Update 1/6/20: I own or have used wrenches from many different brands, including (Sears era) Craftsman, Gearwrench, Proto, Armstrong, Williams, Wright, Wera, Husky, Kobalt, Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Tekton, and Facom is still my favorite brand.
Someone recently asked about my favorite combination wrenches, and it seemed like a good idea to bring this older review back to the front page.
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This post was originally published on 3/20/15, and in the nearly 6 years since then I have purchased several more Facom wrench sets, so that I can keep them in portable kits and everywhere else I might need some wrenches.
In yesterday’s post Do Facom Tools Suck Because They’re Made by Stanley?, I mentioned Facom 440 combination wrenches, which are interesting in design and among my favorite wrenches to use.
I should clarify – these aren’t technically made by Stanley, but since Facom is a Stanley Black & Decker brand, they kind of are. Short answer: no, they most definitely do not suck. In fact, these are among the best wrenches I have ever used.
Okay, so what’s so special about these Facom 440 combo wrenches? They are quite exotically designed, but all of the standout features are purposeful. The design isn’t about making the wrench look good – they help make the wrench function better much of the time.
Facom 440 Open End
To start, Facom 440 wrenches have an unusual open-end geometry. You might have seen this deep offset on Proto’s recent spline ratcheting wrenches. The larger offset angle means you can achieve a wider swing when working in tight spaces before you have to remove and reposition the wrench.
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Facom says that the open ends of their 440 combination wrenches can save 20% time and “15% space” in very tight spaces. I had no reasonable way of verifying these numerical claims with my use, but I did notice that these wrenches fit better in tight spots, compared to other brands’ more traditional wrench designs.
The offset angle is 15°.
Facom 440 Box End
Next up – the 12px box end, which is thicker and designed for better fastener accessibility. The 440 box ends can better fit fasteners in recesses, and can also reach fasteners that are up close and next to other fasteners that can be difficult for traditional box end wrench designs to reach.
These wrenches won’t replace your sockets, but they can handle fasteners where other combo wrenches simply fail.
One more thing to like about these wrenches is that the box end features Facom’s OGV socket profile, which contacts fasteners’ flats and not their corners. This means greater torque transfer for more powerful tightening, greater durability, and less wear on fasteners.
The offset angle here is also 15°.
See Also: Facom Angled Socket Wrench Review
Facom 440 User Comfort and Handle Shape
You have probably noticed that Facom 440 wrenches have an I-beam-style design – again, similar to Proto’s ratcheting spline wrench. They’re not quite the same as Proto’s though. Proto’s I-beam spline wrenches have straight edges, as you would expect from a wrench, while these Facom wrenches have greater curvature.
Facom says that the variable handle cross section doubles the surface in contact with the hand, for more comfort and painless torque application.
Are these wrenches comfortable to hold and use? Absolutely. That’s not to say that you’ll feel a world of difference. I didn’t. All I know is that the wrenches are simply comfortable to use.
Facom says that there are additional benefits as well, and that the 440 wrenches’ geometries help during pre-tightening. They say the geometry makes the wrench more stable, easier to guide, and that the wrench does not turn in the hand.
In Facom’s words, these wrenches combine compactness with strength. In terms of strength, these wrenches exceed tooling, ISO, and aerospace torque standards. And in regard to compactness, following are comparisons between a 9/16″ Facom 440 wrench, and a standard length Craftsman Professional wrench of the same size.
Size and Shape Comparisons
Facom 440 wrenches are short. They’re definitely not stubby wrenches, but they’re also not anywhere as long as traditionally designed wrenches, at least not the sizes I use regularly.
Although I haven’t done a direct comparison, I would think that Facom 440 wrench lengths are comparable to those of Craftsman’s raised panel wrenches. If you have Craftsman raised panel wrenches and at least one professional, industrial, or aerospace brand of wrench in your toolbox, I’m sure you know what I mean.
In this direct comparison, the Facom wrench has a lower profile open end than the Craftsman Pro wrench. The Craftsman Pro wrench was presumably built with the same processes as Armstrong wrenches, and compare well against other professional and industrials brands’ standard or even long pattern wrenches.
It’s not as easy to see the difference between open end geometries, but it might help to focus your attention on the curvature of the wrench’s lower jaw. You could also see a more two dimensional outline of the Facom geometry in the second photo from the top of the page.
And, as mentioned, the box end is quite a bit chunkier. This is a deliberate feature, and a good one at that, but there are downsides, such as in scenarios that really call for a lower a profile wrench.
Satin Chrome Finish
If I didn’t already like satin chrome finished tools, I would now. Some brands’ satin finishes just plain stink, but these are really very well done. They’re easy to clean, and also satin finished without being gritty.
Overall
I am quite pleased with these wrenches. They’ve been stellar, no matter what I’ve thrown at them. I don’t do much automotive work, but have used these wrenches for fabrication work, assembly, disassembly, and other similar tasks.
The open end design does increase the swing range of the wrenches before they have to be removed, returned, and repositioned, and the box end does provide additional fastener access capabilities that you won’t find with other combination wrenches.
Do I miss the reach of my long pattern wrenches? Sometimes, yes. I don’t use my 440 wrenches all the time. Yes, these wrenches are spectacular, but sometimes I need or want the length or flat sides of a traditionally designed wrench. There are also times when I want a ratcheting wrench, in which cases these manual wrenches just won’t do. I also only bought a set in fractional sizing, and so if I need metric I also have to reach for something else.
I spent $160 (less 10% GJ member discount at Ultimate Garage) on a set of 13 fractional wrench sizes, model MOD.440-4. Metric sets are priced higher and lower, depending on the sizes and set configurations you want.
Update: I have since purchased additional Facom wrenches via Amazon UK and Amazon DE.
I’d buy these wrenches again in a heartbeat.
Yes, I heartily recommend them, but advise that you consider your needs before purchasing. Facom doesn’t have a huge foothold in the USA, and so warranty replacements – or even purchasing replacements – wouldn’t be easy.
Buy Now via Amazon
Buy Now via Amazon UK
Buy Now via Amazon Germany
Buy Now via Ultimate Garage
Ultimate Garage is a fantastic independent vendor that carries a nice selection of Facom tools. Some of the Amazon 3rd party sellers offer free shipping, which is great if you just want to try one or two sizes for feel and evaluation purposes. Who couldn’t use an extra wrench in their most commonly reached-for size?
If you’re interested in giving these a try, consider purchasing just a single Facom 440 wrench for evaluation purposes. The handle ergonomics are superb, and both the open ends and box ends offer improved accessibility compared to other wrenches. But you have to ask yourself this – will the thicker box end and shorter wrench length be an issue? If so, then these wrenches might not be idea for you.
I believe these wrenches are made in Taiwan. It doesn’t say so on the wrenches, and I threw out the packaging a long time ago.
Nathan
other than the offset angle and the swell in the middle of the I-beam they look almost identical to my stahlwille “short pattern” combo wrench.
Nathan
good review by the way.
Jeffro Bodeen
Was just thinking Stahlwille, had a couple sets, sold them on eBay for top dollar to fund filling in gaps in my box.
Kyle
Thanks for the nice review. It seems like the design of these wrenches takes inspiration from many of the high quality German wrenches – particularly the satin chrome finish and shape optimizations for minimum mass with maximum stiffness/stress carrying capability – i.e. the I-bean cross section handle and the thin but sculpted open end.
The unique box end also seems well-thought out.
Rascally
To me, it looks like the open end is thinner than the Craftsman Wrench. I keep running into problems during product assembly, where you need a thinner wrench due to side height restrictions. For some models of assembly, I had older wrenches which I had ground the height down to make it work. These Wrenches look like they would stand the best chance of proper fitment, without having to alter the Wrench. Nice Review!
Stuart
It is. Lower profile = thinner. It does make a difference sometimes, but it’s not substantially thinner.
Brandon
Would you happen to have any measurements on them? I just did a quick measurement of the six 9/16 wrenches on my rack and they vary from 0.238″ to 0.298″. I wonder how the Facom compare. I measured the thickest part of the open-end wrench head with a micrometer. Results:
Craftsman
USA 44696 -VΛ- 0.270″ – combination wrench
USA 42416 GK -A- 0.273″ – reversible ratcheting wrench
A-AG 44696 0.298″ – combination wrench
Gearwrench
Plain 9/16 0.238″ – combination ratcheting wrench
Flex-head 9/16 0.288″ – combination ratcheting wrench
Kmart
9/16 0.265″ – combination wrench
It’d be interesting to see how the Facom and tappet wrenches compare in thickness. I haven’t bought a set of tappet wrenches because my plain ratcheting Gearwrenches are significantly thinner than my regulars and have worked just fine so far.
Mike
You might have a look at these or similar items from other brands:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc-standard-tappet-wrench-set/p-00947415000P?sellerId=SEARS
I’ve had a four piece set of these for years and they have been invaluable at times. I was surprised Sears has them still, but not available in stores any longer.
fred
Armstrong also makes tappet wrenches:
http://www.amazon.com/Armstrong-Set-Tappet-Each-27-770/dp/B00DCEAJFM
Seb
Those are among Facom top sellers here (France), but they are very pricey (a set of 12 in metric will run you around 120$) which doesnt surprise me much to be honest we are being gouged by every manufacturer anyway. They are covered by Facom Lifetime Guarantee which is a plus, i can go to any Facom retailer and they normaly will replace them on the spot.
Those are among Facom tools that i would recommend , along their sockets.
Toolfreak
Also available in fluorescent handle versions.
T
I like the old 40 series more. Longer, more traditional feel, comfortable with repeated use, etc… These 440s are nice though and I do use a 10 & 13 in certain applications. Im a huge fan of Facoms pliers, palm ratchets and sockets and do use them daily without issue. Majority of my Facom is from the SK partnership, pre Stanley era though.
Arjan
Thank you for the great review. It is just the review I needed to not buy these wrenches. Instead, I opted for NOS Facom 40 wrenches off the French eBay. There is no doubt in my mind that these are great wrenches and well worth the money, but I think that the shorter length and thicker box end will be an issue for me.
Hang Fire
Great review, and great pictures by the way.
I really like the extended box end, it looks like just the thing to get in tight places and still put a lot of wrench on the fastener.
Those UG prices are in-line with SK’s, and the quality looks to be on a par. I’m tempted, but I’ll have to do some more wrenching with my old standard pattern and new long pattern SK sets before I can justify considering another wrench set!
Steve DGerolamo
For 19mm (3/4″) and larger sizes where you might need additional leverage to break loose a fastener, Facom offers an extra long series wrench. These are a cleaner looking version of the old 40 series and are called the 40LA series. See http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/index.php?cPath=35_61_70_343_988 .
SD
adam
The current 440s are redesigned slightly. They have a thinner open end and are made in France not Taiwan. One way to tell, on the metrics at least, is they no longer have a long serial no. etched onto them.
Brent
I believe these wrenches are the same as the Mac tool precision torque wrenches. The wrenches and case look identical to me.
Javier A.
I was just about to post the same thing – more than likely the same wrenches with a different stamp from the Stanley factory… Not a bad thing, those wrenches get a lot of praise from folks.
Scott in GA
What am I missing about the open end offset? I thought all open end wrenches were 15 deg offset so you could use the wrench with the absolute minimum swing (30 degrees?) by turning it over each time. You can’t change that unless you don’t use 6-sided fasteners.
Wayne R.
It looks to me that the vertex of the offset is usually right up at the jaw but in these Facom wrenches that vertex is moved back 10mm or so.
Gary T.
Facom now offers an extra long version of these. The Ultimate Garage has them in stock. The MAC precision torque is another longer version of them. Sidchrome in Australia also sells a version of the MAC ones. I have both the Facom 440’s and the MAC precision torque.
Jared
These look nice, but I don’t think I would buy regular or short wrenches that are non-ratcheting. Well, expensive short wrenches anyway – I do have some non-ratchet stubbies, but that’s a just-in-case, not a regular use tool.
My regular-length wrenches are all reversible ratchet wrenches now. Usually if I can’t use those for some reason, it’s because I need extra torque – so out come my long pattern wrenches (which I also have ratchet versions now).
I am usually using them for automotive work though, so maybe that’s the reason for a divergent view.
I WOULD look at ratcheting versions of these wrenches. I have a couple long-pattern wrenches with deeper box ends that I find useful occasionally. But I have an expanding set of Proto reversible ratchet wrenches now so I don’t know that Facom would be much of an advantage.
Stuart
Ratcheting wrench box ends are sometimes too bulky to fit into tight corners where non-ratcheting combination wrenches can be used.
They also come in handy when two wrenches are needed – I can use non-ratcheting wrenches to back up the nut or bolt end of a fastener joint, with a socket or ratcheting wrench turning the movable fastener.
For ratcheting versions of these look at Proto’s spline wrenches (in case you have the hex ratcheting wrenches) – https://toolguyd.com/proto-ratcheting-combination-wrench/ . I bought a couple and can add them to my review queue.
Jared
That’s a good point. I do own non-ratcheting wrenches, I just meant I probably wouldn’t spend this much money on a set like this because 90% of the time I would prefer ratcheting.
My Protos are the black spline drive. They are more traditional-looking than these Facoms and don’t have the I-beam handle (I have one of the Proto I-beam style in 10mm I bought to try, but I have a mild preference for my black ones).
E.g. this style (called “black chrome combination reversible ratcheting wrenches – spline”): https://www.protoindustrial.com/en/industrial-tools/Proto/Wrenches/Ratcheting-Wrenches/0f73474f-0e40-4f83-8e8f-fb144d0038db_Proto%C2%AE-Black-Chrome-Combination-Reversible-Ratcheting-Wrenches—Spline/#
Not sure what “black chrome” is – a powder coat maybe? Feels nice though – almost has a slight stickiness to it (but not in the sense that it leaves a residue).
Nathan
wow blast from the past. I was going to nearly post my first comment again. LOL.
I thought FACOM wrenches were made in Spain or Italy. I don’t know why I thought that other than they do hail from Europe. might well be made elsewhere.
In light of other wrenches I do say people discount that deeper stepped box end. My favorite ratcheting wrenches do similar and I think it’s very useful. I mean I see guys taking just ratcheting wrenches to aircraft for work vs carting out ratchets and sockets too.
Biggest thing I notice is for normal size wrenches they do seem to be some of the shortest. Most companies make long pattern, normal and short or stubby. Facom wrenches for “normal” are on the shortest end of the scale. Probably not a bad thing.
Stuart
My most recent Facom wrench purchases didn’t come with any COO at all.
Yadda
I do love the design and features. Unfortunately I just don’t need another set of wrenches. I’ll need to look for a really good reason to buy them.
Jim Felt
I’ve been buying Facom tools through Griot’s Garage in Tacoma, WA since I first noticed them in their (once paper) catalog in the late 1990’s.
Never had a failure and haven’t seen anything better in direct tool to tool comparison.
Yadda
The angled box end reminds me of the Barcalo wrenches from the late 50’s.
Harry
The MAC long versions I have along with the USAG version I have are all made in Taiwan. The wrenches themselves aren’t marked with COO, it’s on the label on each plastic bag the wrench comes in. I think USAG/Facom also updated the open end to a anti slip version since the original post. At least mine have anti slip open ends. Great wrenches even in standard length. Thanks for sharing.
Dave P
Short end wrenches suck. If I want a stubby, I’ll walk over to a tool cabinet and get a stubby. 100% deal breaker here.
Are they inclusive in metric/don’t skip any sizes? If they skip any below 22 or so, another deal breaker. Deere uses a lot of 16 mm and some 18 mm– a set that skips some sizes is worthless here. (But even if they don’t, short= not interested).
As far as using ratcheting end wrenches exclusively– way too bulky and they’ll break (any brand) if you WHACK then w a hammer to remove a stubborn fastener. Many are also “flat” and they are knuckle-breakers/you can’t wrap your hand around them…
I have several sets of long Tekton 10-32mm ( they skip some sizes above 24 but that’s not a problem once you get that big) and a few sets of long Tekton SAE from 1/4 to 1-1/4 and they are nice and LONG and really hard to beat for the money. I have the new Milwaukee sets and I still prefer the long Tektons as the Milwaukees are shorter than I like, wish I still had that $$ in my pocket.