I live in NE Ohio. I have used Wright tools in the construction industry for decades. The quality and durability are second to none. They are pretty easy to find in my neck of the woods. Companies like this deserve your support.
We have a local industrial supply distributor that sells Wright Tools. I bought my Wright wrenches from them several years ago and couldn't be happier they are very high-quality wrenches with very tight tolerances. I first found them when I was looking for a good 1-3/16" wrench that wouldn't slip when working on farm implements in the field. I got tired of the Cresent-type wrenches slipping all the time and picked up some inexpensive combination wrenches to keep in the tractor's toolbox because I knew they would end up walking off. I simply got tired of busting my knuckles with the cheap stuff and found the Wright Tools and never looked back. Turns out if you just spray paint half of the wrench orange people don't want to walk off with them as much.
My first tools were Craftsman, bought at the local Sears in the mid 1970s. When I went to auto technician school in the late 70s they gave me a list of required tools. I filled out my list at an industrial supply (probably Applied Industrial Technologies) and nearly all of my tools were Wright. I have sockets, wrenches, pliers, a hammer, a breaker bar, and maybe a few more. I love them! In the 80s and 90s a lot of my Snap-On and Mac tools were stolen. The thieves ignored the Craftsman and Wright tools, so here were are almost 50 years later and I still have and use them.
I love my Wright Tools. Dad has had some impacts from them for at least 30 years. And we farm 2000+ acres. So yes they have been used. It also helps I have a dealer in Champaign IL. Love the contour grip rachets.
The Wright Grip wrenches are the real deal. They work far better than any of the more recent "anti slip" open end designs. There sockets are second to none also.
All my wrenches are Wright and so are my impact 1/2" drive sockets both SAE and Metric and so is my breaker bar. They definitely give snap-on a run for their money.
Not a single negative thing I can say about my Wright tools. I have gotten several of my sockets from Acme, and they will order whatever you don't see on their shelves. If anyone is in the Minneapolis area, Discount Steel has a great selection of them. Grainger I know does, and I'm pretty sure Fastenal as well. Perhaps why they can be difficult to find in pinch, I need this right now situation, is also what I find so dang interesting about their stuff. Looking for a 2-1/2" drive 235mm impact socket? There are a few companies who make them, and none are cheap. I will not likely ever see one in my life, let alone be able to say I prefer one brand over another! Summarily, the conclusion I draw from my ridiculous example... Any tool manufacturer selling sockets priced $4,000+ each probably makes a 19mm impact socket worthy of consideration. So far that has been true. Thanks for the videos! I haven't checked if you have already, but I am curious to hear opinions on the new side of GearWrench/Apex. I am seeing all sorts of 6pt wrenches, pin-face spanners, et cetera not carried by box store brands. I'm curious how these new products compare to Proto or the former Armstrong.
My dad has an old wright ratchet and socket set that's probably from the 70s, easily... Used it many times growing up on a multitude of projects (mostly fixing cars). It's intact and functioning to this day, they're great tools. I had no idea that they were made in Barberton Ohio, that's like an hour down the road. Edit: Now that I know they're still around, I'll be seeking them out. There are 5 distributors around where I live.
I can remember when NAPA store in my area carried two brands of tools, S&K and Wright. With Wright Tools being the top brand, they were out of my price ranges at that time, so I would by the S&K brand and still have most of them. I'm talking the 1960's.
I’m from NE Ohio and am in the boring and tunneling industry. These are the BEST tools for hard use / borderline abuse that are on the market. I own a lot of tools from all the big brands but when I’m out on site and need tools that I know won’t fail Wright tools always hold up
I've got snappy, Mac, matco, Armstrong, Thorsen, Proto,.... You get the point. Hold a Wright socket in your hand, you don't even need to turn with it and you know the difference. Hands down favorite tools.
I have some wright tools and ratchets passed down from my father , as a professional master tech working over 25 years in the business i use them on a daily basis and they are hands down the best tools i own , period . Im thinking they are over 60 years old , first used by my pops on the farm impliments . Amazing
Growing up I used my dad's 3/8 Wright socket set on bicycles, cars, motorcycles, and snowmobiles along with my friends that came over to work in our heated garage in MN. I received a set of SK Wayne for Christmas 1968. My 3/8 SK ratchet started skipping about 35 years ago and the "lifetime" warranty had expired because they had been sold. My dad had died just before that and I inherited his Wright socket set. The 50 yr old SK's are still in use and the ratchet is still flaky but the 70+ Wrights are going strong and show no signs of giving up.
My favorite impact socket brand. Use them on my hydraulic impact and haven't busted one yet. In my experience the impacts barely rust compared to others even when accidently left outside in a couple storms. Even when it appears the coatings worn off they have yet to rust. Although, B'laster parts washer may have something to do with this too. I use this to clean my tools after they're caked in crap. I personally get mine from a local hardware store called Nicholson hardware in Rockford, IL.
I found a wrench from wright about 2 years ago, which was about the time i started getting into tools, in my gpas shed and he told me i could have it. He said he bought it back in the 60's. Not knowing what it was, i threw it in the back of the tool box. I quickly learned about 6 months later that i should basically polish and mount this sucker on the wall! It feels way better than my 20 year old U.S.A craftsman stuff.
I got my Craftsman set in the early 00s, and while it gets the job done, they aren't the nicest Craftsman ever made by any means. I'm slowly replacing with other US brands.
Years ago I was working as a mechanic in new car dealerships. I started out with a set of Blackhawk tools and expanded from there with tools that I bought off of the Snap on and Mac trucks for work. For home I started with a set of Craftsman tools. When I moved to a place that didn't have a Sears store I found a farm store where I bought Wright wrenches for use at home. I found both the quality and price at that time to be between the Craftsman and the Snap-on.
Phenomenal tools. All my main go too tools are made by Wright. I own everything from Snap on, Mac, SK to Pittsburgh. Their wrenches are the best I have ever used. Love Wright tools.
As a mechanic I have had account's with Mac and snap-on and I treated them as a service I would pay my weekly bill and they keep my tools replaced. Did want to go get tools replaced on my time off . I could have any tool mac/snap-on offers and just pay the weekly amount . There tools are expensive but it worked good for me .💯👍
First ratchet I ever bought was a Wright half inch with a rubber grip at the old Ontario's in Cincinnatialong with that I got my first socket which was for changing spark plugs I somehow split that they replaced it no charge and they've been great I still use that ratchet 50 + years later
One of the biggest reasons they are great and sought after in the field is you can just buy individual sizes.... All my spuds are Wright..... Probably 10ea of 1 1/4 and 1 5/8.... I've got some cheaper (sets) but when I break a socket or whatever it gets replaced with Wright or Proto...
We use a lot of Wright tools at the coal mines here I'm Utah and they are way tough tools for sure but we also use a lot of proto tools also and at one of the mines that I worked at we used them cougar socket set they was way tough tools also infact I still have some of them
My dad gave me a Wright Tool number 10 wrench when I was a young boy. He told me it was a good'un, and that I mustn't lose it. It was one of those loose bits and bobs that was floating around on its own in the toolbox. I didn't know anything about wrenching, but I was someone who paid attention to what I was doing and holding, and I could tell even then that it felt good to handle. The weighting was good, the way it clasped the nut was good. It was a joy to use.
I do like Wright Tools, and they do carry a premium price tag. One thing that wasn’t mentioned, atleast I didn’t hear it, was the innovation in their wrenches with the Wright Grip technology. Having those few small ridges in the open end of the wrench is a fantastic feature that I haven’t seen on any other wrenches.
I use all Gearwrench as I can get it just about anywhere here and all the parts stores carry it so getting something warrantied isn’t a big deal. But even then my gearwrench don’t really compare to the quality of Wright.
I saw an nteresting Wright tool in their catalog recently. I’ve wondered why slugging wrenches are only made for bolt heads over 1”. Then I noticed that Wright makes two slugging adapters to square drive, the smaller being 3/4”. You can get 3/4” drive impact sockets as small as 9/16” or 17mm. With this setup, you won’t have to hammer on your good wrenches again.
I bought the standard and metric matte chrome finished wrenches, they are as nice as my snap on metric wrenches. They are extremely well made. Their ratchets with the dual pawl design are almost as smooth as snap on 90 tooth that i have but are more rugged ratchet mechanism. They are very well made, but you have to buy them online in my area.
Wright are great! Been around a long time. Mostly industrial used. My dad was a mechanic in the military and we have some of his tools he swiped. A good portion are wright. Alot are marked Giller. Which i think was made by wright or proto. Forget now. We have a local hardware store where i live in western ny that sell wright tools. Mostly all in standard tho.
as a stagehand both freelancing and working for a larger company, there always comes a time to borrow a tool or try something new. be it from an equipment cage or a colleague, there is no shortage of mixed sets, brands, eras, etc. i've held more than a few wright tools adjustable wrenches in my few years of doing this. 9 times out of 10 it's from an old timer or someone who inherited it from said old timers. any time i've had to ask for a spare wrench and gotten one of these, it was always going to be a good day. solid wrench and i'll be getting one of my own soon, maybe a couple!
Some of the hand tools sold by mcmaster-carr are wright. Next day delivery to the center part of the us. With snap on you can buy better but you cannot pay more. Shine on bear.
It somewhat bothers me that McMaster doesn't list brands on their site. I understand that this makes it simpler and their suppliers may change which lets them not worry about updating their massive catalog. But it's a hassle to have to ask where something's made and by who.
Call or email and ask; it's what I do. The pictures are actually very accurate and if you know your tools, you can figure it out. It's how I obtained my 3/8" Wright ratchet. The other round head options were clearly Williams.
I have the metric and standard wrenches. I bought them 3 years ago and they are NIIIIICE. I couldn't recommend them more to anyone who is still considering what to buy. Going to get the impact sockets soon too. I hear good things.
I have the impacts. They are great,never had one break on my hydraulic impact and I know others who use them and never broken one. They also don't rust as bad as the other impacts.
I don't care much about top-quality tools; I don't care much about made-in-America; I'm not even American; and I live 5,000 miles away from America. But these videos are fantastic in so many respects. Love the delivery, the editing, and mostly the HEART you put into almost everything on your channel. New sub.
Their cost is high like snap on. They prices are reasonable. They now have polished chrome on some sets , mine are the older ones they are chromed but not polished. You can buy them on the net if a dealer is not near you. I retired and live in houston and their is a big dealer here, not surprising because of the oil industry. The cougar brand is made in taiwan they are lower in price and are good for the price but wright is tuffer. There impact sockets can't be broken. In the oilfield i broke snap on and all the big boys but wright is awesome. The chrome sockets,ratchets wright grip wrences are great. They sell other tools that they dont make but they tell you they did not make it, there is no re-branding.
I miss Craftsman. I still have my Craftsman set I bought 15 years ago, right before they switched to Made in China bullshit. Very happy with them, use them every day.
Hello again Red Thank you for the Great Video. I have never owned a Wright Tool. But I, did use quite a few when I. First join the Air Force, Then everything came from Asia. The worst tools, that would break very easily. Later everything changed to Snap-on, and life was good. Again thank you
I have the full set of polished metric wrenches from Wright. My only complaint is that I wish they were a little longer. Awesome tools though, definitely recommended. I also have a set of their deep 3/8 impact sockets that are excellent.
Since you mentioned history, I love your "History of (insert tool company name here)" Did you ever do that History of Duluth Trading Company? Hope you do more of those.
I have several of their tools and they are top of the line. You see them also on job site iron workers and millwrights use them because of durability and the big sizes available. I love them.
I have a Wright long handle 1/2 inch drive ratchet that I use if the going gets tuff. This was from a rail car maintenance company that let us keep the few tools they gave us when they laid us off.
Years ago I tried Wright as a lower cost alternative. Tools performed adequately, but just not the fit, finish, and selection of Snap-on. I may have a few Wright tools still kicking around, but I long ago standardized with Snap-On for wrenches, ratchets, sockets, screw drivers and hammers. I have a lot of Snap-on pullers, but I prefer my Proto pullers. I own a lot of Snap-on pliers, but I generally go to Knipex and Klein even when you can argue that Snap-on pliers are more rugged than Klein.
I replaced some of my old lost Craftsman wrenches with Wright wrenches and I have to admit that Wright wrenches just have nicer ergonomics. They just feel better.
I have a Wright wrench set from 1/4”-2”. It was 2k when I bought them. Now they’re made in China and suck! I also have wright usa adjustable wrenches from 8”-12” doubles of all. I worked in the oil fields in west texas and they hold up awesome. I’ve had them for 8 years and never had to warranty anything.
I just bought 3/8 drive socket set number 339 last week and was delivered yesterday. A really good looking set and will work them soon. I got them on eBay brand new for $265.00.
I use only use USA-made tools: ChannelLock, Klein, Estwing, Vaughn/Dasco, the late, lamented Armstrong. Wright tools are awesome. I own several pieces. You are correct about one thing - trying to find their stuff on-line is a colossal pain-in-the-ass. I spoke with a very nice lady there and hi said that they are working on it, but that was a long time ago. Also, for what it is worth, Summit Tools carries Wright but you have to look to the website.
For one thing, I think they were occupied making tools for other toll companies, and with their industrial tools. They wouldn’t to go into direct competition with one of their customers. With most tool companies moving production offshore, they no longer have that conflict of interest, so are becoming better known.
Premium commercial use tools designed for use in areas where you simply cannot afford to have a tool failure, like in the middle of nowhere. Had these when I was in the military and working in the commercial airlines afterward. Never broke a tool. Way overkill for most automotive use, but not for heavy duty mechanics like off road diesel and class 8 trucking.
@Lord Raiden Their is noting about Dewalt that scream USA. Their parts are made in China, Mexico, Czech Republic, italy, Brazil, and United Kingdom. That are sent to USA put together by American to be call Made in USA. Is like saying this American born Baby is made in the USA. Using global Women and Men from other country to be assembly in America to make baby's that are call made in the USA so their American citizen. OOOoooo wait thats actually how things actually realy work in the USA lol. Two non-citizen can make legal citizens in the USA. I see what you did Dewalt...
i was in doubt between proto and s&k but when i went to a store to buy bolts i saw an exhibition showcase and i could take my hands and see the quality so i decided to buy a set of impact socket sae and metric, ratchet and combination wrench. I was convinced by the quality and decided that I would buy only wright. the price I think is ok or cheaper than other brands and you get a better quality in my opinion
Wright tools used to be sold at Barberton Hardware same city where Wright Tool is located. Wright made power craft for Wards. Identicsl tools just a different name
GSA, where federal agencies are encouraged by policy to buy American made products, is perhaps one of the larger markets for Wright that you did not mention. You might consider doing a video on Martin Tools (Martin Sprocket and Gear). Martin is similar to Wright, they are in the Dallas area, and make a line of heavily made tools for industrial markets. Their tools are quality, no frills, look like something out of the 1950s, and are not cheap by any means. I ended up with some of Martin Tools when making purchases from McMaster-Carr who sells based on spec and seldom discloses brand names. Martin Tools also makes many items commonly used in auto body shops.
Trump? The guy whose merch is made in China and who has undocumented foreign nationals working below minimum wage at his resorts? That Trump, you mean?
@@NoJusticeNoPeace How many resorts do you run? You know how many people work for his company? Lets put it this way, did you know everyone in your high school class? Now imagine if you had 30-40,000 classmates. Come on.
Before there was Snap On, there was Blue Point. I have a 9/16" black oxide Blue Point combination wrench that's as good as it was, 60 years ago. I expect it to outlast all my other wrenches, and it will probably outlast me. Blue Point wrenches were made in the United States.
WrightGrips 2.0's are THE BEAST/BEST! I use them in paper mills for the last 15 or so years and never broke any. Before I found WrightGrip I used Kobalt/Tekton & yes, even Snap-On and broke some of each of those brands. The ONLY other brand of wrench I would ever consider would be Gedore (the real Gedore, not Gedore Red). Wright and Gedore are on par with one another and all others pale in comparison! Great video and glad I found it.
I have two Wright ratchets a 1/2 long with the tootsie roll grip and a 3/8 with the tootsie roll, they are both low tooth count but solid as any ratchet out there.
Wright makes cool stuff. I bought my tools in the 70s & early 80s. I found some adapters in my tool box recently. An adapter with 3/8 female, 1/2 inch male, 3/8F to 1/4M, etc. Interest item was a Wright piece with 3/8 inch female at one end & a 3/8 inch male at the other end. ??? What is the point? About an inch & a half long, with a 3/8 inch drive at both ends, M & F? Then it hit me! I recalled why. It isn't an adapter. It is a *short extension!* I sometimes need a really short extension. Only Wright had one so short it looked like an "adapter"!
For American tool manufacturing, the first third of the 20th century was a feast followed by a famine. Many, many tool companies started up and flourished during about 1890 to 1929. Then during the Great Depression (about 1929-1940), many of them went out of business, or were acquired by other companies.
for sk & wright, harry j epstines web site is my go-to... & as a shade tree "wanna-be" mechanic, i love my made in the usa sk hand tools... & as a professional master barber of 30 years, theres only one name above all names in my industry... oster! ...made in the usa! ...still got a pair of my fathers clippers that he used in barber school over 60 years ago, & some of my grandfathers sk tools
Thanks for the great videos on tools man. I am building out my first tool kit and using videos like these two help make decisions and save money in the long run. Also, som distributors use Amazon for selling these babies.
I used Wright Wrenches when I worked in the test bay at Outboard Marine Corp (Johnson and Evinrude). The Wrights were ugly and black. They weren't pretty like some of the others we had. But the quality was apparent. I keep looking out for a set on the used market but no one sells them once they own them.
I work in heavy industrial repair, Wright and Proto covers the majority of my wrenches and sockets. I like the old made in USA ratchets with the thumb wheel made by blackhawk. Facom for my 1/2 drive ratchets (italian) and Wright for 3/4 inch+ bigger drive ratchets. I dont care for Wright flex head ratchets tho, but wrenches and such best made in the world if you abuse the ever living piss out of stuff. The 14 piece wrench set you saw musta been on sale, that usually runs 240/250 on Amazon. Have them in my home shop too, we have 2 stores within an hour of me.
We have a retailer here that sells Wright. I don’t know the tools seem a bit industrial. The ratchets have a very aggressive texture that feels like a file more than a grip to me and the mechanism is really stiff. I am sure they are good tools but not tools I would buy for my self and more of a tool I would buy for employees that uses them daily
I inherited Wright tools from my dad. They are so well made and they last. Hard to find though. Why doesn’t Wright make them more available? Snap ons advantage is that they make long pattern wrenches. Wright does not. I’m also not crazy about Wright ratchets. SO ratchets are much nicer looking. I don’t buy many sets, I pick and choose from various manufacturers. Thanks
I live in NE Ohio. I have used Wright tools in the construction industry for decades. The quality and durability are second to none. They are pretty easy to find in my neck of the woods. Companies like this deserve your support.
I LOVE WRIGHT TOOLS! Best tools ever! You won't need to use the warranty.
First I’ve heard of them but I’m going to look them up. I only want to do business with companies that are truly made in the USA.
I love your new American made series. Keep up the good work.
We have a local industrial supply distributor that sells Wright Tools. I bought my Wright wrenches from them several years ago and couldn't be happier they are very high-quality wrenches with very tight tolerances. I first found them when I was looking for a good 1-3/16" wrench that wouldn't slip when working on farm implements in the field. I got tired of the Cresent-type wrenches slipping all the time and picked up some inexpensive combination wrenches to keep in the tractor's toolbox because I knew they would end up walking off. I simply got tired of busting my knuckles with the cheap stuff and found the Wright Tools and never looked back. Turns out if you just spray paint half of the wrench orange people don't want to walk off with them as much.
I have some Wright sockets and wrenches that came in a big tool bundle for $50 a few years ago. He told me that it was great deal. Now I understand.
i have a few wright tools, they are excellent. The steel is great.
My first tools were Craftsman, bought at the local Sears in the mid 1970s. When I went to auto technician school in the late 70s they gave me a list of required tools. I filled out my list at an industrial supply (probably Applied Industrial Technologies) and nearly all of my tools were Wright. I have sockets, wrenches, pliers, a hammer, a breaker bar, and maybe a few more. I love them! In the 80s and 90s a lot of my Snap-On and Mac tools were stolen. The thieves ignored the Craftsman and Wright tools, so here were are almost 50 years later and I still have and use them.
I love my Wright Tools. Dad has had some impacts from them for at least 30 years. And we farm 2000+ acres. So yes they have been used. It also helps I have a dealer in Champaign IL. Love the contour grip rachets.
The Wright Grip wrenches are the real deal. They work far better than any of the more recent "anti slip" open end designs. There sockets are second to none also.
All my wrenches are Wright and so are my impact 1/2" drive sockets both SAE and Metric and so is my breaker bar. They definitely give snap-on a run for their money.
Not a single negative thing I can say about my Wright tools. I have gotten several of my sockets from Acme, and they will order whatever you don't see on their shelves. If anyone is in the Minneapolis area, Discount Steel has a great selection of them. Grainger I know does, and I'm pretty sure Fastenal as well.
Perhaps why they can be difficult to find in pinch, I need this right now situation, is also what I find so dang interesting about their stuff. Looking for a 2-1/2" drive 235mm impact socket? There are a few companies who make them, and none are cheap. I will not likely ever see one in my life, let alone be able to say I prefer one brand over another! Summarily, the conclusion I draw from my ridiculous example...
Any tool manufacturer selling sockets priced $4,000+ each probably makes a 19mm impact socket worthy of consideration. So far that has been true.
Thanks for the videos! I haven't checked if you have already, but I am curious to hear opinions on the new side of GearWrench/Apex. I am seeing all sorts of 6pt wrenches, pin-face spanners, et cetera not carried by box store brands. I'm curious how these new products compare to Proto or the former Armstrong.
My dad has an old wright ratchet and socket set that's probably from the 70s, easily... Used it many times growing up on a multitude of projects (mostly fixing cars). It's intact and functioning to this day, they're great tools. I had no idea that they were made in Barberton Ohio, that's like an hour down the road.
Edit: Now that I know they're still around, I'll be seeking them out. There are 5 distributors around where I live.
I had a 3/8" drive ratchet set in the early 70's. Best set I ever had. The ratchet gearing was very close and tight, very solid tool.
Wright Tool 170 Apprentice Set with Heavy Duty Mechanic's Box and Tray, 54-Piece
$720 not cheap but got to love it they will last a life time
Honestly, given their performance, the price point is really excellent. They're arguably 30% better than the tool truck brands at ~66% of the cost
I can remember when NAPA store in my area carried two brands of tools, S&K and Wright. With Wright Tools being the top brand, they were out of my price ranges at that time, so I would by the S&K brand and still have most of them. I'm talking the 1960's.
SK’s were fine tools. I still have some of mine too from the 60’s.
SK's are just as good in my experience.
I’m from NE Ohio and am in the boring and tunneling industry. These are the BEST tools for hard use / borderline abuse that are on the market. I own a lot of tools from all the big brands but when I’m out on site and need tools that I know won’t fail Wright tools always hold up
I've got snappy, Mac, matco, Armstrong, Thorsen, Proto,.... You get the point. Hold a Wright socket in your hand, you don't even need to turn with it and you know the difference. Hands down favorite tools.
Pretty awesome that these are made a few minutes from me. Northeast Ohio used to have booming manufacturing.
I have some wright tools and ratchets passed down from my father , as a professional master tech working over 25 years in the business i use them on a daily basis and they are hands down the best tools i own , period . Im thinking they are over 60 years old , first used by my pops on the farm impliments .
Amazing
Growing up I used my dad's 3/8 Wright socket set on bicycles, cars, motorcycles, and snowmobiles along with my friends that came over to work in our heated garage in MN. I received a set of SK Wayne for Christmas 1968. My 3/8 SK ratchet started skipping about 35 years ago and the "lifetime" warranty had expired because they had been sold. My dad had died just before that and I inherited his Wright socket set. The 50 yr old SK's are still in use and the ratchet is still flaky but the 70+ Wrights are going strong and show no signs of giving up.
I grew up not far from where they are made and had never heard of them until this channel. Thanks for sharing.
My favorite impact socket brand. Use them on my hydraulic impact and haven't busted one yet. In my experience the impacts barely rust compared to others even when accidently left outside in a couple storms. Even when it appears the coatings worn off they have yet to rust. Although, B'laster parts washer may have something to do with this too. I use this to clean my tools after they're caked in crap. I personally get mine from a local hardware store called Nicholson hardware in Rockford, IL.
I found a wrench from wright about 2 years ago, which was about the time i started getting into tools, in my gpas shed and he told me i could have it. He said he bought it back in the 60's. Not knowing what it was, i threw it in the back of the tool box. I quickly learned about 6 months later that i should basically polish and mount this sucker on the wall! It feels way better than my 20 year old U.S.A craftsman stuff.
I got my Craftsman set in the early 00s, and while it gets the job done, they aren't the nicest Craftsman ever made by any means. I'm slowly replacing with other US brands.
Years ago I was working as a mechanic in new car dealerships. I started out with a set of Blackhawk tools and expanded from there with tools that I bought off of the Snap on and Mac trucks for work. For home I started with a set of Craftsman tools. When I moved to a place that didn't have a Sears store I found a farm store where I bought Wright wrenches for use at home. I found both the quality and price at that time to be between the Craftsman and the Snap-on.
Another brand of hand tools that are very good and made in the USA is WILDE. They make alot of high quality hand tools.
Phenomenal tools. All my main go too tools are made by Wright. I own everything from Snap on, Mac, SK to Pittsburgh. Their wrenches are the best I have ever used. Love Wright tools.
As a mechanic I have had account's with Mac and snap-on and I treated them as a service I would pay my weekly bill and they keep my tools replaced. Did want to go get tools replaced on my time off . I could have any tool mac/snap-on offers and just pay the weekly amount . There tools are expensive but it worked good for me .💯👍
First ratchet I ever bought was a Wright half inch with a rubber grip at the old Ontario's in Cincinnatialong with that I got my first socket which was for changing spark plugs I somehow split that they replaced it no charge and they've been great I still use that ratchet 50 + years later
One of the biggest reasons they are great and sought after in the field is you can just buy individual sizes....
All my spuds are Wright.....
Probably 10ea of 1 1/4 and 1 5/8....
I've got some cheaper (sets) but when I break a socket or whatever it gets replaced with Wright or Proto...
We use a lot of Wright tools at the coal mines here I'm Utah and they are way tough tools for sure but we also use a lot of proto tools also and at one of the mines that I worked at we used them cougar socket set they was way tough tools also infact I still have some of them
Bear , your Wright on !
My dad gave me a Wright Tool number 10 wrench when I was a young boy. He told me it was a good'un, and that I mustn't lose it.
It was one of those loose bits and bobs that was floating around on its own in the toolbox. I didn't know anything about wrenching, but I was someone who paid attention to what I was doing and holding, and I could tell even then that it felt good to handle. The weighting was good, the way it clasped the nut was good. It was a joy to use.
I do like Wright Tools, and they do carry a premium price tag. One thing that wasn’t mentioned, atleast I didn’t hear it, was the innovation in their wrenches with the Wright Grip technology. Having those few small ridges in the open end of the wrench is a fantastic feature that I haven’t seen on any other wrenches.
The teeth on the wrench is a really comon feature these days
Icon Tools from Harbor Freight, referred to as anti-slip.
I use all Gearwrench as I can get it just about anywhere here and all the parts stores carry it so getting something warrantied isn’t a big deal. But even then my gearwrench don’t really compare to the quality of Wright.
@@MrR518 They don’t even come close to Wright Grip 2.0 in testing
I saw an nteresting Wright tool in their catalog recently. I’ve wondered why slugging wrenches are only made for bolt heads over 1”. Then I noticed that Wright makes two slugging adapters to square drive, the smaller being 3/4”. You can get 3/4” drive impact sockets as small as 9/16” or 17mm. With this setup, you won’t have to hammer on your good wrenches again.
I bought the standard and metric matte chrome finished wrenches, they are as nice as my snap on metric wrenches. They are extremely well made. Their ratchets with the dual pawl design are almost as smooth as snap on 90 tooth that i have but are more rugged ratchet mechanism. They are very well made, but you have to buy them online in my area.
I've been happy since I switched. After warrantying out my 17 snappy twice , thought id give wright a shot. Never looking back.
Wright are great! Been around a long time. Mostly industrial used. My dad was a mechanic in the military and we have some of his tools he swiped. A good portion are wright. Alot are marked Giller. Which i think was made by wright or proto. Forget now. We have a local hardware store where i live in western ny that sell wright tools. Mostly all in standard tho.
as a stagehand both freelancing and working for a larger company, there always comes a time to borrow a tool or try something new. be it from an equipment cage or a colleague, there is no shortage of mixed sets, brands, eras, etc. i've held more than a few wright tools adjustable wrenches in my few years of doing this. 9 times out of 10 it's from an old timer or someone who inherited it from said old timers. any time i've had to ask for a spare wrench and gotten one of these, it was always going to be a good day. solid wrench and i'll be getting one of my own soon, maybe a couple!
Some of the hand tools sold by mcmaster-carr are wright. Next day delivery to the center part of the us. With snap on you can buy better but you cannot pay more. Shine on bear.
It somewhat bothers me that McMaster doesn't list brands on their site. I understand that this makes it simpler and their suppliers may change which lets them not worry about updating their massive catalog. But it's a hassle to have to ask where something's made and by who.
Call or email and ask; it's what I do. The pictures are actually very accurate and if you know your tools, you can figure it out. It's how I obtained my 3/8" Wright ratchet. The other round head options were clearly Williams.
I just purchased the Wrightgrip 2.0 combination wrench set 15 pc metric.Quality is very impressive!
I think I just found my new favorite tool brand.
I have the metric and standard wrenches. I bought them 3 years ago and they are NIIIIICE. I couldn't recommend them more to anyone who is still considering what to buy. Going to get the impact sockets soon too. I hear good things.
I have the impacts. They are great,never had one break on my hydraulic impact and I know others who use them and never broken one. They also don't rust as bad as the other impacts.
I don't care much about top-quality tools; I don't care much about made-in-America; I'm not even American; and I live 5,000 miles away from America. But these videos are fantastic in so many respects. Love the delivery, the editing, and mostly the HEART you put into almost everything on your channel. New sub.
Their cost is high like snap on. They prices are reasonable. They now have polished chrome on some sets , mine are the older ones they are chromed but not polished. You can buy them on the net if a dealer is not near you. I retired and live in houston and their is a big dealer here, not surprising because of the oil industry. The cougar brand is made in taiwan they are lower in price and are good for the price but wright is tuffer. There impact sockets can't be broken. In the oilfield i broke snap on and all the big boys but wright is awesome. The chrome sockets,ratchets wright grip wrences are great. They sell other tools that they dont make but they tell you they did not make it, there is no re-branding.
Sorry i left out the word NOT as in not high.
I’ve got some of my Grandfathers Wright and SK tools. Working like the day they were made. Excellent tool companies.
I miss Craftsman. I still have my Craftsman set I bought 15 years ago, right before they switched to Made in China bullshit. Very happy with them, use them every day.
My old Craftsman tools were seemed really good but I don't buy anymore since they are made in China now.
Hello again Red
Thank you for the Great Video. I have never owned a Wright Tool. But I, did use quite a few when I. First join the Air Force, Then everything came from Asia. The worst tools, that would break very easily. Later everything changed to Snap-on, and life was good. Again thank you
I have the full set of polished metric wrenches from Wright. My only complaint is that I wish they were a little longer. Awesome tools though, definitely recommended. I also have a set of their deep 3/8 impact sockets that are excellent.
Since you mentioned history, I love your "History of (insert tool company name here)" Did you ever do that History of Duluth Trading Company? Hope you do more of those.
I have several of their tools and they are top of the line. You see them also on job site iron workers and millwrights use them because of durability and the big sizes available. I love them.
I have two Wright adjustable wrenches, and their action is so smooth I can't believe it.
I have a Wright long handle 1/2 inch drive ratchet that I use if the going gets tuff. This was from a rail car maintenance company that let us keep the few tools they gave us when they laid us off.
Years ago I tried Wright as a lower cost alternative. Tools performed adequately, but just not the fit, finish, and selection of Snap-on. I may have a few Wright tools still kicking around, but I long ago standardized with Snap-On for wrenches, ratchets, sockets, screw drivers and hammers. I have a lot of Snap-on pullers, but I prefer my Proto pullers. I own a lot of Snap-on pliers, but I generally go to Knipex and Klein even when you can argue that Snap-on pliers are more rugged than Klein.
I replaced some of my old lost Craftsman wrenches with Wright wrenches and I have to admit that Wright wrenches just have nicer ergonomics. They just feel better.
I have a Wright wrench set from 1/4”-2”. It was 2k when I bought them. Now they’re made in China and suck!
I also have wright usa adjustable wrenches from 8”-12” doubles of all.
I worked in the oil fields in west texas and they hold up awesome. I’ve had them for 8 years and never had to warranty anything.
I just bought 3/8 drive socket set number 339 last week and was delivered yesterday. A really good looking set and will work them soon. I got them on eBay brand new for $265.00.
I use only use USA-made tools: ChannelLock, Klein, Estwing, Vaughn/Dasco, the late, lamented Armstrong. Wright tools are awesome. I own several pieces.
You are correct about one thing - trying to find their stuff on-line is a colossal pain-in-the-ass. I spoke with a very nice lady there and hi said that they are working on it, but that was a long time ago.
Also, for what it is worth, Summit Tools carries Wright but you have to look to the website.
Wright makes fantastic tools, not cheap and they’re definitely top shelf!
I live in Ohio and could never figure out why they weren’t promoted more at least here. Great quality tools.
For one thing, I think they were occupied making tools for other toll companies, and with their industrial tools. They wouldn’t to go into direct competition with one of their customers. With most tool companies moving production offshore, they no longer have that conflict of interest, so are becoming better known.
I love these types of videos learning about companies and their products
Thank you bear , very informative 👍🇺🇸💪
I have Wright sockets and a few of the wrenches. I love them, and worth the money.
Premium commercial use tools designed for use in areas where you simply cannot afford to have a tool failure, like in the middle of nowhere. Had these when I was in the military and working in the commercial airlines afterward. Never broke a tool. Way overkill for most automotive use, but not for heavy duty mechanics like off road diesel and class 8 trucking.
Expensive but worth it I own a few I found em in a pawn shop outside of Asheville
Great combo wrenches. Impact sockets grab on tight, but are a little on the thiccc side for tight spots.
Dewalt need to change their made in USA logo to assembly in the USA instead.
@Lord Raiden Their is noting about Dewalt that scream USA.
Their parts are made in China, Mexico, Czech Republic, italy, Brazil, and United Kingdom. That are sent to USA put together by American to be call Made in USA.
Is like saying this American born Baby is made in the USA. Using global Women and Men from other country to be assembly in America to make baby's that are call made in the USA so their American citizen.
OOOoooo wait thats actually how things actually realy work in the USA lol. Two non-citizen can make legal citizens in the USA.
I see what you did Dewalt...
The only battery powered tools that I know of that are made in the USA are snap-on’s 14.4 ratchets is there anything else?
@Just my opinion i love my rigids, too!
i was in doubt between proto and s&k but when i went to a store to buy bolts i saw an exhibition showcase and i could take my hands and see the quality so i decided to buy a set of impact socket sae and metric, ratchet and combination wrench. I was convinced by the quality and decided that I would buy only wright. the price I think is ok or cheaper than other brands and you get a better quality in my opinion
Wright tools used to be sold at Barberton Hardware same city where Wright Tool is located. Wright made power craft for Wards. Identicsl tools just a different name
I have a set of 10 point sockets made by Wright Tools for over 25 years. Never had any problems or worried about warranty replacement
GSA, where federal agencies are encouraged by policy to buy American made products, is perhaps one of the larger markets for Wright that you did not mention. You might consider doing a video on Martin Tools (Martin Sprocket and Gear). Martin is similar to Wright, they are in the Dallas area, and make a line of heavily made tools for industrial markets. Their tools are quality, no frills, look like something out of the 1950s, and are not cheap by any means. I ended up with some of Martin Tools when making purchases from McMaster-Carr who sells based on spec and seldom discloses brand names. Martin Tools also makes many items commonly used in auto body shops.
Buy American hire American.
Trump? The guy whose merch is made in China and who has undocumented foreign nationals working below minimum wage at his resorts? That Trump, you mean?
@@NoJusticeNoPeace How many resorts do you run? You know how many people work for his company? Lets put it this way, did you know everyone in your high school class? Now imagine if you had 30-40,000 classmates. Come on.
Mmmm, Kool-Aid.
Glad to see we found the TH-cam Stasi. We will all try to get your approval before we submit comments. Jerk off.
Good analogy. Anybody that has actually worked a job knows the hijinks some employees keep hidden just in a company of a couple hundred.
Love the Made In USA videos!
Before there was Snap On, there was Blue Point. I have a 9/16" black oxide Blue Point combination wrench that's as good as it was, 60 years ago. I expect it to outlast
all my other wrenches, and it will probably outlast me. Blue Point wrenches were made in the United States.
WrightGrips 2.0's are THE BEAST/BEST! I use them in paper mills for the last 15 or so years and never broke any. Before I found WrightGrip I used Kobalt/Tekton & yes, even Snap-On and broke some of each of those brands. The ONLY other brand of wrench I would ever consider would be Gedore (the real Gedore, not Gedore Red). Wright and Gedore are on par with one another and all others pale in comparison! Great video and glad I found it.
I have two Wright ratchets a 1/2 long with the tootsie roll grip and a 3/8 with the tootsie roll, they are both low tooth count but solid as any ratchet out there.
Might be wrong but I believe McMaster-Carr sells wright tools as well
Wright makes cool stuff. I bought my tools in the 70s & early 80s. I found some adapters in my tool box recently. An adapter with 3/8 female, 1/2 inch male, 3/8F to 1/4M, etc.
Interest item was a Wright piece with 3/8 inch female at one end & a 3/8 inch male at the other end.
??? What is the point? About an inch & a half long, with a 3/8 inch drive at both ends, M & F?
Then it hit me! I recalled why. It isn't an adapter. It is a *short extension!* I sometimes need a really short extension. Only Wright had one so short it looked like an "adapter"!
Not quite 2 years later and the 752 set shown on Amazon for $167.98 is now $262.55
For American tool manufacturing, the first third of the 20th century was a feast followed by a famine. Many, many tool companies started up and flourished during about 1890 to 1929. Then during the Great Depression (about 1929-1940), many of them went out of business, or were acquired by other companies.
I used to work at wright in the polishing department we also made some tools for proto
Royal Supply sells the full Wright line and usually has pretty good discounts.
great vid. you need to see graytools in canada. they are industrial as well.
When the Mrs. wants to get the job done "Wright", this is the wrench that she flings at your case hardened noggin.
i have an old wright adjustable wrench... im telling you dude, the older that wrench gets the more incredible it is
for sk & wright, harry j epstines web site is my go-to... & as a shade tree "wanna-be" mechanic, i love my made in the usa sk hand tools... & as a professional master barber of 30 years, theres only one name above all names in my industry... oster! ...made in the usa! ...still got a pair of my fathers clippers that he used in barber school over 60 years ago, & some of my grandfathers sk tools
I inherited an old Oster blender. I think it has a haircut setting!
I just wish you could order from them directly.
Tools... can you review a good Set of tools for the House ? And building fences.. please. Please
I work in a gas plant in Texas and our maintenance men and mechanics all have a decent amount of wright tools.
Thanks for the great videos on tools man. I am building out my first tool kit and using videos like these two help make decisions and save money in the long run. Also, som distributors use Amazon for selling these babies.
Just got to that part on the video lol
Well I guess I'll look for them at like pawn shops and stuff
I used Wright Wrenches when I worked in the test bay at Outboard Marine Corp (Johnson and Evinrude). The Wrights were ugly and black. They weren't pretty like some of the others we had. But the quality was apparent. I keep looking out for a set on the used market but no one sells them once they own them.
Love the wright grip wrenches
I work in heavy industrial repair, Wright and Proto covers the majority of my wrenches and sockets.
I like the old made in USA ratchets with the thumb wheel made by blackhawk.
Facom for my 1/2 drive ratchets (italian) and Wright for 3/4 inch+ bigger drive ratchets.
I dont care for Wright flex head ratchets tho, but wrenches and such best made in the world if you abuse the ever living piss out of stuff.
The 14 piece wrench set you saw musta been on sale, that usually runs 240/250 on Amazon.
Have them in my home shop too, we have 2 stores within an hour of me.
Great video @TheDenOfTools
We have a retailer here that sells Wright. I don’t know the tools seem a bit industrial. The ratchets have a very aggressive texture that feels like a file more than a grip to me and the mechanism is really stiff. I am sure they are good tools but not tools I would buy for my self and more of a tool I would buy for employees that uses them daily
Tyrrell Roach Yes, tools made for those who have callouses from real work, not wimpy homeowners with soft and supple hands. LOL.
Used them on offshore dredges.
I inherited Wright tools from my dad. They are so well made and they last. Hard to find though. Why doesn’t Wright make them more available? Snap ons advantage is that they make long pattern wrenches. Wright does not. I’m also not crazy about Wright ratchets. SO ratchets are much nicer looking. I don’t buy many sets, I pick and choose from various manufacturers. Thanks
Nice Wright tools 👌💯👊 @TheDenOfTools
Love Wright tools. Well made but hard to find and buy.
I Lived In Barberton Ohio in 1975-77 😲😮😲😀👍🏼 USA USA USA USA