"One Wrench to Rule Them All" ???

[DeadCat]

As a longtime lurker, I decided to finally come clean and post with a question which might just cause some "controlled combustion"

Being a curious sort, I got to thinking about the trayful of spanners which I have to continuously rummage; and wondered (dangerously) what might be a better approach in many circumstances. We all know that it's flat out heresy to simply grab the old $3. adjustable and have at it with an unsuspecting hex sitting about in the open; but what about the same scenario with a $30+ version?

Is there just such a beast out there, such as a Bahco Side Nut or the Top Kogyo Hyper Wrench, which could be used in place of our typical go tos for serious nut busting WITHOUT raising the specter of slipped/rounded corners? Top, for one, simply comes out and claims that their adjustable "Can be used like open end spanner" (sic); and the Side Nut offerings look similarly positioned for the work -- but are there any others really worthwhile in this regard?

Of course we all can probably agree there isn't a substitute for the right fixed spanner when things get close about the head, and that no adjustable should ever be subjected to a serious pounding or cheater mischief; but what about the "rest of the story?"

Thanks again, and cheers!

 

[logical]

Coins held in a vice grip make great screwdrivers.

 

[LXCam]

Sure dude, grab yourself a pipe wrench.

 

[Tim37]

Buy a wrench rack and get organized. I use adjustables and they have there place high torque is not it

 

[RedneckWelder]

Buy a wrench rack and get organized. I use adjustables and they have there place high torque is not it

This.

Plus adjustables are just too damn bulky for normal wrench duties.

I have some quality adjustables and a pair of Knipex Pliers Wrench for when they are appropriate.

 

[Strouty]

I think the trouble will be fitting any type of universal wrench in tighter places. I could see having three or four types of wrench substitutes but never one.

The Bahco side nut would get you into a bunch of places, but it will surely mar the bolt. I think the pliers wrench is a pretty good all around tool, but again it is bulky and you need multiple sizes.

 

[chruler]

I agree with the above. Adjustables have their place in the tool box but it's a rare occasion I'll use one over a specific wrench size.

 

[malykaii]

Coins held in a vice grip make great screwdrivers.

Yes!

 

[rockinacummins]

Welcome to trollville.

 

[Strouty]

Welcome to trollville.

I will have to say, I had never seen the Bahco pliers he mentioned so to me this thread is well worth it. I added them to my amazon wish list.

 

[Professur]

The latest adjustable I bought has a hammer head on the side. Finally ... they built the tool for the way I use it most.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

Sorry, you're about a week late. But next year, I'm sure there will be yet another Craftsman Father's Day gimmick tool which fits the bill.

 

[DeadCat]

Good to see the men on the ward have come out to play

So, are there others out there with more than just an opposable thumb separating themselves from the lower species?

Shall we discuss geometry, structural flexure, and yield strengths to leave something meaningful behind?

Or maybe we should just talk about what goes to 11?

 

[toolmutt]

Anyone who can intelligently discuss geometry, structural flexure, and yield strengths should know the answer to the original question.

 

[Professur]

Or maybe we should just talk about what goes to 11?

I'm all for elevenses.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elevenses

 

[LXCam]

Good to see the men on the ward have come out to play

So, are there others out there with more than just an opposable thumb separating themselves from the lower species?

Shall we discuss geometry, structural flexure, and yield strengths to leave something meaningful behind?

Or maybe we should just talk about what goes to 11?

Please carry on and we'll bask in your awesomeness

 

[DeadCat]

Very good, gentlemen

Now, shall we proceed with the OP?

Focus if you can (there'll surely be a quiz later):

Top, for one, simply comes out and claims that their adjustable "Can be used like open end spanner" (sic); and the Side Nut offerings look similarly positioned for the work -- but are there any others really worthwhile in this regard?