ClikStop

[TheMadMech]

Proto 8" ClikStop



After getting this in the mail today and playing around with it I'm not sure I like it. Does the thumb wheel grow on you or does it always feel weird and clunky? How do these compare to the Proto Adjustables with the more classic non-clikstop thumb wheel?

This is my clever signature.

 

[ssdave]

I have both, and have a definite non-preference to the click-stop. I don't like them, and don't see a need for that feature.

 

[KnurledNut]

People seem to have a love/hate relationship with these.
I like the feature for repetitive use.
And its gets more user friendly as it breaks in IMO.

 

[TheMadMech]

I have both, and have a definite non-preference to the click-stop. I don't like them, and don't see a need for that feature.

Do you have any issue with the non-clikstop wrench coming out of adjustment?

This is my clever signature.

 

[gdocktor3]

You have to break it in. It will be much smoother. I can definitely live with out that feature, but they get better as you use them.

FWIW - the correct way to use an adjustable wrench is to tighten it on fastener, turn fastener, loosen wrench, reposition, tighten on fastener, turn fastener, loosen wrench, reposition over and over..

 

[dkroth]

What is the feature?

Can you describe how it works?

 

[ssdave]

Do you have any issue with the non-clikstop wrench coming out of adjustment?

This is my clever signature.

I don't have a problem with them coming loose. But, I do the loosen/tighten thing as I use them. I very rarely use an adjustable, other than for bending something back into shape or twisting something.

dkroth: The feature is a little spring loaded locking piece that keeps the thumbwheel on an adjustable wrench from turning. The intended purpose is to hold the adjustable in a fixed position once it is set.

 

[TheMadMech]

Someone recommended Williams on here but their COO is Taiwan. I think I'll order the non-ClikStop Proto and stick with that.

This is my clever signature.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I've used CMan and CL crescents and never had them loosen while using them... the new Channellock (Irega) are real nice and the jaws are open further and are more precise than my older CMan ones.

 

[gdocktor3]

Someone recommended Williams on here but their COO is Taiwan. I think I'll order the non-ClikStop Proto and stick with that.

This is my clever signature.

All Williams USA made tools have letters in the part number while Taiwan is just numbers. There are USA made adjustable wrenches. Here's a good deal on one from Harry J Epstein's. http://www.harryepstein.com/index.p...VnZr1goHi57S5KoE6sHrn1zhaHlQBcYZTRBoCcR7w_wcB

Craftsman adjustable wrenches are made in USA and very nice. I use them quite a bit. They have nice rounded handles also. I work in maintenance at a hospital and use Proto click stops, ridgid, craftsman, westward, crescent, etc etc. I find myself reaching for the craftsman most often. Plus they're cheap, easily warrantied, and they just feel good in the hand. Look at post number 8 on this thread I wrote up. I review all my adjustable wrenches. It's a lot. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=315245

 

[TheMadMech]

That's interesting, when Williams was recommended I went directly to their site to check them out and they say Taiwan. I'll do some more searching to check them out. Williams is basically Snap-On's industrial brand, is that correct?

This is my clever signature.

 

[gdocktor3]

That's interesting, when Williams was recommended I went directly to their site to check them out and they say Taiwan. I'll do some more searching to check them out. Williams is basically Snap-On's industrial brand, is that correct?

This is my clever signature.

Yes and Sioux are their industrial air tool brand. If you look in the online catalog it shows all their models and the USA stamp. Page 130-131 http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=245156
Again, I strongly recommend looking at Craftsman first. I believe they are still made by Western Forge and most definitely still made in the USA. WF also made/makes Proto and Williams adjustable's and probably many others. You can have one today instead of waiting for one to be shipped and it is cheaper. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Western_Forge_adjustable_wrenches.jpg

 

[bcexplorer]

I use a clikstop proto at work and love it. I found it on a dirt road in northern bc! It has had quite a life.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Im a clickstop fan as well.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Yes and Sioux are their industrial air tool brand. If you look in the online catalog it shows all their models and the USA stamp. Page 130-131 http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=245156
Again, I strongly recommend looking at Craftsman first. I believe they are still made by Western Forge and most definitely still made in the USA. WF also made/makes Proto and Williams adjustable's and probably many others. You can have one today instead of waiting for one to be shipped and it is cheaper. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Western_Forge_adjustable_wrenches.jpg

A few members have started receiving Chinese made adjustable wrenches. Lots of old stock USA out there still though.

Although, the Irega/Channellock ones are way better than any USA one I've ever had. Made in Spain

 

[TheMadMech]

I'm ditching Craftsman tools intentionally. Horrendous service from Sears locally and the other places you can buy from have limited selection. Just plain tired of their ****.

Currently the USA made Craftsman are what I use
I have a 6" and a 10" but want to add a 8" and a 12".

This is my clever signature.

 

[bobcatdan]

Williams has new USA adjustables, I have seen me buy a 12", 15", and 18" industrial finish. Nice wrenches even though they are Western Forge and 100% the same craftsman. The Proto posted looks like it's a Western Forge too. What is stamped in the recess by the lanyard hole?.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Yes, Protos are WF also.
Allen,KD,Armstrong ,SK, Craftsman are all made by WF.
All are good wrenches . I cannot comment on the clk stop,never used one.
The older high polished USA made Snap on ajustables are my all time favorite,I am not a brand *****,but I do like the snap ons in this application.
I sour Industrial maintenance at a Bus Facility mostly use Proto WF or Craftsman WF almost daily.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I like my snapon. I used it doing alignments everyday. Never needed to get a regular combo wrench to break loose a tierod end.

 

[gdocktor3]

A few members have started receiving Chinese made adjustable wrenches. Lots of old stock USA out there still though

There's a good chance it's their own fault and it depends where you buy from. I'd bet my left nut you buy a Williams from Harry J Epsteins and it will be USA. You buy from Amazon, or Jet, or someone who just doesn't know any better, you have yourself a 50/50. Not betting any nuts on that.

 

[TheMadMech]

Should be getting the Williams USA made 8" and 6" in the mail soon. I got them cheap at tools delivered.com didn't like the $25 minimum but the price was right.

This is my clever signature.