New adjustable wrenches

[My Old Tools]

I've been fighting old, wore out, and just cheap **** adjustable wrenches for awhile, so off to Harry Epstein website. On the closeout page they have Cresent USA made in 6, 8, 10, and 15 inch sizes. They just came in and they feel great. Of course, I ended up with some other odds and ends too.

 

[Pinne]

I've also only got some cheaper adjustable wrenches, I don't use them often but have always been curious about the Snap On ones and some of the higher end Japanese ones (especially the thinner jaw models)

I end up using Knipex Pliers Wrenches for a lot of this sort of thing these days but they're not the same leve lof burly as a big adjustable.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Great find on the Crescent branded wrenches. I have a variety of brands and there are definitely some better than others.

 

[retDAC]

 

[dnschmidt]

To quote Darth Vader: Since the invention of the Pliers Wrench I find your lack of faith disturbing.

 

[1982fxr]

We need pics

 

[four.cycle]

did the Project Farm guy check Irega and Lobtex?

I can only listen to about 3.7 seconds of that guy's voice.

 

[retDAC]

did the Project Farm guy check Irega and Lobtex?

I can only listen to about 3.7 seconds of that guy's voice.

Lobtex, no. There are six brands made in Spain: Channellock, Reed, Klein, Ridgid, Wiha, and Bahco. First 5 are probably Irega. That last should be Irimo.

 

[jblnut]

A while back I was searching for an adjustable wrench that wasn’t **** as well and stumbled on the Diamond Calk brand. I somehow ended up with a few hundred of them and have the nicest of them hung in my shop bathroom. I haven’t been able to destroy any of them and use some of them almost daily. I’ve had a 4’ pipe on one of the 24” adjustable and it seemed to like it.

To quote Darth Vader: Since the invention of the Pliers Wrench I find your lack of faith disturbing.

The pic is taken from a GJ thread from 2017. I have several Handy Boys and although they’re neat they’re more of a novelty.

 

[F-22]

I have a nice lobtex one. I always grab the plier wrench. Just all-around a better tool in my eyes.

 

[KnurledNut]

I've been fighting old, wore out, and just cheap **** adjustable wrenches for awhile, so off to Harry Epstein website. On the closeout page they have Cresent USA made in 6, 8, 10, and 15 inch sizes. They just came in and they feel great. Of course, I ended up with some other odds and ends too.

Thats great! Gotta love some high quality adjustable wrenches! Just need to pick up a 12” to complement them!
Would love to see what else you got from them.

These threads always turn into a string of posts about how the pliers wrench it a better tool, demeaning the user of an adjustable wrench. While they overlap in function, they certainly don’t replace each other. I use both regularly, often together. They are equally important. Makes me wonder how many critics even use their tools. Don’t despair and thanks for your post!

 

[zendriver]

Not trying to be a ****, but what do people even use adjustable wrenches on?

I have a half dozen (large and small) and almost never use them unless it's an easy fastener, I'm tired or too lazy to choose the proper size/type of wrench/socket.

Just finishing up a coolant pump on a Toyota Highlander. Holy ****, thanks Harbor Freight, for enticing me to buy all those unneeded types of sockets "I might need someday"

I can't think of a single fastener, that an adjustable wrench would appropriate to use on that job, without a fight.

 

[BrandonV]

Not trying to be a ****, but what do people even use adjustable wrenches on?

I have a half dozen (large and small) and almost never use them unless it's an easy fastener, I'm tired or too lazy to choose the proper size/type of wrench/socket.

Just finishing up a coolant pump on a Toyota Highlander. Holy ****, thanks Harbor Freight, for enticing me to buy all those unneeded types of sockets "I might need someday"

I can't think of a single fastener, that an adjustable wrench would appropriate to use on that job, without a fight.

Adjustable wrenches seem fine for plumbing IMO. Probably the only place I use them.

 

[zendriver]

Good points.

I guess I now remember when I worked for a plumber friend 20 years ago we used them pretty regularly, since we were carrying around tool bags.

 

[david3921]

Not trying to be a ****, but what do people even use adjustable wrenches on?

I have a few. I guess my most used one is my Stanley locking adjustable. It works well on stubborn suspension components. Removing a tie rod end comes to mind. It's basically a locking open wrench. It's also great for holding onto a nut when you have to use both hands on a breaker bar. Yes, A wrench often works but also often falls off the nut.

I guess all wrenches have some slop in them. A good adjustable wrench eliminates the slop when working with certain fasteners.

 

[dchawk81]

Not trying to be a ****, but what do people even use adjustable wrenches on?

I have a half dozen (large and small) and almost never use them unless it's an easy fastener, I'm tired or too lazy to choose the proper size/type of wrench/socket.

Just finishing up a coolant pump on a Toyota Highlander. Holy ****, thanks Harbor Freight, for enticing me to buy all those unneeded types of sockets "I might need someday"

I can't think of a single fastener, that an adjustable wrench would appropriate to use on that job, without a fight.

I use them when I can't find my calipers. Put them on a fastener to see what size wrench I need.

 

[i84x]

...always been curious about the Snap On ones...

Try Bahco, they're basically the same, (snap-on own Bahco and seem to use their exact design), except they're half the price.

 

[drokihazan]

I use the 24" adjustable to bend stuff in my vise. They're basically a cheater with a clamp on the end for me.

I use a pliers wrench a lot when I'm feeling lazy - like to loosen a battery cable or random nut/bolt around my shop. Otherwise I use properly sized sockets and wrenches. I have the pliers wrench xxl and idk why, I've never used them for anything, they look cool though.

 

[i84x]

Not trying to be a ****, but what do people even use adjustable wrenches on?

Personally use them the most on pipes and fittings for Hydraulic, pneumatic/gas, water etc. So many different odd sizes for me to mess about carrying two of dozens of different sizes spanners that I will never use anywhere else.
I also throw 2 in my carry bag when someone calls up for the "it just stopped working and I have no idea why" calls.
Also they're good for bending stuff in a vise.

 

[bwringer]

I don't really remember ever using an adjustable on a car or motorcycle.

In my world, they're most often used for plumbing and air lines, where the hexes tend to be whatever random combinations of weird sizes.

And yeah, larger adjustables are fantastic for bending and tweaking metal.



I know I'm in the minority here, but I have really, really tried to learn to love the Knipex and Knipex-style pliers wrenches, and I just can't understand why they've created a new religion. I hate the damn fiddly things, they take longer to use, especially when you can't see what you're doing very well, and they're a great way to crush hollow brass fittings if you're not super-careful.

 

[lardy1]

I don't like my pliers wrenches nearly as much as I thought I would. The adjustment doesn't come naturally to me at all. It's a clumsy, two handed ordeal for me. They also require clearance that sometimes isn't available. I actually don't care much for adjustable wrenches either. About the only time I use either is on household, low torque things. I use adjustables on compression fittings because nothing else does it quite like they do. It saves me running for another open end wrench when needed.

I already had a wide range of nice Proto adjustables but I was intrigued by the slim ones badged Channellock and bought a couple in smaller sizes. For my needs they outshine the much pricier Proto's.

 

[RTM]

I know I'm in the minority here, but I have really, really tried to learn to love the Knipex and Knipex-style pliers wrenches, and I just can't understand why they've created a new religion

I had to use a pair on some SS pipe fittings for instruments in our clean areas. A simple 12" adjustable would have done it, but fiddle fu**ing around with the Knipex, in the face of a fanboy was ******* me off. He offered to do it, and failed, then damaged my fitting on one. He and his Knipex were banned, and I made him gown out, get a new fitting and wrench, and gone back in.

We had a chat with mgmt about toothed pliers generating particles in the clean area....


You are not alone in that minority.

 

[ecotec]

Not trying to be a ****, but what do people even use adjustable wrenches on?

I have a half dozen (large and small) and almost never use them unless it's an easy fastener, I'm tired or too lazy to choose the proper size/type of wrench/socket.

Just finishing up a coolant pump on a Toyota Highlander. Holy ****, thanks Harbor Freight, for enticing me to buy all those unneeded types of sockets "I might need someday"

I can't think of a single fastener, that an adjustable wrench would appropriate to use on that job, without a fight.

I use them on the square set screws on par cans all the time. I will be doing more of the same in about four hours.

Most people use Channellocks on them, but they chew up the set screw. These par cans are used repeatedly for years.

 

[dnschmidt]

I had to use a pair on some SS pipe fittings for instruments in our clean areas. A simple 12" adjustable would have done it, but fiddle fu**ing around with the Knipex, in the face of a fanboy was ******* me off. He offered to do it, and failed, then damaged my fitting on one. He and his Knipex were banned, and I made him gown out, get a new fitting and wrench, and gone back in.

We had a chat with mgmt about toothed pliers generating particles in the clean area....


You are not alone in that minority.

There are no teeth on a pliers wrench. On the adjustment part yes on the part that's placed on the part no.

 

[AJHD]

Try Bahco, they're basically the same, (snap-on own Bahco and seem to use their exact design), except they're half the price.

Yes and no. The current Snap On is made in the USA, except the wide mouth versions.

I'm also not sure if Bahco has any with teeth, but I could be wrong.

I like the Snap On. I have 5 of them.
But I'm in the market for buying a few more.

I know I'm in the minority here, but I have really, really tried to learn to love the Knipex and Knipex-style pliers wrenches, and I just can't understand why they've created a new religion. I hate the damn fiddly things, they take longer to use, especially when you can't see what you're doing very well, and they're a great way to crush hollow brass fittings if you're not super-careful.

I also have to agree. I had 2 of them and tried to use them. I was underwhelmed and annoyed. I sold them. I rather just use an adjustable wrench.

 

[BrandonV]

The Snap-on/Bahco adjustable wrenches are nice but for anyone using them in a liquid application I've found that water can be trapped pretty easily in the handle.

Just food for thought if you're not using them in a purely automotive application.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

Yes and no. The current Snap On is made in the USA, except the wide mouth versions.

I'm also not sure if Bahco has any with teeth, but I could be wrong.

I like the Snap On. I have 5 of them.
But I'm in the market for buying a few more.



I also have to agree. I had 2 of them and tried to use them. I was underwhelmed and annoyed. I sold them. I rather just use an adjustable wrench.

I have the Snap On USA and Spain made, Plus some Bahco adjustable wrenches. You are correct the Bahco do not have any teeth in the jaws. But the Spain made Snap On's do. No complaints from any of them, the Spain made wrenches feel the same to me other than no teeth in the jaws.
Working in a dry area I use either the Black oxide or Plated Ergo handle wrenches, If they might get wet I only use the plated wrenches.

 

[i84x]

I know I'm in the minority here, but I have really, really tried to learn to love the Knipex and Knipex-style pliers wrenches, and I just can't understand why they've created a new religion. I hate the damn fiddly things, they take longer to use, especially when you can't see what you're doing very well, and they're a great way to crush hollow brass fittings if you're not super-careful.

100% feel the same, saw several reviews of people saying how fantastic they are, revolutionary even, and got them. Always such a fiddle and a 2 handed job trying to adjust them, always adjust them too much or too little, never seem to fit where I want them. And when they do work they're... fine, I feel no real benefit over a standard adjustable.

 

[PowrKraftsman]

Thats great! Gotta love some high quality adjustable wrenches! Just need to pick up a 12” to complement them!
Would love to see what else you got from them.

These threads always turn into a string of posts about how the pliers wrench it a better tool, demeaning the user of an adjustable wrench. While they overlap in function, they certainly don’t replace each other. I use both regularly, often together. They are equally important. Makes me wonder how many critics even use their tools. Don’t despair and thanks for your post!

Yes, sometimes together.

 

[NoahG]

I always reach for an adjustable when I need to turn a fitting of some sort that just has flats crudely molded or cut into the shape after production.

 

[ecotec]

I like to backwrench with an adjustable, sometimes, when I am using an impact driver.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I used one this weekend when working on my Jeep's differential. The fill plug on the cover was an external square drive. Instead of playing guess and check with 12pt sockets or combination wrenches, I just grabbed an adjustable wrench.

I love the Knipex pliers wrenches, but I don't find them to be a replacement for standard adjustables.

 

[mreisner]

The Spain made Snap-on came into variants, one with teeth and one without, with are the flank drive ones.
I jumped on the pliers wrench bandwagon myself a couple of years ago. Got the set of three of them. Used one once and sold them. I think it was somebody on GJ that bought them, they got a hell of a deal on a virtually new set. They worked okay I just didn't like the feel of them and the adjustment of them, and generally when I'm using an adjustable wrench it is a big one to straighten angle iron or something like that. Also on the farm I run across some oddball fittings, and stuff that his corroded over half a century or more to in between sizes and while the metric in between sizes are starting to get kind of common nobody seems to make wrenches in 32nds anymore!

 

[Rinspeed]

I've also only got some cheaper adjustable wrenches, I don't use them often but have always been curious about the Snap On ones and some of the higher end Japanese ones (especially the thinner jaw models)

I end up using Knipex Pliers Wrenches for a lot of this sort of thing these days but they're not the same leve lof burly as a big adjustable.

I have several including a Snap-on. The best in my opinion were the older black Proto industrial. Nothing I've used was tighter or more precise. Still plenty of them used on Ebay for a good price even if they need to be cleaned up a bit. I always called them a farmer's wrench but they can loosen a nut very well.

 

[cody1325]

Seems like in-store, your best bet these days tends to be those produced by Irega--Channellock and Klein mostly.

Even the new Proto adjustables are ****. My Taiwan-made J406 is terrible--even worse than an actual Crescent these days. I really want to try an older one--I think Western Forge was the last people who made them for Proto in the US, and I know they're decent (Craftsman).

Yet, even virtually worn-out, even my oldest USA Crescents still work great. Definitely plan to get another 15-inch model, as mine still says "Jamestown, NY" on it--so it's probably the oldest of my bunch. It's also a little worse for wear (think I found it in an old barn as a kid, thus it was one of my first tools). It also gets used for heavy stuff.

 

[cody1325]

In my quest for a decent 4-incher I can buy locally, I recently found the Raptor line. Raptor would seem to be Ferguson Supply's house brand.

They say this weird jaw design is to prevent rounding.

RAPTOR® 4 in. Adjustable Wrench | Ferguson

Find the RAPTOR® 4 in. Adjustable Wrench at Ferguson online for delivery or pickup at a Ferguson store near you.

www.ferguson.com

 

[F-22]

I find the Knipex works way better for my needs. At home I occasionally use it on odd fasteners on my vintage bikes or to bend stuff. At work I have a 180mm in my pocket at all times, I don't need it much but when I do it is very useful and has a lot of capacity.

I was never used to using an adjustable wrench before. The few times I did, I was disappointed by the crescent-wrench design. Especially since I usually work with smaller fasteners. It probably works better for big fasteners but I have whole sets and rather use dedicated wrenches for those. But 80% of my needs is M5, M6, M8, M10 and M12 - and a wrench that covers these is most useful to me. Plier wrench does it well, but the crescent ones always feel clunky and more useful for sizes beyond M10.

Regarding dust, I'd imagine the worm drive in a crescent wrench probably makes more "grinding dust" than the plier wrench teeth that do not actually grind while being adjusted, but both cases are always very much negligible.

 

[KnurledNut]

In my quest for a decent 4-incher I can buy locally, I recently found the Raptor line. Raptor would seem to be Ferguson Supply's house brand.

They say this weird jaw design is to prevent rounding.

RAPTOR® 4 in. Adjustable Wrench | Ferguson

Find the RAPTOR® 4 in. Adjustable Wrench at Ferguson online for delivery or pickup at a Ferguson store near you.

www.ferguson.com

Raptor and Hilmor are both Ferguson tool lines. My local rep carries Milwaukee, Klein, Malco and other well known brands too. The store caters to tradesmen, especially HVAC, so don’t be disappointed if the staff are a little rough around the edges. This isn’t Lowes. These places typically have little time and patience for non-pro looky-loos. They may even want you to open an account, but will likey just push it through as a cash counter sale.
That wrench you linked has some cool features like the modified jaw and wide opening. It will open slightly over 18mm which is unheard of in true 4” adjustables. Most cap out at around 9/16. It is slightly wider in the hips than its counterparts. I find the soft handle comfortable and functional. The jaw movement tolerances are noticeable and could be better, but not excessive. Overall finish is acceptable, but not a showstopper.
This same wrench is available on Amazon under another brand that escapes my memory at the moment, but I know I have seen it on there. (Edited to add: ARES 79000 is the one I was thinking of.)

 

[My Old Tools]

Some of you guys have a limited view of things. When you're a half a mile from the shop on your tractor and need a wrench, they are handy as hell. I also work on a lot of antique stuff, square bolts, etc. Pretty handy when the infamous 10mm goes missing again...

 

[AJHD]

Some of you guys have a limited view of things. When you're a half a mile from the shop on your tractor and need a wrench, they are handy as hell. I also work on a lot of antique stuff, square bolts, etc. Pretty handy when the infamous 10mm goes missing again...

When I worked at the CAT dealership, when I had to work on something in the yard away from the shop, I would usually bring an adjustable wrench or two, a pair of pliers (usually Cobra's) and a Phillips head screwdriver. Altered of course depending on what I was working on or expected to find.