small size wrenches < 10 mm / 3/8"

[FSUwelder1212]

Looking for some opinions, I am looking at adding some smaller wrenches to my arsenal 6-9mm and probably 1/4-5/16". My question is, what would you go for, short pattern or regular pattern? The short pattern seems like it would fit more places where I am likely to find these smaller fasteners, and I can't imagine needing alot of torque so I don't really see the benefit for regular length, but they obviously make them for a reason. What is everyones thoughts? Thanks!

 

[kbeefy]

The difference between short and standard at that size is pretty minimal, at least the ones I have.
I agree, short does most everything you would ever need.

 

[DadsTools]

I work on a lot of smaller stuff. I agree with kbeefy that there is little difference between the short and standard lengths at these small opening sizes, so I would go with the standard length. However, there are times when those little guys can take some torque to break them loose. For these situations, I have long pattern, deep-offset double box wrenches--you might be surprised how many times I've used these. For really tight places where a standard length just won't fit (which I've found is a rare occurrence), a set of mini-wrenches (what they used to call ignition wrenches) are inexpensive and handy to have around.

As in most cases, there is no one-size-fits-all solutions. Fortunately, you only need a few fill-in sizes, so the cost is minimal to get standard and long patterns.

 

[four.cycle]

short pattern look on ebay for a set of "ES" combination wrenches. very nicely made.
long pattern look on ebay for a set of "AMESCO" -

 

[RTM]

I buy all the mini, ignition, etc wrenches I see at garage sales. Each seems to have a different shape, which is great for tight quarters. Last usage was inside a stand mixer, and it took three tries to find one that fit easily. I must have 30 in 1/4” and smaller sizes.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I have SO 12 points 8mm and 9mm and 5/16 as the smallest size wrenches regular length. Never needed short pattern yet as a home gamer.

 

[DAustin]

Let's see you'll also need 2.5, 3, 3.2, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5 this is Garage Journal so of course you need to buy them all.

Elora Midget open end wrenches made in Germany

Midget open end wrenches are manufactured in Germany by Elora Werkzeugfabrik. Sizes range from 2.5 mm to 13mm, 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch, and BA Brittish Standard 0 thru 9. Due to their compact size they are excellent for working in tight quarters.

www.bloomertool.com