SK long pattern wrenches

[SK-Mike]

Looking to upgrade out of my current Craftsman raised panel comb. wrenches, would really like a long wrench for added leverage.

Been looking online at the SK long patterns, anyone have any pros/cons with these?

How do they grip a fastener compared to say a more high end wrench like a Snap on, Matco, or Wright?

I currently have a set of the SK flex combination wrenches, which seem to be pretty good, as I can't ever recall rounding off a fastener with them, although I rarely put them in situations where a lot of torque is needed.

 

[AmishFury]

compared to the others... the box end works just the same....

the difference will be the open end since SK doesn't offer an anti slip open end option (outside of the x-frame ratcheting wrenches) while snap-on, wright, mac, matco and some others do

 

[SK-Mike]

How does the SK long pattern length compare to other brands of extended length wrenches? I know their regular length wrenches tend to be a tad on the short side.

 

[ElectroMechTech]

I have SK long pattern in metric. Two years of almost daily use and no issues. Great value for the money.

 

[Adam.C]

Here ya go:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4884870&postcount=58

 

[Hiball]

How does the SK long pattern length compare to other brands of extended length wrenches? I know their regular length wrenches tend to be a tad on the short side.

It will obviously vary from Manufacturer to Manufacturer, That info is generally available online from all the big Players. A prime example is that SK Long pattern is fairly close to "Standard" Length Snap on Wrenches.

 

[Fedwrench]

I'm not a fan of SK combination wrenches. I own them but, I don't care for the extra steel, thicke, wide in the hips, whatever you want to call it SK has on their combination wrenches where the boxed end meets the beam. It's not as bad on their long versions but, it still bothers me. Now, these wrenches will serve you and probably your kids well and this opinion is only mine.
As for not having a non slip modified open end, who cares? many antislip open ends don't work that well and unless you're a front end tech, who breaks **** loose with an open end that often?
Shop around though as there's a wide pricing gap between vendors.

 

[royesses]

SK long pattern wrenches are a little bit shorter than Snap-on and Armstrong. They are high quality and work great. The Armstrong/Craftsman professional are very nice also. I have both and they compliment each other. Sometimes the SK is just enough shorter to get in where the longer Armstrong won't.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Ive actually got a set that I am getting ready to sell (metric). I am replacing them all with Wright (though I may just keep the SKs too). The SK wrenches are not super long, but I have had no issues with them. Still look like new. PM me if you are interested.

 

[Davefr]

I'd get Wright over any other wrench. I think they make the best wrenches on the planet and they're affordable.

However they're just a tad shorter then some of the other long pattern wrenches.

 

[SMKS]

Just to note, Dave's pic shows a standard-length SK wrench, not the long pattern being considered by the OP.

The SK long-pattern wrenches are about the same length as Proto Anti-slip.

 

[Youngguns]

Isn't the comparable Wright wrench set cheaper than the SK wrench set? Might as well get them teeth, boy.

 

[defektes]

I use SK long patterns, at work daily, great wrenches. I actually like them better than my paper thin snap ons.

 

[jrobb316]

SK wrenches are quality. As for the anti-slip gripping, teeth, whatever, you can keep them. About the only time i'm using the open end is for alignments. Any rust on the rods and you have to pound on the wrenches due to the buildup. They do grip very well, but if that rod isn't turning anyways, you're getting the torch. Teeth in the open end saved me a few times from getting the torch, not worth the headache of the other 99%. I have snap on FD+, and a long pattern set as well without the FD+. I usually grab for the long set with smooth jaws. I would get SK if I was in the market for wrenches.

 

[SK-Mike]

thanks for the input. Would surely love to own just one tool by snap on, as I truly believe they're they best out there, but for me I just work on things at home, Im not a pro mechanic. I think the SK long pattern will suit me ok, I plan to put my Craftsman raised panel wrenches on ebay, I doubt they will fetch much though.

would like to list them here but I haven't got to the 100 post count yet, LOL. No worries though, might be worth keeping for loaner tools to neighbors. Ha ha.

 

[Goohead]

I have some sk as wel been very happy with them

 

[John in OH]

thanks for the input. Would surely love to own just one tool by snap on, as I truly believe they're they best out there, but for me I just work on things at home, Im not a pro mechanic. I think the SK long pattern will suit me ok, I plan to put my Craftsman raised panel wrenches on ebay, I doubt they will fetch much though.

would like to list them here but I haven't got to the 100 post count yet, LOL. No worries though, might be worth keeping for loaner tools to neighbors. Ha ha.

Seriously, don't disregard the WrigthGrips! If their length suits your needs, and their price is comparable, I think they are the superior combo wrench. Arguably, IMHO, WrightGrips may be the best combo wrench currently on the market. (I'll take cover now!)

 

[Fedwrench]

Here's my crappy picture comparison, all 14mm.
From top to bottom:
At 8 inches overall, the Garage Journal wrench de jour, the Wrightgrip, also the shortest at just under 8 inches overall.
SK Long Pattern
Craftsman Pro (US Made version)
Snap on Flank drive Plus
PROTO ASD 500 series
Snap on XL OEXLM14 (older model) at 9 11/16 overall


On a side note , has anyone else noticed that Wright boxed ends aren't angled up much?

 

[rapid robert]

Love my SK long pattern wrenches!

 

[Davefr]

I'm not a fan of SK combination wrenches. I own them but, I don't care for the extra steel, thicke, wide in the hips, whatever you want to call it SK has on their combination wrenches where the boxed end meets the beam.

I'm curious. Has anyone ever encountered a situation where SK's wide hips have prevented or impeded fastener removal?

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Very happy with my SK long patterns. I really like the thicker beam compared to snap on. I also have a set of standard patterns and they are nice because they fit in spaces most standards pattern wrenches.

 

[Goohead]

I'm curious. Has anyone ever encountered a situation where SK's wide hips have prevented or impeded fastener removal?

Not personally

 

[Fedwrench]

I'm curious. Has anyone ever encountered a situation where SK's wide hips have prevented or impeded fastener removal?

It's not an access issue. it's a feel/balance issue to me.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I'm curious. Has anyone ever encountered a situation where SK's wide hips have prevented or impeded fastener removal?

I have not, and I do like the way they fit my hands, but YMMV

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

It's not an access issue. it's a feel/balance issue to me.

To this point, I think it is important to try a single wrench before committing to a set, even if it is handling them in a store. I like the shape of the SK but it is not for everyone. For example: I think Snap On makes an excellent wrench but I just don't don't like the ergonomics.

 

[Schurkey]

I have a few individual extra-long wrenches, a mongrel "set" comprising the old Sears full-polish long pattern (Same as SK with different markings), Snap-On, and modern SK long-patterns.

I like the old Craftsman/current SK long pattern wrenches. They're not as long as Snap-On, but they beat the hell out of the Craftsman raised-panel jobs for both ergonomics and leverage.

With price as a concern, I'm happy with the SK long pattern wrenches. I can't afford sets of Snap-On tools any more, although I still buy some individuals.

Don't sell the Craftsman raised-panel wrenches. You won't get squat for them. Sooner or later, you'll want a short wrench for some unusual job. Better to use them as a traveling tool set for roadside problems; or a second set at the lake home...or even as a gift to a friend.

 

[Goohead]

I could never really tell the ergo difference between sets

 

[cgv69]

I'm sure the WrightGrips are very nice and I have been tempted to buy them but their length bothers me. If I have to choose between length or teeth, I'll choose length because IMO that advantage will come into play more often then the extra grip of the teeth will. Also sometimes those teeth can be an issue depending on the situation (i.e. when you don't want the nut/bolt head marked up).

I have both SK and Armstrong wrenches. The SK's are marked Craftsman Pro and the Armstrongs are marked Craftsman Industrial. Both are nice but I prefer the Armstrong's because they are longer and a little beefier.

 

[Davefr]

To this point, I think it is important to try a single wrench before committing to a set, even if it is handling them in a store. I like the shape of the SK but it is not for everyone. For example: I think Snap On makes an excellent wrench but I just don't don't like the ergonomics.

I agree.

Everyone's hands are different. I did a blind "hold the wrench test" awhile back and Wright came up #1. They just feel better in my hand. (a tad thicker, nice rounded beam and excellent balance).

I did not like SO. (too thin and the edge almost fealt sharp)

 

[Adam.C]

I bought SK craftsman long pattern years ago because I thought they were beautiful. And I still think so. But they aren't long pattern by the US std. And the hips absolutely get in the way on both ends (maybe less so on the open end). They are also a tiny bit thicker than other US wrenches (open end).

FWIW, I'm still sweating from the crazy electric seat job I just finished. I completely rebuilt my electric seat, memory control, steering and mirror control all digital. I really wonder what you guys work on that inform your frames of reference. Building decks? Fixing lawn mowers? Nothing wrong with that- but might explain the different opinions.

I was working between the steering wheel and had the driver's seat tipped back to access a memory module, which is attached to the underside of the seat. The stereo amp is on the floor just under the seat between the rails.

I used a myriad of specialty tools that I'm not sure how I could have done the job without. No way I could have done this job with a "basic tool set". If anyone is interested I'll make a list.

I don't care who's tools you choose. Fight for leverage, fight for access, fight for every possible advantage if you want to work on modern cars. Otherwise you are going to end up with expensive lawn tractor and bicycle fixing tools. If you get a choice between 2 wrenches, one is long and thin and has small ends, you're nuts not to choose that one (if you want to work on modern cars).

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I work on it all, build sheds, repair modern and older cars, farm equipment, lawn mowers, atvs, etc with my SK wrenches.

 

[Schurkey]

I used a myriad of specialty tools that I'm not sure how I could have done the job without. No way I could have done this job with a "basic tool set". If anyone is interested I'll make a list.

I don't care who's tools you choose. Fight for leverage, fight for access, fight for every possible advantage if you want to work on modern cars. Otherwise you are going to end up with expensive lawn tractor and bicycle fixing tools. If you get a choice between 2 wrenches, one is long and thin and has small ends, you're nuts not to choose that one (if you want to work on modern cars).

Sooner or later, you'll want a short wrench for some unusual job.

The old saying is "Different horses for different courses"; which is to say that the tool has to match the job.

Perhaps we can say "Different wrenches for different work benches" but the concept is identical. The tool has to fit the hand, and the job, provide adequate leverage yet still have adequate clearance, be strong enough to turn the fastener without damage (or with acceptable damage) to both tool and fastener, and not be lost or loaned-out to someone else or the work suffers.

Which is why so many of us have tool boxes big enough for homeless people to put a mailbox on, and sleep in the bottom drawer.

 

[SK-Mike]

One last question, I notice I can buy the SK long pattern in both 6 or 12 point, I'm assuming the 6 point wrenches would be my best option?

 

[cgv69]

One last question, I notice I can buy the SK long pattern in both 6 or 12 point, I'm assuming the 6 point wrenches would be my best option?

Opinions vary? Most of my sockets are all 6 point (by choice) but for combo wrenches, I feel that 12pt is the way to go. Reason is, typically if I'm using the closed end wrench its often because I'm working in a tight spot with limited access. A 12pt gives you 2x as many angle options as a 6pt and if the "swing" room is limited, a 6pt may not even work is some really tight spots that a 12pt would.

 

[Fedwrench]

One last question, I notice I can buy the SK long pattern in both 6 or 12 point, I'm assuming the 6 point wrenches would be my best option?

NOOOOO!!

6 point sockets are great but, not so much in wrenches unless you're talking about brake bleeding wrenches.

You have to move the wrench too far to reposition it with a 6 point. Get the 12pt. they feature off corner engagement and will work much better in confined spaces.

 

[HanShotFirst]

I have the old Craftsman Professional, which are the SK long pattern wrenches (look for the "K" stamped on back side). They are shorter length than most long pattern. Actually they are very close to the standard length Snap On. 20+ years ago when I bought these wrenches I bought them because they were identical in every dimension (as measured with a dial caliper) to the Snap On wrenches at that time.

I have not found the wide hips to ever be an issue, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time.

All in all I have found this wrench set to be just damn good and very nice to work with. If I had a couple hundred bucks to spare, I'd get a full set of metric to go with my SAE set.

anti slip serrations - this is a great innovation but I'm not sure how much its needed. I have never stripped a fastener with my wrenches that I can recall. I have twisted the head off of a couple. While the anti slip is very cool, I can't help but wonder in the real world that anything grade 5 and below would have its head twisted off before the wrench stripped the edges. YouTube videos show that all but the wright and SO will strip before the grade 8 bolt fails.

Personally, I have never had that issue in the real world and the SK long pattern wrenches have been flawless performers for anything I've asked of them for the past 20+ years.

So to me it comes down to money.

At some point I'm going to buy a better set of metric to go along with my Craftsman/SK SAE wrenches. If I can get some anti-slip wrenches from Williams, Mac, Matco or Proto for within $50.00 of the SK long pattern then I'll get those. That is what I personally value that feature at (just me), and that's because I personally can't recall where I absolutely needed that feature. Otherwise I'll get the SK long pattern metric for the best price I can source, and smile knowing I'll be very happy.

So in summary, they are excellent, absolutely excellent. There are better wrenches out there though, and only you can decide how much more you're willing to pay for those better wrenches.

If I were a pro, combination wrenches are one thing I would go deep in the wallet for. But I'm not and FOR ME, the SK long pattern wrenches have proven perfect.

 

[SK-Mike]

NOOOOO!!

6 point sockets are great but, not so much in wrenches unless you're talking about brake bleeding wrenches.

You have to move the wrench too far to reposition it with a 6 point. Get the 12pt. they feature off corner engagement and will work much better in confined spaces.

Thanks for the advice, I had the 6 point wrench sets saved in my cart, I will go back and switch them out for the 12 points.

 

[Schurkey]

I like 6-point in the smaller sizes, and 12-point in the larger sizes.

The dividing line for me is around the 1/2" wrench size.

Given enough money, I'd have all 12-point, plus up to 9/16 or 15mm in 6-point.

 

[defektes]

6 Point for sockets, 12 pt for wrenches.

Wrenches come out when you have clearance issues you do not want to be limited with 6pt in those cases.

And no I have not encountered a issue with clearance.

 

[defektes]

I bought SK craftsman long pattern years ago because I thought they were beautiful. And I still think so. But they aren't long pattern by the US std. And the hips absolutely get in the way on both ends (maybe less so on the open end). They are also a tiny bit thicker than other US wrenches (open end).

FWIW, I'm still sweating from the crazy electric seat job I just finished. I completely rebuilt my electric seat, memory control, steering and mirror control all digital. I really wonder what you guys work on that inform your frames of reference. Building decks? Fixing lawn mowers? Nothing wrong with that- but might explain the different opinions.

I was working between the steering wheel and had the driver's seat tipped back to access a memory module, which is attached to the underside of the seat. The stereo amp is on the floor just under the seat between the rails.

I used a myriad of specialty tools that I'm not sure how I could have done the job without. No way I could have done this job with a "basic tool set". If anyone is interested I'll make a list.

I don't care who's tools you choose. Fight for leverage, fight for access, fight for every possible advantage if you want to work on modern cars. Otherwise you are going to end up with expensive lawn tractor and bicycle fixing tools. If you get a choice between 2 wrenches, one is long and thin and has small ends, you're nuts not to choose that one (if you want to work on modern cars).

And to answer your question, I work on company cars, usually domestic sedans and full size trucks, and industrial equipment, whatever needs fixing at the plant, rebuilds of gearboxes, pumps, mixers, bearing replacements etc...

At home I work on whatever I got, from small compact foci to my pickups.