Ok.
No-Skip Metric Combination Wrenches Needed
- Thread starter rstsco
- Start date
Received the Astro Tools 12-piece super-thin, ratcheting combination wrenches and 1/2" drive, metric, swivel impact sockets (these are beasts!). I also picked up a 5-Piece, Milwaukee Torque Lock Locking Pliers Set. I've had the fully-functioning Craftsman aluminum jack for 20 years or so. Thank you again for everyone's input.
I hope they work out for you. Astro makes some very good tools for the price. I have most of their impact sockets and low-profile nano sockets with the ratchets and wrenches that work with them.
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2024
- Messages
- 236
I've been happy with my Wen (reversible ratcheting) & Carlyle (long panel) Taiwan made no skip wrench sets. Carlyle has moved production to China for many of its products with the change in color scheme (now neon green.) The older blue/ yellow Carlyle was high quality.
The astro wrenches look nice!
https://www.amazon.com/SWANLAKE-32-...8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1
I have a set of these in my RV. I have used them a few times. Good value.
I have a set of these in my RV. I have used them a few times. Good value.
I only have a few Snap on wrenches along with Hazet and Stahlwille complete sets, Proto, old pre-Danaher Armstrong and the Icon ratcheting anti slip, are they as good as Snap on? No they are not when pushed to the extreme but they are indeed a very good tool. What they are is one of the best wrench values on the market today bar none, they are certainly not a value tool. Snap on has the edge but are not 4 times better. JMHO
BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
the ratcheting anti slip arent the same as their normal combination wrench anti slip.
There have been test done on both, as far as the tool quality itself without taking price into account the Snap on is a better tool but not by much, when you throw price into the mix the Icon is ahead by a long shot especially if you get them at 40% off and consider they are 1/4 the price with a walk in walk out no questions asked lifetime warranty.
you'll love them doing brake and suspension work.
I prefer USA made Wright but I have to order them. I have been buying Icon lately and I’m happy with them. Important to me, they are made in Taiwan, not China.
Honestly my primary set in my service cart is Tekton. IIRC they didn't test that great but I almost never push combo wrenches to the extreme and I see very little rust.
If a combo wrench isn't getting it done I've always been able to find alternatives: socket, blue wrench etc.
I will say Matco's spline drive on ratcheting wrenches sucks. Even with no rust they'll tear into a fastener which IMO is just the beginning stage of rounding it. I'm still bewildered by spline drive unless you need the advantages of 8pt, square etc -- beyond that it's a solution looking for a problem
The Williams and Blue Point ratchet wrenches are today made in Taiwan by Infar who also make them for Icon, Carlyle and a few others.
The Icon no slip are the long pattern ones so it does not hurt to own both.
The Icon no slip are the long pattern ones so it does not hurt to own both.
I won't argue the Snap On wrenches are nice. I have some I've gotten over the years, but I've never bought brand new.
I don't imagine a person looking at a $120 set from Home Depot is wanting to drop something like $600 on Snap On. I just mentioned Snap On because the Icon sets are very similar and have proven to be durable... and are in that Home Depot kit price range.
Myself, I'm not brand loyal. I buy what looks that it'll do the job and the price is agreeable. My main wrench set is about 25 years old Craftsman that I bought when I was a "tech" at the Sears Auto Center. I think I replaced a 1/2" and 9/16" for wearing out, but I can't complain about them.
I don't imagine a person looking at a $120 set from Home Depot is wanting to drop something like $600 on Snap On. I just mentioned Snap On because the Icon sets are very similar and have proven to be durable... and are in that Home Depot kit price range.
Myself, I'm not brand loyal. I buy what looks that it'll do the job and the price is agreeable. My main wrench set is about 25 years old Craftsman that I bought when I was a "tech" at the Sears Auto Center. I think I replaced a 1/2" and 9/16" for wearing out, but I can't complain about them.
I have worked in the profession for 50+ years and I don't want to spend $600 for a basic set of wrenches. There are still a few top shelf brands that sell for less than half and are equally as good. These 3 sets together didn't cost $600 and are some of the finest German made tools you can buy.
Love my Hazets and Stahlwille wrenches.
I got the Hazets on @Trav's recommendation. I'm honestly undecided on the more squared-off body.
Also, I think it's unfortunate because the dull silver finish looks either kinda cheap like Great Neck-esque, or like the OLD tools coated with the stuff that'll kill ya if you sand it.....Cadmium, maybe??
Also, I think it's unfortunate because the dull silver finish looks either kinda cheap like Great Neck-esque, or like the OLD tools coated with the stuff that'll kill ya if you sand it.....Cadmium, maybe??
