Vintage Snap On vs New Wright Wrenches

[wobble]

Hello All,

New here, and slowly diving down the rabbit hole.

In a Nutshell: I'm looking to either complete or replace my nearly new 80's snap on OEX fractional wrench set.

The Info:
I've had a mostly complete set of Snap On 80's OEX Fractional wrenches for a number of years, that's been Frankenstein'd with some other Taiwanese wrenches to fill some of the holes. Most of them are in virtually new condition, as I usually am using my metrics for wrenching.

I recently replaced all my mostly crummy HF metrics with Wrights (currently in transit), and would like to finally update and complete my fractional set.

My question to you all: Am I better off selling my SO set and buying a set of Wrights, or should I just complete the SO set via Ebay etc (probably the exact same net cost to me)? I don't mind brand difference in my drawers as long as they are complete.

Thoughts?

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Really all down to your personal preference since the cost difference between the two will be negligible. I have no experience with Wright tools at all so giving my personal preference between them is impossible. I like SO wrenches but they cost way too much IMO and I'm not a big fan of flank drive/anti-slip designs. i just recently bought SK wrenches in SAE and metric. Standard length sets of both up to 1" and 22mm as well as the stubby sets up to 15/16" and 19mm. I added standard length 1-1/16", 1-1/8" and 1-1/4" as I use those sizes a lot.

Chances are I would keep and complete the SO set especially since you mentioned they are in great condition.

 

[wobble]

Thanks
I am hoping someone could fill me in on any differences between vintage vs modern performance between the two.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Can't speak on vintage SO wrenches at all. The current flank drive ones are awesome wrenches no doubt and the flank drive idea/system is smart and works well when dealing with steel fasteners. I work with a lot of brass fittings and I find flank drive/anti slip stuff tends to either get stuck or wreck some types of fittings.

 

[wobble]

Taken into consideration. Thanks

 

[JEdiag]

As said about the brass fittings above it depends on what your dealing with. I personally have the Wright wrenches and love them. Never owned SO but have used them and they are very nice. For.the cost though wright is hard to beat. The have a pretty thick.beam on them that feels great in your hand and doesnt wreck your palm when you need to crank on it.

 

[Snapped-off]

Which sizes are you missing?

 

[wobble]

which sizes are you missing?

5/16, 7/16, 3/4, 15/16, 1"

 

[wobble]

As said about the brass fittings above it depends on what your dealing with. I personally have the Wright wrenches and love them. Never owned SO but have used them and they are very nice. For.the cost though wright is hard to beat. The have a pretty thick.beam on them that feels great in your hand and doesnt wreck your palm when you need to crank on it.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

 

[johninct]

Ebay Snap-On (That have Flank Drive) but do not get Flank drive plus . I consider Flank Drive Plus a speciality wrench .

 

[Davefr]

I like Wright better then SO. They just feel better in my hand.

One consideration might be your length preference. Wrights tend to be a little shorter then SO. Either brand will be a good choice IMHO. Wright will likely be superior value.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Figure out which one you actually want. Not price. Not emotion. Not shine. I want Snap on because the box end works for me on things I need it for. And the longer pattern is nice. And warranty is cake. Nothing wrong with eBaying some that match your others. Or just buy new.

 

[Snapped-off]

I've got a 5/16 - 1 1/4 set i need to get rid of, let me know if you'd be interested. They're Wright Grip 1.0, not the newer 2.0.

 

[wobble]

I've got a 5/16 - 1 1/4 set i need to get rid of, let me know if you'd be interested. They're Wright Grip 1.0, not the newer 2.0.

Cool. I pm'd you. I am able to get a really good price after stacked discounts on a new wright set currently though.

 

[ThePostman]

The only thing I would add to this is don't throw those pittsburgh's out just yet. I own the wrights, I've used the Snap-On, both, given the chance can mar fasteners but the job will get done, at least in the auto world. I did not throw out the long pattern tight hex cut open end of the pittsburgh's because they were really useful for alignments, they fit pretty tight and didn't mar the inner tie rod or jamb nuts. These were purchased 15 years ago however.

 

[wobble]

I'm sure I'll keep them for just that.

 

[Firebrick43]

I own vintage snap on, as in 1980's, late model snapons, and wrightgrips. I prefer the wrightgrips. I like the satin finish and they don't give up much length. The beams feel better in hand for high torque as well. That said I am not giving up my snap ons just yet.