I found myself in a bit of a bind yesterday, where I needed a 24mm wrench for the first time – and didn’t have one.
I was assembling a new piece of machinery that came with large metric hardware, and it required 22mm and 24mm wrenches.
Most of my wrench sets only go up to 19mm. I mainly work with SAE/inch fasteners, which I have wrenches over 1-inch in size for.
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A long time ago, I added a set of “jumbo” wrenches in inch sizes that perfectly complemented my standard combination wrench set. I have another 1-inch wrench from a separate purchase as well.
I got through the task using a 1/2″ ratchet and 24mm socket, and another 1/2″ drive ratchet with a 24mm deep impact socket. It wasn’t ideal, but it worked.
In a pinch, a large adjustable wrench might have worked too, but some of the spots would have been tight.
So, I’m now thinking that I should purchase either a 24mm wrench – which seems good to have – or a “jumbo” metric wrench set in case similar happens with other metric sizes.
Because, you know what’s going to happen – as soon as I buy a 24mm wrench and it’s a day past the return period, that’s exactly when I might need a 23mm wrench, 30mm wrench, or another size that would be included in a jumbo metric wrench set.
Tekton’s 24mm combination wrench is $19, which seems reasonable. Milwaukee’s is $26. Proto’s is $26 at Zoro (before coupon).
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There are pricier options too, such as the Williams SuperCombo, which is $38.
What I’m finding is that many jumbo wrench sets start above 24mm, in which case I suppose I would buy 24mm and maybe 23mm sizes, and then a separate 25-32mm set if I think I might have future need for it.
Larger sizes get pricey.
Maybe I’ll just stick with 24mm.
I would ordinarily look at metric bolt head and wrench sizes, which suggests I won’t need sizes in between 22mm (M14), 24mm (M16), 27mm (M18), and 30mm (M20). But a recent assembly project made heavy use of M10 fasteners that required a 14mm wrench size, which according to sizing charts is a JIS standard instead of ANSI/ISO or DIN.
My favorite wrenches are from Proto, Facom, and Milwaukee Tool. Or at least I should say my favorite wrenches beyond my old USA-made full-polish Craftsman Professional combination wrenches that I am very attached to.
As jumbo wrenches are far less commonly purchased than smaller-sized combination wrench sets, I’m not seeing a lot of options, or great pricing.
Right now my short list is a new Proto, Tekton, Milwaukee 24mm combination wrench, in that order – unless I can find a reasonably priced 23mm to 30mm jumbo metric set.
I’m also worried the “buy a set, it’s a better value if you need more sizes just in case” mentality is affecting my judgement.
$20-$26 for a wrench isn’t too bad, and money saved by not buying a jumbo set could potentially be spent elsewhere. Maybe after the next couple of times I use this size, I’ll also add a ratcheting wrench.
A 24mm ratcheting combination wrench is double the money. For this size, I think I’d rather have a plain 12pt box end, not jut for the lower cost but the smaller side walls. I see ratcheting wrenches as a good-to-have option in addition to but not instead of manual combination wrenches.
Which would you buy? How often do you use larger sizes outside of 24mm?
Is there a brand I should be looking at outside of Proto, Tekton, and Milwaukee?
Mikey
Harbor Freight Pittsburgh is the best value in my mind. I so rarely use the larger wrenches that top quality is not needed and the price can’t be beat.
Stuart
Hmm.
I’m not a fan of Pittsburgh hand tools, but see they also have an Icon wrench set. $80 for a 5pc set from 20mm to 24mm. That’s a bit too much overlap between 20mm and 22mm, and Harbor Freight doesn’t sell individual wrenches. Other brands’ large/jumbo sets start at 23mm.
My main sets end at 19mm, but one goes to 22mm.
Mopar4wd
I have had good luck with most Pittsburgh stuff but I avoid most of the screwdrivers and wrenches tend to not grab the fasteners that well. On the other hand pliers, clamps, sockets and even ratchets I have found to be pretty decent.
928'er
While I usually don’t buy Harbor Freight tools, for large size wrenches that you rarely, if ever, use the Pittsburgh stuff works just fine.
TomD
Larger wrenches also admit of larger tolerances before they stop working or strip. And the quality is miles ahead of what it was 20 years ago.
Jack D
Concurred. For a tool so rarely used, Pittsburgh will fill that bill nicely, leaving your budget relatively unscathed, while leaving a wrench in your toolbox for that one time you’ll need it next year.
John
Yeah you’re not going to round anything off with anything over 1″ so wrench quality is a lot less critical. For smaller wrenches I buy very expensive wrenches (wrightgrip, flankdrive, or similar). For larger ones it’s whatever’s cheap. Hasn’t failed me so far
fm2176
I have my old Matco metric set up to 32mm (I believe), along with a few one-offs up to about 38mm. I forget how much I paid for the Matco wrenches, but probably way too much, especially for circa-2000 dollars.
Joe H
Northern Tool has an 11 piece piece jumbo wrench set from 34-50mm for $180. I sometimes buy individual wrenches from Cripe Distributing as well for good prices.
Ken
I’m not sure if I have used a metric wrench size larger than 24mm even though I have the old Craftsman raised panels up to 32mm. Mostly I use sockets in larger sizes. I think the reason I have the 24mm is because of a drain plug on my Toyota transmission or maybe the transfer case with tight clearance. Otherwise uses have been fairly rare.
Fritz Gorbach
I wouldn’t really call a 24 mm, but I guess the question is relative. I keep, and use, wrenches up to 55mm and 2 1/2″
Anyhow, I read your above comment re Harbir Freight Pittsburgh, but for values sake, I wouldn’t sleep on the big Pittsburg raised panel wrenches. I have some of those and some Sunex, and while both are perfectly serviceable, they seem to be exactly the same wrench, and Pittsburgh is like a third of the price.
Probably though, Tekton would be my first recommendation for value to quality. I use all of their combination and angle wrenches, and I’m very happy.
Price not withstanding, I think my first choice would be the Mac Preciaion Torques or their brothers, (or very close cousins) the Facoms.
Fritz Gorbach
Sorry, meant to say I wouldn’t really call a 24mm, “Jumbo..”
Stuart
I wouldn’t either, knowing how large wrenches can get, but that’s how most tool brands describe SAE wrenches ~1″ and up, and the labeling seems to apply to metric over 20-22mm.
Some brands call them jumbo, and one or two that offer wrenches over 30mm calls the 23-30mm sizes “large.”
I like Facom, but don’t use them for higher torque applications due to the shorter lengths.
Big Richard
About 5 years ago, amazon had this DeWalt set of jumbo ratcheting wrenches on sale for $39.99 – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JCYOK1O/
I jumped on it, still don’t know if I’ve used them. They also had the SAE for $34.99, those I have used maybe once. But they fill out my wrench drawer nicely.
John+S.
I got the wiha 20-30mm 9 piece set for $40. Perfect for this
Jammer
Same here, but you can’t get that price anymore. It was good while it lasted.
eddie sky
Well, there are much out there with combination, box end, wratcheting, open-end.
I had a Gedore XL set that I sold for $400… and now regret since its $480 to replace (12pc combo open/box of long handled 10mm through 32mm). But that is $40/wrench… which tend to be the better deal over individual ones. If you need just a 24mm … Craftsman is $23-$26 for a combo.
IF I had to get a metric combo set, I’d go with Tekton.. they have a 27piece set, 6mm to 32mm … For $250… that is like $9/wrench.
Stuart, why don’t you have links to the sites? Tekton, Proto… then ther are Gedore, Craftsman, SKtools, FACOM, Knipex, MacTools, Snapon, Sunex, Wiha, Hazet, Matco, Gearwrench, Husky, Kobalt, Performance, Crescent, Wright Tools, Williams, …
Frank
Gedore wrenches are such a pleasure to use. The 7 pattern combination wrenches are so light and thin but comfortable in hand.
OldDominionDIYer
Like you, I also look at the ratcheting wrenches as a supplement and never my go to wrench, but I love them! I would get the Milwaukee version but then again I am very fond of their hand tools at the moment. Nothing wrong with the others either. I also tend to buy what I need in the larger wrenches rather than going “whole hog” and buying the set.
JR Ramos
If you just want one, Cripe has a couple of USA great deals (NOS). Kobalt for $6 and Armstrong for $15. They’ve got a ton of great closeout and liquidation buys and lots of old USA made items (companies gone, or items previously made here before moving overseas….Allen, Armstrong, still some old Irwin I think, etc, plus a smattering of Gearwrench and even Gedore). Looks like they don’t have any sets or much in other sizes currently.
https://www.cripedistributing.com/products/kobalt-23437-24mm-combination-wrench-12pt-usa
https://www.cripedistributing.com/products/armstrong-53-127-22-x-24mm-open-end-wrench-usa (double open, if you don’t need the box)
If you’re buying new and the torque isn’t that much, most of the china-made ones will do just fine, honestly…when you start getting into fine thread and/or high torque they may show you their limits but for general home shop stuff the cheapies are fine. Otherwise I’d say stick with Tekton or Craftsman, perhaps Kobalt or Husky….and see if Napa auto parts has a good deal on one, too. For sets, Sunex has always kept a good value (Tekton as well, maybe a little less so since their rounds of price increases). I don’t know about the Performance Tool wrenches specifically but they often have pretty decent middle-grade tools at very fair prices (they do make some junk, though). If Titan still has them, they’re always worth a look, too.
teicher
There’s your wrench right there Stuart, a Kobalt for $6. Unless you use sizes like this frequently, I can’t see a reason to spend a whole lot on one.
D3t
Harbor Freight or Northern Tool. Northern’s 24mm Klutch wrench is $13.99.
Nathan
For oddity I often just roll to a auto parts store. Like an AutoZone duralast wrench. 34mm socket. AutoZone
28mm wrench. AutoZone or oriely.
Tends to be fairly cheap for decent device
Otherwise when I find I’ve bought 2 or 3 of something in a set. I go search for a set. Like spade bits or such
Tj Sin
THIS is what you want https://www.gearwrench.com/products/wrenches/non-ratcheting/81916-22-pc-12-point-long-pattern-combination-metric-wrench-set and then never again need another metric wrench set.
DC
Snap-on 20+mm are my favorite and go to.
MikeIt
My local AutoZone has a 24mm Duralast wrench for $14.99. I like the Duralast combination wrenches because they are long pattern and have an anti-slip open end and they’re all over town so warranty exchanges are easy.
Ct451
I have a set of elora combination wrenches in inches and mm from the 80s still going strong. Up to 1 1/2″ and 32mm. Used and abused in a quarry back then and used ever since. Hit with hammers, used as hammers, left out in mud, not a scratch. They are still made but they don’t say west germany now. A big adjustable wrench is also very useful for bigger sizes.
Peluo
For the pleasure of owning and holding the best wrench IMHO nothing beats a Stahlwille combination 14 series. 14 series is the long model. You can find good price in Amazon.de Amazon.uk Misterworker.com https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/stahlwille/open-box-combination-wrench-long-metric-size-14/9451.html
fred
One other US source worth checking is Palmac – located in Massachusetts.
Recent issues with many brands is shipping time on backorders – so its worth checking on what’s in stock.
NoahG
I’ve got a local independent industrial supply that has off brand/no name ones for $20-30 a wrench. For the oddball size I need once every so often it’s great.
Peluo
Stahlwille has 3 features that are hard too find in other wrenches.
-best satin chrome on the market.
-somewhat light weight profile of the I beam.
-boxend is very tight.
MM
I absolutely love the Stahlwille 20 and 20a series offset box-end wrenches. They fit the fastener extremely well, they’re lightweight and feel good in the hand, and they’re incredibly strong.
Peluo
Love those too. Must have for wrenching 👍
Peluo
Stahlwille 14 series 24mm combination wrench is € 25,37 in https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/ before discount code. The problem is the shipping.
fred
I have larger metric box wrenches in 20/22 and 24/26 made by Husky in the 1970’s – before the brand was sold by Stanley to Home Depot.
My large metric combination wrenches are a mix and match hodgepodge of brands (Beta, Craftsman, Facom, Heyco, Husky, Proto, SK, Tekton, Truecraft-Daido, and Williams) bought over many years as the need arose. The last ones were from Tekton and they seemed OK – with fast shipping and decent prices (if I recall correctly.)
Of the smaller metric wrenches that I’ve purchase recently – I still think that Proto and Stahlwille represent quality – without the tool truck price.
Ted
Good insight! Thanks Fred!
Jared
I have some thoughts! Not necessarily a specific recommendation though (although I have a few I like).
The number one thing I noticed when buying “jumbo” wrenches is that there’s a lot of difference between brands – especially the cheap ones. In Canada we have Princess Auto, which is kind of like Harbor Freight, but with some important differences (e.g. excellent warranty and return coverage and the store carries mid and premium level tools alongside their Chinese store-brand imports) – but I digress.
The “jumbo” wrenches from Princess Auto’s house brand are like 25-50% shorter than other brands and skinnier too. I presume this design saves on material costs since big wrenches use a lot of steel (maybe not SO much on a 24mm, but by the time you get to 44mm – it’s a big tool). If you want a hefty full size tool, don’t just look at the online pictures because there can be substantial differences between wrenches of the same size.
Big wrenches can be pretty expensive. Your 24mm is “barely” jumbo in my mind, so this might not apply so much to you. Nevertheless, it might be worth checking the larger-size prices if you might eventually assemble a “set”, because it adds up. My biggest wrench is a 50mm. A 50mm combination wrench from Proto is $300 in Canada. The same size from Westward is $140.
Other than that, it’s a lot of the same factors I look at with smaller wrenches – e.g. finishing, handle comfort, special features… I’m less picky with big wrenches because I don’t use them as often.
I’ve ended up with big wrenches from several brands, either because I found a deal or just went price shopping when I needed a specific size. I realize a non-matching set would trouble some people. I kind of enjoy my eclectic set though because I like seeing the differences between brands.
Tekton makes very nice and not-too-expensive jumbo wrenches. That would be my default recommendation of the wrenches I own. No skimping on materials, the wrenches are fully polished, very comfortable to use and the chrome is quite good. My only caveat is that the Tekton wrenches in my collection are much larger than what you’re looking at – 43mm and 44mm. Maybe they aren’t representative of the smaller scale versions.
Napa’s Ultra Pro wrenches are even nicer than Tekton, but considerably more expensive and I’m not sure you get that line in the USA. It’s not a huge difference, but the chrome looks better and they feel very precise.
Westward is variable. I have one “regular” jumbo regular wrench from Westward and the finish is like a Craftsman raised-panel wrench – kind of rough. Plus, while it’s just as thick as the other brands, it seems a touch short. However, I also have a much larger wrench from a different line that’s fully polished and just as long as my Tektons. I have a set of 19-25mm ratcheting Westward wrenches too and they’re quite good. Full polish and nice chrome. The ratcheting mechanism feels a touch coarse (as in the number of teeth, not that the mechanism is rough), but they work very well. P.s. the Westward “RCK5M” set includes 22mm and 24mm ratcheting wrenches.
My aforementioned 50mm wrench is a Urrea. Nothing wrong with this brand, but I probably wouldn’t spring for it at full retail – I spotted it on clearance.
I have a Kal-tools in 1&3/8″ – doesn’t excite me. It’s long and sufficiently robust, but the finishing isn’t as nice as most.
Mastercraft used to have a set that went up to 32mm. They’re not bad actually. A “textured” satin chrome finish. Probably the best bargain of the lot, but I think the set I bought is discontinued. Mastercraft is a Canadian brand, but I’m pretty sure the OEM is Stanley.
That’s about it for things on my shelf. Proto is ridiculously expensive in Canada, otherwise I’d probably have some of those too.
Mopar4wd
My big wrenches are Mostly SK or bought at autoparts stores as needed. The SK are great but probably not relevant to buying new as they are probably 30 years old. The last bigger wrench I bought was a TEQ brand at Advanced auto while out in the field testing for work. My understanding is the TEQ brand is basically gearwrench and it seems well built and has turned a bunch of nuts at this point without issue.
Mopar
My larger, little used metric wrenches are made by a company called “Pro America”. Not sure I would consider them truly pro grade, but they are made in the USA. Looking at their website, I’m not sure they still make wrenches, all I see listed now are pliers, but they do show used on fleabay.
That said, I can’t remember ever coming across a 24mm hex head that 15/16th wrench or socket didn’t fit. Usually better. It’s only .007″ smaller than 24mm.
Scotty.
Harry Epstein or Cripe Distributing would be my first stops for a couple random large wrenches.
Jerry
This. I got some Williams super combo and Proto wrenches for not much more than Harbor Freight price.
The Williams Super combo are probably my favorite wrench not off a tool truck
Just a couple days ago I ordered a Proto 2″ wrench for $36 which I consider a steal.
Koko The Talking Ape
I’m with the others re Harbor Freight, though JR has found what looks like a good deal. But HF doesn’t seem to have a jumbo metric set right now.
Another option might be crow’s foot wrenches with your existing ratchets handles. Less metal, so maybe cheaper for the size. And you might be able to get a few more degrees of turn without repositioning the wrench. But the wrench+handle might be too bulky for you. And maybe you really need the box end.
Come to think of it. it’s surprising that an open end wrench would work but an adjustable Crescent-style wrench would not. The adjustable isn’t that much bulkier.
Proto MCsnappy
HF does carry large metric wrenches under the icon brand and jumbo metric under the Pittsburgh brand
Josh
For the rare occasions i need jumbo stuff any brand would do the job. I have mixed sae stuff and metric in 22-24 in husky. If i need bigger metric I will likely just run to Home Depot on the corner or over to menards. Maybe even fork over the $ for a set likely from hf or whatever is in store near me at the best price
Rob
No one’s mentioned it yet, but I bought Task Force from Menards. I have a few that i use regularly from 1 1/8 up to 2″ and that we’re about 20-30 a piece.
Franco
Years ago I bought a 3/4″ ratchet set. It went up to 2″ sockets. It was a cheap brand but they are so big, the sockets and all the components, for the 2 or 3 times I needed them, they were more that enough. They were around $120 for the set.
Just before COVID, I would often see a jumbo wrench set a Tractor Supply, with 6 or 8 wrenches, for about $90, I don’t recall the actual brand but it was a known “cheap” brand…maybe Torin? Anyway, again, like the 3/4″ ratchets, they are so big, and they are composed of so much steel or material, I do not see them breaking easily. I should have got them, but didn’t. I haven’t looked but since COVID, I would not be surprised if they were double the price.
I did buy, online, from Northern Industrial, Proto jumbo ratcheting wrenches; no open end, just the ratcheting side, about 10 years ago, They were not a set, just individuals, whatever they had left and varied in price from $9 to about $14…the biggest I have is 2 1/2″…IIRC.
If I were working in a truck shop or anything where these jumbo’s were needed on a daily basis, for sure I would look at something quality and probably $$$$. But for my needs, these sizes are rarely needed so what I have gets me out of a jam.
Franco
I thought I had bought 5 or 6, looks like there were only 4. They are very cool and sure today would cost much more that the $9 to $14 I paid on clearance.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Mahh8QvNyZDf1HsG9
Someone had told me that they say Proto but were not actual Proto, but a sub brand or Proto OEM’d or something like that.
Anyway, I used them once in the last 10 years!
Randy
I bought the Pittsburgh SAE and Metric set a month or so ago to work on my skid steer. No complaints. I agree with others – I use those sizes so infrequently I didn’t see the need to buy the higher dollar wrenches. They were reasonably priced and strong plus a good variety in both sets.
Will
Proto or like Gedore will last forever under abuse. Wrenches this size (24-42mm) tend to be abused the most heavily because the fasteners are big enough not to break off when they’re stuck or rusty but still small enough you can deceive yourself into thinking elbow grease and a bigger cheater bar will get it done.
Antoine
Wera 6003 series, such a pleasure to work with them….
Joe E.
I have my old Craftsman USA “VA” raised panel wrenches that I bought from Sears back in the mid 2000’s and they’ve served me well.
If I had to buy large wrenches all over again, probably JobSmart from Tractor Supply. I wouldn’t buy new Craftsman raised panels from Lowe’s out of pure spite… that and they’re now made in India. What an absolute embarrassment.
Travis
I had a situation about a year ago and needed some large SAE wrenches to work on hydraulics. I went with a large Husky set from HD and some Tekton angled wrenches. Both worked great, no regrets. Have not used them very much since then but they did the job and both have a good warranty.
Rx9
Sunex has my vote for big wrenches. I’ve got both the 9926 and 9927 sets.
Large sized fasteners on a car usually need sockets, but sometimes a wrench comes in handy.
I think the banjo bolt on my truck’s power steering pump was the last time I needed something bigger than 21mm.
fred
Perhaps Sunex has improved.
We bought a batch of large Sunex crowfoot wrenches (1/2 inch drive – 1 inch to 2.25 inch) back in 2005. Based on what we put them into inventor for, the price was very good – quality not so much. I heard complaints. Their square drive holes lacked any recess for drive detents – so they would slip off the ratchet or breaker bar handle. I was also told that they were not well fitting with extra slop and much thicker/heavier than other brands. Our toolroom guy said we would not be buying more from Sunex. But that was many years ago and the brand may have upped their game.
Jeff
Unless it’s already really stripped 24mm and 15/16 are interchangeable. I have John Deere jumbo wrenchs from 1 5/16-2 and 33-50 they were less than tekton when bought them
Jon98
I agree for the most part after 18mm there is a sae counterpart to most sizes, 19mm- 3/4, 21mm- 13/16, 22- 7/8, 24-15/16, 25-1, 30-1 3/16
Ben V
I am not sure if I missed it but Wera has increased their size range. They have up to 36mm
Craig
As Jeff mentioned. I have often used 15/16″ and 24mm interchangeably. In fact I have found that my “medium” sized wrench set, which is a metric set that covers every mm increment from 21mm to 32mm will also pretty effectively cover all of the SAE bolt sizes in that range.
Greg
I like the stahlwille double open end for big sizes I already have socket options for. 2 sizes for the price of one.
Simon
I found this a few weeks ago. So it might cover the holes in your set. 56$
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-XL-MM-Combination-Wrench-Set-5-Piece-HCW5PCMMN-05/314256127
Stuart
Thanks! The price certainly seems decent – I’ll have to track it down in-store since there’s no free shipping.