Which extra long pattern combination wrench to buy?

[jvitez]

I'm looking for an extra long combination wrench set in metric. I've got an Armstrong set in SAE which really comes in handy at times, so now I'd like to have a metric set. I love variety, and would like to try something I haven't had yet. So.........

I did a web search on various brands, using a 16 mm wrench for comparison, which is closest to 5/8." Here's the lengths I found:

1. Gray tools (Canada) "long" combo: 205 mm. Same length as their "regular" wrench despite having 2 listings, one for reg and one of for long on their website.
2. Hazet: 230.5 mm.
3. Cornwell extra long: 10 7/8" (276 mm)
4. Snap-On Long: 282 mm (11 1/8") ")
5. Mac KS2 extra long: 268 mm (10 9/16")
6. Gedore extra long: 265 mm (10 7/16")
7. Toptul extra long: 295 mm (11 5/8")

I'd love to try a set of German wrenches and want to try some Hazet pliers and screwdrivers, but for length Gedore is it for wrenches. Hazet has no extra long wrenches in its catalogue. Toptul clearly wins the longer-is-better contest, and it's the cheapest, but COO is Taiwan. I'd prefer US/Canada or German overall. But there's no point in buying a set just slightly longer than what I already have. I've got wrench sets in Wright (too bad they don't make extra long), Snap-on, Cornwell, Armstrong, Facom, Proto, and SK. The new SK site doesn't list wrench lengths, though they list standard and long wrenches.

Anyone used any on my list? How long should extra long wrenches be? Opinions?

 

[Basskiller]

Cornwell has a nice beam that is comfortable to use.

 

[Skin]

I have MAC and Snap-On. Honestly I use the Snap-On more. The MACs are too fat at the open end and would be comfortable if the beam wasnt so damn narrow. Ditto for Cornwell since they're essentially the same design as MAC. If i want comfort and length i grab my ratcheting cross-force wrenches. If i need length and access its the Snap-Ons. I'll post a couple pictures later to show what i mean.

I will say one positive about the MAC is they have the modified open end while the Snap-On is plain, it does make a difference in how much contact the open ends are making on a bolt face.

 

[bart1]

I really like my Hazets, but don't consider them super long. Look up the Stahlwille open box 14 and check it's length.

 

[4x4gearhead]

I have a few different extra long snap on flank drives which I like because I can use the open end on them as well. I do think they can be uncomfortable to use because of the thin beam but they also fit in some places for me that a lot of others dont. I have used a few macs and matcos and out of the ones ive used i liked the snap on best.

 

[jvitez]

Wow, those Stahlwille wrenches look awesome. I love the thicker beam, and the scalloping looks like it would be extremely comfortable. Alas, the type 14 16mm wrench is only 230 mm long. Rats.

Hmmmm, a Stahlwille standard set and a Gedore extra long perhaps? Yikes! Stop it, stop it now.

That wrench extender is a great idea! Lee Valley is advertising one in their Christmas catalogue. I wonder how much torque can be applied though?

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=67696&cat=51&ap=1

I'm not a big fan of the Snap-On sharp thin beam either.

Do you think the 30 mm between the Gedore extra long and the Toptul would be noticeable in actual use? It's only 11 mm difference between the Cornwell and the Gedore, which I'm sure would be negligible in use. I do like the Cornwell set I have.

 

[GoBlue]

If i were to buy some they would be SK. I dont have them to measure unfortunately but they are fairly long and have a nice profile. The best profile IMHO is the MAC/Cornwell. I love the square beams.

 

[Skin]

Some quick and dirty comparisons (all 16mm)

SO Extra Long
MAC KS2 Extra Long
Craftsman Professional
Gearwrench Long
Basic Gearwrench



Left to right

Craftsman Pro
GW Long
SO Extra Long
MAC KS2 Extra Long



Top to bottom

MAC KS2 Extra Long
SO Extra Long
Craftsman Professional
Gearwrench Long



Snap-On Box End missing some chrome across a few contact points. Every area that is dark is un-plated steel. Its probably from the hanger but still a little sloppy for the **** tool collector-personally i dont care.



MAC box end hanger mark, miniscule in comparison to the SO.



and Gearwrench, no hanger mark, but a slight discoloration.



Snap-On open end, no problems here



MAC open end, you can just make out the KS2 design to shift loads onto more of the fasteners surface area. The Gearwrench longs have their own version of this as well however i couldnt get a very clear picture.





Cosmetically speaking, MAC wins. Every other wrench has a dull luster to it [SO and Cman Pro being the darkest] while the MAC is bright and largely flawless. Almost makes it a shame to scratch them up. This is from a rather new set of KS2s hence why they look perfect. Again though my one complaint with the MAC wrenches, although not apparent here in the larger size, is the beams become a bit narrow [not in thickness but width] around 10-14mm while other brands remain largely consistant in the beam across the range of sizes. For me personally it makes them a bit worse in the comfort department than even a SO. In the larger sizes the MACs are fine.

 

[Hiball]

I'm a big fan of Cornwell wrenches, I own some of there standard length wrenches along with some "long" pattern sets. The only extra long wrench sets I've ever owned where toptul, who offer standard, long and extra long. Someone mentioned Sk, and while there wrenches are very comfortable there "long" pattern wrenches are about on par with tool truck standard length wrenches.

 

[GoBlue]

Great pics skin! Thanks!

 

[Danglerb]

I have a few sets, most used are my HF got them on sale for $17, but I also have a lot of GearWrench and Napa. I love Hazet and Stahlwille, but seems like a waste in a larger wrench.

All my most used sizes are Snapon, and those are my go to wrenches for normal stuff. I like the quality and the clearance, but I see no need to spend much to get a plenty good larger wrench, its bulk steel.

SAE I just bought used Proto thru 1 1/2".

 

[jvitez]

Skin: thanks very much for the great pics!

Hiball: My go-to metric wrenches are in fact Cornwell. I picked up a set from wrenchr here a while ago, the 10 pc full polish "long" ones, not the standard length. I couldn't imagine wanting anything much shorter as a "regular" length wrench. Having Cornwell for both my regular and extra long metric wrenches would be way-cool, except for the fact that Cornwell is pretty well unavailable in Canada. I know there were a couple of Cornwell dealers on GJ, but they were never as visible as the two SO gents.

I just did a quick measurement of some of my other wrenches, this time SAE 5/8" size:

Wright--8 1/2"
Snap-On standard length--9 1/2"
Armstrong long pattern: 10 15/16"

I love the length of the Armstrong long pattern when I need a long wrench. My absolute favorite beam style is Wright. I love their width and the rounded edges. Cornwell is a close second.

 

[Hiball]

My absolute favorite beam style is Wright. I love their width and the rounded edges. Cornwell is a close second.

+1 Same here, What wright lacks in length they make up for in comfort. If they made a long pattern wrench it would be a No brainer.

 

[Flash21]

Every time someone wants to talk extra long combos, I have to bust these out.

I've handled or had the Cornwells, Snap-On, MACs (older pre-KS2) and the Bonney made Matcos...in extra long pattern.

The open ends are a little thicker and likely not as strong as the arch design that Snap-On and others have. However, for me, the beam shape and thickness was more important to me then the open end pure strength.

I chose the Cornwells:

Many more:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41110&highlight=cornwell&showall=1

 

[jvitez]

If they made a long pattern wrench it would be a No brainer.

Agreed.

However, after looking at KLars1's post..........I think those pics are hotter than some of the girls on the "Hot Women" thread! Thanks KLars1! I was excited like a kid at Christmas when I got my Cornwell Long wrench set. Seeing your superb photos makes me want the extra long ones too. Arggh! The dilemma of choice.

 

[otis66]

Get the Snap On. You will not be sorry.

 

[WR250F]

US made Williams is a really good option too

 

[FergusonTO35]

The Matco MCXL series are outstanding.

 

[vssjim]

Cornwell is what I have as I sold the S-O's as they are too thin and really ring your hand when things break loose. I used to have to put a rag around the wrench when I really hand to load up as I knew it was going to hurt if not.

 

[powertrip]

I would be curious to know the cost of these sets that have been mentioned

 

[jvitez]

I never thought of Williams. Looked up their website, but they have no listing for extra long wrenches. Their high polish 16 mm is 9 1/2" long, so same as SO standard length.

No Matco up here.

Cost? Lots! SO lists at $464 USD, Cornwell 10 pc set is $378, Gedore is $285 incl shipping in the US, $320 shipped to Canada, 7 pc Mac is $371, and Toptul is $84 CDN shipped in North America, plus thetoolchest.ca offers a 20% discount according to one thread on GJ. So cost and length wise Toptul is a no-brainer, but cost isn't everything. For my homeowner use these wrenches will last my lifetime, so I want to buy once and buy right. See my sig.

 

[thetreshon]

Unlessed I missed someone else mentioning them, what's wrong with US made SK's? Don't the still make long pattern?

I'm sure you could find a good priced set of NOS SK long patterns if they no longer make new sets.

Thicker beams than SO, right?


EDIT: Just looked them up on SK,
http://www.skhandtool.com/products/wrenches/product.aspx?ID=1773&view=view

not sure price though...

 

[csmitty]

SK longs are basically the same length as SO FD+ wrench's when I was comparing 18mm. So if you already had a set of those. No real need to look at the SK's

 

[Skin]

I would be curious to know the cost of these sets that have been mentioned

Used market for MAC/SO ~$200 (+/- $25) will get you a 10pc set. New prices are insane, basically take the used price and double it.

If you're very very patient a used set of Cornwell should be easily obtainable for $150-$175. The problem is catching them when they're actually listed. I think i've seen just 3-4 sets in the last year but they do fly under the radar due to being Cornwell. I believe they do find their way into the monthly flier for $300 new a couple times a year.

The Gearwrench Longs i have were $120 however that is for both a metric and matching SAE i got with it as well and they're huge sets, i think its 35 pieces in total + they have included wrench racks.

Craftsman Professional $40-$50 new on sale for a 10pc set.

As mentioned the Toptul set is very cheap very long and definitely the way to go and what i'd get if i didnt give a damn about COO AND if i didnt already have so many wrenches. Heres some pictures courtesy of Hiball. The best part is the set ran him just $70.00 and thats full retail.

Close ups of the business ends.

Comparison pics of a 19MM/10MM SO Standard length to a Extra Long length Toptul Pattern wrenches. This is Not a fair comparison or intended to claim 1 wrench is better than the other. Only a Image to visually gauge the Length of the Toptul Wrench.

 

[Hiball]

The best part is the set ran him just $70.00 and thats full retail.

If i recall, I bought them from Mike wren for around $50 bucks..

 

[Skin]

in the thread i pulled the pics from you stated they were 69 and change.

Crazy cheap none the less.

 

[Hiball]

in the thread i pulled the pics from you stated they were 69 and change.

Crazy cheap none the less.

I could be Wrong, I know Mike was offering a Bigger Discount for Members who had previously purchased from him and i was Leary of giving too much info because it wasnt a Full Membership Discount. I think i still have the invoice...

Yep.. I found the Email from Mike, They Listed for $69 bucks, He offers a 20% Discount for GJ members and like i said he was offering a Extra bonus from People who had bought from him previously. I think i had around $50 bucks in them..

 

[cwlo]

I love the Toptul quality and good prices. Two negatives though are the lettering on them is too small...especially on the sockets. Other is their availability, with only two options.....Mike Wren, and Toolchest. Mike Wren is unreliable at best, and if you were to pay yourself the time it takes to work through him, your savings would evaporate. Tool Chest has been very straightforward, but they are the only game in town, and they have been raising their prices. It would be nice to have a few other distributors to assure their longevity in the market.

Chris

 

[Hiball]

I love the Toptul quality and good prices. Two negatives though are the lettering on them is too small...especially on the sockets. Other is their availability, with only two options.....Mike Wren, and Toolchest. Mike Wren is unreliable at best, and if you were to pay yourself the time it takes to work through him, your savings would evaporate. Tool Chest has been very straightforward, but they are the only game in town, and they have been raising their prices. It would be nice to have a few other distributors to assure their longevity in the market.

Chris

Definitely Not my Experience with Mike, I had my tools within 3 days after talking with Mike over the Phone. Obviously, His Website was ****, He was upfront about that in the begining and recommended that anyone who was interested in any tools to soley contact him via Email. Im not discounting your Experience, Only stating it didnt represent my experience and When i was searching for Prices, Mike was much cheaper. I also have Mikes Personal Number and was told to call him anytime i needed something.

 

[dwm]

I love the Toptul quality and good prices. Two negatives though are the lettering on them is too small...especially on the sockets. Other is their availability, with only two options.....Mike Wren, and Toolchest. Mike Wren is unreliable at best, and if you were to pay yourself the time it takes to work through him, your savings would evaporate. Tool Chest has been very straightforward, but they are the only game in town, and they have been raising their prices. It would be nice to have a few other distributors to assure their longevity in the market.

Chris

There are other distributors. Steve D. (ultimategarage.com) is one, and there's bfbhandtools.com.

I haven't seen prices going up on things of interest to me at thetoolchest.ca, and I've looked at their site at least once a week over the last year. They do have sale prices sometimes, which is why I look. I bought my GPAW2601 set in early September when it was on sale.

The real issue isn't so much more distributors, it's the fact that the distributors all have a small subset of Toptul's offerings and in the case of Steve D, the popular items sell out fairly quickly. I think Toptul makes it difficult for distributors in North America to keep inventory by requiring large orders, but maybe Steve (user ultgar) will read this and comment. I've been waiting for him to restock and bring in more of their stuff but it hasn't happened yet.

 

[Hammer1963]

Personally I like the Matco XL wrenches. I really like the feel of the wrench in my hands. Of course the Snap-on set is going to be a good product. I have really thought about giving the Corwell set a try. I have some of their sockets and love those.

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

Those Cornwells ARE gorgeous!

Adam

 

[coalminer]

I have a couple of the HF long sets and for the money they do a great job.

 

[cwlo]

Dwm, You make a good point about availability of the whole product line. As far as price rises, I did notice Toolchest raise their socket set price, and a few other items. I've purchased from them before, and they are prompt and efficient.

I recently purchased a bunch of stuff from Steve/Ultimate Garage as he was offering a discount to close out the Toptul stuff. He mentioned it hasn't sold that well, as there isn't much recognition of the brand and the value it offers. However, he might revisit is in the Spring. Pleasure to deal with Steve.

Bottom line, Toptul is a very high quality product at a very good price. I like their Satin finish, and fit. Numbering on wrench+sockets is too small, but I wonder if they do that on purpose to not compete too much with their Facom contracted products. Seems like it would be an easy fix if they wanted.

Chris

 

[shampoop]

I have a couple of the HF long sets and for the money they do a great job.

I have that same set and they are ok for light use. I bought them a long time ago when I was broke and needed some 21mm+ combo wrenches. They don't fit as tightly as better brands, and the open ends will spread under high stress. For around a dollar or two a piece it's hard to complain, but I REALLY need to upgrade mine. They are definitely not good enough for a pro or even a serious "home user or hobbyist".

For the larger stuff, my coworkers really like their standard craftsman raised panels. They say they're good and strong, can take abuse and work well for double wrenching.

 

[Danglerb]

I have that same set and they are ok for light use. I bought them a long time ago when I was broke and needed some 21mm+ combo wrenches. They don't fit as tightly as better brands, and the open ends will spread under high stress. For around a dollar or two a piece it's hard to complain, but I REALLY need to upgrade mine. They are definitely not good enough for a pro or even a serious "home user or hobbyist".

For the larger stuff, my coworkers really like their standard craftsman raised panels. They say they're good and strong, can take abuse and work well for double wrenching.

Wow, not my experience at all. HF is the stuff I beat on because I don't care if it breaks. When I was curious about what the inside of my old water heater looked like I took a long pattern HF and a 3 lb dead blow and beat on it til started turning. When the cooler line to my radiator wouldn't come apart I used two HF wrenches counter holding and put a rope through the box ends and twisted it tight with another wrench until the connectors broke loose, and this is after a couple days of some husky mechanics trying brute force.

OTOH with HF I may get a good one, next guy a not good one.

Yard sale I bought my Proto set at had SAE Cornwall set of 8 or 10 for $50, looked very shiny etc, but I wasn't in a $50 mood, maybe I should have bought them instead. I don't do much SAE though.

 

[browntown]

The Snap-on OEXLM and SOEXLM series are some seriously LONG wrenches. I'm putting together a set of used ones and really like them.

Not directly relevant to this conversation, but the other long metric's I use a lot are the matco long pattern double box wrench's RBL series.

Here is a pic of RBL1719M (11") vs OEXLM19 (13") and when all else fails and you have the room to operate, you can always reach for the giant adjusties. Here's a cornwell 16" and a 24" IREGA.

 

[kythri]

The Snap-on OEXLM and SOEXLM series are some seriously LONG wrenches. I'm putting together a set of used ones and really like them.

These aren't available new anymore, correct?

 

[kythri]

What's the sizing range of the Toptul stuff? Is it a limited range right in the middle of the spectrum, or did they (do they?) offer a full range?

i.e. SAE 1/4" to 1-1/2", Metric 6mm to 32mm

??

All I've seen are smaller sets, not a "full" set.

 

[browntown]

These aren't available new anymore, correct?

In some form I think they are. I think the range is smaller now.

OEXLM**B is what you're looking for. The set is OEXLM710B for new ones, which are terribly expensive.