Best wrench brand I can afford?

[MossRoad]

Regarding the ratchet wrench sets from Craftsman. While they seemed like a good idea, the body is so thick that in many to most places they wont go on the nut due to lack of clearance. Just thought I would toss that in in case someone was looking to buy them.

Regarding any ratcheting wrench, look for the ones that have a reversing lever, not the ones you have to take off and flip over. I've found a couple occasions where I was backing out a bolt with the wratcheting end and had I continued, I would have trapped the wrench on the bolt before the bolt came out. I'd of had to cut the bolt off with a sawzall had I continued.

 

[Loadstar]

It is surprising that tool steel hasn't gotten better over time rather than worse--cost control is the only possible reason. I kind of understand recycled content in superstructures, vehicles, etc (not that it makes me happy) but you're putting what--between an ounce and a pound in most tools--and modern metallurgy can create some amazing properties. It should be getting more impressive, not less.

Why should it surprise you? The little kids of china can only build tools so good. Everyone wants cheap stuff and they get it, and continue buying.

 

[TomSeller]

Why should it surprise you? The little kids of china can only build tools so good. Everyone wants cheap stuff and they get it, and continue buying.

Right.. Today's multinational manufacturing doesn't care if they manufacture anything more than the minimum spec they are to build to. And why would they? Give me old school anytime.