Best Wrenches
Best Overall Wrench Set
Best Ratcheting Wrench Set
Best Torque Wrench
Best Adjustable Wrench Set
We looked at things like versatility and ease of use, plus durability and what kind of protective finish the tools have. We took into consideration the range of sizes and the specific use of each wrench and wrench set. And of course, we looked at price points, and whether or not the brand offers a warranty on their products. We wanted to know which sets were the best to get the job done without spending a fortune.
Why you should have a wrench set at home
Maybe you’re ready to dive into the DIY life, or you enjoy the satisfaction of being handy around the house. Having the right wrench on hand might be a no-brainer if you’re already primed to get to work assembling and customizing your home furnishings, handling minor repairs on plumbing and appliances, or even performing maintenance on that classic car in the garage.
But what if that’s not you? Maybe you are more inclined to pay for those services from stores, plumbers, mechanics, and the local repair company. You certainly are not alone.
Many experts suggest that the average homeowner can expect to spend between 1-4% of their total home value on maintenance each year. So, if you have a home with a value of $150,000, that means you could be paying at least $1,500 a year on average to maintain your property. Not to mention that as homes age, and as the warranties and free services run out, you can expect that average yearly cost to increase over time.
By having easy access to your own tools at home, you can assemble that bookshelf or tighten a loose bolt on your dishwasher without having to pay for an expensive service call. The money you save can be put towards a vacation, a college fund, or even set aside for those instances where you do need the help of a professional.
Whether you’re envisioning your perfect kitchen, or just ready to take charge of the cost of your home maintenance, you can start by investing in wrenches that suit your needs.
Best Overall Wrench Set
We love that with this wrench set, everyone from first-time homebuyers to avid auto mechanics will be ready to tackle a variety of projects with speed and ease. This 20-piece set comes with 10 SAE sizes from ¼ to ¾” and 10 metric sizes from 6 to 18mm. With such a wide range of sizes, you’ll know you have the right one on hand when that cabinet you ordered online shows up on your doorstep, ready to be assembled. Is your vehicle domestic or an import? Whichever it is, you’ll have a basic set of sizes in both SAE and metric, so there is no scrounging around and settling for that wrench that’s “close enough.”
Each wrench in this set includes a ratcheting box end for increased speed, and the 5 degree ratcheting minimum means that you can conquer those tight spaces easily and efficiently. The open end of the wrench adds that extra accessibility to those difficult-to-reach fastenings, plus the secure fit will practically eliminate the dreaded rounding off of any nut or bolt heads.
Other wrench sets of this size can easily cost over $100 or more, but with the Gearwrench 20-piece ratcheting set, you’ll get professional-level quality without throwing off your budget. The chrome finish means your tools will be easy to clean and store, and with Gearwrench’s lifetime warranty, you can be sure that your tools, as well as your home, are a solid investment. We think the sheer versatility of this set and it’s reasonable price makes it the best overall choice for homeowners.
Best Ratcheting Wrench Set
If you are looking for a great ratcheting set for an even better price, look no further than this WORKPRO 8-piece Flex Head set. These wrenches take the cake for maneuverability with their 180 degree flex-head, which allows you to easily get around obstacles and operate the ratcheting end in very small spaces.The flexing joint is strong and will withstand repeated use.
Each set comes with 8 SAE sizes ranging from 5/16 to ¾”, plus a durable and compact organizing sleeve. The nickel finish looks great and provides protection against rust, though some users have reported chipping in the coating after heavy use. That’s where WORKPRO customer service really shines! We’re impressed with their quick response times and their no-hassle replacement service. WORKPRO is not messing around with their lifetime warranty!
With a price point under $50, we think this ratcheting wrench set is an unbeatable value. It will make quick and easy work of your projects around the house, and best of all, it’s easy on your budget.
Best Torque Wrench
At some point every automotive DIY enthusiast will need a torque wrench. A single torque wrench can often cost more than entire sets of other wrenches, so we wanted to find one that met our qualifications at a decent price. With that in mind, we recommend this CDI ½”-drive adjustable torque wrench. CDI is in the Snap-On family of brands, and their wrenches are known to have the quality and accuracy of a Snap-On without the price tag.
This particular mechanical torque wrench has a range of 20 to 150 foot pounds, and features a 25” drive to give you plenty of leverage. Its size means you’ll be able to take on a variety of vehicle maintenance tasks for many types of cars and motorcycles, all without leaving your garage. The ratcheting mechanism works in both directions, and the easy-to-read laser-etched scale has both SAE and metric measurements. The ergonomic handle ensures a secure, healthy grip. It even comes with a carrying case for quick storage!
The wrench comes with a certificate of calibration, so you can feel confident in the accuracy of your measurements when you get the satisfying click of the scale. Whether it’s brakes or tires or whatever else your car throws at you, this product is one you can count on.
Best Adjustable Wrench Set
If you can only buy one wrench set, or if you already have a standard set and are looking to expand your toolbox options, then an adjustable wrench is the way to go. Milwaukee is a trusted brand of tools and equipment, and this 2-piece set will be a staple amongst home DIYers and professionals. These adjustable wrenches are designed with Milwaukee’s proprietary adjustment screw, which comes with more threads than most other brands, allowing for smooth and specific adjustments and an unbeatable grip. These wrenches stay where they are set, so you won’t have to continuously readjust the jaw width while you are working.
The 10” wrench is great for getting a little extra leverage on a fastening, while the 6” wrench will help you maneuver in smaller spaces. The set is chrome-coated steel, which means it’s long-lasting and rust-resistant. The ergonomic handle is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. And yes, this set comes with a limited lifetime warranty from Milwaukee, so you can rest assured that you get what you paid for.
At $40 or less, the Milwaukee 6” and 10” Adjustable Wrench Set is an affordable and efficient investment, and one that will quickly become a reliable favorite in your toolbox.
How to pick the right wrench for the task at hand
With so many kinds available, how do you know which one is the best option for your needs? If you are doing much of your home or vehicle maintenance yourself, chances are that you’ll find a use for all of the wrenches we’ve mentioned so far. The following guide will be helpful in deciding what will work best for the job that needs doing.
Combination Wrench
Just like the name suggests, a combination wrench combines two different wrench types into one. Generally, these wrenches will feature an open, non-adjustable end on one side of the drive and a box end, which is a closed end, on the other side. Both ends are usually the same size, and can be used in a wide range of applications. The open end has the ability to fit around fastenings where there may not be room to use the box end, while the box end is great for getting that secure grip on a nut or bolt.
Ratcheting Wrench
A ratcheting wrench includes at least one end with ratcheting action that allows you to tighten or loosen a fastening without having to take the wrench end away to readjust the grip. These wrenches are ideal for speed, and for allowing you to work with a nut or bolt in an area where you don’t have a lot of room to turn the handle.The smaller number of degrees that a wrench can ratchet with, the smaller a space it can work in.
Torque Wrench
Sometimes a project requires you to make sure that your fastenings are tightened to a specific level of pressure. That’s where a torque wrench comes in. Torque wrenches notify you when you’ve reached a preset pressure of your choosing. They come in both mechanical and digital types, and are most often used for automotive repair and maintenance.
Adjustable Wrench
Adjustable wrenches come with one stationary jaw and one adjustable jaw that can be narrowed or widened to accommodate nuts and bolts of various sizes. It lacks the secure grip of non-adjustable wrenches, but it excels in adaptability. With an adjustable wrench, you don’t have to worry about whether a fastening is in SAE or metric sizes, as it can be modified to fit anything within its range.