Open end wrench sets and brands

[YotaTRD4x4]

So I am looking into some thin open end wrenches. I see amazon has the duratech super thin sets for cheap. Anyone use these and are they good or garbage. I am all for getting quality tools for less money but dont want junk and will pay the money where it's needed for good to great quality.

The thin design is what I would like to get and that's why these caught my eye at 1/8 inch wide. Not for heavy torque but for hard to reach places.

 

[Callelle]

I have Capri's thin open end wrenches and would recommend them over Great Star Duratrash.

 

[Dave455]

The requirement for thin wrenches is quite a common one, certainly for me. I’m quite surprised that so few manufacturers offer these.

I know nothing about Duratech, but just looking at the image you posted, their own advertising shows the wrench tapering in thickness, with really rounded tips. That really isn’t what you want, and suggests the wrench has either been tumbled, or crudely hand finished.

The fact that they are happy to show that image, also suggests they don’t really know what they are doing.

Thin wrenches sometimes work out a bit more costly as they often have an extra stage in the manufacturing process.

These older Facom, for example, were given a pass on the surface grinder to ensure they were perfectly flat, and consistent.


The modern Facom, although not quite as nicely finished, still seem to be just as consistent.


From what I’ve seen, the Capri appear to be essentially the same wrench as the Facom. If the quality control is comparable, and they are equally flat, then they would appear to be an excellent deal!

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

You must remember no matter what brand these are very low torque tools

 

[Dave455]

You must remember no matter what brand these are very low torque tools

Sure, but when you need ‘em, you need ‘em.

Nothing else would fit to steady these ball joints, either for removal or re fitting. As it turns out, the required torque for these isn’t usually that high.


These KTC “Pro fit” are exceptionally nice.

 

[Skyman]

For low-torque applications where minimal thickness is desired, consider bicycle cone wrenches from suppliers such as Park Tool.

 

[Chipm]

I have some Craftsman that are pretty good. I use them mainly to counter-hold brake caliper pins and sway bar links as you described. Not sure if they are still available, if buying new I would get Capri.

I also have a set of stamped sheet steel ones that are junk but in fact serve their purpose. No idea where I got them.

 

[lotus_esprit]

I had a set of Duratech ones, briefly, were reasonable but I replaced them with a set of Snap On LTAs that ai got a good deal on.

Park Tools in my experience are Chinese rubbish rebranded to sell to cycle techs who would know what a good tool was.

 

[kctgb]

Sure, but when you need ‘em, you need ‘em.

Nothing else would fit to steady these ball joints, either for removal or re fitting. As it turns out, the required torque for these isn’t usually that high.


These KTC “Pro fit” are exceptionally nice.

From your picture it looks like you are dealing with a sway bar connector? If that’s the case you should be able to grab the back side of the ball joint with a standard wrench. There’s usually two flats on the back side a open end wrench will fit on. If it was me I would look through my pile of cheap wrenches and grind one down to fit. I keep a pile of cheap wrenches around for this purpose. I have a pile of ground down wrenches I’ve accumulated over the years.

 

[Dave455]

From your picture it looks like you are dealing with a sway bar connector? If that’s the case you should be able to grab the back side of the ball joint with a standard wrench. There’s usually two flats on the back side a open end wrench will fit on. If it was me I would look through my pile of cheap wrenches and grind one down to fit. I keep a pile of cheap wrenches around for this purpose. I have a pile of ground down wrenches I’ve accumulated over the years.

We call ‘em drop links in the U.K, but yes.

In this case there’s nothing on the back side of the ball joints to grab. The only thing you can grab it by are the flats on the otherwise round part, adjoining the thread.

You can’t use a regular open end - the space is too narrow so it just won’t fit the assembled part.

 

[liliysdad]

I always just grind a wrench to fit in those sort of scenarios.

 

[Fedwrench]

The problem I have with the really thin open end wrenches most brands offer today, is that they are too wide. I'm referencing the total width of the open end from outer edge to the other outer edge. Ridiculous!!
It makes you long for the tappet wrenches from the old days.

 

[GeoBruin]

I have the Duratechs. They've done everything I've asked but they don't exactly ooze quality. It wasn't a tool I felt I would use a ton, or would ever be subjected to a ton of torque, so I didn't want to spend a ton.

Notably, thy are VERY thin. Even less than the 1/8" advertised.

 

[four.cycle]

I know nothing about Duratech

Duratech / see Zhejiang Yiyang Tool Mfg. Co. Ltd., Zhejiang, China /

Zhejiang / Zhejiang Yiyang Tool Mfg. Co. Ltd., No 68 Guangming Rd., Xiao Nanhai, Longyou, Zhejiang, China 324404 / http://www.ironduketools.com/ / http://www.yiyangtools.com/ / "Duratech" "Ironduke" /

[email protected]

I have communicated with Mr. Tang via email regarding a set of angled box-end wrenches (similar to your Facoms) that I purchased just before Christmas.

I was pretty impressed with the fit and finish on the tools. Unfortunately I have not had a reason to use them, so they're still safely nestled in their little roll-up. I sent a set to @Chrome Vanadium Cody for "Secret Santa", but he appears to have fallen off the planet, so I can't offer any feedback regarding performance.

What I was impressed by was their marketing: name, address, phone number, email addy - all right there - up front. Not the usual "We're going to hide behind this blind P.O. box" **** I see from so many other manufacturers out of mainland China (PRC).

Perhaps it may be wishful thinking on my part, but it appears (at least through my eyes) that they're looking to gain market share by providing a reliable product.

YMMV

(You now have Mr. Tang's email addy should you wish to express to him your opinion about his tools.)

 

[four.cycle]

What's the thickness on the heads of those Facom 440's ? Or do they not make those in a double-open-end?
====
FWIW: The Chinese made "V8" thin wrenches do NOT seem to get favorable comments from members on this site.
V-8 Tools / http://www.v8tools.com/ /

 

[Dig Doug]

So I am looking into some thin open end wrenches. I see amazon has the duratech super thin sets for cheap. Anyone use these and are they good or garbage. I am all for getting quality tools for less money but dont want junk and will pay the money where it's needed for good to great quality.

The thin design is what I would like to get and that's why these caught my eye at 1/8 inch wide. Not for heavy torque but for hard to reach places.

I bought the husky set it’s not a complete set, I have not used them…

 

[Dave455]

What's the thickness on the heads of those Facom 440's ? Or do they not make those in a double-open-end?
====
FWIW: The Chinese made "V8" thin wrenches do NOT seem to get favorable comments from members on this site.
V-8 Tools / http://www.v8tools.com/ /

Well, it depends on the size…

The 440 is a combination wrench. It’s the modernised version of the No.40 combination wrench, but the open end is standard thickness.


The double open end is the No.44. I really like these, but again, they are standard thickness.

The thin wrench is the No.31, as shown in my post above.

 

[YotaTRD4x4]

Found this Capri set too for $128. I know these get decent reviews and have solid warranty from my research.

 

[four.cycle]

The double open end is the No.44.

ahh... I kind of thought I was off the mark there....

I had a set of "Elora 100" double-open-ends that had relatively thin heads that were not the dreaded "lobster claws".
Not sure if the OP is looking for SAE or Metric.

 

[kctgb]

We call ‘em drop links in the U.K, but yes.

In this case there’s nothing on the back side of the ball joints to grab. The only thing you can grab it by are the flats on the otherwise round part, adjoining the thread.

You can’t use a regular open end - the space is too narrow so it just won’t fit the assembled part.

Can you slip the rubber boot back to see if a wrench will fit? When they install the link they have to have some way to grab the ball joint.

 

[Gebirgekind]

If you don’t need a true “thin” wrench, the Stahlwille 10 series double open end wrenches are quite thin but with standard working strength - same ends as the 13 series combos.

Otherwise +1 for the Facom 31s, I have the old version and they’re good. Snap-on has their Slimline series too but they’re astronomically priced, even for them.

 

[nadogail]

Over the years I managed to accumulate several "special" wrenches that were modified at work to handle a unique situation.

Some were passed on to my successors, others somehow mysteriously disappeared.

When you get paid by the hour, the extra time it takes to grind a wrench thinner while keeping it cool is not a hardship. I don't think i have ever worked "Flat Rate".

 

[cherrybomb]

So I am looking into some thin open end wrenches. I see amazon has the duratech super thin sets for cheap. Anyone use these and are they good or garbage. I am all for getting quality tools for less money but dont want junk and will pay the money where it's needed for good to great quality.

The thin design is what I would like to get and that's why these caught my eye at 1/8 inch wide. Not for heavy torque but for hard to reach places.

To help the thinking caps under stand,is their a certain application or dimension you are needing?I had a special situation, so Stahwille worked for me

 

[Ohio Andy]

Tekton has a thin service wrench

Service Wrench Set (3/4–2-5/8 Inch) | TEKTON | Made in USA

31-piece set includes 3/4–2-5/8 inch (SAE) service wrenches. No skipped sizes. Made in USA. WSE90101.

www.tekton.com

I do not own and have never used any Duratech product, but I had considered purchasing a set of ratcheting wrenches as kind of a grab and go cheap set in case I didn't want to grab my proto ratcheting wrenches. I keep that in two tool rolls, one SAE one metric, and they're heavy beasts because they go from really tiny to really big... And for some things I thought I might want something else.

I only bring this up because I had considered buying something from the brand. I was even considering this flex head set. But I also have a tech and flex head reversible long pattern set.

https://a.co/d/602kPFb

So some people like Duratech And some don't...

Also get back on track, I have not used these particular Tekton thin service wrenches. I had a time where I needed those more often than I do now, but since my need is lower now, I probably won't even try them.

I also considered something from wright tools

Service Wrenches—30° Angle, Satin Finish

www.wrighttool.com

 

[four.cycle]

Dura Tech 8 pc metric thin open-end wrench set $24.99 @ Amazon.com

I just sent an email to Mr. Charles Tang at Zhejiang Yiyang Tool Mfg. Co. Ltd. asking for dimensions on these. I'm not finding the dimensions listed on the company's website. (Maybe I'm not looking in the right place.)

Condidering the price point, I'd call this one a no-brainer. You can't buy lunch for $25 bucks.

My first set of tools was a full set of Indestro Super metric open-ends - they worked dandy for adjusting cones on my 1970 Motobecane (Astra) 10-speed. The objection most of you will have on these is that they are indeed the proverbial "lobster claw" heads - I would not suggest these for tight-quarter use. On the positive side, mine have held up quite well for 55 years, and they're in abundant supply in the second-hand market.

Hopefully Mr. Tang will get back to us shortly - quite a time zone difference between Tacoma and Zhejiang.

(* edit: I just ordered a set. I already had some pliers in my "cart" so this was too easy.)

 

[YotaTRD4x4]

To help the thinking caps under stand,is their a certain application or dimension you are needing?I had a special situation, so Stahwille worked for me

My most specific task usually involves hydraulic fittings on Aircraft. Alot of the tubes and hoses that run through bulkheads (bulkhead fittings usually come loose from vibration) usually have a jamnut to hold them firm to the bulkhead and you have to double wrench to tighten them so at times and depending on the fitting you may have a rather slender jamnut with the B-nut from the hose right up against it which requires a slim wrench to hold it in place as you tighten the fitting.

 

[four.cycle]

did you try running a search for "Jam Nut Wrench" ?

 

[YotaTRD4x4]

did you try running a search for "Jam Nut Wrench" ?

Wasn't searching for a jam nut wrench and was asking about a specific set of cheap, thin wrenches to see if anyone has used the duratech brand etc since I can't just walk into the store and take a look. I have been military aircraft mech for 22 years and we have never used jam nut wrenches and only use snap on tools so I don't have a ton of experience with cheaper tools but as much as I like snap on I am not willing to pay tool truck pirate prices if something else is similar in quality and cheaper with a equivalent or better warranty process.

 

[KnurledNut]

Wasn't searching for a jam nut wrench and was asking about a specific set of cheap, thin wrenches to see if anyone has used the duratech brand etc since I can't just walk into the store and take a look. I have been military aircraft mech for 22 years and we have never used jam nut wrenches and only use snap on tools so I don't have a ton of experience with cheaper tools but as much as I like snap on I am not willing to pay tool truck pirate prices if something else is similar in quakity and cheaper with a equivalent or better warranty process.

Are you in need of standard or metric wrenches?

 

[YotaTRD4x4]

Aircraft are only SAE but I am looking for metric as well just to have for my own hobby automotive use as well.

 

[kody1234]

I have some Craftsman that are pretty good. I use them mainly to counter-hold brake caliper pins and sway bar links as you described. Not sure if they are still available, if buying new I would get Capri.

I also have a set of stamped sheet steel ones that are junk but in fact serve their purpose. No idea where I got them.

I have the Craftsman USA made,had them for years.

 

[WWheeler]

Craftsman Tappet Wrenches, but they only ever came in SAE AFAIK. I have two sets of them, the old USA and the newer china-made versions, and tbh the China-made ones are nicer in almost every way IMHO. They are just a blonde one thinner, which I only noticed after they saved me one time after the USA version wouldn't squeeze in where I needed, and they are full polish as opposed to that Craftsman USA unfinish they are known for. The one knock against the China made ones is instead of 3/8 they have a 17/32, which I've never yet ran into a use for.




Since I don't have a set of thin metric wrenches I'm going to give those Duratech's a go. $25 w/ a 10% 'coupon' seems like a safe bet.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Fellow hydraulic mech air force here , there is no such thing as a jam nut wrench for aircraft. We use crowfoot or whatever fits, most wrenches fit as the jam nut is usually thick. I know they make some thin crowfoot type wrenches now, not sure on the quality.

I own the duratech metric, they do the job perfectly. The quality middle of the table. The price is good and for a tool you probably won't be using much is perfect. For jamnuts you don't need hight torque, so they won't see major fatigue anyway. Only real drawback I've seen from them is the exclusion of the 16mm. That size is used on a lot of brake slider pins. I had to purchase the size seperetly from a different brand.

 

[Rinspeed]

Sure, but when you need ‘em, you need ‘em.

Nothing else would fit to steady these ball joints, either for removal or re fitting. As it turns out, the required torque for these isn’t usually that high.


These KTC “Pro fit” are exceptionally nice.

Those KTC look really nice, I need more KTC in my life.

 

[KnurledNut]

Anyone tried Asahi? They skip 16 and 18 unfortunately, but I would imagine these are good quality wrenches.
https://www.asahi-tool.co.jp/english/product/spanner-wrench/cate-snt-thin-spanner_english.html

 

[decableguy2000]

I would vote for the Capri's they have more sizes available than most of the other offshore brands, and the do offer a military discount. You van also purchase singles if you need one to try in a specific size.

 

[Chipm]

... a set of angled box-end wrenches (similar to your Facoms) that I purchased ...

What are these used for?

 

[Dave455]

Those KTC look really nice, I need more KTC in my life.

Yes, they do.

As well as slim open end

Ktc offer slim box end
and slim combination, in their Pro fit line.

A couple of my friends in the bike world have these wrenches, but I’ve seen them in a machine shop too.

I can only agree with regard to KTC.

There is never any “buyers remorse”, in fact quite the opposite - the tools generally surpass expectation, there never seem to be quality control issues, and you are left with a feeling of good value!

 

[cherrybomb]

Anyone tried Asahi? They skip 16 and 18 unfortunately, but I would imagine these are good quality wrenches.
https://www.asahi-tool.co.jp/english/product/spanner-wrench/cate-snt-thin-spanner_english.html

Yes I have,just for giggles I ordered the Asahi Light Tool.Double Open End,they have the centers open and the ends strong but some relief away from the opening.From Palmac I got the 11-13,measures 0.191 thick at the end.I got the 12-14 measures 0.210 at the end.A very interesting and functional, yet strong open end.I too was miffed that couldn't get a 16-18.
I also had previously needed a thin open end for my Jet Spindle Sander,so I researched and purchased a Stahwille Motor 10,double open end.The 10-13 measures 0.206 either end.The 13-17 measures 0.228 either end.We all know about Stahwille quality,and I totally agree.I now know that the Asahi light tools are a reasonable option for the uses I need.
Not sure the sizes you need,or the thicknesses you need,but these brands work for me.Good luck,it's good to ask for advice and do the research

 

[YotaTRD4x4]

Fellow hydraulic mech air force here , there is no such thing as a jam nut wrench for aircraft. We use crowfoot or whatever fits, most wrenches fit as the jam nut is usually thick. I know they make some thin crowfoot type wrenches now, not sure on the quality.

I own the duratech metric, they do the job perfectly. The quality middle of the table. The price is good and for a tool you probably won't be using much is perfect. For jamnuts you don't need hight torque, so they won't see major fatigue anyway. Only real drawback I've seen from them is the exclusion of the 16mm. That size is used on a lot of brake slider pins. I had to purchase the size seperetly from a different brand.

Thanks for the info. I hardly need anything thin and have ground down a few cheapo wrenches on occasion to fit various places where needed but also have found that I would like to have a set of hand when I need them vs having to figure out the size and go grind a wrench to use it.