"Carstrong" I like that! I am capable of outputting incredible force in the most awkward positions when working on a car but put me on a flatbench and I will embarrass myself 😆
Wrench-feel is real. I had a set of Mac Knucklesavers I bought starting out. I lost the 10 and 12mm, and replaced them with Snap-On. I'm by no means a Snap-On snob, but those wrenches felt soooo much better. Softer lines and a bit longer. I eventually replaced all my 10-19mm with them.
As a result of your three part epic wrench test, I purchased Wright Grip 2.0 combination wrench sets in both metric and SAE. I also purchased the 10 piece Gedore 6 double open ended spanners through your influencer page on Amazon. I'm very pleased with everything. Thank you for your videos.
I have a full set of Matco combination wrenches (10mm - 27mm) and 99% of the time they are just fine. One day I was going to replace a brake hose on a customer car using my Matco flare wrench to loosen the hose from the brake line. It was stuck and my flare nut wrench was beginning to round the nut. I told the advisor this might go bad and so we ordered brake tubing for me to bend and replace the line with when it stripped out. I REALLY didn’t want to bend brake line but i was resigned that I would be doing that soon when my buddy came over with his Snap On flank drive wrench (with the little “teeth” in the open end) and put it on the brake line. That damn thing bit into the nut and turned it loose saving me from bending brake line! Ever since then I want a set of Snap On flank drive wrenches (10mm - 19mm). I can’t justify spending $500+ for another set of wrenches when there’s so many other tools to buy but I feel like Snap On wrenches are the best.
You couldnt be more right about that Flat Rate Master! Alot of people buy off of what other people have/use etc.. U got to put tools in your own hands literally before you make a decision. Thanks for the video FRM
I’ve owned a dozen different brands of the cheaper brands of wrenches... I broke down and bought SnapOn wrenches and haven’t looked back. They are the best fitting, best quality out of anything I’ve used.. haven’t used them all, but wow I love them.
Since we are all piling on with our favorites, I always loved the old Apex built Armstrong/Matco wrenches. I still have a full set of inch and metric Armstrong in my travel box. RIP. My main set is now the fully polished Protos.
I agree buy 1 wrench and test them totally agree the feel of the wrench is the most important some wrenches are uncomfortable the feel is the most important no matter the brand or the finish
I never would have considered snap on because of the price till I ended up with just 1 double ended box end wrench. The feel in the hand is what I really liked. I’m only diy/hobby but it’s really nice.
I only own two Snap-on wrenches one is a 13 mm 6 point combination and it is a wonderful magnificent wrench but when I looked it up on the internet Snap-on charges $37.25 for that one small wrench and I just don't have money like that to buy complete set, I think it was something crazy like $500 just for the 7th through 19, so I went with the tekton
40 years ago I bought Bonney long reach and short reach wrenches and never look back from the lowest bid wrenches that the Air Force had. When I retired three years ago I had broken only the 13 mm doing the double wrench thing. I loved those Bonney wrenches and they were the Loc-rite wrenches. They always fit my smallish hands well and I could get enormous torque loads on the wrenches. It is mainly a personal thing on the wrenches a person prefers and that is all that matters.
I like my snap-on wrenches. I bought them because they're longer than most others. I love my old Mac edge knuckle saver wrenches. Granted I don't use wrenches too often anymore i still have a drawer full of wrenches, it's one of my most expensive drawers
I had the same experience with Mac knucklesavers. The Mac precision torque, different story. Cornwell wrenches are amazing, Marco wrenches are amazing and so are snap on wrenches. But, it comes down to feel
I totally agree with your advice. Every hand is different, therefore everyone has to try out himself what‘s suits him best. I have one suggestion for a video: Could you plese make a video on spark plug and glow plug sockets? There are so many different types (normal/short sockets, extra long sockets, sockets with swivels, sockets with swivel and extension, ...). A friend of mine had a problem with astuck spark plug. When he tried to remove the plug, his socket somekow jammed on the spark plug and he had serious problems to get his socket removed from the deep bore (his extension always slipped out of his socket). Since then, I always use a locking extension for these modern engines with spark plugs burried deep inside the engine. PS: I‘m no mechanic, just a DIYer, same as my buddy.
I'm not a mechanic by trade but I have the Mac precision torque set as well in 6-32mm and they are the best feeling wrench for my hands, with that said though they don't have the finesse of some of the other brands, In other words it's like holding a meat cleaver compared to a scalpel, luckily for me I'm not a rocket surgeon. However if you have to put some torque to them they don't feel like they are cutting your hand in half either like some brands do.
I'm considering the Mac metric ratcheting wrench set (non-flex). Do you still recommend Mac wrenches? I don't see a full set like you recommend but they sell a regular set and you can purchase a separate set with the larger sizes. Total cost is about $660-$680. Are they worth it at that price point? Thanks!
Right on Mike. I just got a set of the Icon long wrenches from Harbor Freight and while the extra length is helpful, they are very thin which is a bit of a discomfort.
Hey You are definitely correct. Back in the day you walked into Sears and tested tools out. No you can’t There not even the same. I have wrench sets from the 70s Craftsman and SK in larger sizes. Both have the dull finish. I also have others. But the older Craftsman and SK are my go to tools. Excellent video
I agree, the feel in hand is a big factor for me cause my palm is meaty but have bony fingers which creates major joint pains, I resolved that problem buying a wrench extender really helps with leverage. Our tools are our toys so I like play with them and feel them before I purchase them.
I was a MAC tools guy for years only because they were the only ones that came around , I never bragged up or trash talked anyones tools , till one day I was replacing alot of injection pumps on isuzu inline diesels , the drive coupling bolts were a thin head 19MM bolt ,the only choice to loosen the drive coupler bolts was a open end wrench=no clearance for any box end option ,I even tried grindig down a box end to fit in the tiny space =no dice , my mac open end spread like melted butter , i went around the shop borrowing diffrent brand open end wrenches to see what would break these bolts loose , mac,matco, craftsman , proto, SK, and I believe there were a few others , they all sread open and started rounding the coupler bolts off , the only wrench that broke the bolts loose without damage was a snap on , say what you want if it works it works , regardless of the cost , I'm not talking up snap on ,yes I like their tools , yes they are more pricey than the ching pow imports , you decide , how much time can you spend getting out damaged fastners from you dirt cheap tols versus buying a good tool to begin with ?
I picked snap on. Combo wrench years ago they feel the best in my hand and I accept no substitute but on some wrenches that not common used I went with a cost effective options
Not a pro here, but... Bonney. Bonney Bonney Bonney! They don't exist anymore, I know. But holy hell do they feel amazing. *And* they're shiny. 🤩 They briefly made wrenches for Matco and Mac Tools, too. Love em.
The suggestion of buying one wrench of each brand is the best advice one can give. Years back I bought one each of Snap-On, Cornwell & Matco, to name a few (no Mac dealer). I found the Cornwell had slimmer thickness for good access, the chrome was highly polished but chipped easily. The Matco is thicker & feels better in my hand but gives up access, the chrome finish is very durable but lost its polish almost immediately. The Snap-On is thinner for better access & has a durable high polish finish. I ultimately chose to go with Sunex for my non-ratcheting combination wrenches because they were the best alternative, based on cost-to-use ratio. 90% of the time I'm reaching for something that ratchets or a power tool. I have specific wrenches of better quality for drain plugs & alignments, so that's not a factor.
I have a bunch of wrenches a set from each truck, and the ones I use everyday are my husky, why you ask, because they are in my roll cart. They are actually great. Had them for 7yrs now. Never broke one yet
I bought the Tekton set because it had 6mm to 32mm with no skips and 1/4" to 1+1/4" in 1/16" increments with 9/32" and 11/32" and stubbies on the side. I chose it because as a newer tech I wanted to feel like I had a complete set without braking my budget. Also bought the gearwrench double box end set to avoid the two wrench method. Both sets just came in this week so I will let you guys know how they work out when i've used them more.
@Dawson Mitchuk honestly great, they are reliable, best bang for your buck. I decided to get then from project farm, and torque trst channel tests with them. 6 months no rust, no breaks, and still going strong
Amazing how mechanics don't own small calipers and check their wrenches. No discussion in the video or comments about fitment on the nut. Or chamfer. Too much chamfer reduces contact area on the nut and bolt. And loose fit rounds fasteners. Fyi, snapon and icon are good. Others can be hit and miss. Even craftsman isn't always snug fit.
7mm-24mm Snap On fland drive plus, it hurt to shell out $500 on those but the open ends just offer the best grip, like you said about tie rods, have a few cheapies slip and bust your knuckles and you need to put a value on your skin. I have Matco, Gear wrench and even amazon cheapies for some oddballs. In essence if you do this long enough I have 2, 52 inch deep drawers of wrenches from shorties to s shaped to flex ratcheting long and short etc... etc... some I use all the time and others I am just glad to have when it comes in handy couple of times a year
I hated the old raised panel Craftsman. One thing that bugs the shit out of me about a lot of the newer wrenches, is the off center broaching and chamfering of the box end. More than once I’ve had a tight spot and was able to get the wrench on but because it was broached off center, found the thicker part getting wedged in between the fastener and the surrounding surfaces.
I'll swear by my set of Pittsburgh wrenches. Long handled and thin, perfect for what I do, and I've been beating them with hammers for the last year and a half and they've been holding up great. Then again, I do a lot of hydraulic work so maybe not applicable for cars. Either way, wrenches are the most common tool I use, and I've definitely gotten more than my money's worth out of that 20 dollar set that I bought when I first started 👍
My new job has a Mac truck and I’m interested in the precision torque wrenches. Heard a lot of good things about em and I think the metric set will be on sale soon (SAE on sale this month).
@@JakeNaughtFromStateFarm Yes I’m getting mine Monday and if anyone thinking bout them the 21st December they start the deal bundle so get them or you’ll regret it cuz guaranteed that next year when the metric bundle comes out Again ( as they do every year) they will be more expensive considering they are limited and are a hot deal. But noticed they are almost $40 more this year so I know they will go up either the same amount or more next year. Remember I said so. Maybe thug it out and put up the $400 or so depending on your dealer and make the sacrifice because they are worth it and so is the deal ( almost half off for the 3 set bundle 6- 32mm)
My go to wrenches are snap on. But, all four major dealers have great wrenches. Mac precision torques are amazing also. The only two that didn't work for me are Mac knucklesavers and old school craftsman wrenches. They were not comfortable in my hand.
Good honest info, buy 1 before making the investment. I really wanted a set of those Tekton long handle ratcheting swivel head metric wrenches. They were a seemingly reasonable $135. and available a couple of years ago. Of course the price has gone up and now they haven't been available for a long-time do to supply issues...
Two other considerations, for me at least. Firstly, can you buy each size individually? You’re going to lose the odd one at some point, so can you replace it without buying a set? Secondly, does your chosen make and pattern cover the sizes you need? Maybe less important if you work on cars but I’ve found (working on heavy equipment and fork lifts) I routinely use wrenches from 4mm to 36mm.
Great Video Mike. Personally i like Proto and Craftsman, but never had an issue with any tools hurting my hand. I do have the industrial Williams and black Snapons which are good as well.
My preference is the GEARWRENCH long pattern. Perfect size for most situations and fit comfortably in my hand. I do a lot of brake jobs, my preferred method is to hit the wrench with a hammer to break caliper bracket bolts loose - haven’t broke one yet! Who gives a crap about the chrome job? Sorry Tony 😂
I have become a fan of the long zero degree box wrench. No complaints about the Gear Wrench. I also have the Matco non ratcheting and they are greeat also.
When I got tired of using cheap wrenches I was really concerned with not buying good enough but didn’t want to spend $400+ with no benefit over something like Milwaukee. I got 12 & 17 snap ons to see how I liked them. I was lucky enough to find a guy selling a set missing the 17 for about 1/3 of retail so things worked out pretty well.
Function of the wrench is important as well. The flank drive plus vs a standard non flank drive. The wera jokers are an example they have three to four functions depending on how you look at them. They are a very comfortable wrench as well. I have used the holding function many times. This was a great example of a method to figure out the wrenches you like.
While I like & use WERA "Joker"-wrenches for tasks were their special abilities really matter, just from the hand-feel point I use STAHLWILLE 14s and my trusty HAZET 603s for ALL other tasks. Just SOOO much more comfy in my hands than WERA. Just as he said: a personal thing
For me I do a lot of alignments and I use a wrench extender constantly to break rusted up locking nuts free, but other than that I can use them by hand and I feel it's a balance of feels good in the hand and fits good in the wrench extender
Unless there are a bunch of nicks or some sort of splinters on a wrench, I have never had any wrench hurt my hands. I also started out with the same style of Craftsman you have in this video. I used them extensively and would still be using them today had they not been stolen.
A combination wrench is one of those things that's really hard to screw up. Outside of some very specific instances, very rarely are you going to be putting enough torque on one to break it. And if you are, it's probably time for a different tool.
Have had my eye on those precision torques, but I need a new wrench set like I need a black hole in my back yard. Lol I thought the double wrench method went out with the XL double box ends.
I have snap on,sk,proto,craftsman,gear wrench in wrenches and ratchets. I grab the snap on wrenches frist they feel the best and are longer then other brands. I grab the Sk ratchet over the standard snap on for the length exception is the extra long snap on comfort grips for me
I was recently in the market for a new wrench set. I watched about every wrench review video on UA-cam. Initially I was leaning towards the Milwaukee's, then towards the Mac Precision torques. After all my research I settled on the Carlyle non slips from Napa. No they're not made in the USA, but I think they are one hell of a ranch for the money. I was able to get both metric and SAE 19-piece sets for the same money as one metric Mac set.
FRM, have you any use for the "stubby" wrenches, or can they just be considered a filler for the tool box? I've worked around not having a set, until one day I was changing a starter on a Taurus. That was one time I really wish I had a set. Earlier this year I purchased the metric ICON version from HF, the wrenches just sat in my tool cabinet, never used them, and I always worked around them. I reckon it was a habit. Two weeks ago I traded that unused wrench set at HF for the ICON 25" breaker bar (I made a short film about it on my channel).
Good video frm! I have the same issues with ratchets hurting my hand. I have a bunch of snap on and matcos that I love. I do have a blue point set thats wonderful but they hurt my hand really bad even though they are a quality set
There something about how a SnapOn feels. You don't even have to be looking at it. Aside: I also have a few cheaper Northern Tool Klutch x-force. These combos have a 90 deg twist. So when using them for wrenching the flat side of the open end is against the hand. Anyone have much experience with them?
@@MrSupernova111 there's 3 people in my shop that has them everyone has cracked the ratcheting box end they're not for professional use young man. We Ratchet 6days a week 10 to 15 hours a day they don't hold up. We use other ratcheting wrenches everyday gearwrench, snap on and so on. And as far as treating tools like they're disposable I don't think a $35 ratcheting wrench is disposable. But again they don't hold up I still have my gearwrench ratching wrenches from over 20years ago I have used them everyday broke one or 2 but the box end 12point has never cracked. Also the box end on the x frames are to thick. They're junk period been wrenching for over 55 years young man I have used alot of difference wrenches and the x frames are some of the weaks.
I never understood until I went to break something loose and the snap on wrench I had slipped my grip and wedged my hand between the axle beam and the wrench, I almost broke my hand that day and the only reason why was that wrench wasn't for me. Don't get me wrong I love snap on but the wrenches just didn't work for me
Used craftsman raised panel for years. Still use Easco Craftsman twins as my SAE set. I have some full polish SO and they finish off the edges on the open end so they don't dig into your hand when you are cranking on a bolt on the closed end. Bought a set of Tekton full polish metrics and that is the go to set now. Feels a lot like Snappy. If money were no object I think Snap On is the best cause the open ends don't spread open like a cheap ho.
back in the day home depot had this wrenches standard and metric 89.00 each set I still using them today but cant find the original set to buy if you warranty a wrench go to the depot bababa you get in the mail a Stanley wrench ugh do you know why they don't send you a husky wrench back my dad has some of his dads husky wrenches from the 30's best tools in this shop your thoughs
You're exactly backwards on tool truck vs industrial brands. The industrial wrenches get used a lot more in a given time period. Like an auto tech might use a half dozen wrenches 20 or 30 times a week, but a guy on a line will use just a 19mm (for instance) a couple dozen times every day.
I prefer elora model 205 wrenches, there German made dont look fancy but work well, slim open end cranked ring end and strong. Also unfortunately expensive
Snap on kinda expensive? Its a 300% mark up. I like to actually make money. Finish as long as it doesn't cut my hand i could care less tekton hf icon is my go too
"Nobody cares about the brand that is written on it, what you care about is how well it works for you". Very well said
"Carstrong" I like that! I am capable of outputting incredible force in the most awkward positions when working on a car but put me on a flatbench and I will embarrass myself 😆
I have no need for a giant wrench, nor will I ever, but damn now I want a giant wrench.
Wrench-feel is real. I had a set of Mac Knucklesavers I bought starting out. I lost the 10 and 12mm, and replaced them with Snap-On. I'm by no means a Snap-On snob, but those wrenches felt soooo much better. Softer lines and a bit longer. I eventually replaced all my 10-19mm with them.
Lots of personal preferences here, but that's Mike's point! Pick what works and feels good, not what impresses your neighbor.
Been mechanic 40years Wrightgrip end wrenches are the strongest and most comfortable 😊
As a result of your three part epic wrench test, I purchased Wright Grip 2.0 combination wrench sets in both metric and SAE. I also purchased the 10 piece Gedore 6 double open ended spanners through your influencer page on Amazon. I'm very pleased with everything. Thank you for your videos.
I have a full set of Matco combination wrenches (10mm - 27mm) and 99% of the time they are just fine. One day I was going to replace a brake hose on a customer car using my Matco flare wrench to loosen the hose from the brake line. It was stuck and my flare nut wrench was beginning to round the nut. I told the advisor this might go bad and so we ordered brake tubing for me to bend and replace the line with when it stripped out. I REALLY didn’t want to bend brake line but i was resigned that I would be doing that soon when my buddy came over with his Snap On flank drive wrench (with the little “teeth” in the open end) and put it on the brake line. That damn thing bit into the nut and turned it loose saving me from bending brake line! Ever since then I want a set of Snap On flank drive wrenches (10mm - 19mm). I can’t justify spending $500+ for another set of wrenches when there’s so many other tools to buy but I feel like Snap On wrenches are the best.
You couldnt be more right about that Flat Rate Master! Alot of people buy off of what other people have/use etc.. U got to put tools in your own hands literally before you make a decision. Thanks for the video FRM
I’ve owned a dozen different brands of the cheaper brands of wrenches... I broke down and bought SnapOn wrenches and haven’t looked back. They are the best fitting, best quality out of anything I’ve used.. haven’t used them all, but wow I love them.
And you can’t beat the nickel chrome IMO
Since we are all piling on with our favorites, I always loved the old Apex built Armstrong/Matco wrenches. I still have a full set of inch and metric Armstrong in my travel box. RIP. My main set is now the fully polished Protos.
I agree buy 1 wrench and test them totally agree the feel of the wrench is the most important some wrenches are uncomfortable the feel is the most important no matter the brand or the finish
I never would have considered snap on because of the price till I ended up with just 1 double ended box end wrench. The feel in the hand is what I really liked. I’m only diy/hobby but it’s really nice.
I only own two Snap-on wrenches one is a 13 mm 6 point combination and it is a wonderful magnificent wrench but when I looked it up on the internet Snap-on charges $37.25 for that one small wrench and I just don't have money like that to buy complete set, I think it was something crazy like $500 just for the 7th through 19, so I went with the tekton
@@markquinlan6406 +1 on the Tekton.
I love those to but they are kinda long sum time I use them for suspension work
I would recommend NEVER pushing a wrench with your meat!
Flint Layfield 😂
That would be the true test of comfort.
Ya don't know what you are missing! Some people love their work, and some people LOVE their work.
This comment is just stupid!
Completely agree! The senior tech that was my mentor, told me the exact same thing 20 years ago.
40 years ago I bought Bonney long reach and short reach wrenches and never look back from the lowest bid wrenches that the Air Force had. When I retired three years ago I had broken only the 13 mm doing the double wrench thing. I loved those Bonney wrenches and they were the Loc-rite wrenches. They always fit my smallish hands well and I could get enormous torque loads on the wrenches. It is mainly a personal thing on the wrenches a person prefers and that is all that matters.
I like my snap-on wrenches. I bought them because they're longer than most others. I love my old Mac edge knuckle saver wrenches. Granted I don't use wrenches too often anymore i still have a drawer full of wrenches, it's one of my most expensive drawers
I had the same experience with Mac knucklesavers. The Mac precision torque, different story. Cornwell wrenches are amazing, Marco wrenches are amazing and so are snap on wrenches. But, it comes down to feel
@@charlesshankle3178 Charles I'm not sure if your saying you liked or disliked your knuckle saver
@@michaelfulton7116 I disliked the old pattern knucklesavers, they dug into my hands. The precision torques are first rate wrenches.
I’m thankful i found my snap on flank drive plus 10-19 for 35$ at my local pawn shop, I already had the Milwaukee’s and huskies and I like them both
I totally agree with your advice. Every hand is different, therefore everyone has to try out himself what‘s suits him best.
I have one suggestion for a video: Could you plese make a video on spark plug and glow plug sockets? There are so many different types (normal/short sockets, extra long sockets, sockets with swivels, sockets with swivel and extension, ...).
A friend of mine had a problem with astuck spark plug. When he tried to remove the plug, his socket somekow jammed on the spark plug and he had serious problems to get his socket removed from the deep bore (his extension always slipped out of his socket).
Since then, I always use a locking extension for these modern engines with spark plugs burried deep inside the engine.
PS: I‘m no mechanic, just a DIYer, same as my buddy.
Mac precision torque for me. Got the full set 6mm - 32 . Fantastic offset, feel in your hands, they never slip. They really work for me -
I'm not a mechanic by trade but I have the Mac precision torque set as well in 6-32mm and they are the best feeling wrench for my hands, with that said though they don't have the finesse of some of the other brands, In other words it's like holding a meat cleaver compared to a scalpel, luckily for me I'm not a rocket surgeon. However if you have to put some torque to them they don't feel like they are cutting your hand in half either like some brands do.
I'm considering the Mac metric ratcheting wrench set (non-flex). Do you still recommend Mac wrenches? I don't see a full set like you recommend but they sell a regular set and you can purchase a separate set with the larger sizes. Total cost is about $660-$680. Are they worth it at that price point? Thanks!
You can by them cheaper as craftsman v series or facom
Right on Mike. I just got a set of the Icon long wrenches from Harbor Freight and while the extra length is helpful, they are very thin which is a bit of a discomfort.
Hey You are definitely correct. Back in the day you walked into Sears and tested tools out. No you can’t There not even the same. I have wrench sets from the 70s Craftsman and SK in larger sizes. Both have the dull finish. I also have others. But the older Craftsman and SK are my go to tools. Excellent video
I agree, the feel in hand is a big factor for me cause my palm is meaty but have bony fingers which creates major joint pains, I resolved that problem buying a wrench extender really helps with leverage. Our tools are our toys so I like play with them and feel them before I purchase them.
I was a MAC tools guy for years only because they were the only ones that came around , I never bragged up or trash talked anyones tools , till one day I was replacing alot of injection pumps on isuzu inline diesels , the drive coupling bolts were a thin head 19MM bolt ,the only choice to loosen the drive coupler bolts was a open end wrench=no clearance for any box end option ,I even tried grindig down a box end to fit in the tiny space =no dice , my mac open end spread like melted butter , i went around the shop borrowing diffrent brand open end wrenches to see what would break these bolts loose , mac,matco, craftsman , proto, SK, and I believe there were a few others , they all sread open and started rounding the coupler bolts off , the only wrench that broke the bolts loose without damage was a snap on , say what you want if it works it works , regardless of the cost , I'm not talking up snap on ,yes I like their tools , yes they are more pricey than the ching pow imports , you decide , how much time can you spend getting out damaged fastners from you dirt cheap tols versus buying a good tool to begin with ?
I picked snap on. Combo wrench years ago they feel the best in my hand and I accept no substitute but on some wrenches that not common used I went with a cost effective options
Not a pro here, but...
Bonney. Bonney Bonney Bonney!
They don't exist anymore, I know. But holy hell do they feel amazing. *And* they're shiny. 🤩
They briefly made wrenches for Matco and Mac Tools, too. Love em.
The suggestion of buying one wrench of each brand is the best advice one can give. Years back I bought one each of Snap-On, Cornwell & Matco, to name a few (no Mac dealer). I found the Cornwell had slimmer thickness for good access, the chrome was highly polished but chipped easily. The Matco is thicker & feels better in my hand but gives up access, the chrome finish is very durable but lost its polish almost immediately. The Snap-On is thinner for better access & has a durable high polish finish. I ultimately chose to go with Sunex for my non-ratcheting combination wrenches because they were the best alternative, based on cost-to-use ratio. 90% of the time I'm reaching for something that ratchets or a power tool. I have specific wrenches of better quality for drain plugs & alignments, so that's not a factor.
Great breakdown! Wouldn’t of thought of that
I have a bunch of wrenches a set from each truck, and the ones I use everyday are my husky, why you ask, because they are in my roll cart. They are actually great. Had them for 7yrs now. Never broke one yet
I bought the Tekton set because it had 6mm to 32mm with no skips and 1/4" to 1+1/4" in 1/16" increments with 9/32" and 11/32" and stubbies on the side. I chose it because as a newer tech I wanted to feel like I had a complete set without braking my budget. Also bought the gearwrench double box end set to avoid the two wrench method. Both sets just came in this week so I will let you guys know how they work out when i've used them more.
how have you been liking the tekton ones?
@Dawson Mitchuk honestly great, they are reliable, best bang for your buck. I decided to get then from project farm, and torque trst channel tests with them. 6 months no rust, no breaks, and still going strong
Amazing how mechanics don't own small calipers and check their wrenches. No discussion in the video or comments about fitment on the nut. Or chamfer. Too much chamfer reduces contact area on the nut and bolt. And loose fit rounds fasteners.
Fyi, snapon and icon are good. Others can be hit and miss. Even craftsman isn't always snug fit.
Good video and advise. I prefer the cross force , twister wrench, not really made anymore, fits very well in my hand.
Carlyle wrenches from napa are awesome. Similar to a snapon flank drive
7mm-24mm Snap On fland drive plus, it hurt to shell out $500 on those but the open ends just offer the best grip, like you said about tie rods, have a few cheapies slip and bust your knuckles and you need to put a value on your skin. I have Matco, Gear wrench and even amazon cheapies for some oddballs. In essence if you do this long enough I have 2, 52 inch deep drawers of wrenches from shorties to s shaped to flex ratcheting long and short etc... etc... some I use all the time and others I am just glad to have when it comes in handy couple of times a year
I hated the old raised panel Craftsman.
One thing that bugs the shit out of me about a lot of the newer wrenches, is the off center broaching and chamfering of the box end. More than once I’ve had a tight spot and was able to get the wrench on but because it was broached off center, found the thicker part getting wedged in between the fastener and the surrounding surfaces.
I'll swear by my set of Pittsburgh wrenches. Long handled and thin, perfect for what I do, and I've been beating them with hammers for the last year and a half and they've been holding up great. Then again, I do a lot of hydraulic work so maybe not applicable for cars. Either way, wrenches are the most common tool I use, and I've definitely gotten more than my money's worth out of that 20 dollar set that I bought when I first started 👍
MAC knuckle savers XLs and MAC precision torque wrenches for me.
My new job has a Mac truck and I’m interested in the precision torque wrenches. Heard a lot of good things about em and I think the metric set will be on sale soon (SAE on sale this month).
@@JakeNaughtFromStateFarm Yes I’m getting mine Monday and if anyone thinking bout them the 21st December they start the deal bundle so get them or you’ll regret it cuz guaranteed that next year when the metric bundle comes out Again ( as they do every year) they will be more expensive considering they are limited and are a hot deal. But noticed they are almost $40 more this year so I know they will go up either the same amount or more next year. Remember I said so. Maybe thug it out and put up the $400 or so depending on your dealer and make the sacrifice because they are worth it and so is the deal ( almost half off for the 3 set bundle 6- 32mm)
@@eliezerramosjr1017 . Does Mac have the wrench sale on the same day every year? I'm interested in the ratcheting metric wrench set (non-flex).
I switched from my favorite wrenches to the Mac Precision Torque wrenches. I never thought I'd swap from my old set till I used the Mac set
I'm considering the Mac metric ratcheting wrench set (non-flex). Do you still recommend Mac wrenches? I Are they worth the price point? Thanks!
@@MrSupernova111 I have the Mac precision torque ratcheting wrenches for a few years and I have no complaints.
I find Craftsman are great nut holders when you're using an impact on the bolt. Snap on are for the tight squeeze areas.
My go to wrenches are snap on. But, all four major dealers have great wrenches. Mac precision torques are amazing also. The only two that didn't work for me are Mac knucklesavers and old school craftsman wrenches. They were not comfortable in my hand.
Good honest info, buy 1 before making the investment. I really wanted a set of those Tekton long handle ratcheting swivel head metric wrenches. They were a seemingly reasonable $135. and available a couple of years ago. Of course the price has gone up and now they haven't been available for a long-time do to supply issues...
Two other considerations, for me at least. Firstly, can you buy each size individually? You’re going to lose the odd one at some point, so can you replace it without buying a set? Secondly, does your chosen make and pattern cover the sizes you need? Maybe less important if you work on cars but I’ve found (working on heavy equipment and fork lifts) I routinely use wrenches from 4mm to 36mm.
Great Video Mike. Personally i like Proto and Craftsman, but never had an issue with any tools hurting my hand. I do have the industrial Williams and black Snapons which are good as well.
My preference is the GEARWRENCH long pattern. Perfect size for most situations and fit comfortably in my hand. I do a lot of brake jobs, my preferred method is to hit the wrench with a hammer to break caliper bracket bolts loose - haven’t broke one yet! Who gives a crap about the chrome job? Sorry Tony 😂
I the the extra long spline drive set with the flex head ratchet on one side, and the zero offset on the other. Really awesome set.
Chipped chrome can cut your hand like a razor (experience) , I can't make a living when my hands are all bandaged up.
They don’t really seem to chip as much as they seen to dent if that makes sense. They’re kind of soft.
Anyone recommending Gearwrench is a weekend DIY mechanic. Can't be taken seriously.
I have become a fan of the long zero degree box wrench. No complaints about the Gear Wrench. I also have the Matco non ratcheting and they are greeat also.
When I got tired of using cheap wrenches I was really concerned with not buying good enough but didn’t want to spend $400+ with no benefit over something like Milwaukee. I got 12 & 17 snap ons to see how I liked them. I was lucky enough to find a guy selling a set missing the 17 for about 1/3 of retail so things worked out pretty well.
Function of the wrench is important as well. The flank drive plus vs a standard non flank drive. The wera jokers are an example they have three to four functions depending on how you look at them. They are a very comfortable wrench as well. I have used the holding function many times. This was a great example of a method to figure out the wrenches you like.
While I like & use WERA "Joker"-wrenches for tasks were their special abilities really matter, just from the hand-feel point I use STAHLWILLE 14s and my trusty HAZET 603s for ALL other tasks. Just SOOO much more comfy in my hands than WERA.
Just as he said: a personal thing
For me I do a lot of alignments and I use a wrench extender constantly to break rusted up locking nuts free, but other than that I can use them by hand and I feel it's a balance of feels good in the hand and fits good in the wrench extender
Hands down the MAC precision torque combination wrenches. Best on the market.
I'm considering the Mac metric ratcheting wrench set (non-flex). Do you still recommend Mac wrenches? I Are they worth the price point? Thanks!
Unless there are a bunch of nicks or some sort of splinters on a wrench, I have never had any wrench hurt my hands. I also started out with the same style of Craftsman you have in this video. I used them extensively and would still be using them today had they not been stolen.
I bought a set of Chanellock wrenches pretty cheap. I like them more than my old craftsman. I'm only a diyer, so is adequate for my ability.
I'm still using Craftsman wrenches, never had any problems with them.
A combination wrench is one of those things that's really hard to screw up. Outside of some very specific instances, very rarely are you going to be putting enough torque on one to break it. And if you are, it's probably time for a different tool.
I own Snap on ,craftman, and MAC. I have to say, the Mac Precision Torque wrenches feel the best in my hand, by far!
I'm considering the Mac metric ratcheting wrench set (non-flex). Do you still recommend Mac wrenches? I Are they worth the price point? Thanks!
Have had my eye on those precision torques, but I need a new wrench set like I need a black hole in my back yard.
Lol I thought the double wrench method went out with the XL double box ends.
I have snap on,sk,proto,craftsman,gear wrench in wrenches and ratchets. I grab the snap on wrenches frist they feel the best and are longer then other brands. I grab the Sk ratchet over the standard snap on for the length exception is the extra long snap on comfort grips for me
Man IV never done the double wrench method but man yesterday I had to. I had 4 tough bolts
My preferred wrenches are the mac precision torques they just feel great
I don't think those are USA made even tho the price is USA made price
That linked wrench trick only works for the box end. If you are using the open end you need a cheater bar or your hands.
Usa Craftsman nice wrenches but short. Snap-on beams are thin longer and flank drive is nice. Old school blackhawk and Proto take the cake.
I was recently in the market for a new wrench set. I watched about every wrench review video on UA-cam. Initially I was leaning towards the Milwaukee's, then towards the Mac Precision torques. After all my research I settled on the Carlyle non slips from Napa. No they're not made in the USA, but I think they are one hell of a ranch for the money. I was able to get both metric and SAE 19-piece sets for the same money as one metric Mac set.
And I had already faced the fact that I was never going to buy a Snap-On set.
@@blueraid15 same here. LOL.
I have 8 different sets of wrenches. I use all of them from time to time.
I've tried s bunch, and I don't think you can get them anymore but my hands like the Silver Eagles the bes
FRM, have you any use for the "stubby" wrenches, or can they just be considered a filler for the tool box? I've worked around not having a set, until one day I was changing a starter on a Taurus. That was one time I really wish I had a set. Earlier this year I purchased the metric ICON version from HF, the wrenches just sat in my tool cabinet, never used them, and I always worked around them. I reckon it was a habit. Two weeks ago I traded that unused wrench set at HF for the ICON 25" breaker bar (I made a short film about it on my channel).
Good video frm! I have the same issues with ratchets hurting my hand. I have a bunch of snap on and matcos that I love. I do have a blue point set thats wonderful but they hurt my hand really bad even though they are a quality set
Great video love it!!!! Great advice!!!
Old school craftsman were the best. I broke mac wrenches on driveshaft bolts
There something about how a SnapOn feels. You don't even have to be looking at it. Aside: I also have a few cheaper Northern Tool Klutch x-force. These combos have a 90 deg twist. So when using them for wrenching the flat side of the open end is against the hand. Anyone have much experience with them?
I have a gearwrench ratcheting set like that and honestly they're some of my favorite wrenches, the open ends aren't as nice though
German made spanners are amongst the best, Hazet,Gedore, and Stalhwille.
Your right there no shine just pure practical, I use elora 205s and just got stahlwille set
I have all 3 + Elora, most European auto brands are using Hazet at factory and dealer
Lol, love the thumbnail on this one!
Just bought a set of cornwell bluepower wrenches on september deal. Excited how it turns out.
I recently held a Williams 13mm.
Wow. Bought it didn't even need it and I felt it was expensive.
Craftsman sets I bought 40 years ago never broke one. Husky and Kobalt for big wrenches. They have served me well plus I have money in the bank. Lol
I really like my SK wrenches. Feel good in the hand, the chrome finish is nice, made in USA 🇺🇸 and the tolerances are pretty good.
The X-Frames are amazing!
@@MrSupernova111 X frames are junk and don't hold up in a professional shop period.
@@marcowens3522 . That's because some of you people treat your tools like they are disposable. Lot of people in the industry would disagree with you.
@@MrSupernova111 there's 3 people in my shop that has them everyone has cracked the ratcheting box end they're not for professional use young man. We Ratchet 6days a week 10 to 15 hours a day they don't hold up. We use other ratcheting wrenches everyday gearwrench, snap on and so on. And as far as treating tools like they're disposable I don't think a $35 ratcheting wrench is disposable. But again they don't hold up I still have my gearwrench ratching wrenches from over 20years ago I have used them everyday broke one or 2 but the box end 12point has never cracked. Also the box end on the x frames are to thick. They're junk period been wrenching for over 55 years young man I have used alot of difference wrenches and the x frames are some of the weaks.
"Car strong" ❤️
I have Snap On , Best money I ever spent ! Buy once cry once.
Excellent advice! Cheers.
gosh dang it I love common sense ! good video.
Any time I need to really gronk down on a box wrench I'll usually wrap it in a shop rag. Trick I learned from my quick lube days.
Good advice flat rate master , Good video
In Mike’s case, get it in your catcher’s mit. 😂😂 Great vid Mike.
Snap on flank drive are the best no question
I use matco wrenchs at work but I keep a old school snapon 3/4 wrench for specific jobs like the feel of that one
I never understood until I went to break something loose and the snap on wrench I had slipped my grip and wedged my hand between the axle beam and the wrench, I almost broke my hand that day and the only reason why was that wrench wasn't for me. Don't get me wrong I love snap on but the wrenches just didn't work for me
Very true! FRM does luber goober still work with ya? Get him on camera again!!
What has Luber Goober done during the pandemic? Sit at the house and Bang all day?
Used craftsman raised panel for years. Still use Easco Craftsman twins as my SAE set. I have some full polish SO and they finish off the edges on the open end so they don't dig into your hand when you are cranking on a bolt on the closed end. Bought a set of Tekton full polish metrics and that is the go to set now. Feels a lot like Snappy. If money were no object I think Snap On is the best cause the open ends don't spread open like a cheap ho.
Why are you discriminating against hos?
Did you ever get a 10mm usa replacement?I have at least 12 and would gladly send a freshly sanitized wrench your way
Double wrench alot doing alignment with the old craftsman wrench
At times I hate the offset of a wrench. Especially when I have to apply alot of torque
Do you think a ratcheting wrench is better than a non ratcheting wrench set?
back in the day home depot had this wrenches standard and metric 89.00 each set I still using them today but cant find the original set to buy if you warranty a wrench go to the depot bababa you get in the mail a Stanley wrench ugh do you know why they don't send you a husky wrench back my dad has some of his dads husky wrenches from the 30's best tools in this shop your thoughs
You're exactly backwards on tool truck vs industrial brands. The industrial wrenches get used a lot more in a given time period. Like an auto tech might use a half dozen wrenches 20 or 30 times a week, but a guy on a line will use just a 19mm (for instance) a couple dozen times every day.
I prefer elora model 205 wrenches, there German made dont look fancy but work well, slim open end cranked ring end and strong. Also unfortunately expensive
Channelock is what I have and they have been fantastic. Same as Carlyle for less money
I got those also. Really like them.
Great informative video @flatRateMaster
Snap on kinda expensive? Its a 300% mark up. I like to actually make money. Finish as long as it doesn't cut my hand i could care less tekton hf icon is my go too
This is odd. The UPS guy just delivered my Gearwrench Set.
What wrench size is most common for alignment or what set should I get?
But, but I like shiny!
Agreed, these tool breaking channels have little experience actually using tools.
I'm gonna buy so many 10mm wrenches
mr flat rate please find husky wrenches to put on your store top notch tools fyi