Midget/Ignition wrenches

[dkop1]

I'm finding more and more at work I'm relying on these poorly made Armstrong (that look oddly like recent model craftsman) Midget wrenches we're issued, that are just poorly built, slippery, misshappen without ever being used... etc. They appear to have not even been ground to a half-decent finish before chrome plating. Possibly straight off the laser cutter, bent at one end, and plated.....

They're just not cutting it for me. Can anyone recommend a good set? I'll be buying both metric and SAE. Being combo style is nice but if both ends are open, I won't turn them away. I'm willing to spend decent bucks for making my life that much less frustrating.

 

[RPH]

I have both craftsmen sets but they were purchased years ago. Both have been good for what you use them for and the finish is good.

 

[dkop1]

I guess for clarity I should mention... I'm an industrial automation technician. I work on machines, mostly driven by servos and pneumatics. Nothing terribly high-torque. And quite frankly if I could find/make tiny wrenches that were about the same length as typical combo wrenches, it would also make my life that much easier. But anyone can dream...haha.

I do wish today's Craftsman was half as well made as my father's old stuff... The current Craftsman midget wrenches still say USA made (At least the set I bought a year ago) but it is still just laser cut sheet metal, ground by someone who didn't give half a flying ****, and then chrome plated. You can still see the tab leftover that's used to keep the wrench blank from falling through the table on the laser. And it's either garbage steel or the laser is punching way too little power, because the edges have a bacon/pitted/slag texture under the plating. In high school I worked at a fabricator, and I even ground that little tab off of shim plates and stupid parts that nobody would ever see. Y'know... because craftsmanship is a habit.

 

[Tallpilot]

Most people couldn't justify the cost for these because of how rarely they get used. It sounds like they are what you need.

https://store.snapon.com/Midget-mm-...on-Wrench-Set-nbsp-4-ndash-9-mm--P633320.aspx

 

[RPH]

Ya, I saw a proto set like that for $101.00. A little stiff for the purpose and it was only sae.
I too work on industrial Cnc machines except I work for the manufacture of the equipment in the field. I use metric more than the sae but I do stumble into them for the older machines. SK makes a nice 1/4” socket set that goes down quite small but you asked for wrenches.

 

[Tallpilot]

The short handles go down to 6mm. They are longer than the midget wrenches. What sizes do you use the most?

https://store.snapon.com/Short-Hand...k-Drive-Short-Combination-Wrench-P630587.aspx

 

[Negen]

Does that snap on kit come with 5.5mm ? I use 5,5.5,7 mm daily and 1/4 , 11/32 a bit too.

Sent from the mobile client - Forum Talker

 

[RPH]

Found this in the classified area here.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=405251

 

[dkop1]

The short handles go down to 6mm. They are longer than the midget wrenches. What sizes do you use the most?

https://store.snapon.com/Short-Hand...k-Drive-Short-Combination-Wrench-P630587.aspx

5,5.5,7,8 mm, 11/32 and 3/16 are my most commonly used. Everything up to 10mm and 7/16 do get used in the thinner format.
I'm bidding on a used proto set right now that would appear to be made much like the old time Craftsman, forged and finished properly. That would cover my SAE needs. So then I just need to hunt down metric.

 

[dkop1]

Found this in the classified area here.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=405251

I appreciate the suggestions, but those particular Craftsman's look a lot like the ones I'm using now and hate.... Haha.
Nice prices on that thread though for anyone looking.
And I do get to using 1/4 sockets a fair bit, but I'm covered on those. I do need small wrenches for low clearance applications.

 

[Gmonkee]

Snapper for all or old CM for SAE are good bets.

Maybe Proto also but I have not seen the latest offerings. They may not be the same as earlier stuff now. I had a few odd ones and they were nice.

 

[sweet victory]

If the clearances allow for it, you should seriously consider Knipex Pliers Wrenches.

 

[azchrisf]

The Performance Tool (PT) ones sold in Autozone are surprisingly decent. Might want to take a look there. If not, Snapon ones are excellent. I took a few of the PT ones (5.5 and a 11/32) that the SO set did not have and put them on a binder ring for a ignition wrench "key ring".

 

[bobcatdan]

I have mac ignition wrenches in the 4 way open head styles. I don't know if they are available outside of the ignition tune up kit I have.

 

[Tallpilot]

Does that snap on kit come with 5.5mm ? I use 5,5.5,7 mm daily and 1/4 , 11/32 a bit too.

Sent from the mobile client - Forum Talker

4-9mm with 5.5

 

[Tallpilot]

https://store.snapon.com/Midget-inc...-Wrench-Set-nbsp-3-16-ndash-3-8--P633301.aspx

 

[highland512]

I bought a set of MAC from the 80's at a pawn shop. They are some of the best I have ever used. I also have that same craftsman set, I just dont think they are made for the kind of use you are applying them to.

 

[bczygan]

You can sometimes find those old USA sets at flea markets.

I got both my full sets (Metric and SAE in the original pouches) from a guy who sells just USA Craftsman that way. And not that expensive either.

Bill

 

[nelstomlinson]

Not sure these are any better than the ones you despise:

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...iece-metric-midget-combination-wrench-set-usa

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...e-midget-combination-wrench-set-5-32-7-16-usa

 

[zktk01]

VIM Tools might be the answer The old USA ones are still out there if you need COO to be USA, but their stuff is good no matter what country it is made in.

https://cloud1.shopsite.com/donofish/page20.html

 

[bczygan]

Lots of them on Ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313.TR5.TRC2.A0.H0.Xcraftsman+ignition+wrench+set.TRS0&_nkw=craftsman+ignition+wrench+set&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=craftsman+ignition+wrenches

Bill

 

[pugglewuggle]

I bought a Craftsman set from the 1960s/70s on eBay recently and they’re the good quality old stuff.

 

[DonglordActual]

There are actually quite a few higher-end options in a variety of configurations for smaller wrenches. Since you prefer a combo you could look at these short combination wrenches. The term "ignition wrench" will mostly lead you to double open-end wrenches. If you want a really long and slim wrench you are looking for "tappet wrenches".

- Elora 202s
- Facom 39s
- Snap-on OXI/Ms
- Stahlwille 16s

Elora (12-pt only):
https://www.bloomertool.com/ExtraShortCombinationWrenches.html

Facom (made in Italy sets)
https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=4273
https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_61_70_343_987&products_id=3995

Snap-on (both 12-pt and 6-pt options)
https://store.snapon.com/Midget-inches-C674998.aspx
https://store.snapon.com/Midget-mm-C674999.aspx

Stahlwille
https://www.kctoolco.com/stahlwille-16-5-combination-spanner-set-3-2-5-mm-in-textile-bag/

All of the companies have a more varied and complete selection for double open-ended wrenches, though.

 

[dkop1]

There are actually quite a few higher-end options in a variety of configurations for smaller wrenches. Since you prefer a combo you could look at these short combination wrenches. The term "ignition wrench" will mostly lead you to double open-end wrenches. If you want a really long and slim wrench you are looking for "tappet wrenches".

- Elora 202s
- Facom 39s
- Snap-on OXI/Ms
- Stahlwille 16s

Elora (12-pt only):
https://www.bloomertool.com/ExtraShortCombinationWrenches.html

Facom (made in Italy sets)
https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=4273
https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_61_70_343_987&products_id=3995

Snap-on (both 12-pt and 6-pt options)
https://store.snapon.com/Midget-inches-C674998.aspx
https://store.snapon.com/Midget-mm-C674999.aspx

Stahlwille
https://www.kctoolco.com/stahlwille-16-5-combination-spanner-set-3-2-5-mm-in-textile-bag/

All of the companies have a more varied and complete selection for double open-ended wrenches, though.

The pricing on those Eloras is really attractive, as is the ability to buy single wrenches for my most commonly used ones. They look like they're made reasonably well.
I'm not particularly a snob for COO, though I'll buy American made when I can. Clearly though, US made doesn't always translate to quality.... such as the Armstrong ones I've been using. I'm hoping to win that old proto set for SAE and then just hunt down some metric Snap on or similar. If I must buy new, I'll likely pursue the Elora brand

 

[DonglordActual]

If you're going used look for old Wright stuff too.

 

[dkop1]

If you're going used look for old Wright stuff too.

I'm not at all opposed to use, I buy lots of tools that way. I won a set of old Proto SAE ones on eBay, so I'm covered in that side now. Just waiting to find some metric set at a price that suits me, and if that doesn't pan out I'll examine my options for new purchase

 

[JBradley500]

I’m going to try NOS Kobalt USA ones. They might turn out to be the same as Craftsman, but they’re only $10 a set from cripe.

 

[Gmonkee]

I have a kilo of mixed old small stuff and heavy on the Oxwall junk as a collection.

Some ancient stuff is great quality, polar opposite of Oxwall.

The Proto in particular are very good but no sets were ever found. Just odd singles in sizes I never need.

All brand name were resold easily. I cannot guess why most needed them.

 

[dkop1]

I'll leave his name out for now, unless he wishes to come forward... but a GJ member was so gracious as to send me a set of Metric wrenches after some discussion. My hunt is over! Thank you all for the suggestions.

 

[four.cycle]

I'm probably a little late for this party, but:

Wilde SAE set w/pouch $17.95 incl. shipping OBO "buy now"
https://www.ebay.com/itm/WILDE-160R-IGNITION-WRENCH-SET-8-PC/223199431511

METEOR (forged) SAE set w/pouch $29.50 + $6.95 shipping OBO "buy now"
https://www.ebay.com/itm/METEOR-10-...ith-Olive-Color-Cloth-Canvas-Bag/283211438061

Jensen SAE set w/pouch $15.00 + $5.00 shipping OBO "buy now"
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Jensen-U-S-A-Wrench-Set-8-Pieces-13-63-3-8/173629077112

...actually the nicest sets I have are a little Duro-Indestro Metric set and an "ES Tool" SAE set, but I am not seeing any listed right now.

 

[Sine Swept]

I used my set of el cheapo ignition wrenches for the first time last night. I attached a square piece of aluminum tubing to the fence of my table saw. I used a square headed bolt into the channel of the fence fastened with a nut inside the AL tubing. The ignition wrench got me right where I needed to be.

I always admired the Snap On angle wrench set, just not the price.

 

[four.cycle]

you're in luck.... look what somebody just listed - full set of ES Tools open-ends -

https://www.ebay.com/itm/13-ES-TOOL...ET-7-32-to-5-8-USA-FOUR-IGNITION/202500434828

check the photos - that set appears to include a 3/16"

 

[M6erfan]

Most people couldn't justify the cost for these because of how rarely they get used. It sounds like they are what you need.

https://store.snapon.com/Midget-mm-...on-Wrench-Set-nbsp-4-ndash-9-mm--P633320.aspx

I have this set and use them fairly often (motorcycles). Expensive but head and shoulders above the typical cheap ones like the Craftsmans. I bought mine used from a GJ member

 

[Strouty]

Moody makes some nice ones:

https://www.zoro.com/moody-tool-ope...MIiKbooYbS3gIVArXACh3uswCeEAQYBCABEgIhV_D_BwE

 

[joel63]

I have this set and use them fairly often (motorcycles). Expensive but head and shoulders above the typical cheap ones like the Craftsmans. I bought mine used from a GJ member

They must be some real good quality wrenches for $196.00
$50.40 1982
$78.00 1989

Wow!!!
But I guess if one has to have them, they're worth the $$$$$.

Glad you got them used.

 

[Ign]

I just got some metric "Zenith" from Amazon. They seem "ok" and I'm not sure they'd qualify as ignition wrenches per se 'cause they're overall kinda thick and clunky. But for what I needed I'm satisfied (shrug)

 

[M6erfan]

They must be some real good quality wrenches for $196.00
$50.40 1982
$78.00 1989

Wow!!!
But I guess if one has to have them, they're worth the $$$$$.

Glad you got them used.

By your numbers, I paid less than 1982 price, $48 shipped. WELL worth it, to me

 

[Stuart in MN]

I'm probably a little late for this party, but:

Yes, you were.

a GJ member was so gracious as to send me a set of Metric wrenches after some discussion. My hunt is over!

 

[Gmonkee]

IGN, pictures of your Zenith wrenches por favor?

I am curious to see them.

I think in the time this thread has been around I have used 7mm on one car and 8mm of a couple others....

Really not much at all considering the number of cars passed through here. My "regular" wrench set goes down to 6mm.

 

[trekgod3]

"Midget" is very offensive. I hear they prefer "little people" wrenches.