So, I have a on-going fairly light duty maintenance task that will require a variable face pin spanner. I've gone down the online shopping rabbit hole and thought I'd throw it out to the group. It seems like the OTC 6613 kit will work well for my needs. The Facom looks nice but, it is questionable if its design will allow for the needed clearance. I've looked and can't find a COO on the OTC kit, though I'm guessing China. Heck, I even looked at Snap On and their's is China. My conundrum is if these "name brand" spanners are made in China, is there really any difference between them and the numerous China offerings on Amazon and eBay that hail under names like Prokomon, BTSHUB, NYXOVA, DASBET etc, etc? The OTC kit runs about $70, Snap On is $100 and the other China kits range from $26 - $40. I usually try to buy quality tools and if possible, that have a COO of USA, EU, or Taiwan. But with what looks like a sea of only China offerings, is there really a difference? What say the group? Anyone have experience with any of these they'd like to share?
Variable Face Pin Spanner Recommendation
- Thread starter TRLKC
- Start date
I went on a similar search last year and ended up choosing the CRL Universal Spanner Wrench. I was never able to determine its CoO, but the quality is much better than some of the other Chinese offerings I tried.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
How about a cam adjuster:
www.jbtools.com
I'm not sure where it's currently made though. Most Lisle stuff is offshore these days.
Lisle Universal Cam Adjuster (38220)
Lisle Universal Cam Adjuster is a versatile tool designed to hold and turn cam sprockets. It's adjustable to fit various camshaft sizes and is essential for accurate camshaft timing and bolt removal.
www.jbtools.com
I'm not sure where it's currently made though. Most Lisle stuff is offshore these days.
Black300zx
Well-known member
For what it's worth, within a given COO there will always be a spectrum of Quality Control and material quality differences which will impact the quality of the product that ends up in your hands. Generally speaking, the "better" brands should generally have better QC steps in place and/or use better raw materials. At the very least, sticking with a name brand will give you some level of confidence that if you DO get a substandard product that they'll stand behind it and make it right.
chevy.stroker
Well-known member
How about a cam adjuster:
Lisle Universal Cam Adjuster (38220)
Lisle Universal Cam Adjuster is a versatile tool designed to hold and turn cam sprockets. It's adjustable to fit various camshaft sizes and is essential for accurate camshaft timing and bolt removal.
I'm not sure where it's currently made though. Most Lisle stuff is offshore these days.
If you look at Zoro for Lisle tools they generally have COO. This on is USA.
OTC's 6613 kit says made in Taiwan on the box.
It works fairly well, but if your pin holes are tight clearance you need to know the diameter of the ears on the spanner around the pins is around 3/4".
Guys, thanks for your input! I failed to mention that my application requires a 6mm pin. So while the CRL and Leslie are solid options, they don’t work for my need. I’m just going to **** it up and get the OTC. As BigFun mentioned I did now see a photo of a package that say COO Taiwan. I guess I’ll pay the the 2/3 more for the OTC. I’ve got a number of their tool, though I bought most in the early 1980’s and they’re all solid and still functioning. Just didn’t want to drop the extra cash if it was made in China too. Appreciate everyone’s input.
I have an OTC one that's listed for a Toyota? cam.
I bought it for hydraulic cylinders. But it's way too light duty for that.
It has worked ok on a few low torque applications, though could just as easy make wrenches for that out of plate and socket head cap screws or dowel pins.
I bought it for hydraulic cylinders. But it's way too light duty for that.
It has worked ok on a few low torque applications, though could just as easy make wrenches for that out of plate and socket head cap screws or dowel pins.
Sumboodie, My application is far less heavy duty than hydraulic cylinder servicing. I have definitely seen several reports of the OTC bending in that application. But, thanks for the heads up. The servicing I'll be doing is light duty in comparison and requires two different pin distances (though both use 6mm pins). I think I'm going to drop the extra $50ish and buy the Taiwanese OTC rather than the Chinese knockoff. Steve P thanks for the confirmation on the quality of the OTC and Facom. As mentioned, I'm sure the OTC will meet the clearance needs of my job. The Facom looks excellent but I think I'd have clearance issues on one of the caps.
speed bump
Well-known member
I've got an OEM tools 27398 and for that size holes it works well.
Facom makes a nice one. Although it might be a little on the small size. According the one of the Amazon reviews, that OTC kit is made in Taiwan. I wouldn't worry too much about COO. OTC is a solid brand with a good track record.
I have the Facom model, happy to take measurements if you want.
If you only need 6mm pins, this Gedore spanner might do the trick?
www.zoro.com
If you only need 6mm pins, this Gedore spanner might do the trick?
Gedore Face Spanner Wrench, 17" Capacity, 9" L 44 6 | Zoro
Order Gedore Face Spanner Wrench, 17" Capacity, 9" L, 44 6 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.
www.zoro.com
vssjim
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Did you look at MARTIN they make them and are usually very affordable and made in US
Their catalog is something like 90% imperial which makes them extremely limited. For adjustable pin spanners, they offer just three sizes, none of which match what OP needs.
Dave455
Well-known member
If the Facom will fit, go for it. I also have this tool, and it’s one of their best.
Mine is French made, and although some Facom is now outsourced, it appears these are not, and are still made in France.
I suspect you don’t have a Wixroyd nearby (think they are a British concern - a production line supplier) but they supply some very inexpensive pin wrenches.
These are made in Germany, and although simple are good quality. They sell for the equivalent of about $25 here, and there are many styles, all available with 6mm pins.
The same tool has got to be available from other suppliers in the U.S.
Edit - MSC sell them!
Mine is French made, and although some Facom is now outsourced, it appears these are not, and are still made in France.
I suspect you don’t have a Wixroyd nearby (think they are a British concern - a production line supplier) but they supply some very inexpensive pin wrenches.
These are made in Germany, and although simple are good quality. They sell for the equivalent of about $25 here, and there are many styles, all available with 6mm pins.
The same tool has got to be available from other suppliers in the U.S.
Edit - MSC sell them!
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Well, my OTC 6613 arrived a few days ago, and while it's probably a quality tool the one I got was trashed. The outer original white cardboard sleeve had signs of obvious water damage and smelled of mildew. When I looked inside it was apparent the water had made its way into the case and rusted the tool. I mean, come on Amazon, who in your warehouse thought it would be okay to ship this without at least looking for damage. I mean it isn't like they would have had to breach a seal to check as the piece of tape sealing one end was flapping in the wind. Went back to Amazon the next day.
