Adjustable Wrench... choices

[sberry]

The 6 and the 10 in the Asian clone , maybe Apex??? I don't know one from another but they are copies of a common USA wrench with being a pinch heavier and thicker and a finer adjustment wheel with 4 turns on it. The 8 and 12 open one size wider than 12 USA of old or a Proto pro next to it.
Where I travel, am limited and have only 1 wrench the clone is my choice. Its hard to tell due to the service, could get parked in a tractor box for a bit etc but I think the finish on the clone is not as durable as the real thing, minor issue.
These are really good for fleet, 4 or 5 sets of these at a flea for 100$ and not all that much more from auto parts stores. A set would be perfect for a homeowner type.
The problem with a lot of new designs with the adjustable plier has been they really didn't copy the Channelok. Every engineer was going to put his little spin on it and it changed the geometry. I believe Vise Grip may have done that a bit in some of the straight jaw models, I didn't look that close but a new pair didn't feel exactly the same.
The mechanic that uses these is expecting a certain thing, same as many products and if its off a little can tell. With a Channel and a number 9 plier can feel the difference if its not fundamentally right or even a hi lev version I would rather use if not directly tying rebar.
I only found one adjustable compared to a 440 I liked and it was a Sears, the patented pin feature wasn't part of the deal though. I have a dozen other pairs I really don't use and 6 440 that I have trouble keeping.

 

[hawaiiysr]

I use proto. Put a set together over the years 4"-18"
But in all honesty I don't like to use adjustables. I reach for a open end first.

 

[decaf]

There is only one original, the rest are copies...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johan_Petter_Johansson

 

[sberry]

I use proto. Put a set together over the years 4"-18"
But in all honesty I don't like to use adjustables. I reach for a open end first.

I do too, we have well over a hundred maybe 200 common sae combo wrenches to 3/4 we have seeded, really to 15/16, the smaller sizes 15 duplicates due to the amount of clamps and fittings, spread out some in a couple locations mostly serviced by golf cart and a some pickups, 3 tractors each need a handful.
A good adjustable is really strong and can have the jaw worked on really tight. The import helps this with a finer screw.

 

[Parabellum]

There are still good brands out there from Proto, Wright, Williams, and Klein.
Crescent has been "China-ized" by Apex/Cooper.

 

[Rossco]

Use a pair of them 8" channel locks that open to like 1 5/8 or summit at work (Twins) The rest are Bahco. 15" - 18" & 30"

 

[1950mercury]

Cripe dist. Has a USA made 12" Chrome Armstrong that is not made buy wf and it is awesome for the 18 bucks....newer craftsman seem to be **** compared to the older. They are no longer chrome and soft metal like the wf screwdrivers

 

[sberry]

18 is great, nothing wrong with that.

 

[SantaAna12]

I am with Bk on the Nepros.

I am also with Mr. Berry. On what....it doesnt matter...... I admire originality.

Bahco is my goto.....I also own the CL....but it Is a different tool. Wider jaw, better machining, friendlier edges, and less slop.

BTW: The older Bluepoints are Bahcos. EBay anyone?

 

[winlinmac]

I just received my 15" Craftsman today

Cripe dist. Has a USA made 12" Chrome Armstrong that is not made buy wf and it is awesome for the 18 bucks....newer craftsman seem to be **** compared to the older. They are no longer chrome and soft metal like the wf screwdrivers

 

[bubinga]

I just received my 15" Craftsman today

is it nice?
i should have jumped on it, but the price jumped back up to ~$40.00 something.
I am watching that one.

 

[MilwaukeeFish]

I just received my 15" Craftsman today

Buyers Remorse?

What I would do now is use these temporarily [or return them and grab the Armstrong] and actively start looking for deals on some nice old Diamond adjustables or something similar. Check on Craigslist, garage sales, swap meets, as noted in post 2 of the thread. Heck you might even get lucky and find someone asleep at the wheel on eBay. It may take you 6 months or better to get a nice set, but you do have some that can hold you over in the meantime. Once you do have some nice ones you won't ever have to sweat adjustables again.

 

[bubinga]

is the pittsburgh ones from harbor freight any good.
what about the older pittsburgh ones?

 

[Wakefield]

Cripe dist. Has a USA made 12" Chrome Armstrong that is not made buy wf and it is awesome for the 18 bucks....newer craftsman seem to be **** compared to the older. They are no longer chrome and soft metal like the wf screwdrivers

Sure that those newer Craftsman are made by WF?
Does WF make them for Armstrong?

 

[four.cycle]

certainly no shortage of them on Ebay:

Proto 3-pc adjustable wrench set w/pouch
used. like new.
$12.50 + $10.00 shipping now. 3 bids now. ends Mon. 03/21
http://www.ebay.com/itm/18205687816...1&exe=13926&ext=35632&sojTags=exe=exe,ext=ext

==

Diamond / Diamalloy by price (lowest first):


Diamond 8 in adjustable wrench
used. good condition.
99 cents + $3.00 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Sun. 03/20
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-DIA...595692?hash=item542b8825ac:g:F9EAAOSwxp9W4H1b

==

Diamond 10 in adjustable wrench
used. fair.
$5.00 + $4.00 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Weds. 03/23
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Dia...:g:tOMAAOSwwpdW6XA~&item=131754108206&vxp=mtr

==

Diamond 6 in adjustable wrench
used. good condition.
$10.00 incl. shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Diamond-Dia...959106?hash=item5b219cf7c2:g:KocAAOSwyjBW5ahz

==

Diamond 6 in adjustable wrench
used. fair.
$8.00 + $4.00 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Sun. 03/20
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Diamond-Dia...945204?hash=item2ca9991df4:g:g5wAAOSwvgdW4fu7

==

Diamond 8 in adjustable wrench
used. good condition - one jaw smooshed a bit.
$6.00 + $6.00 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Fri. 03/25
OR $25.00 + $6.00 shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-DIAMOND...700733?hash=item2eecc30a3d:g:gm4AAOSwzgRW1ONp

==

Diamond 10 in adjustable wrench
used. fair. been worked on.
$5.99 + $7.12 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Sun. 03/20
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIAMOND-CAL...648947?hash=item2364c77673:g:YUwAAOSwoBtW5g3c

==

Diamond 10 in adjustable wrench
used. excellent.
$8.00 + $7.20 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Sun. 03/20
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXC-Vintage...104327?hash=item4d40f25207:g:vIUAAOSwa-dWtjzc

==

Diamond 12 in adjustable wrench
used. needs attention.
$8.00 + $7.50 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Sat. 03/19
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Dia...966901?hash=item35fce277b5:g:dMgAAOSwu1VW5PwS

==

Diamond 12 in adjustable wrench
used. needs attention.
$4.88 + $11.42 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Thurs. 03/17 08:17 AM PDT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Dia...182941?hash=item4afacaed5d:g:UjEAAOSwWTRWyhxT

==

Diamond 12 in adjustable wrench
used. good condition.
$14.39 + $6.50 shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Dia...528818?hash=item5683545232:g:U7gAAOSwh-1W32h5

==

Diamond 10 in adjustable wrench
used. fair.
$15.00 + $7.00 shipping OBO "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-10-...420785?hash=item3d12438871:g:ya8AAOSwG-1WyHYF

==

Diamond 12 in adjustable wrench
used. excellent.
$24.95 incl. shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Diamond-Cal...111367?hash=item4d4101afc7:g:CW8AAOSwmmxW5ymk

==

Diamond 8 in adjustable wrench
used. excellent.
$21.95 + $3.02 shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-TOO...417344?hash=item33b2391480:g:DQUAAOSwx-9WwTMn

==

Diamond 12 in adjustable wrench
used. fair.
$24.99 incl. shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Dia...851063?hash=item25b00422f7:g:I9gAAOSwwbdWKa~7

==

Diamond 12 in adjustable wrench
used. needs some #0000 steel wool and oil
$24.99 incl. shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Dia...762023?hash=item2ca8cff527:g:JOoAAOSw1S9Wck7O

==

Diamond 15 in adjustable wrench
well used. fair.
$15.00 + $13.45 shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Diamond-Cal...659150?hash=item43ea1e3d4e:g:7vwAAOSwPc9Wyl81

==

Diamond 4 in adjustable wrench
used. like new.
$24.95 + $4.50 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Sat. 03/19
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-4-D...873080?hash=item2a6350e7f8:g:TE0AAOSwh-1W5zqt

==

Diamond 10 in and 12 in adjustable wrenches
two wrenches
well used.
$30.00 + $6.80 shipping OBO "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIAMOND-CAL...150729?hash=item210a71cc09:g:Jw8AAOSwUuFWyK2X

 

[shockwave]

I like the snap on flank drive plus made by bahco

And irega for anything bigger than 12

 

[Jim Diesel]

I dont find my self reaching to offten for the " nut f**ker " but i find a mid range brand to be fine. Such as Stanley or Vice Grip. I have a whole stack of them from my main hand tool brands that were give aways which always perform when needed.

 

[maxpower_hd]

I like the snap on flank drive plus made by bahco

And irega for anything bigger than 12

I like those too. I have borrowed them and they work great. They open wider than most others. They are thinner so they fit in places others do not and they keep the adjustment well. I have issues with some others where they always somehow leave their adjustment. The Bahco branded ones are very similar but not identical from what I have been able to gather. The Flank Drive plus is a Snap On trade mark and design so the Bahco branded ones do not have the Flank Drive feature. The jaws are smooth. I prefer the FD for my use. However, I haven't had enough use to justify buying them yet because of the high price SO charges. I will eventually though.

 

[rick carpenter]

Depends on what you want them for. Because of the ease of gumping up fasteners, this is a tool that if I were getting a new one for 'quality' work I wouldn't hesitate to get the best quality and not worry too much about price. I have several pair of Diamond and Diamalloy as regular 'quality' users that just won't quit on me. Still really tight. I have a few garage sale beaters for demo work that if they get lost or whatever out on a worksite then that's OK. That's why I buy them. I bought a CM 10" for changing the nuts on my grinder but top quality isn't needed there.

 

[sberry]

Depends on what you want them for. Because of the ease of gumping up fasteners, this is a tool that if I were getting a new one for 'quality' work I wouldn't hesitate to get the best quality and not worry too much about price. I have several pair of Diamond and Diamalloy as regular 'quality' users that just won't quit on me. Still really tight.

The best and the price may not go together here, as I mentioned, have Diamond and if push came to shove and could only have a single set or had to live with them on the road would be the China ones, as good or better than the originals and not due to some "innovative" design work but they are simply as good and helped a pinch by more modern enginnering just a fuzz.
If it was put in a true blind test I think it would win.

I bought a CM 10" for changing the nuts on my grinder but top quality isn't needed there.

I amnot ure how Cman would rank in the"top" but me thinks its pretty high. I have some, never favored them when there was a Diamond or Proto sitting next to them but never had one let me down either and in my mind its what this kind of tool is all about. Only on very rare cases and super cheap wrenches can tell the difference.
I mentioned earlier, I can feel with some of these when they are right or not. When I was a lot younger could stress up a wrench pretty good and I tossed one not too long ago that was a found special that I felt really couldn't be relied on to its full potential, same for a
Channelok and a v grip. I am going to look up a new and older model, I had one the other day and picked it up and the thing didn't feel right and sure as sheet had changed the tooth design on the jaw, I believe it is a 7R but would have to look.

 

[Strouty]

The snap on adjustables are in a totally different league AFAIAC. Where I work, having multiple size wrenches is a RPITA and having a tool that will get the job done is very important. I usually carry my adjustable, a pair of cobras, pliers wrench, four way screwdriver, razor knife, and a hammer. These tools will allow me to do almost any task required and I have a minimal amount of gear to carry with me. This will vary depending on the task, but this covers probably 90% of the work I do.

 

[sberry]

I was out in a golf cart, had a stuck fitting and spotted a cheap clamp we got for 2$ I thought may be but no go. It was a case where the real deal made a difference and the copy,,, not a clone but super cheap stuff was not the same and would not do the same job, I said,,, I know I can get this with a Vgrip and did go get one and did do it.

 

[sberry]

I got a snap 10, its a great wrench, got a good finish not a thing wrong with it but doesn't give me any boost confidence over any of he dozen others we use. It may even be better at some level, I am not sure but once it reaches a point is rather irrelevant to me.
I beat a small combo wrench repeatedly with a 20 oz nail hammer to remove a stuck bleeder, it make sense my flank snaps may be better but how good does it have to be for a human to notice the difference and many of the quality issue opinions seem to come from people with not all that much seat time with it.
I use one or even different ones in a day for decades and cant tell much difference, different opinion about usable quality that a guy with 1 shiny set in a tool drawer. His are good but his personal preference aint much of a fact about how good it is or the difference in quality between brands

 

[908Jim]

This is one of those instances where Craftsman offers an excellent tool at a fair price. I have the exact same set and I use it often for plumbing work and I am very happy. The plating is robust and has held up well to all the water exposure. The jaws are also very tight compared to most other adjustable wrenches I have used. Highly recommended.

 

[sberry]

I see this in all kinds of comparisons,,, mine works super good. I ask, how many of these have you used,,, well just this one but,,,,
I recall some discussion about welding machines in this same tune. If a guy tells me there is night and day difference between a Stickmate and a Dialarc by running a rod and he knows the Dial is vastly superior cause he ran one in a welding class I am suspect.
Same for the common combo wrench, a guy can look at something and see if it looks stamped and has a poor finish but when I read wholesale opinion about how all these are **** and he would be scared to bust a knuckle so he has invested heavily I know its all warm feeling and doesnt have squat to do with the tool.
We seen stuff done to them a guy would be scared to do to a nice tool and they are still in service 20 yrs later and all the way in between, another 1000 cycles.

 

[Strouty]

Sberry, the Snap On wrench you are talking about is not the one we were talking about, you would notice a difference. The newer ones have teeth and do not slip, they are leaps and bounds above any other adjustable.

I saw pictures of the new Craftsman adjustables and they look like the stupid lobster claw wrenches. No thanks.

 

[BMack37]

is the pittsburgh ones from harbor freight any good.
what about the older pittsburgh ones?

Just no. There are some good items at HF but cheap adjustable wrenches are more hassle than anything else. I know the Channellock (Irega) adjustable is expensive but if you use one it will change your opinion on adjustable wrenches. Try the shake test, if you shake an adjustable and you hear it rattling, it's going to loosen up on you. I have plenty of USA made adjustables(including Diamond), the Channellock is a lot nicer. It only changes sizing when I turn the wheel, you don't need to hold the wheel to keep it snug which is nice when you can't really reach it.

 

[bubinga]

Just no. There are some good items at HF but cheap adjustable wrenches are more hassle than anything else. I know the Channellock (Irega) adjustable is expensive but if you use one it will change your opinion on adjustable wrenches. Try the shake test, if you shake an adjustable and you hear it rattling, it's going to loosen up on you. I have plenty of USA made adjustables(including Diamond), the Channellock is a lot nicer. It only changes sizing when I turn the wheel, you don't need to hold the wheel to keep it snug which is nice when you can't really reach it.

oh, ok thanks, i was looking at the HF ones. ??
So the channel loc ones are good. Better than the diamonds?
I will have to check them out.
is than the newer ones too;
Or mostly the older channel lock?

 

[bubinga]

Any experience on these?
Channellock 8WCB WideAzz Adjustable Wrench with Code Blue Grips, 1-1/2-Inch Opening- 8-Inch Overall Length


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001I70C34/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Several threads on here introduced me to Knipex pliers wrenches, and I never looked back. Definitely worth a look.

 

[BMack37]

Any experience on these?
Channellock 8WCB WideAzz Adjustable Wrench with Code Blue Grips, 1-1/2-Inch Opening- 8-Inch Overall Length


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001I70C34/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That is the one I was referring to, expensive but worth it. First adjustable wrench I thought was worth the cost. Diamond was decent but I still hated adjustable wrenches until I, on a whim, gave Channellock a try.

I have some of the HFs too, I bought them as cheap ones I didn't need to worry about...complete waste of money, the jaws wiggle side to side and the slop in the adjustment is laughable.

 

[Allaround]

Channellock.Spain. Irega. Best adjustables made.

 

[Strouty]

Those are nice as well. I like the snap on better, but I do have and use those because of the wide opening.

 

[bubinga]

That is the one I was referring to, expensive but worth it. First adjustable wrench I thought was worth the cost. Diamond was decent but I still hated adjustable wrenches until I, on a whim, gave Channellock a try.

I have some of the HFs too, I bought them as cheap ones I didn't need to worry about...complete waste of money, the jaws wiggle side to side and the slop in the adjustment is laughable.

good deal, im gonna get one.
8" is the largest in that style, right?

 

[sberry]

For comparison about 15 or 20 ago bought a set of HF adjustable and the most noticeable difference between them and a competitor was the finish and at that time I suspect the strength ultimately was not as good but they worked. I bet they have changed suppliers today though.

 

[BMack37]

good deal, im gonna get one.
8" is the largest in that style, right?

I believe on Amazon, yes...but Channellock also makes 10" and 12" according to their site. I believe that under the grip is the standard all-metal wrench so if you do not like it you can cut it off.

As far as I know all of these wrenches are the Irega made in Spain wrenches:
https://www.channellock.com/adjustable-wrenches.aspx

 

[bubinga]

what about that "Wide Azz, slim jaw" anyone have experience with that?
Looks like it might come in handy like for air lines and such, when the fittings are close together.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VBPY91O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bubinga]

Bmack was talking about shaking the wrench.
what is the chepo TSC brand, can't think of it right now, but I shook a set in a blister pac today at TSC, and it rattled through the blister pac.....LOL
if you turned it 180* (think it was the 12" one") you could see the jaw move about a 32nd to a 16th. of an inch lol.....
FWIW, the 15" ( Not sure, maybe it was the 12" one)Crescent china made, is on sale for ~$18.00 through april.
think it said $2.00 off.
Edit
sorry, NO, it is the 12" one.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/crescent-12-in-adjustable-wrench
EDIT
TSC did not carry the Channellock brand Adjustable wrench in any style.

 

[Rossco]

Any experience on these?
Channellock 8WCB WideAzz Adjustable Wrench with Code Blue Grips, 1-1/2-Inch Opening- 8-Inch Overall Length


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001I70C34/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Yes. They are the 'Twins' I was referring to.

First thing you do is cut that silly rubber grip off.

On offer @ $22 at Crappy tire.

This is the only CL shifter that I know that has such good jaw width.

 

[davethorik]

I have used many adjustables. Being a machinist you might need a 30mm one minute and a 7/8" the next, so it makes sense over carrying 30 wrenches with you.

Never used any of the Spanish adjustables, as far as good old American iron you just have to get a feel for each wrench. I've used Craftsman WF adjustables that were good, and ones that were ****. I bought 2 brand new Wright adjustables, a 6" and 12" a number of years ago and the 12" has what I'd say is a gratuitous amount of jaw slop, and the 6" is just about right. The Wright adjustables are WF.

I have Crescent Jamestown 18" and 15" and they are rock solid. I have a Williams 8" that is probably twice as old as me, and it's solid. Also an identical Master Mechanic 8" that is from Williams. I acquired a NOS Challenger USA 12" which is also solid. I have a 4" branded Snap-On/Blue Point that is Diamind-sourced and it is very nice.

I have a newer Crescent USA 6" that has excessive jaw slop as well as chipping chrome and is one of my least favorites. I also have a Diamalloy 8" that has excessive jaw slop but to be fair, looks like it spent most of its life with a cheater pipe on the handle.