Adjustable wrenches

[Dynasty]

What are decent adjustable wrenches available these days?

What sizes are generally recommended for a wide variety of projects? Not heavy equipment use, just household and vehicle/lawn equipment use.

Are the Pittsburgh Pro set from HF good to go? These ones specifically - http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-professional-adjustable-wrenches-93943.html

 

[outdoorspace]

12" is probably the largest you would need for automotive and household. The range in the set you linked is ideal although I can't speak to the quality of Pittsburgh Pro. Irega (Channellock, Klein), Bahco (Snap-On) and Western Forge (Craftsman, Martin, Proto with Clik-Stop, Ridgid, SK, Wright) are all choice. Channellock and Craftsman are probably the cheaper and more available options; I own both and honestly prefer the latter for the money.

 

[M6erfan]

Take a look at Kinpex pliers wrench as an alternative to the traditional adjustable.

 

[maintguy]

Channellock wideazz

 

[Dagny]

really hard to beat the bahco. however they are very proud of them.

 

[Tim37]

Pittsburgh pro should be fine for what your doing.

 

[thickhead]

Picked up an old Bahco and it is in another league of quality and operation compared to any other adjustable I've ever held or used.

 

[willhollin]

Irega FTW

 

[ChevyEFI]

I grabbed a few from cripe distributing when placing an order. Would do so again. I think they were Allen brand.

 

[cja245]

I like the Bahco or Snap on (made by Bahco) without the comfort grips. Really nothing else in the same league, though priced accordingly.

I have a set that look identical to the Pittsburg ones, branded HDX. They are fine for what they cost me. The jaw is sloppy but gets the job done. It's the set I have in my box at home.

 

[jd_1138]

The prices are pretty cheap -- may as well get a somewhat decent brand like Tekton, Channellock, Allen, etc..

 

[Can I try?]

I own and use Klein (Irega) and Bahco wrenches at work. They are both top-notch product, but I slightly prefer the Iregas. I have some coworkers that like the Proto Clik-Stop wrenches. My coworkers that use cheap import wrenches wear them out in short order. We depend on our adjustables and work them hard.

I also use a Ridgid E-110 adjustable hex wrench at work. It's heavy-duty, and somewhat specialized in its purpose, but it's a great tool for gaining the capacity of a 24" adjustable in a more portable form factor.

At home I have Craftsman (Western Forge). I don't like them. They work, but they are clunky, crude, and old-fashioned compared to Irega and Bahco. I may sell them one day in order to upgrade.

 

[maintguy]

I own and use Klein (Irega) and Bahco wrenches at work. They are both top-notch product, but I slightly prefer the Iregas. I have some coworkers that like the Proto Clik-Stop wrenches. My coworkers that use cheap import wrenches wear them out in short order. We depend on our adjustables and work them hard.

I also use a Ridgid E-110 adjustable hex wrench at work. It's heavy-duty, and somewhat specialized in its purpose, but it's a great tool for gaining the capacity of a 24" adjustable in a more portable form factor.

At home I have Craftsman (Western Forge). I don't like them. They work, but they are clunky, crude, and old-fashioned compared to Irega and Bahco. I may sell them one day in order to upgrade.

What type of work do you do? That an adjustable is so Dependant.

 

[BQuicksilver]

I end up using mine plumbing at times. Of course they're prob most useful when you're turning an old iron drain pipe and you need a giant 36" adjustable.

 

[Dagny]

If you are doing pipes get ridged. for hex bahco

 

[KnurledNut]

The Proxene-made Carlyle adjustables from NAPA are good quality.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

Picked up an old Bahco and it is in another league of quality and operation compared to any other adjustable I've ever held or used.

I have a good collection of old Bahcos at work. They are geared backwards, but they are by far my favourite. Smooth and they have thin jaws.

The style I have at work looks like this and I do not know if the newer style are any good.
http://picclick.co.uk/Bahco-Adjustable-Spanner-142094534325.html

My second favourite I use at home are the craftsman wright forge. They are pretty nice.

 

[mfrantz90]

Channel lock makes a nice one, made in Spain


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gdocktor3]

As a plumber, I have and have used many different adjustable wrenches. Everything from Proto, Channellock, Crescent, Pittsburgh, Husky, Wizard, Diamond, Fuller, Ridgid, Plomb, and many, many other's I can't think of, but a recent purchase of a 15" Bahco adjustable has absolutely changed my views on adjustables. My phone broke so I don't have the pictures right now, but the Bahco wrench is much lighter, smaller, and more sleek than the 15" Crescent wrenches I have. Taiwan and USA made. The Bahco wrench is the finest adjustable I have ever used. Well worth the money.

 

[MrGiggles]

I have a Snap On AD10. Best I've ever used.