Wright Tool WRIGHTGrip 2.0 on the way

[redwrench60]

I’m also glad they recognize the box end offset problem and are taking steps to address it. Overall they make a great combo wrench but to me, product consistently is just as important as strength and durability. A combination wrench is perhaps a hand tool companies signature product and if they can’t get that right well........

I’m not trying to dog on Wright, I like their tools pretty well. I’m really trying to offer constructive criticism about the things that might keep real users away. Tradesmen and Mechanics with an eye for quality notice these type of things and make a mental note.

 

[67King]

First thing, they actually openly admit the problem is not a one-off. Kudos for that, many places would try to hide it.

Second thing, who sets teh spec? It may be an industry standard, not an internal one.

Finally......try to measure the bend. If it is below 10 degrees (or %? I assume degrees), then I'd ask about warrantying/returning it as an out of spec product.

 

[redwrench60]

First thing, they actually openly admit the problem is not a one-off. Kudos for that, many places would try to hide it.

Second thing, who sets teh spec? It may be an industry standard, not an internal one.

Finally......try to measure the bend. If it is below 10 degrees (or %? I assume degrees), then I'd ask about warrantying/returning it as an out of spec product.

A 15 degree offset on the box end of a combo wrench is pretty much an industry standard across all brands.

I've never actually measured the offset angle of my SAE and metric Wrightgrips but I'd bet most of them don't meet spec. Most of them are noticeably less and vary from wrench to wrench. I know it's a petty gripe but I miss it sometimes when using them for the access and knuckle clearance it affords.

 

[67King]

A 15 degree offset on the box end of a combo wrench is pretty much an industry standard across all brands.

I get that it is the generally accepted, most common spec. That's not what I was saying. I am saying is that it might be a standard, meaning set by some entity like NIST (National Institute for Standards and Technology) or UL. Like horsepower, or lb-ft, or even dimensions like mm or inches. Maybe a better analogy would be LED or CFL lighting where they say they are a "60Watt equivalent" which is likely established as having to fall within a certain lumen output range.

More is the range.....10-20. That's seems like a pretty broad range, but if that is the spec set by a regulatory organization, then it speaks to the ability of current technology to attain that angle. BUT......it also speaks to the ability of a customer with an "out of spec" wrench to be within his rights to demand one that does meet the industry standard (again, not the same as "normal").

 

[redwrench60]

I get that it is the generally accepted, most common spec. That's not what I was saying. I am saying is that it might be a standard, meaning set by some entity like NIST (National Institute for Standards and Technology) or UL. Like horsepower, or lb-ft, or even dimensions like mm or inches. Maybe a better analogy would be LED or CFL lighting where they say they are a "60Watt equivalent" which is likely established as having to fall within a certain lumen output range.

More is the range.....10-20. That's seems like a pretty broad range, but if that is the spec set by a regulatory organization, then it speaks to the ability of current technology to attain that angle. BUT......it also speaks to the ability of a customer with an "out of spec" wrench to be within his rights to demand one that does meet the industry standard (again, not the same as "normal").

You've probably nailed it. Straight from Wright's paper catalog under every combination wrench set it says "Meets or exceeds ASME B107.100"

A quick Google search shows it governs the way combination wrenches are made but it has to be purchased to view it.

 

[redwrench60]

One more little nugget, and maybe I’m reading way too much into this but it’s a tool forum so bear with me. In the Wright tool catalog under combo wrenches it shows the dimensional drawing with all the measurements and it clearly shows the open end is angled and is labeled 15 degrees. The box end however shows to be offset from the handle but the angle spec is absent. So without an advertised spec it’d be hard to hold their feet to the fire lol.

 

[kythri]

You've probably nailed it. Straight from Wright's paper catalog under every combination wrench set it says "Meets or exceeds ASME B107.100"

A quick Google search shows it governs the way combination wrenches are made but it has to be purchased to view it.

I'm going to bet that the spec in question doesn't dictate the angle of the offset of the box end.

 

[redwrench60]

I'm going to bet that the spec in question doesn't dictate the angle of the offset of the box end.

I don't know one way or another for sure. It does seem like all brands spec (or attempt) to angle the open ends 15 degrees and offset the box end 15 degrees from the handle on combo wrenches and when they don't, I tend to notice it when I use them. I guess I've gotten accustomed to it.

 

[kythri]

But, all brands don't. There's tons of combo wrenches out there with no offset on the box end.

 

[redwrench60]

But, all brands don't. There's tons of combo wrenches out there with no offset on the box end.

Out of curiosity, who’s regular combination wrench has zero offset on the box end? Sure many companies offer specialty zero offset box wrenches but a regular old combination wrench with no offset on the box end? Might actually be handy to have a set.

 

[petercookies]

I know you're talking about zero offset combos, but extra long double-box zero offset is one of my favorite and most-used tools, but they're very hard to find outside of truck brands. Would be really cool to see a company like Wright put out a line of them.

Also I'm yet another vote for long-pattern Wrightgrips. Seems like a total no brainer.

 

[redwrench60]

I know you're talking about zero offset combos, but extra long double-box zero offset is one of my favorite and most-used tools, but they're very hard to find outside of truck brands. Would be really cool to see a company like Wright put out a line of them.

Also I'm yet another vote for long-pattern Wrightgrips. Seems like a total no brainer.

Indeed. I have a set of Snap On metric extra long zero offset double box wrenches. Super awesome and handy as hell.

 

[petercookies]

Indeed. I have a set of Snap On metric extra long zero offset double box wrenches. Super awesome and handy as hell.

Right on. I'm a DIY-er so couldn't justify the truck prices. I went with some KTCs, made in Japan. They're excellent, like most Japanese wrenches I've owned, but I'd assume I'm SOL in case I ever break one.

Would buy a Wright version in a heartbeat.

 

[KnurledNut]

The ASME standard states 15° +/- 5°.

 

[redwrench60]

Right on. I'm a DIY-er so couldn't justify the truck prices. I went with some KTCs, made in Japan. They're excellent, like most Japanese wrenches I've owned, but I'd assume I'm SOL in case I ever break one.

Would buy a Wright version in a heartbeat.

They'll likely last you forever unless you're just an absolute gorilla with wrenches

 

[JR7]

Thanks for sharing the response you got from Wright regarding the box ends. Still, I'm happy with the way the Wrightgrips have performed in the few years I've owned them.

 

[redwrench60]

The ASME standard states 15° +/- 5°.

Interesting. I guess that puts Wrights wrenches "within spec" but jeez I'd like to see a little more consistency.

 

[dnschmidt]

If Wright wasn't an American company they would be getting crucified. Like S-K they are apparently covered in Teflon so no matter the problem things that would be hounded upon forever on any Taiwanese or Chinese made product simply slides right off these domestic producers. Am I the only one that notices this bias or is it just me?

 

[redwrench60]

If Wright wasn't an American company they would be getting crucified. Like S-K they are apparently covered in Teflon so no matter the problem things that would be hounded upon forever on any Taiwanese or Chinese made product simply slides right off these domestic producers. Am I the only one that notices this bias or is it just me?

Yeah there’s probably a little bias. Everyone likes to see the home team win but on the other hand Wright does make some very good wrenches. Super strong, proven industrial tools at a very fair price. I’ve said before it’s a minor gripe but there’s very few things in life that are truly perfect.

 

[petercookies]

If Wright wasn't an American company they would be getting crucified. Like S-K they are apparently covered in Teflon so no matter the problem things that would be hounded upon forever on any Taiwanese or Chinese made product simply slides right off these domestic producers. Am I the only one that notices this bias or is it just me?

It is certainly a real phenomenon. Made in USA has some dollar value, to each individual (most, anyway) and as a market average. The Taiwanese companies, for example, have to offer things like higher QC and lower prices to overcome this starting deficit and make the final sale to people like you and me.

If Wright buys new bending machinery as they've said, you have to assume the cost of that machinery will be passed on to the consumer. How much that cost is and whether it's worth it will be sorted out by the market (15 cents per wrench would probably be acceptable to most customers, 5 dollars per would not)

All things being equal I think most of us would prefer USA, but as you point out they never are, which is why there's so much choice. Just my thoughts.

 

[L.Cheapo]

If Wright wasn't an American company they would be getting crucified. Like S-K they are apparently covered in Teflon so no matter the problem things that would be hounded upon forever on any Taiwanese or Chinese made product simply slides right off these domestic producers. Am I the only one that notices this bias or is it just me?

There are plenty of threads lambasting SK, USA Craftsman, Snap On, etc. here.

Perhaps being an importer and seller of Taiwanese tools makes you feel this way.

 

[PJNJ]

There are plenty of threads lambasting SK, USA Craftsman, Snap On, etc. here.

Perhaps being an importer and seller of Taiwanese tools makes you feel this way.

Yep, it seems there are plenty of tool bashing threads or threads that turn into back and forth bashing. There's enough bias against domestic and foreign brands to go around.

 

[SuperXero]

If Wright wasn't an American company they would be getting crucified. Like S-K they are apparently covered in Teflon so no matter the problem things that would be hounded upon forever on any Taiwanese or Chinese made product simply slides right off these domestic producers. Am I the only one that notices this bias or is it just me?

Not everyone is as forgiving. Of course there will be fan boys that will just overlook anything. To me, USA made products should be held to a higher standard. Wright talks big game but doesn't really deliver it. QA isn't really there sometimes and customer service is very limited. People have been calling for long pattern for a long time, but Wright has been stuck in their ways.

 

[IndyGarage]

I bought a set of wrightgrip metrics last summer. I liked them so much I bought the SAE set a couple month later.

They are awesome wrenches - best I've ever used.

Mine did have some inconsistency in the bend - especially in the smaller metric sizes. It wasn't' inconsistency in the angle, but Inconsistency in the bend radius - one of them looks pretty different. I thought it a little strange, but it has no effect on the way they work.

I buy tools to use, not to look at - and the wrightgrips are great tools. .

 

[IndyGarage]

Not everyone is as forgiving. Of course there will be fan boys that will just overlook anything. To me, USA made products should be held to a higher standard. Wright talks big game but doesn't really deliver it. QA isn't really there sometimes and customer service is very limited. People have been calling for long pattern for a long time, but Wright has been stuck in their ways.

Sorry. It's not a customer service problem when you want a company to sell something different and they don't respond to you. Perhaps they looked at it and decided not to make them. Perhaps they are working on it. Perhaps they decided to invest their money elsewhere.

 

[SuperXero]

Sorry. It's not a customer service problem when you want a company to sell something different and they don't respond to you. Perhaps they looked at it and decided not to make them. Perhaps they are working on it. Perhaps they decided to invest their money elsewhere.

That is a whole separate issue. I've contacted them regarding current products and coming soon products in which they did not respond. So I decided not to purchase from them.

 

[Philbert]

I bought a set of wright wrenches last summer. Sure there are inconsistencies wrench to wrench but each one I have used so far has held a nut and bolt very good. No complaints there. The Mate and chrome finishes are very good. I lime their ratchets to, old school tough. I like their impacts that I have seen and used. All this being said it is a family company and I wonder if the latest generation will run it to the ground. I hope not but i have seen it happen with 3rd generation or older ownership companies.

 

[MWEric]

Wright has nothing to apologize for. I sold all my flank drive pluses and bought WGs. Wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.

 

[PretendMechanic]

So did anyone figure out what the actual differnce(s) are between the 1.0 and 2.0 wrenches?

A representative in post 20 claims the new design will allow the open end to apply torque more "efficiently" to a fastener...

Whereas pictures from post 223 have people speculating they are designed to be less aggressive and non-marring.

So what is it?

I'm trying to decide between a NOS 1.0 set and a new 2.0 set...

 

[gatlibs]

So did anyone figure out what the actual differnce(s) are between the 1.0 and 2.0 wrenches?

A representative in post 20 claims the new design will allow the open end to apply torque more "efficiently" to a fastener...

Whereas pictures from post 223 have people speculating they are designed to be less aggressive and non-marring.

So what is it?

I'm trying to decide between a NOS 1.0 set and a new 2.0 set...

Look at Wright's catalog for that information? Edit: the new catalog doesn't have the information any more.

 

[gmt]

I have the 1.0 sets and added a few of the 2.0 wrenches for additional sizes. On my wrenches, the difference is the teeth on the open end are more aggressive (ie deeper) on the 2.0 wrenches. If you just look at them you hardly notice the difference until you run your fingers across the teeth.

 

[CloseEnough]

So did anyone figure out what the actual differnce(s) are between the 1.0 and 2.0 wrenches?

Here is a picture of a 2.0 in front of the older version. The teeth are slightly more aggressive. These are both 11/16" wrenches.

I hate these wrenches. My work bought me a set of these and I kept some of the smaller wrenches and gave all the larger ones away. They are so heavy and bulky.

 

[PretendMechanic]

I have the 1.0 sets and added a few of the 2.0 wrenches for additional sizes. On my wrenches, the difference is the teeth on the open end are more aggressive (ie deeper) on the 2.0 wrenches. If you just look at them you hardly notice the difference until you run your fingers across the teeth.

So 2.0 would slip less? All this talk about 2.0 marring less is false then? Are you sure the "less aggressive" teeth on your older 1.0 set isn't just from wear since you've added the 2.0s recently?

Here is a picture of a 2.0 in front of the older version. The teeth are slightly more aggressive. These are both 11/16" wrenches.

I hate these wrenches. My work bought me a set of these and I kept some of the smaller wrenches and gave all the larger ones away. They are so heavy and bulky.

Picture no worky? Try again?

Was the 2.0 or 1.0 the one with more aggressive teeth?

Do you hate the 1.0 or 2.0 specifically or all of them in general? Only reason the bulk?

 

[Yarpo]

Look at Wright's catalog for that information? Edit: the new catalog doesn't have the information any more.

Yeah it doesn't say much. I love my Wright 2.0 wrenches, tho I don't know the differences between the two.

 

[gatlibs]

Yeah it doesn't say much. I love my Wright 2.0 wrenches, tho I don't know the differences between the two.

I used the Wayback Machine after contacting Wright got me the new catalog to find that the old catalog compared to "Wright wrench[es]" not WrightGrip 1.0.

" 50% stronger than Wright wrench
• 80% stronger than other wrenches" - Page 55 of old catalog

 

[CloseEnough]

Picture no worky? Try again?

Was the 2.0 or 1.0 the one with more aggressive teeth?

Do you hate the 1.0 or 2.0 specifically or all of them in general? Only reason the bulk?

Sorry, here you go. Yeah, I just don't like the wrench in general - I never did. That's just my personal preference.

 

[PretendMechanic]

Sorry, here you go. Yeah, I just don't like the wrench in general - I never did. That's just my personal preference.

Very helpful, thank you.

I've decided to go with the 2.0 set and pass on the NOS 1.0.

Too bad you didn't like them, I have handled both and they are the best finished wrenches I have ever handled. Light years ahead of Proto.