What other wrenches do I need?

[MN4x4]

I am coming from the woodworking side of the shop, and now building up my mechanics tools collection. I am TRYING to buy USA tools if I can, and I am also convinced that prices are going to go up thanks to this stupid economy.

After my Sears and Harbor Freight Christmas deals, I now have the following:

• 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and 3/4" Ratchets, with 6-point & 12-point sockets
• Impact Sockets (3/8", 1/2" and 3/4") from 5/16" through 2-1/4"
• Combination wrenches from 5/16" to 1-1/2" (plus duplicates on common sizes)
• Several sets of GearWrench style ratcheting wrenches, both SAE & Metric, including flex, reversing, and Craftsman Elbow versions.
•*@#$Assorted adjustable wrenches (do they even count as wrenches?

On my list of things to acquire (when on sale or if I hit the lottery) are the half-moon and s-shaped GearWrench wrenches.

I have NO Box End wrenches - do I need them with all the above?

What else am I missing?

 

[NWphotog]

The ratcheting wrenches are box end wrenches!

 

[SS5150]

Do you think you'll really need half moon and s shaped wrenches? I don't know that you'll ever get your bang for the buck out of those.


I'd suggest metric & sae stubby wrenches, ratcheting or not your choice but I use mine daily. I've got Mac metric stubbys, Matco ratcheting metric stubbys, and Craftsman SAE stubbys, and all have been useful and well worth the money.

 

[MN4x4]

The ratcheting wrenches are box end wrenches!

Technically they are Combination Wrenches - box end on one end, open end on the other. Also, they do not have an appreciable offset. But I still don't know if I need offset box ends, or why?

 

[MN4x4]

Do you think you'll really need half moon and s shaped wrenches? I don't know that you'll ever get your bang for the buck out of those.

Not sure, either. That's why they are only on 'the wish list' for now. But they sure are cool!

I'd suggest metric & sae stubby wrenches, ratcheting or not your choice but I use mine daily. I've got Mac metric stubbys, Matco ratcheting metric stubbys, and Craftsman SAE stubbys, and all have been useful and well worth the money.

Good point. I forgot that I have a set of GearWrench SAE stubbys. I need to get some Metric ones also.

 

[trout]

stubbys are a must.

you could probably get away without box wrenches, the number of times you would need them in a spot you couldn't use something else is very slim.

Crow foot wrenches though....

 

[plinker]

+1 for stubbies. Very handy, I use them alot.

If you dont have them a set of metric wrenches. (6 to 19 minimum and up to 27-30 is nice to have)

Double box wrenches are nice, but a second set of combos is more important, IMO. I would get 75* offset if I was in the market for them however.

Flare nut wrenches would be good to have too.

 

[Avgas]

4-way angle wrenches

 

[Scout Driver]

If you are really wanting double box-end wrenches, get the deep offset. They are nice for keeping your knuckles from harm, especially when backing up an impact wrench.

Scott

 

[Buck_nekid]

Flare nut or line wrenches are to me a essential item.

 

[CD1]

Pliers (vise grip, retaining ring, needle nose, arc joint, linesman, diagonal cutting, duckbill, etc.........) don't forget wire stripping/crimping pliers too

Allen Wrenches (SAE, Metric, and Torx including bits)l

Hammers (ball peen, dead blow, non-marring faced, brass, etc..........

Chisels

Punches (regular and pin punches, brass punch/drifts, and line-up tools)

Screwdrivers

Tap and Die Sets (SAE and Metric)

Pullers (2/3 arm, et, all.....)

Torque Wrenches

Air Compressor and associated air tools

That should keep you busy.

Noone said this addiction would be cheap.

 

[kams1973]

4-way angle wrenches

Definately 4-way angle wrenches!!

 

[DanCo]

Breaker bars! 3/8" and 1/2", &
Pry bars wheather fixed or indexable is on you.

 

[Rickster]

Thread chaser set.

 

[Hank McMauser]

I've got a set of four S shaped gearwrenches 2 metric, and 2 sae just gathering dust would you be interested in them?

 

[larry_g]

I just love this forum 15 answers and no one knows what you intend to do with said tool kit. What kind of mechanic do you intend to be? Cars, trucks, bicycles, boat, small engine, or one of the hundreds of other mechanics? SAE, Metric, or Whitworth? Tell us what your working on and you'll get a better answer.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[nw2571]

Somehow we get from "what wrenches do I need" to a list of mechanics tools and a single "thread chaser set"? HAHA

Back to wrenches.... I do like having long pattern wrenches, either combo, or if you want to save money make these the double box end style. You'll appreciate the extra torque, and much safer than cheating a wrench (which is the root cause of most of my busted knuckles over the years. I'd get the standard version as opposed to the ratcheting style. Cheaper, and more dependable for their intended use.... applying a boat load of torque on rusted fasteners!

Stubbies can be handy too as others have mentioned.