Raised Panel Wrenches?

[notamechanic]

Keep in mind that comfort is in the hands of the holder, but, I grew up using Craftsman RP wrenches, and most of the cheap junk tools you found were that design, because it was popular, I presume.
I've tried a few of the newer, slimmer type wrenches. All they do is dig into my hands when I use them. I have not looked at the newer Craftsman stuff, so I don't even know if they still make the RP wrenches anymore. But that is what I prefer, and what is most comfortable for me.
Keeping in mind tool truck type brands are out of question financially. My budget is big box prices, Lowes, Home Depot, in that range pricewise.
I have looked, but all of their offerings seem to be the high polish, slim or smooth sided variety.
Are there any tool manufacturers online that offer similar quality to the old Craftsman RP wrenches in that sort of price range?
Thanks.

 

[bigjeff94]

I think westward (Grainger's house brand) still makes a raised panel wrench but i think these are overpriced for what they are. Craftsman still sells raised panel wrenches at lowe's these are made in china. If you are sold on USA made I believe there are some ebay sellers selling old stock usa made raised panel wrenches. Evercraft from Napa also used to have raised panel wrenches I don't know if they still sell them.

 

[DadsTools]

The traditional raised panel wrench design has fallen out of style. Other than Craftsman Chiwan, I don't know of anyone making them anymore. I like the raised panels too, but I have the older S-K / Lectrolite versions. RP USA wrench sets can certainly be had on eBay, but they won't be big box Chiwan cheap, although still well under tool truck brands. Perhaps someone here will know if anyone still makes them besides Chiwan Craftsman.

Harbor Freight sells these, for what it's worth: https://www.harborfreight.com/raise...MI77zK6YSZ7QIVGmKGCh2f1A2SEAQYAiABEgLt1fD_BwE

Northern Tool also sells a Klutch brand RP: https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200612524_200612524

 

[Jtels85]

Someone correct me if I wrong, but I believe JobSmart wrenches at Tractor Supply are raised panel.

For a DIY guy (which is what I gather from reading your post), China made Craftsman raised panel wrenches at Lowe’s will serve you just fine. Yeah, they’re not USA made anymore and may be slightly less quality, but they get the job done.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Wright grip wrenches are pretty comfy and top notch.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RILQP4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

7-22mm - $170 on amazon, might be able to find it cheaper. TOP NOTCH quality - very comfy and fit well in the hand. Shorter style length, much like the ol' raised panels.



You can still get craftsman raised panel stuff, via Lowes now. You local store may even stock it.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...ic-Standard-Combination-Wrench-Set/1003096192

8mm, and 10-19mm, $37. No longer made in USA if you care about that. Lowes has numerous raised panel sets if that's what you're looking for.

You can buy used craftsman USA on ebay, kind of expensive for what you get though IMO. You don't really get any "buy USA products" brownie points for used stuff, and I doubt the chinese raised panels at Lowes are grossly inferior.

 

[plinker]

S-K used to and may still offer raised panel wrenches. May be worth looking into.

 

[tool_scrounge]

S-K used to and may still offer raised panel wrenches. May be worth looking into.

+1 on this. Really comfortable big beam wrenches. Not the lightest weight though.

 

[designer485]

Williams Supercombo have a nice wide beam that is very comfortable. While priced higher than Craftsman raised panel, they are incredibly nice for the price.

Supercombo vs Craftsman USA Raised Panel

And for reference, Supercombo vs Snap-On

 

[bob15]

Williams Supercombo have a nice wide beam that is very comfortable. While priced higher than Craftsman raised panel, they are incredibly nice for the price.

Supercombo vs Craftsman USA Raised Panel

Just want to mention that the newer Supercombos have the thicker beam. The older Supercombo's are thin beam design, Snap On thin. I say this in case someone sees and wants to buy the non-chrome SC wrenches, they don't expect they are thick beam.