Best little wrenches, where??

• Best little wrenches, where??
  Posted by SeeSteam on 25 Jan, 2020 07:58
• I bought a set of little metric wrenches, just not happy with them. I want to get a mini 2.5 inch crescent wrench but the reviews say they are sloppy junk.
  
  Any recommendations?
  
  Also, I'd like to get some small metric machine bolts but I'd like them to be hex head not Allen head. But apparently the search tools think I am referring to Allen? Where do I find M2 and M3 hex headed machine screws? (Like a bolt on a car.)
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• #1 Reply
  Posted by Nick on 25 Jan, 2020 08:39
• How small of wrenches are you looking for? what size range?
  
  If you are near a smaller town, try to find an old, locally owned hardware store as they have much better bolt/screw selections.
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• #2 Reply
  Posted by Nick on 25 Jan, 2020 09:13
• I have some metric Craftsman ignition wrench sets that I have been happy with... they came in my larger sets. Sizes included:  4,  4.5,  5,  5.5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10, 11 mm
  
  If those are small enough, look for an older set in this style bag that says Made in USA on the front:
  
  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Craftsman-10-pc-Metric-Midget-Ignition-Wrench-Set-Metric-USA-made/352926189735?hash=item522c0a48a7:g:~0QAAOSwKKBeFq2w
  
  
  
  
  
  This style bag is a newer set and most often made in China
  
  https://www.ebay.com/itm/CRAFTSMAN-MIDGET-IGNITION-WRENCH-SET-CHOICE-COMBINATION-OR-OPEN-END-SAE-METRIC/114005176476?hash=item1a8b3cf09c:m:mMmmaBywOsLTvZ9mfv5PgGg
  
  
  
  
  
  Any smaller and you may consider a nut driver set like this (2.5 to 6mm range):
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-26590-Driver-Precision-Handle/dp/B000PDOIT6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11ZE6SDS6CI81&keywords=wiha+metric+nut+driver+set&qid=1579964665&sprefix=wiha+metric%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-1
  
  
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• #3 Reply
  Posted by Steamandoil (Tim) on 25 Jan, 2020 09:17
• Those tiny hex head bolts will be hard to find. I’m thinking like the ones used on Stuart models.
  I have some tiny metric combination wrenches that are decent. I believe they were actually ignition wrenches by Craftsman. (that’s no help!)
  RC tools are generally metric. Be sure and web search for all this including RC tools. Good luck.
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• #4 Reply
  Posted by Nick on 25 Jan, 2020 09:25
• You may also find a need for BA wrenches in this hobby... If so, look for a 6 piece set from King Dick in the UK 0BAx2BA, 1BAx3BA, 2BAx4BA, 4BAx6BA, 5BAx7BA, 8BAx10BA
  
  
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• #5 Reply
  Posted by oilfield_steam on 25 Jan, 2020 17:58
• Not cheap but indispensable on my workbench.
  
  Thin but strong. Many times, these have been the only wrench that could get into a tight spot.
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00209TOAG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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• #6 Reply
  Posted by Nick on 25 Jan, 2020 18:05
• Quote from: oilfield_steam on 25 Jan, 2020 17:58

  Not cheap but indispensable on my workbench.
  
  Thin but strong. Many times, these have been the only wrench that could get into a tight spot.
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00209TOAG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  

  
  Thanks for posting that! Those look like they'd get into tight spaces very well, US made, and currently $28 off regular price 
  
  
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• #7 Reply
  Posted by Nick on 25 Jan, 2020 18:21
• Quote from: oilfield_steam on 25 Jan, 2020 17:58

  Not cheap but indispensable on my workbench.
  
  Thin but strong. Many times, these have been the only wrench that could get into a tight spot.
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00209TOAG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  

  
  There is a cheaper option available with a single handle in SAE, but I cannot find it in metric...
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Moody-Tools-MT-04-01-Open-End-Wrench/dp/B001KVJ9LY/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=moody+wrench&qid=1579997305&sr=8-2
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• #8 Reply
  Posted by SeeSteam on 26 Jan, 2020 00:16
• Nick, the midget Craftsman is what I remember using as a kid. Those are what I prefer! Just didn't know the magic search words. Thank you.
  
  As for bolts, how about cheese head metric M2, M3, etc...?
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• #9 Reply
  Posted by Nick on 26 Jan, 2020 00:55
• Midget or ignition will help you find them. The smallest in the Craftsman set is 4mm, Scott's set includes: 2.5mm, 3.0mm, 3.2mm, 4.0mm. 5.0mm. 5.5mm. 6.0mm, 7.0mm
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• #10 Reply
  Posted by jkbixby on 26 Jan, 2020 05:15
• Quote from: oilfield_steam on 25 Jan, 2020 17:58

  Not cheap but indispensable on my workbench.
  
  Thin but strong. Many times, these have been the only wrench that could get into a tight spot.
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00209TOAG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  

  
  Just looking at the Amazon reference brought up the surprising fact that I had bought this set back in Nov. 2013 - now where the heck are they?
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• #11 Reply
  Posted by SeeSteam on 27 Jan, 2020 23:24
• I found the slotted M2 at Menards, not hex, but better than Allen.
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• #12 Reply
  Posted by Nick on 27 Jan, 2020 23:30
• Quote from: CBWho on 27 Jan, 2020 23:24

  I found the slotted M2 at Menards, not hex, but better than Allen.
  

  
  What style head?
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• #13 Reply
  Posted by Nick on 28 Jan, 2020 09:30
• Quote from: oilfield_steam on 25 Jan, 2020 17:58

  Not cheap but indispensable on my workbench.
  
  Thin but strong. Many times, these have been the only wrench that could get into a tight spot.
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00209TOAG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  

  
  Thanks again Scott, my set arrived yesterday. These will come in very handy 
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• #14 Reply
  Posted by Hero on 28 Jan, 2020 11:06
• I say, watch the yard sales. My wrenches are cheap stamped stuff, but they work--and they cost me a quarter.
  
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