Loscaldazar
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2013
- Messages
- 2,385
I will be comparing two popular on this forum adjustable wrenches. The Irega made Channellock and the Western Forge made Martin (same as SK, Craftsman, and probably a few others).
First an overall shot. I have a black phosphate coated Channellock (available in chrome for a few dollars more). Both cost about the same-around $20.
The Channellock is made in Spain by Irega, and the Martin by Western Forge in the USA.
Closer on the jaws. The Channellock has both a Metric and SAE scale (on opposite sides) to help you adjust the wrench if you know the size of the bolt/nut you are working with. Very helpful and nice! The WF/Martin has no such markings.
The WF/Martin use three knurls/threads (the standard) on its adjusting method.
However, the Channellock/Irega uses 4 (!) knurls/threads! This gives it more strength and a tighter fit with less slop! Also, this means it will be stronger than if it used 3.
How about Jaw width? Well channellock/Irega wins here too! Also notice how little the Channellock jaw protrudes compared to the WF.
How about overall Jaw size? Pretty much a wash here.
How about how tightly everything fits together and how smooth it adjusts? The Channellock is by far the better one here. Adjustment is almost dead silent (because everything is machined so precisely) and the jaws have next to NO rattle. The WF don't quite perform as well...Watch this video!
Another thing to note is that the Channellock adjustable is heavier than the WF ones. Although both are about the same size and shape, the Channellock feel sturdier, heavier and better balanced in the hand. The WF are too heavy in the jaws and feel likes toys after handling the Channellock wrench.
Overall the Channellock adjustable wrenches are vastly better. They are built better, have better adjustment width, and just feel better to use. They have the edge of better design (jaw protrusion, strength, weight distribution, etc). And being around the same price..... The Spanish made adjustable wrench blows the Western Forge USA made one out of the water.
Chalk one up for the Spanish!
First an overall shot. I have a black phosphate coated Channellock (available in chrome for a few dollars more). Both cost about the same-around $20.
The Channellock is made in Spain by Irega, and the Martin by Western Forge in the USA.
Closer on the jaws. The Channellock has both a Metric and SAE scale (on opposite sides) to help you adjust the wrench if you know the size of the bolt/nut you are working with. Very helpful and nice! The WF/Martin has no such markings.
The WF/Martin use three knurls/threads (the standard) on its adjusting method.
However, the Channellock/Irega uses 4 (!) knurls/threads! This gives it more strength and a tighter fit with less slop! Also, this means it will be stronger than if it used 3.
How about Jaw width? Well channellock/Irega wins here too! Also notice how little the Channellock jaw protrudes compared to the WF.
How about overall Jaw size? Pretty much a wash here.
How about how tightly everything fits together and how smooth it adjusts? The Channellock is by far the better one here. Adjustment is almost dead silent (because everything is machined so precisely) and the jaws have next to NO rattle. The WF don't quite perform as well...Watch this video!
Another thing to note is that the Channellock adjustable is heavier than the WF ones. Although both are about the same size and shape, the Channellock feel sturdier, heavier and better balanced in the hand. The WF are too heavy in the jaws and feel likes toys after handling the Channellock wrench.
Overall the Channellock adjustable wrenches are vastly better. They are built better, have better adjustment width, and just feel better to use. They have the edge of better design (jaw protrusion, strength, weight distribution, etc). And being around the same price..... The Spanish made adjustable wrench blows the Western Forge USA made one out of the water.
Chalk one up for the Spanish!
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