Best Wrench Sets Reviews & Ratings 2024
You can never can have enough tools in your toolbox, both at home for your personal projects, and in the professional field. One of the more useful tools to have is a solid set of wrenches. If you are anything like me, you may have every wrench you need, but most are scattered helter skelter from various projects. A 3/4” here or a 20mm there. If it’s from a socket set, the bits are useless without the proper coordinating ratchet piece. Say you’re working on your car, and you go to grab a wrench, and the size you need is missing. DIY projects become useless when you reach for a size you need, only to find it is no longer where it was before.
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One of the utmost problems commonly presented – misusing your wrench sizes when the right size is not available, thereby damaging your set and requiring replacement. It can also result in bruising your hands and damage to the project itself. And let’s not forget the proper way to use a wrench – always pull, never push a wrench. Just like with over tightening and stripping of a screw with a screwdriver, a wrench has the same issues – over-torquing can present problems in removal and/or ruin the wrench itself.
Let’s consider two of the most common types of wrenches – the combination wrench and socket wrench. The more popular and conventional wrench is the combination wrench, which provides a fixed size per wrench. The combination wrench both measures in SAE (Society of Auto Engineers) and metric. Whereas the socket wrench depends on a ratchet with interchangeable sockets, and is also available both in SAE and metric. A socket wrench set allows you to be able to handle a variety of projects with ease.
10 Best Wrenches Sets
1. Tekton Combination Kit 90191
The wrenches were made to be given a rough handling, and to be able to handle tight spaces not easily assessable. The fifteen-degree angle on the open end allows you to get in between spaces without sacrificing grip or torque. There is more than enough room for your fingers to avoid the inevitable, dreaded scrapes easily had with other tools. On the other end of the wrench, the twelve-point box end grips onto the sides of the nut and not the corners.
Tekton is a great brand with a large following. The manufacturer has a terrific lifetime warranty as well as top notch customer service. But chances are, you won’t need to use either. The only major downside I discovered was that the wrenches are not made in the United States and the holder does feel flimsy under the weight of a full wrench set.
- Includes both SAE and Metric
- Includes store and go keeper
- Made with premium chrome vanadium steel
- 15-degree open end for tight spaces
- Keeper stores easily in toolbox
- Each wrench has it’s clearly marked size
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Great customer service
- Some slight blemishes reflecting an imperfect finish
- Comes with a flimsy holder
- Not made in the United States
2. Crescent CCWS5 Set with Roll Pouch
Each size is clearly marked and the alloy steel with chrome finish is heat-treated and made to last. The rugged design has an extremely solid feel in your grip and can loosen or tighten the toughest nuts and bolts. I found this set to be extremely versatile as well with the included soft pouch. Roll the kit up in its storage case and it can be stored in your truck, in your shop, in gear, or practically anywhere without taking up much space.
The price is a bit steeper than most, and as mentioned, only includes 14 pieces. Keep in mind, however, that what you spend in money, you save in impeccable quality, endurance, and long-lasting durability. If for some reason the product is flawed, all Crescent wrenches come with a lifetime warranty, and excellent customer service. And since they have been around for several lifetimes, the name speaks for itself.
- Clearly marked sizes
- Durable alloy steel with chrome finish
- Holds up to wear/tear
- Comes with rollable carrying case
- Clear identification
- Solid construction
- Lifetime warranty
- Not available with Metric and SAE combined
- Open end of wrench is rounded
- Limited quantity included
- Higher price range
3. Husky 28 Piece SAE & Metric Kit
This complete set comes with various sizes ranging from ¾” to ¼” in SAE and 18 to 6 mm and is packaged in a well-marked plastic storage case. As with other companies, the storage case is more of a bonus accessory, and it not made to be a permanent storage container. It does not live up to some of the other competitors on the market as the wrenches have a difficult time staying in place and the plastic tabs that secure them in place can break off rather easily.
The Husky kit comes in at a cheap price and is guaranteed “forever” by its manufacturer.
- Includes both SAE and Metric
- Has a 15-degree offset
- Great price for quantity and quality
- Includes a case that folds for storage
- Mobility and versatility
- Phenomenally low priced
- Lifetime warranty
- Cheaply made case
- Wrenches don’t always stay in place
- Some sizes not available
- Short wrench sizes are duplicates of longer wrench sizes
4. Craftsman 32 Piece Kit 9-49828
The rugged alloy steel design delivers fast torque, and the durable lasting feel of each wrench will give you confidence that the tool will withstand some of the toughest uses you would need them for. Not only is the kit perfect for any personal tool collection, it is especially ideal for any auto shop or garage. Many of the sizes will fit spark plugs, and the larger wrenches carry enough torque for lug nuts and engine bolts.
Because Craftsman is no longer made in the United States, this has brought some negativity with the product now being made overseas. However, despite the change in local, the Craftsman brand still sticks behind it’s one hundred percent Forever Warranty and its dependable name. Its pricing comes in at the higher scale.
- Includes both SAE and Metric
- Brand recognition
- Rugged Design
- Both SAE and Metric
- Includes storage case
- Forever Warranty
- Durability
- Higher end of pricing
- Storage case is not sturdy enough for product
- No longer made in United States
- Very few Amazon reviews to compare with other sets
5. Horusdsy 30 Piece Set
With both SAE and Metric sizes included, the set is the last set of wrenches you will need for a long lasting, dependable, and versatile set. Unlike other brands that include a sometimes shoddily made case to keep your set in, the Horusdsy kit comes with a cloth bag, which easily stores and marks your wrench set, providing protection to your tools with years of use. Each size on the pouch is written in white paint so that when you need to find the right wrench, it is right there and readily available. The set has many sizes included in its kit to offer, which proves to be a big help.
It comes with a manageable price. Since it can be difficult reading the sizes on the wrenches if they aren’t stored in the pouch, you might find yourself scrambling to find the right size come crunch time, so you will want to be sure to store the wrenches back in the appropriate pocket as a precaution.
With the lightweight yet durable design and size for every occasion, this set will offer a helpful hand no matter where you might be, although it does not advertise a known warranty, which can be a downside to this useful set.
- Includes both SAE and Metric
- Cloth bag with clear sizes marked
- Lightweight design
- 12-point opening
- Various sizes
- Sizes hard to read when not in cloth bag provided
- Higher end of price range
- No known warranty
6. Dewalt 34 Piece DWMT73804
As with all Dewalt products, this set is built to last. No shoddy construction as these little guys can pack the punch and prove they are worth all their weight in gold. The set comes stored in a rugged plastic case, and they sit tight behind the yellow branding making it easy to find, with the individual plastic shelves able to be stacked in a tool drawer. Each case is also made to interlock with other Dewalt cases ensuring a tight, sturdy fit in storage. However, I have a feeling like with mine, your Dewalt case will be open most of the time as you use the 72-tooth ratchet to securely tighten and loosen bolts and nuts with many projects.
With a lifetime warranty, the Dewalt set comes in mid-range in pricing with an average and affordable price.
- Popular and reliable brand
- Rugged storage case
- 72-tooth Ratchet
- Removable, Stackable Inner Tray for Tool Drawers
- Usable with power drivers
- Mid-level pricing
- Known for slip grip
- Shallow sockets
- Dipped chrome may wear off after time
- Known to have fit issues with some sockets
7. Stanley 85 Piece Set STMT71651
Starting with the basic, yet reliable, 40-piece kit, Stanley also offers kits which include 50, 60, 85, 123, 145 and 201 sockets. When deciding on what sizes you need, the set offers a plethora of options to choose from without having too little or too many items. It is a comprehensive kit that includes a 3/8” spark plug socket for use in the garage. Also included in the Stanley 85 Piece set are both the three inch as well as the six inch ratchet extensions, options that many other sets do not include within their sets. This comes in extremely handy when needing extra length or the ability to get into harder to reach areas.
Not only are they ANSI standard, the set includes sockets found in professional shops across the globe. If you are looking for a reliable, high-quality socket set, I recommend that you look no further. The pricing on this product comes in at an affordable price, but on the downside, only includes a limited lifetime warranty.
- Well known brand
- ANSI standard
- Includes a 3/8” spark plug socket
- Includes screwdriver bits
- Different size options and extender bars
- 15% more torque
- Carrying case
- Great value per pricing
- Sizes not marked well on case
- Tough to take the sockets out of case
- Not durable loose/tighten lever on ratchet
- Includes only a limited lifetime warranty
8. Tekton 45 Piece Set
Each of the 6-point sockets keep a locked grip on fasteners using the sides, as opposed to the corners. This ensures no slipping or lost torque. Just when you feel that you can’t possibly go any tighter, the ratchet keeps going, ensuring a tight fit. On the other side, when confronted with a difficult, over-tightened nut, I felt fully-confident that I could loosen it without maximum effort when using a socket from the set.
One drawback I did find during operation, however, was with the direction lever which comes included. It does not lock easily, and often would move during operation. The other drawback was that I could not use the bits with my impact driver.
When you consider the cost which is decent, and the ample accessories and size choices that come with it, the Tekton 45 Piece set offers a versatile set to compliment any work setting. On the downside, although the warranty process is not completely specified by Tekton, it is guaranteed per their representative statements. This could be considered a downfall when compared to other products on the market.
- Includes both SAE and Metric
- Sleek design
- 3/8” and ¼” drives
- Includes a universal joint, 6-inch extension rod, and a power socket adapter
- Sturdy storage box
- Mid to higher price range
- Direction lever doesn’t lock
- Bits not interchangeable with impact drivers
- Warranty is not explained fully
9. Stalwart 40 Piece Set 75-HT3013
With both SAE and Metric sizes in a sleek plastic case, a ratchet from this set performs the task no matter how big or small the hardware is. While most of the sockets only fit the ¼” drive, when the need is called I found the torque in this set to perform admirably.
The bargain with Stalwart products is real and it is worth it to have an extra set just in case. For simple projects around the house or on the go, the Stalwart 40 Piece Set comes in handy and can be counted on. The one downside to this product is a lack of a visibly defined warranty on the product.
- Includes both SAE and Metric
- Can’t beat the bargain pricewise
- Comes with a case
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Great for mobile use
- Most sockets only fit ¼” drive
- Limited to supplemental use and small projects
- Made of soft metal
10. EPAuto 69
For those who need a more comprehensive socket set for the garage, this set comes with two extender bars measuring in at 3/8” and 1/4", as well as two 3/8” drive spark plug sockets – one at 5/8” and the other at 13/16”. Unlike many sets, this option comes with a very hand pearhead ratchet.
Although it comes with a case, the sockets loosen when the case is stood upright, and cause many of the pieces to fall out of place. On the downside, if you have big hands, this set may not be the one for you as the handles of the EPAuto 69 are quite slim.
The price range averages on the mid to high price range, but does not include a warranty. Compared to similar products available on the market today, the lack of warranty combined with the higher price can be a considerable turnoff.
- Priced well
- Two extension bars - 3/8” and 1/4"
- Two 3/8” drive spark plug sockets – 5/8” and 13/16”
- Includes bonus pearhead ratchet
- Heavy duty case
- Sockets loosen in upright case
- Slim ratchets not good for big hands
- No warranty
Criteria to Keep in Mind for Evaluation
As with any tool or equipment purchase, when determining the right set of wrenches to purchase, there are many factors to take into consideration. Weighing the pros and cons of each product is quite helpful, but sometimes even that is not enough. Before even considering the pros and cons of a product, take a step back and think of the project(s) you will be working on, and what you will use these for with future needs.
Maybe give this a little consideration – do you want to pass your tools down to other generations to use with the same gusto as when they were first purchased? Do you want your future generations to feel a sense of wonder and amazement when they hold a tool in their hand that was passed down? Or would you rather they go and purchase all new equipment because your tools have become rusted and abused with the simple passing of time? I know from personal experience the satisfaction and pride I felt when being gifted with my grandfather’s ancient toolset that was in mint condition due to the rugged nature of the tools and the long-lasting durability.
Consider the following:
Type of wrench set
The first thing to consider when deciding on your purchase is the type of wrench set you will need. Perhaps you want a variety of wrenches, but can only afford one set. Do you want a combination wrench set or a socket wrench set? Or maybe you can afford and want both a combination wrench set and a socket wrench set for various projects, but do you know if you want different sizes, or do you mind overlap? These are very important questions to ask yourself as you as begin to explore the options out there.
Quantity of items per set
With the many competing brand out there offering a variety of different sizes, its important to look at quantity included in comparison to other products. How many wrenches are included with the set you are considering? Does the set include enough items that you do not need to purchase a companion set to replace any necessary pieces not included? Is this something you will be able to utilize on future projects, or will you be limited? Quantity is not always rated a top priority, but when you get started on your projects, and only have limited wrenches to work with, you may rethink your smaller set.
Durability and quality
One of the most important things to debate in any purchase, especially in tools, is the quality of the materials being purchased. Are the wrench sets being considered designed to last and are durable? Or are they made of subpar material that keeps the cost down, but will require replacement after a short amount of time? If you’re like most, you want a product that will last a long time, and don’t look forward to having to replace a piece due to shoddy production value.
Cost
Cost, quantity and quality go hand in hand and should play a very important part in your purchase. Will you be paying for the brand as opposed to the quality, or is the name of the brand more important to you? Are you getting a good value for the quantity of wrenches included with the kit you are purchasing? You may be looking at a phenomenally priced tool set, but if you haven’t taken a step back and asked yourself if they are they made to last, you could be making a purchase mistake.
Warranty
Finally, the warranty on the product should be one of the top items to consider before settling on just any tool set, wrenches included. In the long run – who wants to replace their tools? But it happens, and with a strong and functional warranty in place, the investment makes sense. Consider the following – does the manufacturer include a lifetime or limited warranty? Does it give you a shady definition of what the warranty is, or is it explained well? Or maybe the set doesn’t include a warranty at all? Who wants to purchase a set of tools, only to have them break and not be returnable or covered under warranty? Not many people I know.
Conclusion
Just like with any tool set, doing your homework thoroughly and choosing a wrench set is just as important as researching the product your buying first instead of just randomly purchasing the cheapest option that becomes available. If you are purchasing the tools for your own personal usage, take into consideration how often they will be used, what you will be using them for, and how you will treat your new tool set. Likewise, for business purposes, keep in mind that if you purchase solely on price per tool and not reliability, you may be quickly replacing the wrench set you invested in and spending more money overall. With the changes in current manufacturing standards nowadays, tools may not be made as durable as they once were. But with the right amount of due diligence, you can invest in a product that will serve you well.
