Opinion needed on offset wrenches

[bushhawg73]

I want a set of deep offset wrenches. With the price of todays tools I would like some input from the GJ members before I buy. If you own or use any deep offset wrenches do you find the standard length or the short version more useful. I know each user is different but I would like the input anyway.

 

[garfunkle24]

I prefer the shorter ones personally. When you take the 'offset' part into account you've added a little length anyway. Also, a lot of leverage (ie long wrench) on a deep offset tends to just make it **** at an angle unless the wrench fits the fastener very precisely.

 

[krusty the clown]

i dont have any deep offset wrenches.......seems i have never found a place where i couldn't live without them. i do have both long and short in 10 degree offset. the shorts are handy at times but i could live without them. the longs are nice when you need to break a tight bolt loose that a combo wrench will slip off.

 

[Fedwrench]

It depends on what you're working on. My two favorite sets are the Craftsman pro set and the SK stubby set. Which set gets used depends are how much torque or reach is needed. The craftsman set goes on sale once in awhile. Ebay is a good source for the SK set at times.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...me=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Wrenches

http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=7373

 

[garfunkle24]

Also I should have mentioned, like Krusty, that it is very rare I need either. Not too many times where some combination of ratchet/socket/extension or combo wrench won't work.

I'd buy some 4-way angle wrenches or some variable length extensions before I'd buy deep off-sets if I had my time again.

 

[john w]

They're good for getting onto strut nuts.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I have many, short and long, some as matched sets, and others as individuals. I use the old Blue-Point deep offset shorts a lot. I just like them. The longs I grab as needed. I cannot say they are my most used wrenches, but I can say I am glad to have many to choose from when I need one! I want to add the Craftsman pro offset metric longs before Sears goes **** up!

 

[zuspiel]

I have some on my Toptul wish list... They are popular in Europe and I kind of miss them. That's a good enough reason, right?

 

[john w]

I think you'll like the Toptul. I started with the Cman Pros thru 19mm, and then later four larger wrenches in the satin Toptul from Mike. The price from Mike is hard to pass up! The satin finish reminds me of a cool drink in a frosted glass.

 

[Senorpablo]

If you want a really inexpensive set, check out the Husky's at Home Depot. Full polish chrome, 4 piece set for about $13. Most sets are at least 5 piece, so if you can live with 2 fewer sizes, they look to be a great deal.

 

[pirana]

I have some on my Toptul wish list... They are popular in Europe and I kind of miss them. That's a good enough reason, right?

Me Too! I looked at a set from Stahlwille but can't justify the expense.

 

[Chris Adams]

On needing offset wrenches, I have some, and oddly, don't recall many recent uses.
They were well used in the old days but cars seem to be laid out enough differently that they seldom come out of their drawers.
I do recall using them when working on Van's, on British cars and even under some American sport compacts, but anymore they just sit. I would put it near the end of the tool budget if I was starting out today.

 

[81Seca]

I have the S-K 8 piece set that Fedwrench posted. There's a guy on eBay who sells them with a starting bid of $25.95. Picked up a set for that price. Seems to be one of those tools that you don't use much, but are glad you have 'em if you need 'em. And for $26, what the hell.

 

[scottmlew]

Me Too! I looked at a set from Stahlwille but can't justify the expense.

Oh, I agree that the price it quite high, but they are SO sweet Also, this was a nice purchase for me, b/c I got some smaller and larger sizes than I had in regular box wrenches, so I could use an offset even if it's not required...until I get my normal set, that is.