October 10, 2024, 10:48 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Almost every DIY enthusiast has them – ring wrenches and open-end wrenches. When buying a new set, a combination tool could be useful. But convenience is not the only priority. There are other important criteria to consider when making your choice.
A tight-fitting screw head often requires the use of a combination wrench. This combination tool has an open-end wrench on one side and a closed combination wrench on the other. Particularly sophisticated models also have a ratchet on the ring side. Practical: This means you don’t always have to start again when turning. But convenience is not everything. A test by the trade magazine Selbst ist der Mann (issue 10/2024) shows that both inexpensive and more expensive models perform well.
When are combination wrenches used?
Combination wrenches, ring wrenches, and open-end wrenches are essential for tradespeople in many areas. They come into play as soon as nuts and bolts need to be effectively loosened or tightened. They are, therefore, available in many different wrench sizes. These range from four to 145 millimeters, with the corresponding width marked on the wrench. Combination wrenches are also used for work on bicycles, cars, or motorcycles.
Combination wrenches with or without ratchet function?
The test included twelve sets without a ratchet mechanism and ten sets with a ratchet mechanism. The result: There is hardly anything you can really do wrong when buying. Nevertheless, it is worth checking your own requirements carefully. Deciding whether to choose a set with or without a ratchet is particularly important. Although ratchet tools are practical, they require more space to work. Tight-fitting screws can therefore become a challenge.
According to the testers from Selbst ist der Mann, there should be at least four millimeters of space around the screw head when working with a ratchet combination wrench. However, there are also differences here: the test winners from Gedore and Hazet only require two millimeters of free space and are, therefore, particularly suitable for tight working areas.
Additional functions for more convenience
Some of the sets tested offer additional functions that make work even easier. For example, some models have fall-through protection for nuts or joints on the ring side for more flexible working. Such extras can be particularly advantageous for more complex work.
How it was tested
The test categories included torque, drop test, restoring force, and the marking of the tools. In addition, each set was subjected to an endurance test to check durability and reliability. Most of the tools tested performed well.
These are the test winners
Quality has its price – this also applies to combination wrenches. Among the wrenches without a ratchet mechanism, sets from Gedore (“very good,” 166 euros) and Hazet (“very good,” 145 euros) were convincing. The set from WGB (“very good,” 89 euros) came top in the category of tools with a ratchet function. The testers also recommended a set from Wera (“very good,” 199 euros). Overall, 18 of the sets tested were rated “very good” or “good,” which shows that DIY enthusiasts can find solid products in many price ranges.
What to look out for when buying
If you invest in a high-quality set of combination wrenches, they will be a loyal companion for decades. However, there are a few things to look out for when buying: A visual inspection alone provides information about the workmanship of the wrenches. Chatter marks, i.e., scoring or scratches in the jaw and ring, indicate manufacturing defects and impair power transmission. Defects in the chrome plating also encourage rust. In addition, the rounder or more material the head has, the more stable it is.
Pipe under the washbasin Why is the siphon actually curved?
Tenants and owners The cost of purchasing and using an air conditioning system
Advantages and disadvantages For who is a 3-in-1 vacuum cleaner worthwhile?
Conclusion
Anyone who frequently works in confined spaces should consider the space requirements of ratchet tools. However, even without this function, high-quality combination wrench sets offer many useful features. When choosing a new set, it is worth considering not only the price but also your needs and working environment.
With material from dpa