Snap On regular vs long wrenches

[mrjaw14]

Snap On has their wrench sets on special this month and I'm planning on getting a set. I just have craftsman RP wrenches mainly, so even the regular snap on wrenches will be longer. I looked at the measurements of the long wrenches and a 10mm is 7.3 inches long...that's a loooong 10mm. that got me thinking are the Snap On long wrenches too long for regular use? Help me decide! yes i know I need both, but what if I can only have one?

 

[bob15]

I'm not the biggest fan of the long and extra long wrenches. I find them too long and typically get in the way more than they are beneficial to me.

While I have a set of Mac extra long wrenches and their fine to use, I prefer the standard length Snappy & Bonney wrenches the most (Wright in metric).

 

[Mr_B]

You can make a short wrench longer easier than can make a long wrench short .
I like the toptul extra long combo wrenches or aviation style long box ends .
If can only have one stahwille open box 14 do great .

 

[lis2323]

Buy regular length now. When funds permit, add a set of short then long. JMHO

 

[californiaHank]

What Snap-On calls 'standard' combo wrenches is what most American and European manufacturers call 'long pattern'.

Sometimes a longer wrench is nice - a touch more leverage, a bit more reach
Sometimes it isn't - not enough room

Most of the time, for me, it doesn't matter a lot, but I tend to reach for the shorter pattern ones more than the longer ones, especially for smaller fasteners. YMMV, depending on what you work on.

 

[sberry]

I got several styles for the common sizes. Engine, equipment, etc a set of dbe is in most serious types box, I got a set or 2 of common combo then a fist full of extra and different 10, 13 15, different sockets in those sizes, a couple 18 and a garage full in 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 20 each, 10 styles, few things simple a piece or wrench or singles for particular jobs. Don't need 11mm in every type they ever invented.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

i have long and extra long wrenches and love them....but can be so inconvenient.... I bought the Facom set which are on the shorter side and I use them A LOT. I love those things!

If you're getting a deal, and want both, buy the one that is harder to find on the used market for cheaper.

 

[Wamsutta]

Be careful when buying Snap-on wrenches. Sometimes they can turn out very thin with a square edge. Every once in awhile they'll turn out a wrench that's thicker with a rounded edge; I have a couple like that but they're rare. If I was shopping for my first set, I'd get the longs; but that's after I thoroughly inspected them on the truck.

 

[KnurledNut]

OP, are you looking at the “buy the metrics, get the standard” deal?

 

[Dave455]

Definitely get the regular ones first. As you have found out, they are the equivalent of many manufacturers long wrenches, which to be honest, is what you need.

As regards the Snap On long combinations, ask yourself how often you are going to need the open end of a wrench that long. If you apply all the force you can exert it’s probably going to slip. How about getting a few (or maybe a set) of the long box ends (the “high performance” wrenches). With a box end on each end you then only need half the number of wrenches!

 

[seber]

Definitely get the regular ones first. As you have found out, they are the equivalent of many manufacturers long wrenches, which to be honest, is what you need.

As regards the Snap On long combinations, ask yourself how often you are going to need the open end of a wrench that long. If you apply all the force you can exert it’s probably going to slip. How about getting a few (or maybe a set) of the long box ends (the “high performance” wrenches). With a box end on each end you then only need half the number of wrenches!

Totally agree. Long pattern open end have no value. Get regular combination and long box end set. Or even short combination.

 

[mrjaw14]

OP, are you looking at the “buy the metrics, get the standard” deal?

Yes. they are available in regular and long and making me choose. Da fuk SO? That's like asking me to choose blonde vs brunette! yes please, I'll have 3. I thought I wanted the long until I looked at the length of the 10mm converted to inches.

Does anyone who has both styles, or even the long vs another mfr, can you take a picture with something like a hand for size reference? I've been searching for pictures and videos. There used to be some here, but they are from years ago and the pictures aren't showing anymore

 

[16again]

Yes. they are available in regular and long and making me choose. Da fuk SO? That's like asking me to choose blonde vs brunette! yes please, I'll have 3. I thought I wanted the long until I looked at the length of the 10mm converted to inches.

Does anyone who has both styles, or even the long vs another mfr, can you take a picture with something like a hand for size reference? I've been searching for pictures and videos. There used to be some here, but they are from years ago and the pictures aren't showing anymore

I have the standard Snap-on wrenches. Don’t know what I have as a comparison, but will check and get a picture for you. I will tell you this just as others have said, Snap-on regular is like other brands longs. Give me a little while, my better half is sleeping. Once she gets up, I’ll get a picture or 2 for you.

 

[16again]

Best I’ve got for you. Regular Snap-on is in the middle. Measures 6 3/4” long.



Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[red94chev]

I own the standard lengths and have never needed anything longer.

After that, I bought all the midget length ones.

Don't see a need for the "short" or "long" for home use unless you're just trying to spend some money.

 

[16again]

Forgot to say that the top one is a craftsman ratcheting wrench.

 

[KnurledNut]

OP, check out the picture in the first post here:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=163125

Its shows both alongside a Craftsman and Wrightgrip for reference.

Also be aware that this deal is for the wrenches with the teeth in the open end, Flank Drive Plus. They can be excellent for grip, but will also leave marks on some fasteners.

 

[JohnM45]

Yes. they are available in regular and long and making me choose. Da fuk SO? That's like asking me to choose blonde vs brunette! yes please, I'll have 3. I thought I wanted the long until I looked at the length of the 10mm converted to inches.

Does anyone who has both styles, or even the long vs another mfr, can you take a picture with something like a hand for size reference? I've been searching for pictures and videos. There used to be some here, but they are from years ago and the pictures aren't showing anymore

Where are you seeing this deal? I'm looking online and not finding it - truck sales only, maybe?

 

[KnurledNut]

Where are you seeing this deal? I'm looking online and not finding it - truck sales only, maybe?

Its in the March flyer that dealers distribute.

 

[Audiophilefred]

I would go with the soex and you can always buy some stubby wrenches when needed

 

[Professional Tool User]

You should honestly hop on the tool truck and play around with the two size options if Snap on is the only option you are considering. Most mechanics will tell you they want the extra leverage.

 

[mouthpiece]

Over 20 years working on acft and I use the OEX Snapon set more than anything.
Sometimes they are too long. Sometimes you need longer.
With Snapon, size really is more noticeable about 7/16" and larger
Here's a pic of the OEX SO set next to stubby Gearwrench 3/4"vs 3/4"
Another pic of the standard Gearwrench vs stubby Gearwrench.

 

[Tonyuk]

Be careful when buying Snap-on wrenches. Sometimes they can turn out very thin with a square edge. Every once in awhile they'll turn out a wrench that's thicker with a rounded edge; I have a couple like that but they're rare. If I was shopping for my first set, I'd get the longs; but that's after I thoroughly inspected them on the truck.

So what you're saying is that snap-on's manufacturing is inconsistent?

 

[mrjaw14]

Best I’ve got for you. Regular Snap-on is in the middle. Measures 6 3/4” long.



Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Thanks for taking the picture, I appreciate it! That is a long 10mm! If my dealer has open wrenches I’ll look at them both. most of what I’ve seen it sealed stock on his truck. I’m leaning toward the standard length. Then I’ll get a long eat of double box end later perhaps.