Makers of your Adjustable Wrenches

superautobacs · Jan 14, 2009

This is what I've read recently:

As of 2008, some of Bahco's adj. wrenches are no longer manufactured in Sweden, but are made in Spain by Irimo.

Time will only tell if all Bahco/Snap-On adj. wrenches are going to be made in Spain. http://www1.snapon.com/IndustrialEU/Tools/IRIMOTools/AdjustableWrenches.nws
Here's Irimo's website: http://www.irimo.com/

An example of a Irimo product already existing in Snap-on:

Then there's another famous Spanish manufacturer: Irega. They seem to be the OEM for Signet, Heyco, Elora, Hazet, Stahlwille, Beta, USAG, and Channelock (even more?)
Their site seems to be (temporarily?) down: http://www.irega.eu/

Irega:

Facom's OEM for their adj. wrenches are from Ega Master--another Spanish manufacturer. They were born as specialists in piping tools:
From their website: http://www.egamaster.com/
"EGAMASTER exports about 80% of its production to more than 140 countries around the world."
"EGAMASTER manufactures for more than 100 different private brands of several European, American and Japanese relevant companies, including other manufacturers. What is more, we are the ONLY company in the world able to manufacture for customers with their own brand without any minimum quantity requirements."

They hold a worldwide patent for their adj. wrench:
http://www.egamaster.com/productosnoticias.asp?idioma=en

Reference: http://naha.cool.ne.jp/vespags/monkey1.htm

Jononon · Jan 14, 2009

superautobacs said:
This is what I've read recently:

As of 2008 Bahco's adj. wrenches are no longer manufactured in Sweden, but are made in Spain by Irimo.

The 80 series, AD## when branded as Snap-on, is still made in Sweden. The 90 "Ergo" series in Spain.

FNFS2000 · Jan 14, 2009

Anything besides a Knipex 86 will strip your nuts.

Merkava_4 · Jan 14, 2009

I tighten the jaws of an adjustable wrench AFTER I apply it to the fastener ... that eliminates any slop that could round off the corners. Granted, you don't have to worry about that with the Knipex plier wrench, but not all of us have those.

speed bump · Jan 14, 2009

Sad to see that Strap-on is yet again ****** good tools by doing away with what was probably the best adjustable wrench made (the Bahco with the flip jaw).

FNFS2000 said:
Anything besides a Knipex 86 will strip your nuts.

I done thousands of nuts and bolts and flare fittings with Bahco and Klein and Diamond and Proto adjustables and have never stripped anything. Also the Bahco Swedish made adjustables do something those Knipex pliers can't (beside the obvious which is get into tight places) and that is the jaw flips around so you can use it as a pipe wrench (works very well to).

zuspiel · Jan 14, 2009

FNFS2000 said:
Anything besides a Knipex 86 will strip your nuts.

Very true but I wouldn't use those on my nuts, either... :lol_hitti

Merk, just get a pair. I used to always tighten adjustable wrenches on the fastener and my nuts still got rounded off if it took any sort of torque...

krusty the clown · Jan 14, 2009

i probably own a dozen adj wrenches from 4" to 12". crescent, williams, diamond, utica, etc..........hardly use any of them because i own WRENCHES. :lol_hitti

none work any better than the rest and none will stay tight enough to use on anything chanellocks wouldn't do and i don't own a tractor :bounce:

..........i can believe they still sell them.

jeep44 · Jan 14, 2009

We got the Blue point ones in our company-issued Snap-On tool boxes. Worst adjustable wrenches I've ever used-just a little shake of the wrist,and they fall out of adjustment. At home,I have Rows of Diamond,Williams, and "Jamestown,NY" Crescents hanging on the wall. I don't use them very often (I use the correct sized wrench), but I have a weakness for picking up fine old American tools whenever I see them at yard sales.

ricleh · Jan 14, 2009

The Snapon FADH style is the best adjustable wrench I have ever used. It is extremely tight, no slip, and it has the flank drive plus jaws.

speed bump · Jan 14, 2009

krusty the clown said:
i probably own a dozen adj wrenches from 4" to 12". crescent, williams, diamond, utica, etc..........hardly use any of them because i own WRENCHES.

none work any better than the rest and none will stay tight enough to use on anything chanellocks wouldn't do and i don't own a tractor ..........i can believe they still sell them.

Yep, but you work next to your toolbox not 500' in the air or on a roof top 3 stories up or in a hole 3000' below the surface and you don't work on things that 1/2" drive is tiny for. Trust me there are a lot of jobs that there is no way these guys would carry wrenches from 1/2" all the way to 2" for a service call.

Jononon · Jan 14, 2009

speed bump said:
Sad to see that Strap-on is yet again ****** good tools by doing away with what was probably the best adjustable wrench made (the Bahco with the flip jaw).

Still produced, still available, in series 80 and 90.

John in OH · Jan 14, 2009

You got that right, Speed Bump! When I'm out in the middle of a hay field with rain clouds rolling in, I don't have time to worry about using the "correct wrench". When its got to be loosened, tightened or adjusted, and with fasteners that can be metric or English and with sizes that can be from 3/8" to 2", the adjustable wrench, channel lock pliers, basic couple of screwdrivers and ball peen hammer are the tools of choice!

Sure, when I'm back in the shop and have the time, I use the "good" tools and the correct tools for the job. But when the pressure's on and "ya gotta git er done" the adjustable tools meet the need!

Beware of the tool snobs!

speed bump · Jan 14, 2009

Jononon said:
Still produced, still available, in series 80 and 90.

When I talked to the guy who I usually get them from he said that they were being EOL'd.

Jononon · Jan 14, 2009

speed bump said:
When I talked to the guy who I usually get them from he said that they were being EOL'd.

They're in the '09 product catalogue :headscrat

Merkava_4 · Jan 14, 2009

I've got one of those Snap-on branded Bahco's and I'm not impressed with it ... the jaws wiggle too much for my liking. My 10 inch Klein blows it away in quality.

bayou985 · Jan 14, 2009

krusty the clown said:
i probably own a dozen adj wrenches from 4" to 12". crescent, williams, diamond, utica, etc..........hardly use any of them because i own WRENCHES.

none work any better than the rest and none will stay tight enough to use on anything chanellocks wouldn't do and i don't own a tractor ..........i can believe they still sell them.

Hey Y'all listen to Krusty Ya heard me??

Jared · Jan 15, 2009

I bought one of the bahco 8 inch ergo handles, I dont like it the chrome is peeling off and i find its really hard to get off a nut when your done using it.

eschoendorff · Jan 15, 2009

John in OH said:
You got that right, Speed Bump! When I'm out in the middle of a hay field with rain clouds rolling in, I don't have time to worry about using the "correct wrench". When its got to be loosened, tightened or adjusted, and with fasteners that can be metric or English and with sizes that can be from 3/8" to 2", the adjustable wrench, channel lock pliers, basic couple of screwdrivers and ball peen hammer are the tools of choice!

Sure, when I'm back in the shop and have the time, I use the "good" tools and the correct tools for the job. But when the pressure's on and "ya gotta git er done" the adjustable tools meet the need!

Beware of the tool snobs!

Roger that! :beer:

Tool Pants · Mar 14, 2009

I bought this Made in Spain Irega adjustable 10" wrench today at the flea market for $3.

Why? Because my fathers parents were made in Spain.

Nothing special about this adjustable wrench.

I saw other Made in Spain tools. Socket/ratchet set. Channellock adjustable wrench.

http://www.irega.eu/

FNFS2000 · Mar 14, 2009

as far as cresent style wrenches go irega and bahco make the tightest ones I've felt, still don't see the point of them though. :headscrat

Vulturej · Mar 14, 2009

I have the old made in the USA Snap On set with the super hard chrome finish. I won’t even consider buying Snap On bagged Bahco ones. I also have several Diamond, Beta, & the old reliable crescent brand.

fatfillup · Mar 14, 2009

I have a pair of mac adjustables from about 10 years ago when mac still made good tools. Great tools, no slip and use them often, just not on nuts and bolts. Have china adjustables on the service truck and use them everyday. Replace them every year or so. They make me cuss but my tools get wet and get lost in the field so I refuse to put expensive tools on my truck. I will put quality adjustables on the truck as I find used ones.

Just got a 15 inch old blue point and 12 inch proto in an estate sale and both are sweet. Adjustables have there place depending on the type of work you do. Auto mechanics may have very limited use but other industrial mechanics, especially road mechanics can use them often with success and speed.

sk farmer · Mar 14, 2009

green handle diamond 4,6,8,10,12 inch, 15 and 18 inch crescent, 24 inch no name. the green handles are proudly displayed and sometimes used as they were gifts from my father many years ago. he will be 80 in april. at one time those were the only tools a poor farmer had.

Tool Pants · Mar 15, 2009

I use adjustable wrenches mostly for plumbing work.

Also have this funny Bahco/Snap-On for use when the plumbing work is done. Made in Sweden

cruiser808 · Mar 15, 2009

sk farmer said:
green handle diamond 4,6,8,10,12 inch, 15 and 18 inch crescent, 24 inch no name. the green handles are proudly displayed and sometimes used as they were gifts from my father many years ago. he will be 80 in april. at one time those were the only tools a poor farmer had.

Hey sk farmer - I too have some old diamond adjustables. The 12" is at least 55 years old as I remember my dad using it. I use it now when I put my HF engine hoist together for a job. So many different bolt and nut sizes and after the job, I dismantle the hoist. Fast in and fast out. Adjustables are still an important part of my tool box. Nuff said and I hope all is well with you.

arkangel06 · Mar 15, 2009

FNFS2000 said:
as far as cresent style wrenches go irega and bahco make the tightest ones I've felt, still don't see the point of them though.

I use 2 adjustabls when regulators off gas cylenders and the odd time for nuts when its the only thing i have handy. All the ones i own and cheep princess auto **** and one gray 6'' they all serve me fine but since i only have limited use for them i would never buy expensive ones.

sk farmer · Mar 15, 2009

thanks cruiser808 do you have green handles and does it say diamond calk and horseshoe? also,if you ever hear of those 3/8 bigdawgs for sale anywhere let me know. i see some on ebay, but not real sure if they are or not.

russlaferrera · Mar 15, 2009

I have Diamond, Snap On, Boker, Williams, Cresent, Proto, and Blue Grass. Don't know where I got them. But there are 2 of them in my box. All are made in the US.

Jbullfrog · Mar 15, 2009

I have big adjustables that I use alot because it is easier to carry two of them versus 100lbs of bulky wrenches. My 10 and 12 are Snap-On/Blue-Point my 15" are Mac, Utica, Crescent, Napa, New-Britain, and Craftsman and my 24" are Wright and Allen.

I have 6 and 8 in my plumbing bag along with pipe wrenches.

cruiser808 · Mar 16, 2009

sk farmer said:
thanks cruiser808 do you have green handles and does it say diamond calk and horseshoe? also,if you ever hear of those 3/8 bigdawgs for sale anywhere let me know. i see some on ebay, but not real sure if they are or not.

Hi sk famer - I'm guessing mine is quite a bit older than the ones with the green handles. The anodized finish is dark brown and it does say daimond calk and horseshoe.

Tool Pants · Apr 4, 2009

I also bought for $1 at the flea market a 8" adjustable marked Channellock made in Spain. Looks like an Irega.

plewlandsbob · Apr 4, 2009

Here is my collection of swedish Bahco adustables, from 4" to 24" . Also have Irega,Acesa,Beta , King **** and Gedore ones too.

lbgradwell · Apr 4, 2009

Tool Pants said:
Looks like an Irega.

It is.

I have a dozen or so adjustables in the collection with names such as:

Crescent - probably from the 1930s
Gray - 1940s?
Diamond Calk Horseshoe Co. - Before 1963 for certain!
Diamond - After the Cooperization of the brand
Proto - After 1957, but hard to say...
Williams - Recent model; possibly made by Western Forge?
J.P.Danielson - 1930s - 1960s
Utica
Fuller - 1970s
New Britain - 1970s?
MAC - carbon copy of the NB above

RRmech · Apr 4, 2009

I found an 8" MAC.....in an antiques store of all places.....for $2.

Steve

dxdexter · Apr 4, 2009

My adjustables are made by a number of manufacturers as well:

Gray Canada: 18",12",10",6",4"
Irega: 15"
Jet: 15", 12"
TRW: 12"
ETF: 12"
Mastercraft: 12"

They all perform well and one manufacturer is as good as the other. I prefer the shape and heft of the 18" Gray and 15" Irega and the most used ones are the 18"Gray and 10"Gray.

I don't care for the thin "feel" of the Jet models and rarely use them. One was a gift and the other was given to me.

I find the greatest use of adjustables is hydraulic work and general household use (to lazy to walk out to the garage and get the right size wrench).

Tool Pants · Apr 4, 2009

That TRW adjustable wrench is interesting.

I have just one TRW tool, a combo.

HandyManny · Apr 5, 2009

I've heard that Irega is one of the highest quality manufacturers of certain types of tools in Europe, such as adjustable wrenches.

Keep in mind that during the middle ages Spain was home to the best sword makers in the know world as well.

All my various brand adjustable wrenches are from the following three manufacurers:

1. Crescent Tool Mfg. NY (before acquisition by Cooper Tools):
10" Crescent adjustable wrench

2. Diamond Caulk Horseshoes Co. Duluth, MN:
12" adjustable wrench

3. Western Forge:
8" RIDGID Wide Mouth adjustable wrench
8" Craftsman Industrial Black adjustable wrench
10" Craftsman Industrial Black adjustable wrench
12" Craftsman Industrial Black adjustable wrench
14" S-K adjustable wrench

I guess the whole point of having an adjustable wrench is so that you don't have to keep too many wrenches. Boy I now realize I have too many adjustables :headscrat

Vinko · Apr 6, 2009

I bought about 6 Williams adj. from about 6" to 15" from H. Epstein for work and home. I used the 12" a lot and it's been really, really good for various things. I'd love to get the Knipex channel-lock with smooth jaws but the Williams does a pretty good job. Better than my crescent brand wrenches.

KenBaker · Apr 19, 2009

1937 Elgin Adjustable Wrench for cheap. Not mine

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/1129595025.html

autoace · Apr 19, 2009

I never bought any good adjustable wrenches, hardly ever used one, now that I think of it. If I do, I think I'll try the black Proto ones, I have been real happy with Proto pipe wrenches, so maybe their adjustables are good.

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