Best Offset Wrenches For Accessing Obstructed Bolts

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Click here to see examples of offset wrenches.
Click here to see examples of offset wrenches.
Often times when repairing your car you don’t have any issues getting a ratchet or a combination wrench on a fastener to apply torque. Most times, fasteners are easy to access and thus there isn’t a need for a fancy tool. However, once in a while you will come across an application that requires a different or unique tool to get the job done in a timely manner. For instance, if you have ever tried to work on a Porsche 944 engine, you know that an offset wrench set is necessary to get certain fasteners off expeditiously. Without them, let’s just say the replacement project will cause a little heartburn. Of course this challenge isn’t just limited to the Porsche 944, and we’re sure there are tons of other situations that require offset wrenches across all car brands.

Offset wrenches are very similar to standard boxed or open-end wrenches except the head is literally offset from the main body of the wrench to allow for various advantages when it comes to accessing difficult to reach bolts and nuts. Wrench heads can be at different positions and angles from the body depending on the brand and model of offset wrench, but the best offset wrenches will have geometry that allow you to reach into tight places and sneak your wrench into places that a normal wrench can’t get to.

The Best Offset Wrench Set

workpro offset wrenches
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WorkPro offers a complete 8-piece metric set of offset wrenches made from chrome vanadium steel that represents a solid value to get the odd work completed. Each wrench in the set is drop forged and then heat treated to offer both strength and durability. Each wrench is also labeled with the size, which makes them easier to distinguish when it’s critical to find just the right one you need.

The complete set comes in an ABS plastic rack that will holds each wrench in organized fashion. This makes it easier to grab the right wrench as well as know which is missing when the job is completed and you’re ready to put the wrenches back in storage. The storage packaging has two slots at the top to be able to hang from hooks (perhaps on a pegboard wall) if you don’t prefer to store them in a tool cabinet or drawer.

Each wrench has two different sized metric heads (one at each end) that are a 12-point box-end shape. Sizes include 6mm x 7mm, 8mm x 9mm, 10mm x 11mm, 12mm x 13mm, 14mm x 15mm, 16mm x 17mm, 18mm x 19mm, and 20mm x 22mm. The total set and packaging weigh just under 3 pounds. The package dimensions are 14-inches by 8-inches by 2-inches, so they won’t take up too much space in your tool cabinet drawer or hanging on your wall.

As far as available purchasing options, Amazon’s attractive price makes it the first place we’d suggest looking. Overall, WorkPro represents one of the best offset wrench values around, and we think you’ll be quite pleased. Plus, since offset wrenches can easily be used in place of a standard wrench, or even a socket and ratchet, you are likely to get some decent use out of them even though they are a bit of a specialty tool. Happy wrenching!

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