Offset Wrenches... 45 degree - 60 degree - stubbies?

[gsea]

I've always talked myself out buying a set of deep offset wrenches as a "would be nice but not truly necessary" item and have always been able to find another creative solution for time when they would have come in handy.

Last night, I truly did "need" an 18mm offset wrench. I had multiple ways of getting a hold of the fastner, but not in a way that could generate the necessary torque to get it done. After exhausting my creativity, I finally had to concede that it may be worth investing in a set.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a set with good range (through 21mm at least) that won't break the bank?

Most seem to be 45 degrees... Is that sufficient or will wish I had gone for 60 degrees. Short/stubby sets seem to be more affordable and might be even more useful in the tight spots where an offset wrench is typically needed but I worry they may not be able to generate enough torque is certain situations. Any thoughts based on experience?

 

[CobraChevelle]

I've always talked myself out buying a set of deep offset wrenches as a "would be nice but not truly necessary" item and have always been able to find another creative solution for time when they would have come in handy.

Last night, I truly did "need" an 18mm offset wrench. I had multiple ways of getting a hold of the fastner, but not in a way that could generate the necessary torque to get it done. After exhausting my creativity, I finally had to concede that it may be worth investing in a set.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a set with good range (through 21mm at least) that won't break the bank?

Most seem to be 45 degrees... Is that sufficient or will wish I had gone for 60 degrees. Short/stubby sets seem to be more affordable and might be even more useful in the tight spots where an offset wrench is typically needed but I worry they may not be able to generate enough torque is certain situations. Any thoughts based on experience?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

10mm x 11mm to 17mm x 19mm

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...lerId=SEARS&prdNo=21&blockNo=21&blockType=G21

21 x 23

http://www.tooltopia.com/stahlwille-20_8.aspx

6mm x 7mm, 8mm x 9mm, 10mm x 11mm, 12mm x 13mm,14mm x 15mm, 16mm x 17mm, 18mm x 19mm, 20mm x 22 mm

^ these are German made and feel great.

I was in the same boat as you, I went with the Craftsman set up. Not alot invested. I had the German made set but sold them. they sell for 150-180$ sometimes you can find them for 120 through advance auto.

 

[LB-1911]

Shorts to 20mm

8 Piece 6 Point SuperKrome Short Deep Metric Offset Box End Wrench Set
6mm x 7mm, 8mm x 9mm, 9mm x 10mm, 11mm x 12mm, 13mm x 14mm, 15mm x 16mm, 17mm x 19mm and 18mm x 20mm.

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-86198.aspx

 

[toolmutt]

I've had that SK short set for several years. They are very nice but, honestly, they've never seen a bolt. I'm just a DIYer and have never come across a situation where I needed a short. I have a Craftsman Pro set that gets some use. I really like them, however, if I had to buy a set right now, I would go with the Stahlwilles.

 

[JR 42]

I put together a set of piecemeal USA Craftsman Pros on sale (a couple years ago when Sears stocked them) and random Armstrongs from Cripe. It was pretty cheap and fun to hunt them down, but I wasn't in dire need of them.

If I could afford to, I'd buy the biggest set of Stahlwille deep offsets I could find (I can't afford to...)

JR

 

[bonneyman]

I put together a set of piecemeal USA Craftsman Pros on sale (a couple years ago when Sears stocked them) and random Armstrongs from Cripe. It was pretty cheap and fun to hunt them down, but I wasn't in dire need of them.

If I could afford to, I'd buy the biggest set of Stahlwille deep offsets I could find (I can't afford to...)

JR

This!