Multiple wrenches?

[neuralsnafu]

So, I have reached the understanding for having multiple ratchets with different sockets on it while doing a job, but how many have multiple sets of the same size/type of wrenches? I'm just trying to simplify what I've got in my box, So if I can move a set of wrenches out that frees up a bit of space for other tools to be purchased

 

[K-Dog]

I have short wrenches for tight spots and long ones for leverage.
Thats it.

Well a few "custom bent ones " too.

 

[92integra]

It all depends on your style man. I literally only use wrenchs for alignments or if I absolutely have no other choice. If your not a wrench guy start taking some of the excess home.

 

[devoncoolman]

Im a wrench guy. I have a $hit ton of wrenches. Even doubles of the common sizes. Comes in handy when working with hydraulics.

 

[rapid robert]

I have long pattern, stubby in popular sizes and gear wrench racheting in metric and standard, I also have double long patterns of most common sizes...standard 7/16 - 11/16 and metric 10 - 18 skipping a few.

 

[neuralsnafu]

Yeah, the only time I recall using wrenches in the last year was a 16mm to loosen something on my brakes when changing my front wheel bearing, and a battery posts. so the dupes go into storage, or I can build my brother a kit so he stops effing with my stuff..

 

[4x4gearhead]

Im a wrench guy. I have a $hit ton of wrenches. Even doubles of the common sizes. Comes in handy when working with hydraulics.

I'm on this same plan, I must have 300+ different wrenches. When working on equipment I collected a ton of them for hydraulic hoses and stuff like that. Seems like sometimes you never have the right angle no matter how many you do have.

 

[metaldad]

So, I have reached the understanding for having multiple ratchets with different sockets on it while doing a job, but how many have multiple sets of the same size/type of wrenches? I'm just trying to simplify what I've got in my box, So if I can move a set of wrenches out that frees up a bit of space for other tools to be purchased

id buy another box or three

 

[neuralsnafu]

id buy another box or three

Not in the budget. ... yet....

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I like to have two of each size for those times when you can't use both a socket and wrench. If I were to only have two sets it would be either combination/stubby or combination/ratcheting. Double box ends are nice, but there are times when you cant get a box end on a fastener.

 

[Gmonkee]

Paring back the collection is easy. Doing it smart isn't always so easy. First look for what tools you never use and remove them from the main box but keep them close by. If in a month you never go looking for them it may be safe to move them on.
Repeat this a few times and the most used and useful are easier access for less clutter around them. Working from the box -should- be easier and faster to find key tools.
If not figure out why.

Always keep a few of the better quality things in a backup kit or roadbox as a precaution to emergency needs and for use as a mobile kit. It doesn't have to be a full ranged kit, just enough to let you save yourself in minor emergency.

 

[MagnumForce]

I have at least 2 of everything, ymmv.

 

[shockwave]

i have multiple sets of differint sizes and some flank drive and flat at times aswell

 

[atomicpunk]

Working on air and hydraulic systems you need atleast 2 of each wrench, then don't forget your stubby, ratchet, offset, and angle wrenches.

 

[neuralsnafu]

Well I just went and organized. This is what my wrench drawer looked like. And it was split between two drawers....

And this is what it looked like when I closed the drawer tonight...

All the extras will go in my spares box until I make my brother organize his little box.

 

[redmed]

I have at least 5 wrenches of each size and I glad I do many times. The wrenches I use the least are the stubby's, but there have been times I been glad I had them.

 

[CJM8515]

I have long wrenches, stubbys, ratcheting snap on double box, gear wrench ratcheting/open end, metric/sae line wrenches, junk wrenches I cut up/bend for custom stuff, and misc wrenches I have collected over the years. Also have doubles of popular sizes-they come in handy alot.

 

[2oolhound]

I have long, short, stubby,angle, ratchet and offset in the most common sizes. I've been looking at those storage trays where they sit touching each other on the sides. You can pack a lot of wrenches in a drawer like that.

 

[neuralsnafu]

I'm just a shade tree mechanic who works on his bmw, and his roommates jeep and porsche.... so far I've barely found enough usage for like 1/4 of what I have

 

[Solemn]

According to diesel techs at work, they pretty much stick to double box, double box ratcheting, and stubby combo ratcheting wrenches. Not many of us use open ended. Add in flex for all those lol

 

[HighPlainsWrencher]

double sets in standard and metric combo's, one set of each in ratcheting, a set of metric offset box end, one set of standard flare nut wrenches and one set of metric and standard in stubby. Then I have sets of crowsfoot wrenches and torque adapters in both. It is nice to have options when you get into a tight spot.

 

[pi_guy]

I use box, short box and have a set of midget box. met&std
Then I have combination in std, short and midget and short ratcheting met&std
I also have the thin set, there are just some places where only that will work.
And flare
and crowsfeet type in various sizes mostly large, as often with plumbing you have large fitting with no room for large wrenches.
Looking to add 0 offset double box with ratcheting

 

[AndrewV]

I have a set of double box flex ratcheting, stubby's, reg combination, ratcheting combination in 6 &12 point, sae/metric crows feet(they count on this?), and lastly fixed and ratcheting flex line wrenches.
The sittuation dictates what i'll need. A 94 caravan may come in, then an 79 jeep, then a 2013 caddy ctsv, i never can say what i'll use in a day.

 

[dr_clyde]

I probably have 4 or 5 different sets of wrenches. I work on so much more than cars, however. Hydraulics, pneumatics, various weird pieces of machinery, cars, planes, boats, whatever people need work done on. Lots of occasions for different shapes and doubles.

When you look beyond simple car repair, the uses for multiples become apparent.

 

[neuralsnafu]

I keep seeing reference to short or midget wrenches? What are they?

 

[AndrewV]

Stubby's.
Local callings of the same type.

 

[CJM8515]

Oh I forgot I also have metric and standard ignition wrenches.Have come in handy quite a few times.

 

[Heavymetalmechanic]

My work box has in both metric and SAE, one set of: Westward standard combo box/open, Mastercraft Maximum stubby combo box/open, MAC combo ratcheting flex box/open flank drive, Sunnex offset angle open end, Mastercraft Maximum flare nut, Mastercraft Maximum s-type and c-type obstruction, Powerfist offset/step, Snap On Slim Low torque, Ultra-Pro big 1-5/16" through 2-1/2", Sunnex 1"-2" crows feet, no-name Chinese 7/16"-15/16" crows feet (badly need upgrade), and a bunch of random garage sale wrenches for cutting/bending/hammering.

I don't need duplicates of any one wrench because there are at least 2 suitable options for any task. I only buy a new style of wrench if I find I have to borrow it from someone more then twice.

I have 3 sets of basic wrenches at home, one in the house, one in the truck and one in the garage. When Canadian tire puts the SAE/metric Maximum set on sale for $40 it's hard not to be able to justify grabbing it, heck I have 2 extra sets still in boxes that I keep on hand for gifts. I have two buddy's who were always asking to borrow wrenches, I told them to bring me a flat of beer the next time they asked, I got beer delivered and they went home with wrenches, and got the hint that basic tools are a better investment then a night of drinking.

 

[nicksnothereman]

So, I have reached the understanding for having multiple ratchets with different sockets on it while doing a job, but how many have multiple sets of the same size/type of wrenches? I'm just trying to simplify what I've got in my box, So if I can move a set of wrenches out that frees up a bit of space for other tools to be purchased

I'm not a wrench guy I just own a lot of wrenches. If you're buying fancy stuff then yeah just buy a normal wrench set and possibly crowfoot. If you're buying cheap stuff just buy what you want.

You could eliminate the long pattern wrenches if you buy wrench connectors (ez red). Those are cheap (under 20 bucks) and cr-mo so pretty good. Not a bad option but not a true long pattern wrench; compact though.

 

[justme-]

I have full set of combinations, ignition set, and double box set for both SAE and Metric. Then I have SAE flare nut set and tappet set. Double box sets let me back when I need 2 of the same size - I use wrenches a lot over socket/ratchet but I'm still figuring out the best way to service certain equipment. I have a carry bag I keep 2 additional sets of combinations (smaller sets) plus whatever tools I think I need for a road call or when I have to go to the other shop (I pull those from the box when I need them)
Once I settle on the best wrench storage/organizer for my box I'll likely drop the extra combo sets, tho I am very looking forward to adding sets of ratcheting wrenches ot the box.

 

[pi_guy]

I keep seeing reference to short or midget wrenches? What are they?

Snap on makes.
extra long combination
std length combination
short combination
midget combination
then ignition which are smaller but both open ended, some brands do make a combination style ignition wrench

 

[johndeereman]

gearwrench

ratcheting in sae/mm
non ratcheting sae/mm
long pattern sae/mm
double box end ratcheting sae/mm

masterforce

ignition sae/mm
std combo's sae/mm

tekton
jumbo's sae/mm
std angle sae/mm


more to come i'm surre

 

[crewchief888]

Hydraulics, pneumatics,

When you look beyond simple car repair, the uses for multiples become apparent.

^^ agreed

my work box has long combo's from 1/4" to 1" and up to 2"

angle wrenches from 3/8" -1 5/8"

another set of combos up to 1" and a couple extras in common larger sizes

saltus 1/2" -3/4"
ratcheting 3/8"-3/4"
a few std length in common sizes, std & MM

MM to 32
assorted doubles (long & std length) in common sizes
MM saltus to 17mm

open end crowsfoot to 7/8 - 1 1/4, 17mm, 14mm

assorted DBE, couple with deep offset, std & MM

ratcheting combos in a couple common sizes.


at home i have even more.........
many are backups to the extras for my "working" tools

 

[Hammer1963]

I know I've gone a little overboard, but I probably have 14-15 sets of Metric wrenches. Regular combo, short combo, long combo, XL combo, double box, ratcheting box ........ you get the idea and yes I've used some from each set some time or another.

 

[Thumper68]

When you get away from auto work you tend to need more wrenches a ratchet and socket can't fit in a lot of places, and most bolts have a matching nut.

I must have 10 sets of combo wrenches scattered around in the different tool boxes then in the shop stack I have all the specialty wrenches.

the oldest boy just picked up a set of gear wrench reversing in both sae and metric for my x-mas gift, will have to find space in the stack for them.

 

[T45]

Standard
Long Ratcheting Combos
Extra-Long combo
Short combo

This depends on what you work on, IMHO.

 

[beatcad]

everyones right. you need multiple wrenches.
i aint gonna list all mine, but i have a bunch.
since you said your a home wrencher you probably dont need as many as a tech that has to do things right and fast(time=$).
if your not working on your daily driver and just working on your own stuff(or your buddies) than you have the fortune of having it being fun to work on cars or motorcycles. but i digress...
multiple wrenches are vital at times. like when a part is held on by a nut/bolt and you need to get a wrench on both sides. you dont see that alot on modern cars except on steering/suspension. or maybe truck bumper mounts. i'm sure theres more, but thats what comes to mind now.
usually a good combo wrench set is enough. IF you need to loosen a nut/bolt thats where your combo wrench and a socket w/ a ratchet or breaker bar comes in.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

many

but I work on many more things than you do..

just buy according to your needs....

 

[sberry]

I have at least a couple dozen each common 1/2 and 9/16 combo and at least a dozen in the other sizes. They seem to come and go.

 

[75ford]

i have a combo set, ratchet set, and a flex head ratchet set, looking to pick up a zero offset long set