Large size wrench set

[AJHD]

Edit 1/18; an SAE set is on hold. Metric is all I care about right now. However I know larger sizes are often close enough to be used interchangeably without worry. Discussions/suggestions for both SAE and Metric are encouraged.


I tried searching but didn't find much. Also oddly enough there are only a few relevant videos on YouTube.

I'm in the market for a large size ("jumbo") SAE combination wrench set, above 1-1/4" and up to 2". I just need something basic and cheap for now, preferably below $100.
So the tool trucks are out of the question. I'll upgrade later and expand to any needed additional sizes if they're not included in the set.

Specifically I'm looking at the Pittsburgh 6-piece set. I wanted to know if any of you have these and what's your opinion? Are they worth the $65 price tag or should I wait for a coupon?

Jumbo SAE Combination Wrench Set, 6-Piece

Amazing deals on this 6Pc Sae Jumbo Combination Wrench Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Is there a better option I'm not aware of?
I found some other comparable sets that also go up to 2", but they are out of stock and/or significantly higher priced than the HF version.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQEW1Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GQEZRA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

8-Piece Combination Wrench Set (1-9/16 - 2 in.) | TEKTON

Includes: 1-9/16 - 2 inch (SAE) 12 point standard-length combination wrenches with no-storage storage. No skipped sizes. WCB90101.

www.tekton.com

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200612514_200612514

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

 

[zendriver]

I have a set of the harbor freight wrenches.

I don’t use them extensively but when I do they work just like wrenches.

Changing times I think I paid $49 for them

 

[four.cycle]

this 11-piece "set" was listed on ebay on June 9th at 16:23 pacific time

looks like a hodge-podge. more than your budget. shipping is going to be a killer from PA.

been listed now for .... four-and-a-half-months..

how bad do you suppose that guy wants to sell that set?

in other news...

Here's a nice old set of Indestro "Select Steel" SAE combos - 13/16" to 1" - seller's asking $50 bucks OBO (incl. shipping) - not bad if you can beat him down a few bucks.

 

[Etchase]

Almost like wrenches.

TEKTON 1/2 in. Drive 1-1/16 - 2 in. Crowfoot Wrench Set (14-Piece) 2585 - The Home Depot

Extend your reach with the TEKTON 1/2 in. Drive Jumbo Crowfoot Wrench Set (14-Piece). These handy problem solvers give you more options when you are trying to get at fasteners in tight, awkward spaces.

www.homedepot.com

 

[AJHD]

Almost like wrenches.

TEKTON 1/2 in. Drive 1-1/16 - 2 in. Crowfoot Wrench Set (14-Piece) 2585 - The Home Depot

Extend your reach with the TEKTON 1/2 in. Drive Jumbo Crowfoot Wrench Set (14-Piece). These handy problem solvers give you more options when you are trying to get at fasteners in tight, awkward spaces.

www.homedepot.com

That's actually an interesting idea. It's on my list of tools to buy, but I may spend a bit more and opt for the crowfoot set instead. It certainly offers more sizes. The only real downside I see is the lack of a box end.

 

[iamhomeless]

I think the Icon version of the Knipex opens to something like 2" and should be well under $50.

I've definitely used my knipex's a bunch working on my tractor when I didn't want to walk over to the toolbox and find the right wrench

 

[gsuty17]

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.

 

[iamhomeless]

Most of my larger wrenches are a mix of craftsman and proto, but I do have the extra long Pittsburgh Pro wrenches, I I do like them, and clicking your link I say Pittsburgh had some offset jumbo that I might just have to check out.

Jumbo are a strange thing, when you need them you really need them, but they are expensive and a pain to store, so they tend to be a bit specialty. Crows feet and crows foot line wrenches are definitely options that can work most of the time, but if you are working on hydraulics there will alway be a fitting that whater option you have won't fit, which means you need them all, but then you don't have enough room in your box, so do you buy a sidebox or a pegboard and hang them on the wall?

 

[AJHD]

I think the Icon version of the Knipex opens to something like 2" and should be well under $50.

I've definitely used my knipex's a bunch working on my tractor when I didn't want to walk over to the toolbox and find the right wrench

I have the 7-1/4" and the 10" versions of the Knipex pliers wrench (smooth jaw). Technically the 10" opens to 2".
I may consider picking up the 12" version as another alternative. It's also on my list of tools to buy. The only issue like the crowfoot set is the lack of a box end.

While on the topic, I also have adjustable wrenches. Which are yet another alternative.

Yes, I will eventually have crowfoot wrenches, combination wrenches, angle wrenches, adjustable wrenches and Knipex pliers wrenches is every available size up to 2"+, but for now I have to work with what I have or can afford to buy.

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.

They will be used in a heavy equipment environment (Caterpillar).

 

[mcj115]

I think that the Harbor freight page offered the only other practical alternative as the "compare to".... SUNEX TOOLS 9707MA. Looks like this is a little over $100 ($135ish).

 

[sk farmer]

i have the northern tool klutch wrenches linked by the op. plenty decent quality, fit and finish. not top shelf but several notches over the hf versions. a plus is that they can be purchased individually if you need an off size or want to expand larger.

the op states he is working heavy equipment. he needs real wrenches with open and box ends. an adjustable may work in a pinch but people advising to buy the knipex as a substitute are clueless.

 

[bobg03]

For that size of wrenches and the guarantee, I would get the Icons. For this application it would probably be a once in a lifetime purchase.

Edit, I see only the pittsburgh set only goes as large as you need. When I was an industrial mechanic we had Westward wrenches for the larger sizes. Worked fine.

 

[lardy1]

No specifics butTSC carries a line of budget tools catering to ranch/farm/home related things. I forget the name but they offer large sizes. Might be worth a look.

 

[65k10]

This guy is a Cat mechanic seems happy with his Klutch wrenches.

I've had the cheap raised panel wrenches in the large sizes and while they did work when I used them, I was able to get a set of Taiwan made Williams wrenches in 1-5/16-2" and they are nicer made. Trouble is they were still kind of expensive and I'm not sure if they are even offered anymore.

 

[redwrench60]

Tekton or Klutch with their smooth rounded handles and longer length are miles ahead of the Shittsburgh wrenches in every measurable way.

I’d rather fix equipment with a rock and a couple cow bones then use any more HF wrenches.

 

[SCscoutguy]

You may want to check out your local Facebook marketplace listings as well. I was able to buy two sets of large made in USA SAE wrenches from mine for less than $100 a set.

 

[AJHD]

This guy is a Cat mechanic seems happy with his Klutch wrenches.

I've had the cheap raised panel wrenches in the large sizes and while they did work when I used them, I was able to get a set of Taiwan made Williams wrenches in 1-5/16-2" and they are nicer made. Trouble is they were still kind of expensive and I'm not sure if they are even offered anymore.

Yeah, I've been watching his videos. Sadly not as many heavy equipment mechanics/techs on YT as there are automotive.

Tekton or Klutch with their smooth rounded handles and longer length are miles ahead of the Shittsburgh wrenches in every measurable way.

I’d rather fix equipment with a rock and a couple cow bones then use any more HF wrenches.

The Klutch set is $100, the HF set is $65. It's impossible for me to tell via the internet is the price difference is worth it. But certainly rounded edges are important. I wish I could compare them in my hand.

The Tekton set is $375, so that's not going to happen. I'm not concerned with the chrome finish vs satin. And I don't need anything that expensive, at least for now.

You may want to check out your local Facebook marketplace listings as well. I was able to buy two sets of large made in USA SAE wrenches from mine for less than $100 a set.

I've not seen anything on the second hand market in my area. But I don't use FB either.

 

[Zewnten]

Yeah, I've been watching his videos. Sadly not as many heavy equipment mechanics/techs on YT as there are automotive.

Not as large group to appeal to, making or watching videos. I had some interns mention the same thing and I had wondered about it but I'm not really a personality person nor do I really have time for making the videos.

 

[BarrelRoll]

When I took my job I was given a tool list wanting combo and angle wrenches to 2". I bought China freight angle wrenches to 2", I barely ever use them though they are fine for the money. My combo wrenches from 1 5/16"-2" are Williams Supercombo Satin which it looks like goes for around $800 these days, it's a nice compromise between the tool truck and China though still a ton of money. If you aren't using them to make a living daily I would buy the China freight till you start destroying them.

 

[redwrench60]

When you’re outside in July struggling to break loose that seized hydraulic fitting and pulling on that wrench so hard you’re about to **** yourself you’ll appreciate a tool with a little more refinement. The Klutch set is worth the little extra scratch.

Little by little I’ve been replacing the shops big Shittsburgh wrenches with Tekton as they get bent and spread.

 

[AJHD]

Not as large group to appeal to, making or watching videos. I had some interns mention the same thing and I had wondered about it but I'm not really a personality person nor do I really have time for making the videos.

Fair enough. That makes two of us. I tried making videos a few years ago, but even at home I didn't care for it. It's just not in my nature.
However I enjoy watching tool box tours and videos regarding tools on YT. I've watched hundreds, if not thousands, over the years.
I've found lot of tools and useful advice from watching them.

When you’re outside in July struggling to break loose that seized hydraulic fitting and pulling on that wrench so hard you’re about to **** yourself you’ll appreciate a tool with a little more refinement. The Klutch set is worth the little extra scratch.

Little by little I’ve been replacing the shops big Shittsburgh wrenches with Tekton as they get bent and spread.

I live in Arizona, so yeah doing just about anything outside in July *****. I also appreciate quality tools, not just in terms of strength but in terms of how they feel and function. That's why I buy Snap On and why most of my tools are Snap On.

I will upgrade tools I've been buying with a better quality version as needed when time and money allow me to do so. I will also base those upgrade decisions on need/frequency of use.

 

[Zewnten]

So I used to have wrenches from 1/4" to 2" no skips until after 1-5/8, and then only a couple odd sizes. All Proto, paid about $150 for everything above 1". Usually using the bigger wrenches involved a hammer or jamming up against a stop while using and impact. Not going to generate much leverage one 2ft wrench with your body weight. Switched to tubular wrenches, factory 36" handle with interchangeable size heads. Because of the angle of the heads I can cheat, use a small come-along if there's no room to swing or use a longer pipe, no issues with it slipping off.

My point is these big wrenches don't get tons of use and you might even find a different way to do the same job or different tools. Grab the HF set they're just fine for beginners. Then when you need to cut up a wrench to bend it around some engineer's genius idea you'll have the raw materials.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Not as large group to appeal to, making or watching videos. I had some interns mention the same thing and I had wondered about it but I'm not really a personality person nor do I really have time for making the videos.

I would love to do videos but work would fire me immediately. They almost canned another mechanic because he followed an instagram account and got tagged by them.

 

[Shelbylex]

AJHD, the first question is what are you planning to use them for. If it job and you require a full set soon, it's one story. If you are planning to work on projects for yourself and have some time to put the set together, buy now what you need for a project at hand and then add as you find them cheap. You will save tons if you have time (and will also be able to get better quality wrenches).

Some examples of what I got over time (and I am not really looking for them - usually get them when I see them cheap when buying other tools):
PROTO 1 3/8 and two identical PLVMB 1242 1 5/16 combination wrenches $15
Williams single open end 1 7/16 (some rust, will eventually need to clean it) $1
Billings 909 1 1/2 spud wrench - came as part of tool purchase, probably around $1
Some large Chinese combination wrench with owners name on it (Bob, I think, forgot the size, I think it was a 2" - got rid of it early in my days) - given by a neighbor who found it in recycling pile. Somebody needed it and asked me if I would sell it for either $1 or $5 (been a while) - he got it for what he offered...
Diamond Calk Horshoe Co adjustible, 24" (opens up to 2 1/2 if I remember correctly) - $15 (got for a specific project I plan to do in the future)

 

[AJHD]

I would love to do videos but work would fire me immediately. They almost canned another mechanic because he followed an instagram account and got tagged by them.

Sadly I hear that a lot. Most companies have social media policies, and even non-disclosure agreements that can prevent filming or taking pictures at work.

 

[rooster59]

FB Marketplace, pawn shops as alternatives

 

[CS454]

At that size, most ones you pick up will be fine. If you're gonna be really beating on em, grab redundant ones in common sizes for sledge sacrifices. "When it happens you'll know"

 

[dchawk81]

I think with the bigger sizes the fasteners are so large and durable that they're less susceptible to rounding off or breaking like the little ones, so really as long as the steel that the wrench is made of is strong enough you'll be fine. I have the Harbor Freight sets and the few times I've used them they were adequate.

I don't know how they'd hold up to something like putting a 20 ton bottle jack under one end to break a suspension bolt though.

 

[Bockscar]

I would suggest to you to go and get the HF wrenches......if you ever need to or want to upgrade you can whenever.....I bought a 3/4" MIT socket set thinking the same thing....never replaced them

 

[speed bump]

I would buy whatever cheap ones for now. Eventually you may want some better ones but buy those after you broke the cheapy beating on it with a sledge hammer.

 

[sk farmer]

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.

 

[bwringer]

No specifics butTSC carries a line of budget tools catering to ranch/farm/home related things. I forget the name but they offer large sizes. Might be worth a look.

Yup, farm stores will have options as well.

 

[lardy1]

I looked after I posted. JobSmart brand for 90 bucks. Klutch is a hundred. Not sure what the Pittsburgh branded are. I have an older Craftsman Professional set that goes to 1 1/2". I'd hate to think what a comparable set like that would cost today.

 

[steel 35]

I bought the HF up to 2” over 30 years ago and, doubled them up stood on the second one never cared if they bent broke or flaked, Second one was free replacment, or upgraded with very seldom use.
Never had a glitch

 

[BDT/NWMN]

About ten or so years ago, I bought the metric counterpart to that Pittsburgh 6-piece SAE Jumbo Set to cover the metric sizes. They were inexpensive and don't get used much but are priceless when needed. I am satisfied with what I got for the price.

 

[Robinson1]

No specifics butTSC carries a line of budget tools catering to ranch/farm/home related things. I forget the name but they offer large sizes. Might be worth a look.

Jobsmart is the brand. They remind me of Pittsburgh and are more expensive on a whole. But in a small town you've probably got a Tractor Supply near by. Its a valid option

 

[SCscoutguy]

Yup, farm stores will have options as well.

My local farm store has the exact same set as the HF 6 piece but it is more expensive. I am positive they were made in the same factory. https://www.agrisupply.com/jumbo-combination-wrench-set-6-piece/p/23199/

 

[brownbagg]

on big wrenches I just order the single wrench off amazon, that i need

 

[speed bump]

On the big wrenches, make sure you get a 1-5/16 (7/8 bolts and I think -12 fittings) 1-1/2, 1-5/8, 1-11/16 (again hydraulics), and 2". Not sure why those 6pc sets include an 1-3/8 but not a 1-5/16.

 

[BarrelRoll]

on big wrenches I just order the single wrench off amazon, that i need

I'm not sure if the OP is using the wrench professionally or not. If he's using it to make a living he may not have time to order it off Amazon and wait for it.

With big wrench sets there's the 6 piece set by the 1/8's and some 8 or 10 piece sets by 1/16's. The 1/16's sizes may or may not be required. 1 1/8" thread bolts use 1 11/16" heads/ nuts. 1 7/16" and 1 13/16" are both common heavy nut sizes. Usually you can get away with 1/8" sized wrenches on the bigger stuff though a rusty jammed up fastener will beat the **** out of you with an impact and the wrong sized wrench.

There's basically 4 grades out there, prices are going to very depending on how many are in the set, China for around $100, Tiawan for $300-$400, USA Industrial brands $500-$800, Tool Truck $1,527 for 6 snapon wrenches. Finding used quality stuff is probably the best value though also the most time consuming.

Here's the Williams 10 piece 1 5/16"-2" set that can be had for about $800.

https://www.williams-industrial.com...h-set--satin--sae--10-piece-pb_ws-1174ta.html

$700 buys a lot more tools. I know I am slightly bitter about buying my set to 2" that I barely use though now I have it and it prevents the shop tools scavenger hunt when I need one.

Another spot to look for good quality wrenches is Cat, watching adapt ape on you tube the other day he was showing a large Cat wrench, it appeared to be a Williams full polish super combo though some of the Cat branded wrenches are snapon for a fraction of the cost.