Bahco adjustable wrenches

[joshua_trees]

So, I've never had any Bahco adjustable wrenches. I see they have some that have black phosphate finish and others with chrome finish. Which finish is higher in quality? and what is the difference?

 

[SwissMetric]

Obviously chrome finish is more corrosion-resistant. If you can keep surfaces covered by a very thin oil film and if there is no corrosive atmosphere a black finish can be sufficient.

Chromium-plated tools can be marginally more "slippery", especially fine knurled or similar surfaces but for such wrenches it won't make a difference. Personally I prefer the chrome finish, it's also easier to clean and keeps hands clean. Good plating won't peel off (very dangerous).

I don't know if Bahco manufactures those wrenches in Europe. Irega (irega.es) ist the only European adjustable wrench manufacturer I know, they manufacture for Stahlwille and many others.

 

[Dave455]

So, I've never had any Bahco adjustable wrenches. I see they have some that have black phosphate finish and others with chrome finish. Which finish is higher in quality? and what is the difference?

In theory the chrome plating is the better finish, and it would certainly be my choice if I thought I was going to get the wrench wet, perhaps using it for plumbing tasks, as it is more rust resistant.

However, the Bahco phosphate is pretty good, although they don’t apply it to the jaws.

Of my older adjustables (not necessarily Bahco) the unchrimed ones have lasted better in the long term. Any light rust can be cleaned, and if the jaws get sny dinks they can be dressed out. Once chrime starts to lift it’s game over,

I don't know if Bahco manufactures those wrenches in Europe. Irega (irega.es) ist the only European adjustable wrench manufacturer I know, they manufacture for Stahlwille and many others.

Yes, they do, but in Spain not in Sweden any more.

Bahco are part of SNA Europe so they are manufactured in their plant there, alongside Snap On ones, though they are different tools.

 

[Jack Ryan]

I don't think Bahco make "normal" adjusters (thumb screws) any more, they are all reverse.

That's OK if you only have one type, otherwise half the time you are adjusting in the wrong direction.

Jack

 

[john.k]

All the Sidchrome adjusters of the 1970s are Bahco made ,and they all have the right hand thread ............however ,I do hav e a big 30" Bahco .......actuallly pre Bahco ......and it is LH.......Left hand is the standard euro type,and Dowidats made for the Oz market are RH,but Dowidats for the German market are LH.

 

[AJHD]

Yes, they do, but in Spain not in Sweden any more.

Bahco are part of SNA Europe so they are manufactured in their plant there, alongside Snap On ones, though they are different tools.

Actually the Snap On adjustables are made in the USA again. I think they switched over last year.

I don't think Bahco make "normal" adjusters (thumb screws) any more, they are all reverse.

That's OK if you only have one type, otherwise half the time you are adjusting in the wrong direction.

What does that mean? I have owned the Bacho versions (made in Spain) and I still own the Snap On versions (made in Spain), they all adjust just like any other adjustable.

 

[Steve_P]

I have two ~10 year old Bahco that are ~6" and 8". Both are chrome with the hard rubber grip. Both adjust the same as every adjustable wrench I own, whether from Japan, Spain, or the US. They are pretty nice, but I don't think there's anything special about them in comparison to the other "premium" brands like the old USA Western Forge, Irega, etc. Out of all the adjustable wrenches that I have, the Irega have the tightest fit.

 

[Dave455]

Actually the Snap On adjustables are made in the USA again. I think they switched over last year.

That’s great news!

 

[AJHD]

That’s great news!

Yes, but they look almost identical and are now even more expensive. Most sizes are well above $100.

 

[joshua_trees]

Yes, but they look almost identical and are now even more expensive. Most sizes are well above $100.

The Snap on 4 pc Adjustable Wrench Set is $500.00​

 

[BrandonV]

So, I've never had any Bahco adjustable wrenches. I see they have some that have black phosphate finish and others with chrome finish. Which finish is higher in quality? and what is the difference?

I'd probably skip the Bahco and go with Irega.

 

[neophyte]

Obviously chrome finish is more corrosion-resistant. If you can keep surfaces covered by a very thin oil film and if there is no corrosive atmosphere a black finish can be sufficient.

Chromium-plated tools can be marginally more "slippery", especially fine knurled or similar surfaces but for such wrenches it won't make a difference. Personally I prefer the chrome finish, it's also easier to clean and keeps hands clean. Good plating won't peel off (very dangerous).

I don't know if Bahco manufactures those wrenches in Europe. Irega (irega.es) ist the only European adjustable wrench manufacturer I know, they manufacture for Stahlwille and many others.

Bahco is Part of “Snap-On Europe” which includes a number of manufacturers and brands that had been owned by Bahco, and some other European tool brands and manufacturers that were combined under Snap-On Europe.
This includes some manufacturers in Spain, were most of the Swedish tool production was transferred to after Snap-On bought Bahco.
Irimo (not Irega), is the Spanish manufacturer of the Snap-On and Bahco adjustable wrenches, ir at least most of them.

Irega, is a separate Spanish manufacturer, that only makes adjustable wrenches, and foes do under their own name, and also as an OEM manufacturer of adjustable wrenches for brands like Channellock.
As far as I’m aware, Irega has never made adjustable wrenches for Snap-On.

 

[john.k]

Traditionally ,the #91 pattern wrench was black finish plain medium carbon steel ,and somewhat chunkier then the #88 pattern that was plated chrome alloy steel and somewhat slimmer in the head .......both patterns had the same outline ............then there was a the #73 pattern ,black finish carbon steel ,with greater angle to the head ,and typically larger sizes such as 26",although smaller #73 wrenches were also made.............many makes of the black finish had polished heads ,as did all the plated ones.

 

[Dagny]

I have 3 of them used mostly for refrigeration service, brass fittings and flare nuts. The best part about them is they are narrower than all others and have no slop if you tighten it down on a nut you just about have to loosen the adjuster to remove the wrench. Oldest one is sweden about 25 to 30 years old 2 newer ones 15 to 20 yo spain one of newer ones is backwards kinda aggravating. mine are all black and get wet often no rust. Top notch tools.

 

[Jack Ryan]

All the Sidchrome adjusters of the 1970s are Bahco made ,and they all have the right hand thread ............however ,I do hav e a big 30" Bahco .......actuallly pre Bahco ......and it is LH.......Left hand is the standard euro type,and Dowidats made for the Oz market are RH,but Dowidats for the German market are LH.

I don't think I have seen a Sidchrome shifter that was made by Bahco - at least, not that I recognised.

The Bahco shifters that were sold in Australia back in the day were RH thread (if that is the correct terminology) - same as all the others available here. The Bahco shifters sold in Europe were LH thread.

The Bahco shifters available here now are LH thread - the opposite from everything else.

Jack

 

[Jack Ryan]

What does that mean? I have owned the Bacho versions (made in Spain) and I still own the Snap On versions (made in Spain), they all adjust just like any other adjustable.

I guess they still make RH thread shifters - they just don't sell them hers.

Jack

 

[KnurledNut]

So, I've never had any Bahco adjustable wrenches. I see they have some that have black phosphate finish and others with chrome finish. Which finish is higher in quality? and what is the difference?

First off, I like Bahco adjustables, even after production left Sweden.
The finishes are both high quality, but with different benefits that have already been mentioned.
It depends on how they will be used as to which I would recommend.
The phosphate will hold up better in many rough environments where abrasion and handling are heavy. The chromium plating can chip under such circumstances, but it does offer better rust resistance.
The polished surfaces of the jaws are prone to rust.

Regarding some of the other comments:
- The Snap-on wide mouth cushion grip are still made in Spain. All the C-series, bare or cushion are USA.
- I dont know what country the OP is in, but when it comes to the adjustable knurl worm screws all the current US market Bahco's I have seen are standard pattern, as well as everything listed in their catalog. Probably not an issue unless buying older used Swedish second hand wrenches, or perhaps in another country. But I agree, the reverse thread can be aggravating especially when being used in tandem with a standard pattern.

 

[Jack Ryan]

Here are two Bahcos from the Australian catalogue - they are all LH adjusting






Jack