Combination vs Open End & Ring Spanners?

[cjc_td5]

I'm looking to update by tool board in the shed with some new spanners. I notice these days that the shops seem to mainly push combination spanner sets. I was brought up with having a full set of open ended and ring spanners to do the job properly. With effectively two spanners in the same size (one open ended and one ring) you could use one on the bolt and the other on the nut.

How does the above work with combination spanners? Does it assume you have a socket set to use on the other end?

What do the pros use, combination or open ended/ring spanner sets?

Cheers,

[ADMIRAL]

Go for a combination set , and a good set of rachet ring spanners. You will still have a second open end as an option on the rachets, and the convenience of the rachets. The best thing since sliced bread.

[33chinacars]

I'd stay with a good set of ring spanners often use in conjunction with a socket set. Also a set of ratchet ring spanner/ open enders. I Only use open enders as a last resort.
I have a number of 1/4 , 3/8 , 1/2 & 3/4" drive socket sets. Both normal & deep. Use what ever is most suitable for the job.
Combo spanners are usually to last to be used unless the ring end has the right angle for the job at hand.
Open ended spanners are more inclined to slip & round off your nut.

Gary

[yt110]

I only ever had open ended/ring spanners sets ,then got a set of comb ratchet/open enders that I do like and I find handy if there is not enough room for a socket and ratchet,the 10mm one gets a lot of use.

Then a set of comb spanners these are ok, when using as a open ender they are longer than a normal open ender which I also find useful, but I don't like that the ring end of the spanner is not at a right angle to the bolt if a lot of force has to be applied.

Jim.

[Graeme]

but I don't like that the ring end of the spanner is not at a right angle to the bolt if a lot of force has to be applied.
That's where a dedicated ring spanner does a better job although sometimes the step can't be accommodated in a tight space. I do find my more recently acquired ratchet spanners very handy and use them more than sockets.