Mid priced Wrench set

[CNGsaves]

If anyone needs large C-Man pro full polish, I ran across this Ebay ad that has:
. . . . 19 mm thru 24 mm (missing 20 mm) - -
. . . . thus 5 pieces for $ 87.99 with FREE shipping

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-P...olish-Large-Metric-MM-USA-5-pcs-/171188307219

 

[whitedogone]

Valid point, scratch what I said about CM Pro. The warranty is essentially useless since anything you find USA will more than likely be replaced with a chinese made variant with the same part#.

For some reason, I'm not too worried about CM warrenty. If one ever fails, it seems with the quanity of them on ebay. I could pick up singles pretty easy down the road. I've been known to be wrong....just ask the wife.

 

[panknuckshovel]

Never know you might find "needle in haystack" and uncover some NOS C-Man Pro full polish that are USA made !!!

These got snatched up pretty quick earlier this year when they hit the Sears Outlet locations.

Let us know how it turns out.

They had the three sets waiting. 2 were an immediate chinese refund but this did find its way to a happy new home.

 

[defektes]

Sk wrenches are fantastic, made in the usa, and ideal has greatly modernized the manufacturing of them, probably some of the best quality wrenches money can buy now.

I also second the SK sets, affordable, USA made, and excellent wrenches.

 

[CNGsaves]

They had the three sets waiting. 2 were an immediate chinese refund but this did find its way to a happy new home.

Merry Christmas to you !! Damn, you're so lucky to have a Sears Outlet nearby.

And oh so clearly . . . . . YOU **** !!!!

Snagging a C-man pro full-polish set that are all USA is just incredible. What ya pay??

 

[defektes]

Congrats on those US CM !

 

[SASORacing]

I would personally skip the basic combo wrenches. Go straight to the ratcheting reversible wrenches. They are basically the same but with a ratcheting end. I dont even touch my basic wrenches anymore, there is ZERO point. I have never broke the ratcheting mechanisim either.

If I were in the market right now I would get a 90 tooth Matco set. I would save money and go straight to what you will want eventually, a ratcheting thing on the end. It makes life sooooo much easier. Its one of my favorite tools to use. gets in the tightest spots.

Try this tool once and you will be hooked.

 

[panknuckshovel]

Merry Christmas to you !! Damn, you're so lucky to have a Sears Outlet nearby.

And oh so clearly . . . . . YOU **** !!!!

Snagging a C-man pro full-polish set that are all USA is just incredible. What ya pay??

Well I went for a price match of the $19.93 that the site showed, and the kid who couldn't care less was ok with it, but then the mgr said no because that is a refurbished price. Lowest new price mgr could find and would allow was $49.93, which is half of what they used to be. I thought about getting greedy and using this coupon I found at the p/u kiosk, but didn't want to push my luck.

This set will get put away as more of like a self warranty type of thing. Even though I do not use them anywhere near as much as most of the guys on this board I know my luck. The moment that these are completely and totally unavailable, the set in my drawer will spontaneously shatter.

As far as an outlet nearby, check your location on the Sears Outlet site. Quite a few of the mall stores are listed as outlet stores.

 

[T45]

OP keep diggin around you will find good stuff for $100/per. I would also consider the advice to get what you ultimately want. You will definitely notice snap on or other good ratcheting wrenches eg.

Here is a 5 pc Hazet for $95 in ratcheting, 8-19mm in key metric DIN sizes.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HAZET-606-5-Ratcheting-combination-wrench-set-8-19-mm-5-pieces-/231198465224

$200 is a big ticket purchase, and worth thinking about what is an investment vs what is an expense. And what will compliment your existing kit whilst also becoming a base to build out on.

Just some more fuel for the fire

 

[whitedogone]

I would personally skip the basic combo wrenches. Go straight to the ratcheting reversible wrenches. They are basically the same but with a ratcheting end. I dont even touch my basic wrenches anymore, there is ZERO point. I have never broke the ratcheting mechanisim either.

If I were in the market right now I would get a 90 tooth Matco set. I would save money and go straight to what you will want eventually, a ratcheting thing on the end. It makes life sooooo much easier. Its one of my favorite tools to use. gets in the tightest spots.

Try this tool once and you will be hooked.

I do have sets of Gearwrenchs already. I use them quite a bit. Although the ones I have are the non-reversing kind. Having no angle on the closed end kinda *****.

 

[belvedere]

Good job. I have that same set, that I bought in about '97 or so, and they've served me well.

 

[neonlazer]

The Matco in this picture is a rebranded Armstrong. If you might find that cheaper.

http://www.expeditionexchange.com/bucketboss/DSC00897.jpg
http://www.armstrongtools.com/armst...rsible-ratcheting-combination-wrench-set.html

 

[SASORacing]

I do have sets of Gearwrenchs already. I use them quite a bit. Although the ones I have are the non-reversing kind. Having no angle on the closed end kinda *****.

I see, however gearwrench is pretty bad, they are bulky to what is considered high quality. Also the teeth are clunky. I think gearwrench is one of the worst I have ever used. Cheap. Also, having straight wrench's with NO OFFSET is a huge dissadvantage.
I would invest in a ratcheting reversible!

 

[alan camby]

I see, however gearwrench is pretty bad, they are bulky to what is considered high quality. Also the teeth are clunky. I think gearwrench is one of the worst I have ever used. Cheap. Also, having straight wrench's with NO OFFSET is a huge dissadvantage.
I would invest in a ratcheting reversible!

I would want a set of quality combination wrenches first. The ratcheting style will not fit everywhere do to increased head size.

I use my combination wrenches to hold the other end of a bolt/nut setup with a impact. I would not use a impact with a ratchet wrench.

 

[hangfirew8]

Those SK's look short. Am I missing something?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002NYCT0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Yes, you're missing SK's Long Pattern wrench set. I have the standard length SK set in 12 point and the Long Pattern in 6 point. I figure if I need the torque I'll need the 6 Point grip.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYCM2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007U0HBU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[hangfirew8]

I would want a set of quality combination wrenches first. The ratcheting style will not fit everywhere do to increased head size.

I use my combination wrenches to hold the other end of a bolt/nut setup with a impact. I would not use a impact with a ratchet wrench.

You got it. Also you can bust off a frozen nut with a box end that would jam or tear out a ratchet wrench. Ratchet wrenches are an awesome addition to a toolbox... that already has the basics. To me, those basics are 12 point combination, 6 point long pattern combination, and 12 point deep offset double box end wrenches. Sadly good deep offsets are hard to find nowadays.

 

[T45]

Ratchet wrenches are an awesome addition to a toolbox... that already has the basics. To me, those basics are 12 point combination, 6 point long pattern combination, and 12 point deep offset double box end wrenches.

Agree, but the OP alreasy has regular combos...

"Currently, I have CM us rp sets that have served me well over the years. I'd really like to have a SAE and a Metric set that is polished. Also, maybe something a little longer than the RP's. Just a weekend wrench, so I don't need top of the line-high dollar set. Any thoughts? "

So, adding a nice set of ratcheting wrenches might not be a bad thing here, he can get nice set of wrenches to complement his combos.

But if the OP already has gearwrenches, the issue is a bit more subtle. The its more about which of the two should be upgraded first?

 

[FMC1959]

I think that 15 pc sets would fill my needs. My DO wants:

Decent Taiwan or better
Real lifetime warrenty
no satin....full polish
comfy in hand
decent length
I'd like to be at $100 for both sets, but I do realize that is probably not going to happen. Over $200 is getting a little hard to sell to the better half.

OP, let's recap here. You you currently have CM RP and you also have a set of Gearwrench, so you are not lacking wrenches to get the job done.

You want 2 x 15 PC sets (Metric & SAE) for max of $100/set & meet your above criteria. Seems like you want the Unicorn that can't be found and the stroke of luck you find it, you want it for next to nothing.

Don't bother upgrading one small notch at a time, you already have some wrenches. Set your sights & budget on 1 set of wrenches that will be the last set you will need. And when your budget permits down the road, get the other set. You have been given many good choices, btw, shop around a bit. Amazon is usually good, but not always. Toolbarn has the Wright 915 you saw at Amazon for $300 for $209
http://www.toolbarn.com/wright-915.html

I recall seeing them even in the $180 to $190 range at some point. A set like this and a set of metric down the road, you would be set with top quality for life.

Getting 30 pieces with all of your criteria, for $200 and being better than what you have is not realistic (IMO)

 

[T45]

^^^ Good post, that makes alot of valid points.

 

[panknuckshovel]

Managed to hustle up 2 more sets while out and about today taking care of last minute christmas. Sorry pic is sideways, can't figure that **** out for the life of me.

 

[whitedogone]

Managed to hustle up 2 more sets while out and about today taking care of last minute christmas. Sorry pic is sideways, can't figure that **** out for the life of me.

Can't find any pro stuff at all close to here.

 

[panknuckshovel]

Can't find any pro stuff at all close to here.

I just noticed that one of the sets was packaged wrong. Should I re-sell the set and charge more as a factory fork up?

 

[expfcwintergreen]

This Gearwrench 44 piece SAE and metric set seems like an excellent deal:
------------------------

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QV3BAW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

-----------------------------
The open end has Surface Drive Plus.
The sizes range from 1/4-1 1/2 inches and 6-32mm with a couple of skips in the less common sizes over 1 inch/26mm.

 

[neurotic]

I just noticed that one of the sets was packaged wrong. Should I re-sell the set and charge more as a factory fork up?

Where do you find this stuff? And how much did you pay?

 

[CNGsaves]

I just noticed that one of the sets was packaged wrong. Should I re-sell the set and charge more as a factory fork up?

How about a Pay It Forward . . since I sent you right into that bargain nest ??

If you got all those for $19.93 . . . then . . . your suckage is incredible !!

Share the love . . send me one of your extras !! Awaiting PM !

 

[whitedogone]

This Gearwrench 44 piece SAE and metric set seems like an excellent deal:
------------------------

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QV3BAW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

-----------------------------
The open end has Surface Drive Plus.
The sizes range from 1/4-1 1/2 inches and 6-32mm with a couple of skips in the less common sizes over 1 inch/26mm.

Hits my max price point for sure. Nice to have larger sizes as well.

 

[rocco]

Wright.

Came here to post Wright as well, couldn't be happier with mine.

 

[TXdigger]

C-man pro full-polish set is hard to beat for price. Mine have been great

 

[jim1987]

Hits my max price point for sure. Nice to have larger sizes as well.

Careful, those might be Chinese. If so, QC is all over the place on those. Bent wrenches, ends no casted right, etc.

Those dewalt wrenches I told you about are $60/set. Perfect for home mechanics. Basically all the wrenches you need, and none you won't.

Edit: I have gearwrench combination wrenches and flex head ratchet wrenches. The combinations are taiwan, and are very nice for the money i paid. I believe I have 1/4-1 1/4 and 6-24?. Its the Chinese ones that are worthless.

As I said though, the dewalts are Taiwan, and the boschits are Chinese, although they look the same.

 

[TXdigger]

Agree with Jim1987.

 

[pozidriv]

I like this proxxon set quite a bit (around €30):

 

[alan camby]

Careful, those might be Chinese. If so, QC is all over the place on those. Bent wrenches, ends no casted right, etc.

Those dewalt wrenches I told you about are $60/set. Perfect for home mechanics. Basically all the wrenches you need, and none you won't.

Edit: I have gearwrench combination wrenches and flex head ratchet wrenches. The combinations are taiwan, and are very nice for the money i paid. I believe I have 1/4-1 1/4 and 6-24?. Its the Chinese ones that are worthless.

As I said though, the dewalts are Taiwan, and the boschits are Chinese, although they look the same.

Unless they are NOS, I would doubt that set would be Taiwanese. One of the comments on Amazon indicated the set they received was Chinese.
Has anyone seen new stock of Taiwan made Gearwrench wrenches?

 

[whitedogone]

A 10 PC set with no open stock is not a good option.

 

[jim1987]

Unless they are NOS, I would doubt that set would be Taiwanese. One of the comments on Amazon indicated the set they received was Chinese.
Has anyone seen new stock of Taiwan made Gearwrench wrenches?

To the OP

Thanks to this post, stay away from the gw set linked.

 

[whitedogone]

To the OP

Thanks to this post, stay away from the gw set linked.

Thanks, are there nos taiwanese sets out there?

 

[RedneckWelder]

Has anyone seen new stock of Taiwan made Gearwrench wrenches?

Yes, the Gearwrench Gearbox zero degree box wrenches that I purchased a few weeks ago were made in Taiwan. These style (but I brought mine from a different retailer)

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

 

[jim1987]

Thanks, are there nos taiwanese sets out there?

Probably. Maybe get a hold of cripe if that's what your after. If you did decide this set, call before you order to confirm. What's wrong with the dewalt set?

 

[whitedogone]

Probably. Maybe get a hold of cripe if that's what your after. If you did decide this set, call before you order to confirm. What's wrong with the dewalt set?

Only 10 pc. 3/4" max. No open stock for adding larger sizes.

 

[expfcwintergreen]

The 44 piece GearWrench set only had 4 reviews on Amazon; 2 were 5*, 1 was 4* and one 2 star. One of the reviewers who gave it 5* was an automotive tech who said he used them for alignment and suspension work daily.

I can't vouch for this set because I don't have them, but I have been very pleased with the double box end set of GW ratcheting wrenches I have ( made in Taiwan).

One thing I have found out from reading internet reviews is they are never all positive; you can get to the point where you don't buy anything because for every 5* review there is a 1 star review.

 

[T45]

Yes, the Gearwrench Gearbox zero degree box wrenches that I purchased a few weeks ago were made in Taiwan. These style (but I brought mine from a different retailer)

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

OP if you're not going to step up to something higher in quality than GW (especially china GW), why not consider something like the ones redneck posted up? Those are long and polished and ratcheting and very functional....they might complement your existing RPs... and are a nice upgrade at the same time.