Do people still use the open end on a combination wrench?

[dlundblad]

I’ve seen a few comments the last few weeks on tool pages and such with people complaining about a wrench because the “open end” isn’t any good. People still use this?

I think the last time I used an open end like this was on the plastic tool set my parents bought me when I was 3? In all seriousness, I really can’t think of ever not using the box end. Adjustable wrenches okay, but they’re also sometimes 2-3x thicker (More surface area) than a traditional open end too.

 

[Jetronic]

i use the open end when I can't use the box end, happens frequently

 

[Lubener]

I use open and boxed, whatever gets the job done.

 

[ZZman]

Yes

 

[Snagglefoot]

End fitting on a high pressure power steering hose. This screws into a Chevy hydroboost unit.

 

[Astro14]

All the time. A box end is more secure, sure.

But there are many instances in which a box end won’t work. Tie rod end and lock nut, for example.

The properly sized open end of a combination wench is more secure than an adjustable wrench.

 

[demarpaint]

Quite often. I recently bought a set of Hazet metric combination wrenches from Amazon.de. I wanted something good and a little bit longer, they fit the bill perfectly.

 

[Trav]

All the time. A box end is more secure, sure.

But there are many instances in which a box end won’t work. Tie rod end and lock nut, for example.

The properly sized open end of a combination wench is more secure than an adjustable wrench.

Astro for that job I use these from Astro. LOL Anyway, going on over 13 years for use and some hard use at that and they have been perfect, they are similar to a line wrench not just a regular crows foot.
As you know in the salt belt rusted tie rod lock nuts are a real PITA many times requiring a smoke wrench assistant, once heated one of these on the lock nut with a long ratchet and sometimes even a long pipe wrench on the inner rod is all that will get it loose.

None have broken, spread or any other sort of failure, cheap and highly recommended, if one broke or I lost one I would buy it again today without hesitation. Great on brake and trans lines also.

https://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.c...MIpqLev6Lu7gIV7_3jBx0_swaWEAQYAiABEgLdzPD_BwE

dlundblad: Sure I use the open end for many things usually to hold the other end of a fastener or make quick work of loosening something already broke free. They are not a substitute for a proper line wrench though.

 

[Astro14]

I’ve got a set of crowfoot line wrenches, but they’re SK...so...same design but different price and I would be upset if I broke one. Unfortunately, my set only goes to 19mm. I can use my SAE set for a 22mm (7/8”) but I needed a 21mm recently.

Still, the tie rods I just did on a ‘98 F-150 were very rusty (one of the perils of being near the ocean) and took an open end plus cheater. My 21mm Stahlwille (Thank you again for that recommendation, Trav) performed perfectly.

I used this extender, which is so much better than a pipe:


Wait, Trav, think I have you to thank for that recommendation, too!

 

[skyactiv]

The Wera Joker Wrenches look interesting.

 

[Trav]

That salt air is a killer, I looked at a V12 E Type jag down your way some years ago, when I looked underneath there was no car left it was realistically beyond repair so you know exactly what I am talking about with corrosion.
Those conditions seperate good tools from bad in short order.

 

[Trav]

The Wera Joker Wrenches look interesting.

Gimmicky crap when you really put them through their paces, best to leave them alone.

 

[JC1]

I had to use the open end wench yesterday to change the snowblower auger belt.

They are useful when access restricts the box end wrench from being used.

 

[doublebase]

I avoid using the open end as much as humanly possible, can’t remember the last time that I did or had to.

 

[dlundblad]

End fitting on a high pressure power steering hose. This screws into a Chevy hydroboost unit.

View attachment 45647

I knew a comment like this was coming. I’ve never used open end on a fitting. Always brake line or crow foot brake like wrench for me.

 

[RooflessVW]

I use the open end more often than the box end in my line of work. If I can use the box end, I'm going to use a ratchet or ratcheting wrench.

My combination wrenches are almost exclusively for tight quarters, where nothing else will fit.

 

[JHZR2]

I avoid using the open end as much as humanly possible, can’t remember the last time that I did or had to.

I agree, but sometimes you can’t. Recently I did shocks on my Dodge Ram. No way to get a box end on the nuts. Had to use open end, and it was all so seized that I ended up having to shear the bolt while loosening.. The 21” Wright open end held it perfectly without rounding the nut.

 

[Astro14]

Wright makes excellent tools. If I didn’t already have that nice set of Stahlwille metric wrenches...and a set of made in the USA craftsman professional SAE from “back in the day”, then I would have a set of Wright.

 

[AutoMechanic]

Yes you use it a lot more than most people realize. As mentioned above use it for tie rod ends. I’ve also had to use it in tight spots too when the box end wouldn’t work because their was obstructions. I used a open end while replacing fuel lines on my dads Freightliner I had to use 7/8, 15/16 and 1 inch and couldn’t find that size line wrench anywhere and if I was able to it would of been really expensive. Also on GM fuel filters that are in the lines I’ve had to use my 20mm open end wrench many times before for those because again don’t have that size in line wrench and it’s a super rare size to encounter.

 

[Snagglefoot]

I knew a comment like this was coming. I’ve never used open end on a fitting. Always brake line or crow foot brake like wrench for me.

Brake line wrenches are very unforgiving on the approach angle. They only work if there is absolutely nothing to bang into. Anyway, not to bicker.