Craftsman Cross-Force Wrench worth buying

[Mike83]

The point about pulling a wrench was probably the first my dad taught me. However, in modern engine compartments you often will need to push a wrench either taking the bolt out or putting it back in (preferrably the latter). Sometimes there's no way around it. In cases like that, this wrench probably helps. Is it worth even just $60 to me? No. I have other tools I need first.

 

[fatrhino]

I just bought both SAE and metric 8pc sets yesterday for $50. Couldn't really pass up that deal for 2 sets of polished wrenches. The middle sections are really square though , not sure how comfortable they will be. I will try and give them some good use and post back up.

edit: Looks like the 8pc sets disappeared from sears.com today?

 

[Old Donn]

Mentioned this in another thread. These tools have access problems in tight work spaces. The twisted handle and open/box end can get in the way. I bought the GearWrench X-Beams 50% off a year or so back, rarely use them, so I'll pass on any more.

 

[kythri]

Mentioned this in another thread. These tools have access problems in tight work spaces. The twisted handle and open/box end can get in the way. I bought the GearWrench X-Beams 50% off a year or so back, rarely use them, so I'll pass on any more.

Did you really buy them expecting them to work well in tight spaces?

I guess I always thought of them as a "specialty" wrench, not something to be used for every job...

 

[johnny1290]

They look gimmicky to me, but at $30 a set I had to have them!

I have hands like a girl, I'll try anytihng that'll be easier on them.

For $30 I don't need to use them much to get mymoneys worth

 

[Old Donn]

Did you really buy them expecting them to work well in tight spaces?

I guess I always thought of them as a "specialty" wrench, not something to be used for every job...

Nope, didn't think about it till I ran into the problem. The 50% off deal won me over, along with the adds on the Sears & GearWrench websites. Never intended them as my only set, but I try my stuff on pretty much every job. If one works better than the other, I go with it.

 

[ItBurnsWhenIPee]

I have full sets of these in both standard and metric. But I have the ratcheting ones.

My regular old SnapOns stay in the drawer now, unless there's somewhere that the Crossforce ones won't go.

 

[goodfellow]

Received my set yesterday -- very nice!! The offset is what sold me.

 

[brockstar]

My FIL gave me a set of ratcheting, cross force wrenches for Christmas. I used them once to assemble my tablesaw and they have been hanging on the wall ever since.

As mentioned, they are not compact and are not useful in tight quarters. Ratcheting end is helpful. I use a lot of wrenches, and I feel the Crossforce are good for home owner tasks and not really useful for working on cars etc.

They are well made and are huge! The chrome looks nice hanging on the wall

 

[ZRX61]

If you have to exert that much force to justify those wrenches then you're doing something wrong... won't be buying any..

 

[Garage_Mahal]

My ability to exert force is about a quarter of what it once was, unless I want to be in pain for days. The cross-force style wrenches are a God-send for me.

 

[The Muffin Man]

I would be tempted to buy one if they offered the box end with a 45* offset.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

My FIL gave me a set of ratcheting, cross force wrenches for Christmas. I used them once to assemble my tablesaw and they have been hanging on the wall ever since.

As mentioned, they are not compact and are not useful in tight quarters. Ratcheting end is helpful. I use a lot of wrenches, and I feel the Crossforce are good for home owner tasks and not really useful for working on cars etc.

They are well made and are huge! The chrome looks nice hanging on the wall

I would really like to know about Gearwrenches, flex head versions. If I am reading you right, yours aren't flex head, but do you have any flexhead? Do you think this style would be good with that feature?

 

[expatriated]

I bought a set of these a couple of weeks ago due to the sale. When I got them home, one of them looked like it had some dirt on it, like it had been used. So, I just took a rag to see if I could wipe it off and all the chrome on the open end flecked off everywhere.

It was just one wrench in the set, the other 7 were fine. Debating on whether to take it back but I don't think it's worth it. The wrench is still functional, just a reminder of how quality isn't very common anymore these days.

My initial opinion is that the crossforce feature feels more comfortable in the hand. Time will tell if it is worth it.

(Now, anyone think it's possible for Craftsman to get Toptul to do their chroming????)

 

[Danglerb]

I think they feel pretty good, and I don't just push on them, usually I am smacking with an open palm which seems to work fine.

 

[PoorOwner]

Got mine today, a little disappointed, the length is all over the place (1/2") is longer than 7/16"? The prints are kind of random, some are USA, some are U.S.A. Although full polished do not feel as well organized and well made as the craftsman pro wrenches.

Just nitpicking, for the price I got it for can't be beat.

 

[duke5572]

I'll pass.

Maybe I'll consider it when they offer the inevitable Craftsman Professional Full-Polished Locking Flex-head Reversible Ratcheting Cross-Force Ratchet Wrench in Blue Titanium Limited Edition w/Walnut Case.

Personalized, of course.