Amazon with toolboxsupply has the GearWrench 44001 8-Piece Standard SAE / Metric Flat Full Polish Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set for $20 with free shipping. Includes sizes 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 7/16", 3/8", 1/2", and 9/16".
About 30 years ago, a customer developed a similar wrench. I took a sample to my mechanic, who opened his tool box to show me another set just like what I'd brought, from the early twentieth century. Now Sears has the same thing, rebranded.
The difference between the old wrenches and the modern one is twofold: One, the overall size of the ratcheting box end is smaller now, and two, the number of degrees of swing before the next ratchet is fewer. Both make them much more useful in tight spaces, which is just about everywhere on a modern automobile.
About 30 years ago, a customer developed a similar wrench. I took a sample to my mechanic, who opened his tool box to show me another set just like what I'd brought, from the early twentieth century. Now Sears has the same thing, rebranded.
^ Huh? In the early 20th century they had nothing that looked like this. For one they weren't chrome, used heavier metal and looked a bit like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-VINTAGE-LARGE-19-WILLIAMS-45-OPEN-END-WRENCH-2-1-13-16-/230841672973
The difference between the old wrenches and the modern one is twofold: One, the overall size of the ratcheting box end is smaller now, and two, the number of degrees of swing before the next ratchet is fewer. Both make them much more useful in tight spaces, which is just about everywhere on a modern automobile.