Tool Question

[AndrewBird]

So I'm looking into buying a good set of combination wrenches (non-ratcheting) and am trying to decide whether to go with 6 point or 12 point. Now, keeping in mind that I am getting a high quality set (i.e. - not crap that will fit incorectly), what should I get, 6 or 12?

There isn't much of a price difference, so that isn't an issue. What do you guys prefer and why?

I'm also open to brand suggestions. Personally I like Proto Professional tools. Don't even bother suggesting Craftsman. I HATE them.

[Ferret]

Almost all my combination wrenches are 12 points, I don't think I ever saw a 6 point set for sale.
The advantage of the 12 points wrenches is that they allow more flexsibility in tight places. Some times the space is so tight that it does not allow to turn the wrench 60 degrees and a 6 point wrench is useless.

Avner.

[AndrewBird]

I understand how a 12 or 6 point wrench would be usefull, I was more wanting to know your guy's opinion on which you like better for the advantages.

FYI, the tools I'm looking at now you can get in either 12 or 6 point sets, hence my question.

Adding to my first question, how about ratchets? Most I've seen are the "pear-head" style. I've never liked these as the head is so big, it won't fit in some tight areas. Is there any advantage to this style over typical round head ratches?

I've heard about new "clutch" type ratches that use no teeth and work somewhat like a strap wrench (internally). Anyone have experience with these?

[SchnellerVert]

Snap-On my favorite anyday.
Matco/ SK/ Facom harder to get or locate but very good quality
Craftsman/Husky these are everywhere and good return policy.

Cornwell?

[FredK]

If you get a nice set of 12 point combo wrenches, you should be fine. In my book, the increased swing radius outweighs the number of times a fastener will get stripped by the decreased amount of contact surface. Most all BMW bolts are Grade 8.8 or higher so the heads don't often get rounded off, I've found.

Proto or maybe Blackhawk (by Proto) is a good deal if you can get them on Fleabay or other places.

If you need a toolset for work, yes, definitely invest in some quality tools. Honestly, though, I feel as a weekend tinkerer, Crapsman gets the job done. You won't care if you pound the hell out of a Craftsman combo wrench with a 2lb sledge. I paid around $35 on Ebay for 6mm to 24mm, with no skips except 23mm.

For internal engine work I'd probably prefer getting a better torque wrench though, something like a CDI, Armstrong, Proto, or S-K. Save the cash and put it towards a compressor and some air tools. Just my 2 cents.

[Simon S]

i love 6 points and generally hate 12 points (why do they even make 12 point sockets?)

There was a time when I needed a 6 point wrench and decided to get a whole set.

I’ve never regretted that purchase.

(understand my bias for 6 point stems from working on older (sometimes rusty/corroded) machinery)

.

[AndrewBird]

While Snap-On is nice stuff, it's a bit pricey IMO. I should be able to get a discount through school however, so it might balance out.

I'm really leaning towards Proto, mainly based off of personal experience with them. MY father's tools are pretty much all Proto, so I've been using them for years and like them.

I'm buying tools for school and for a future career in the automotive field, so base your suggestions off of that. I will also be buying a set of both Metric and Standard.

The best part of all of it is that I have school money saved for this AND everything I buy will be tax deductible since it is for school!

Any opinion on ratchets?

[SchnellerVert]

i love 6 points and generally hate 12 points (why do they even make 12 point sockets?)

There was a time when I needed a 6 point wrench and decided to get a whole set.

I’ve never regretted that purchase.

(understand my bias for 6 point stems from working on older (sometimes rusty/corroded) machinery)

.

Aviation industry uses 12 point nuts and bolts that is why.

[Mike325]

Any opinion on ratchets?

I would not skimp on the ratchets at all. I have been at the BMW dealer for around 7 months and I have seen what a shitty ratchet can do to a hand when they skip or what ever. The most common ratchets around here are the snap-on, mac and matco. I have mac ones and they work very nice. I like the matco better, but mac is still very nice.

[mrsleeve]

look if you hate crapsman go buy the pro line (high polish) stuff verry good stuff IMO. Its all I use anymore, good warenty and eaiser to get taken care of than snap or matco all though I quite a but of stuff from them too.

[unijoe]

12 pt wrenches. anything requiring more torque should be 6pt and attached to something air driven.


mac is decent, but snap on takes the cake. if you make a living with your tools, then by all means get something that will last and work flawlessly.

[der affe]

I would not skimp on the ratchets at all. I have been at the BMW dealer for around 7 months and I have seen what a shitty ratchet can do to a hand when they skip or what ever. The most common ratchets around here are the snap-on, mac and matco. I have mac ones and they work very nice. I like the matco better, but mac is still very nice.

as far as the ratchet's snap-on is the best, but also the most expensive. alot of times you can get a tool that is made by mac/matco/cornwell that is only slightly less quality for alot cheaper, then put the $ to use for other tools. i have several different ratchets for different situations. mac has their micro ser. that have a 3 deg swing arc (read finer teeth) that work great in tight places, but they will eventually strip the gears if you amp on them all the time (free replacement though). you should get a long handled locking flex head...use this for high torque stuff and breaking loose things (3/8") , reg legnth 3/8", reg legnth 1/2", long 1/2", reg 1/4", 3/8" air ratchet (i have the mac and it has stupid amounts of torque like 70ish lbs), and a 1/4" air ( mac for me). this and a good assortment of extensions will cover just about anything you might run into. if you are making your living with them you wil mostly use the air ratchets for the time savings they will give you.
as far wrenches the same goes as far as snap-on being the best. i just couldn't justify spending an extra $170 just because they said snap-on and went for the matco's insted, and have beeen very happy. buy a set of longs and a set of gearwrench style stubbies that are box/open and you will have it covered. you will use the longs for just about everything, the std. legnths aren't long enough for alot of situations, so don't waste you $ on them until later. buy from the tool trucks if you can afford it, it give you ease of replacement and availabilty of the tools when you need them. try to buy them when they are on salethere are always some tools you will need on the special fliers of each truck and you can usually save some big $ or small $ and they throw in other tools free when you buy.
hope this helps you out,
greg

[StereoInstaller1]

Here is my opinion, since you asked.

Sockets, Extensions, Hand ratchets, Screwdrivers : Snap on. Fuck everthing else, spend the dough. Worth every dime.

Pliers, etc: ChannelLock. Great quality, great tool. They make the best crimper too, IMHO. Purdy bloo color too. As the Snap On in my box dwindles, it turns that purdy bloo. Half the price, the same or better quality.

Air Tools? I/R, Porter Cable, no Campbell Hausfield. Do not buy air tools off of a truck. If ya gotta go cheap, Husky, Astro. Fuck Snap On Airtools! Never again will I spend $400 on a air ratchet only to have it break 5 times in 7 years, costing me $100 each time to get it fixed...like I said, fuck SnapOn Air Tools!

Luke

[der affe]

Here is my opinion, since you asked.

Sockets, Extensions, Hand ratchets, Screwdrivers : Snap on. Fuck everthing else, spend the dough. Worth every dime.

Pliers, etc: ChannelLock. Great quality, great tool. They make the best crimper too, IMHO. Purdy bloo color too. As the Snap On in my box dwindles, it turns that purdy bloo. Half the price, the same or better quality.

Air Tools? I/R, Porter Cable, no Campbell Hausfield. Do not buy air tools off of a truck. If ya gotta go cheap, Husky, Astro. Fuck Snap On Airtools! Never again will I spend $400 on a air ratchet only to have it break 5 times in 7 years, costing me $100 each time to get it fixed...like I said, fuck SnapOn Air Tools!

Luke

i've gotta agree with you on the air tools. the only one that i have liked was my air hammer. it is ok to buy them off of the truck just get them on sale always!!!! remember that all the name brand air tools (read truck stuff) only have a year warrenty that is it, after that you are on your own. as far as the crimpers...have you tried the Klien tools crimper? extra long handles, nice deep spike and groove for crimping, life time warr. even if you dull them out cutting things you aren't supposed to, and available at the depot.
greg

[erik325i]

as far as the ratchet's snap-on is the best, but also the most expensive

I like my Matco ratchet better than my boss's Snap-on or Mac.

It has a nice long handle, small head fits in small places, and has very fine teeth.

For sockets I preffer my Mac Edge set, and for combo wrenches, I like my Mac knucle savers.

-Erik