'Crescent' wrenches?

[2drx4]

Who makes good quality plane-jane ones that are good value?


I need two, 14"ish, and I'm going to have to rework them a bit... So, I'm not butchering a snap-on (not that I'd buy one anyways).

I'm in northern Canada... There isn't much of a selection of stuff on the shelf for me to feel up around here.

 

[Ser50]

i dont really know,, sorry.. BUT what i do know is this: the only crescent brand i have, an 8" is my least favorite adjustable-metric.

i have some SO i love, and a 12" one that says CHINA, it has much nicer action than the crescent and nicer finish...
i dont know where i bought it, so i cant help you

a coworker has a huge (2.5"+ jaw) westward i dont mind, but ive never tried their smaller ones. acklands sells em.

 

[iandh]

There's a company called Hardware sales on ebay, and they sell the channellock brand adjustables which are made by Irega in Spain... they only run around $20 shipped, and are some of the nicest adjustables I've seen for any price.

If you can't get them to ship to you, I can probably help you out.

These Irega wrenches are great... the jaws are slim, pointed perfectly, well formed, and the action is very tight. They don't come loose like the cheapos do.

Edit: Here's another seller I found that ships worldwide. These are a STEAL for this price, as this combo deal. FYI Irega wrenches usually sell for $25-35 a piece or more. The channellock ones are identical in quality but sell for less.

On top of that, it's usually around $20 for one wrench, this is two wrenches for $27. I'd jump on this soon before another GJ member does

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CHANNELLOCK...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item414d51fae1

edit2: I just checked and shipping to Canada is $25.

That would make a grand total of $50 to your door. FYI, the Channellock branded Irega wrenches sell for $24.99 each at my local store, so that price isn't really all that out of line.

 

[foul_ball]

There's a company called Hardware sales on ebay, and they sell the channellock brand adjustables which are made by Irega in Spain... they only run around $20 shipped, and are some of the nicest adjustables I've seen for any price.

If you can't get them to ship to you, I can probably help you out.

These Irega wrenches are great... the jaws are slim, pointed perfectly, well formed, and the action is very tight. They don't come loose like the cheapos do.

Edit: Here's another seller I found that ships worldwide. These are a STEAL for this price, as this combo deal. FYI Irega wrenches usually sell for $25-35 a piece or more. The channellock ones are identical in quality but sell for less.

On top of that, it's usually around $20 for one wrench, this is two wrenches for $27. I'd jump on this soon before another GJ member does

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CHANNELLOCK...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item414d51fae1

edit2: I just checked and shipping to Canada is $25.

That would make a grand total of $50 to your door. FYI, the Channellock branded Irega wrenches sell for $24.99 each at my local store, so that price isn't really all that out of line.

The Irega made channellock adjustable wrenches are amazing. The jaws are tough, shaped better than the competition, and the sae/metric scale feature on both sides of the jaw is infinitely useful. Do it!

 

[mrholeshot]

I pick them up at Yard sales and Flea Markets all the time for 1-4 dollars (depending on size shape etc). I picked up an older 12" Crescent brand adjustable at a yard sale for 2 dollars a few days ago. +2 on the Channellock brand adjustable wrench. Very good wrench.

 

[mrholeshot]

and the sae/metric scale feature on both sides of the jaw is infinitely useful.

Ive never seen the appeal of the metric/sae scale on adjustable wrenches. Like **** on a bull.

 

[rhastings80]

I like Ridgid and older made in USA Diamond brand.

 

[foul_ball]

Ive never seen the appeal of the metric/sae scale on adjustable wrenches. Like **** on a bull.

I think of it this way- if you start an unfamiliar job and can't have your toolbox right next to you, a medium sized crescent wrench with a scale will save a few trips back to the tool box and eliminate guessing as to which size box-end, or flarenut, or crowfoot, or whatever wrench you really need. Plus, its good for newbies who are still learning the metric/sae wrench equivalents. Using my scaled wrench helped me get a good grasp on the relative proportions of both measuring systems.

 

[mrholeshot]

I think of it this way- if you start an unfamiliar job and can't have your toolbox right next to you, a medium sized crescent wrench with a scale will save a few trips back to the tool box and eliminate guessing as to which size box-end, or flarenut, or crowfoot, or whatever wrench you really need. Plus, its good for newbies who are still learning the metric/sae wrench equivalents. Using my scaled wrench helped me get a good grasp on the relative proportions of both measuring systems.

In my younger days just starting out I would look at the bolt/nut and and take a shot at the size then grab the wrench smaller and larger to make sure I had the right one. I find the scale sizes on an adjustable wrench very inaccurate even on Snap-On's version. There is too much slop in the wrench to get it accurate. For someone who can't look and tell what size the bolts are they would be better off to carry a small 4 inch fractional/Metric slide caliper in the shirt pocket. The scales on a adjustable is just a way to pretty it up to make it sell better.

 

[foul_ball]

In my younger days just starting out I would look at the bolt/nut and and take a shot at the size then grab the wrench smaller and larger to make sure I had the right one. I find the scale sizes on an adjustable wrench very inaccurate even on Snap-On's version. There is too much slop in the wrench to get it accurate. For someone who can't look and tell what size the bolts are they would be better off to carry a small 4 inch fractional/Metric slide caliper in the shirt pocket. The scales on a adjustable is just a way to pretty it up to make it sell better.

I agree that the slop on the cheaper imports is a problem, but i've not had the same problem with my channellocks.
I'll go on the record saying the Irega made channellock wrenches are superior to Snap On's offerings.
Flame on.

 

[D9H 90V]

I love all my Channellock adustables, I also think the Channellock scales are very accurate. they have never let me down especially when working on blades where there is 20+ differant size fittings on all the hydraulic hoses I dont want to have to carry wrenches from 3/4 to 1 1/2, just one adjustable

 

[arkangel06]

Th awnser is in the title.

 

[rocco]

There's a company called Hardware sales on ebay, and they sell the channellock brand adjustables which are made by Irega in Spain... they only run around $20 shipped, and are some of the nicest adjustables I've seen for any price.

If you can't get them to ship to you, I can probably help you out.

These Irega wrenches are great... the jaws are slim, pointed perfectly, well formed, and the action is very tight. They don't come loose like the cheapos do.

Edit: Here's another seller I found that ships worldwide. These are a STEAL for this price, as this combo deal. FYI Irega wrenches usually sell for $25-35 a piece or more. The channellock ones are identical in quality but sell for less.

On top of that, it's usually around $20 for one wrench, this is two wrenches for $27. I'd jump on this soon before another GJ member does

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CHANNELLOCK...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item414d51fae1

edit2: I just checked and shipping to Canada is $25.

That would make a grand total of $50 to your door. FYI, the Channellock branded Irega wrenches sell for $24.99 each at my local store, so that price isn't really all that out of line.

they are my favorite Adjustables by far.

 

[Monte]

 

[rocco]

quite similar? coincidence?

 

[arkangel06]

quite similar? coincidence? :confused:[/QUOTE]

Nope[COLOR="White"]................[/COLOR]

 

[oak_park]

+1 for the Channellock adjustables too. They are really well made for them. Just make sure you you check the jaw capacity and look for the Code Blue versions that have the wider mouth. On Ebay some of the older ones are still being sold but they don't have the capacity of the new ones ie(model 808 versus 8WCB).

 

[EVOLVO]

Bahco from Sweden makes the best adjustable wrenches in the world. I can buy these at Ballard Hardware here in Seattle, they have them hanging on pegboards. Here are some jpegs of my 8" model 9071 P. You'll notice that the sliding jaw comes all the way out, you flip the slider over and reinstall and it becomes a small serviceable pipe wrench. In conventional set up it opens to 27mm and has a very accurate scale. Not all models have the pipe wrench feature.

 

[matthew]

2drx4, where are you located?

I like the older Diamond/Diamalloy ones, but the Bahco and Channellock ones both look good, at least as far as adjustables go...

If you're looking at having to modify them, I guess it depends on what you're doing with it, but I always try to stick to only grinding cheap tools...


EVOLVO, what did you pay for that Bahco???

 

[chevelle67]

They all will work but if you ever use an old (25+ yo) diamond you'll be ruined and the rest will just disappoint. I got my fathers when he put them down and they just work, cheesy green handles and all

 

[Monte]

 

[Merkava_4]

Klein = Best.

 

[EVOLVO]

2drx4,

EVOLVO, what did you pay for that Bahco???

As I recall I paid about $20 + tax, BUT......... Ballard Hdwe doesn't sell the 9071. I was looking through the stack of non-flippable jaws and happened to find this one mounted on the wrong hang card. Somewhere along the manufacturing process this one slipped into the "standard" style wrenches. Guess it was my lucky day.

 

[hammergodthor]

"Modern" Crescent brand wrenches do **** like somebody else mentioned. They have about twice the slop they should, and they have very little overlap in the teeth.

My favorite adjustable are older crescent, and Proto. I'd look on Feebay for Proto or older Crescent; very plentiful = cheap. Very stiff, little slop with an older quality 'feel', if that makes sense.

 

[2drx4]

Seems like lots of people like the Channellocks.

But, the Bahco with the pipe feature could come in handy when things go sour, and I won't need to modify the adjuster on them since the jaws don't have a stop on them...

Regardless, either will need a 1/2" drive in the handle. Not a big deal since I have access to a mill. I might need to weld or braze a little more material onto them to ensure adequate thickness for the material around the drive. Then a guy can put a breaker bar on it as a snipe, or a torque wrench if absolutely need be.

I also did manage to find some Protos locally... Haven't checked them out in person yet, just managed to confirm that they actually do normally stock them and won't be dinging me for freight if I do buy them.

 

[iandh]

I think the Bahco's are awesome, especially with the flip-jaw pipe wrench feature.

For some reason though, I can't stand rubber handles on adjustable wrenches. It doesn't really make sense, since I love them on pliers such as my Craftsman Pro and Knipex. That's why I'm so hot for the Channellock branded Iregas that I pictured.

The Iregas with the comfort handle, like the channellock version, just don't do if for me, same with the Bahcos.


When you say 1/2" drive, do you mean a 1/2" female opening, or a male stub? I'm guessing female since you mentioned a breaker bar. At what point on the handle would it be placed?

 

[2drx4]

I think the Bahco's are awesome, especially with the flip-jaw pipe wrench feature.

For some reason though, I can't stand rubber handles on adjustable wrenches. It doesn't really make sense, since I love them on pliers such as my Craftsman Pro and Knipex. That's why I'm so hot for the Channellock branded Iregas that I pictured.

The Iregas with the comfort handle, like the channellock version, just don't do if for me, same with the Bahcos.


When you say 1/2" drive, do you mean a 1/2" female opening, or a male stub? I'm guessing female since you mentioned a breaker bar. At what point on the handle would it be placed?

Are the non-comfort grip Channellocks of different quality than the comfort grip ones? I would not be buying anything with a plastic/rubber handle, it wouldn't work well for what I intend to do.

 

[foul_ball]

Bahco from Sweden makes the best adjustable wrenches in the world. I can buy these at Ballard Hardware here in Seattle, they have them hanging on pegboards. Here are some jpegs of my 8" model 9071 P. You'll notice that the sliding jaw comes all the way out, you flip the slider over and reinstall and it becomes a small serviceable pipe wrench. In conventional set up it opens to 27mm and has a very accurate scale. Not all models have the pipe wrench feature.

I will be making a trip down to ballard hardware as soon as I get a day off from work- surprised I hadn't heard of it before, since I'm native to the northwest, but better late than never. Thanks!!

 

[iandh]

Are the non-comfort grip Channellocks of different quality than the comfort grip ones? I would not be buying anything with a plastic/rubber handle, it wouldn't work well for what I intend to do.

Afaik, they're identical in quality.

The channellock comfort grip ones are the extra wide jaw model, whereas the bare metal ones are more traditional form factor (although still more jaw capacity than a traditional design)

 

[msmith]

The "Crescent" brand makes a decent, inexpensive adjustable wrench with a dipped handle. USA-made... you can get a pair of them (6-inch and 10-inch) for $20 at Home Depot.

 

[Auzivision]

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa...tml&cust=00000000000&keycode=0000&single=true

 

[2drx4]

When you say 1/2" drive, do you mean a 1/2" female opening, or a male stub? I'm guessing female since you mentioned a breaker bar. At what point on the handle would it be placed?

Don't know why I missed this... But yes, a 1/2" female opening, somewhere near the end of the handle. Yes, it's asking to break things.

 

[iandh]

Don't know why I missed this... But yes, a 1/2" female opening, somewhere near the end of the handle. Yes, it's asking to break things.

IMO that would be even more reason to go with a 10" Irega... the hanging hole is larger than 1/2" and it is semi-square, so you could machine a 1/2" female adapter and just braze it into the hole.


edit: I got a call today saying my Channellock/Irega wrenches showed up, so as soon as I get home tomorrow I'm going to post a thread with pictures and a mini review.

 

[2drx4]

edit: I got a call today saying my Channellock/Irega wrenches showed up, so as soon as I get home tomorrow I'm going to post a thread with pictures and a mini review.

Looking forward to it.

 

[chevelle67]

The rubber handles on the irega and channelock are easily slipped off if desired.

 

[2drx4]

The rubber handles on the irega and channelock are easily slipped off if desired.

What does the handle look like underneath? Just like one without the rubber?

 

[D9H 90V]

Heres a couple of my Channellock adjustables they are both 12'' the black oxide one is my personal favorite I also have a smaller one 8" or 6" if you want pics they also have a metric scale on the other side, Buy a Channellock you wont regret it I know I didnt

 

[Bryan Burns]

Klein = Best.

I agree Klein's are the best. Klein's have the least amount of play in the adjuster.

 

[iandh]

I agree Klein's are the best. Klein's have the least amount of play in the adjuster.

Then you might not have used an Irega

I would estimate the play at somewhere between 0.005" to 0.003", any less than that and the wrench wouldn't even move.

 

[spartyon8]

I recently needed a 10" crescent and quickly realized that my dad had my crescent set so I went to walmart, late night adventure, and bought the cheap "new version" stanley wrenches. I was very impressed and told my dad to keep my crescents.