Larger Wrench Sizes... offset or not?

[78Staff]

This may be a redundant question, but I had a hard time searching for this topic effectively...

So I am looking at a few "completer" sets, from Gearwrench and Craftsman... typically 4 or 5 piece add-on sets to the basic 8-10 piece kits. Generally larger sizes, ie 13/16 and up for SAE, 21mm and up for Metric. There are basically two versions, offset and strait handle. I have both in the more common sizes, along with the flex model, but I don't think I would need the duplication in the larger sizes.

Thoughts on offset vs strait handle in these "larger" sizes? My original thinking was on the bigger wrenches the less to go wrong the better, so either no ratchet (ie the Craftsman Raised Panel kits, which are offset), or the basic GW non-reversible (which are strait). Or the GW reversible, which are offset again... Actually the they have flex sets also, I think. I guess that would be best of both worlds, but I have been less than impressed with my GW Flex wrenches in general...

In normal sizes, I typically grab my offsets versions first, but just don't know if in the larger sizes the offset is a necessity...

 

[W650Mike]

I have straight combos in the large sizes and have never needed anything else as I recall. (The box end of a combo usually has a slight offset.) I have bought single ¾ drive sockets as needed without buying a set. If working on heavy equip you would probably need more styles and sockets, but my DIY weekend wrenching doesn’t justify a lot of expense in the big stuff.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I've got normal combos from 1/4 through 1½" in my work box. The only offsets I have are a 13/16" X 15/16" and a 16mm X 18mm (both Craftsman Professional)

 

[78Staff]

OK, yeah that is along the lines of what I was thinking, just plain old strait handles for the larger sizes...thanks.