Wright wrench flaws?

[spike95]

EDIT: I was able to polish out the surface marks on the 17mm, so I’m feeling much better about that. There are still the little divots in places underneath the chrome that look more like some kind of machining issues on several of the other wrenches. Not my favorite, but not really a big deal. I will admit that I can be picky when it comes to expensive tools. All that said, they are very comfortable and substantial in the hand. They make my old GW combos feel like toys. I think they will do the job very nicely.

Hi Guys,

After researching a lot, I bought my first really nice set of combination wrenches. My nicest set before now was a big set of polished metric Gearwrenches (non-ratcheting). They were attractive, but the open ends spread way too easily at the worst of times and were ultimately kinda disappointing. Also, really sharp in the hand when putting some force on them. I’d say they were a nice set for home use, but not quite what I want as a full time truck mechanic...

So, I finally bit the bullet and ordered an 18 piece set of polished Wright Grips. They just got here, and I anxiously opened them up like a kid on Christmas… They feel very nice in my hands. The tool pouch they came in is really nice (although I won’t wind up using it). I just have to say I am sadly disappointed in their finish. I’ve only randomly pulled three of the wrenches out of the pouch, and I’ve found multiple flaws on every one of them. I’d expect that from a lower end set, but honestly thought these would be the jewels in my toolbox. I know that doesn’t keep them from doing the job well, but just not what I expected after all of the rave reviews I’ve read and watched. I’m wondering if I got a set of factory seconds that weren’t marketed as such. I ordered them from Abolox tools where their price was about $10 less than everywhere else. Has anyone else had this issue?

 

[spoon671]

This reminds me of a thread I created a few years ago about my Snap-on flex head ratchet having it's handle mounted crooked, or the flex head itself was crooked, can't remember. Everyone jumped in my *** about that, good times.

I do have a set of Wright Grips, but they're black (got 'em off McMaster, I was pleasantly surprised they sent me Wright!). They are well used now, but from what I remember they were perfect as black-finish tools can be when new. Admittedly, I did not give them the same level of scrutiny you're giving the shiny ones. But I definitely understand your expectations given the cost of entry.

 

[spike95]

I can see how some of the flaws are requiring some scrutiny to see, but the third wrench I pulled out (the 17mm) doesn’t require a close look to see flaws all over the finish. I’m kinda shocked at that one.
I’m going to contact Wright directly and see what they have to say. I’m really wondering if the seller sent me a set of seconds and didn’t say so.

 

[jrbpit1]

Non of my Wright's look like that. I have a bunch of their stuff, and been very happy with it. Call them and see what they'll do for you.

 

[KnurledNut]

I doubt Wright sells seconds.
And if they did, there would most likely be clear indication, such as the name ground off or something indicating a blemished product. I have seen neither in current production from them.

 

[cjarvis]

Send ‘em back. That’s ****.

 

[Fly YX]

I bought a set a few years ago. Had a problem with one of the wrenches called them and they sent me a new one was super easy. They are my favorite wrenches and ratchets. Don’t know if she was joking or not but I called snap on for a problem with one of their tools that was new and she told me that “Snap On does not make mistakes”. I don’t get any service from the SO dealer where I’m at now. So I have not been on a truck for a few months having withdraws but my wallet likes it and I have found better places to buy my tools from.

They will make it right 1.800.321.2902

 

[JeepYJ]

I’d send your photos to Wright and see how they respond. The one is really bad for a new wrench.

 

[ecotec]

I have a lot of Wright wrenches from all different time periods. They are definitely shorter than my Snap-on wrenches. They are comparable to Armstrong and Craftsman in length. Halfway between a standard pattern Snap-on and a short pattern Snap-on. They are ridiculously comfortable to use. The thick heavy beam feels perfect in the hand.

I would return those, if I paid full price.

 

[spike95]

Yes, they seem extremely comfortable in my hand. I paid $249 for the set. Everywhere else was around $258. So close enough to full price in my book.

 

[Fedwrench]

Your 17mm's open end seems pretty messed up in the picture I had similar issues with my Gen One Wrightgrips I purchased but, nothing like the side of your 17mm. I also was disappointed in the box end offset. None of them were bent at the same angle, and none of them was close to 15 degrees. I would definitely contact Wright about it. Possibly a bad lot, I don't think they're seconds, just some bad quality control. Unfortunately, lapses in QC happen to all brands. What's important is how Wright handles it from here. Please share how Wright Tool responds. I would he disappointed if I purchased that set for half of what you paid, and it showed up looking that way. Good luck,

 

[Steve_P]

Try some metal polish on a rag and see if it cleans off. If not, then call.

 

[bwringer]

I literally can't see what you're complaining about on the others (it's really hard to get pictures of chrome), but that 17mm is completely unacceptable.

 

[ecotec]

Your 17mm's open end seems pretty messed up in the picture I had similar issues with my Gen One Wrightgrips I purchased but, nothing like the side of your 17mm. I also was disappointed in the box end offset. None of them were bent at the same angle, and none of them was close to 15 degrees. I would definitely contact Wright about it. Possibly a bad lot, I don't think they're seconds, just some bad quality control. Unfortunately, lapses in QC happen to all brands. What's important is how Wright handles it from here. Please share how Wright Tool responds. I would he disappointed if I purchased that set for half of what you paid, and it showed up looking that way. Good luck,

Fed, I swear I read one of your posts about the box end 10 years ago-ish.

 

[Fedwrench]

Fed, I swear I read one of your posts about the box end 10 years ago-ish.

It's possible. I've been here awhile. I think it was about 10 years ago that I got my Wrightgrips from Epsteins and the box end angle hasn't changed over the years on my set.

The question is has Wrightgrip fixed the boxed end offset? Since I was less than impressed with my purchase, I haven't purchased anything from Wright Tool since.

 

[Hotrod33809]

The 17 is the only one I would be upset with. That one is very noticeable. I bought a set of wrightgrips but not the full polish but they still had some very small imperfections like your other pictures show but they still look good and they are going to be used. I didn't receive anything like that 17mm though. I'd reach out to wright. I imagine they will send you a new one no questions asked.

 

[mailpup]

Just curious but did you try contacting the seller to see what they say?

 

[M635_Guy]

I'd return those for sure.

 

[spike95]

Just curious but did you try contacting the seller to see what they say?

I literally opened them this afternoon (Sunday). I didn’t want to go raise hell with the manufacturer or seller if that was just par for the course, so I came here to the best source I have for tool knowledge and experience to ask around before I did so. I will definitely be getting in touch with them now, and I will let everyone know how it goes for me. I have no doubt that Wright will try to take care of the issue.

 

[redwrench60]

As much as I like Wright I’ve come to expect varying degrees of quality from them. Mainly finish issues but I’ve personally experienced inconsistent box end offsets on combo wrenches, flaking chrome, flaws in chrome, inconsistent socket broach depths and crude finish grinding. The performance and strength of the tools is second to none. There aren’t many tougher tools out there but they don’t show well. It’s sad to say if it looks good when it arrives I’m happily surprised.

 

[Wakefield]

I prefer the non-full polish variety. I wonder whether the ones sold through HJE are less likely to have such blemishes
is Abolox tools a (an official) Wright dealer?
Would using some rubbing compound cleaner take the spots off?
at least one of them looks like it was put in a bag with other ones loose and shaken

 

[supertooljunkie]

Contact Wright Tools customer service and let them know about this. I have always had great success with them. I have called them about broken tools and always received new ones within a few days.

Last time I had a problem with Wright, I had a 1/2 inch ratchet and the rubber handle came off. I called to see if I could purchase a new rubber handle. The nice lady on the phone asked for my address. A few days later a brand new 1/2 inch ratchet arrived in the mail.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

OP, my satin SAE wrench set is pitted on all the unpolished areas. Every wrench. I also have issues with the open ends being inconsistent on the depth and sizing of the broach.

The full polish metric set I have is blemish free, outside of some grinding issues. So I’d say you got a bad batch. Call Wright up first and see what they will do. If they **** out on you, then call Abolox and talk to them. It’s always easier to go through the manufacturer first because they may offer a better solution than just returning it.

 

[bsaint]

Mine are all mint too. None of them are like that. I'm sure the margin is so huge on those they will warranty the ones that are messed up.

 

[Ton ton]

Sorry for the bad luck. Hopefully wright stands good for the sloppiness.

 

[shawhite]

I really can’t tell from the picture but on that 17 is it pitted or just blemishes on the open end. The other two I can’t make out the issue. Either way I’m sure Wright will stand behind the tool. Just curious where did you purchase these wrenches from?

 

[demarpaint]

I'd be calling Wright and sending them pictures.

 

[FMB4]

Ya, sorry about your bad luck. At ~ about $250 that set should be flawless or very close to it. I'm sure that WT will take care of it. Btw, I search B*ing for Wright Tool blems and 2nds and found nothing.

 

[Mr_B]

i had better luck with satin finish from wright, i seen some pretty poor finish plating from them over the years .
main issue is in hard daily use is imperfections might turn into flaking or easily chipped off chrome and that gets annoying pretty quick.

 

[drtyler]

My satin finish set of Wright wrenches had one with some chrome peel around the open end. I just sanded it smooth and have watched it for getting worse, which it hasn’t yet in a few years.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Seems the move to jewellery tools with high polish chrome is not very utilitarian and can be a can of worms.

 

[IndyGarage]

Yeah, but how well do they turn bolts?

In my shop they get dinged up the first time they are used - and they get used, so I wouldn't even notice that stuff.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Is it definitely chrome trouble and not shmutz that'll come off with Brake cleaner?

-Ryan

 

[rancherbill]

...I didn’t want to go raise hell with the manufacturer or seller if that was just par for the course, so I came here to the best source I have for tool knowledge and experience to ask around before I did so....

You bought American to fulfill your Patriotism pledge of Buy American. Wright FAILED in their adherence to "American Quality" promise. You spent a ton of money to get a "Top Tier" brand.

I send them back and demand a refund.

Historical Note. Sloppy / shoddy work was invented in Britain, exported to the US and now it has gone to SOME Chinese brands.

 

[FMB4]

Almost all of the fully polished chrome, satin finish, and raised panel tools that I've owned and used have all had some issues over time as a mechanic (mostly peeling/chipping chrome). This includes Proto, Challenger, SK, CM, and Mac, etc, etc. The only exception has been my early '80s Snap-On long metric box ends.

 

[AA/FC]

Return the tools if you're not happy with them. Simple.

 

[motoretro]

I started purchasing Wright in 1972, have quite a large set. That said, A few years back I started buying some additional items and sets and was appalled by the quality, mostly sockets. I discontinued buying anything from Wright and will never buy again. Yes, I did try their customer service and the replacements were as bad or worse than the original defective items. This was with items I was told were 100% inspected.

I had planned on leaving my tools to my Grandson, unfortunately I'm not leaving this quality of tool to anyone. I'll probably give them to my Son to melt down for his Blacksmith work.

 

[shawhite]

I started purchasing Wright in 1972, have quite a large set. That said, A few years back I started buying some additional items and sets and was appalled by the quality, mostly sockets. I discontinued buying anything from Wright and will never buy again. Yes, I did try their customer service and the replacements were as bad or worse than the original defective items. This was with items I was told were 100% inspected.

I had planned on leaving my tools to my Grandson, unfortunately I'm not leaving this quality of tool to anyone. I'll probably give them to my Son to melt down for his Blacksmith work.

Being a little dramatic are we. I wonder how many people on this board just have drawers full of tools that don’t get used. To expect every tool to look like the chrome on a classic car is unrealistic in my opinion. Like someone else said how does it turn the bolt.

 

[rancherbill]

Being a little dramatic are we.

Not at all. He paid good money and expected a good product.

Have you ever seen poor quality comments about German or Japanese Brands? I do not remember any. IMHO, some of the Taiwan brands are of quality to rival Germany or Japan and at a fraction of the price.

 

[Hiball]

If it bothers you, it really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. I don’t see anything that would really bother me right away, If it started flaking down the road I’d probably give them a call. I personally wouldn’t correlate what I can/can’t see as a issue with chrome adhesion, It might be fine for the next 50 years. If it was on the beam and had any sharp edges that’s a No go. I can’t see how it would hurt anything to bring the issue to Wrights attention, Doubtful you will bring any changes as Honestly it is a tool and they aren’t putting eyes on every tool from start to finish.

Good luck.