As I work to reclaim space, I found this set of Dewalt Tough Series combination wrenches that I believe I asked Dewalt to send over for testing.
I rediscovered the new line of Dewalt wrenches recently, and their resemblance to Craftsman Overdrive wrenches (excellent tools), and now I rediscovered them again.
This is part of the reason why I’m doing a massive cleanup – to avoid gems like this from getting buried.
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Now that I’ve dug them up, I’ll be testing the combo wrenches on a couple of disassembly projects, any assembly or installation projects that follow, and anything else that comes up.
I remember testing them lightly before, but apparently not enough to leave a lasting impression. They’re definitely standing out now.
While I generally prefer to store wrenches in trays that fit into a shallow tool box drawer, or compact folding holders, this is is a very nice tool roll that’s holding a broad range of wrench sizes.
The tools feature anti-slip open and box ends.
The metric set has 18 sizes (DWMT19237), and the SAE set 17 sizes (DWMT45428).
Pricing: $159 per set, less at some retailers or with promo codes
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The Dewalt wrenches feel good in person (I used them to take a workbench apart).
See Also: Dewalt Launched New ToughSeries Wrenches
I have been cleaning up my workshop and storage spaces to eliminate redundancy and inefficiency, and a lot of tools of my older hand tools aren’t making it the next round. I’ll be holding onto these, not just out of obligation (I do need to test them now that I found the set), but because I like the tools so far, and I also like that Dewalt gives you a huge range of sizes in a compact roll.
Would I buy this set? Frankly, I think that you get more than you’re paying for here, as you do get some large (and pricey) sizes. I’m excited to put them to use. I think that’s a “yes.”
This wouldn’t be my primary set, although I’m not firm on that, as the wrenches can be removed and loaded into a tool box or drawer organizer.
If you don’t think you’ll need the wrench larger sizes, you can the 8pc sets for $79 each.
Al-another-Al
I think the DWMT19237 is 18 metric wrenches plus a roll.
Stuart
Thanks! You’re right, 18pc for metric, 17pc for SAE.
jake
The DWMT19237 metric and DWMT45428 SAE sets look like nice selections. Do you know of any tool trays that fit into packout drawers that could work well with these (when not using the rolls)?
Stuart
I don’t know of any, but maybe someone else does. There are plenty of options for a mix of DIY and store-bought universal accessories.
fred
These guys say they will make custom foam trays for anything you want.
https://www.rbtoolsandfoam.com/foam/foam-for-existing-tools/
From my long-ago experience (with others who made us shadow boards and inserts for our Lista cabinets) the cost needs to be justified by a lot of productivity gain and/or FOD compliance.
Matt_T
On the metric I wouldn’t call 24mm particularly large or pricey. After some digging I found that the SAE set goes to 1-1/4 which makes it the better deal IMO.
While poking around to find the sizes I noticed Farm & Fleet has the large SAE set on clearance for $100 and both smaller sets for $40.
Wayne R.
For portability, almost all of my wrenches are in rolls. (Stubbies & tappets are the outliers.)
Wish I could say the same for the sockets…
Gary
These wrenches haven’t had the anti-slip open end (ASD) for many years now … just the “DirectTorque” boxed end. And frankly, given the pace at which SBD likes to discontinue even popular tools, you’d better grab them while you can.
Nathan
Looking at it the metric is a good set but a touch pricey. Most decent combo wrenches run 6 to 19mm or 6 to 24 like this one. With a few doing 6 to 24 with skips. So I’d agree this would be a good set but I’d look at the tekton set for comparison. Dollars wise and ordering.
To be fair I find I look at the tekton site a lot for tools these days.
Jared
Overdrive does really well in tests, I imagine these perform the same. That’s also worth considering when looking at competing sets.
Ron
Yes, you should keep them. The prices on today’s Home Depot ads for Milwaukee wrenches and socket sets are crazy.
Stuart
Milwaukee’s wrenches are also fantastic. I bought their socket sets a few years ago (holiday deal pricing is very convincing) and those have been keepers.
Ron
I agree. I’m a huge Milwaukee fan. Would love to have their socket and wrench sets but my currents sets are still going strong. But some of those sale prices look like misprints. Like this one…
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-SAE-Metric-Combination-Ratcheting-Wrenches-with-1-2-in-Drive-SAE-Metric-Ratchet-Socket-Mechanics-Tool-Set-77-Piece-48-22-9416-48-22-9516-48-22-9010/318086458
Stuart
That bundle gives you:
SAE and Metric bundle: $349
1/2″ set: $280
$349 for the ratcheting wrench set bundle is a typical “special buy” price. The 1/2″ drive tool set launched at $320. Acme has it for $259. That’s better than you can get the non-Packout version for.
The $677 price is bad programming or a glitch. SAE set: $270. Metric set: $270. 1/2″ set: $280. So they way they figure things, that’s $677 for $820 worth of tools. Reasonable persons would buy the metric and SAE bundle set for $349. That would being the 3pc bundle to $629. Or of you buy the ratcheting wrench set for $349 and take to Acme Tools for the lower price of $259, that would be $608 vs $688.
The 1/2″ set is pricey. The 1/4″ and 3/8″ are more aggressively discounted certain times of the year. The ratcheting wrenches are pricey, and you can get the non-ratcheting for much less.
It’s messy – knowing the prices or where to find historical price history helps. You can get great values on a lot of Milwaukee mechanics tools if you wait and shop carefully.
Ron
I appreciate the breakdown and feedback. Sometimes, as you know, marketing tactics can make things a lot harder to digest. I rarely, rarely ever buy tools at a non-sale price…only if I’m in a bind. I never need to be sold on the quality of some tools brands such as Milwaukee…..but only the price. I’ll keep my eyes open for these around the holidays. They’ll be here before we know it. Thanks again.
TMedina
Honest question – what makes Milwaukee sockets or ratchets stand out for you over other brands?
I’ve never felt an appreciable difference between the Milwaukee and other brands.
Stuart
I’ve come to appreciate the 4-flat shape. Dropped an impact socket at a Pipeline and it rolled under a cart. Dropped a 4-flat socket and it stopped in place after one short bounce.
But really, the “don’t have to think about it” organization option was the standout for me. I didn’t buy the Packout, I bought the low profile case with removable tray.
As long as sockets meet ANSI specs, I don’t care if one breaks with a 3 foot cheater bar and another with a 4 foot bar.
For me, I love the convenience. I’ve tried 3rd party organizers for my existing sockets that I removed from bad blow molded organizers, and have yet to find anything half as good.
As weird as it sounds, the best tools are the ones I never have to think about or concern myself with.
There are lots of decent sockets. Milwaukee’s proved to be my favorite over time, sometimes tied with my Wera sets, because they offer the most streamlined experience and maximum convenience.
The Packout sets are great too, but I can always buy the inserts separately.
Jared
“As long as sockets meet ANSI specs, I don’t care if one breaks with a 3 foot cheater bar and another with a 4 foot bar.”
That’s one of my pet peeves with a lot of tool-test videos – or rather, I don’t care if they failure-test tools, but I think that data is often irrelevant to the end user yet it’s often treated as a stand-in for durability.
If you have to use a hydraulic press to generate the forces necessary to break a tool, I can guarantee my hands will never be able to replicate it.
Can my side-cutters cut through a hex-key? Never tried.
Ron
I see that the wrenches are ratcheting…..but still seems high. Like you mentioned, holiday sale prices may be more convincing. Their squarish sockets are on my bucket list.