help needed for choosing adjustable wrench/spanner

[leoxdeng]

As a 99% newbie to DIY auto, I would really appreciate some advice here on adj. wrench (or spanner, as we call them in the UK)

Note I'm NOT referring to pipe wrenches here though.

My 1st question is - how important it is to have adj. spanners in one's tool box? I have a set of metric combination spanners up to 19mm, I also have a few large offset ring spanners - 22mm/24mm, 27mm/30mm, 32mm/36mm. Sockets wise I all metric sizes to 24mm, plus 27mm, 30mm, 33mm, 36mm.

I'm considering buying a couple of adjustables in case I run into 'odd sizes' nuts that my current set of spanners/sockets won't fit.

My 2nd question is - what size adjustables would you recommend for big size nuts/bolts - say above 30mm? I have a Bahco 12" adjustable for plumbing work - but thought it's not long enough to apply torque to big tight nuts... So I'm considering buying either a pair of 18", or a 18" plus a 24" - what do you think - is 24" an overkill for DIY use on cars/4x4s?

Your advice would be most appreciated - thank you in advance.

Namo Amituofo

 

[Chucktin]

You are considering adjustables correctly. Use them only when necessary.
When I was adding adjustables to my set I found a triple set (small, medium and large) that gave me a range from a little less than 10mm up to 30+. I'd also add a small channel-lock plier to your tools. Handy thing to have.

 

[Alava]

IREGA

www.irega.es

You can buy them on amazon, and if you are not from Europe you may find them as a re-brand of a lot of companies

 

[leoxdeng]

You are considering adjustables correctly. Use them only when necessary.
When I was adding adjustables to my set I found a triple set (small, medium and large) that gave me a range from a little less than 10mm up to 30+. I'd also add a small channel-lock plier to your tools. Handy thing to have.

Thank you - yes I omitted to mention - I have a pair of 'stubby adjustables' and a pair of Knipex Cobra - all for DIY plumbing but can see they're useful for car jobs too! I also have 2 pairs each of small / large vice grips (the proper Peterson one )

 

[crewchief888]

adjustable wrenches are my least used tools...

i have them from 4" to 16"

 

[jumbojak]

A 12" adjustable will typically open to 1 1/2" which is pretty big. If the handle isn't long enough you can always throw a pipe over it to get some leverage. An 18" is a big wrench and a 24" is a big honking wrench. You'd need a lot of room to swing either and the heads are huge. They have their uses but I can't imagine working on cars being one of them. Too cramped and tight.

 

[nmantas]

Nowadays it seems I use my adjustable wrenches only on plumbing fixtures. My first couple used cars (1990's model years) I would encounter a large nut or two in the upper 20's mm to mid 30's mm where an adjustable would be used here or there (obsolete suspension methods like adjustable strut rods or large tie rod nuts) but now it seems shocking to even make it past 20mm on most modern vehicles so my adjustable haven't been used on an auto in years when a combo is right there in the toolbox.

 

[LeeG]

I have not used an adjustable wrench since I purchased my Knipex Pliers Wrench.

 

[leoxdeng]

thank you very much guys - I think the answer is pretty obvious - that I'm OK to live with my 12" Bahco and pair of Knipex Cobras

you've saved me big ££ from the 18"/24" adjustables I was contemplating to buy!

Cheers

Namo Amituofo

 

[sberry]

If you don't need them you don't and no point in buying. I have about 2 dozen, would be lost without them. Not a last resort but first choice for a lot of jobs.

 

[Hdonly0]

One of the handiest wrenches I own. I have a pair of them. Adjustable spud wrench.

 

[larry_g]

I find that an adjustable wrench is also good at straightening metal at times. If you have a bent flange on a C Chanel it's easy to bend it back with an adjustable. Twist a flat bar or bend it over in a vise. Many uses beyond holding a fastener. They also have the nick-name Cresent hammer for a reason. So if you happen to come across a good deal on a large used adjustable don't pass it up.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[crewchief888]

I find that an adjustable wrench is also good at straightening metal at times. If you have a bent flange on a C Chanel it's easy to bend it back with an adjustable. Twist a flat bar or bend it over in a vise. Many uses beyond holding a fastener. They also have the nick-name Cresent hammer for a reason. So if you happen to come across a good deal on a large used adjustable don't pass it up.

lg
no neat sig line

i use mine for bending stuff more than i do as a wrench.

i do keep a 16" in my service truck for a hyd filter cap.
i'm too cheap to buy an 1 1/2" double square socket

 

[mudflap]

I dont know how easy it is to get SK in the UK..? We have a few of them..different sizes scattered around the shop and service trucks.. We use them for all kinds of things. From pulling plugs on air compressors etc when changing oil..some with electrical tape on the jaws to prevent chrome scratches to large parts on Emergency Apparatus . The SK are tight, and dont back out on you like lesser brands. They are well worth the few xtra bucks..

 

[Danglerb]

A good adjustable wrench is great for a grab it and run tool bag, but isn't a first choice for anything except maybe bending metal.

For most things I would rather use a plierwrench, but I sure would hate to lose it, so cheap HF adjustable goes in the away bag.

 

[leoxdeng]

I dont know how easy it is to get SK in the UK..? We have a few of them..different sizes scattered around the shop and service trucks.. We use them for all kinds of things. From pulling plugs on air compressors etc when changing oil..some with electrical tape on the jaws to prevent chrome scratches to large parts on Emergency Apparatus . The SK are tight, and dont back out on you like lesser brands. They are well worth the few xtra bucks..

Not many SKs - only CK (Germany) and Irega (Spain) and Bahco on ebay UK. I tend to get Bahco if I can afford - if not Irega - as these two makes have relatively thin jaws.

 

[leoxdeng]

i use mine for bending stuff more than i do as a wrench.

i do keep a 16" in my service truck for a hyd filter cap.
i'm too cheap to buy an 1 1/2" double square socket

As it occurs - I have a spare vintage 1-1/2" AF socket made by Britool - almost new condition! It's 1" drive though. I don't foresee myself using any AF tools though. I bought it alongside a 1" sliding-T and extension bundle. Would be happy to post it to you as a gift (economy service will take 1~2 months from UK to USA) - if interested just PM me your address .

Cheers
Namo Amituofo