Opinions on Blackhawk Long-Pattern Combination Wrenches

[Kaline74]

I bought a set of GearWrench long-pattern combination wrenches (set 81900) and am disappointed in their loose fit on fasteners. My comparison (other wrench sets) are vintage Craftsman (USA), vintage TrueCraft (Japan) and newer Genius (Taiwan) wrenches. I am looking for a better fitting wrench set at a low price, as I rarely use long-pattern wrenches.

Since Stanley is phasing out the Blackhawk brand, I have seen some good prices on their long-pattern polished wrenches on eBay (BW-1108TS and BW-1108MTS). How are these wrenches? Do their ends fit tightly on fasteners? Are they a better wrench than the modern GearWrench?

 

[lardy1]

I have a set of standard length combinations and a set of DBE's. The fitment is good on both. Some of those NOS don't have off corner technology if that matters to you.

 

[FMB4]

I almost always begin to break a fastener free just a bit by using double long box ends. That said, Snap-On and vintage CM LDBEs have been my go-too 'loosen fastener' wrenches since the early '80s. I also have a made in India set of metric off-set LDBEs that have held up very well since the late '80s. I say this as 2-3 yr Yamaha motorcycle mech and a nearly 20 yr auto mech which is NABD (i.e. Not A Big Deal).

 

[KnurledNut]

I bought a set of GearWrench long-pattern combination wrenches (set 81900) and am disappointed in their loose fit on fasteners. My comparison (other wrench sets) are vintage Craftsman (USA), vintage TrueCraft (Japan) and newer Genius (Taiwan) wrenches. I am looking for a better fitting wrench set at a low price, as I rarely use long-pattern wrenches.

Since Stanley is phasing out the Blackhawk brand, I have seen some good prices on their long-pattern polished wrenches on eBay (BW-1108TS and BW-1108MTS). How are these wrenches? Do their ends fit tightly on fasteners? Are they a better wrench than the modern GearWrench?

By "loose fit" are you referring to the open end of the GW? Are they slipping off fasteners, or just feel loose? That cited set should have a modified open end that provides off corner loading for a better grip and less chance of rounding. It may feel more loose than a traditional style open end, like the others mentioned.

 

[Kaline74]

@KnurledNut both the open and closed end of the GearWrench feel loose compared to by 30 year old Craftsman (USA). In use, the GearWrench have not slipped. They do have the off-corner loading design. Maybe I just need to get used to them?

 

[Zewnten]

My chinese made Xl combo wrenches from gear wrench were loose fitting as well. Some of it is bolt manufacturers making the bolts as small as allowed and added to GW making their wrenches meet minimum requirements they feel very sloppy. That being said I haven't tried the taiwan blackhawk tools so I'm no help there

 

[Kaline74]

Thanks to everyone for their feedback. For now, I am going to use these GearWrench wrenches More before I replace them.

 

[Kaline74]

Update: I have been using the GearWrench long pattern combination wrenches when appropriate and I’ve grown used to them. They’ve yet to slip and have really come in handy on a few tasks. I am now glad I bought them and plan to keep them.