Which sizes 4-way angle wrenches?

[oldschoolcraft]

Always looking to expand my capabilities and four way angle wrenches with the proper 30/60 degree angles are on the short list. I haven’t needed them yet but they seem to nice to have. What I wonder is:

What size range makes sense to have? Snap Ons go from 3/8” to 1” and 10mm to 27mm. Tektons run from 6mm / 1/4” all the way up to 50mm / 2”

Theyre expensive, but my time is valuable and if some random thing comes up that I need them, it’s worth it if 90% sit unused for those few I wind up using. I just don’t know what actually makes sense Size wise. Seems unlikely I’ll need to use one of these on some tight access 2” fitting. Why would a 2” fitting be built with such tight access that this is the only tool for the job? How could you even generate enough torque a few degrees at a time For such a large fitting?

Money isn’t as much of a concern as much as space to hold tools since I’m limited on that, and inability to finish a job is expensive. So if I could anticipate the size range that made sense and bought those, I’d be happy.

It’s my understanding if you need a 4 way angle wrench for something then nothing else would work. And I want to expand my capability for times when I throw my hands up in the air and give up.

 

[Andres26tnt]

fist ask yourself what are they for, what are you working on? I'm an A&P mechanic, specifically a hydraulic technician(USAF). I would say most fittings are universal and cross over to other equipment, we have full sets of Snap-on angle wrenches at work, only about 5 wrenches get used, mostly on fittings. Airplanes have super tight spaces, I have yet to use one on a bolt.

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

You have never worked on heavy equipment. Large excavators are notorious for hard to get at places

 

[oilslick]

I use my “small” metric sizes up to 18mm and go up to 1 1/4 in sae. When you need them they can be great. I highly recommend a set of jumbo crows feet as well.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have 8, 10-19, 21,21,24,27mm and SAE 1/4 to 1".

I am an automotive mechanic.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

What do you guys think of tekton for these? I read they are cnc so not as strong as snap on forged.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

What do you guys think of tekton for these? I read they are cnc so not as strong as snap on forged.

My 10-19mm is snap on, the rest are tekton. I don't see any issues with the tekton ones.

Typically these aren't high force items. The wrenches are short, jaws on the snap on are a bit narrower than a regular combo. No flank drive or fancy engagement. You'll run out of strength or round the fastener first.

 

[F-22]

Quite interesting that they CNC cut it out of sheet metal. They're made in USA. Is labour associated with forging so crazy expensive in the US?

They make some nice points on their website. I like how they actually compare to Snap On and do not deny their steel isn't quite as high quality but still pretty close...

 

[3baygarage]

I held a lone Tekton 27mm at the flea market the other day. It seemed solid and well built. For some reason I didn’t think to ask how much.

 

[Wrench97]

I have a set of Tekton 6mm to 27mm regular combination in the service truck, they work well no complaints.
I have a set of Snap On 30/60 degree angle 8mm to 19mm since the 80's they are probably the least used wrenches I have other then the 13 and 14 the others look like they have never been out of the plastic case they came in...................................

 

[bob15]

FYI: Snap On 4-way wrenches also go to 2".

Your question is awfully vague. What do you currently work on? How big of a wrench to you currently own? For me to say you want a set-up that goes to 1-1/4 when the largest tool you will ever use is 3/4" isn't right and is a waste of money.

You might try e-bay and buy a Snappy set that goes to 3/4 or 1" and go from there.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Caterpillar is much cheaper than Snap On, and are made by Snap On.

Cat has four sets available and then some individuals.

The sets are a large SAE set from 3/8 to 1 1/4, two SAE sets that split that size range into two sets, and then a metric set (I forget the size range though). Individuals are about eight sizes scattered from 1 3/16” to 2”.

And yes they are mainly used for hydraulics and yes the bastards that build heavy equipment love to put giant lines in tight places. The famous phrase I see on GarageJournal is that “hydraulic lines aren’t high torque” I wish somebody would tell the **** I work on that it isn’t supposed to be that tight. A large deadblow helps encourage loosening most of the time.

 

[AJHD]

Caterpillar is much cheaper than Snap On, and are made by Snap On.

Cat has four sets available and then some individuals.

The sets are a large SAE set from 3/8 to 1 1/4, two SAE sets that split that size range into two sets, and then a metric set (I forget the size range though). Individuals are about eight sizes scattered from 1 3/16” to 2”.

And yes they are mainly used for hydraulics and yes the bastards that build heavy equipment love to put giant lines in tight places. The famous phrase I see on GarageJournal is that “hydraulic lines aren’t high torque” I wish somebody would tell the **** I work on that it isn’t supposed to be that tight. A large deadblow helps encourage loosening most of the time.

The CAT set 3/8" to 1-1/4" is around $430+tax public retail price.

The Tekton set, also USA made, runs from 1/4" to 1-1/4" and goes for $260+tax.

Despite the $100+ difference, I've still not decided which set I'm going to buy, but I've narrowed it down to those two. Hopefully going to order one or the other next week.

While the smaller sizes won't see much if any use, it's usually cheaper to buy a set and I hate buying individuals only to need a size I don't have.

 

[RedneckWelder]

The CAT set 3/8" to 1-1/4" is around $430+tax public retail price.

The Tekton set, also USA made, runs from 1/4" to 1-1/4" and goes for $260+tax.

Despite the $100+ difference, I've still not decided which set I'm going to buy, but I've narrowed it down to those two. Hopefully going to order one or the other next week.

While the smaller sizes won't see much if any use, it's usually cheaper to buy a set and I hate buying individuals only to need a size I don't have.

If you go Cat price the two 7 piece set vs the 14 pc set. It saved me $30 to buy them separate.

 

[AJHD]

If you go Cat price the two 7 piece set vs the 14 pc set. It saved me $30 to buy them separate.

Thanks for the tip.

 

[AJHD]

Finally pulled the trigger. I had my parts guys order the larger size set of CAT four way angle wrenches for me yesterday and they showed up today. Only $157 with tax.

I don't recall the price of the smaller size set off hand, but both CAT sets combined will still get me out the door for little more than the comparable Tekton set. I will pick up the 2nd smaller size set next paycheck.

 

[Zewnten]

Finally pulled the trigger. I had my parts guys order the larger size set of CAT four way angle wrenches for me yesterday and they showed up today. Only $157 with tax.

I don't recall the price of the smaller size set off hand, but both CAT sets combined will still get me out the door for little more than the comparable Tekton set. I will pick up the 2nd smaller size set next paycheck.

I had the Tekton set for about 5 minutes and returned them. The Cat/SO are so much better it's not even a debate for me.

 

[AJHD]

I had the Tekton set for about 5 minutes and returned them. The Cat/SO are so much better it's not even a debate for me.

Could I ask why?

For me, beyond the price and wanting CAT brand (aka Snap On), I'm just not fond of the laser cut square beam style of the Tekton's.

I've had some square beam style wrenches in the past and I don't care for them. The more traditional forged rounded beam wrenches are simply more comfortable to use.

 

[johninct]

Who says they are only for Hydraulic fittings. I use them for bolts if they go on and I can get a decient turn. I have Snap-On ones ,some were used a lot, some never.

 

[KnurledNut]

I dont recall how big FD+ angles went before without looking it up, maybe 19mm?, but Snap-on has a 18, 19, 21, 22, 24 set listed under new products.
https://shop.snapon.com/product/sup...Wrench-Set-(18,-19,-21,-22-and-24-mm)/SVSM805

 

[AJHD]

Who says they are only for Hydraulic fittings. I use them for bolts if they go on and I can get a decient turn. I have Snap-On ones ,some were used a lot, some never.

Hydraulics are simply the most common use for this style of wrench. But they are still open end wrenches and can be used like any other. In fact, given their angles, they may be ideal in certain situations.

I dont recall how big FD+ angles went before without looking it up, maybe 19mm?, but Snap-on has a 18, 19, 21, 22, 24 set listed under new products.
https://shop.snapon.com/product/supplemental/5-pc-Metric-30°-60°-Flank-Drive-Plus-Four-Way-Angle-Open-End-Wrench-Set-(18,-19,-21,-22-and-24-mm)/SVSM805

It looks like 27mm for metric and 1-1/4" for SAE in the flank drive variety.

In the non-FD variety both Snap On and CAT go up to 2" for SAE, but still only 27mm for metric.

 

[Zewnten]

Could I ask why?

For me, beyond the price and wanting CAT brand (aka Snap On), I'm just not fond of the laser cut square beam style of the Tekton's.

I've had some square beam style wrenches in the past and I don't care for them. The more traditional forged rounded beam wrenches are simply more comfortable to use.

Same. Overly heavy for the use.

 

[KnurledNut]

Hydraulics are simply the most common use for this style of wrench. But they are still open end wrenches and can be used like any other. In fact, given their angles, they may be ideal in certain situations.



It looks like 27mm for metric and 1-1/4" for SAE in the flank drive variety.

In the non-FD variety both Snap On and CAT go up to 2" for SAE, but still only 27mm for metric.

Yes, I was talking about years ago before they were discontinued and re-introduced in the current range.
I checked an old catalog and the original plus wrenches only went to 19mm and 15/16.
I know they are expensive but this 10-27 set sure would be nice!
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Fou...rench-Foam-Set-(10-27-mm)-(Hi-Viz)/SVSM01FBHV

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Can someone link a website that sells the CAT ones? I couldn’t find it, just broken website links.

do they make metric or only standard?

 

[Wrench97]

Can someone link a website that sells the CAT ones? I couldn’t find it, just broken website links.

do they make metric or only standard?

I think currently you have to order from your local Cat dealer.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Can someone link a website that sells the CAT ones? I couldn’t find it, just broken website links.

do they make metric or only standard?

They have both metric and SAE sets. Your best bet is to go to your local Cat dealer and buy from the parts counter.

 

[AJHD]

They have both metric and SAE sets. Your best bet is to go to your local Cat dealer and buy from the parts counter.

^^ This!

As discussed in previous threads, you won't find CAT tools online anymore (other than 2nd hand like eBay). Only a few random things for whatever reason are on their website.

You can use Google to find a parts catalog and part numbers, then call or visit your local dealer. It makes the process faster.

 

[Sticks McGee]

Mostly I used them on fittings. They do come in handy for bolts in certain limited space situations. Mostly now I use the 17mm and 18mm for injector lines (Mercedes sprinters and chevy Duramax) my SAE ones are snap on. My metrics are expert brand bought from my Mac guy.

 

[neophyte]

Quite interesting that they CNC cut it out of sheet metal. They're made in USA. Is labour associated with forging so crazy expensive in the US?

They make some nice points on their website. I like how they actually compare to Snap On and do not deny their steel isn't quite as high quality but still pretty close...

The cost difference may have to do with the cost of the forging dies rather than the cost of actually having the wrench blanks forged.

With lasers and cnc machining, the manufacturer just needs to have steel of the tight thickness.
The laser may be able to cut the sheet steel to actual broach dimensions or close, do unlike a forged wrench, there may not be a need for separate broaching dies, which would add cost over the forging dies.
Cutting a blank from sheet steel with a laser may also remove the issue of firescale that comes with hot forging a wrench blank.
Etc.

 

[KnurledNut]

I noticed Carlyle has 30/60 wrenches but limited to smaller sizes. Anyone used them?

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Carlyle

Never used them but I found a link.

are they made in US?

https://www.napaonline.com/en/search?text=4+way+angle+wrench&referer=semantic

 

[Steve_P]

I assume that the Tekton wrenches aren't forged because they assumed it was a low sale quantity item, good assumption, and forging dies are expensive; there is a minimum quantity to get payback from the forging dies vs machining at a much longer production time. If the quantity isn't there, then cutting and machining is obviously cheaper. This is purely a payback calculation to decide what method to use.

Forging is used because of manufacturing speed, not additional strength. If someone has real proof, from a reliable source, that a forged widget is stronger than an identical machined widget, of the same steel and heat treat, please show it. Comparing a forged SO wrench to a machined Tekton is not a valid comparison for forging being superior because there are too many other variables involved. I would like to believe that forging is very slightly better in my widget example but have never seen the data. The plate that the wrenches are cut from was rolled, so it has some similar benefits of a forging

 

[tamaraw]

Forging is used because of manufacturing speed, not additional strength.

Yeah... no.

Metal is forged in certain applications because it re-arranges the grain structure to make a stronger and/or lighter product. This is an extra expense compared to other production techniques and is not done where it is not required.

Casting is way faster/easier and machining is also faster for most tool production applications. Remember that most forged items also have to be machined afterwords. Example process courtesy of Elora: https://www.elora.de/en/production/spanner/

In your example of a wrench machined from rolled billet, that could approximate some of the advantages of forging in the beam of the handle, assuming you machined the wrench in the direction that the material was rolled. But rolled grain parallel to the beam will not help with either an open or ring end.

 

[AJHD]

I assume that the Tekton wrenches aren't forged because they assumed it was a low sale quantity item, good assumption, and forging dies are expensive; there is a minimum quantity to get payback from the forging dies vs machining at a much longer production time. If the quantity isn't there, then cutting and machining is obviously cheaper. This is purely a payback calculation to decide what method to use.

Forging is used because of manufacturing speed, not additional strength. If someone has real proof, from a reliable source, that a forged widget is stronger than an identical machined widget, of the same steel and heat treat, please show it. Comparing a forged SO wrench to a machined Tekton is not a valid comparison for forging being superior because there are too many other variables involved. I would like to believe that forging is very slightly better in my widget example but have never seen the data. The plate that the wrenches are cut from was rolled, so it has some similar benefits of a forging

I can't comment one way or the other. But there are no shortage of "reliable sources" on the topic...

Directly from Tekton;

1/4 Inch Angle Head Open End Wrench | TEKTON | WAE83006

1/4 inch (SAE) angle head wrench with 30° and 60° open ends. Made in USA. WAE83006.

www.tekton.com

A 100+ year old manufacture;

Forging vs. Casting vs. Machining vs. Powder Metal vs. Additive – Which is best? - Queen City Forging

Informative comparison of the advantages and disadvantages in metalworking processes such as forging, casting, machining, powder metal, and additive components.

www.qcforge.com

YouTube forum favorite, Torque Test Channel;

 

[F-22]

For the same material, forging produces stronger products than machining, that is a very basic engineering fact.

Regular Tekton wrenches are surely forged too. If it made no difference, instead of forging the could make production a lot cheaper if they just used a roll of sheet metal and stamped them out.