I thought they have thin open end and box end, but i just look on a 17mm so flank drive plus and the open end are 8.8 mm thick...my 17mm bahco 1952m are 6mm and stahlwille open box 5.5mm and hazet 18mm double box are 6mm! Box end are 2mm on bahco and stahlwille! Dont take it wrong, i like Snap on very much, but in my eyes they are pretty big difference between regular german brands and Snap on in material thickness!
What makes SO combo wrench so good?
- Thread starter bahcoswed
- Start date
bobcatdan
Well-known member
I never knew head thickness was a problem on a standard wrench. If I need a real thin wrench, I have tappet wrenches for that.
Sometimes the box end needs to be that thin like bahco etc...Several times the only wrench i have could use in tight spots are wrenches with very thin box end ring! Snappy are not even close to fit in these tight spaces!
Stokes_
Banned
I never buy SO wrenches, not when there's Bahco/Williams.
Your thread title doesn't match your opening post. In your thread title you ask: "What makes SO combo wrench so good?", yet you go on to compare the specifics of open end wrench thickness between a Snap-on combination wrench and a Bahco combination wrench. People are going to be confused when they read the thread title and then read your opening post.
I can think of at least a dozen things that make Snap-on combination wrenches better than other wrenches on the market, but your opening post suggests that all you want to talk about is the open end thickness.
I can think of at least a dozen things that make Snap-on combination wrenches better than other wrenches on the market, but your opening post suggests that all you want to talk about is the open end thickness.
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DieselSaves
Well-known member
Love. It's like asking why sunny days are nice or why hot coffee is good.
In all seriousness, SO is the best tool available to me in the very limited market where I live. The others may be great but I don't have a set to put my hands on to know the difference.
In all seriousness, SO is the best tool available to me in the very limited market where I live. The others may be great but I don't have a set to put my hands on to know the difference.
fordbroncodave
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2009
- Messages
- 4,555
My response to the thread title: put a combination wrench in your hand. Enough said. Knowing those who made it live where I live is enough to sell me.
shockwave
Well-known member
It's funny u mention this I compared my flank drive plus 14mm to mine that is about 5 years newer ir is a hair thicker but nothing like my open end flare nuts.
But you are also comparing a German wrench to snap on where they are usually a lot thinner in comparison to and the beam of the wrench is also a lot thinner
But you are also comparing a German wrench to snap on where they are usually a lot thinner in comparison to and the beam of the wrench is also a lot thinner
nothing. i almost always grab my old school bonney and matco wrenches first. in fact i think my sk made craftsman are just as good.
maybe the open end of an fd plus wrench is better but honestly the times you need to have an open and can't use a box end are not that often. any decent box end wrench should be able to outperform the fd plus open end.
i have never had an instance that my snap-on wrenches could do a job that some other wrench i had could not.
maybe the open end of an fd plus wrench is better but honestly the times you need to have an open and can't use a box end are not that often. any decent box end wrench should be able to outperform the fd plus open end.
i have never had an instance that my snap-on wrenches could do a job that some other wrench i had could not.
The open end of a flank drive plus wrench works so well when using the correct size you can almost skip the box end... Almost.
Iv have only ever used craftsman, SK, gearwrench and snap on flank drive plus. The FDP are the best wrench UV ender used hands down.
Iv have only ever used craftsman, SK, gearwrench and snap on flank drive plus. The FDP are the best wrench UV ender used hands down.
My main wrenches in the 70's were Hazet. After losing my tools and getting back into wrenching on bikes 5 years ago I replaced them with SO. This spring I was able to obtain another set of Hazets like I had in the 70's but I find my go to wrenches are the SO now. They feel good but in all fairness it is the shorter length that I like. My Hazets are long form otherwise I might be reaching for them more often. I also have Stahlwille but I'm going to wait a year before I start yeah or neighing any of these. I like em all. I do like the feel of the snappys and how easily they wipe down after use and I tend to wipe them after each use and place them back in the slot in my tool drawer as I'm always right beside my box. I have tappet wrenches for the thin profile and several custom ground wrenches and sockets for clearance for when I need that extra bit of clearance. Most of my special ground down tools are Hazet.
wornoutoldman
Well-known member
Chuck122
Well-known member
german wrenches tend to be thinner for some reason. that is just the way they are.
snap on has a narrow head, thin handle, is longer, very nice fit and finish, great steel...
they really are great
snap on has a narrow head, thin handle, is longer, very nice fit and finish, great steel...
they really are great
You hav'nt worked on enough different cars then...
i will take your comment with a grain of salt.
in all truth i don't work on cars all of the time. i do however maintain a fleet of farm equipment that includes john deere, caterpillar and new holland tractors and harvest equipment. chevrolet, international and kenworth trucks and polaris atvs, utvs and snowmobiles in the past. trucks, tractors and combines can have just as many nasty hidden fasteners and rusty and corroded parts as any car or truck, possibly more.
i have mac knucklesaver , snap-on, sk, cornwell, craftsman pro (the good sk ones),craftsman, stanley, matco and bonney combo wrenches in stubby, short, long and extra long lengths, all us made. i would venture to say as much or more combo wrench variety in my arsenal than most people have .
if you think i am full of **** than so be it but as i said, with the possible exception of the fd plus(which i don't own) my snap-on wrenches are not my first choice and don't do anything better than most of the wrenches i use.
i don't give much credit to someone who says they are the best just because they are, because they are whats available, because that is what their mechanic uses or the old just hold one in your hand because i am not buying it. if you like snap-on i don't have any issue with that because i own some but don't pour the kool-aid and expect that it is the only drink out there because i like other drinks just as well and often better.
nicksnothereman
Well-known member
The one thing I notice about my Snap-on wrenches compared to my MAC and Cornwell wrenches, is that I can flip the wench over faster in my hand than the other wrenches. I have concluded that the reason for that is the wide thin profile of the beam. Snap-on combination wrenches may not be the most comfortable wrench to pull on, but their excellent balance and wide thin profile make them faster to flip over when using the open end.
+1 Put brand aside, I can't recall ever running into a situation a extra 2mm of wrench thickness kept me from completing a task, Especially on a 17mm fastener that the OP referenced.
Different strokes for different folks, I suppose..
Nocturnal-G
Well-known member
The biggest difference I know between Snap On and most German manufacturers is the use of a bender. Not saying its bad, but if you are going to charge premium prices for a wrench... Make it to the highest standard. I think they used to forge them according to what I've read... But now they use a bender.
I totally agree. Traditionally, Snap-on used to drop forge the offset of the box end, but for some unknown reason, they now make the offset on a bender later on during the manufacturing process. It *****.
3rdbuttondown
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2012
- Messages
- 87
Thank you! I just learned something.
I knew there was a reason I've not liked several brands of wrenches that I've looked at ... it was the fact that they where bent and not forged.
Some people will tell you it doesn't matter as long as the wrench is bent during its mild state before heat treatment, but I think the wrenches look a lot more visually pleasing and professional when the offset is made during the initial drop forge process.
The wrenches are forged out of round bar stock after being heated red hot.
Dave455
Well-known member
Someone once asked George Melly, former Jazz singer and raconteur, "What's so good about Jazz?" He replied "If you have to ask the question, you wouldn't understand the answer!" I'm feeling a bit like that here, but I'll try and answer as best I can!
I've used, and still do use, a lot of different makes of wrenches over the years. I was lucky, as I got steered towards British made tools at an early age. Without that advice I'd probably have bought really cheap stuff, and probably regretted it! There 's no way I'd have paid Snap On money for a wrench back then!
Over the years I've now used tools from a lot of makers, and have pretty much concluded that Snap On are the best! I'm no metallurgist, but I know any wrench is a compromise between strength and hardness, and I reckon Snap On have got it about right. Their finish is second to none (and if you reckon that's an irrelevance, you probably never wipe down your tools after a job) and it's durable too.
Snap On are one of the few firms that broach their jaws rather than just punching them, and you only have to look or feel the inside of the wrench to understand the difference. Most importantly, when you pick up a Snap On wrench it has a feel and balance that few others can match!
Now, there are others that are close! I love my old Britool wrenches, and they are probably as durable. I have metric wrenches by Stahlwille and Hazet and they are really good too, and the relative newcomer Nepros seem to be tackling Snap On head on for quality. I'm aware there are other good makers out there too, Wright come to mind, and this is all good news - competition can only ever benefit the consumer!
Of the Taiwanese and Chinese tools that are out there, I can only say that they are not to my tastes. But, and it's a big "but", some of the relatively cheap Asian tools that I see now are of better quality than some of the dross that was around in the 70's and 80's! We tend to look back through rose tinted glasses and remember the good stuff that was available then, but believe me there was some real **** around too!
Everybody buys a tool based on what they like, what they can afford, and what use they think a tool will get. If you don't think a Snap On wrench is for you, then don't buy it! The only advice I would give is this - don't force yourself to choose between say Snap On and cheapest import! Those are tools from totally opposite ends of the quality spectrum and there's probably something in the 'mid range' that is exactly what you want!
I've used, and still do use, a lot of different makes of wrenches over the years. I was lucky, as I got steered towards British made tools at an early age. Without that advice I'd probably have bought really cheap stuff, and probably regretted it! There 's no way I'd have paid Snap On money for a wrench back then!
Over the years I've now used tools from a lot of makers, and have pretty much concluded that Snap On are the best! I'm no metallurgist, but I know any wrench is a compromise between strength and hardness, and I reckon Snap On have got it about right. Their finish is second to none (and if you reckon that's an irrelevance, you probably never wipe down your tools after a job) and it's durable too.
Snap On are one of the few firms that broach their jaws rather than just punching them, and you only have to look or feel the inside of the wrench to understand the difference. Most importantly, when you pick up a Snap On wrench it has a feel and balance that few others can match!
Now, there are others that are close! I love my old Britool wrenches, and they are probably as durable. I have metric wrenches by Stahlwille and Hazet and they are really good too, and the relative newcomer Nepros seem to be tackling Snap On head on for quality. I'm aware there are other good makers out there too, Wright come to mind, and this is all good news - competition can only ever benefit the consumer!
Of the Taiwanese and Chinese tools that are out there, I can only say that they are not to my tastes. But, and it's a big "but", some of the relatively cheap Asian tools that I see now are of better quality than some of the dross that was around in the 70's and 80's! We tend to look back through rose tinted glasses and remember the good stuff that was available then, but believe me there was some real **** around too!
Everybody buys a tool based on what they like, what they can afford, and what use they think a tool will get. If you don't think a Snap On wrench is for you, then don't buy it! The only advice I would give is this - don't force yourself to choose between say Snap On and cheapest import! Those are tools from totally opposite ends of the quality spectrum and there's probably something in the 'mid range' that is exactly what you want!
comparing snap-on to jazz is a great marketing ploy, you should send that post to them.
in my experience as a professional mechanic, there are any number of wrenches that get the job done exactly the same with the same speed and precision, and they have been doing it longer than snap-on has been around as well.
the big difference between snap-on and the other high quality manufacturers is that snap-on has a ton of marketing involved, as well as their sales pitch.
the others stay in business by selling a good product that people know and use.
but lets be honest without turning this into another snap-on vs the world debate. proto, blackhawk, craftsman, sk, wright..... all make wrenches, and the wrenches all work the way they were intended, what makes them worth more or less is up to you the buyer.
come on though, snap-on != jazz
in my experience as a professional mechanic, there are any number of wrenches that get the job done exactly the same with the same speed and precision, and they have been doing it longer than snap-on has been around as well.
the big difference between snap-on and the other high quality manufacturers is that snap-on has a ton of marketing involved, as well as their sales pitch.
the others stay in business by selling a good product that people know and use.
but lets be honest without turning this into another snap-on vs the world debate. proto, blackhawk, craftsman, sk, wright..... all make wrenches, and the wrenches all work the way they were intended, what makes them worth more or less is up to you the buyer.
come on though, snap-on != jazz
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Merk, I think that's more from years of you polishing the wrench than from the way it's designed or manufactured.
Snap on was the first to bring flank drive or off corner engagement to market. Couple this with their high manufacturing standards and full polish finish made for a great wrench.
However, as years have passed and patents expired, the quality gap between Snap on and some other brands has narrowed greatly. Many brands offer some type of off corner engagement in both the boxed and open ends, along with excellent balance, fit, finish, and feel. I feel snap on doesn't have the wrench market cornered as much as they once did.
MikeF2316
Well-known member
Merk, I think that's more from years of you polishing the wrench than from the way it's designed or manufactured.
Snap on was the first to bring flank drive or off corner engagement to market. Couple this with their high manufacturing standards and full polish finish made for a great wrench.
However, as years have passed and patents expired, the quality gap between Snap on and some other brands has narrowed greatly. Many brands offer some type of off corner engagement in both the boxed and open ends, along with excellent balance, fit, finish, and feel. I feel snap on doesn't have the wrench market cornered as much as they once did.
At my buddy's shop, his mechanic has Snap-ons, his apprentice has a set of MACs. I can't tell you why, but I'd rather borrow the MACs, there's something about them I like better.
sparky5982
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2013
- Messages
- 89
I have some snap-on impact sockets and they are excellent. The wrenches? Not for me. The thin beams were a deal breaker, very uncomfortable. I have full sets of Wright w/ Wright Grip and I haven't regretted it. They have a thick, rounded beam that just feels great. Different strokes.
Farmall450
Well-known member
It is a bit confusing, but honestly, I'm not a SO fan here. Prefer craftsman industrial, or Mac.
Half the appeal of any brand is in your head. Seventy-five percent of statistics are made-up.
Now, having the appeal be in your head isn't bad, but it does explain the differences in opinions. I work on my own farm equipment at the basic repair/maintainence level and have several tool sets of different sizes around with many tool brands. Each machine has a basic set in it's tool box. In the shop my cart has my favorite tools, many brands. Bonney(my favorites) lots of Williams, Wrights, older Craftsman, older Snap-on and my dad's old None Better set. I gave all my Chineese tools to Goodwill.
If I am working on a machine in the shop I will walk past the machine's tool box to get my favorite pliers, screwdriver or wrench from my shop cart. I enjoy doing the work and useing a particular tool adds to the enjoyment. If it feels good, do it.
In my woodworking I have found that good tools encourage good work. Pride in workmanship goes hand in hand with pride in tools, you can have one without the other, but they are more commonly found together.
Just like folks in a blind taste test many times can't pick out their favorite, tool preferences are many times are in your head. Doesn't make it wrong, just explains it.
Now, having the appeal be in your head isn't bad, but it does explain the differences in opinions. I work on my own farm equipment at the basic repair/maintainence level and have several tool sets of different sizes around with many tool brands. Each machine has a basic set in it's tool box. In the shop my cart has my favorite tools, many brands. Bonney(my favorites) lots of Williams, Wrights, older Craftsman, older Snap-on and my dad's old None Better set. I gave all my Chineese tools to Goodwill.
If I am working on a machine in the shop I will walk past the machine's tool box to get my favorite pliers, screwdriver or wrench from my shop cart. I enjoy doing the work and useing a particular tool adds to the enjoyment. If it feels good, do it.
In my woodworking I have found that good tools encourage good work. Pride in workmanship goes hand in hand with pride in tools, you can have one without the other, but they are more commonly found together.
Just like folks in a blind taste test many times can't pick out their favorite, tool preferences are many times are in your head. Doesn't make it wrong, just explains it.
Merk, I think that's more from years of you polishing the wrench than from the way it's designed or manufactured.
Snap on was the first to bring flank drive or off corner engagement to market. Couple this with their high manufacturing standards and full polish finish made for a great wrench.
However, as years have passed and patents expired, the quality gap between Snap on and some other brands has narrowed greatly. Many brands offer some type of off corner engagement in both the boxed and open ends, along with excellent balance, fit, finish, and feel. I feel snap on doesn't have the wrench market cornered as much as they once did.
if i am wrong, someone will surely correct me but a common misconception is that snap-on was the first to bring it's flank drive to market. i believe this to be false. kelsey-hayes(bonney) applied for and was awarded a patent for the loc-rite system (pat #3125910). it appears that snap-on did not apply for the flank drive patent until 1963 and was not awarded the patent until 1965. i have seen some documentation that they had trouble getting it awarded. presumably because the loc-rite existed first and they had to prove it was different.
in essence snap-on was the first to patent the flank drive and they were the only ones who could use that name but to assume they are the only ones or the first ones to offer an off corner engagement is false. loc rite was clearly in an earlier or at the very least similar time frame
i will go out on a limb and even say that my bonney loc-rite wrenches have a box end every bit as good or better than my flank drive snap-on. i think wrenchr, moderator and bonney wrench user may even agree with me. i even have some old school bonney made john deere wrenches with the flank drive from the 70's that have the loc-rite feature.
now before anyone calls me a snap-on basher, they make an excellent tool and if you were using an import or rasied panel craftsman use they are leaps and bounds better but there are tons of wrenches out there that are of a comaparable quality. people just don't know it because they have not or won't use them because they think snap-on is the best. "insert kool-aid smiley here"
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richfinn
Well-known member
I have a set of old Metric Snap-On spanners which I bought used in the early 90s
The chrome has not peeled
They seem to get the length and general dimensions just right for car mechanics
They fit the fastener perfectly
To me they are comfortable to hold and use
I'm no snap on fan boy, but everything they make in chrome is top notch
Stahlwille are on a par though, I'll give them that.
The chrome has not peeled
They seem to get the length and general dimensions just right for car mechanics
They fit the fastener perfectly
To me they are comfortable to hold and use
I'm no snap on fan boy, but everything they make in chrome is top notch
Stahlwille are on a par though, I'll give them that.
Wakefield
Well-known member
IF I could go back to the good old days and get some good Craftsman--but wait--those were the days of Bonney--
e30bradley
Well-known member
I buy HM wrenches for that.. I have a set of metric and standard and whenever I need a thin wrench I grind those down. One 14mm hazet wrench probably costs as much as a HF 10-19 set.
davethorik
Well-known member
x2
I am a machinist and I use a 1/2" stud clamp kit on my cnc mill at work, which has 7/8 nuts. I have tried a lot of 7/8" wrenches, and there is a Snap On that is the shop's. It bites into my palm. For that reason alone I don't like it. It does have a better finish than every other wrench, and it feels rock solid.
My personal 7/8 is a Chicago Pneumatic made in Japan that has a nice wide handle. It seems tough. I got my old man a set of Wright grip wrenches and they are nice too. I may have to pick one up.
You better be careful with that; some guys on here will accuse you of being a sissy.
You better be careful with that; some guys on here will accuse you of being a sissy.
apparently thin beams means must easier flipping.... never knew either, i guess there are qualities in wrenches i haven't considered..... has anyone tasted snap-on wrenches? are they as good as the kool-aid that the truck serves?