Stubby wrenches are very useful for personal and professional work. You will find lots of brands that sell stubby wrenches. But when the matter is about quality, you will find not all wrenches are up to the mark. Some of them will easily break and don’t last for a longer time. The most common question may arise: Do they hold fasteners firmly in a confined area?
I have used some stubby wrenches set for my personal work, and I found some really good products. I made a list of the 8 best stubby wrench sets, which will help to get a set for your auto repair and other daily works.
Editor’s Pick- Stubby Wrench Sets
Best Stubby Wrench Sets – Tested Then Reviewed
1. GEARWRENCH 85206 12 Point Stubby Wrench Set
This GEARWRENCH wrench set is a stubby ratcheting combination wrench set that comes in both standard and metric measurement systems. This wrench set comes with a 14 piece wrench that can be used for regular work to some heavy work.
Features
Materials
The wrench is made of alloy steel and comes with well chrome polish finishing, which resists corrosion and ensures longer life.
The nicest aspect of this wrench set is its construction quality. The quality of this product is very high and decent within this reasonable price.
It is made for heavy-duty work.
Design
It is a very short-length beam stubby wrench which is very handy. Its thin head and beam provide greater access in confined work areas.
Box end is off corner loading design, which provides better grip when you hold the flat side of the fastener and reduces fasteners rounding.
Also, its pass-thru design allows access in the middle of long nuts. So, you can work with this in long nuts and rods.
Head
It is a ratchet wrench. Box end head comes with a 72-tooth gear socket which only needs a 5-degree swing arc. You will feel very smoothness in tighter turns.
The open-end head works quite decently, but it would be better if it comes with off corner loading design.
Pros
- Very suitable to work in tight spaces.
- High build quality.
- High chrome polish finishing.
- It can be used for heavy work.
- 12-point 72 tooth gear socket.
Cons
- Non-reversible ratchet wrench.
2. Sunex 9930M Wrench Set
This Sunex wrench set is a metric stubby combination wrench set with both open-end and box end heads. It is a non-ratcheting wrench. It comes with 10 pieces from 10 mm to 19 mm sizes of wrenches.
Sunex 9930M is a very compact design wrench suitable for working in tight spaces.
Features
Material
The wrench is made from alloy steel. Steel is upgraded from high Carbon to Chrome Vanadium which increases its strength and durability more. It also comes in chrome polish finishing, preventing rust, corrosion, and deformation.
Design
The wrench design is very compact, which allows working in confined areas.
The box end is offset by 15 degrees, which provides clearance for your fingers and prevents contact with any obstruction near the fastener.
Head
Some people said that the open end of this wrench is oversized, but I didn’t find any problem with the open end. But the open end is not an off-corner loading design. It could hold the fastener very firmly.
The box end of this wrench is well designed. The chamfered shape of the radius corner grabs the flat side of the fastener and resists rounding off. In contrast, the radius corner grips the fastener’s flat side and enables quick and simple guiding onto fasteners.
Pros
- Compact design.
- Upgraded steel ensures strength and durability.
- The box end is offset by 15 degrees.
- Suitable for working in confined areas.
- Chamfered design box end.
Cons
- The open-end head could be better.
3. TEKTON Stubby Combination Wrench Set (WRN01170)
This Tekton stubby combination wrench set comes with 12 pieces (8-19mm) wrenches. It is a non-ratcheting stubby metric wrench set. It is a very small size and compact design wrench that is very easy to operate when there’s not enough room.
Feature
Material
TEKTON wrench set comes with a very well metal polish finishing. The quality of this wrench set is very decent. It has the ability to be utilized for a longer period of time. You won’t regret about the quality of this wrench set.
Design
The wrenches of this set are very compact. This small size wrench can be carried easily anywhere.
The open end head is angled 15 degrees which reduces the working swing arc so that you can work in tight spaces; also, the wrench can be flipped over with each rotation to engage the fasteners twice as often.
The box end is offset 15 degrees which means when you hold any fasteners, you will get some free space that will help you to reach around an obstruction.
Socket
The box end of this wrench is 12 points. A 12-point wrench is very useful for 6 point fasteners. It holds the fastener very firmly and also prevents round-off.
Pros
- Fully compact design.
- The box end is a 15-degree offset.
- The open end is angled 15 degrees which reduces the swing arc.
- Comes with a 12 point box end.
- Decent chrome finishing.
Cons
- Performance could be better.
4. GEARWRENCH 85034 34 Pc. 12 Pt. Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set.
This stubby ratcheting combination wrench set fits standard, SAE, and Metric size nuts. This wrench set comes with 34-piece wrenches. These wrenches come with a 12-point socket and deliver 72 teeth made for heavy work and work in tight spaces.
It is not only suitable for automobiles also its pass-thru technology helps to work with threaded rod and long nuts. These wrenches are made of very good materials, which ensure their strength and durability.
Features
Material
These wrenches are made of alloy steel. Alloy steel doesn’t rust easily, which increases product durability, and This material is also strong enough. So, these wrenches are very strong and can be used for a longer time.
To resist rust and corrosion, these wrenches have full polish chrome finishing.
Design
This wrench set comes with an ergonomic design. It provides very easy handling. Its off-corner loading design on the box end reduces fasteners rounding.
Uses
This wrench set comes with 12-point socket wrenches, which firmly hold nuts. Another advantage of a 12-point socket is these sockets are easier to connect with the heads of fasteners.
These wrenches deliver 72 teeth which give a 5-degree swing arc. That means you can work with this wrench in a very tight place where there is not enough room to move your hand.
Pros
- Ergonomic design provides a better grip.
- Made with alloy steel.
- Comes with a 12-point socket.
- Can be worked with a long nut.
- Fit with standard and Metric size nuts.
Cons
- Polishing is not very satisfactory.
5. GEARWRENCH 9550 Stubby Flex Head Wrench Set
GEARWRENCH 9550 wrench set is a metric stubby flex head ratcheting combination wrench set. Its flexible design makes it suitable to work in a confined area. This wrench set comes with 10 pieces ( from 10mm to 19 mm sizes) wrench. These sizes are often used in daily life work. It can be used as personal and professional work.
Features
Material
This is forged from alloy steel. Though this is not made from upgraded steel, it has enough strength and durability. With normal use, it can last for a long time.
It also has a polished finishing, which resists corrosion and eases wipe cleaning so that your tool is always ready for the next job.
Design
These wrenches come with a short beam. And its thin head and beam provide greater access in a confined area.
Its box end is flexible and can be flexed 180 degrees. This is an extra benefit for this wrench that it can access some tight place where a standard wrench can’t.
Its box end is an off-corner loading design, provides better grip, and prevents fasteners rounding.
Head
It is a ratcheting wrench. Its box end comes with a 72 tooth gear socket. That means it needs only a 5-degree swing arc, whereas a standard wrench needs to move 30 degrees to do the same work.
Its 12 point socket is very suitable for regular hexagonal fasteners.
Pros
- Fully decent polish finishing.
- Suitable for work in tight spaces.
- Flexible box end head.
- 72 tooth gear socket.
- Comes with most often size-used wrenches.
Cons
- Sometimes flex heads become loose.
6. GEARWRENCH 12 Point Stubby Combination Wrench Set – 81903
This GEARWRENCH stubby combination wrench set comes in SAE and Metric measurement systems. It comes with a 20 piece wrench where you will find your preferable wrench for your car work. This wrench set can be used for professional usage.
Features
GEARWRENCH is made of alloy steel. It is strong enough to work with a stubborn rust fastener. You don’t have to worry about breaking your tool easily. This material ensures longer tool life. Also, its fully polished chrome finishing resists corrosion.
Design
This wrench set is designed for working in a tight place. Both the open end and box end come with an off-corner loading design.
The box end is a 15-degree offset that will provide some free space to move your
hand easily without contacting your finger with any surface.
Head
Off the corner, loading design provides better grip and resist fasteners rounding also provide some extra torque. Off-corner loading design also can be used for rounded fasteners.
It is a 12 point wrench that holds fasteners very tightly. However, the 12 point wrench is not workable for a rounded fastener.
Pros
- Comes in standard and metric systems.
- Made with alloy steel.
- Decent polishing.
- Off corner loading design in both heads.
- Box end is a 15-degree offset.
Cons
- Fits loose after a long period of heavy-duty use.
7. DURATECH Stubby Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set
This DURATECH stubby wrench set comes with a combination of open-end and box-end ratcheting wrench. This one comes in the metric measurement system.
This set comes with 8 pieces from 10mm to 19 mm (except 12,15) wrench, which can do your daily personal work. Because most of the time people need these size wrenches for their daily life work.
Also, DURATECH stubby wrench set comes with a nice pouch with which you can easily carry your tool safely and also can store it in small spaces.
Features
Material
The wrench is forged from chrome vanadium steel. Chrome vanadium steel is reasonably strong steel. So, you will get enough strength from this wrench. Also, its high polish finishing ensures durability and resists corrosion and deformation.
Design
The design of this stubby wrench is very compact. Its shorter design allows it to reach where there is limited room.
Head
This is a ratchet wrench. Its box end comes with a 72-tooth gear socket. 72-tooth gear socket is very helpful to work in confined areas and tight spaces. It needs only a 5-degree swing arc which means you do not have to move your wrench lot.
Also, it is a 12 point socket which is very suitable for 6 point fasteners.
Pros
- Compact design.
- High polish finishing.
- Very suitable for working in confined areas.
- 72- tooth gear socket.
- Very strong and durable.
Cons
- 12 mm and 15 mm wrenches are missing.
8. SATA Stubby Wrench Set – ST09033SJ
This SATA stubby wrench set is a combination of open-end and box end heads, and it is a non-ratcheting wrench set. SATA wrench set comes in both standard and metric sizes. This one comes in metric sizes.
This set comes with 7 pieces ( 10-19 mm except 15, 16, and 18). But still, you can do your regular work without 15, 16, and 18 sizes.
This wrench set is perfect for technicians and electricians with its carrying toolbox. Also, this wrench can be used for some heavy-duty, large machinery and, of course, for auto repair.
Features
Materials
This tool is made from alloy steel and comes with full polish chrome finishing. Its finishing seems to be quite decent. Chrome polishing ensures its strength and durability.
This wrench is made in China. Some may feel doubt about its quality. But I have seen some of my friends have used this and found it to be of very decent quality and lasted for a long time.
Design
The beam length is not quite short. So, it is not as stubby as other wrenches that we have mentioned in this list. But still, it can be suitable for tight spaces.
Because of its long length, it can create high torque, which can be used for heavy-duty.
Head
Both open-end and box end are off-corner loading designed. So, your tool can hold the fastener very firmly and reduce rounding.
It is a 12 point wrench. It can access fasteners very easily and it is suitable for work in a confined area.
Pros
- Full chrome polish finishing.
- Off-corner loading design.
- Can create high torque.
- Useful for some heavy-duty.
Cons
- The box end is not enough to offset.
Best Stubby Wrench Sets A Complete Buying Guide
I have mentioned some wrench sets that best seems to me, but that doesn’t mean that there is no other stubby wrench that is good. That’s why I made this buying guide so that you can choose which one is the best stubby wrench.
Material
Material is the first thing that ensures the quality of your product. Most wrenches are made of alloy steel. Try to buy those wrenches that are made of chrome vanadium steel. It is upgraded steel, and it makes wrenches very sturdy.
Finishing
Well polish finishing resists corrosion and ensures long-lasting.
Offset Design
Offset design of your box end provides clearance for your finger. That means when you work in a confined area, you have fewer chances of contacting your hand with obstruction.
Off-Corner Loading Design
Always looking for those wrenches which have off-corner loading design both in the open end and box end. It holds the flat side of a fastener very firmly and reduces rounded off.
Combination Wrench
Buy those wrenches which come with both open-end and box end. Because they have different applications, the open end is for tightening the fastener. And the box end is for loosening fasteners.
Box End
You may find 6 point wrenches or 12 point wrenches. Both are good for different applications. For heavy-duty and getting more torque, 6 points is best. 6 point wrenches are also useful for a rounded fastener.
A 12 point wrench is good for the confined area because it easily accesses the fastener. Also, a 12 point wrench is very suitable for a 6 point fastener. It holds the fastener very firmly.
Socket
When you use a ratchet wrench, you will find 36, 72, 120 tooth gear sockets. The more teeth there is less swing arc; you have to move less of your tool.
A72 tooth gear socket is very suitable for work in a confined area. It can move faster than 30 degrees with just a 5-degree swing arc.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are Stubby Wrench For?
Ans: Stubby wrench is a short body wrench. It comes with a short beam length. Stubby wrenches are very suitable for loosening and tightening fasteners in tight spaces. It can reach a confined area where a standard wrench can’t.
2. What Is a Stubby Combination Wrench Set?
Ans: Stubby combination wrench set is a set of wrench that comes in different sizes (normally 8-19 mm) wrench which has both open-end and box end.
3. How Long Are Stubby Wrenches?
Ans: Stubby wrench is a very short body wrench. Sometimes the length of its body is so short that you can hold a full wrench in your fist. Normally you will find nearly 10 in the long wrench, and a jumbo stubby wrench is longer than a regular stubby wrench.
4. What Is a Reversible Ratchet Wrench?
Ans: Some ratchet wrenches come with a reversing lever, allowing you to switch direction without removing your wrench from the fastener.
Conclusion
To work in confined areas and tight spaces, a stubby wrench set is a very good option. The wrench set mentioned above, I found them the best stubby wrench set. These wrench sets come with often used sizes of wrenches. I found them very sturdy and well-designed. I am sure you won’t regret using these sets. I hope this article will help you to find the best stubby wrench set for you.
Martin A. Sims is a technician at a reputed automobile service center for the last 5 years. After studying at San Mateo College of Silicon Valley on vehicle engineering, he has started his career at age of 24. now he is spreading his knowledge among beginners around the world through thewrenches.com.
