Best Wrench Set Reviews: Which One is for You?

Wrenches can perform the same way as sockets and ratchets; you use it to tighten and loosen fasteners. However, a wrench is a better option for stuck fasteners as you can use it to apply more torque without damaging the mechanism. The problem is actually never about the necessity of buying a wrench set but about which is the best wrench set to buy.

I had a solid wrench set which I’ve used for more than ten years. However, the wrenches were already worn out, and I thought it’s time that I should buy a new one.

As I was looking around for a wrench set to buy, I came across a notable problem - there were too many manufacturers claiming to have made the best professional wrench set. Because I couldn’t take any of the manufacturer’s word for it, I decided to do my own research.

More...


You should always make sure that the tool you are buying is suitable for the work you’re doing. You can’t simply assume that the best adjustable wrench set for a homeowner is the best quality wrench set for a car mechanic. There are several factors that you need to consider before you make your decision.

Shape and Size

Adjustable wrenches, open-end wrenches, allen wrenches, and torque wrenches - all of these are different types of wrenches. The shape and size of a wrench vary depending on its use.

An adjustable wrench can be adjusted, so you can work on an assortment of nuts and bolts.

An open-end wrench can work on opposite faces of nuts and bolts.

An allen wrench can match hexagonal-shaped ends of bolts and screws.

Meanwhile, a torque wrench is used to apply a torque to a nut or bolt.

Each type of wrenches also comes in different sizes. It’s best that you buy them in a set, so you can work on any kinds of projects.

wrench-set-in-the-garage

Metric Or Standard

​The head of the wrench can either be classified as metric size or standard size. It is metric if it measures bolts in millimeters while standard wrenches use inches in measurement. Buy one you’re most comfortable using.

Durability

best-quality-wrench-set

If you want to save money, you should look for a wrench that does not get broken easily.

Wrenches made from chrome vanadium steel (CrV) are popular as they are highly durable. They are also corrosion-resistant, so they can last for years.

The alloy "chrome" will improve steel hardness significantly.
The alloy "vanadium" will increase the steel toughness. So it will affect high temperature and deformation resistance.

Wrenches made from wrought iron or cast iron are another good choice.

Ease Of Use

A good lightweight wrench should slide around the head of the nut easily and grip it sufficiently.

Take a look at the length of the handle. Short handles can reduce the amount of force you need to turn the wrench. Meanwhile, long handles can increase the turning force.

working-in-the-garage

Our Picks - Best Wrench Sets Review


High-quality tools are an investment. Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the points you must consider before buying a wrench, you need to search for the best type of wrench set that can serve the specific purpose you’re buying it for.

Editor’s Pick - The Product We Recommend

Gearwrench 20-Piece Ratcheting Wrench Set, SAE and Metric 35720

This wrench set boasts of being extremely strong as it meets the DIN, ANSI, and federal torque specifications.

The set includes SAE sizes of 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch and metric sizes of 6 mm to 18 mm.

This originally patented ratcheting wrench also comes with Surface Drive on the box for off-loading. Thus, it has better grip and requires less fastener rounding.

You only need to make small swing arcs to tighten the fasteners, so you can get your work done with less effort.

As a finishing touch, the wrenches are covered in bright and full polish chrome finish.

Considered to be one of the best wrench brands, GearWrench is known for the unparalleled strength of their tools. Their wrench set is ideal for both amateur and professional use.

Pros

  • Good finish and durable
  • Nice, sturdy set
  • Great deal for the money

Cons

  • Gears tend to move from side to side
  • Hard to get apart the packaging

The Product For Your Money - Good Product for a Reasonable Price

Crescent CCWS2 Home Hand Tools Combination Wrench Set

Crescent mechanic tools all meet the ANSI load specification, so you can assure that they are strong and well-designed.

The Crescent CCWS2, though not as polished as other expensive tools, is actually good enough to perform minor projects.

If you want to go out of your way to buy high-quality USA-built tools without breaking the bank, then this is the most affordable alternative for you.

The set comes with 10 pieces of wrenches from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch SAE sizes and 8 millimeters to 14 millimeters metric sizes. These sizes are stamped on the sides of the tools, so it’s easy to identify them.

All of these feature the surface drive technology on the box end so it lessens fastener rounding.

They are built using chrome vanadium alloy steel that is heat-treated so ensure maximum strength and long-lasting durability. Then, they are plated in nickel chrome and finished with a mirror polish.

Pros

  • Resistant to corrosion and abrasion
  • Budget set anyone can afford
  • Virtually eliminates fastener rounding

Cons

  • Edge of the centerpiece not rounded off enough
  • Not suitable to be primary tools

Upgrade Pick - High Value for a High Price

GEARWRENCH 16 Pc. 12 Point Reversible Ratcheting Combination Metric Wrench Set - 9602N

Since it launched 50 original patented wrenches, GearWrench has been continuously leading in the specialty tools innovation and is considered as one of the best hand tool brands.

It’s no longer a shock that they have yet produced another wrench set that meets or surpasses the expectations of professional mechanics. The 6-piece metric set includes wrenches from 8 millimeters to 25 millimeters.

It comes with a wrench locker rack, so you can easily transport and store the tools.

This wrench set combines the speed of a ratchet and the control of a wrench, so you can easily access tight spaces without losing strength.

You can move at least 5 degrees to turn the fasteners; this is much better compared to the 30-degree movement of standard wrenches.

Because you can manipulate the wrenches easily, you can make a swift motion from right to left without necessarily removing the wrench from the nut or bolt. The 15-degree offset gives you additional knuckle clearance to operate safely. It is ideal for professional and amateur use.

Pros

  • Exceed a variety of torque specifications
  • Can access tight spaces easily
  • Easy and safe to control
  • Can last more than 10 years

Cons

  • Problems with the ratcheting mechanism
  • Defective wrenches sometimes included in the packaging

Professionals’ Pick - Best for Automotive Professionals

Sunex 9930 SAE Stubby Combination Wrench Set, 3/8-Inch - 15/15-Inch, 11-Piece

Since 1977, Sunex Tools have taken pride in being experts in industrial and automotive repair tools. They keep user experience at the forefront of their product development and design. It is from this manufacturer that you can buy the long-lasting and durable wrench set, Sunex 9930.

Sunex 9930 wrenches all have a compact design to maximize access in tight spaces.

Crafted from the fully-polished and finest grade alloy steel, these wrenches are durable and tough.

The set includes the most common sizes for an auto repair, ranging from 3/8 inch to 1 inch (SAE sizes).

It’s best used as a primary tool set for car repairs. As it comes with a canvas pouch, you can easily store it in the trunk.

However, you can also use this set for other professional jobs. Among all the wrenches in this list, the Sunex 9930 has gotten the most admirable reviews from mechanics.

Pros

  • Wrenches are excellent in finish and fit
  • Sized very well
  • Has a nice heavy feel
  • Can operate any mechanic job easily

Cons

  • Bulky when rolled up
  • Defective wrenches sometimes get past quality control

Final Thoughts


After careful consideration of the size, shape, durability, and ease of use of various wrenches, I’ve come to the conclusion that the most practical choice is the Gearwrench 20-Piece Ratcheting Wrench Set # 35720.

You will not regret adding this tool to your toolbox. I don’t think I’ve ever used a more durable wrench than those from GearWrench. This set, in particular, gives better grip so you can control it easily. Because it features the Surface Drive technology, it virtually eliminates fastener rounding.

Perhaps, the only other wrench set that can beat it in terms of quality is the GearWrench 9602 16-Piece Reversible Combination Ratcheting Wrench Set. However, I also have to consider the price. Though GearWrench 9602 is of the highest quality, many professionals and amateurs can’t afford to buy it.

The Crescent CCWS2 SAE Combination Wrench Set - 10 Piece and Sunex 9930 SAE Stubby Combination Wrench Set - 11 Piece are also good tool sets. However, they are lacking in terms of strength, control, and meeting torque specifications.

With so many wrench sets in the market, it’s easy to get confused on which one to buy. If you want to purchase the most dependable set of wrenches, you should take time to evaluate the quality of the tools before you invest in them. This said, I hope that the guide above has helped you in some way.

Tags:

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Man Of Family