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6 best wrench sets you need in your toolbox

Finding the best wrench set for your projects is easy. Maybe you have a few top-rated wrench sets in your online shopping cart. Or maybe you’re still reading reviews on that expensive set of combination or high-end ratcheting wrenches. We’ve made your decision easy — you’ll find everything you need to know about selecting the best collection of wrenches for your construction, building, repair, and home project needs.

Below is a detailed breakdown of ratcheting, combination, high-end, open-end, box-end, and offset wrenches. Discover why these wrenches are considered the best based on product descriptions and more.

Best overall wrench set

The best overall wrench set offers comparability in price, features, and quality. The GEARWRENCH 20-Piece Ratcheting Wrench Set runs lower than most high-end wrench sets without skimping on quality or flexibility in use. According to GEARWRENCH, this set is solid and meets and/or exceeds ANSI, DIN, and federal torque specifications. Other notable features include:

  • SAE sizes: 1/4, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, and 3/4 inches
  • Off-road tools include metric sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 millimeters
  • The ratcheting box ends move fasteners with speed and ease
  • The surface drive box ends have firm grips on fasteners, which helps eliminate rounding

The features for this wrench set speak for themselves, but make sure to check out the reviews and demo video through the link above. You’ll be more than convinced as to why this is the best wrench set overall.

Contractor holding a wrench set

Most affordable wrench set

Your priority when choosing a wrench set may not be overall quality or durability, but rather affordability. If you’re trying to earn your contractor’s license and can’t spend a ton on tools, consider investing in the Crescent CCWS2 SAE Combination Wrench Set. This set of wrenches from Crescent Tools runs less than $50, and with what it offers, that’s a phenomenal price.

You’ll find durable tools with the specially formulated and heat-treated Crestoloy alloy steel. This fabrication improves the strength and corrosion resistance of the wrench set. The nickel-chrome plating makes for easy cleaning and means its overall durability is tops. Other features include off-corner loading on the box ends that reduces fastener rounding. Dual-end size stamping makes for easy identification.

Included wrench sizes are as follows: 1/4, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, and 3/4 inches. You’ll find the essentials in this wrench set more than compensate for the lack of higher-end details. And for most construction jobs, you can’t overlook a critical tool like wrenches.

Best high-end wrench set

Of course, affordability isn’t the top priority for everyone’s construction work. You may be interested in the best of the best and are even willing to pay for it. The best overall set of wrenches compromises on nonessential features, whereas the high-end set does not. The best high-end wrench set is the GEARWRENCH Reversible Ratcheting Wrench Set. This high-end set boasts alloy steel manufacturing for better strength and longer tool life, like other quality wrench sets. The convenient size stamping on the heads and beams allows for quick identification.

This GEARWRENCH set features 72-tooth ratcheting box ends, which only need 5 degrees to move fasteners. Unlike standard wrenches, which require 30 degrees for ratcheting, this set also comes with a 15-degree offset to increase clearance. The flush-mounted reversing levers allow you to change direction without removing the wrench. And the off-corner loading design on the box ends allows for a better grip and reduces fastener rounding. The thin heads and beams provide greater access in confined work areas, allowing you to use the tools in the tightest spaces.

Best 0pen-end wrench set

The best open-end wrench set is the Craftsman Standard and Metric Flare Nut Wrench Set. Its top features include one-piece steel alloy construction for rugged performance. You can ideally use these when stripping or replacing old nuts on fuel and brake lines. With this Craftsman wrench set, you get Craftsman quality with the company’s forever warranty.

These quality engineered tools prevent the edges from rounding out over time from natural wear and tear. This wrench set includes sizes: 3/8 by 7/16, 1/2 by 9/16, 5/8 by 11/16, and 3/4 by 7/8 inches and 9 by 11, 10 by 12, 13 by 14, 15 by 17, and 19 by 21 millimeters.

Person using a wrench

Best ratcheting wrench set

Another GEARWRECH product finds its way onto the best wrench set list: GEARWRENCH 13-Piece SAE Master Ratcheting Set. Top features include 72-tooth ratcheting box ends that need a minimum of 5 degrees to move faster than the 30 degrees for standard wrenches. This wrench set meets or exceeds ASME and ANSI specifications.

The off-corner loading design on the box ends provides better grip and reduces fastener rounding, too. Their thin heads and beams make it easier to access confined work areas. For added convenience, the dual-end size stamping makes for quick identification. Plus, these tools are built to last with alloy-steel manufacturing, which means they offer better strength. The chrome finish makes for easy cleaning and corrosion resistance.

Best offset wrench set

The best offset wrench set is the WORKPRO Box End Wrench Set. Its desirable features include chrome vanadium alloy steel for durability and abrasion resistance. The heat treatment and drop forging increase durability and maximum strength. Their chrome plating also helps with rust resistance.

The double, 12-point box ends and offset handles work in narrow places, easing any tight workspace. Included wrench sizes are: 6 by 7, 8 by 9, 10 by 11, 12 by 13, 14 by 15, 16 by 17, 18 by 19, and 20 by 22 millimeters. Other extras include an ABS organizer rack for safe storage and a new set guarantee or full refund if you’re not satisfied with a purchase.

Editors' Recommendations

Amanda Hoyer
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Degreed in Psychology and English, Amanda fell into copywriting and blogging when she discovered an innate gift for narrative…
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