Users: self-adjusting Clench Wrench type wrenches - gtg or no?

[Red Leader]

Hey guys,

I'm trying to put together and simple on-the-road tool kit that will be for emergency use only.

These are the wrenches I am looking at:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2-pack-ratcheting-clench-wrench/p-00930879000P


Do this (or similar) work? Is the concept sound? If the concept is good but these particular ones are bad, are there others that are recommended?

I am not looking to replace a full tool set, but instead of having 18+ wrenches, the two wrench combo is very enticing, since my goal is to save as much weight and space as possible. Again, not a do-it-all solution, but something that I can take on the road with little weight and space.

Anything similar in the socket department?


I'd love to get your thoughts. Thanks guys.

 

[bobcatdan]

I do not own any so take this with a grain of salt, those look to be the typical useless stupid gimmick tools craftsman likes to roll out. Instead of those get a normal adjustable and a knipex plier wrench.

 

[The Ratchet Man]

I had a set of the non-folding Craftsman that I liked for quick little jobs. Somebody else liked them more than me though so I replaced them with the folding ones. I don't care for the folders. The joint should have been made the other way so when pressure is applied its applied on the limits of the joint and not the lock. The way a folding knife works is a good example.

You're not going to torque lugnuts with them but I was happy with the non-folders for light use.

 

[evintho]

$30 worth of useless junk!!
A quality 6" and 10" Crescent wrench will work much better.....and last alot longer! Easy to find at garage sales!

 

[AmericanPreferred]

I think a regular adjustable wrench would be more useful. Dang beat me by a minute. I also like wrenches with 2 open ends to save space/weight in a hand carry type box, carry half as many to cover the same sizes..

 

[rshadd]

Save your money.

 

[bobemmerich]

Well, I don't own them, but I played with them in the store. I didn't care for them. I'd agree-An adjustable or a small set of double-open ends would be better.

 

[devoncoolman]

Just get a pair of chanellocks and an adjustable.

 

[Alchymist]

Bahco adjustable wrench - reverses to become pipe wrench. Very handy.

 

[allinon72]

This is what you're looking for

 

[4xdog]

I have a version of that clench wrench that must be pre-WW2. It's kind of interesting as old iron artifact, but it's almost useless as a tool. I definitely don't recommend them.

 

[Outlawmws]

I have a version of that clench wrench that must be pre-WW2. It's kind of interesting as old iron artifact, but it's almost useless as a tool. I definitely don't recommend them.

I have several of those if you are talking about the Masterench by Heller Brothers.

The have the same issues as Crescent wrenches, Vise grips, and other "multi tool grippers; - Clearance.

I can't say how the new Craftsman are for actual tool quality, but I know the similarly built robo grips have wear problems on the jaws, so I'd class them as suspect.

I keep one of my masterenches in my camping for use on my propane tank connections and for something that has plenty of clearance they are a damn good wrench, for an open end style.

"One size fits all" socket generally destroy fasteners, so no love there.

For wrenches, one semi decent solution is an old/vintage/antique AutoKit set of wrenches. They have alternating sizes doe open end and box end so with the assumption of needing a 9/16 on both ends you have an open end and a box of that size on two different wrenches. I kind of doubt anyone still makes wrenches in the more standard sizes other than in ignition wrenches (where the practice is common), and I've never seen these in Metric (Maybe out of the EU? )

This is a pic of a mis-matched set (brand wise) I have a couple of complete sets in my cars for emergency use. (Gotten a couple of Vises off benches with these...) The hole is for a #10 screw, and a wing nut so they don't get scattered.

 

[Red Leader]

Guys,

Thanks for steering me in the right direction. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have some wrenches in some common sizes...10, 12, 13, 14, 15, etc and 3.8, 1/2, 9/16.

Anyone know if any of the Craftsmas pros are still being made in the USA?


I ask that question half-heartedly. I really want a set of Wrights


I suppose I'll ask this - if you could have 5 tools in your vehicle (hand tools), what would you choose? Trying to be smart and not put the whole chest in the car, but don't want to be left stranded just in case I forgot one little tool.


Thanks!

 

[jakemac]

1 - 1 1/2# or 2# hammer
2 - 10" adjustable wrench (+ 12" if you haul a trailer often)
3 - small assortment of common size combo wenches (3/8", 1/2", 9/16" or metric equivalents)
4 - flat and phillips screwdrivers
5 - A BFS ! (Big F**kin' Screwdriver) 18"-24", for prying, scraping, or beating on things in frustration.

I keep a small tool bag under the seat in my truck. Just in case I forget to pack a toolbox.

 

[4xdog]

I have several of those if you are talking about the Masterench by Heller Brothers.

Yup, exactly that. I have an old 10-inch Masterench. Maybe as late as the late 50s. I've had it for decades and it was old when it came to me. Nice idea, nicely made tool, just doesn't work that great. The traditional all-in-one-but-nothing-very-well syndrome.

 

[AmericanPreferred]

It may be a stretch on number one but here goes:
1.rail of 16 or so 3/8 sockets with a couple of extensions.
2.3/8 ratchet
3.6 way screwdriver
4.long nose slip joint plier
5,12 inch crescent wrench

I picked up a Stanley 201 pc set cheap off the bay, the wrenchs included are 8, 9, 10, 3/8, 7/16, 12, 1/2, 9/16 so you have something close enough for all metric sizes 8 thru 14, and sae from 5/16 to 9/16. Not ideal I know but it does save weight/space, and would do in a pinch. You must be driving one of those Smarts? Bike? If you really want to save space, cell phone and AAA membership.