Wright Tools, The Good, The Bad

[LB-1911]

Has anyone bought the wright socket racks? I just got a socket set that came with their rack & it works well. Not sure how they will hold up long term as they are plastic, but made in the USA so not made of chicrylic. Plus they come in blue so thats a plus.

Numerous Wright branded socket rails have been purchased by GJ members.
Additional source

Search results for: 'Wright Socket Rails'

www.harryepstein.com

 

[Renegade1LI]

Numerous Wright branded socket rails have been purchased by GJ members.
Additional source

Search results for: 'Wright Socket Rails'

www.harryepstein.com

Thanks!

 

[KnurledNut]

Has anyone bought the wright socket racks? I just got a socket set that came with their rack & it works well. Not sure how they will hold up long term as they are plastic, but made in the USA so not made of chicrylic. Plus they come in blue so thats a plus.

Old thread but still pertinent:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/who-makes-wrights-socket-rails.391205/#post-7204371

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Palmac has a bunch of Wright stuff on sale right now. I’m lucky to have a place that stocks them in person nearby but if I was buying online this is where I’d go: https://palmac.net/wright-tools/

As far as the socket rails, cripe distributing sells the same ones branded kobalt super cheap. I like these a lot and usually throw this three pack in whenever I order from them- but they sell them in all different combos if you’re just looking for one drive size. https://cripedistributing.myshopify...ve-socket-storage-rails-usa-22971-22970-22969

 

[ThePostman]

I have a set of Wrightgrip 2.0s from 7-24mm. They see daily use. I bought them because of that torque test. They are a little thicker than my Proto set, but I bought those for the six point box end. Wright 6425 is also a monster that comes out from the corner of the shop when things need some "persuasion".

 

[redwrench60]

I have a set of Wrightgrip 2.0s from 7-24mm. They see daily use. I bought them because of that torque test. They are a little thicker than my Proto set, but I bought those for the six point box end. Wright 6425 is also a monster that comes out from the corner of the shop when things need some "persuasion".

Bought one of those Wright 6425 42” ratchets for the shop a while back. Just last week the guys broke a 6 inch 3/4” drive extension with it. No cheaters just pure man-***. China-Freight extension but still a 1-1/18” thick solid steel bar. Snapped that ***** right in half. Ratchets just fine.

 

[Lt CHEG]

Are their sockets noteworthy as well? As much as everyone raves about the Wright grip open ends it’s clear that their performance makes them special in their own right. How about their sockets? Is the performance superior to the rest like their open end wrenches?

 

[redwrench60]

Wright is perhaps the textbook definition of industrial tools. They actually build beef into their tools to withstand abusive environments. I don’t have a lot of experience with their chrome sockets, but their impact sockets are top notch.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I like the idea of heavy duty gorilla proof tools, putting together a list of what to try first.

 

[redwrench60]

It’s worth noting that Wright rebrands a lot of tools to offer a complete line of tools. Screwdrivers, pliers, pipe wrenches, Allen wrenches, torque wrenches, hammers, adjustables, punches, chisels are all made FOR them not by them.

Wright does a great job on their hard line tools. Wrenches, sockets, ratchets, drive tools ect are all tough, affordable and available in an astonishing range of sizes. They offer sockets from 1/4” drive to 3-1/2” drive!

 

[Bockscar]

I like the idea of heavy duty gorilla proof tools, putting together a list of what to try first.

The wrenches....love my Wrights....there is not a better wrench

 

[RedneckWelder]

I like the idea of heavy duty gorilla proof tools, putting together a list of what to try first.

You see that wrench I posted a pic of on page 1? The beam of it is insanely thick. I hit them with a 12 lb deadblow sledge all the time and frequently hook them to a crane to break bolts loose.

All of my coworkers use the cheap junky Chinese large wrenches. Mine fit tighter and no wondering if they might break/split when using them hard

 

[RedneckWelder]

Are their sockets noteworthy as well? As much as everyone raves about the Wright grip open ends it’s clear that their performance makes them special in their own right. How about their sockets? Is the performance superior to the rest like their open end wrenches?

There sockets are pretty much the same fare as other industrial brands. Not a lot you can do for a normal socket other than make it well, make it fit tightly, and make it out of quality steel.

 

[jsackin]

I recently took a tour of Wright's factory and what stood out to me was they have everything done in-house. They make their own dies, they dropforge, heat treat, chrome, everything. Most tool manufacturers do some of that, but then have to ship it around the country for the rest of those steps. For instance, SK didn't chrome anything, and I don't have to tell you the problems they've had with making stuff.

Controlling all parts of manufacturing is also helpful when you're trying to perfect the processes that go into your tools. When I was touring the plant, they were talking about how they've changed their chroming process just slightly and are excited because they think the chrome has never been better. You don't get this when you farm this step out to a third party.

Anyway, they've been a great company to deal with all these years, but this is coming from a Wright Distributor so I'm not exactly unbiased.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Wright wrenches have a really nice thick beam. It fits well in hand and doesn’t cause a lot of “cutting” pressure in your palm when you’re laying into a fastener. The chroming on all the sockets and ratchets has been impeccable. The sockets fit snug in the ratchets with minimal play. I appreciate the weight savings in larger sockets via the necking down near the drive end. The size stamping on the sockets are large and very legible. The contour grip ratchets are very user friendly and feel great.

But there are negatives. First, their metric socket selection isn’t as good as other manufacturers. They have a really full SAE line for socket sizing but the metric skips sizes or stops at certain sizes and drive sizes. The deep sockets used to be fully broached but the last few I’ve gotten have been mid-depth, like Proto or Tekton. So it isn’t as useful for the deep threads and rods I used to deal with nor is it helpful starting a nut or bolt like the shallow broached deep Williams or Ko-ken sockets. The broaching is very precise so the sockets and wrenches sometimes have trouble with the oddball third world garbage fasteners you find on so much machinery and home goods. All of the accessories for the ratchets, like the spinners, extensions, etc. do not have the ball detent cut-outs so they only have the hole on one side. Not the end of the world but it isn’t as snug as my other stuff when I’m running a bunch of it together. The flex head ratchets have detents so it’s not quite locking but not loose either. At first I liked it but after a lot of use it’s gotten old. It tends to not hold very well once I have a socket and extension on there or if I’m really trying to give something extra torque. You can’t adjust tension either because it’s pinned in. The comfort grip handles are small and move on my ratchets. The wrenches will mar any softer metals. The ends are also thick which creates access problems for me.

I really like Wright stuff. I’ve only had a few quality control issues and I kept the stuff anyways because it never created a problem in use. I just think that over time and with use I’ve realized that a lot of Wright’s stuff I own isn’t for me. I much prefer my Stahlwille, Proto, or Facom/Craftsman wrenches. They aren’t as great for feel because all their beams are skinnier but they don’t mar the things I’m working on, access is easier because the open ends are slimmer, they fit fasteners better/looser, and I have a bigger selection in length offerings. My Wright wrenches have been sitting in my drawers unused for some time now. Sockets, well Wright has gotten very pricey on those and it’s hard to beat Williams or Ko-ken for price. However if you are looking for a quality set, they are very strong and good. I do recommend the ratchets. I originally did not like them BUT over time I’ve come to appreciate the slim heads for a round head ratchet, the contour handles, and the simplicity of care. I think they compare favorably to my SK and Proto round heads.

 

[Fedwrench]

I'm still waiting on my Wright metric wrench set from Epstein's Day

 

[3baygarage]

I recently took a tour of Wright's factory and what stood out to me was they have everything done in-house. They make their own dies, they dropforge, heat treat, chrome, everything. Most tool manufacturers do some of that, but then have to ship it around the country for the rest of those steps. For instance, SK didn't chrome anything, and I don't have to tell you the problems they've had with making stuff.

Controlling all parts of manufacturing is also helpful when you're trying to perfect the processes that go into your tools. When I was touring the plant, they were talking about how they've changed their chroming process just slightly and are excited because they think the chrome has never been better. You don't get this when you farm this step out to a third party.

Anyway, they've been a great company to deal with all these years, but this is coming from a Wright Distributor so I'm not exactly unbiased.

Regarding S-K, is that just the last US production or previous ownership as well?

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I'm still waiting on my Wright metric wrench set from Epstein's Day

When I ordered my SAE set from Zoro it took like 3 1/2 months and that was pre-Covid. I recently cancelled another after it was delayed for 6 months. I ordered some hex bit sockets from Williams back in June and just got them. I think that’s why I’ve been migrating away from US tools and over to Euro/Japanese/Taiwan stuff. It’s not that I mind the wait, it’s just that it’s only US stuff I am always waiting for. It’s weird.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Will add about the round head ratchets, they feel a little clunky at first but get a lot smoother once you break them in. They get a lot of well deserved love for having a small head size to fit into tight spots. If this kind of thing is useful for you I’d also recommend their open gear ratchets. I have one in 1/2 drive and it’s got the smallest head I’ve ever found in that drive size while still being strong enough to stand up to whacking the handle with a hammer. I’ve got a few regular tasks where this is the only ratchet that will fit. Action is coarser but it beats having to use a combo wrench

Wright Tool - 1/2" Drive Open Head Ratchet Contour Grip - 10-1/2" - 4480

Wright Tools - 1/2" Drive Open Head Ratchet Contour Grip - 10-1/2" - 4480 is available to purchase online from Palmac Tool Company. Fast Shipping Available.

palmac.net

 

[Renegade1LI]

Hopefully have some time tonight to figure out what to order. Probably start with some wrenches, curious how good their pie wrenches are?

 

[jsackin]

I'm still waiting on my Wright metric wrench set from Epstein's Day

The problem’s been that they have to wait in line to get their steel and because the market is still trying to keep up, steel companies have focused on their best selling products and not so much on their lesser selling. So the really small stuff, the stock that’s used to make the tiniest wrenches, has been hard to find. That’s one reason (not the only) why we haven’t had the wright wrench sets for awhile. We have a good amount of open stock. Just not that one tiny wrench. That being said, it still ***** it’s taking so long.

Regarding S-K, is that just the last US production or previous ownership as well?

This was in reference to the old SK. Not sure what the new place is capable of, but it will be telling to see what is US made that comes out of there. Will tell us a lot about what machines they invested in…if any.

 

[redwrench60]

Hopefully have some time tonight to figure out what to order. Probably start with some wrenches, curious how good their pie wrenches are?

Wright pipe wrenches are Ridgid so they’re top notch……..but I’d just get them from Ridgid.

 

[redwrench60]

Just an FYI when I order 3/4”,1”,and 1-1/2” drive impact sockets from McMaster most of the time they send Wright.

The best tools Wright makes are wrenches and impact sockets.

 

[Goosedowner]

I'm on the process of replacing all my Chinese hand too with Wright tools and all my sockets with Wright and Williams. Down side is they will be goingnin my Chinese made tool box...lol

I have found that is a seller doesn't have Wright tools in stock it's usually not a good idea to order from them if your in a hurry. My last two orders that were back ordered got canceled after 3 months.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Wright pipe wrenches are Ridgid so they’re top notch……..but I’d just get them from Ridgid.

Thats what I thought looking at them, curious what the price difference is?

 

[Renegade1LI]

I'm on the process of replacing all my Chinese hand too with Wright tools and all my sockets with Wright and Williams. Down side is they will be goingnin my Chinese made tool box...lol

I have found that is a seller doesn't have Wright tools in stock it's usually not a good idea to order from them if your in a hurry. My last two orders that were back ordered got canceled after 3 months.

I don't mind the chinese tool box, it doesn't do the hard work,lol.

 

[cherrybomb]

How do you get a Wright tool warrantied if it breaks?

Very slight chance that will happen,I trust mine and don't worry about it

 

[KnurledNut]

Im still patiently waiting for them to make a WrightGrip crowsfoot wrench set.
I mean, doesnt it make sense?
I would think it would be a hit.

 

[GrantCee]

Im still patiently waiting for them to make a WrightGrip crowsfoot wrench set.
I mean, doesnt it make sense?
I would think it would be a hit.

I'd buy one!

 

[Fedwrench]

Im still patiently waiting for them to make a WrightGrip crowsfoot wrench set.
I mean, doesnt it make sense?
I would think it would be a hit.

along with long pattern wright grip combination wrenches

 

[KnurledNut]

along with long pattern wright grip combination wrenches

-----

For anyone wanting something unique, Wright makes a nice 24" ball retention impact extension. 1/2 drive female, 3/8 male.
Typical transmission style, but its not locking.
The diameter is a little weak, not as thick as Mac, but a high quality option that can be hard to find, let alone made in USA.

I got mine new from Amazon a long time ago, but it looks like they still make it.
#4910: https://www.wrighttool.com/products...atchets-handles-attachments/impact-extensions
(The pictures on websites are not accurate. I couldnt find an actual pic to share anywhere.)

 

[jsackin]

along with long pattern wright grip combination wrenches

I strongly suggested this idea while I was there to anyone that would listen

 

[Bockscar]

I strongly suggested this idea while I was there to anyone that would listen

To that point... it's not like they are SK short

 

[NoahG]

The only problem with Wright, if you consider it to be a problem, is that their wrenches seem to be shorter than what I'm commonly used to. I sort of like their round head ratchets but they don't compare to the classic Williams B-52. They do seem to be somewhat bulletproof on the other hand.

Everyone always complains about this, but I found Wright to be longer than the standard pattern SK or Craftsman combos people have a fondness for.

 

[47chevy COE]

-----

For anyone wanting something unique, Wright makes a nice 24" ball retention impact extension. 1/2 drive female, 3/8 male.
Typical transmission style, but its not locking.
The diameter is a little weak, not as thick as Mac, but a high quality option that can be hard to find, let alone made in USA.

I got mine new from Amazon a long time ago, but it looks like they still make it.
#4910: https://www.wrighttool.com/products...atchets-handles-attachments/impact-extensions
(The pictures on websites are not accurate. I couldnt find an actual pic to share anywhere.

Cornwell makes one like you described. Nice and beefy and has a ball detent.

 

[ecotec]

Everyone always complains about this, but I found Wright to be longer than the standard pattern SK or Craftsman combos people have a fondness for.

This.

My Craftsman, SK and Armstrong are between regular length and short combination wrenches.

I don’t consider Wright combination wrenches to be enough shorter than other standard length combination wrenches to not be standard length.

I upgraded from Craftsman a long time ago… but I keep my 6pt Craftsman set.

I have ignition, stubby, short, Craftsman/Armstrong (and 1 SK), standard, and extra long. Multiple versions of most… the Wright and Caterpillar/Williams are the most comfortable. They are a joy to use…

The best thing in the Wright line of tools is the combination wrenches. I never need another combination wrench… but if I find them in unused or barely used condition for a dollar or two… I just can’t leave them.

 

[ecotec]

The other Wright tools are terrific as well. They are designed and manufactured in the Midwest with US steel… what is not to like?

To answer my own question… the fact that it is an incomplete line of tools is the only thing not to like…

But the best thing about the Wright line is the Combination wrenches.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Has anyone here tried Wright flare nut wrenches?

 

[Renegade1LI]

I was surprised that their adjustable is not usa made, really hoped it would be.

 

[KnurledNut]

I was surprised that their adjustable is not usa made, really hoped it would be.

Their are no domestic standard pattern adjustable wrench manufacturers left. Wright sure could fill that void if they so desired.