MAC Tools adjustable wrenches

[AJHD]

Does anyone know who the OEM is for the current line of MAC Tools adjustable wrenches?
Obviously, I assume it's part of the SB&D conglomerate and likely made in China.

I want to see if I can essentially find the same wrench for a cheaper price without the MAC brand.

Adjustable Wrenches

www.mactools.com

 

[65k10]

Facom adjustable wrenches appear to be the same. Unfortunately, while there are some savings, it isn't huge. It is about $95 to buy a 12" and 15" phosphate finish Facom from Mister Worker after shipping. Those two wrenches cost about $130 together from Mac. It's a savings, but it still seems kind of high for what they are.
Here's a link for the phosphate wrenches at Mister Worker. Maybe they can be found cheaper elsewhere.

https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/facom/phosphate-roller-wrenches-113t/5360.html

 

[AJHD]

Facom adjustable wrenches appear to be the same. Unfortunately, while there are some savings, it isn't huge. It is about $95 to buy a 12" and 15" phosphate finish Facom from Mister Worker after shipping. Those two wrenches cost about $130 together from Mac. It's a savings, but it still seems kind of high for what they are.
Here's a link for the phosphate wrenches at Mister Worker. Maybe they can be found cheaper elsewhere.

https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/facom/phosphate-roller-wrenches-113t/5360.html

I should have figured it was Facom given their design.

I don't have a MAC dealer current as my former dealer closed up shop.
But if it doesn't make sense financially to buy these OEM branded, I will move onto something else.

Thanks.

 

[Jdubzz]

No insight on the MAC/Facom, but I bought a Carlyle 15” adjustable not too long ago and was extremely impressed. Nice fit and finish, close tolerances (minimal slip in the jaw). Might be worth checking out.

 

[scooby074]

I think that wrench is an Asian SBD produced wrench as you suspect. No COO really raises a flag. Cant find the exact wrench under another manufacturer so I guess it must be Mac/Facom exclusive.

Are you Last best tool lol ? That mac wrench was "featured" on his latest. Hes got to be getting his video ideas from here or something.

 

[ecotec]

I really enjoy using the Bahco with the black grips. They are really comfortable to use.

The Facoms and MACs seem to favor them aesthetically.

 

[AJHD]

I think that wrench is an Asian SBD produced wrench as you suspect. No COO really raises a flag. Cant find the exact wrench under another manufacturer so I guess it must be Mac/Facom exclusive.

Are you Last best tool lol ? That mac wrench was "featured" on his latest. Hes got to be getting his video ideas from here or something.

Yeah, usually if there is no COO, it's China. MAC isn't the best at being open and honest where their tools come from. They hope you just see MAC.

Anyway... No, I'm not Doc. But I watch his videos and that's where I saw the wrench, it intrigued my interest. It's funny that some of his videos do seem to show up after recent conversations posted here.

Could be a coincidence. As a fellow tool guy, I'm sure he's aware of GJ's existence if nothing else.

 

[KnurledNut]

Some of the Facom pattern adjustables were available branded as Craftsman. They were initially Taiwan made.

No insight on the MAC/Facom, but I bought a Carlyle 15” adjustable not too long ago and was extremely impressed. Nice fit and finish, close tolerances (minimal slip in the jaw). Might be worth checking out.

I have that same Carlyle. Made by Proxene in Taiwan, who IMO is one of the better adjustable wrench manufacturers left. They manufacture different grades, but the quality of their pro line is on par or even better than Irega.

 

[BrandonV]

I've been happy with my Urrea adjustables I use daily. COO of Mexico.

 

[plumber84]

Current production Proto and Clik-Stop are made in Taiwan by Proxene as well, very good quality

 

[BrandonV]

Current production Proto and Clik-Stop are made in Taiwan by Proxene as well, very good quality

I suspected as much when their COO moved to Taiwan. Still happy compared to the 10ish 1960s Clik Stops I have.

 

[KnurledNut]

I've been happy with my Urrea adjustables I use daily. COO of Mexico.

I’ve got a 24” Mexico Urrea and some that are Spain Irega rebranded as Urrea.

 

[Wrench97]

I use crescent brand, they work fine for what I use them for, mostly air line fittings, glad hands and air valves.

 

[Etchase]

Current production Proto and Clik-Stop are made in Taiwan by Proxene as well, very good quality

Click-stop are being made? I haven’t seen any since western forge. Do you have a source? I’m not finding it on Proto’s site. Or more accurately, with a picture that isn’t of a WF wrench. I bought one at Zorro about a year ago when it was listed as Taiwan made, but received a WF wrench.

 

[bobg03]

I've been very happy over the years with both my two newer Protos (18"&6") and two older Protos (12"&6"). I purchased a newer 6" cause my old one was hiding til I found it later.

 

[BrandonV]

Click-stop are being made? I haven’t seen any since western forge. Do you have a source? I’m not finding it on Proto’s site. Or more accurately, with a picture that isn’t of a WF wrench. I bought one at Zorro about a year ago when it was listed as Taiwan made, but received a WF wrench.

Yes new Click-Stops are being made in Taiwan. I have a couple full sets of them I purchased recently.

 

[Etchase]

Yes new Click-Stops are being made in Taiwan. I have a couple full sets of them I purchased recently.

I’m curious. Do they have a screw in adjustment knob shaft like the Taiwan non-Clik-Stop wrenches, or are they pressed in like every previous Click-Stop version?

 

[BrandonV]

I’m curious. Do they have a screw in adjustment knob shaft like the Taiwan non-Clik-Stop wrenches, or are they pressed in like every previous Click-Stop version?

Good question. I'll snag some pictures when I have access to them again!

 

[plumber84]

Click-stop are being made? I haven’t seen any since western forge. Do you have a source? I’m not finding it on Proto’s site. Or more accurately, with a picture that isn’t of a WF wrench. I bought one at Zorro about a year ago when it was listed as Taiwan made, but received a WF wrench.

From Grainger, any non-Taiwan made are old stock, I got a J710L from Raptor supply last year with a 2020 date code

 

[KnurledNut]

My well used old-school U.S.A. MAC:

 

[NHtoolguy]

My well used old-school U.S.A. MAC:

That wrench looks like it was made by Williams. Great old-school quality, and very smooth. The square jaw shoulder keeps it a bit tighter under heavy use.

 

[kjbenner]

Some of the Facom pattern adjustables were available branded as Craftsman. They were initially Taiwan made.



I have that same Carlyle. Made by Proxene in Taiwan, who IMO is one of the better adjustable wrench manufacturers left. They manufacture different grades, but the quality of their pro line is on par or even better than Irega.

Current production Proto and Clik-Stop are made in Taiwan by Proxene as well, very good quality

Thanks guys for pointing out Proxene as the OE on some of these. I'd noticed recently that the new Westward adjustables on Grainger/Zoro looked like the new Protos and thought they might be worth checking out, but I couldn't figure out who was making them. Proxene seems likely:

Westward: https://www.zoro.com/westward-adj-wrench-12-1-12-cap-black-31d016/i/G5093182/
Proto: https://www.protoindustrial.com/product/j712sb/wr-adjustable-12-black?tid=575311
Proxene: https://www.proxene.com.tw/product-Specialist-Series-AP.html

 

[KnurledNut]

That wrench looks like it was made by Williams. Great old-school quality, and very smooth. The square jaw shoulder keeps it a bit tighter under heavy use.

Like a keyway. Not many adjustables were/are made that way. Small detail but adds to performance.