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You can do a lot with a socket set, but sooner or later you'll hit a nut a socket can't reach: a brake line fitting, a bolt behind a bracket, or a nut you have to hold while you turn the bolt. That's what combination wrenches are for, and they're the second set every garage needs.
The best wrench set is the one with no gaps in the sizes you use. For modern cars that means metric from 8 to at least 19 mm with every size included; for older domestic vehicles and equipment, SAE from 1/4" to at least 3/4". After that, consider box-end design (6- or 12-point), beam length, finish and storage. Ratcheting is a nice upgrade but not a replacement.
We compared current combination wrench sets from GearWrench, Milwaukee and Craftsman using manufacturer size lists and specs.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: GearWrench 81920 (18-piece metric). Best for: a gap-free 7 to 24 mm metric set with long-pattern leverage.
- Best SAE Set: GearWrench 81917 (18-piece SAE). Best for: 1/4" to 1-1/4" coverage for trucks, equipment and older cars.
- Best SAE + Metric: Milwaukee 48-22-9485 (30-piece). Best for: both systems in one organizer, 8 to 22 mm and 1/4" to 1".
- Best 6-Point: GearWrench 81925 (14-piece metric). Best for: rusty or rounded fasteners where grip matters most.
- Best Budget: Craftsman CMMT12067 (15-piece SAE). Best for: an affordable SAE set from 1/4" to 1-1/16".
- Best Ratcheting Upgrade: GearWrench 86927 (12-piece metric). Best for: speed in tight spaces once you have a standard set.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Sizes | Pieces | Box end | Pattern | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GearWrench 81920 | Best overall | 7 to 24 mm | 18 | 12-point, 15° offset | Long | Tool roll |
| GearWrench 81917 | SAE | 1/4" to 1-1/4" | 18 | 12-point, 15° offset | Long | Tool roll |
| Milwaukee 48-22-9485 | SAE + metric | 8 to 22 mm; 1/4" to 1" | 30 | Combination, MAX BITE open end | I-beam | PACKOUT organizer |
| GearWrench 81925 | 6-point | 6 to 19 mm | 14 | 6-point, 15° offset | Standard | Tool roll |
| Craftsman CMMT12067 | Budget | 1/4" to 1-1/16" | 15 | 12-point, 15° offset | Standard | See listing |
| GearWrench 86927 | Ratcheting | 8 to 19 mm | 12 | 12-point ratcheting, 90-tooth | Long, wide beam | Compact rack |
The Best Wrench Sets, Reviewed
1. GearWrench 81920 18-Piece Metric Set: Best Overall
Who it's for: anyone working on modern cars, motorcycles or imported equipment who wants one metric wrench set that won't leave gaps.
This is the metric wrench set we'd buy first. GearWrench includes every size from 7 to 24 mm, 18 wrenches with nothing skipped, so you're covered from small sensor brackets to larger suspension and brake hardware. The long-pattern beam gives you more leverage and reach than a standard-length wrench.
The 12-point box ends have a 15° offset for knuckle clearance and GearWrench's off-corner loading design, which pushes on the flats rather than the corners. Sizes are hard-stamped, the finish is full polish chrome, and the set comes in a tool roll at 7.82 lb. GearWrench lists a full lifetime warranty. If you prefer a rack, the 15-piece 81902 covers 8 to 22 mm in a wrench rack.
Pros
- Gap-free 7 to 24 mm
- Long pattern for leverage
- Off-corner loading box ends
- Full lifetime warranty per GearWrench
Cons
- Tool roll is slower to use than a rack in a drawer
- 12-point only
GEARWRENCH 18 Piece 12 Point Long Pattern Combination Metric Wrench Set 81920
by GEARWRENCH
2. GearWrench 81917 18-Piece SAE Set: Best SAE Set
Who it's for: owners of older American cars and trucks, trailers, tractors and small engines.
The 81917 is the SAE twin of our top pick, and it goes bigger than most SAE wrench sets. GearWrench lists 1/4", 9/32", 5/16", 11/32", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 13/16", 7/8", 15/16", 1", 1-1/16", 1-1/8" and 1-1/4". The only step missing in that run is 1-3/16".
It shares the long-pattern beam, 15° offset 12-point box end, off-corner loading and full polish finish of the metric set, and it comes in a tool roll at 12.4 lb with a full lifetime warranty. If you don't need the big sizes, the 15-piece 81901 covers 1/4" to 1" in a rack.
Pros
- 18 sizes from 1/4" to 1-1/4"
- Includes 9/32" and 11/32", which cheaper sets often skip
- Long pattern for leverage
Cons
- Skips 1-3/16"
- 12.4 lb is heavy for a roll
GEARWRENCH 18 Piece 12 Point Long Pattern Combination SAE Wrench Set 81917
by GEARWRENCH
3. Milwaukee 48-22-9485 30-Piece SAE and Metric Set: Best SAE + Metric
Who it's for: people who work on both modern and older vehicles, or who want one purchase that covers every common wrench size.
Milwaukee includes 15 metric wrenches from 8 to 22 mm and 15 SAE wrenches from 1/4" to 1" (1/4", 9/32", 5/16", 11/32", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 13/16", 7/8", 15/16" and 1"), with no gaps in either run. They come in a PACKOUT Organizer that stacks with other Milwaukee storage.
The open ends use Milwaukee's MAX BITE design, which the company says delivers up to 25% more torque than competing designs, and the I-beam handles have ink-filled size labels. Milwaukee backs the wrenches with its Lifetime Guarantee. The individual 15-piece sets are also sold separately as the 48-22-9515 (metric) and 48-22-9415 (SAE).
Pros
- 30 wrenches, gap-free in both systems
- MAX BITE open-end grip
- Lifetime Guarantee
Cons
- Organizer is bulkier than a wrench rack
- Premium price
Milwaukee 30pc Metric & SAE Combination Wrench Set with PACKOUT Organizer 48-22-9485
by Milwaukee
4. GearWrench 81925 14-Piece 6-Point Metric Set: Best 6-Point
Who it's for: anyone dealing with rusty exhaust, suspension or farm equipment fasteners where a 12-point wrench might slip.
Most combination wrenches are 12-point. This GearWrench set uses a 6-point box end, which contacts the flats of the hex for a more secure grip on tired or corroded fasteners. It covers every metric size from 6 to 19 mm, has a 15° offset box end and off-corner loading, and comes in a tool roll with a full lifetime warranty.
The SAE version, the 81924, covers 1/4" to 1" in 14 pieces (it skips 9/32"). Either one makes a great second wrench set alongside a 12-point set.
Pros
- 6-point box end for maximum grip
- Gap-free 6 to 19 mm
- SAE twin available (81924)
Cons
- 6-point box ends need more swing to reposition
- Standard length, not long pattern
GEARWRENCH 14 Piece 6 Point Combination Metric Wrench Set 81925
by GEARWRENCH
5. Craftsman CMMT12067 15-Piece SAE Set: Best Budget
Who it's for: homeowners and occasional DIYers who need a dependable SAE wrench set without spending much.
Craftsman's 15-piece SAE set covers 1/4", 5/16", 11/32", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 13/16", 7/8", 15/16", 1" and 1-1/16". That's a full run for most household, lawn equipment and older-vehicle jobs. The 12-point box ends have a 15° offset, the finish is full polish chrome, and the size markings are large and easy to read. Craftsman lists a full lifetime warranty.
Watch out for Craftsman's similar 11-piece raised-panel set (CMMT87018), which covers 1/4" to 3/4" and 7/8" but skips 13/16". For most buyers, the 15-piece CMMT12067 is the better buy.
Pros
- 15 SAE sizes up to 1-1/16"
- Full lifetime warranty per Craftsman
- Budget price
Cons
- Skips 9/32"
- Standard length, no rack details published
CRAFTSMAN 15 pc. SAE Combination Wrench Set CMMT12067
by CRAFTSMAN
6. GearWrench 86927 12-Piece Ratcheting Set: Best Ratcheting Upgrade
Who it's for: anyone who already owns a standard combination wrench set and wants speed in tight spaces.
A ratcheting combination wrench doesn't replace a standard set, but it makes it far more productive. GearWrench's 86927 uses a 90-tooth ratcheting box end that needs just 4° of swing, with off-corner loading on both ends and a longer, wider beam. It covers 8 to 19 mm in a compact rack with a full lifetime warranty.
Use your standard wrench to break a tight bolt loose, then spin it out with the ratcheting wrench. Our ratcheting wrench set guide compares this set with flex-head, reversible and Milwaukee options.
Pros
- 90-tooth, 4° swing
- Gap-free 8 to 19 mm
- Off-corner loading on box and open ends
Cons
- Not ideal for breaking seized fasteners
- Stops at 19 mm
GEARWRENCH 12 Piece 90-Tooth 12 Point Metric Combination Ratcheting Wrench Set 86927
by GEARWRENCH
Wrench Set Buying Guide
Check the Size List for Gaps
This is the single most important step. A combination wrench set with 11 pieces can't cover the same range as one with 18. For metric, look for every size from 8 to 19 mm; sets that skip 15, 16 or 18 mm are common at the low end. For SAE, check for 11/32", 13/16" and 15/16", which budget sets often drop. Our socket size chart explains why you can't fill metric gaps with SAE sizes.
Metric vs SAE
Most modern cars are built largely with metric fasteners, so a metric wrench set comes first for car work. SAE still matters on older American vehicles, trailers and equipment. We cover the split in more detail in our SAE vs metric guide.
6-Point vs 12-Point Box Ends
A 12-point box end is more versatile because it fits on every 30°, which helps when you can barely move the wrench. A 6-point box end grips better and is less likely to round a stuck fastener. Start with a 12-point set and add 6-point wrenches for rusty work.
Offset Box Ends and Open-End Angle
A 15° offset on the box end gives your knuckles clearance above flat surfaces; every set here has one. The open end on most combination wrenches is angled to the beam so you can flip the wrench over and get a new bite in tight spots.
Long Pattern vs Standard vs Stubby
Long-pattern wrenches (GearWrench 81920 and 81917) give more leverage and reach. Standard length is the all-rounder. Stubby wrenches, like GearWrench's 10-piece 81904 metric set, fit where a full-length wrench can't swing at all.
Full Polish vs Satin Finish
Full polish chrome wipes clean easily and resists corrosion. Satin finishes can be easier to grip with oily hands. Either is fine; we'd prioritize sizes and box-end design over finish.
Storage: Rack, Roll or Organizer
A wrench rack in a tool chest drawer is the fastest to use and makes missing sizes obvious. Tool rolls are compact and portable. Organizers like Milwaukee's PACKOUT are durable and stackable but bulkier.
The Sizes That Matter Most on Cars
On most modern cars, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 19 mm do the bulk of the work, with 8 mm on small brackets and 21 or 22 mm on some larger suspension hardware. You'll often need a wrench and a socket in the same size at once, because many through-bolts use the same size head and nut: one tool holds, the other turns. That's the main reason a socket set alone isn't enough. If you only buy one wrench set for a modern car, make sure it covers every size from 8 to 19 mm, then fill in SAE later if an older vehicle or piece of equipment demands it.
Special-Purpose Wrenches
Combination wrenches aren't the right tool for brake and fuel line fittings, which call for a flare nut wrench set. For odd sizes and plumbing, an adjustable wrench set fills the gaps.
How We Chose
We compared current combination wrench sets from GearWrench, Milwaukee and Craftsman using each manufacturer's size lists and specs: every included size and any gaps, 6- or 12-point box ends, offset, beam length, finish, storage and listed warranty. We weighted complete, gap-free coverage most heavily, since that's what determines whether a set actually finishes the job. We also considered recurring owner feedback on storage and missing sizes. We did not test these sets ourselves.
FAQ
What sizes should a metric wrench set include?
For cars, every size from 8 to 19 mm at a minimum, with 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 19 mm being the ones you'll reach for most. A set that runs to 22 or 24 mm also covers larger suspension and brake hardware. Avoid sets that skip 15, 16 or 18 mm.
What sizes should an SAE wrench set include?
At least 1/4 to 3/4 inch with every 1/16-inch step, plus 11/32 inch. For trucks, older domestic vehicles and equipment, look for sets that continue to 1 inch or beyond. Some sets skip 13/16 or 15/16 inch, so check the size list.
Are 6-point or 12-point wrenches better?
A 6-point box end grips the flats of a hex and is less likely to round a stuck fastener. A 12-point box end fits on in twice as many positions, which helps when you can only swing the wrench a little. Most combination wrench sets are 12-point; a 6-point set is a smart addition for rusty work.
Do I need both a metric and an SAE wrench set?
If you work on modern cars, metric comes first because most current vehicles are largely metric. Add SAE if you own older American vehicles, trailers, lawn and farm equipment, or do general home repairs. Combined sets like the Milwaukee 48-22-9485 cover both.
What is a long pattern wrench?
A long pattern wrench has a longer beam than a standard combination wrench of the same size. The extra length gives more leverage for breaking fasteners loose and more reach into recessed spots, at the cost of being harder to swing in tight spaces.
Verdict
The GearWrench 81920 is the best wrench set for most car owners: 18 metric sizes from 7 to 24 mm with no gaps, long-pattern leverage and a lifetime warranty. Pair it with the SAE 81917 if you work on older vehicles, or buy the Milwaukee 48-22-9485 to get both systems at once. If you're starting from scratch, our best mechanic tool set picks bundle wrenches with sockets.