Snap ON WM vs Channellock WideAzz

[SRSemenza]

Snap ON Wide Mouth vs Channellock WideAzz

Tried a couple searches but couldn't find this ......

For some things I do either a Snap-On Wide Mouth adjustable wrench or the Channellock WideAzz would be very useful. 8" size. Any body have them? Thoughts. On the surface they seem very similar. But I can't track down either to check out in person. Interested in function and jaw thickness / slimness more than price. But if they are pretty equal.............

Seth

 

[d.mcfarland]

The Channellock (Irega) is nice and really not that expensive. The Snap On has the comfort grip if you need that.

 

[98ssuck]

I have had both. The snap on is clearly the better wrench, however it is twice the price of the channel lock. But you can buy the bahco wide mouth. Which is probably made in the same factory as the snap on for way less money. The snap on has made in Spain on it. I don't see a coo stamp on the bahco.

 

[T45]

bahco vs irega=toss up
snap on for the FD+ jaws
if you need that...its proprietary

 

[gdocktor3]

Go with the Bahco. Very affordable and excellent quality. I own a 15" Bahco and it's the nicest adjustable I own. Being a plumber by trade, that's a lot. I own a few pair of Channellock adjustable wrenches, USA made and Spain, none of which I'm very impressed by. The Bahco stuff is top notch. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bahco-9031-...10a1a9a&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=6&sd=401288068113

 

[dutchgray]

I actually prefer the Irega, the Bahco was definitely better when it was Swedish made, but now they are both Spanish made there is not a lot in it, the Bahco ones cost quite a lot more here now, but are available in tool shops here, I have never seen an Irega in a shop.
I wouldn't be surprised if Snap-on ones were held to better quality than the general production.

 

[wagon]

I'm willing to bet that all the Spain COO adjustables come out of Irega's plant. I can't imagine that Spain just became the place everyone decided to set up wrench factories.

 

[SantaAna12]

I have the older SO 8 swallow tail (Bahco(Sweden)), and the Channellock wide jaw. The SO is a great adjustable, and I pick it first. The blue handle is on a truck of mine. It's a good value tool. It works well.
I cannot speak to the Irega or the new version SO. FD+ would probably work for me, as I have those combos in metric and they are top-notch.
If you are interested, and have time, the Swedish Bahcos off eBay are an option.

 

[Bobioz1]

I've had 6 and 8 inch Channellock versions for years and they work great. They are on the shelves of Home Depot and Menards around here.

 

[SRSemenza]

Look like the Bahco 9031 (9071 chrome) has a slim jaw similar to the Channellock.

And the Bahco XMS16 appears to be the same or similar to the SO Wide Mouth.

As far as I can tell from the SO website ...... the Wide Mouth does not have Flank Drive?

Thanks for the input so far.

Seth

 

[crf450x]

I have never used Bahco but the snap on is the best crescent hammer...I mean adjustable wrench...I have ever used. Although I do think the price is absolutely ridiculous for what it is.

 

[scooby074]

I got a couple of the Channelock wide jaws. Their very good, but I tend to break them because of the oversize jaws for their size and strength. I got a jammed up one waiting to go back. Total abuse on my part though, jaw all the way open on a stuck nut. Really should have used a larger wrench, but it wouldnt fit. The steel on the jaws seems a bit soft, Ive chewed up the edges of the jaws without much effort.

Also Im not 100% sold on the soft grip. Gets dirty and chewed up. Sometimes it gets "squishy" when really reefing on it. Plus cant put a pipe on it.