Wright Tool Wrench Set

[Rich427]

Hey guys,
Just joined the forum. I just got a 15pc. set of Wrightgrip 2.0 metric combo wrenches. They seem quality and I’ve had a few older Wright tools that have been great.
I inspected all of the wrenches and the 22, 19 and 11 have some pretty noticeable imperfections in the chrome. On a HF set I wouldn’t care but for around 200 bucks I don’t know if I should let it go or call and complain? What do you think? Other than that I really like them and excited to try them. Girlfriend got them for me for my 30th birthday coming up in a couple weeks.

 

[measuredtwice]

Hey guys,
Just joined the forum. I just got a 15pc. set of Wrightgrip 2.0 metric combo wrenches. They seem quality and I’ve had a few older Wright tools that have been great.
I inspected all of the wrenches and the 22, 19 and 11 have some pretty noticeable imperfections in the chrome. On a HF set I wouldn’t care but for around 200 bucks I don’t know if I should let it go or call and complain? What do you think? Other than that I really like them and excited to try them. Girlfriend got them for me for my 30th birthday coming up in a couple weeks.

Can you post a photo of the problem? If you aren't happy with them, then I would call them and politely ask for an exchange.

 

[IndyGarage]

Hey guys,
Just joined the forum. I just got a 15pc. set of Wrightgrip 2.0 metric combo wrenches. They seem quality and I’ve had a few older Wright tools that have been great.
I inspected all of the wrenches and the 22, 19 and 11 have some pretty noticeable imperfections in the chrome. On a HF set I wouldn’t care but for around 200 bucks I don’t know if I should let it go or call and complain? What do you think? Other than that I really like them and excited to try them. Girlfriend got them for me for my 30th birthday coming up in a couple weeks.

Depends on whether you use tools or polish them. My tools all have imperfections in the finish about 10 minutes after I start using them.

 

[pmcombs7]

I recently purchased a set of them as well and the 10mm had a sharp nick in the chrome. I called them and told them about it. I think I sent a picture to them and they promptly sent me a replacement wrench. They didn’t even ask for the “bad” wrench back. I agree that tools should be used and they will get wear on them, but I also think they should look new when they are new.

 

[Rich427]

Exactly. I don’t mind putting scratches and dings in my wrenches but quality control issues under the chrome of a wrench is something else. They aren’t bad and I could live with it but I’d rather not. I called and customer service is closed due to covid19.

 

[lardy1]

They are reputable. Give it time.

 

[Outwest]

I bought a couple sets a few years back. They were having chroming issues at the time and Wright was quick to warranty a couple chipped wrenches with just pictures. As said above, I’m sure they will make it right with you. I think I exchanged emails if I recall.

 

[toddmorr]

either way, those wrenches are really nice feeling in the hand...

 

[bobcatdan]

I guess since I I wouldn't think twice about tapping on wrench with a hammer to help loosen a stubborn bolt, something like on a new wrench that doesn't effect function at all wouldn't bother me.

 

[PelicanPines]

Wrenches are not jewelry.

If the chrome falls off and gets covered in rust ... it will still look fine turning nuts...

If you plan on wearing them as ear rings .. yea call customer service.

Doing a warranty on that is why we can't get legitimate returns when a wrench breaks.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Wrenches are not jewelry.

If the chrome falls off and gets covered in rust ... it will still look fine turning nuts...

If you plan on wearing them as ear rings .. yea call customer service.

Doing a warranty on that is why we can't get legitimate returns when a wrench breaks.

Chrome flaking off can cut you. If there are any quality control problems, I would be asking myself why I am paying new instead of used prices for the wrenches.

 

[finn]

I wouldn’t bother. They will function fine. A replacement will likely have the same “issues “, as these dings are inherent with the manufacturing process used to make the wrench.

These things are made on high volume production equipment, not by Santa’s Elves in a clean room at the North Pole.

They are tumbled and deburred in hoppers with media, and any operation involving forging is pretty violent and crude.

 

[Rich427]

When I pay around 200 bucks for a set of wrenches I don’t think it’s too much to ask to not have defects. I’ve worked in manufacturing (and done some Q/C)since I was in high school and wouldn’t consider this acceptable.
If it wouldn’t bother you, that’s fine but don’t act like someone is in the wrong for not wanting imperfections in brand new product. Also don’t see how this would affect a return on a broken tool. If anything it should increase the quality inspection so tools dont go out the door with imperfections.

 

[IndyGarage]

Those are not defects in the chrome - chrome is fine. Those are places where the polisher didn't hit the underlying metal.

Pretty nit picky to me.

 

[javyLSU]

I would love to see how the responses in this thread would differ if this were a set of Icon wrenches from HF.

OP, if you’re not satisfied with the product, contact Wright and give them a chance to make it...Wright.

Sorry, I couldn’t resist. [emoji23]

 

[OMMP]

Those are minor issues, really. If I would have them bought of some vendor that had significantly lower price than yours, I would not bother. But, as it seems that you paid full price, opened this thread as a way to find some solution/s, which indicates that you are more for warrantying them than not, go for it.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I would love to see how the responses in this thread would differ if this were a set of Icon wrenches from HF.

OP, if you’re not satisfied with the product, contact Wright and give them a chance to make it...Wright.

Sorry, I couldn’t resist. [emoji23]

Harbor Freight is one of the few companies out there that has the tendency to mess up the tool regardless of COO. Made in Taiwan tools are usually okay as long as Harbor Freight didn't place the order. Icon tools have already been recalled for metal quality problems and the ratchets jamming.

 

[bob15]

Sorry, I don't see the need to replace them.

But then again, I don't buy tools and inspect 'em with a magnifying glass and polish them. I just throw them in the tool box to be used, whenever, wherever and however needed.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I am sure I wouldn't have even noticed those... imperfections. I would have noticed that they didn't spread like anything from harbor fright, or even my many old craftsman raised panels. That was the most startling difference when I first switched to good wrenches.

 

[1982fxr]

I can see returning if it was an issue where the chrome was messed up and could cut you. Those just look like imperfections under the chrome, as stated.

I love those wrenches.

 

[Rich427]

I agree it’s not that bad but they are the most expensive wrenches I’ve bought so it kinda bugs me.

I mostly use older craftsman wrenches and there’s a huge difference using a quality wrench like a proto Snap-On etc.... I have a few older Wrights and they are nice too. These new ones feel excellent in the hand. Very happy with them just wish they didn’t have those marks but again, it’s only on a couple of them.

 

[OMMP]

I guess I see from where is this coming; it must have something emotional in it. In your opening post you typed that set is gift from your girlfriend... If she bought it, you must keep it, whatever set may look like - that is reminder of her, and those imperfections are perfect, because they add on originality. If you got money from her to buy yourself whatever you want, you may decide whichever way you want - thing is bothering you...
If anything, those picks and spots will never give you headache

 

[Fedwrench]

If you're not happy with the wrench finish, send them back. It doesn't matter what any of us think, they're your wrenches.

 

[AZ Pete]

contact Wright and let them take care of you. You will own these wrenches for many years to come, and it will always taint your feeling about Wright (which they do not want). Give Wright a chance to correct their QC issue. A thoughtful gift like this from your SO should be perfect.

 

[PelicanPines]

Chrome flaking off can cut you. If there are any quality control problems, I would be asking myself why I am paying new instead of used prices for the wrenches.

Every blemish does not flake. But what Fedwrench said... you no like... return em.

 

[Schurkey]

Chrome flaking off can cut you. If there are any quality control problems, I would be asking myself why I am paying new instead of used prices for the wrenches.

Thank you.

Not to mention the effect of chrome flakes falling into sensitive machinery.

The guy paid for "full-polish" wrenches. He should get wrenches that were properly polished and expertly chromed. If he wanted crappy QA leading to a crappy finish, he could have gotten them from China or India.

I expect Wright will take care of this. They're good people.

 

[Lisamelting]

I guess I see from where is this coming; it must have something emotional in it. In your opening post you typed that set is gift from your girlfriend... If she bought it, you must keep it, whatever set may look like - that is reminder of her, and those imperfections are perfect, because they add on originality. If you got money from her to buy yourself whatever you want, you may decide whichever way you want - thing is bothering you...
If anything, those picks and spots will never give you headache

I agree here. Your girlfriend got them for you and every time you see those imperfections you will be reminded of her.
I'm reminded of all the gifts that my wife has given me. Shirts that are kinda ugly, pants that aren't quite long enough, silly coffee mugs. I keep them and use them only because she cared enough to gift them to me. Couldn't care less if they're not perfect in every way.

 

[IndyGarage]

Thank you.

Not to mention the effect of chrome flakes falling into sensitive machinery.

The guy paid for "full-polish" wrenches. He should get wrenches that were properly polished and expertly chromed. If he wanted crappy QA leading to a crappy finish, he could have gotten them from China or India.

I expect Wright will take care of this. They're good people.

That chrome isn't going to flake - there's not a thing wrong with the chrome.

There's a couple pits in the surface that got chromed over. It's not crappy QA - The wrenches will work perfectly.

Flaking chrome is a totally different problem - it's lack of adhesion of the chrome, and yeah it is a sign of a problem in the process.

 

[seber]

To me it appears that the nickel did not adhere properly in the plating process. That happens when the preparation is poor. If that is the case, it will flake off as soon as the wrench strikes something at that point. That is a serious defect as the flake can cause problems and the remaining lifted chip can cut the hand. Not seeing them in person it is hard to be sure but one way to check is rub something over the flaw and see if it moves. If so, then definitely get it replaced. If not, then it is just visual and it depends on how much it bothers you.

 

[lardy1]

It's hard to say what is actually going on with the pictures provided so it's hard to base an opinion on the condition of the wrenches.

Personally, if I were to pay a couple hundred bucks for a set of wrenches, I would hold the manufacturer as accountable as I am (was) to my customers. It may not be a weeks wages but it isn't chump change either. If they want to compete in the market (price point) they've placed themselves in, they need to be willing to put a top notch product in your hand.

I'm not knocking Wright. I believe they are reputable and if the OP insists, I believe they will (and should) replace them. I get the notion that they are tools. They are going to get beat on and scratched up. I also believe you get what you pay for. And in this case the OP didn't pay for Chinese quality tools at a Chinese quality price.

Do what your own heart tells you to do. But if you're not happy, Wright should know about it.

 

[Steve_P]

Those are not defects in the chrome - chrome is fine. Those are places where the polisher didn't hit the underlying metal.

Pretty nit picky to me.

Agree with this. It looks like minor cosmetic defects in the wrench before plating and not a plating issue. Especially the first picture. Return them if it bothers you.

 

[Tonyuk]

You can really tell who uses spanners to make a living and who buys them to sit and look at.

If i was Wright i would tell you to do one.

 

[Rich427]

Nope. I don’t buy tools that don’t get used.

The whole point is that I have bought plenty of harbor freight/hardware store brand tools that don’t have any flaws so why is it acceptable for quality tools to have them?

 

[IndyGarage]

Nope. I don’t buy tools that don’t get used.

The whole point is that I have bought plenty of harbor freight/hardware store brand tools that don’t have any flaws so why is it acceptable for quality tools to have them?

How do those "flaws" have any effect on the usefulness of the tool? In my mind, none. The minute you start using those wrenches you will understand what they are made to do and how they are different from your harbor freight wrenches. .

I work in a separate business entirely. It drives me nuts when customers are attracted to the flash features rather than the utility. They end up buying **** that looks and feels good but can't get the job done.

 

[Rich427]

I’m not saying it will effect the usefulness. I’m saying it shouldn’t be there.

I have Quite a few quality wrenches. Proto Sk a few snap on. I know they are much better than the HF stuff. Not the point in my opinion. But that’s why I started this thread. Wanted to see what other people’s thoughts were on it.

 

[byoungblood]

Those are not defects in the chrome - chrome is fine. Those are places where the polisher didn't hit the underlying metal.

Pretty nit picky to me.

This.

Use the tool. It isn't broken. After you've used those wrenches a dozen times, dropped them on the floor, banged them into things, you'll never notice the difference.

Send the "flawed" ones to me and I'll just use them. I need another set of wrenches at the moment.

 

[bsaint]

I love the smaller heads of the older wright non polished wrenches. I buy them when I can find them. I have the set of wright 2.0 and I love them. Just like the old geometry better.