Channellock/Irega adjustables

[ToolRoom]

After reading a lot of glowing reviews on the Irega Super Wide Opening adjustables, Santa brought me a 6" and 8" (black phosphate).

Sadly at first blush I was a bit disappointed with the general fit and finish - 1mm of up/down play and around 0.5mm wiggle left/right and a slight amount of rock in the moveable jaw. Edges are all razor sharp and the ends are not ground parallel and at odd angles. Both wrenches are the same.

Does anybody own these wrenches and is this typical for Irega? Or am I just being too picky over a nut rounder.

Certainly they seem better than some of the Chinese junkers I have, but not the league above I was hoping for.

Just curious to know about anybody else's experience with these.

 

[popparoach]

which reviews did you read?

 

[ToolRoom]

which reviews did you read?

I did the usual trawling of the net, various forums, good Amazon feedback they also seem well liked by the plumbing and electrical contracting fraternity and on here. I haven't really seen a bad word about them and they seemed to be rated better than newer Bahco- so it was a bit unexpected to see so much jaw slop.

 

[willhollin]

I use them pretty much everyday atwork and they are great, in fact I gave my Dad my old Bahcos as the Irega are far better IMO.

 

[SantaAna12]

Interesting. I own both and use the Bahco (Swedish). Jaw is slightly wider, and more solid. I agree with the sharp edges....no need IMO.

 

[metaldad]

yep. have multiples of the irega channeys. sharp.

 

[rmsg0040]

I have a 8" irega, not the re-badged channellock, tightest jaws and zero play whatsoever of any ajustable that I have handled.

I have played with the channellock re-badged versions in store and they don't compare.

With other adjustables I always have to open and close the jaws when turning a nut, with the Irega, I just set it slightly wider than the nut and never have to adjust the jaws.

 

[ToolRoom]

Thanks for the feedback.

I did take a short video, but the camera quality is not great. I think I may also pop an email over to Irega and see what they think.

I seem to recall their was a gent on here that bought several pairs and noticed a difference between them, but I can't find the thread - perhaps there is some variation in production.

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[cm_osu]

Thanks for the feedback.

I did take a short video, but the camera quality is not great. I think I may also pop an email over to Irega and see what they think.

I seem to recall their was a gent on here that bought several pairs and noticed a difference between them, but I can't find the thread - perhaps there is some variation in production.

I ordered 3 channellock 8" a while back and got two that were pretty rough and one nice one. I emailed channellock about it and found out the nice one was probably old stock. They never addressed the poor fit on the newer ones in the email only the rougher finish. I've copied the email below. If channellock was still selling the old style wrench I'd probably have ordered some more by now but the new style is not worth the price tag imo.

"Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.


We were able to open the pictures and look into this further.


We made an update to the wrench…over a year ago now, which should have no effect on the function.


We went to a machine ground finish vs. a putty style polish. The mirror finish is the old version.


This is much more environmentally friendly. The left over residue is nasty stuff. More toxic than plating if you can believe it. It also eliminated a costly price increase that we would have had to pass on to our customers.


Have a nice evening.


Channellock, Inc."

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