Wright Wrenches Too Short...Sigh

[JayMann07]

I've been looking to upgrade my non-ratcheting wrenches...you know how when you find a tool that other people like and you try and make yourself like it but you just can't...that's how I feel about wright wrenches.

They have a high torque grip but they are so short ....why....why....why???

So am I missing something, do they make a long pattern and I'm just not seeing it.

I watched the review of them on youtube by woodstock (which was an awesome extremely well done video)

But lets consider a classic scenario. 19mm lower ball joint nut that you can't get a box end on. I took a regular 19mm wrench with no special grip feature. Its about the same length as a wright 19mm and I could not make it slip on a 19mm bolt. Because you just can't generate enough torque to make the wright grip feature necessary. I know there's the whole, you need it for damaged fasteners argument and all that, but I'm still not convinced.

 

[JayMann07]

In the video he used a cheater pipe. The gearwrench I think turned it 1/4 turn before slipping. But to turn a short grade 8 bolt in a hardened mandrel a 1/4 turn past tight would take an extreme amount of torge. I thought it was a pretty good result.

I think I'm going to go with the gearwrenches just because they are long pattern.

 

[Spoiled Bradt]

http://toolguyd.com/wrench-extender-cheater-bar/

 

[kala_azar]

I'm with you brother, I love my proto spline ratcheting wrenches but I really want a set of long pattern combos that have some kind of anti-slip feature for the open end. I'd be down for American or euro brands, but aside from snap-on (which out price me, even used...) I can't seem to find a long pattern set!


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[malykaii]

In just about every thread about these wrenches and every few reviews online this topic gets brought up. (the very reason I didn't buy them)

Can't say you haven't been warned. Sorry.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I dunno... their about the same length as "regular" SO with flank-drive and it's proven itself valuable on certain fasteners. Wrights aren't the only "regular" length wrench with the anti-slip feature.

I guess it also comes down to how strong you are... get XL wrenches then.

 

[Spoiled Bradt]

I'm with you brother, I love my proto spline ratcheting wrenches but I really want a set of long pattern combos that have some kind of anti-slip feature for the open end. I'd be down for American or euro brands, but aside from snap-on (which out price me, even used...) I can't seem to find a long pattern set!


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Williams Supercombo

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

You should have researched the wrenches more... the lengths are published by the manufacturers. If they were the same length as your old wrenches, then what did you expect? That said, I like my Wright and SO anti-slip wrenches. The larger ones don't have it and I don't miss it (20+ mm).

 

[kala_azar]

Williams Supercombo

Indeed that may be the way to go

 

[kala_azar]

I guess it also comes down to how strong you are... get XL wrenches then.

I can't speak for the OP, but I don't want longs for the leverage; rather, I want them for the reach.

I'd give bonus points for a zero offset set since I want them for difficult to reach, tight areas. Might have to go with double box ends for that in an XL length wrench, but I'd like to have the option for an open end as well...

 

[JayMann07]

I can't speak for the OP, but I don't want longs for the leverage; rather, I want them for the reach.

Yes for me it's reach and leverage. I don't think it's about strength like someone mentioned above, at least not for me...it's about having a tool that's effective and IMHO sized appropriately. I will grab a longer handle ratchet, wrench, etc over a shorter one ever time. There's always a place for short wrenches (stubbies for example). But again, it's a thing of principle. If I'm paying extra for a special feature I want it to be real world practical. This is just my opinion, but I feel the limiting feature to torque of a wright is not the grip its the length.
I prefer tools that are comfortable to use. Just because I can take a 14mm off with a 1/4 drive rachet doesn't mean I'm going to do it. I'll grab the 3/8 every time. I think on a high torque fastener I would grab a long pattern wrench not a wright every time.

 

[BK13]

If you don't mind Taiwan manufacture the Carlyle long patterns seem pretty nice. I haven't quite gotten myself talked into them yet, though. I do want to pick up some Wrights, 'short' pattern and all...


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[bmwpowere36m3]

I understand what your saying... but its not like Wright is the only wrench that length with that feature. Almost ALL the big manufacturers sell a wrench of that length (which I'd refer to as regular) and its likely the most used size.

Personally I don't have XL wrenches and never found a need for them. For the few times (count on a single hand) that I needed a long pattern wrench, I just used a second wrench as backup/cheater. Big torque for me means either impact gun or socket/wrench.

 

[Wes J]

Armstrong long pattern are great. They also make extra long. The Armstrong open end works really well.

That said, the Wrights are the same length as the old Craftsman raised panel wrenches. Multiple generations made a living with those tools. We're just spoiled for choice now.

 

[bobcatdan]

I surive just find with my Wrights. They are maybe 5' away from my SO FD+. I have yet to find a reason to put down my Wrights to go grab an SO. I guess hit the gym and eat some Wheaties.

 

[LXCam]

toptul

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I surive just find with my Wrights. They are maybe 5' away from my SO FD+. I have yet to find a reason to put down my Wrights to go grab an SO. I guess hit the gym and eat some Wheaties.

 

[Davefr]

They're really not much shorter then others. The problem is that they call these long pattern at their website. They really need to call these standard pattern and offer a lineup that's longer.

There is absolutely no consistency among manufacturers as to what "std pattern" and "long pattern" really mean.

The SK wrench and SO are both std. pattern, yet Wright calls their's a long pattern. It makes no sense.

 

[sselander]

This has been brought up before. Why not send them an email? I also have a set of pre WrightGrip wrenches and wish they were longer. It would be a good opportunity for them.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have regular and extra long USA Mac Knuckle Saver's and I love them. They have the ASD drive like the Proto's and have a nice, wide squared beam. They are extremely comfortable. I actually pieced them together on eBay. I probably paid less than a $100 for 3/8"-1" and they are all mint. I am still missing 7/8" and 15/16" but they are a good option for long reach wrenches with ASD design. I honestly love them.

 

[LB-1911]

This has been brought up before.

^ Once or twice...

Wright long pattern wrenches

I would love to see them.

Here is a pic of my 19mm wright and snapon side by side.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56181

50 / 16 = 66

 

[Wes J]

I have regular and extra long USA Mac Knuckle Saver's and I love them. They have the ASD drive like the Proto's and have a nice, wide squared beam. They are extremely comfortable. I actually pieced them together on eBay. I probably paid less than a $100 for 3/8"-1" and they are all mint. I am still missing 7/8" and 15/16" but they are a good option for long reach wrenches with ASD design. I honestly love them.

Many of us loved those wrenches. But that hasn't stopped Mac from completely changing their wrenches to look like goofy European tools. Good luck with a warranty replacement.

 

[T45]

You should have researched the wrenches more... the lengths are published by the manufacturers. If they were the same length as your old wrenches, then what did you expect? That said, I like my Wright and SO anti-slip wrenches. The larger ones don't have it and I don't miss it (20+ mm).

I dunno... their about the same length as "regular" SO with flank-drive

Please don't tell other people to "research more" and then claim two unequal things are nearly identical. Snap On's standard wrenches are significantly longer than Wright, see the photo above.

Second, Snap On also offers a significantly longer pattern in addition to their standard patter. Meanwhile, the short-pattern is like an aerospace size that is unique to Snap on and is not comparable to something like a Wright or a Stahlwille 13, because of the way the sizes progress throughout the range.

Third, you would easily be confused if you look at any single size out of context. You need to look at an entire set to understand the proportionality--an 8 or 10mm snappy short and a 8mm stahlwille 13 might be prett close, but at 19mm or 21mm completely different. That's par for the course, as they have different design intent.

Wright is really holding themselves back by not having more choices, but they apparently don't have the capital to invest in new tooling and overhead to stock the extra sizes/choices. That's a business decision for them, its not some inherent wisdom or sage position of enlightenment.

It ***** to see USA manufacturers like wright and SK cutting corners, but unfortunately they do. Snap on is really the only USA oem that seems to be profitable enough to avoid obvious shortcuts that others take. But (a) not everyone can budget them in for every job; and (b) they still have their own quircks and shortcomings. for example, some don't find the beam thick enough or whatever for certain uses and prefer a different shape to the hand.

I don't think we need to make excuses for the executives of any of these companies, frankly.

 

[JayMann07]

I surive just find with my Wrights. They are maybe 5' away from my SO FD+. I have yet to find a reason to put down my Wrights to go grab an SO. I guess hit the gym and eat some Wheaties.

If only you knew who you were talking to

Anyway, one of the purposes of this is that I hope wright will eventually offer a long pattern if they hear it from enough people...I think a wright sales rep is on this forum if I'm not mistaken.

And again, it's the principle of it. I'm fine with wright offering the size they do, but if you have a high torque design why would you not also offer it on a wrench 2-3 inches longer. In my opinion I don't think a wrench (with high quality steel) the size of a wright is likely to slip, teeth or no teeth, based on the amount of torque you can apply with that length lever arm.

I knew I was stirring up a hornets nest getting into this because if you pay good money for a tool you most likely have some loyalty to it, but I think some of the complaints made here are valid. A while back someone made a poll and the vast majority of people said they wished wrights were longer.

 

[gdocktor3]

Many of us loved those wrenches. But that hasn't stopped Mac from completely changing their wrenches to look like goofy European tools. Good luck with a warranty replacement.

I actually warrantied an old Mac 3/8" V jaw wrench last year and they sent me the new knuckle saver. That's when I decided to buy them. I've only broken 2-3 wrenches in my life, one being the Mac and it was through my own fault using a hammer. I think you're talking about the precision torque wrenches looking goofy? I think the SK X-frame's are just as bad. Plus, it's not just Mac changing their wrenches, it's Proto as well. And yes, they are goofy. I guess that's how Stanley tools are advancing with the ever evolving world we live in. However, I don't think Mac would exchange a knuckle saver with a precision torque.

 

[JayMann07]

Yeah man speaking of goofy the wera joker...then again maybe a lot of wera hand tools for that matter. I just can't get over the look of that wrench

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Please don't tell other people to "research more" and then claim two unequal things are nearly identical. Snap On's standard wrenches are significantly longer than Wright, see the photo above.

Second, Snap On also offers a significantly longer pattern in addition to their standard patter. Meanwhile, the short-pattern is like an aerospace size that is unique to Snap on and is not comparable to something like a Wright or a Stahlwille 13, because of the way the sizes progress throughout the range.

Third, you would easily be confused if you look at any single size out of context. You need to look at an entire set to understand the proportionality--an 8 or 10mm snappy short and a 8mm stahlwille 13 might be prett close, but at 19mm or 21mm completely different. That's par for the course, as they have different design intent.

Wright is really holding themselves back by not having more choices, but they apparently don't have the capital to invest in new tooling and overhead to stock the extra sizes/choices. That's a business decision for them, its not some inherent wisdom or sage position of enlightenment.

It ***** to see USA manufacturers like wright and SK cutting corners, but unfortunately they do. Snap on is really the only USA oem that seems to be profitable enough to avoid obvious shortcuts that others take. But (a) not everyone can budget them in for every job; and (b) they still have their own quircks and shortcomings. for example, some don't find the beam thick enough or whatever for certain uses and prefer a different shape to the hand.

I don't think we need to make excuses for the executives of any of these companies, frankly.

For all intents an purposes the lengths are the same... or better yet, any difference is insignificant in terms of usage. In my most used sizes 10-19mm the "work" the same. It DOES NOT make a difference in ACTUAL use.

Granted, they might call them LONG or whatever... but that's an arbitrary term (not standard). If you want really long wrenches then you need to find some XL pattern ones. Who cares what there calling them.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Honestly the thread and title is trollish... the better question is, Why doesn't Wright offer long/XL/whatever... longer wrenches?

Also, maybe I'm wrong... but where are they marketing these as "long"? I don't see a single long wrench listed. Actually only see 2 patterns, no-label (regular IMHO) and miniature (stubby).

 

[LB-1911]

I think a wright sales rep is on this forum if I'm not mistaken.

One that I know of -

Last Activity: 10-22-2012

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/member.php?u=42358

 

[T45]

For all intents an purposes the lengths are the same... or better yet, any difference is insignificant in terms of usage. In my most used sizes 10-19mm the "work" the same. It DOES NOT make a difference in ACTUAL use.

This is clearly not true. A significant variation in handle length on a 19mm is 10%+. That has a direct impact on the torque applied to the bolt head with equivalent force. snap on tends to provide about 2 extra inch per grade here precisely bevause this is a noticeble amount

Here are the lengths of Snap on Compared to Euro standard Stahlwille in 19mm.

330 SO XL (+50)
280 SO Regular (+50)
230 - Stahlwille 13 series (euro standard)

This shoud be noticeble, because its enough to create problems for your fasteners on the tightening side as well.

Snap on is 21% longer tha open 13 and The XL vs the standard is a 43% variance...etc

 

[Wes J]

I actually warrantied an old Mac 3/8" V jaw wrench last year and they sent me the new knuckle saver.

I think you're talking about the precision torque wrenches looking goofy?

However, I don't think Mac would exchange a knuckle saver with a precision torque.

Yes I did confuse the two. Mac did change the Knuckle Saver though. They got rid of the V shape in the open end and rounded the beams. You used to have to be a real man to use Mac wrenches

 

[gdocktor3]

Yes I did confuse the two. Mac did change the Knuckle Saver though. They got rid of the V shape in the open end and rounded the beams. You used to have to be a real man to use Mac wrenches

I personally like that about them. I know people will say "the arch is the strongest design and been that way since roman times" and I agree, but I like the fact that 4 sides of the fastener are in contact with the wrench. I'll take that design over a brand new Armstrong or Craftsman with no flank drive or gripping design. I have a full set of metric Mac and random sae Mac & Wright v jaw wrenches that have never been a problem. And, the squared beams were a lot more comfortable then the new narrow, rounded design.

 

[Davefr]

Also, maybe I'm wrong... but where are they marketing these as "long"? I don't see a single long wrench listed. Actually only see 2 patterns, no-label (regular IMHO) and miniature (stubby).

Every reference in their catalog, website, etc says "long pattern".

See for yourself:

http://www.wrighttool.com/pub/defau...es&oid={E1B52146-3E1C-11D4-8076-009027E52D9E}

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Every reference in their catalog, website, etc says "long pattern".

See for yourself:

http://www.wrighttool.com/pub/defau...es&oid={E1B52146-3E1C-11D4-8076-009027E52D9E}

I stand corrected

I was looking in their PDF catalog though, which had no reference. "Long" is arbitrary anyway... one's long is another's short. Honestly I'd be more upset with the inconsistent box-end angle than the 10% shorter length.... if I was going to pick on something.

 

[JayMann07]

This is clearly not true. A significant variation in handle length on a 19mm is 10%+. That has a direct impact on the torque applied to the bolt head with equivalent force. snap on tends to provide about 2 extra inch per grade here precisely bevause this is a noticeble amount

Here are the lengths of Snap on Compared to Euro standard Stahlwille in 19mm.

330 SO XL (+50)
280 SO Regular (+50)
230 - Stahlwille 13 series (euro standard)

This shoud be noticeble, because its enough to create problems for your fasteners on the tightening side as well.

Snap on is 21% longer tha open 13 and The XL vs the standard is a 43% variance...etc

Agreed it doesn't take much increase in length to feel a difference in the power you can apply to a fastener. That's why it matters to me.

 

[bobcatdan]

I think overall Wright's length is comparable.

 

[dutchgray]

View media item 57294I have posted that pic before and I should redo it now I have Facom 440 & 40 pattern which are both short also.
Wright is on the short size, but they are standard length and are nice to use. If you want long you may as well go really long like the Hazet or similar.
It would be nice if Wright were to make an XL range as well.

 

[T45]

I think overall Wright's length is comparable.

I did some checking and mathematically, this is false.

Wright wrenches are 10-15% less leverage, depending on size.

the ones that are 15% shorter will be noticeble, like the 13mm

which is a comon DIN/ISO size with a wide variety of torque specs

 

[Dobbin]

Just to add this into the mix - I have been building a set of long wrenches from different US manufacturers and was shocked when I came to a premium brand manufacturer like Wright,that they didn't offer a long wrench.
For what it's worth in my opinion of the various different spanners/wrenches at our work place everyone's first choice are the long Snap On or Stahlwille 14 long wrenches over everything else.
To qualify that we are working on heavy equipment .

 

[Strouty]

I have the wrightgrip wrenches and find they are the perfect size for most applications. My XL Snap On wrenches can be cumbersome in situations, but I use them when needed, then I have stubby wrenches when I need those as well. For the people that can't get enough leverage with the "short" wrightgrips, well I don't know what to say to that without being rude.