Which set of adjustable wrenches: Proto, Mac or Gray Tools?

[bigdude]

I am in need of a set of adjustable wrenches in sizes 6", 8" 10". I really like tools with a black oxide/industrial finish. So I have decided on either Proto, Mac Tools or Gray Tools. I have attached pictures of all three manufacturers (From right to left: Gray Tools, Mac Tools, Proto). Please give me your opinion on which set of wrenches is the best/highest quality or feel free to recommend another set that is comparable.

-Proto Black Oxide Clik-Stop Adjustable Wrenches (6", 8", 10")=$57
6" (J706SL)=$18 @ Zoro
8" (J708SL)=$15 @ Zoro
10" (J710SL)=$24 @ Zoro

-Mac Tools 3-PC Adjustable Wrench Set (6", 8", 10")(AW3SETA)=$99

-Gray Tools Adjustable Wrenches with Black Oxide Finish=price unknown?
6" (65304B)
8" (65308B)
10" (65310B)

In my opinion, the Gray Tools set looks to be the best made, but I am unable to locate a distributor in the USA.

 

[blackwire]

The Proto looks like a Western Forge, which sells under many brands including Craftsman. Not sure who makes the Gray or Mac, maybe Irgea. They look different than the Proto.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Forge#/media/File:Western_Forge_adjustable_wrenches.jpg
http://www.irega.es/en/index.aspx

 

[shawndp]

Gray tools are really well made... They are usually found in industrial supply stores as opposed to the retail side of things, but the hunt is worth it. I think one of our adjustables at work is a Gray and it has taken years of abuse and shows no signs of giving up.

 

[redvalkyrie]

Maybe look at Bahco. I have some of their adjustable wrenches and they check all your boxes.

 

[Thumper68]

Wranglerstar just did a test to failure on a SK and I was impressed.

 

[sberry]

Did they test others? The Chinese make one similar to the Western Forge found here as good or better. I have a Gray, its good, all those listed are good and the price doesn't scare the OP.
You can buy the China set of 4 including a 12 for under 25$
There are more, I got one of about every major brand except European stuff.

 

[redwrench60]

This is a very easy answer. Proto plain and simple. Their click-stop adjustables are very good quality and US made. Nice wide rounded beams for comfort, solid adjusting mechanism with no slop, excellent jaw machining tolerance and strong as hell.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Proto from that list.

Channellock which are rebranded Irega and are excellent as well, if you want an even cheaper option.

 

[48548]

Proto from that list.

Channellock which are rebranded Irega and are excellent as well, if you want an even cheaper option.

Bacho, Channellock and irega I think are better but made in spain... I do like my proto, but they are sloppy compared to the 3 listed from spain with the bahco ergo being the best that I have... Also I like the ones with the screw on the end for adjustment as well. They do make them in the black finish.

 

[AngryBeaver]

Mac are made by proto

Bahco are awesome as well as JH williams

 

[NoahG]

I think we determined in a previous thread that all currently produced US adjustables are Western Forge.


I'm a big fan of the Wideazz Channellocks made by Irega.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[48548]

I think we determined in a previous thread that all currently produced US adjustables are Western Forge.


I'm a big fan of the Wideazz Channellocks made by Irega.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree.. After Bahco and Irega, I would think about US ones... They just are really nice to use and better than any USA ones I own...

 

[JohnDeere1]

+ Bahco or Cornwell twister which I have and are by far the best on the market for comfort the handles are twisted so to push on the flats also has teeth for bitting down and a beautiful chrome finish. I've had both and Cornwell wins they make 8" 10" 12" only.

 

[mmason7764]

6" Ideal, $8 :https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/6-ideal-adjustable-wrench.html

8" Ideal, $12 :https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/8-ideal-adjustable-wrench.html

6" Wright, $14.80 :https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/8-ideal-adjustable-wrench.html

10" Craftsman, $15 :https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/10-craftsman-blackoxide-adjustable-wrench.html

10" Ideal, $15 :https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/10-ideal-blackoxide-adjustable-wrench.html

10" Martin, $15 :https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/10-martin-black-oxide-adjustable-wrench.html

8" Wright, $16.69 :https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/8-max-capacity-1-1-8-adjustable-wrench-black.html

If you consider plated finish, your options expand by 3 or 4 times.

Most if not all of these are Western Forge produced. I have the plated versions in Martin, Wilde, and Wright and they have worked perfectly.

Good luck,

Mark

 

[davethorik]

Mac are made by proto

Bahco are awesome as well as JH williams

Proto doesn't make their own adjustables any more. The Mac ones pictured do not look like WF, which is where Proto gets theirs. So not sure who makes the Mac, my guess is not usa made.

 

[AngryBeaver]

Proto doesn't make their own adjustables any more. The Mac ones pictured do not look like WF, which is where Proto gets theirs. So not sure who makes the Mac, my guess is not usa made.

Good to know.. 4-5 years ago the Mac's were proto's. I bought a set at work through grainger with our company discount and the mac guy showed up like a week later. I compared them and they were identical. I shouldn't be surprised, most of mac is chinesium nowadays

+ Bahco or Cornwell twister which I have and are by far the best on the market for comfort the handles are twisted so to push on the flats also has teeth for bitting down and a beautiful chrome finish. I've had both and Cornwell wins they make 8" 10" 12" only.

The snap on soft grips that were USA made are hands down better than the Bahco's. I've got both old USA made snap on soft grips, newer bahco made snappys and an old bahco branded one I've had for about 20 years.

 

[65k10]

Proto doesn't make their own adjustables any more. The Mac ones pictured do not look like WF, which is where Proto gets theirs. So not sure who makes the Mac, my guess is not usa made.

The Mac's in the OP's picture look an awful lot like the ones sold by Facom. Who makes theirs?

 

[Scenicruiser]

I like the proto click stop, but only use occasionally

 

[Advan]

Although Gray is a top-notch Canadian toolmaker, their adjustables are Taiwanese. I own a few and like them very much, but the Spanish made Iregas (Chanellock), are much nicer!

 

[Gittgo]

Irega from Chads tools. Everything else is sub-standard.

 

[PureLeaf]

As many others have said, Irega is a spanish made adjustable wrench that manufacturers for a lot of re-branding like Channellock. Western Forge makes a USA version for many rebrands as well, like Craftsman. I have adjustable wrenches from Wilde, Proto, Irega, Channellock, Craftsman, Martin, and Wright. They're all the basically the same except the Protos have that 'click stop' spring tension thing going on.

I wouldn't worry about quality, they're all pretty close to the same. I've not seen noticeable tolerance or slop differences in any of them. Get whatever you are happiest with, and get the best price at.

All that being said, also consider Knipex Pliers wrenches. They're amazing.

 

[bigdude]

Thank you for all the replies. It seems Bahco and Irega are superior to my three choices. So I purchased a 4", 6" and 8" with black finish from Channellock. The Channellock wrenches look identical to the Irega and are slightly cheaper so I purchased them.

 

[Firstram]

I EDC a 8" Channellock code blue and a 6" Bahco thin jaw big mouth in my tool pouch. I love them both but I'll never get used to the Bahco being left handed.