Moderately Priced Wrench Set

[Fender1325]

I wish I could buy a few snap on wrenches but they're literally $35+ for a single 9/16 flankdrive combination wrench. That's over the top for a wrench if you don't do it every day. No I don't want to buy used, I've heard enough stories of snap on truck drivers being dicks about warranty stuff if you haven't bought through them.

Polished wrightgrips are about $200 for a set of SAE. The Carlyle I saw were about $80 IIRC. So far they're both something I'll consider.

 

[drtyler]

The Dewalt combination wrenches are of decent quality and have the teeth in the open end. Made in Taiwan and less expensive than the Carlyle set. I think I paid $30 for a metric set at Sears a couple years ago. Just something to consider on the budget end.

 

[T45]

Start Here:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=201468&showall=1

Some of the best tools well within your $200/set budget...

Hazet 600N
Has some of the best (thick) open ends.

http://www.tbs-aachen.de/Hazet/wren...rench_setundnbspin_MiniboX_20_i2677_57310.htm

Regular Stahlwille (13 series)- has some of the hardest HRC open ends

http://www.tbs-aachen.de/Stahlwille...Combination_spanners_OPEN-BOX_i3736_55813.htm

Long Stahlwille (14 series), aslo good HRC
http://www.tbs-aachen.de/Stahlwille...nation_spanners_OPEN-BOX_long_i3736_55815.htm

USAG (Facom/Proto Family) tested HRC is mid-40s, similar to snap-on etc.

285/6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20-21-22

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00F9BPX48/
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00FF95TSO/

 

[dutchgray]

^ None of those have grippy open ends though, its something we are behind on in Europe (apart from the Facom ratchet spanners with AS)

 

[visionguru]

I have rounded one too many nuts in the past few days with my chinese craftsman wrench set. Also, the convenient carry case broke too.

I cant warrant spending snap on prices but I need something that bites down on rusty fasteners strong. I really want ones that have those "teeth" in them. I used my buddys matco's that have that feature and it DOES make a real difference.

Does gearwrench make a good set that has the teeth? I saw a really affordable gearwrench set in Sears but it was smooth and kinda cheesy lobster claws like my craftsman.

Have you realized WHY you rounded the bolts? I doubt the "Craftsman Chinese" was truly the reason here.

Regardless brands or design, you are going to round the bolt with the open end if the bolt is really tight in there because there is little to prevent the wrench from slipping out (teeth or not).

Recently when I was replacing the transmission filter on my Honda Accord, I rounded one of the 10mm bolts. The bolt was in a really tight place where the box end couldn't fit. All it took is one slip to round the edges, I did it twice. Luckily, there was 1 pair of edges still intact. I stopped, sprayed some penetrating oil, gently tap the bolt, and then spray more penetrating oil... The bolt was out without too much trouble.

My point is: technique and patience make a lot more difference than tool brands or design.

....
Once you get good qualty, they don't spread. There is some risk of rounding off ****-tastic hawrdware, but its much less if you have a HRC45 wrench than a HRC38 wrench, both with smooth jaws. Using teeth is going to risk markin up fasteners, which removes corrosion resistance. Its fine if you have true stuck bolts (will be damaged no matter what) and/or you are in the habit of using new hardware....but many people on a budget are likely to skimp and re-use existing stuff...which means IMHO the smooth jaw is a better go-to and the teeth (FD+) type are a better tool to buy as a suplement.

....Standard combos with teeth might make sense or they might not, but I'd be a tad leery of not suggesting regular wrenches here.

For rusty bolts, HRC45 might destroy the bolt quicker if not used properly. Openend + rusty/stuck bolt = likely rounded bolt

Avoid using the open end whenever possible. Buying whatever wrench, his result might be still the same with the same technique.

 

[thecody59]

I wish I could buy a few snap on wrenches but they're literally $35+ for a single 9/16 flankdrive combination wrench. That's over the top for a wrench if you don't do it every day. No I don't want to buy used, I've heard enough stories of snap on truck drivers being dicks about warranty stuff if you haven't bought through them.

Polished wrightgrips are about $200 for a set of SAE. The Carlyle I saw were about $80 IIRC. So far they're both something I'll consider.

I have done a warranty though snap-on.com at least twice and they have turned out great. I just got my second one done this week. Just don't brag about it on here because a lot of these guys get pissed off if someone warranty's something and they are not the original owner. I think they are just mad that they paid there crazy prices so when someone else comes along and buys the same tools for 20% off what they paid and still gets a warranty they feel cheated. I don't have the carlyle wrenches yet but I heard they are almost the same as the snap-on flank drive plus wrenches. If you want to wait until next Monday or Tuesday I could compare them for you.

 

[thecody59]

The Dewalt combination wrenches are of decent quality and have the teeth in the open end. Made in Taiwan and less expensive than the Carlyle set. I think I paid $30 for a metric set at Sears a couple years ago. Just something to consider on the budget end.

I just sold my dewalt reversible wrenches and combo wrenches. They were very nice quality for the money. I just don't know how their warranty Will hold up. You can get a sae set for around $40. I think carlyle wrenches are a step above the dewalt wrenches but for $40 you can't go wrong.

 

[thatguysb]

gearwrench gets my vote. Im slowly changing my wrenches to their stuff, The length is amazing compared to some wrenches i usually use. The finish is great, smooth and rounded, never rounded a fastener yet

 

[Schurkey]

In my opinion there are only 2 tiers of wrenches. Cheap and expensive. IF you round off bolts with the cheap ones then you need the expensive ones.

There are three tiers of anything, with tool examples in parentheses:
1. "Cheap-*** ****" (Asian junk)
2. "Stuff I'd buy if it wasn't so expensive" (SK, Wright, Proto, Williams, Armstrong, etc)
3. "ARE YOU FUKKIN' KIDDING ME?" (Tool Truck Jewelry)

The bonus is that after buying Tool Truck Jewelry, SK, Wright, etc. seem like bargains.

Avoid using the open end whenever possible. Buying whatever wrench, his result might be still the same with the same technique.

Use the boxed end then

^^^Right answer!!

^^^Wright answer.

I bought a few wrenches with the teeth this year. Every time I use them, I love the way they grip so solidly but dislike the marks they put on some fasteners. I have not decided how I feel about the Wrightgrip/Flankdrive+... wrenches yet.

They need to design them to have all of the positive grip without digging into the metal.

If one is on a budget, its better IMHO to buy smooth jaws.

Once you get good qualty, they don't spread. There is some risk of rounding off ****-tastic hawrdware, but its much less if you have a HRC45 wrench than a HRC38 wrench, both with smooth jaws. Using teeth is going to risk markin up fasteners, which removes corrosion resistance.

I actively dislike the teeth on the open-end, and the resulting damage to the fastener.

 

[Fender1325]

Have you realized WHY you rounded the bolts? I doubt the "Craftsman Chinese" was truly the reason here.

Regardless brands or design, you are going to round the bolt with the open end if the bolt is really tight in there because there is little to prevent the wrench from slipping out (teeth or not).

Recently when I was replacing the transmission filter on my Honda Accord, I rounded one of the 10mm bolts. The bolt was in a really tight place where the box end couldn't fit. All it took is one slip to round the edges, I did it twice. Luckily, there was 1 pair of edges still intact. I stopped, sprayed some penetrating oil, gently tap the bolt, and then spray more penetrating oil... The bolt was out without too much trouble.

My point is: technique and patience make a lot more difference than tool brands or design.



For rusty bolts, HRC45 might destroy the bolt quicker if not used properly. Openend + rusty/stuck bolt = likely rounded bolt

Avoid using the open end whenever possible. Buying whatever wrench, his result might be still the same with the same technique.

I'm working at a friend's shop, bringing life back to a 1976 Jeep CJ7 that is rusted to hell. It's been left in a field for a decade at least I bet. I'm rebuilding the entire brake system from scratch. The original wheel cylinders were rusted in bad. Not only that, but a bad lack of space. No box end will fit, let alone my (cheap) line wrenches. Open end was the only option I had. Yes they were soaked with aero-kroil and PB blaster. I freakin hate this jeep. AMC garbage. Wire harness hacked with house wire nuts. Just terrible. One section of line even my box end rounded a nut, it was that rusted.

Like I said. I want a strong wrench that won't spread and will bite.

 

[Mr_B]

wrightgrip are decent wrenches and pretty good value for quality usa made wrenches and thus hold good resale value while .
was my choice for a second set in standard and imperial, use imperial on a lot of old farm and garden machinery and they get the job done when standard open end won't .

 

[art487]

The Dewalt combination wrenches are of decent quality and have the teeth in the open end. Made in Taiwan and less expensive than the Carlyle set. I think I paid $30 for a metric set at Sears a couple years ago. Just something to consider on the budget end.

Menards sell made in the USA wrench sets at a comparable price to sears chinaman, Lowe's Taiwan made kobalt and HD china/Taiwan made husky tools.
I have not personally used them but my father-in-law likes them, they feel sturdy, fit properly and are easy to hold on to he says.

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[cherrybomb]

I am a old fart and I've learned since starting out buying tools that price alone is not the only factor.If you buy a lower price tool and decide to upgrade,you won't get your money back.Getting on this site and getting more info is a good move.Guys with more experience are likely to help,as they have been there.I've had Craftsman before China,but now have Williams USA,Wright Grip and Proto ASD.I like in this order Proto,Wright,Williams,they are all excellent.They will instill a sense of pride and will last a lifetime. You will not think about hammering on them,repairing things with American tools is always a win,win.Buy a popular size or borrow one and just try it,let others here how this turns out.

 

[kb1982]

My vote would be SK X Frames. You get the grippy open end and ratcheting all in one. The downside is that the SAE set doesnt go above 3/4 or include a 13/16

CameraZOOM-20170301181850659 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/110082568@N08/

 

[colin39]

I bought 2 sets of k-d / Allen usa spanners as well as tool truck brands and facom, my goto spanners every time are the Allen / K-D usa every time and they must be 20years old now.

Full set 6—32


And this set 6-22 still availible from cripe distribution, i believe.

 

[cherrybomb]

I really liked the reply from "visionguru",he really nailed it.Thats what this is all about.Every body helping out.

 

[alinc100]

WrightGrips are great.If you are not in a hurry Ebay and Craigslist are your friends. Some deals can be had if looking hard.
Carlyle looks good as well,but almost same price as Wright,if not more.

 

[timbitca]

Garage sales have been a saviour to me for this. I can't afford truck brands, but I have almost all the "common" sizes in Snap-On now after a few years of collecting, not the easiest way to do it, but it worked for me as a casual user. Also managed to find a couple Challenger by Proto complete sets a couple years ago that work well too.

 

[Briancapecoral]

SK X frame are excellent. 6 point ratcheting on one end and teeth on the other. I've taken a few rounded/rusted fasteners off with both ends.

 

[T45]

I'm working at a friend's shop, bringing life back to a 1976 Jeep CJ7 that is rusted to hell. It's been left in a field for a decade at least I bet. I'm rebuilding the entire brake system from scratch. .... I want a strong wrench that won't spread and will bite.

OP, keep in mind that plastic deformation of soft materials is a different pheonomena than spreading a cheap wrench--and that both round bolts. If you just dent the hardware instead of grab it and transfer the torque to the threads, your not always goin to be happy with the result. This is why techs use flare wrenches (and crowsfeet, flare/open combos, etc).

Snap on doesn't (tellingly) use FD+ type open ends on Flare/Open combos....The engineering solution they use is 30% thicker smooth jaws...

 

[art487]

I think most evidence points to Craftsman being made by Danaher not Apex

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Sears changed from Danaher (USA made) to Apex (China made) about 10 years ago all to increase profit margins.
I have old craftsman that work great and was given the big polished sae and metric wrench sets for Christmas two years ago by my wife who lost the receipt otherwise I would not still have the new Chinese junk, I just don't like them they don't fit as nicely as my old craftsman and they are springy not solid.
One question : Who in their right mind tries to take of a stubborn fastener by using the open end of a wrench that only grabs two sides/points?

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[Fender1325]

Sears changed from Danaher (USA made) to Apex (China made) about 10 years ago all to increase profit margins.
I have old craftsman that work great and was given the big polished sae and metric wrench sets for Christmas two years ago by my wife who lost the receipt otherwise I would not still have the new Chinese junk, I just don't like them they don't fit as nicely as my old craftsman and they are springy not solid.
One question : Who in their right mind tries to take of a stubborn fastener by using the open end of a wrench that only grabs two sides/points?

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Me, because there was no room for box end or flare nut wrench.

Enough with the smart *** comments telling me how to wrench already. Everyone knows it all don't they?

 

[JazzBlueRT]

Sears changed from Danaher (USA made) to Apex (China made) about 10 years ago all to increase profit margins.
I have old craftsman that work great and was given the big polished sae and metric wrench sets for Christmas two years ago by my wife who lost the receipt otherwise I would not still have the new Chinese junk, I just don't like them they don't fit as nicely as my old craftsman and they are springy not solid.
One question : Who in their right mind tries to take of a stubborn fastener by using the open end of a wrench that only grabs two sides/points?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

Sears still sells the raised panel wrenches and the new Chinese ones are identical to my 1980's era VV wrenches.

 

[kb1982]

Sears changed from Danaher (USA made) to Apex (China made) about 10 years ago all to increase profit margins.
I have old craftsman that work great and was given the big polished sae and metric wrench sets for Christmas two years ago by my wife who lost the receipt otherwise I would not still have the new Chinese junk, I just don't like them they don't fit as nicely as my old craftsman and they are springy not solid.
One question : Who in their right mind tries to take of a stubborn fastener by using the open end of a wrench that only grabs two sides/points?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

My old Craftsman V and VV series that I bought with my first tax refund check in 97 has served me well. But I'd be willing to bet the box end would round a nut or bolt before the open end of an SK X frame. They just bite and hold. I was always timid when I could only use the open end of my Craftsman to remove a fastener, but wouldn't think twice now.

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[art487]

Sears still sells the raised panel wrenches and the new Chinese ones are identical to my 1980's era VV wrenches.

I have not compared the raised panel wrenches (USA vs China). I just know that the polished wrenches are **** you might as well go to harbor freight for your wrench you'll pay less and get the same warranty.

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[art487]

Me, because there was no room for box end or flare nut wrench.

Enough with the smart *** comments telling me how to wrench already. Everyone knows it all don't they?

Relax, it was just a question

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[Fender1325]

Just annoyed with those comments. "Was it really the Chinese wrench or was it you?"

Uhhh, it was the Chinese wrench because what saved the day? A matco wrench. That's just stupid and a waste of everyone's time.

 

[T45]

...because there was no room for box end or flare nut wrench.

Open flares have open ends with the same dimensions as regular open ends, and the flares are actually slimmer than the open ends.

https://store.snapon.com/Open-End-a...nt-5-8-Open-End-Flare-Nut-Wrench-P633657.aspx

Dimension, inches A 1-3/32 [Flare end width]
Dimension, inches B 1-5/16 [Open end width]

https://store.snapon.com/Standard-H...t-Flank-Drive-Combination-Wrench-P633099.aspx

Dimension, inches A 15/16 [box end width]
Dimension, inches B 1-5/16 [Open end with]

It really goes back to working on specific kinds of hardware.

 

[Fender1325]

Open flares have open ends with the same dimensions as regular open ends, and the flares are actually slimmer than the open ends.

https://store.snapon.com/Open-End-a...nt-5-8-Open-End-Flare-Nut-Wrench-P633657.aspx

Dimension, inches A 1-3/32 [Flare end width]
Dimension, inches B 1-5/16 [Open end width]

https://store.snapon.com/Standard-H...t-Flank-Drive-Combination-Wrench-P633099.aspx

Dimension, inches A 15/16 [box end width]
Dimension, inches B 1-5/16 [Open end with]

It really goes back to working on specific kinds of hardware.

No and no. Who said I own snap on flare wrenches? Then why are you using their dimensions?

It's actually comical the nit picking you know it alls will do.

 

[tonyciambrone]

No, not so much forgetting, just not interested. First, it doesn't fit the original posters needs as they don't offer any special grip on the open end so they're out of the running from the get go.

Additionally I can find quite a few reasons not to consider them otherwise. First off, I've never seen them other than a photo on the internet.

Ah, I understand now. You have seen them on the internet so you are now a Toptul expert....Is Tekton still making multiple sizes from the same blank?

Two, they don't do anything any other imported combination doesn't do, third they're priced higher than many of their competitors, like Tekton. Both are made in Taiwan.

Yes, Tekton and Toptul both make wrenches. Airtight logic. Never mind that Toptul makes several series of combination wrenches, and produces them in chrome and satin finishes.
http://www.toptul.com/s/2/product-c46461/Wrenches-Torque-Wrenches.html
Just see if there's anything on there that TEKTON does not produce...
f
Hard to beat this fully polished combination wrench set off Amazon. And if I want to see what they look like or purchase them from a store I can head down to Meijer and pick up a set.

I wouldn't just be trashing brands that by my own admission I had never seen except on the (garagejournal) and never used. That seems like some world class arrogance to me.

 

[T45]

No and no. Who said I own snap on flare wrenches? Then why are you using their dimensions?

Dismissing flare wrenches as unsuitable because of "the size" or "they don't fit" is wrong. The whole point of some designs is to solve the problems you are raising. If one is working on rusty brake lines, for example, the engineering answer is not FD+ type teeth.

 

[Finky198]

Agreeeed ^^^^ Just like a crowsfoot or a 4 way angle wrench would have worked as well.....

 

[PJNJ]

Hey Fender1325, you came here with a reasonable question and got a lecture. Who'd a thunk it?

Buy what you want and use it as you see fit. It's your money in the end. When people buy you the tools, then they can lecture you about their use.

 

[Schurkey]

The original wheel cylinders were rusted in bad. Not only that, but a bad lack of space. No box end will fit, let alone my (cheap) line wrenches. Open end was the only option I had.

Anyone besides me like to see a couple of photos of a Jeep wheel cylinder where there's no room for anything but an open-end wrench?

 

[visionguru]

Just annoyed with those comments. "Was it really the Chinese wrench or was it you?"

Uhhh, it was the Chinese wrench because what saved the day? A matco wrench. That's just stupid and a waste of everyone's time.

IMHO, none of the comments in this thread were trying to lecturing you about a very basic tool, rather are trying to provide info/opinions/hints.

If you don't know the cause of your problem, "moderately priced" wrench set might not be the solution at all because if you face the same issue again, there will be a need for another set. Was the MatCo wrench longer? Was the Craftsman gaps wider in comparison? Metal? There has to be a reason for the Craftsman to round the bolt that MatCo didn't. So far, I'm not convinced it was due to design.

At this point, I'd rather avoid any "moderately priced" set. I would buy truck brands, either a few frequently used pieces or a used set to keep within budget. Not sure what your situation is, in my case, for servicing my Honda Accord, 99% of the time I only need 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm.

 

[ecotec]

Visionguru makes an awesome point. A lot of people could just work with what they have and upgrade just the tools to work on their specific whatever...

Like his example... just upgrade 10,12,14, and 17 combos and sockets. It would be way cheaper than upgrading everything.

 

[bcradio]

Anyone besides me like to see a couple of photos of a Jeep wheel cylinder where there's no room for anything but an open-end wrench?

I kinda would.

 

[Finky198]

+1 why not

 

[Fender1325]

Dismissing flare wrenches as unsuitable because of "the size" or "they don't fit" is wrong. The whole point of some designs is to solve the problems you are raising. If one is working on rusty brake lines, for example, the engineering answer is not FD+ type teeth.

Dismissing a tool because it won't fit is wrong?
You're right, just cut the car apart and make it fit right?

 

[Fender1325]

IMHO, none of the comments in this thread were trying to lecturing you about a very basic tool, rather are trying to provide info/opinions/hints.

If you don't know the cause of your problem, "moderately priced" wrench set might not be the solution at all because if you face the same issue again, there will be a need for another set. Was the MatCo wrench longer? Was the Craftsman gaps wider in comparison? Metal? There has to be a reason for the Craftsman to round the bolt that MatCo didn't. So far, I'm not convinced it was due to design.

At this point, I'd rather avoid any "moderately priced" set. I would buy truck brands, either a few frequently used pieces or a used set to keep within budget. Not sure what your situation is, in my case, for servicing my Honda Accord, 99% of the time I only need 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm.

Jesus tap-dancing Christ dude! What is there not to get!?! A Chinese craftsman wrench (a wrench that is known to have cheaper steel that spreads) rounded a nut a few times and a matco one with teeth bit in and got the job done. ****