Moderately Priced Wrench Set

[Fender1325]

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.

 

[KnurledNut]

WrightGrip out of your budget?

 

[jumbojak]

Check out NAPA's Carlyle wrenches if you want that type of open end. If I remember correctly they have a deal going and their wrenches are liked on this board. I don't have any carlyle wrenches but the sockets of theirs I have are pretty nice and the 1/4" ratchet is excellent. Another option might be Wright. The wright's might even be had more cheaply depending on how big of a set you're looking for.

I have a set of gearwrench nonratcheting wrenches with their antis lip design. It works fairly well for sizes above 12mm buy I wouldn't count on it for something ghats really stuck. One advantage is that the lack of teeth doesn't leave marks in a bolt, if that might be important to you.

 

[KnurledNut]

Does gearwrench make a good set that has the teeth?

Yes. Some of their wrenches feature Surface Drive Plus. Not sure how well it compares to the more expensive brands.

 

[Yarpo]

I have a big gearwrench set with surface drive plus in my home box, I've only really used the 13mm a handful of times and its been fine. Can't comment on how durable or well it will do the job given how little I've used it, but the fit and finish is excellent, and it came with a cool blow molded case

 

[PJNJ]

Get the WrightGrip wrench set. They will snap the head off a 9/16 grade 8 bolt as seen in this video -

Best bang for the buck IMHO.

 

[thecody59]

Check out NAPA's Carlyle wrenches if you want that type of open end. If I remember correctly they have a deal going and their wrenches are liked on this board. I don't have any carlyle wrenches but the sockets of theirs I have are pretty nice and the 1/4" ratchet is excellent. Another option might be Wright. The wright's might even be had more cheaply depending on how big of a set you're looking for.

I have a set of gearwrench nonratcheting wrenches with their antis lip design. It works fairly well for sizes above 12mm buy I wouldn't count on it for something ghats really stuck. One advantage is that the lack of teeth doesn't leave marks in a bolt, if that might be important to you.

I love Carlyle's tools! I have some of their socket sets and ratchets and they are very nice when you can get them on sale. I just picked up a 15 piece Carlyle non slip wrench set that goes from 7mm-21mm no skips. I paid around $70 on eBay. If you wait I am sure another set will come up for a good deal. There tools are great but have terrible resale value. So take advantage of that.

 

[Tom.C]

I have used the gearwrenches with the anti rounding open end, not really any good, the reason is because the wrenches themselves are to springy they just spread rendering the anti rounding cut useless, honestly I have a sunex set with the v cut and I'm happy with it, I work on heavy equipment so I use them on hydraulic lines a lot, they will spread but not by hand, you have to putt a pipe on them to get them to start springing, eventually I'm going to get nicer ones and putt these in my road service box, but they do everything I ask of them and they were under $150.

 

[1982fxr]

Another vote for wrightgrip, I think about 1/2 the price of Snap On, maybe even less. Awesome wrenches that will last a lifetime.

 

[T45]

A 15 piece Carlyle non slip wrench set that goes from 7mm-21mm no skips. I paid around $70 on eBay.

Carlyle is a good choice...Its pretty easy to spend over $100-125 on so-called budget friendly tool brands (like sk, wright, proto etc). I'd personally find a tool you like and a budget you can afford and then buy as many wrenches in the better tools as your budget allows. That might be a 7 piece snap on set (used), or a 10 piece Stahlwille set (on sale), maybe some used bonney (check ebay or cL)...or whatever one decides is their favorite shape/ tool....all those are around/$100 as well if you shop around. The most important sizes to get correct are 10-17mm; the larger sizes are usually much less of a problem for a bunch of reasons.

 

[Fender1325]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Sorry to hear the gearwrench non slip ones spread. I plan on buying their xp120 ratchets and socket set. I've felt those in advance Auto and those ratchets feel almost like snap on. They feel great.

Sounds like wright grip are something to consider.

I don't care about the fastener. I want no spread and BITE.

 

[Fender1325]

Those Carlyle with the teeth look great too. I need to price out an sae combination wrench set

 

[Fender1325]

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQCWL1211

That's a great price. I'm going to research them more.

 

[ADSR]

Proto has anti-slip as well. It's very reasonably priced, as well as way above gearwrench in terms of quality.

 

[thecody59]

Carlyle is a good choice...Its pretty easy to spend over $100-125 on so-called budget friendly tool brands (like sk, wright, proto etc). I'd personally find a tool you like and a budget you can afford and then buy as many wrenches in the better tools as your budget allows. That might be a 7 piece snap on set (used), or a 10 piece Stahlwille set (on sale), maybe some used bonney (check ebay or cL)...or whatever one decides is their favorite shape/ tool....all those are around/$100 as well if you shop around. The most important sizes to get correct are 10-17mm; the larger sizes are usually much less of a problem for a bunch of reasons.

I already have a snap-on flank drive plus metric wrench set! I paid $100 for it which was a very good deal. I just couldn't resist when the carlyle set came up on eBay. It will be my backup set and it has 5 more wrench sizes then my snap-on set.

 

[thecody59]

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQCWL1211

That's a great price. I'm going to research them more.

If you want one that will be really easy to warranty the carlyle wrenches are the way to go! There are napa stores everywhere so as long as they have the carlyle tools you can warranty them at that store. If you want usa made i would go with wright. I have usa made and Taiwan made tools. As long as they are high quality which carlyle tools are they go in my box.

 

[Moparman390]

FYI

Craftsman = Apex
Gearwrench = Apex

Probably roll off the same production line.

 

[xjfish]

I have an "Allen" branded wrench set for at home I use a ton. Not chrome, good quality, bought them cheapish at Menards a few years ago... Are these still available somewhere? If so, I would highly recommend, otherwise Apex/Gearwrench is a good option...

 

[d.mcfarland]

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.

 

[Wamsutta]

Toptul. People are always forgetting about Toptul.

 

[Tonyuk]

I would recommend the Facom 467AS set. Teeth at the open end and a good reversible ratchet action with a ring stop. Lifetime Warranty if bought through and authorised dealer.

 

[sberry]

Its rare for me that any common wrench doesn't work but for a busy guy and complete set I could go for a few premium wrenches in the smaller common sizes where this can be a problem. I have about 10 snaps I use in this capacity, they have been worth it over the years. On occasion a problem case comes up and its a real solver.
Had one in a 3/4 or really 19mm a while back where the nut was tapered and needed to be driven on the flats. It was super unique, not damaged.

 

[VinceG]

By a used set from a resale or Pawn shop

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't care about the fastener. I want no spread and BITE.

Use the boxed end then

Another vote here for the Carlyle antislip combination wrenches

NAPA sells two versions one with the teeth and one without.

The wrightgrips are very nice too but, not as long.

 

[Jaysreal]

FYI

Craftsman = Apex
Gearwrench = Apex

Probably roll off the same production line.

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

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[Davefr]

Get the WrightGrip wrench set. They will snap the head off a 9/16 grade 8 bolt as seen in this video -

Best bang for the buck IMHO.

^^^Right answer!!

 

[derosa]

My cars in the past tended to have a slightly rusted bolts but easily recognizable for what they are unless right on the bottom of the car and also found the gearwrench were good at spreading on the open end making things worse. I'd looked into carlyle at the local Napa and found their price was slightly more then wright at toolbarn. Once tax was added in it became a no brainer. I find the 8-19mm sets to be essential. My volvos have used 10, 12, 14, 17, and 18 while the kids' bicycles will use 8-10, 13, 15, 16, and 19. If you tinker its the best range in my experience.

 

[Daddy B]

Toptul. People are always forgetting about Toptul.

I didn't think Toptul had an anti-slip feature on their open ends? If they do then I may consider getting them.

 

[Parrothead]

...People are always forgetting about Toptul

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. 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.

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.

TEKTON Combination wrench set 8mm - 22mm (no skips) - $35 including shipping.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZJN3PQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I would recommend the WrightGrip wrenches to the Original Poster, you can find them at Harry Epsteins. Good stuff and close enough in price compared to the Carlyle wrenches mentioned.

 

[bcradio]

I didn't think Toptul had an anti-slip feature on their open ends? If they do then I may consider getting them.

They do not have teeth on them, but they are superb in every way. I am able to get some serious leverage without spreading or slipping on the open end.

However, if you want teeth on the open end then these are not for you.

 

[bcradio]

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. 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.

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.

TEKTON Combination wrench set 8mm - 22mm (no skips) - $35 including shipping.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZJN3PQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I would recommend the WrightGrip wrenches to the Original Poster, you can find them at Harry Epsteins. Good stuff and close enough in price compared to the Carlyle wrenches mentioned.

So all imported tools and all tools made in Taiwan are the same quality? Gotcha

A regular non FDP Snap-On wrench does not do anything special either, but many people buy those without issue. Toptul was tested on the 'other' garage site to have stronger wrenches than snap-on. I cannot verify or vouch for that, but if it is true, that is pretty impressive.

 

[ecotec]

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.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Its rare for me that any common wrench doesn't work but for a busy guy and complete set I could go for a few premium wrenches in the smaller common sizes where this can be a problem. I have about 10 snaps I use in this capacity, they have been worth it over the years. On occasion a problem case comes up and its a real solver.
Had one in a 3/4 or really 19mm a while back where the nut was tapered and needed to be driven on the flats. It was super unique, not damaged.

Despite sticking with his normal "any old cr..p will do" attitude, I am in shock that sberry just quietly admitted to using some snap on tools for years where quality makes a difference.

 

[TorKe]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZJN3PQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Why am I so late in the game? I'm buying this.

 

[Parrothead]

So all imported tools and all tools made in Taiwan are the same quality? Gotcha

A regular non FDP Snap-On wrench does not do anything special either, but many people buy those without issue. Toptul was tested on the 'other' garage site to have stronger wrenches than snap-on. I cannot verify or vouch for that, but if it is true, that is pretty impressive.

I might not have been clear on my point. Not all tools manufactured anywhere are the same quality, that would have been like saying the Craftsman USA sockets were the same as Snap On and we know that's not true. It was more about saying they're just another import, like many others.

I know that two weekends ago I put a Tekton combination wrench on a set of brake calipers on an 11 year old Nissan in the rust belt and beat on it with a sledge hammer breaking loose those bolts. The wrench wasn't as pretty as when it started, but it didn't bend, or collapse the open end that I beat on. If it can survive that, I'm more than pleased. That and they're really inexpensive for what they are. I'm impressed.

 

[bcradio]

I might not have been clear on my point. Not all tools manufactured anywhere are the same quality, that would have been like saying the Craftsman USA sockets were the same as Snap On and we know that's not true. It was more about saying they're just another import, like many others.

I know that two weekends ago I put a Tekton combination wrench on a set of brake calipers on an 11 year old Nissan in the rust belt and beat on it with a sledge hammer breaking loose those bolts. The wrench wasn't as pretty as when it started, but it didn't bend, or collapse the open end that I beat on. If it can survive that, I'm more than pleased. That and they're really inexpensive for what they are. I'm impressed.

Ok I see what you are saying. I would love to try some of those Tekton wrenches someday. They are making some pretty good stuff these days.

 

[jd_1138]

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.

I don't think that's possible. I'd just use the boxed end of the wrench if you can fit it into where the bolt or nut is, but unless it's a 6 point there might be some rounding. But the 6 point requires more clearance/space. And of course it's a PITA to use a box end on a fastener that requires a lot of rotations. Do they make a 6 point ratcheting boxed end wrench?

 

[drtyler]

SK X-Frame wrenches. They have the grippy open end, and a 6 point ratcheting box end.

I don't think that's possible. I'd just use the boxed end of the wrench if you can fit it into where the bolt or nut is, but unless it's a 6 point there might be some rounding. But the 6 point requires more clearance/space. And of course it's a PITA to use a box end on a fastener that requires a lot of rotations. Do they make a 6 point ratcheting boxed end wrench?

 

[Wamsutta]

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.

I missed that part in the opening post. Had I read that, I wouldn't have recommended Toptul. My apologies.

 

[T45]

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. 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.

There's lots of ways to deal with this, of course. It really depends on how strict your budget is, and what else is in your toolbox. Standard combos with teeth might make sense or they might not, but I'd be a tad leery of not suggesting regular wrenches here.