Starting out

[hollopoint]

Hey fellas, new here, but have lurked for a long time and gained countless information.

Finally in a good position to start out really acquiring good tools to have at home. Just been using random sets/ borrowing dads over the years.

I'd like to start out with a nice complete set of combo wrenches, metric and sae but struggling deciding which ones to go with. I've read so many threads on here about them, my head spinning.

Options I'm looking at are Carlyle, Carlyle long pattern, Tekton, ICON, wrights, protos.
I'm unsure if I should go with the lower priced Taiwans, or just bump up to the protos or wrights and take a little longer to complete the sets.

Any opinions on what you guys would do and your thoughts are much appreciated, and look forward to reading and replying more here. Thanks!

 

[Madjik Man]

Home game use those Taiwan ones are more than fine.

I was going to buy the Tekton or Icon set but was fortunate to come across a for sale ad here for a large Gray Canada set (12pt) that was too hard to pass up and just recently scored a beautiful Proto 6pt set for nearly 1/3rd the retail price. Again too hard to pass up.

If you have the time I would lurk the classifieds here and on Ebay if you want a higher quality set.

 

[tool_scrounge]

I usually but Tekton for labs at work. Nice quality and I can get replacement pieces when my coworkers loose them.

 

[RAS61]

All will serve you equally well, it's just a matter of personal preference. A Prius will get you from point A to B as well as a Rolls Royce, and a Timex tells time as well as a Rolex. Pick the set YOU like and don't look back

 

[hollopoint]

Thanks for the replies so far guys. I appreciate the insight.

I am wanting the most bang for the buck for sure, but also want them to last.

In the end, I know I need to decide what ones will fit me the best.

I wish the Taiwan sets came in a satin finish, it would make my decision much easier.

 

[alinc100]

I can add the "buy once, cry once" adage. Maybe buy the more expensive set you will use the most,guessing metric sizes, and buy a lesser SAE set . As time prevails you could then upgrade as budget /usage changes. Also keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist/Estate Sales and find some used pieces/sets. Shop around, take the time to look for deals,if you can . Here's a place to start if you like Wright, the seller is a favorite here on GJ. https://www.harryepstein.com/search?options[prefix]=last&page=2&q=Wright+Wrench+set

 

[bonneyman]

Welcome to the club! You'll find alot of good advice here, from a wide variety of perspectives.

Man, to be starting out again! I would do many things differently, but then being near the end of life looking back to the start we would all I think change our opinions. I would say get tools with a good warranty where the dealer is accessible.
That was one of the great things about Craftsman tools. They were decent, and there was a Sears store in every town. Today I'd say HF fills that void fairly well. Grab a basic set form there, and then snag the more expensive specialty tools as you go along.

 

[Madjik Man]

Thanks for the replies so far guys. I appreciate the insight.

I am wanting the most bang for the buck for sure, but also want them to last.

In the end, I know I need to decide what ones will fit me the best.

I wish the Taiwan sets came in a satin finish, it would make my decision much easier.

My mid-90s Craftsman raised panel wrenches last me thirty years in the home game.

I don’t think they’re that great quality. The Taiwan ones today are probably much nicer.

Unless you’re absolutely nerfing on them or abusing them I don’t see you wearing out any of those options you listed above.

 

[rct]

I started in the early 90's with USA Craftsman. Lately I like the Napa Carlyle when I can find them on sale. Although Taiwan, they seem better than my Craftsman. No issues so far. Unless you are wrenching alot, most of the Taiwan seems good quality and a reasonable price vs USA. If I could get USA for a close price I lean that way, but I do like my Carlyle tools so far.

 

[bcradio]

I have been very happy with my Icon sets. I would personally go that route in your shoes. The warranty is handy also

 

[RAS61]

Thanks for the replies so far guys. I appreciate the insight.

I am wanting the most bang for the buck for sure, but also want them to last.

Ha, the Sun is more likely to wear out before any combo wrench you pick. I still have and use the wrenches I got over 40 years ago as a teenager. My brother was a truck mechanic by trade, and while he eventually moved on to all Snap-On tools, the Craftsman wrenches we picked up as kids could still do the job if needed. Again, don't over think this, what set fits your price range and which ones feel best in your hand, and if that doesn't decide it, which ones do you like the look of best!

 

[bonneyman]

I started in the early 90's with USA Craftsman. Lately I like the Napa Carlyle when I can find them on sale. Although Taiwan, they seem better than my Craftsman. No issues so far. Unless you are wrenching alot, most of the Taiwan seems good quality and a reasonable price vs USA. If I could get USA for a close price I lean that way, but I do like my Carlyle tools so far.

I looked at the Carlysle's a few years ago and I thought they were nice.

 

[lardy1]

The only thing I might mention is the availability of singles and the range of them. Particularly if you have a matching tool fetish. Any of the brands you mentioned (and many more) satisfy the needs of millions of home shops.

 

[liliysdad]

If you can swing the Wrights or Protos, it’s a no brainer. I have both in my box and they are fantastic.

Yes, the Taiwan stuff is great for home gamers….but better really is better.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Hey fellas, new here, but have lurked for a long time and gained countless information.

Finally in a good position to start out really acquiring good tools to have at home. Just been using random sets/ borrowing dads over the years.

I'd like to start out with a nice complete set of combo wrenches, metric and sae but struggling deciding which ones to go with. I've read so many threads on here about them, my head spinning.

Options I'm looking at are Carlyle, Carlyle long pattern, Tekton, ICON, wrights, protos.
I'm unsure if I should go with the lower priced Taiwans, or just bump up to the protos or wrights and take a little longer to complete the sets.

Any opinions on what you guys would do and your thoughts are much appreciated, and look forward to reading and replying more here. Thanks!

My carlyle wrenches literally dented with use. Would not recommend. Tekton are okay, fit is acceptable. I wouldn't pay the upcharge for the carlyle after how unimpressive I thought they were.


I would buy proto or wright. Your application dictates what you are willing to spend. For basic home gamer stuff I'd buy a cheaper Taiwanese brand. At work Wright and Proto have done very well for me.

 

[M6erfan]

Take a look at KTC wrenches from DRPD or AMZN. Excellent quality and great value.

 

[RegeSullivan]

Alot of my older wrench and socket tools are Snap-on and Cornwell. I had been replacing and adding Craftsman up until the 90s when Craftsman seemed to take a dive in quality. My son was a tech for Tesla and now a regional advisor for them turned me on to Tekton. I've been very happy with the feel and overall quality except for the occasional problem with the finish. Their warranty exchange has been exceptional even when there was obviously abuse. Frankly, I've only used the warranty after abusing a couple 3/8 sockets with an impact and a 1/4" ratchet with an 1/4 to 3/8 adpter and a 21mm socket in a tight spot.

 

[msharley]

Hey fellas, new here, but have lurked for a long time and gained countless information.

Finally in a good position to start out really acquiring good tools to have at home. Just been using random sets/ borrowing dads over the years.

I'd like to start out with a nice complete set of combo wrenches, metric and sae but struggling deciding which ones to go with. I've read so many threads on here about them, my head spinning.

Options I'm looking at are Carlyle, Carlyle long pattern, Tekton, ICON, wrights, protos.
I'm unsure if I should go with the lower priced Taiwans, or just bump up to the protos or wrights and take a little longer to complete the sets.

Any opinions on what you guys would do and your thoughts are much appreciated, and look forward to reading and replying more here. Thanks!

Do what you will...

Recommend...

Cruise fleabay & right here in GJ Classifieds for good used wrenches...

I know one fellow up Idaho way (have bought some good stuff from him) is selling some MAC wrenches now... https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/for-sale-tools.521533/#post-10523301

Good used wrenches in sets (Snap On, Mac...etc) go for about $20 a piece...

I often grab my DBE's first for tight fasteners....



Good wrenches save knuckles!

 

[hollopoint]

Thanks everyone again for the opinions and options.

I should have noted in my original post, I've mainly used just whatever brand any of the auto parts stores had in stock, and for the most part have been left pretty disappointed and bloodied up.
Lots of ugga dugga living up here in the Salt belt, so sometimes tools get tested

 

[Boogerman]

All will serve you equally well, it's just a matter of personal preference. A Prius will get you from point A to B as well as a Rolls Royce, and a Timex tells time as well as a Rolex. Pick the set YOU like and don't look back

If you can swing the Wrights or Protos, it’s a no brainer. I have both in my box and they are fantastic.

Yes, the Taiwan stuff is great for home gamers….but better really is better.

These about sum it up.

Except for some of the really cheap **** (I won't name the brands, because that always starts a fight here) most of the import tools will do the job.

The more expensive, higher quality tools will be better, maybe only 10 percent, but better. They also generally are more consistent and feel better in use. That's hard to quantify.

After a lifetime of use, I know that I have been very pleased with the SK Superchrome, Williams, Snap-on, Proto and similar high quality tools I have owned and used. I have owned an equal or greater amount of Craftsman and import stuff. After winnowing out the stuff I didn't like, and keeping the stuff I do, I have exactly 1 Husky wrench and maybe 5 pieces of Craftsman in my tools. All the other lower quality stuff has been disposed of. A few mid range brands are represented with an example I like here and there. I have essentially no HF level stuff, of any kind. And, very few import pieces. The rest are high quality, known brands that have worked well for me. The reason for that wasn't pride, it was that the stuff that I've retained works better, wears better, looks better, and is overall more pleasant to use. It's that simple.

Buy what you need and can afford, but if you have a choice, pick the stuff that is nicer, higher quality and more pleasant to use. Unfortunately, that generally has a direct correlation to price, and the best stuff that costs 10 to 20 times as much isn't 10 to 20 times better, it's maybe 10 percent to two times better.

If you need stuff to work, and don't have the money for high end stuff, by all means pick from what's in your price range, and get to work. If you have the opportunity and desire later, upgrade and sell the stuff you replace to someone else starting out. That's what I did with my lower end stuff, and guys were generally pleased to get it when I did. Just don't go cheap if you can afford better, thinking "I'll see how it works". That's just wasting time and effort where you already know the answer anyway.

 

[hollopoint]

I should also ask how any of your experiences with warranties have been.

I know ICON I can run right down to the store and pick up a new one, or call there parts department and order one.

How is proto to deal with?
My local Proto dealer said they are actually switching to Williams as they have had a lot of problems getting replacements from proto the past few years.

What about wright? Is there a ton of hoops to jump through to get something warranties?
I live in a very rural area and don't believe we even have a wright dealer nearby.

I have read tekton is excellent to deal with.


Also, regarding wrights versus proto, are the proto more of a long pattern versus the wright?

 

[Zewnten]

Gearwrench long pattern combo sets, metric and standard for less than $300, Dewalts can be a good choice, I’ve seen them sell for about $100/ set on eBay. The Carlyle/Icon are too soft and wear down the teeth quickly. As a DIY’r I don’t see the value of investing into Proto/Wright unless you just want to. Gearwrench ratchets are also a good buy. Tekton sockets are good buys also. Carlyle screwdrivers are decent if you can find a promo otherwise they’re the same price as Vessel and vessel is better.

 

[AEAdam]

Williams USA should be your default choice. Prices are good, designs are good. You can literally buy an entire set of tools from them and trust they will be decent.

 

[AEAdam]

The thing I like about ICON is that they rip off SnapOn designs. So they have long pattern wrenches and semi deep sockets. I wonder when the quality fade will start if it hasn’t already. That’s my hesitation with them.

 

[RAS61]

I agree the it's nice to have the better brands, I upgraded my Craftsman wrenches with NOS American Williams (the C-mans went to the boat) that I bought from Harry Epstein as individuals for $5-6 a piece. They're not an exact matched set but all polished chrome. I checked and they don't have enough to build a set anymore, but you could start with the (5) they have between 3/8"-1" and fill in the rest off Ebay. Easier if you don't mind mixing brands

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

I have some of both current era Proto and Wright. The Protos are longer but the Wright open end is grippier. Wright isn’t “short” per se- longer than SK and USA Craftsman for example- but it’s not long either. I think both are a good value for what you’re getting

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

This doesn’t quite fit the OP’s needs but for others in the thread I have to share my favorite wrench set deal. Napa 7pc metric wrench set, $10 plus shipping. These are from the era when Napa wrenches were rebranded Taiwan Gearwrench. I use these as my main metric wrenches and they’ve worked great.

Napa 90933 7PC. Full Polish Extra Long Pattern Combination Wrench Set Metric

Napa 90933 7 Piece Full Polish Extra Long Pattern Combination Wrench Set Metric 12 point wrenches Includes: 10mm, 6-3/4" overall length 11mm, 7-1/2" overall length 12mm, 7-3/4" overall length 13mm, 8-1/4" overall length 14mm, 9" overall length 15mm, 9-3/4" overall length 18mm 10-3/4"...

www.cripedistributing.com

 

[VolvoRyan]

What are you doing, and what is your budget? How old are you? What are you working on? This all matters, IMHO.

My big pet peeve is when people say buy used USA-made tools. Nope. No way. Sloppy seconds. A second hand Snap-On will probably be sloppier than a brand new Taiwan tool..... and it may well take the Taiwan tool a decade to hit the same level of slop. BTDT.

Another good reason to buy cheaper tools is to find out how you like to work. I've made a number of missteps. I'm a fan of "buy once, cry once" now, but really how much money are you really wasting if you bought a full set of Tekton or HF and then upgrade as needed? You can buy a whole base tool set from Tekton for a grand, I bet. That's relatively short change in the long run.

Think about organization. This, too, is a "figure out what works for you" kind of thing. If you like blow molded cases, go with things that come with them.... if you like drawer-based storage, get things without cases.

I have warrantied almost nothing over the years. Even when I was doing things like putting a wrench on a gearbox drain plug, and then putting a floor jack under the wrench to turn it.... and lifting the car an inch before the plug broke free.

There are a LOT of cool tools out there. So many different brands to check out, and no reason to stay with a single brand.

Like others, I like longer standard combo wrenches. I have some SK's that are real short. My Snap-On's are longer than SK's long-pattern. I love my Wright Grips... but they are kinda special purpose with the open ends. They *will* leave a mark if you gotta wail on them, and they aren't kind to various platings. Not a problem on hardware that's getting replaced. Not the best for fasteners you're simply adjusting.

-Ryan

 

[Mytoolsupply]

I should also ask how any of your experiences with warranties have been.

I know ICON I can run right down to the store and pick up a new one, or call there parts department and order one.

How is proto to deal with?
My local Proto dealer said they are actually switching to Williams as they have had a lot of problems getting replacements from proto the past few years.

What about wright? Is there a ton of hoops to jump through to get something warranties?
I live in a very rural area and don't believe we even have a wright dealer nearby.

I have read tekton is excellent to deal with.


Also, regarding wrights versus proto, are the proto more of a long pattern versus the wright?

Not at all, the warranty process is very simple, you can either get ahold of who you bought them from or call Wright directly and they will take care of it for you. If you want some prices on Wright stuff send me a message with what your wanting and I'll get you some prices.

 

[hollopoint]

What are you doing, and what is your budget? How old are you? What are you working on? This all matters, IMHO.

My big pet peeve is when people say buy used USA-made tools. Nope. No way. Sloppy seconds. A second hand Snap-On will probably be sloppier than a brand new Taiwan tool..... and it may well take the Taiwan tool a decade to hit the same level of slop. BTDT.

Another good reason to buy cheaper tools is to find out how you like to work. I've made a number of missteps. I'm a fan of "buy once, cry once" now, but really how much money are you really wasting if you bought a full set of Tekton or HF and then upgrade as needed? You can buy a whole base tool set from Tekton for a grand, I bet. That's relatively short change in the long run.

Think about organization. This, too, is a "figure out what works for you" kind of thing. If you like blow molded cases, go with things that come with them.... if you like drawer-based storage, get things without cases.

I have warrantied almost nothing over the years. Even when I was doing things like putting a wrench on a gearbox drain plug, and then putting a floor jack under the wrench to turn it.... and lifting the car an inch before the plug broke free.

There are a LOT of cool tools out there. So many different brands to check out, and no reason to stay with a single brand.

Like others, I like longer standard combo wrenches. I have some SK's that are real short. My Snap-On's are longer than SK's long-pattern. I love my Wright Grips... but they are kinda special purpose with the open ends. They *will* leave a mark if you gotta wail on them, and they aren't kind to various platings. Not a problem on hardware that's getting replaced. Not the best for fasteners you're simply adjusting.

-Ryan

Thanks for chiming in.

Those are some good points you made about other factors coming into play.

I'm currently 30.

I do a lot of work on my own vehicles, and others when needed. Anything from brake jobs and oil changes to transmissions and motors.

Budget wise, I don't have new Snap-On money, but willing to spend a little bit more and take longer to build a set if that ends up looking like the best option. I have lots of odds and end tools and can always borrow whats needed from pop's collection, but would like to start my own.

A lot of the tools I have now (kobalt, masterforce,duralast, etc) I plan on throwing in my truck for work tools. (Equipment operator/pipelayer)


I plan on continuing to do my own work on vehicles, and plan on picking up a skidsteer or Kubota eventually for the house. (Snow removal, gardens, etc)
I do a lot of my own maintenance and want to continue, whether that be on the house, vehicles, tractor, boat/Outboard, kids toys, etc.


I've had a lot of failures out of things like kobalt pliers, duralast wrenches, screw driver handles twisting on shanks, etc.
Just ready to jump up to the next level and build a set that will help me be efficient and comfortable to use, and last.

I started building my own house recently and have started to pick up better tools like kleins, milwaukee battery powered tools, channellocks, good wiss snips, etc. And have enjoyed what a well designed and rugged tool brings to the table, and would like to carry that experience over to the auto/maintenance side.

 

[lardy1]

My father advised me to buy the best I can afford. That only rich people can afford cheap tools. Much has changed since then but it's still pretty sound advice.

 

[alinc100]

What about wright? Is there a ton of hoops to jump through to get something warranties?
I live in a very rural area and don't believe we even have a wright dealer nearby.

Wright warranty can be handled in 1 short phone call. I am fortunate to live in a metro area, while on the phone for 1 bent wrench, Wright had placed me on a small hold and called a local shop to verify inventory and set me up with a pick-up right then and there. If that doesn't work, I'd be willing to bet a new wrench would be mailed within hours.

 

[boom_bap]

For DIY frequent use I'd go with ICONs on a coupon. I've got Tekton and Icons and both are acceptable, they both turn nuts and bolts.

If you want something shorter in length, don't get the Icons.

I've got some other older USA wrenches like armstrong, craftsman, kd, which are nice, but of course not made any more. My take on USA tools is, if you can find a deal or certain items it is very worth it and I prefer it, but I woolwax my cars and when I'm elbow deep in grime I could give two shits what wrench I'm using as long as its good enough to get the job done.

I'll exit stating all my pliers are channellock, klein etc for the most part, I'm not saying to go cheap, just think about how often you're going to need them. At the end of the day a pro turning tools for a living does demand another level of service and quality diyers don't need (IE truck brands and industrial quality usa stuff).

 

[AEAdam]

I do a lot of work on my own vehicles, and others when needed. Anything from brake jobs and oil changes to transmissions and motors.

I plan on continuing to do my own work on vehicles, and plan on picking up a skidsteer or Kubota eventually for the house. (Snow removal, gardens, etc)
I do a lot of my own maintenance and want to continue, whether that be on the house, vehicles, tractor, boat/Outboard, kids toys,

Oh God, I want to change my answer. Im 60, have been fixing cars for 40 years, currently building a house and shopping for a used skid steer.

If I had it to do all over again, I would have made the jump to Snap On sooner. There’s was a pretty big performance leap from craftsman for me. Wish I had the nicer tools AND (maybe especially) a nice toolbox sooner.

I have a lot of respect for @VolvoRyan. I’d heed his advice. My experience buying used Snap On was not as he said. But I was careful to buy good condition. Some tools wear more easily and detrimentally (like bit sockets). I was careful with them and replaced some bits at full retail (cheap). My wrenches were mostly like new and I can detect no slop. I think SO wrenches were some of the most impactful upgrades. SO (and some others) have open ends that actually work, unlike many many others.

I think if you are 30 and have another 30+ years, buy yourself some good tools. Maybe you should choose Koken or Hazet or FACOM. How much is a good set of wrenches that you’ll use for the next 30 years anyway.

If you were just starting out as the title says, I’d go cheap and upgrade later. Maybe this IS later for you.

good luck

Adam
ONE of GJs resident aerospace engineers

 

[bb29510]

for around the house, I always like great neck

 

[legenddc]

The Gearwrench long pattern are currently on sale for $122 and I’m having a hard time not buying them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CHB5B4K?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Thanks for chiming in.

Those are some good points you made about other factors coming into play.

I'm currently 30.

I do a lot of work on my own vehicles, and others when needed. Anything from brake jobs and oil changes to transmissions and motors.

Budget wise, I don't have new Snap-On money, but willing to spend a little bit more and take longer to build a set if that ends up looking like the best option. I have lots of odds and end tools and can always borrow whats needed from pop's collection, but would like to start my own.

A lot of the tools I have now (kobalt, masterforce,duralast, etc) I plan on throwing in my truck for work tools. (Equipment operator/pipelayer)


I plan on continuing to do my own work on vehicles, and plan on picking up a skidsteer or Kubota eventually for the house. (Snow removal, gardens, etc)
I do a lot of my own maintenance and want to continue, whether that be on the house, vehicles, tractor, boat/Outboard, kids toys, etc.


I've had a lot of failures out of things like kobalt pliers, duralast wrenches, screw driver handles twisting on shanks, etc.
Just ready to jump up to the next level and build a set that will help me be efficient and comfortable to use, and last.

I started building my own house recently and have started to pick up better tools like kleins, milwaukee battery powered tools, channellocks, good wiss snips, etc. And have enjoyed what a well designed and rugged tool brings to the table, and would like to carry that experience over to the auto/maintenance side.

Buy quality for that work.

My preference for wrenches is wright, but I like snap on and proto as well. USA made Willaims are another good option.

 

[RAS61]

I always thought the better Danaher/Apex USA wrenches like Craftsman Pro and Armstrong were really nice, a cut below tool trucks brands maybe, but very comparable to the Williams I have - an affordable and sweet option for the home mechanic.

 

[M6erfan]

Williams USA wrenches are very comfortable to use, the beam thickness and shape.

 

[hollopoint]

Again, thanks all for the replies and options. I'd quote multiple people in this post, but doing it from a phone and it's being buggy, so don't want to create multiplies responding to different quotes.

Lots of good options out there it looks like, which is a good thing. Little mind boggling actually but that's OK. Choices are a great thing.

It can be hard to make decisions when the 2 voices in your head are telling you two different things. " just spend the money, no be frugal and get bang for buck"

I think as of right now, I am going to pick up a few different options and go from there.

When I have time, I'm going to head to harbor freight and check out then icon line some more.

I'll also stop by the mining industrial supply place and check out there proto and williams stuff. I believe they also carry sunnex and some tekton.

The old man had SK and proto, and I prefer the longer pattern of the proto so that gives me a good reference point to start with.

Luckily, the telehandler I'm using blew a hydraulic supply line, and I believe it's a 1 1/2" wrench, so hopefully someone will have a set of bigger wrenches I'll get to try out.