Wright Tools, Opinions

[Stroh]

I am looking for some feedback on tools from Wright Tool out of Ohio. I ordered a set of wrenches from McMaster-Carr and they were Wrights instead of the Armstrongs I was expecting (one complaint I have with McMaster, you don't know what you are getting till it show's up. )



After using the Wright's a little bit I really like how they feel in my hand, along with their beefy build and looked at there website to see what else the offered. Unfortunately all the wrenches are 12pt. I am a big fan of 6pt wrenches for stubborn and worn fastners. I am contemplating contacting them to see if they make a custom set that would not be too outrageous in price, but I wanted some input to see if there quality is as good as it looks in my short usage of them.



I have used Snap-on, SK, Craftsman, and Armstrong. All of them too expensive or have quality issues that I don't like. The Wrights seem to be a good balance of both price and quality except for the 12pt-6pt. issue. Armstrongs would be my next choice if the Wrights don't workout.



By the way anybody tried their spline wrenches and sockets?



Thanks Scott

 

[BGlidewell]

Since you asked, heres my opinion



There are at least three categories of tool makers.



1) Cheap and easily replaced. (supplied close to you and warrantied)

2) Expensive and wont break unless you really abuse them. (generally warrantied as well but how are you going to trade in that broken snap-on this Sunday afternoon?)

3) Cheap and not warrantied or not supplied close by. (Useless if they break)



Use No. 1 for most things in the shop. No. 2 for stuff that needs the quality like torq wrenches or if your in the boonies and it cant break. Avoid No. 3.

 

[PToombs]

I have a Wright 3/8ths drive socket set I got when I was 16. Just about 30 years ago. I used it at home up til '99, when I joined a Case dealer. I use it almost every day. Last summer I had to replace the guts of the ratchet. I have all but 3 of the original sockets, those I lost, never broke 1. The ratchet has the rubber handle, with the fine tooth head. I love it. When it started skipping, I was a little upset, being my favorite and all. I went on the 'net and found a dealer, local! It cost me $9 for the rebuild kit.

Would I buy another? In a heartbeat!

I hope this answers your quality question!

 

[GCroyle]

Early '60's Vintage 3/8"

My Dad sold steel in N. Ohio his entire life. One of his accounts was Wright (so the story goes) he bought a set from them, basic 3/8" in a steel case. For over 40 years those have had a lot (and as a kid, my tool respect gene had not yet developed, so I beat them up regularly) of homeowner use, I have 3 rubber handle ratchets, including a long handle swivel head, it's my favorite. I have no idea what they look like inside, but I can take a double clip Craftsman apart with my eyes closes to clean it or put new guts in. I think I have all of my original sockets and the steel box, the small ones are 6 pt larger are 12 pt.



If they are from the same tree as these, expect good service.

 

[MFalkinham]

I also inherited a 3/8" Wright socket set with a metal case from my Dad. I use it all the time, and prefer it over my Craftsman socket tools. It's good to know the ratchet can be rebuilt when the time comes. That socket set has a lot of sentimental value to me.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

Wright tools are excellent from a durability stand point. I have a 3/4" drive set that I aquired very cheaply that I think I've used once but it's been worth it. My brother has one of those chinese sets that I broke a socket with just the normal ratchet. My set goes up to 3 1/8" and are heavy duty, I think I could use a pretty big "cheater" bar if I wanted.

 

[rbattelle]

I've heard that Wright makes some excellent stuff. As good as Armstrong, as far as I know.

I only own one of their tools - a 14mm impact socket I bought to beat on my hub bearing assembly bolts. I beat on it quite a bit, and it's not even deformed.

The local tool shop (Dayton Tool Crib) thinks "Wright" is spelled "G-O-L-D". They tried to sell me an adjustable hook-type spanner (1"-3") for $60 because it was a Wright.

Ryan

 

[PToombs]

I forgot about the case! I've got that too, sits in a drawer in my garage.

 

[GCroyle]

Pic's of my set.

Notice the 62-63 on the tools, possible date code? The time frame is correct. I think it cam with a T Handle, but that is MIA.



Gotta go use em today on a Nissan P/U with an unknown major engine issue.

 

[DBohl]

We use Wright, Armstrong, Proto, and Blackhawk tools at work mostly bought from McMaster - Carr . They are all good tools.

 

[PToombs]

Notice the 62-63 on the tools, possible date code? The time frame is correct. I think it cam with a T Handle, but that is MIA.



Gotta go use em today on a Nissan P/U with an unknown major engine issue.

That's the same ratchet as mine. I have 6 point sockets though. Your box is older for sure! I'll have to check mine for that code on monday.

 

[GCroyle]

Wright Tool Fan Club Forming?

We gave them (ratchets) a good workout yesterday, '88 Nissan P/U blown head gasket, the ratchets did their usual great job.



But this is my favorite old timer, maybe I'll post it on some other sub forum and see if anybody has one of these and the lifetime of memories that go with it.



1964(?) vintage IH Cub Cadet, 10 hp Kohler.