Quality Combo Wrenches

[cmbicycles]

I have a set of Craftsman professional metric combo wrenches that have served me well as my main wrench set for years, but there are a few that aren't as tight as fit as I'd like, mostly in smaller sizes used on bikes 7, 9, & 10mm. I liked how the Craftsman pro felt in my hand, but a warranty won't get a nice full chromed wrench with current state of Craftsman. Other than tool truck or big box store brands, who some of you guys using for combo wrenches these days?

[Louis]

How much do you want to spend?

Here are some nice options:

https://www.kctool.com/search.php?qu...20wrench%20set

Edit: Click the "stock status" filter to only see the "in stock" options. I left it as showing everything so you could get a better idea of the total world of options.

[fmradio516]

FWIW, in the last year, i broke a 45 year old SK breaker bar and a 25 year old Stanley ratchet. Both companies warrantied them and I had replacements right away. Warranties are still a thing!

[catchourbreath]

I think the issue is getting a similar quality item back. When craftsman was still a Sears brand and miusa you knew that the replacement was not a crummier item.

[reuben]

Because I'm a doofus, and would lose my own head if it wasn't welded to my neck, I ended up with two of these sets. They may be larger than you want, but I'd be happy to sell a set.

https://www.kctool.com/wera-020231-j...set-11-pieces/

[muttley]

Originally Posted by reuben

Because I'm a doofus, and would lose my own head if it wasn't welded to my neck, I ended up with two of these sets. They may be larger than you want, but I'd be happy to sell a set.

https://www.kctool.com/wera-020231-j...set-11-pieces/

Those Wera combo wrenches look really nice! I've got the Wera Toolcheck-plus ratchet set and find it so versatile. Their tools are top notch!

[choke]

I purchased a Stahlwille set a few months ago and IMO they are some of the nicest wrenches that I've ever used.

Facom also makes some quality tools.

[einreb]

I had my older Craftsman sockets/wrenches stolen a while back and ended up replacing with Tekton and have been very happy with them.

They seem to have the reputation of being higher quality at *reasonable* price and that's been my experience so far.

https://www.tekton.com/about-us

I was a little patient with my purchase(s) and picked up most everything on sale since they seem to cycle through sales regularly.

[cmbicycles]

Originally Posted by fmradio516

FWIW, in the last year, i broke a 45 year old SK breaker bar and a 25 year old Stanley ratchet. Both companies warrantied them and I had replacements right away. Warranties are still a thing!

I realize they might replace them under warranty, though I have nothing to prove I was the original owner. Since they haven't made the professional line for a few years now I'm not so sure I'd want what they send as a replacement. I also have a non-pro set of craftsman wrenches, they work fine, but they don't feel the same in the hand. The professional line was fully polished, and a little longer than the regular set. 1st world problems, lol.

Originally Posted by catchourbreath

I think the issue is getting a similar quality item back. When craftsman was still a Sears brand and miusa you knew that the replacement was not a crummier item.

This is why I'm looking at other options. I'm sure their current offerings would work fine. I used them professionally for a few years, plus all the abuse I gave them at home, I don't think they owe me anything at this point. Plus its nice to get something new and shiny.

[Deanhorsfall]

I have been buying Gearwrench tools lately. I find that they are very precise, well made and are of good value. The finish is nice and I like that they fit fasteners well. https://gearwrenchshop.com/collectio...on-wrench-sets

[rice rocket]

What's your price point? You mentioned truck brands, so assuming that's in your budget, there's always Nepros if you're looking for tools that are also jewelry.

https://www.amazon.com/Nepros-Combin.../dp/B001EQFRN4

[Buzz Killington]

Sounds like time to watch Project Farm on YouTube. I’m sure he’s done combo wrenches and always entertaining.

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by cmbicycles

mostly in smaller sizes used on bikes 7, 9, & 10mm.

What bicycle fasteners require the use of combo wrenches? I work on all sorts of stuff in my garage, but I'm struggling to recall the last time I needed a box or open ended wrench to work on a bike, aside from track hubs and maybe a pedal wrench?

For my other needs, most of my hand tools these days are a mixed bag of really old stuff and what I've bought for specific needs. If I need something new, my first stop is kctool to see what they've got. I have not been disappointed by wera and facom, for sure.

[FriarQuade]

Have you looked at flare nut wrenches? They're great for those smaller size you mentioned, even if they don't need the torque of a hydro fitting they're intended for.

That said, I've got a set of Mac "precision torque" wrenches that I enjoy the hell out of.

[choke]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

What bicycle fasteners require the use of combo wrenches? I work on all sorts of stuff in my garage, but I'm struggling to recall the last time I needed a box or open ended wrench to work on a bike, aside from track hubs and maybe a pedal wrench?

At the very first Cino I attended, not long after the pavement ended a guy ahead of me pulled off to the side with bike problems. I and a few others stopped to help and we found that his RD cable was slipping at the derailleur, which being old school was a hex head instead of an allen. Fortunately I had my 'Cool Tool' which has an adjustable wrench so we able to get him going again.

I've used it to help others a few times since then. Many vintage brake and derailleurs have hex head cable-fixing bolts.