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Well I am building my tools up. I have a full set of Gear-wrenches SAE/Metric. The only Combination wrench set I have is my stubby set. I have some line wrenches, I will get a few more.
Is there still a need/use to have Combination wrench sets? I really want a full set of Gear-wrenches Flex head, one of the best tools in my box. Saving for a set.
Thanks.
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If you plan to do this professionally yes you need regular length combination wrenches. Gearwrench is good till you can afford the best which would be Snap-On – Flank Drive Plus or Wright Tools – Wright Grip Wrenches (if you get these make sure you are getting the right ones they will look a lot like Flank Drive Plus)
Real Tool Reviews – Snap-on VS Wright Tool (Flank Drive Plus VS WrightGRIP)
You need them for many reasons. Mainly because if you need to tighten stuff with an impact it will start to spread your open jaws on the ratcheting wrenches. You also need it for when something is obscenely tight and you can not get a socket and ratchet on it. This happens more then you think if you are doing this for a profession. The other upside is if you get the Flank Drive Plus you can get them in Long pattern which is actually extra long when compared to everyone else; This is an upside because you will have the 3 main wrench sizes you will need at that point. The other thing is you are going to run into bolts that are corroded, chewed up threads, or covered in rtv, caked rtv, thread locker, dirty grease, etc even with a ratcheting having a stubby for a backup will not work because you will require too much force. This happens a lot especially if you are in the rust belt.
I am a big rig diesel mechanic and I use the Gearwrench combination for metric stuff because my usa craftsman were getting beat to crap and lets be honest the jaws spread like a …… Gearwrench are not as strong as Snap-On, Mac, Matco but, they are normally warrantied by all 3 and also cheap you can normally get a metric set for $100-120. Compared to even some of the other cheaper lines Blue point, Expert, etc its way cheaper and will work long enough till you can get good ones.
The only ratcheting wrenches i will trust to tighten anything tight is my Mountain / EZ-Red double ratcheting spline flex head wrenches or the SK X-Frame. I have broken 1 13mm and 1 10mm Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches my co-worker broke my 1st 13mm Gearwrench ratcheting wrench. This was just me pulling on them. No impact or anything else and I do not abuse them so….. and no they were not just jammed up with dirt either which happens often.
Good to know, I work on more cars then most DIY’er. The wrenches I have are good, but the open end is useless. I guess I will wait for SO to have a sale on wrenches.
At the moment I am trying to improve the biggest weak point of my tool box, the wrenches. (sockets are last, strangely.)
Just get gearwrench non ratcheting combination wrenches. They are good and fairly cheap. 44-Pc. Long Pattern Non-Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set SAE/Metric
This is both metric and standard but they are non ratcheting. Work extremely well for the price.
For good cheap Sockets I would recommend Mac’s Expert Brand.
Thank you for the advice. However the open end on most cheap wrenches, are pissing me off. I am going to give the flank drive plus from Snap on a shot.
I am always working on a different car every month or so. Right now I have a 1997 Mazda MX6 with a MASSIVE rich running problem. I might not get paid for work i do, but saving time is worth it to me.
Just used my new SO ratchet, a lot better then crappy master-craft ratchet i used for so long. (The Sears in my neck of the woods, is a real PITA to have anything replaced.)
I agree with MDK. One of the first things to put in your toolbox is a set of combination wrenches and the Snapon OEXL can’t be beat. I bought a set when I first got out of the Army. I think they were $80 for a set from 3/8 to 3/4. That was a BUNCH OF MONEY in 1971. I still have them and wouldn’t want to be without them. Maybe the best tool money I ever spent. It wouldn’t surprise me if that set is now $250 or more, but if you plan on wrenching for a living, you will never regret the purchase.
Hope this helps.
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