 

[Shelbylex]

Well, since we give all the advice to OP and we are on GJ, we need to make his life hard.

If you really plan to work on heavy equipment, you will need the same stack (this one is owned by Stormking) : )
https://flic.kr/p/2iJ2quo

 

[sk farmer]

Well gee whiz. You sure taught us all a lesson.

The little guy in the middle is a 13/16"

not sure why you are being a smart *** with me.

i mean really, your picture kind of proves my point. those wrenches are not very well finished and that 2 inch has failing and or bubbling chrome on the open end and it looks as if it has never been used.

 

[sk farmer]

since nobody is showing a comparison, here we go.

1st pic shows all of my wrenches over 1 1/4

2nd pic shows my no name generic 4 pc raised panel set. notice the obvious signs of use and peeling, discolored and pitting chrome. the finish never was good and has always been rough with sharp edges. very much like the other pictures people have shown.

3rd pic shows the 6 pc klutch wrenches. they obviously have not seen the use, but they are far better out of the box. they have a nice satin finish with no sharp edges

 

[Wakefield]

not sure why you are being a smart *** with me.

i mean really, your picture kind of proves my point. those wrenches are not very well finished and that 2 inch has failing and or bubbling chrome on the open end and it looks as if it has never been used.

Does Wright beat those wrenches? Surprised no one mentioned it (Proto,Williams Supercombo/supertorque about on a par with Wright? Or Wright a bit better? I think the large Wright now has some kind of antislip grove in the open end
Maybe the O.P. could get just one big Wright for his most common size need to compare with his "economy" brand ones?

 

[sk farmer]

this is the proof in the pudding or pictures, if you are so inclined to look. the no name raised panel is on the top and the klutch is on the bottom in all three pics.

the pictures show the better fit and finish. thicker open end, thicker box end and thicker beam, raised panel excluded. the other sizes show the same characteristics. i have no reason to believe that any other no name or hf type raised panel wrench is made much different, they all seem to be pretty much the same. if someone can prove otherwise i would be very interested to see it. in fact the ones i own are taiwan and not chinese which most people would be led to believe should be better.

hands down, the klutch is a far nicer wrench for very little money over your typical no name raised panel wrench. it has meat in all of the right places, smooth edges and no lobster claw

 

[KnurledNut]

Just for reference sake here’s a 2-1/8 comparison.
Generic raised panel (branded Tactix) vs. Urrea.
Its all in what you do and how you use them, but there is a huge difference in professional jumbo wrenches. The industry I was involved with didnt buy cheap tools. Downtime cost too much.

 

[sk farmer]

that is a drool worthy and hands down a better wrench than the klutch.

for the record i have not and will not say that the klutch versions are better some other offerings, just a better choice than most if not all raised panel versions

 

[RedneckWelder]

Does Wright beat those wrenches? Surprised no one mentioned it (Proto,Williams Supercombo/supertorque about on a par with Wright? Or Wright a bit better? I think the large Wright now has some kind of antislip grove in the open end
Maybe the O.P. could get just one big Wright for his most common size need to compare with his "economy" brand ones?

the heavy duty Wright large wrenches are like nothing else out there. Williams makes a great wrench too but the big Wrights are like a ******* bridge beam. My 2 1/2” Wright weighs almost 13 pounds for example.

 

[plinker]

I had bought a set of "northern" brand wrenches from Northen tool (pre-Klutch IIRC) probably ten years ago, picked up a few in metric too. They have held up just fine, the thing I liked about them over the typical raised panel wrench is they didnt have a knife edge on them to dig in your hand. The couple of Sunex and whatever other brands I have also did fine. None are refined/pretty per say.

The large wrenches I really liked are the older Williams superrench, have several large sizes and they are very nice overall compared to any of the other brands I have.

For all intents and purpose, you will only get so much torque using them by hand, my main need was for hydraulic hoses, up to 1.5"/#24. A stuck hose would usually get a dull & rounded off air chisel on the corner to loosen it, far more effective and saved wear & tear on a person.

 

[KomatsuTech]

......For all intents and purpose, you will only get so much torque using them by hand, my main need was for hydraulic hoses, up to 1.5"/#24. A stuck hose would usually get a dull & rounded off air chisel on the corner to loosen it, far more effective and saved wear & tear on a person.

This is the best way to deal with seized fittings, using the air hammer. Saves so much time and effort.

 

[AJHD]

Thanks for all the comparison pictures. It definitely helps to see actual pictures as opposed to generic stock website images.

Anyway... I will report back when I have the funds and make a decision.

But I know for sure that I will definitely be avoiding the HF set at this point unless I need something immediately at the time. The fit and finish looks absolutely terrible in comparison, even for the price.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Wait to see what the shop tool room has available before dropping any change on a jumbo wrench set. It's not really something to worry about until you move into a field position. At that point it's worth buying quality in the few sizes you use on the regular, and a cheap set to cut and bend as needed in the field (of course, working for modern day CAT dealer, you would NEVER do such a thing ).

Any hydraulic fitting too tight to get with a doubled angle wrench or spreading a service wrench with a cheater gets the air hammer.