Versatile / general purpose tool collection - focusing on wrenches next

[ls1dreams]

Hey all,

I'm slowly trying to build up my tool collection (had a similar thread a while ago), and am trying to decide on a few more basics.

Nice tools I have since purchased:
- Williams 3/8" ratchet (same as Snap-On F936)
- 28 piece sunex deep impact socket set (sae+metric covering 9-22mm and 5/16" - 1" sizes)

Cheapo tools I have:
- 12v black & decker drill (was a gift) + 21pc titanium bit set
- cheap radio shack soldering set & multimeter
- super cheap screwdriver set (workforce or some brand like that)

Main goal of the set: To cover basic household tasks and automotive repairs. I currently have a subaru (japanese/metric), and future cars would most likely remain japanese and metric.

I'm aiming for medium to high end tools at a low cost. Right now the industrial brands like Williams, Bahco, etc seem like the best middle ground for price:value.

I'm thinking about buying some wrenches next. I think the cheapest way to do this would be to buy wrenches with open ends on both sides. That way 6 wrenches could cover 12 common sizes. (For example, this set covers 7-19mm http://www.industrialsupplydenver.com/jhwidoheopen3.html )

Questions on this:
- $9/wrench is still pretty steep. Should I go with a cheaper wrench set from craftsman/gearwrench, or can I find a better deal on this? (I've seen gearwrenches from taiwan go for as cheap as $2-$3/wrench).
- Thoughts on open ended wrenches vs box-ends?
- What about ratcheting wrenches?

Wrench/socket related questions:
- For automotive work, do most people find deep sockets, shallow sockets, or wrenches to be the most useful?
- Currently I only have the 3/8" normal length ratchet, non-flex head. Should I look into a flex-head ratchet, or would a universal joint be good enough?

In short I'm trying to find the cheapest way to fill a wide range of tools without spending a lot. Combo wrenches appealed to me because they cover so many sizes.

Thanks!

 

[TSirotock]

Ideally one would have a complete set of all three, open-end, combination and box-end. Often a task requires two wrenches the same size. That said, I found combination to be the best value. Open-end are not preferred by some because they only grip two points and under higher torque could lead to rounding off. But I have found open-end to be very handy for some nuts that you can't get at and a socket just isn't a good fit, like one where even a deep doesn't give you reach for example. I have not yet broken a Craftsman combination so will all due respect to the higher priced brands, I haven't seen the value for a DIY mechanic. My first and only wrenches were combination for many years. I added the Gearwrench ratcheting ones several years ago and find them very handy, but a thumbwheel ratchet and socket might be a better investment first, I find my 3/8 thumbwheel my most used tool for getting things on or off once broken free and before final tighting to torque.

Some people argue wrenches are dead, 12-point is dead, SAE is dead, etc. I find I use sockets a little more than wrenches, but each has a task it excels at. Also I have found that deep is not often needed, my regular depth get used mostly. As always, when you don't have it, that tool is the only one that will get it done.

I went from one 1/2-inch ratchet with adapters to one each 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, then added the flex-handle, then the universal and just this year bought the flex-head. A universal will do but it is very helpful to be able to lock the angle in.

I have mostly Craftsman, some from everyone else, some new and some vintage, I even have some HF. I still have tools that are older than me giving service when needed. Cheap tools are rarely a bargain, but I don't feel you need to go all professional quality either. The mid-range stuff will likely last a lifetime without abuse or misuse.

Hope that helps. I am still buying tools and have been for decades. I will likely never buy my last tool before I am dead.

 

[RedFordTruck]

I have craftsman RP and ive never had any problems of any kind. Riight now Sears has 12 piece 6pt Wrench sets on sale for $29.99. Pretty good deal you get 7mm-18mm in that set. USA made and Lifetime warranty.

Id try to keep it USA made if you can!

 

[pipsters]

I wouldn't go nuts on the wrenches, honestly I personally find I really don't use them much. I much prefer a socket when possible. For the few times you use them, I'd seriously look at the Craftsman Raised Panel (RP) wrenches, fairly inexpensive and the steel is fairly strong...you just have to look thru the set you get as you might have a couple duds to exchange.

Get a 8-15mm and 3/8"-5/8" set of GearWrenches that will satisfy 99% of your wrenching needs as well. It's not often you are quickly spinning on a 1" or 19mm bolt that can only be done with a wrench...

I have the Craftsman 43 pc RP set, Craftsman 12 pc deep offset box set, and the Craftsman Professional wrenches.

You might want to look at just picking up a Craftsman tool set...skip the double open ends those are kinda useless IMO unless you want to buy all sorts of wrenches...for which you will probably never use...

 

[ls1dreams]

Good point on the open-ended having only 2 points of contact - I could see that being annoying.

How are the craftsman wrenches? Not sure if they are even still made in the USA. Or what brand could I find for closer to $3-$5 per wrench?

It looks like I can find some 12pc combination sets for around $25 ($2 per wrench), which isn't bad if the wrenches are decent quality:

Metric:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-12-p...0947237000P?prdNo=10&blockNo=10&blockType=G10
Sae:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-12-p...p-00947236000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5

Basically for $50 I could cover most major sizes. I don't expect the wrenches to break, but would be more worried about their quality and if they would round off nuts.

 

[Matt018]

You want combination wrenches. I have a set of Taiwan made williams in metric and standard and they are absolutely awesome.

 

[ls1dreams]

Seems the consensus here is to go w/ combo wrenches. Interesting - the double open ended made more sense to me because (a) I could cover more sizes with less wrenches and (b) they can access more areas than box ends.

Sounds like people just hate using the open ends in general though?

 

[shoturtle]

For williams the lower price ones are made in taiwan and are of good quality. But if you hunt around for gw or kobalt combo they are the same quality at a lot less.

If you do not need them right away, take your time a wait for a sale. Check sears for gearwrench to go on sale, they have their larger set of 15 combo for 50 dollars for each set at times. You missed out on the kolbalt 11 pc set, for 14 dollars, and adding the missing size would be 20 dollars for a 12pc for metric, and 20 of sae.

You will need both SAE and Metric, while the car will be metric, 90% of the house hold fasteners are SAE.

Now if you do not want polish and shinny, the Craftsman RP are good quality and a bargain price.

 

[shoturtle]

Seems the consensus here is to go w/ combo wrenches. Interesting - the double open ended made more sense to me because (a) I could cover more sizes with less wrenches and (b) they can access more areas than box ends.

Sounds like people just hate using the open ends in general though?

The open end is important, there are times you can not get the box end on, and the open end is need. But if you wanted to go double open, I would get a double open flank drive. They bit more securely.

6pt box are great, but in tight area, there is not enough space to reset the box end. That is when 12pt box end comes in handy. But I much prefer to break free fastener in tight areas with my 6pt protos then my 12pt craftsman pros.

 

[Flatintoone]

I believe the concerns with the open-end wrenches is that they are fine-until you get to something really tight. I don't have a complete set of open-ends, and seldom use the ones I do have (hobbyist/DIYer). Last year I think Lowe's put sets of the Kobalt combination wrenches on sale for really cheap around the holidays, if you want to wait that long.
Personally, I find flex-head ratchets to be very, very handy. For a long time, my go-to ratchet was a Craftsman 3/8" drive RP flex-head. And when you need it, you need it.
Ratcheting wrenches sound like a great idea, but I've gotten by without them. (About 12 years ago I bought a set of the old-school laminated-style to do one particular job with. Since then, they've been handy, but I don't think I've used them on a job that absolutely required them.
Good luck to you, and remember, this is the kind of question that will return 11 different answers every 10 times you ask it!

 

[Fedwrench]

The problem with starting out with double open end wrenches is many fold. First, you shouldn't break fasteners loose with an open end wrench and you have a pretty good chance of damaging the fastener and/or yourself as the open end slips under load. Double open end wrenches are generally short in overall length reducing the amount of leverage offered.
As others have pointed out, the combination wrench offers the best of both worlds without breaking the bank. Watch for a sale or buy used.
As for the flex head ratchet, a decent 3/8 drive not only offers improved access but, is a lot longer than a standard ratchet providing you additional leverage for tight fasteners.

 

[ls1dreams]

The good news is I'm in absolutely no rush to build the tool set. I'm going to wait for the best deals, but mostly want to decide WHICH tools I should be looking for.

A few other various questions:
1. How often do you find yourself needing a 1/4" or 1/2" ratchet? Seems like 3/8" would cover almost everything.
2. Do good screwdrivers make much of a difference? I have that cheapo set now, but the williams/snap-on brand ones are rather expensive.
3. What other tools might I be forgetting that you find yourself reaching for ALL the time? For me, around the house, it's almost always a phillips head screwdriver and a tape measure.

 

[Matt018]

Seems the consensus here is to go w/ combo wrenches. Interesting - the double open ended made more sense to me because (a) I could cover more sizes with less wrenches and (b) they can access more areas than box ends.

Sounds like people just hate using the open ends in general though?

Combination wrenches are pretty much the standard in any mechanics tool box, Then you may buy a set of double box end wrenches which are really nice. The box end fits more securely on fasteners and is just much easier to use. And as others have stated they make it easy to round off a nut.

 

[ls1dreams]

As for the flex head ratchet, a decent 3/8 drive not only offers improved access but, is a lot longer than a standard ratchet providing you additional leverage for tight fasteners.

Is there any major advantage to a flex-head ratchet over a standard ratchet + a universal adapter? For $13 I can pickup a williams adapter for my ratchet which would be a cheap solution.

 

[shoturtle]

1/4 and 3/8 is my most used. I seldom use 1/2 unless I am working on big stuff with big fastener. Unless you find yourself dealing with 18mm and up most of the time on your car. 3/8 can pretty much cover most your needs. For household task, it can be 1/4 for allot of the little stuff, and the larger then 12mm I would go with 3/8.

Good screwdrivers do make a difference, craftsman pros can be had on sale allot for under 25 dollar for the 6pc set. Picked up a set with coupons and point at sears for 17 dollars. A bit nicer ones would be wiha, felo, or pb swiss. But they are a bit more money, but are nicer.

good hammer is always useful around the house. And a good set of power tools, bosch, dewalt, milwaukee, hitachi, or makita are all good. Rigid and craftsman are good as well but are better bang for the buck.

 

[shoturtle]

Is there any major advantage to a flex-head ratchet over a standard ratchet + a universal adapter? For $13 I can pickup a williams adapter for my ratchet which would be a cheap solution.

for socketry stuff, for chrome, craftsman are cheap and are just as good as any other US made ones, for impact get the taiwan made cr-mo stuff. Great quality for a great value. Though I am not a fan of most the HF tools, their impact stuff are really good.

 

[ls1dreams]

for socketry stuff, for chrome, craftsman are cheap and are just as good as any other US made ones, for impact get the taiwan made cr-mo stuff. Great quality for a great value. Though I am not a fan of most the HF tools, their impact stuff are really good.

My dad bought me the Sunex 28 piece impact set, which is made in taiwan and Cr-MO. I've read great things about the set for around $3/socket.

 

[shoturtle]

They are really nice the sunex. I have a set of taiwan impact cr-mo Chicago pneumatic I got on amazon for 28 dollar for a full metric 3/8 and have been happy with them. Got a set of taiwan impact powerbuilt 1/2 cr-v for 12 dollars when pepboys where changing tool supplier. They work well, can not complain for paying a little of 1 dollar a socket.

 

[Super Sport]

Is there any major advantage to a flex-head ratchet over a standard ratchet + a universal adapter? For $13 I can pickup a williams adapter for my ratchet which would be a cheap solution.

You will learn that there is a need for every tool. Whether or not the occasional need warrants a purchase is up to you. I personally have found a use for both a flex head ratchet and a ratchet with a universal. Sometimes there is also a need for a flex socket, but that is even less common.

From what I understand you will be doing with these tools, I'm not really sure why you're spending more than Cman/Husky/Kobalt prices. Those are brands aimed at the homeowner and are pretty decent quality.

As for wrenches, I would suggest Cman RP combos. Combo wrenches are the best way to go. A set of stubbies and flare nut wrenches are also good buys. I don't use wrenches often, but there are plenty of times one is necessary.

 

[ls1dreams]

From what I understand you will be doing with these tools, I'm not really sure why you're spending more than Cman/Husky/Kobalt prices. Those are brands aimed at the homeowner and are pretty decent quality.

I guess my thought is that since I won't have a really large collection of tools (or I hope to keep myself from doing that!), the cost difference from craftsman to a mid-level industrial brand wouldn't be that much.

For example, going from a 20pc Cman wrench set that would cost around $60, a mid-level williams set or similar on sale could probably be had for around $120. A $60 difference for a lifetime of better tools doesn't seem like a big deal to me.

This will obviously add up, but I plan on being choosy about which tools I buy. It will also prevent buyer's remorse and duplicate tool purchases, I hope!

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

Good deal on Williams Metric Super combo's here

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-USA-JH-...567?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a776cf557

 

[Rickster]

For a start-up set of wrenches I would recommend the Craftsman raised panel combination set. Also get their double box offset set of wrenches, they're longer and you'll find yourself reaching for those more often.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I'm pretty much with pipsters. I would start with combinations and then combo ratcheting wrenchs. Then add in some other types to round things off. Those would be off set box ends and flare for starters.

The CM RP's are tough to beat for performance and price. In addition to CM, GearWrench, Kobalt, Armstrong, Williams, Wright, SK, and Blackhawk are all other brands worth a look.

Here are some pretty good sets that combined should take care of most of your wrench needs.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006GT5W20/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001O8WC5I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002Z18PO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...renches+&+Sets&prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=L2

It's actually pretty close to what I own myself. Buying in bigger sets will also save you some good coin that you can use to buy other needed tools.

I would also recommend a 3/8" flex since you don't have one. I like the Armstrong Maxx locking flex the best and the GearWrench for a non locking one at a very good price point.

 

[TwoInch]

I have craftsman RP and ive never had any problems of any kind. Riight now Sears has 12 piece 6pt Wrench sets on sale for $29.99. Pretty good deal you get 7mm-18mm in that set. USA made and Lifetime warranty.

Id try to keep it USA made if you can!

my local sears had the 12pc 6pt RP combos for $11.97 a couple weeks ago

i almost bought the whole rack and help out some GJers, like 5 or 6 sets were left. i didnt have my debot card on me, so i decided to think on it and come back the next day... well the whole rack was gone, im assuming from an employee as this store sees very few customers, and i left the night before right at closing time.... shucks.

as for the wrenches, i always suggest craftsman RP for most people that are not pro wrenchers, and dont wanna spend huge dollars. they are incredibly functional, and they practically give them away a lot of the time. even if the warranty disappears, i find that no biggie, as i have been using them for many many years, and have not had to warranty a single wrench. stick with combos, until you feel other types are necessary. a couple months ago, and then again two weeks ago, the 26pc Cman RP combo sets were on sale for $49.99, plus another 5 bucks off for reward club members... that is hard to beat. the sets include 16 of the regular RP wrenches with no skips, plus some ignition wrenches in smaller sizes. the ignition wrenches are gimmicky, just stamped steel, but they will work. they are very small, for small fasteners. doesnt take much.

the gearwrench non-ratcheting are good wrenches, pretty too, but will cost a bit more.

deep and shallow sockets are needed equally in my experience. the mid-length type are super useful, and since getting some, have been on my ratchets more than 90% of the time since. gearwrench has sets for great prices, and should be of great use to home mechanic/DIY persons.

 

[shoturtle]

don't get caught by with brand name, william taiwan are the same as much less expensive kolbalt and the GW are very close to them as well. If they were william USA they are the snap on copy, and they are way more expensive.

If you are really looking for a good mid level wrench set, you really do not need to pay to much. There are very good options out there with the taiwan made ones.

 

[ls1dreams]

Wow! 12pc sets for $1/wrench? That would have been perfect for me. Even if I get bored and buy better ones later you can't go wrong for that price.

Does anyone have a strong opinion on 6pt vs 12pt? I think I read that 6pt are less likely to strip bolts, but haven't used 12pt enough to compare.

 

[ls1dreams]

don't get caught by with brand name, william taiwan are the same as much less expensive kolbalt and the GW are very close to them as well. If they were william USA they are the snap on copy, and they are way more expensive.

If you are really looking for a good mid level wrench set, you really do not need to pay to much. There are very good options out there with the taiwan made ones.

I was looking at the JH Williams sets, which are apparently identical to snap-on. Unfortunately they seem to be in the $10/wrench price range unless I can find a better sale.

How do you think Gearwrench compares to Craftsman? Or the other taiwan brands? I am willing to wait for sales, and can probably snag those names up for $3/wrench or less pretty easily.

 

[shoturtle]

if you get into tight areas where only a wrench can get into, you may need 12pt to allow you to reset for the next stroke. If you are only going to get 1 set, get the 12pt over the 6pt. If you are getting 2 sets then 1 of each.

 

[shoturtle]

I was looking at the JH Williams sets, which are apparently identical to snap-on. Unfortunately they seem to be in the $10/wrench price range unless I can find a better sale.

How do you think Gearwrench compares to Craftsman? Or the other taiwan brands? I am willing to wait for sales, and can probably snag those names up for $3/wrench or less pretty easily.

They are very good wrenches, and are longer then the craftsman. keep an eye on sears.com. The 15pc sets of sae and metric will drop to 50 dollars each from time to time. And that is the most complete set you really can get. And are pretty dam cheap.

 

[shoturtle]

For a good mid grade home and shade tree work, the husky from home depot are actually pretty good. The use a flack drive on the box end to prevent rounding. I would check it out, think they are taiwan, but might be from china. Have not follow HD husky to closely.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...yword=wrench+set&storeId=10051#specifications

 

[archirelic]

The husky double box end wrench sets can be had relatively cheap and they're made in taiwan.