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Looking for Adjustable Wrenches

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Chevy350

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Dec 6, 2009
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Looking to pick up a set (8,10, 12in? or 6 & 10 in?). Looking for opinions on the following:

Channel Lock (made in Spain I think), with blue grip or no grip?

Proto (comes in a set of three for what seems to be the cheapest price)

SK. No set, have to buy individuals.

What say you guys? No Chinese wrenches please.
 
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measuredtwice

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Proto has the standard type and the "Clik-stop" type. Which type are you considering?

The regular Proto were made by Western Forge until the recent closure and they are the same as the Craftsman USA that are sometimes still available at Sears and Ace Hardware. They're in the bargain bin at my local Ace. So you might check your local stores.

I haven't seen the SK wrenches but I'd assume Western Forge since they were sister companies.

Channellock sells several different models from Irega Spain. Are you considering the "Wide Azz" or the other line? The regular line is available with or without the code blue grips. The Irega wrenches are also sold by Klein with bare or dipped handles. I kinda like the dipped handles on the Klein but the Channellock has a slightly slimmer jaw that can be handy.

Have you considered buying older wrenches? There are lots of oldies in good useable condition. One thing nice about the oldies is they have rounded forgings. In contrast, new wrenches look like they were cut out with a cookie cutter.
 
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nelstomlinson

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I am very happy with my old Proto adjustables. If the new ones are the same, they're good.
I am even happier with my Snap On adjustables. I think Bahco makes them?
Any of the old USA adjustable wrenches in the pawn shop are going to be usable, and you should get a few for gloveboxes and kitchen drawers.
 
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seanb02

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The made in Spain Channellocks are excellent! Very tight jaws, and feel great in the hand, no grips on mine. I've got up to 18" in size, have had them about 3 years now. Going to purchase a second group of them soon to keep one set in my shop box, and one set on my service truck.
 
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sberry

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I used to fuss over this. Started with Proto. Back then 3$ India flea mkt wrenches were junk, it's hard to find those anymore when a good one can be had for 8 today. Got some China ATD types work as well as any made. Note the careful wording,,, didn't say they were "better", said they work.
I wouldn't have said this 40 yrs ago, even 30 and it's a different opinion than how people "feel" about them which is about 75% of the drivel here but about the tool, does it work, does it last. We kind of ran up on them by accident and after a bit it became apparent when they got in circulation and used along side the Proto and Diamond, Crecent, WF.
Same for many generic import common combo, brutally tough, work well. Can't even find those 40 pc 5$ sets in the tin that were everywhere 40 yrs ago. Not every generic is as good, I have trouble getting away from Channelock but have some 9 Klein clones that are sharper than the real thing after some real abuse.
 
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OMMP

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Mar 9, 2018
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I could and should add two more - Japan's TOP and Lobster... Besides aforementioned Bahco and Irega, really only decent choice for high quality adjustables.
 
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04chase

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snap on or bahco is my pick , only thing i use now that they have wide mouths and green handles .
 
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garfunkle24

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Wamsutta

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Today I ended up getting a 10 inch Klein with the vinyl dipped handle. It's made in Spain but looks a little different than the Irega's or Channellock's. It looks like it's got an Irega handle with a Western Forge head.
 
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garfunkle24

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I have a bunch of adjustable wrenches but for the odd time I can't get them on something due to the head angle, it's really handy to have a couple of "monkey wrenches", with the jaws at a right angle.

I have a couple of sizes of the NW Excelsior which are nice as the handles double as very stout prybars but for the amount you need such a wrench I'm sure cheapos would be fine.
31QQA4eZTiL._SY450_.jpg
 
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jeepinerdeep

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As stated Bahco is a good option.

I have Snap on 10 and 12, several Bahco's scattered about from 6-10, several cheap cresent wide mouths 6's and a 15" Blue Point. I have no beef with any of them, but if I had to start from scratch 1 medium sized Bahco would do me.
 
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sberry

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Wamsutta said:
Today I ended up getting a 10 inch Klein with the vinyl dipped handle. It's made in Spain but looks a little different than the Irega's or Channellock's. It looks like it's got an Irega handle with a Western Forge head.
Click to expand...

10 inch,,,,,,,, that's a girls wrench.
 
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desertdog256

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Nov 22, 2015
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If you would be interested in some vintage USA made adjustable wrenches, send me a PM. I pick them up at garage sales, estate sales, flea markets, etc. I am no Scoutcrafter when it comes to restoration, but most of them clean up pretty good. I “think” I have between 40-50 in the drawer at this point, ha ha. I can probably put together a matching set and will make you a good deal. Not sure about cost to ship....maybe not bad if they will fit a flat rate box.
 
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measuredtwice

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Wamsutta said:
Today I ended up getting a 10 inch Klein with the vinyl dipped handle. It's made in Spain but looks a little different than the Irega's or Channellock's. It looks like it's got an Irega handle with a Western Forge head.
Click to expand...

I have some Klein adjustables. The Klein (Irega) does have a more traditional head. The Channellock (Irega) narrows a bit more. I like the dipped handle on the Klein.
 
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OP
C

Chevy350

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Well I picked up some channel locks today. Surprised at how light weight they are.
 
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kapster

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I have the Channellock made in Spain without rubber handles, they're fantastic. The Channellock have more range then most and have a precision feel to the jaw/adjuster. The bahco/Snap ons I've used were definetly precision as well, dont know about jaw opening.

I'm going to throw a curve ball, I haven't hardly used my adjustable wrenches since getting Knipex Pliers wrenches. I have the 86 03 180, 86 03 250, and 86 03 300. In most situations they outperform an adjustable, and quite often outperform an open end wrench to break something loose. They dont require alot of grip either, the harder you push on the back jaw the harder they grip. They are quite pricey and may not be for everyone but I love em.

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tarbellb

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Irega (Spain) = Channellock, Klein, Snap-on, Bahco= Excellent

Top- (Japan)

Lobster- (Japan)

used- Diamond (USA)

Just about everything else is standard issue or worse.
 
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kapster

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sberry said:
I should try one to see what the fuss is about. I am so used to the standards I use most other things don't feel right.
Click to expand...
Once you get a hang of setting them they're fantastic. Great on soft brass you dont want to mark or risk rounding the corners.

I forgot to mention I got a 5" which I haven't used yet, it was kind of a novelty. It has super narrow jaws which could be of use. The 7"(180mm) I use constantly and is my favorite size, have one at work and home. I would like to get a 6" yet.

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