Anybody having Mac,Matco,Cornwell and Snap-on end wrenches care to compare them? I,m looking for a large set of used metric combo's and have never had any Mac,Matco, or Cornwell wrenches.I love my Snap-ons but haven't been able to find a large set.
Mac vs Matco vs Cornwell vs Snap-on
- Thread starter i4ni
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Wow, you've stepped on a landmine with this question...everyone has his favorite! I'll cast a vote for Cornwell...I like the "V" open end, and I find the thick beam very comfortable. Some of the older Matcos (e.g., those made by Bonney) are really nice, too, but I'm not fond of the newer Matcos. The Mac Knucklesavers are also very nice.
chadster1
Well-known member
I am somewhat biased towards Snap-on.
kmorgancraw
Well-known member
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- Feb 2, 2009
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- 71
Buy one wrench from each company in your most commonly used size and see what you think.
Nuit Damnant
Well-known member
Very good advice here. I grew up on Cman and Mac, but after being on this forum for awhile the snap on bug hit me, so I bought a set of SO's. I didn't like them,only for the fact that they didn't "feel" right. The quality is great, just like everyone boasts about but the beams were too thin and "sharp" even. So I went back to my macs. NOW that I don't have them, I still wish I did because the macs are thicker and I found that they won't fit in some places the SO's did. Air fittings is one example. So, the best thing....just have a set of each.
Good luck in your search.
10-4 on the good advice.My concern is more of a durability thing.I've used cheater pipes on Snap-ons and they didn't bend or break,so I was wondering if the others would stand up.I'll be using them on Heavy Equipment so they will be abused.
i have sae combos in those four brands. older bonney made matco wcl, newer so oex, mac knucklesavers and the extra long cornwell. i also have cman full polish wich are the same as sk. i rate them as follows
1. bonney made matco. love the feel and the look. nice chrome, v heads. i would get another set if i could find them.
2-3. sk made cman full polish. nice feel, nice length. great for the price. a great wrench no longer sk made though. i recomend.
2-3. snap-on. nice length. nice finish. not real comfortable in a hard pull i bought them used at less than 1/2 price, like new. a great wrench if you can find a good used set. if you have to buy new, save your money and buy something else. to many other good options for less money.
4. cornwell. very nice satin finish. very long, v heads (bought from hiball, thanks!) if the new full polish xl's are this nice i recomend. to long for many jobs. the regulat long handle may be a better choice.
5. mac knucklesaver. a nice beefy well finished wrench. they look great but for some reason just don't feel right. if they fit your hand you may like them. the shortest of the bunch and not much longer than a raised panel sk or cman.
this list is based on personnal preferance first and value or cost second. i did not base them on warranty or availability as some versions i have are no longer available. if i needed an excellant sae wrench available right now i would go with.
1.wright grip satin. nice finish and good price
2. cman full polish. a lot of wrench for little money. you can't go wrong even at full price. unbeatable on sale.
3.sk full polish long wrench. a nice wrench and the superchrome is just pretty. probably not as cheap as the others but not truck price either.
4. take your pick. if you can afford truck brands or some other brands go for it. probably lots i am missing but just remember, he wanted opinions and i gave them. any of the better brands should serve you well.
1. bonney made matco. love the feel and the look. nice chrome, v heads. i would get another set if i could find them.
2-3. sk made cman full polish. nice feel, nice length. great for the price. a great wrench no longer sk made though. i recomend.
2-3. snap-on. nice length. nice finish. not real comfortable in a hard pull i bought them used at less than 1/2 price, like new. a great wrench if you can find a good used set. if you have to buy new, save your money and buy something else. to many other good options for less money.
4. cornwell. very nice satin finish. very long, v heads (bought from hiball, thanks!) if the new full polish xl's are this nice i recomend. to long for many jobs. the regulat long handle may be a better choice.
5. mac knucklesaver. a nice beefy well finished wrench. they look great but for some reason just don't feel right. if they fit your hand you may like them. the shortest of the bunch and not much longer than a raised panel sk or cman.
this list is based on personnal preferance first and value or cost second. i did not base them on warranty or availability as some versions i have are no longer available. if i needed an excellant sae wrench available right now i would go with.
1.wright grip satin. nice finish and good price
2. cman full polish. a lot of wrench for little money. you can't go wrong even at full price. unbeatable on sale.
3.sk full polish long wrench. a nice wrench and the superchrome is just pretty. probably not as cheap as the others but not truck price either.
4. take your pick. if you can afford truck brands or some other brands go for it. probably lots i am missing but just remember, he wanted opinions and i gave them. any of the better brands should serve you well.
flashpuppy
Banned
So what? Heavy equipment mechanics pays more than other types of mechanics. They pay more because you need a lot more tools. Use the right tool for the job and you won't have a problem.
My wrenches at work are all Snap-On. I have clear up to 2" in industrial finished SAE and 50mm in metric. They are nice, but I prefer others now. I wish I was in a position to sell them.
Do yourself a favor and order a single Wright wrench. You will be amazed, as I was at the quality.
nato
Well-known member
Mine are 95% S/O FD+ and Mac K/S and the other few are older style Matco, a couple new Cornwell & SK...
I've wanted to try out some Matco Opti's, but my wrenches are pretty much complete and they seem to be a little more expensive than the Snappy's (I priced out a longer profile Opti-torque 5/8" and it was $50; I don't remember paying that for even some of my larger Snap On's)). I have the older Matco "v-throat" design and they're alright, but I much prefer FD+'s and Knuckle Saver's. Even though the designs are just a tad different, they both feel good when you're using them. I'ts weird because both the rounded, oblong shape of the Snap On's vs. the boxy, square feel of the Mac's balances out and they both are very ergonomic, Mine are also mixed between standard and longer lengths. When you need the longer ones, you can't beat them!
I like Cornwell's tools, BUT, I'm not that happy w/ their wrenches. I bought a new 19mm a year ago to upgrade and i an honestly say, I prefer my Mac & Snappy's to it. It was damn near $50 as well and supposedly, Cornwell v-throat design has the "closest & tightest" size tolerance out there.
FD+ & K/S also are king when them damn fasteners are rounded/stripped prior to you doing your repairs
I pieced all my wrenches together individually, so, I would just be as positive as you can be about getting what you want b/c that's a huge initial investment to purchase a full set of new combo's.
I've wanted to try out some Matco Opti's, but my wrenches are pretty much complete and they seem to be a little more expensive than the Snappy's (I priced out a longer profile Opti-torque 5/8" and it was $50; I don't remember paying that for even some of my larger Snap On's)). I have the older Matco "v-throat" design and they're alright, but I much prefer FD+'s and Knuckle Saver's. Even though the designs are just a tad different, they both feel good when you're using them. I'ts weird because both the rounded, oblong shape of the Snap On's vs. the boxy, square feel of the Mac's balances out and they both are very ergonomic, Mine are also mixed between standard and longer lengths. When you need the longer ones, you can't beat them!
I like Cornwell's tools, BUT, I'm not that happy w/ their wrenches. I bought a new 19mm a year ago to upgrade and i an honestly say, I prefer my Mac & Snappy's to it. It was damn near $50 as well and supposedly, Cornwell v-throat design has the "closest & tightest" size tolerance out there.
FD+ & K/S also are king when them damn fasteners are rounded/stripped prior to you doing your repairs
I pieced all my wrenches together individually, so, I would just be as positive as you can be about getting what you want b/c that's a huge initial investment to purchase a full set of new combo's.
This is a refreshingly mature conversation. As such, I'll weight in.
In my experience, all brands that have been mentioned have excellent durability, fit and finish. Eventually some one will post that they had an "X" brand and it fell apart in their hand. But that's the nature of the internets.
I own a set of SO combos and the beam design isn't for me. The Mac's with the V open end aren't particularly comfortable for me but they get extra points for being the best looking wrench ever made by man. But I digress.
I like a thick/ narrow beam. As such my absolute favorite combo is the full polish Williams Supercombo. The full polish Wrights are just about a nice for me. That's my $0.02. Buy one of each and pick YOUR wrench.
In my experience, all brands that have been mentioned have excellent durability, fit and finish. Eventually some one will post that they had an "X" brand and it fell apart in their hand. But that's the nature of the internets.
I own a set of SO combos and the beam design isn't for me. The Mac's with the V open end aren't particularly comfortable for me but they get extra points for being the best looking wrench ever made by man. But I digress.
I like a thick/ narrow beam. As such my absolute favorite combo is the full polish Williams Supercombo. The full polish Wrights are just about a nice for me. That's my $0.02. Buy one of each and pick YOUR wrench.
nato
Well-known member
I agree to this. This is how I made up my mind. Sure, it may be a little more costly in the long run vs. buying a full set cheaper up front, but this way, you know what you like and don't like.cruiser808
Well-known member
i have sae combos in those four brands. older bonney made matco wcl, newer so oex, mac knucklesavers and the extra long cornwell. i also have cman full polish wich are the same as sk. i rate them as follows
1. bonney made matco. love the feel and the look. nice chrome, v heads. i would get another set if i could find them.
2-3. sk made cman full polish. nice feel, nice length. great for the price. a great wrench no longer sk made though. i recomend.
2-3. snap-on. nice length. nice finish. not real comfortable in a hard pull i bought them used at less than 1/2 price, like new. a great wrench if you can find a good used set. if you have to buy new, save your money and buy something else. to many other good options for less money.
4. cornwell. very nice satin finish. very long, v heads (bought from hiball, thanks!) if the new full polish xl's are this nice i recomend. to long for many jobs. the regulat long handle may be a better choice.
5. mac knucklesaver. a nice beefy well finished wrench. they look great but for some reason just don't feel right. if they fit your hand you may like them. the shortest of the bunch and not much longer than a raised panel sk or cman.
this list is based on personnal preferance first and value or cost second. i did not base them on warranty or availability as some versions i have are no longer available. if i needed an excellant sae wrench available right now i would go with.
1.wright grip satin. nice finish and good price
2. cman full polish. a lot of wrench for little money. you can't go wrong even at full price. unbeatable on sale.
3.sk full polish long wrench. a nice wrench and the superchrome is just pretty. probably not as cheap as the others but not truck price either.
4. take your pick. if you can afford truck brands or some other brands go for it. probably lots i am missing but just remember, he wanted opinions and i gave them. any of the better brands should serve you well.
Well said Harlan. I too, have the Cman/SK made wrenches in SAE and metric. After my Proto 500's, they are my favorite set.
Well said Harlan. I too, have the Cman/SK made wrenches in SAE and metric. After my Proto 500's, they are my favorite set.
i would love to find some 500's cruiser. i have never had my hands on one. on another note, i find a variety of wrenches useful. if need be one can do the job with a raised panel cman 98% of the time but what fun is that? almost every wrench has a little differant set up. often times the wrench that is a little longer-shorter, has the box end bend in a little differant position-angle-depth, has a little thicker-thinner open end or any other subtle differance make them better suited for a particular job. i often will step back and grab a different wrench mid job to make it easier, more comfortable or faster. sometimes i just like to use a differant one for no reason.
Nik_95Cobra
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2008
- Messages
- 241
Here's some 19's from a few of my sets. Left to right are the Mac Knuckle Savers, Snap-on Flank Drive Plus Ratcheting Wrench, S-K Superkrome, Armstrong Cross-Beam, Craftsman Professional, Blue-point, and Williams Super-Combo. Of these I probably like the Mac's the best for their length and feel but all of them feel pretty good and I don't have any complaints about any of them. The Williams ones make nice beater wrenches because of their finish, and they're all longer than say a Craftsman raised panel.
bigsteve1969
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2008
- Messages
- 222
love me some knuckle savers
plinker
Well-known member
I like Matco's MCL series, S-K super kromes and Williams Supercombo. I also have mixed amounts/sizes of other brands that I use often.
About the only wrench I have that I don't like too well is a 5/8 Mac combo.
The box end on the Mac is offset on the other side of the wrench, bugs me a little bit when using it.
About the only wrench I have that I don't like too well is a 5/8 Mac combo.
The box end on the Mac is offset on the other side of the wrench, bugs me a little bit when using it.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have wrenches from all of those brands. Any one of them will serve you well. The differences between the mentioned brands will be a matter of personal preference as to length, beam shape, thickness, balance, feel, etc. One thing though about the Cornwell wrenches, they're only marked with sizes on one side. Minor issue but, I like to be able to pick a wrench up and glance at either end or either side and be able to read the size.
I prefer Danaher made wrenches. I just like their feel better.
I prefer Danaher made wrenches. I just like their feel better.
Left to right are the Mac Knuckle Savers, Snap-on Flank Drive Plus Ratcheting Wrench, S-K Superkrome, Armstrong Cross-Beam, Craftsman Professional, Blue-point, and Williams Super-Combo.
In these (great) pics you'll see that the Williams Supercombo is way thicker than the Snap on and a little thicker than the Mac KS. You can also sort of see the radius on the edges of the beam (I like a large radius).
For reference, here are some pics of a Wright combo. They're unique in that they have a very small, bobbed open end that's thick for strength. I haven't had them very long but so far I think they're great.
EDIT: Also note the facetted open end on the supercombo that give a thick beam AND a thin end vs the Wright's thick beam and end. I'm not sure what I like better...
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Merkava_4
Banned
All 4 truck brands make sweet wrenches, but the next set I'm getting are gonna be extra long Cornwell metrics.
crewchief888
Well-known member
i have MAC. matco, SO, SK, CM, CM pro, john deere, and some china specials
they all serve their purpose, even the chinese ones. they've all been beat on with hammers, has cheater pipes on them, & double wrenched.
most of my work tools are snapon, mainly because during the years that i was buying tools, SO had the most reliable dealers.
when/ if i loose a wrench ive been replacing it whith whatever i can find, mainly CM pro. for the past 10 years tool trucks are hit and miss around our shop, and i'm not gonna wait to replace or warranty tools that i use on a daily basis.
they all serve their purpose, even the chinese ones. they've all been beat on with hammers, has cheater pipes on them, & double wrenched.
most of my work tools are snapon, mainly because during the years that i was buying tools, SO had the most reliable dealers.
when/ if i loose a wrench ive been replacing it whith whatever i can find, mainly CM pro. for the past 10 years tool trucks are hit and miss around our shop, and i'm not gonna wait to replace or warranty tools that i use on a daily basis.
Adam McLaughlin
Well-known member
BIG fan of Long and Extra Long Knuckle Saver 2s over here. Right behind those, I would want to own a set of Matco Extra Long Spline Boxed End Wrenches; the kind that are boxed on one side and ratcheting on the other side.
Uh Huh. Length = Greatness.
Adam
Uh Huh. Length = Greatness.
Adam
Yes, that is maddening and I'm not sure why they don't mark both sides. It can't cost that much...
Merkava_4
Banned
One advantage I find with to the SO combos (with their wider beam profile) is that they're easier to flip over in my hands than some of the other brands. Just a thought...
Vinko
Well-known member
I found this compliant to be valid when using my Cornwell's. Two different models of combo wrenches. Prefer the SO beams which have more of a radius and are a little larger I think. But maybe it depends on model series of wrench and application as well.
Art From De Leon
Well-known member
With the exception of a few Matco, or Craftsman wrenches that I took to work, I have never used anything but Snap on, and I have never understood the comments about hurting your hand by pulling on them. I pull from the extreme ends, and not on the beam itself, and never thought about the 'comfort' level. If anything, the styling of the Snap on wrenches just make them look better.
All of my wrenches except for some 50's era Craftsman I inherited from A&P dad, are MAC that I purchased in the mid seventies as a neophyte Ford mech. The local MAC dealer was a great guy and the Snap On guy was not. I do have Snap On boxes that I bought used from a guy getting out of the biz. I am new to the forum and have not worked as mech in 20 years and get the impression that MAC quality has slipped. My stuff is already in the will to go to my gearhead nephew. Until then I am tremendously over gunned for the upkeep of motorcycle and other vehicles. Cannot bear to part with them as I rarely meet a tool I don't lust after.
At school all we use is snap on and i really dont like the feel of them in my hands but at home i use sk and i love the feel of there rachets but not there wrenchs. So im looking for some wrenchs and i dont wont to spend big money but i want a good set so what would be the best brand for that.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Welcome to the board!!!
Depending on what sizes you're looking for refer to post #22 for some ideas. The Craftsman Professional series wrench is a great value when on sale.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
At work we are only required to have up to 1" and the company supplies sizes above that. We have some of each of the above and all are great wrenches. Obviously I like the feel and finish of the Snap-On but the others are just a good.
At my home shop I started working on heavy duty equipment as well as motorcoaches and some farm equipment a few years back and couldn't afford a full set of Snap-On up to 2" so I started looking for a used set. I actually found a full set of NAPA wrenches that were barely used and they have been very good wrenches as well and a lot less expensive. I have used them for about 4-5 years now and never had a problem with any of them. As a matter of fact I just sold my mix-matched set of large impact sockets about a year ago and bought a full set of 3/4" drive NAPA impact sockets and have been very pleased with them. They are very well made. The NAPA countermen told me they were also made by Danaher Corp. as well as the wrenches. I cannot find if that is correct or not, does anyone know for sure? Mike.
At my home shop I started working on heavy duty equipment as well as motorcoaches and some farm equipment a few years back and couldn't afford a full set of Snap-On up to 2" so I started looking for a used set. I actually found a full set of NAPA wrenches that were barely used and they have been very good wrenches as well and a lot less expensive. I have used them for about 4-5 years now and never had a problem with any of them. As a matter of fact I just sold my mix-matched set of large impact sockets about a year ago and bought a full set of 3/4" drive NAPA impact sockets and have been very pleased with them. They are very well made. The NAPA countermen told me they were also made by Danaher Corp. as well as the wrenches. I cannot find if that is correct or not, does anyone know for sure? Mike.
hi, i'm new on here and wanted to ask a question. i am a small engine mechanic and have used craftsman for years. i use t handle torx ALOT and have found the craftsman to be weak and easily stripped so i bought a mac set and so far they are VERY reliable. now i'm considering replacing all my tools with better brands. the problem is i live in mississippi and there are no snap on or mac tool trucks around so i'd have to order online. is it really worth it? i can go to sears and get replacements while you guys have trucks that come by. advice?????????? thanks guys
Art From De Leon
Well-known member
Order thru one of the Snap on, or Matco dealers that are on here. I just noticed that there is a Cornwell dealer on here also.
Daveblank, chadster, mrshawn, or mepilotunot.
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unless those dealers will give you a very good discount, go through ebay/craigslist. You can get a lot of tools heavily discounted. All truck brand MSRPs are rip-offs in my opinion, especially for someone like you who wont be doing industrial grade work thus you most likely will never even break something like a, ratchet, socket, or combo wrench.
Personally, i'd stick with Craftsman hand tools. You have a store you can run to for a replacement vs mailing something in and generally the quality of their tools vs the price you pay [especially on sale] are excellent.
When it comes to Torx/Hex truck brands are noticably superior. But would you be able to tell the difference between a Craftsman socket and a truck brand one? No. At most maybe spoil yourself with a nice 80+ tooth ratchet
. More power to you if you want to switch everything over to mail order truck brand tools, like i said i'd just avoid paying the ridiculous prices they ask.
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I did order a Snap On dual 80 ratchet today. I've not been really happy with Craftsman ratchets so far but I'm not paying for Snap On or any other "big name" sockets or wrenches. Nothing personal but I also believe those tools are overpriced. I was looking at some spark plug sockets today on the Snap On site and they were $50. That's is STUPID. Even for you guys who do heavy duty work. You guys are the reason there is a Snap On or MAC or any other company and it's costing you a FORTUNE. I'm not knocking those brands and as I said I did order a Snap On ratchet and I DO use MAC t handle torx but there is a limit. One more thing I've noticed about the MAC stuff..........I looked at their torx and the ones on MATCO's site and they are EXACTLY the same.........so mine aren't even made by MAC LOL. I'm a musician and see the same thing with musicial gear.............the NAME sells the product. So anyway............thanks for your input guys and I hope you all have a safe and happy Easter. J
speed bump
Well-known member
I'll throw out Proto ASD wrenches as well.
Art From De Leon
Well-known member
"When it comes to Torx/Hex truck brands are noticably superior. But would you be able to tell the difference between a Craftsman socket and a truck brand one? No. At most maybe spoil yourself with a nice 80+ tooth ratchet . More power to you if you want to switch everything over to mail order truck brand tools, like i said i'd just avoid paying the ridiculous prices they ask."
Outer diameter, better material, depth of broaching, are a couple of the main features that distinguishes homeowner grade from professional quality. Look at Craftsman or HF sockets, the wall thickness is easily double that of the same size Snap on or Matco socket. You get what you pay for.
Outer diameter, better material, depth of broaching, are a couple of the main features that distinguishes homeowner grade from professional quality. Look at Craftsman or HF sockets, the wall thickness is easily double that of the same size Snap on or Matco socket. You get what you pay for.