Wrench Advice

[boom_bap]

Looking for some advise.

I have an opportunity to pick up a mismatch set of old stock Armstong wrenches, some 6pt some 12pt.

Armstrong 1/4"-1" (kdtools 3/4), mostly polish some satin
Armstrong 6-24mm (kdtools 20mm, 23mm /kobalt 9mm, 24mm) 50/50 polish stain

Price is about $210 bucks.

Should I swing or am I better off picking up a new matching set of USA wrenches from Wright or Williams. Curious to hear opinions. I figure for both SAE and metric it is a decent deal. My only USA wrenches are craftsmans and they aren't as comprehensive in sizes.

 

[jsmeece]

Up to you, almost all of my wrenches are Armstrong, have some Allen and KD wrench too. I have been very happy with them. Just remember since Armstrong is no more, there is no warranty, if that is a concern to you.

 

[PelicanPines]

$210... I'd swing (if I needed wrenches)...

I'm lucky to have a full set of combination and box craftsman USA.

 

[Bockscar]

If you can handle the mismatched stuff why not....but there isn't a wrench better than the Wrights and for the price Wrights are not that hateful

 

[boom_bap]

Up to you, almost all of my wrenches are Armstrong, have some Allen and KD wrench too. I have been very happy with them. Just remember since Armstrong is no more, there is no warranty, if that is a censer to you.

Ya I figured that going in. Warranty isn't a factor here.

 

[KnurledNut]

Points, brands and finishes mixed?
Eh, Id pass.

 

[Dave455]

I personally like my SAE and Metric (and BS, being in the U.K.) to be by different makers, and / or have different finishes, so I can tell them apart instantly.

You might not think it’s an issue, but I’ve worked on stuff that has bolt heads of all three systems, and not being able to tell wrenches apart quickly would be frustrating.

Having similar sized wrenches, in SAE and metric, but mixing finishes randomly, sounds incredibly frustrating. I don’t mind a bit of “mix and match” as such, but only in my larger wrenches.

I probably wouldn’t want a mix of 6 and 12 point either (unless only the small ones were 6 point). Most times I want a 12 point wrench. If I need a 6 point I go to the box that has only those.

 

[boom_bap]

Cool we'll I'm glad I asked. I've decided to move on and keep an eye out for something else or buy new.

 

[brownbagg]

maybe $30

 

[unslow1]

I guess I'm in the minority thinking that price seems a bit high for used, mismatched and older. What was the total number of wrenches?

 

[rockinacummins]

I’d be interested for around $40

 

[Professional Tool User]

$210 is quite a bit of money for mismatched sets from a discontinued brand. It shouldn't be that difficult to find a matching set on the used market, at least for SAE. My 3/8-1 1/4 Proto wrench set cost me $80 and my 8-24mm Proto wrench set was $120.

 

[Fedwrench]

compare what your getting with what's available from Cripe distributing either at their website or ebay store. hell, you're in Idaho so, your wrenches might be coming from Cripe anyway

I really like the second generation full polished KD wrenches. They're standard length but, great wrenches. $210 seems high to me but, I'm old & cheap.. Have you checked ebay for KD or Armstrong wrench sets?

 

[vssjim]

Ya I figured that going in. Warranty isn't a factor here.

APEX Tools just replace Armstrong with GearWrench which is the same with other brands they used to have, Split a Armstrong 3/4 drive socket and got a GearWrench one in the mail

 

[DOUGD]

I'm with Dave455. I like my metric and SAE combo wrenches to be of different brands or at least a different finish for easy identification. I have polished Snap On and Wright combos ,both are excellent. Now that I am 60 I find the satin finish of my Protos much more appealing as my hands age!

 

[WJD]

Yep, counter with 40-50 bucks.... 210-ish is high

$210 goes pretty far for new s.a.e/mm mix wrench sets from different reputable brands.

Spare wrenches always good, just would not pay that much for older mixed double size sets.

Now if it was more comp!ete from from 5/16 to 1-1/4 and 6mm to 27mm or so, I would entertain maybe more than $50...

 

[wrenchalot]

In 1964 I was drafted to an aircraft squadron,. and I inherited a tool box returned to stores by the owner that was getting out...
They were a mix of brands, but no metrics then.
Eventually, it was easier to identify a wrench by the brand than the size. To this day I still use them in my garage, and I don't care about the different brands. They're just wrenches after all...and I never broke a wrench in all those years; if you do, get another at the flea market and use it: the hell with brands; negotiate the price and buy them, specially if you're gonna use metrics some.