SK Hand Tool is soon coming out with their new X-Frame ratcheting wrenches, which are so drastically different from others currently on the market that SK calls the design “revolutionary.”

The new SK X-Frame ratcheting wrenches feature a new box end design, as well as a new x-shaped handle. The new wrenches are said to provide “up to 5X more strength than ANSI spec.”

SK X-Frame ratcheting wrenches are similar in design to Gearwrench’s 120XP double pawl ratcheting wrench design, but take things to a whole nother level.

As an aside, check out the inside of Gearwrench’s 120XP ratchet!

Traditional ratcheting wrenches are often of a single pawl design. The box end, whether 6pt or 12pt, has a single pawl that engages a main gear to create a strong, yet simple ratcheting mechanism.

With single pawl ratcheting wrenches, the pawl must shift at least one tooth over to ratchet. This means that the minimum swing arc is 360° divided by the number of teeth. There’s a limit as to how many teeth there can be. Too many small teeth, and pawl-gear engagement might suffer, resulting in lower strength.

SK X-Frame ratcheting wrenches have a 6-pawl ratcheting box end design. Yes, that’s right 6 pawls.

In an X-Frame box end, there are always two pawls engaged with the gearing at all times. The first pair of opposing pawls are engaged with the gear. The second pair of pawls are half-engaged. The third pair are disengaged. This creases a 3-stage ratcheting action.

When the wrench is rotated in the free-swinging direction, the pawls engage one pair at a time, creating 3 separate pawl engagement positions for each tooth.

72 teeth x 3 pawl stages per tooth = 216 positions. This leads to a 1.7° minimum swing arc.

And since there are two pawls always engaged, SK X-Frame ratcheting wrenches are also said to be quite strong. They don’t just meet ANSI strength standards, they exceed them by up to 5 times.

SK also sought to give the X-Frame wrenches a new look. But the X-Frame design isn’t just for looks – the new wider double beam arms help to distribute the load in higher torque applications.

SK X-Frame ratcheting wrenches also sport SK’s “SureGrip open end that grips fasteners on 4 sides. Other premium brands’ wrenches also offer anti-slip open end designs.

First Thoughts

The new box end definitely looks like a fantastic idea, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, it looks like SK X-Frame ratcheting wrenches are non-reversing. This is a big downside for a lot of users. Personally, I greatly dislike non-reversing ratcheting wrenches, despite how they can often be made stronger than reversible ratcheting wrenches. I prefer reversible wrenches with a slight offset.

Second, the box end and open ends are beefed up. Yes, this means greater strength, but it also means greater width. The wider box end means that, in tight areas, you might not be able to swing an X-Frame wrench as far as you could with a narrow ratcheting wrench.

Third, all of SK’s promo materials only show 6pt ratcheting wrenches. A lot of users prefer 12pt, as it’s easier to get them onto fasteners in tight spaces. With 216 ratcheting positions, these wrenches should be easy to adjust and align to fasteners’ orientations, but many times this might mean an extra step.

Fourth, SK is producing their new wrenches in the USA. This was expected, but is good news nonetheless.

Keep in mind that strength and fine turning was the goal here. 6pt box ends are stronger than 12pt.

These wrenches are flashy-looking and highly appealing, but part of that is because they’re so different and new. Once the hype settles, I think that we’ll find that SK X-Frame ratcheting wrenches are the ideal wrenches for some users, but not for others.

The folks at Chestnut Tools and Lee Valley came out with a simple, pocketable, and self-adjusting wrench that looks to be great for EDC (everyday carry) in your pocket, bag, or as part of your portable tool kit.

The Pocket Wrench is 5-1/2″ long, and can accommodate fasteners 5/16″ to 3/4″ (8 to 19 mm) wide. There are three jaw opening settings, so that you can work with larger fasteners and still maintain a comfortable and strong grip.

Both jaws are finely grooved and slightly angled to create a strong gripping action, and so you might not want to use this on delicate fasteners. On the other hand, if you’re using a tool like this in a pinch, chances are that you want a strong grip and quick results.

Given how the tool’s fastener grip is dependent on your hand grip, loosening up on the tool after each turn allows for a sort of ratcheting action. This means that you can quickly tighten or loosen a fastener without having to reposition the wrench.

It’s made from heat treated stainless steel, which should give it some corrosion resistance.

What I like is that Lee Valley says it is no substitute for owning a full set of wrenches or sockets. Too often, tools like this are hyped up to be wrench and socket set replacements. The fact that Lee Valley flat out says it’s not meant to replace a full set of wrenches or sockets, and that it is an outstanding tool for field repairs and for keeping in convenient locations greatly increases its appeal in my eyes.

If all that wasn’t very convincing, consider that the Pocket Wrench is priced at just $9.50.

For less than $10, it’s hard to say no to the Pocket Wrench. Needless to say, I already ordered one. I’ll share some feedback once it arrives.

Buy Now(via Lee Valley)

Back in November, I was in really good photo-taking mood. This means part of one table was cleared off, my photo lights were up, and I was in a calm and patient state of mind. Photographing chrome tools is a real pain in the butt, and so I have to be in a good mood to do it.

I photographed a bunch of tools that were planned for a “Mechanics Tools” week-long theme. If you hadn’t seen those reviews yet, look through the list and see if something interests you:

Bit Holders vs. Bit Sockets
Facom Angled Socket Wrench Review
SK Bit Sockets Review
Wera Zyklop T-Handle Review
Proto Locking Extension Review
SK Thumbwheel Ratchet Review
SK Socket Set Review
Gearwrench Ratcheting Wrench Socket Adapters Review

Not that my photos are spectacular, but even photos that might look somewhat bland and mediocre take time, and that is even more true for chromed and reflective tools. I’d like to explore more creative options with my tool photos, but most of the time it’s more important for photos to show something clearly.

Today’s review of PB Swiss Tools stubby hex drivers is one of a couple of other tools I photographed back in November but hadn’t written up yet. There’s one more I wanted to finish up for today, but that’s not happening.

Shown here is one of my Facom “Fast Action” combination wrenches. I have two of these in metric sizes, and they’re… different. I don’t love ’em, and I don’t hate ’em. I won’t buy more (mainly because I don’t use metric wrenches as much as inch sizes), and I won’t give mine up.

Anyway, I was working on the review and realized that I really like one of my photos.

Part of why I really like this photo is because it was really difficult to take. All my metric fasteners are in storage, since I rarely need to pull metric hardware for impromptu projects, but I had everything setup for photos. So I put together a quick demo using a hex wrench.

Yes, that’s a PB Swiss Tools stubby hex driver.

This was a bugger of a photo to take, as one hand had to hold two tools in this exact position, and my other hand held a camera that’s way too heavy.

I could, and should, have planned out a better way to take the photo, but it was late at night and as mentioned I have to be in a good mood to photograph chromed tools. If I waited until I could dig out a suitable vise and grab some metric hardware just for photo staging purposes, then the review would have been pushed back even further.

I’ve been meaning to review these wrenches for a couple of years now. Years. That’s true for a lot of my personal and regularly used tools, but on the bright side it means I have no shortage of tools to review and talk about.

So yea, I hope you enjoy the photo! I like how the satin finish makes the wrench look sparkly.

Sparkly? Sorry, I couldn’t think of a manlier word. At least I didn’t say “shimmery.”

And yes, this post ended up being a lot longer than I anticipated. In the time it took to write this post out I might have been able to finish up the Facom wrench review.

But you know what? It’s after 6pm on Friday, my son is teething and cranky, I’m exhausted, my hands are dry, cracked, and bleeding, my workspace is a complete mess since I decided to start cleaning up and rearranging everything last night. It’ll take me at least through the weekend for my workspace to reach an equilibrium.

There’s nothing more I want to do right now than just share this photo and some random chat with you guys.

I started off just wanting to share the sparkly wrench photo (sorry for using that word again), but it’s nice to just write freely.

One of the reasons I started cleaning and rearranging again is because I want to do more videos, this time with me in front of the camera. I really suck at videos, but practice is the only way to get better, and there are certain discussions that are just easier to initiate with a video rather than a bunch of words. Take this post, for example. It would have been a lot easier to do with a video. Not right now, though, as I still write a lot better than I talk in front of a camera.

Even if you didn’t enjoy the photo, I hope you enjoy your weekend, especially if you made it this far!

Arjan wrote in with a great question about Facom tools:

Currently, I am reorganising my hand toolbox with cheap Chinese stuff and therefore I am reading through your articles a lot looking for advice on what to buy.

I live in the Netherlands (continental Europe) and so I have access to tools from all major European, mainly German, manufacturers like Hazet, Stahlwille, Elora, Gedore (with Rahsol and Dowidat), Heyco, Wera, Wiha, Carl Walter, Beta and Facom.

Still these tools are not cheap due to all high labour rates and kinds of taxes. However, I buy quality tools, because I would like to be able to pass on my tools to future generations (I am 44) and many times you’ll get what your pay for.

I really like the look of the Facom 440 combination wrenches, but I am worried about the fact they are Taiwanese made (allegedly by Toptul) and the fact that Facom is owned by SBD.

I am not meaning to offend you, but I have despised the quality of current Stanley products for years with the sole exception of their Stanley knives. Do you think the Facom combination wrenches are of better quality than other Stanley products and do you think they will last a lifetime, provided they are used correctly?

Great question, and I am not at all offended.

I bought a set of Facom 440 combination wrenches – the latest version of them – with cold hard cash, and while the review isn’t quite ready yet I do have some opinions on them.

First, I don’t recall where they’re made. I do believe they’re made in Taiwan and not France or another western country.

But that doesn’t really mean anything – these are very nice wrenches.

I only own a number of Facom tools – the 440 wrenches you mentioned, 2 “Fast Action” wrenches, slip joint locking pliers, a couple of angled socket wrenches, 2 cantilever tool boxes, an adjustable wrench, a pipe wrench, as well as a few screwdrivers and hex wrenches.

My experience with Facom isn’t as extensive as with some other mechanics and industrial tool brands, but I feel there’s enough to get a good sense of the brand.

Now, as for these 440 wrenches, they’re a little shorter than other brands’ wrenches, but they also have better shaped open wrench ends – as far as offset angle is concerned. With the wrench sizes I use most often, the open ends are lower profile than on my other wrenches, but the box ends are thicker.

I would say that Facom tools are much more comparable to Stanley Black & Decker’s professional Proto and Mac Tools brands than their self-branded line of Stanley and Stanley FatMax hand tools. The fact that Stanley owns the Facom brand doesn’t really seem to mean anything bad.

See Also: Tool Brands and Their Corporate Affiliations

There’s no compromise in quality or function. I don’t mind so much where they’re made because they’re not any worse for it. Will they last a lifetime? That’s not something I could comment about, but it’s also something I wouldn’t worry about. My Facom 440 wrenches seem to be every bit as strong as I could ever hope for them to be.

I like these wrenches because they have a great design, great feel to them, and the satin finish is nicer than most other polished or satin chrome finishes I’ve seen before.

If Facom made more inch-sized tools – some of their offerings are metric-only – I’d have many more Facom tools in my toolbox.

If you’re really worried about whether you’d like these wrenches, you could always buy just one size to try out. I’m sure there’s one or two wrench sizes that you can never have enough of. For me, it’s 7/16″ and 1/2″, which are also big enough to where I can tell if I like a wrench design or not. For you, and others who use metric wrenches more often, maybe 10 mm or 13 mm would be good sizes for evaluation purposes.

For anyone else looking to upgrade to these wrenches, here are some purchasing links. Since I’m based in the USA, these are the only distributors I have used and can recommend:

Buy Now(via Amazon 3rd party sellers)
Buy Now(via Ultimate Garage)
Buy Now(via Stanley Supply Services)

My current favored Facom source is the Ultimate Garage, as Steve (the owner) keeps a healthy selection on-hand and sends tools out in better shape than other vendors. My tool box from Stanley Supply was dented and took its sweet time to arrive. The one from Ultimate Garage cost a few bucks more but arrived in pristine condition.

Steve also offers (offered?) a discount for Garage Journal members – when ordering leave your GJ user name in the comments section and request the discount.

In yesterday’s post Do Facom Tools Suck Because They’re Made by Stanley?, I mentioned Facom 440 combination wrenches, which are interesting in design and among my favorite wrenches to use.

I should clarify – these aren’t technically made by Stanley, but since Facom is a Stanley Black & Decker brand, they kind of are. Short answer: no, they most definitely do not suck. In fact, these are among the best wrenches I have ever used.

Okay, so what’s so special about these Facom 440 combo wrenches? They are quite exotically designed, but all of the standout features are purposeful. The design isn’t about making the wrench look good – they help make the wrench function better much of the time.

Facom 440 Open End

To start, Facom 440 wrenches have an unusual open-end geometry. You might have seen this deep offset on Proto’s recent spline ratcheting wrenches. The larger offset angle means you can achieve a wider swing when working in tight spaces before you have to remove and reposition the wrench.

Facom says that the open ends of their 440 combination wrenches can save 20% time and “15% space” in very tight spaces. I had no reasonable way of verifying these numerical claims with my use, but I did notice that these wrenches fit better in tight spots, compared to other brands’ more traditional wrench designs.

The offset angle is 15°.

Facom 440 Box End

Next up – the 12px box end, which is thicker and designed for better fastener accessibility. The 440 box ends can better fit fasteners in recesses, and can also reach fasteners that are up close and next to other fasteners that can be difficult for traditional box end wrench designs to reach.

These wrenches won’t replace your sockets, but they can handle fasteners where other combo wrenches simply fail.

One more thing to like about these wrenches is that the box end features Facom’s OGV socket profile, which contacts fasteners’ flats and not their corners. This means greater torque transfer for more powerful tightening, greater durability, and less wear on fasteners.

The offset angle here is also 15°.

See Also: Facom Angled Socket Wrench Review

Facom 440 User Comfort and Handle Shape

You have probably noticed that Facom 440 wrenches have an I-beam-style design – again, similar to Proto’s ratcheting spline wrench. They’re not quite the same as Proto’s though. Proto’s I-beam spline wrenches have straight edges, as you would expect from a wrench, while these Facom wrenches have greater curvature.

Facom says that the variable handle cross section doubles the surface in contact with the hand, for more comfort and painless torque application.

Are these wrenches comfortable to hold and use? Absolutely. That’s not to say that you’ll feel a world of difference. I didn’t. All I know is that the wrenches are simply comfortable to use.

Facom says that there are additional benefits as well, and that the 440 wrenches’ geometries help during pre-tightening. They say the geometry makes the wrench more stable, easier to guide, and that the wrench does not turn in the hand.

In Facom’s words, these wrenches combine compactness with strength. In terms of strength, these wrenches exceed tooling, ISO, and aerospace torque standards. And in regard to compactness, following are comparisons between a 9/16″ Facom 440 wrench, and a standard length Craftsman Professional wrench of the same size.

Size and Shape Comparisons

Facom 440 wrenches are short. They’re definitely not stubby wrenches, but they’re also not anywhere as long as traditionally designed wrenches, at least not the sizes I use regularly.

Although I haven’t done a direct comparison, I would think that Facom 440 wrench lengths are comparable to those of Craftsman’s raised panel wrenches. If you have Craftsman raised panel wrenches and at least one professional, industrial, or aerospace brand of wrench in your toolbox, I’m sure you know what I mean.

In this direct comparison, the Facom wrench has a lower profile open end than the Craftsman Pro wrench. The Craftsman Pro wrench was presumably built with the same processes as Armstrong wrenches, and compare well against other professional and industrials brands’ standard or even long pattern wrenches.

It’s not as easy to see the difference between open end geometries, but it might help to focus your attention on the curvature of the wrench’s lower jaw. You could also see a more two dimensional outline of the Facom geometry in the second photo from the top of the page.

And, as mentioned, the box end is quite a bit chunkier. This is a deliberate feature, and a good one at that, but there are downsides, such as in scenarios that really call for a lower a profile wrench.

Satin Chrome Finish

If I didn’t already like satin chrome finished tools, I would now. Some brands’ satin finishes just plain stink, but these are really very well done. They’re easy to clean, and also satin finished without being gritty.

Overall

I am quite pleased with these wrenches. They’ve been stellar, no matter what I’ve thrown at them. I don’t do much automotive work, but have used these wrenches for fabrication work, assembly, disassembly, and other similar tasks.

The open end design does increase the swing range of the wrenches before they have to be removed, returned, and repositioned, and the box end does provide additional fastener access capabilities that you won’t find with other combination wrenches.

Do I miss the reach of my long pattern wrenches? Sometimes, yes. I don’t use my 440 wrenches all the time. Yes, these wrenches are spectacular, but sometimes I need or want the length or flat sides of a traditionally designed wrench. There are also times when I want a ratcheting wrench, in which cases these manual wrenches just won’t do. I also only bought a set in fractional sizing, and so if I need metric I also have to reach for something else.

I spent $160 (less 10% GJ member discount at Ultimate Garage) on a set of 13 fractional wrench sizes, model MOD.440-4. Metric sets are priced higher and lower, depending on the sizes and set configurations you want.

I’d buy these wrenches again in a heartbeat.

Yes, I heartily recommend them, but advise that you consider your needs before purchasing. Facom doesn’t have a huge foothold in the USA, and so warranty replacements – or even purchasing replacements – wouldn’t be easy.

Buy Now(via Amazon 3rd Party Sellers)
Buy Now(via Ultimate Garage)

Ultimate Garage is a fantastic independent vendor that carries a nice selection of Facom tools. Some of the Amazon 3rd party sellers offer free shipping, which is great if you just want to try one or two sizes for feel and evaluation purposes. Who couldn’t use an extra wrench in their most commonly reached-for size?

If you’re interested in giving these a try, consider purchasing just a single Facom 440 wrench for evaluation purposes. The handle ergonomics are superb, and both the open ends and box ends offer improved accessibility compared to other wrenches. But you have to ask yourself this – will the thicker box end and shorter wrench length be an issue? If so, then these wrenches might not be idea for you.

I believe these wrenches are made in Taiwan. It doesn’t say so on the wrenches, and I threw out the packaging a long time ago.

Strap wrenches are good to have around. This might not be the sort of tool you use on a daily or even regular basis, but it’s the sort of tool that can get you out of a bind really quick.

You can use them on knobs, pipes, larger diameter fittings, and other types of cylindrical or cylindrical-ish objects that are difficult to tighten or loosen by hand. And since straps are typically made from rubber, webbing, or similar materials, they’re non-marring and won’t damage whatever you’re working on.

Every strap wrench is more or less similar in design. You have an adjustable strap which typically locks into position passively, and a handle by which to apply leverage. Strap wrenches are usually designed to be used in one direction, as it’s tension during use that keeps the strap adjusted and locked to length.

If you don’t yet have a strap wrench in your toolbox, I recommend starting off with a 6″ size. That way, if you don’t use it very much for your projects, you could always use it in the kitchen as a heavy duty jar opener.

If you already have a strap wrench, what kind of things do you use it for?

Budget Strap Wrench

These are your basic plastic-bodied and rubber-strap strap wrenches. They’re effective most of the time, but can be frustrating to use on smoother parts since the band can slip. The band can be difficult to adjust at times, as they require you to start turning a part before they tighten up.

This two piece Craftsman set is currently less than $10 at Sears. I think I paid $6 or $7 for just the small 6-inch one.

Buy Now(via Sears)

There’s also an updated set that looks a bit better built for a couple of dollars more.

If you want to go even cheaper, there’s a WorkShop strap wrench for about $6 via Amazon.

Locking Strap Wrench

Empire makes a strap wrench that’s built with a separate cam-action knob that helps make the adjustment and tightening process a lot easier. I hadn’t known about this strap wrench before today, but you could be sure that I’ve added it to my wishlist.

I wouldn’t have spent the $17 and change on this as my first strap wrench, but the troubles I’ve had with my simpler Craftsman strap wrench make the Empire a very desirable-looking upgrade. You also get a reinforced band for the extra money.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Heavy Duty Strap Wrench

Maybe you want a heavier-duty model. Klein Grip-It strap wrenches feature an I-beam handle and heavy-duty urethane-coated belting. The textured strap might provide better grip than wrenches with smoother-surfaced ones, but the strap-gripping area looks smooth and not toothed like the other models discussed above.

They’re available in 6″, 12″, and 18″ sizes, with the smallest model being priced at $14 and change.

User reviews aren’t as glowing as I would have thought for a Klein-branded tool, but that might not mean anything.

Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via Home Depot)

If you want to step up to an even heavier duty model, a couple of commenters have recommended OTC ($27 via Amazon) and Ridgid ($32+ via Amazon) strap wrenches. The OTC is likely designed more for automotive use, and the Ridgid models for plumbing applications.

Browsing the aisles of Home Depot, I came across the Crescent X6 Pass-Thru Adjustable Wrench Set (CPTAW8). At first, I really didn’t know what to think of this 3-in-1 socket-adjustable-pipe wrench combo, and honestly I’m still not sure I do.

The Crescent X6 wrench looks like an ordinary adjustable wrench at first, until you notice the jaws and that there is a reversible ratcheting mechanism where you normally see a hanging hole.

Crescent isn’t the first company to make an adjustable wrench that has a reversible pipe jaw (Husky’s Reversa wrenches come to mind), neither are they the first to make a combination adjustable wrench-ratchet, but I can’t find another company that has combined all of these features into a single wrench.

The first thing that stuck me about the wrench was the pass-through ratcheting handle. Crescent also makes a 20pc pass-thru ratchet and socket set ($27 at Amazon, $38 at HD) that features the same design. It’s also worth mentioning that Gearwrench – which like Crescent is owned by Apex Tool Group – offers a full range of pass-thru sockets and accessories that the X6 wrench is probably compatible with.

Crescent claims these pass-thru sockets replace standard and deep well sockets, and that may be true for some uses.

The universal-style sockets fit a bunch of different fasteners, such as square, 6pt, 12pt, E-Torx, and spline. Crescent says they even work on partially rounded (damaged) 6pt fasteners. The sockets also combine standard and metric sizes into one, so you don’t need to carry around as many sockets.

Crescent includes 10 sockets with the wrench: 3/8″ (10mm), 7/16″ (11mm), 15/32″ (12mm), 1/2″ (13mm), 9/16″ (14mm), 19/32″ (15mm), 5/8″ (16mm), 11/16″ (17mm), 23/32″ (18mm), and 3/4″ (19mm). Unfortunately this set lacks the same adapter that’s included in the 20pc set that can drive standard 3/8″ sockets.

If you really want to use the Crescent X6 wrench with standard square drive sockets, Gearwrench’s adapter (via Amazon) might fit, although there’s no guarantee. Craftsman’s Max Axess square adapter might also work, and if not you could return them to your local Sears store. Bit holders are also available, although

When used as an 8″ adjustable wrench, the jaws open wider than other 8″ adjustable wrenches. In fact, they’ll open so wide the jaw will fall out! That’s a feature, not a flaw, because it allows you to reverse the jaw to create an adjustable pipe wrench, although you’re going to be limited to using it on smaller diameter pipes.

Crescent coats the forged alloy steel wrench in a black phosphate finish for good corrosion resistance. The jaws are laser etched with a standard inch scale on one side and a metric scale on the other. And don’t throw away the packaging, as it can be used to neatly store the wrench and sockets.

Crescent lists the X6 Pass-Thru adjustable wrench set for $50, but you can pick it up at Home Depot for $30.

Buy Now (via Home Depot)

The following video, with upbeat but fortunately not heavy metal background music, demonstrates the tool in each of its three functions.

First Thoughts

The first rule with a combo tool like this is to ask whether any of the functions get in the way of any of the others. In this case, does the socket wrench get in the way of the adjustable wrench or vise-versa? The ratchet is pretty much flush with the wrench handle, and isn’t much larger than the end of a regular adjustable wrench, and so I would guess it wouldn’t get in the way if you are using the tool as an adjustable wrench or pipe wrench.

What I’m a little more concerned about is the large adjustable wrench head being located right where you would want to grab the handle when using the ratchet function. That might affect how much leverage you could apply with the tool being used as a socket wrench. Also, the large head might make it hard to use this tool as a ratchet in tight spaces.

I also don’t like Crescent saying that their pass-thru system replaces standard and deep wells sockets; I think it’s a little misleading. This isn’t any different from how other brands market their X-in-1 universal and pass-thru drive tools, but that doesn’t change things. Sure, pass-thru sockets will work better than deep well sockets for some uses, such as to access fasteners on very long bolts or threaded rod, and they’ll work fine as standard sockets. But without an extension, which is not included with this set, you’re going to need a different tool for reaching recessed fasteners.

As equipped, with just the main tool and 10 sockets, the X6 wrench set is better described as a complement to a regular socket set, and not a replacement.

There’s also the “universal” dual-size sockets. Some users like them, some hate them. It’s not really the spline profile that’s the issue – although sometimes it is – but how inch and metric sizes are mashed together into a single socket.

A few years ago Stuart investigated how well a Kobalt dogbone-style wrench with universal sockets fit standard hex fasteners. Spoiler: there was a lot of slop. Manufacturers have tightening things up over the years, but you’re not going to get as precise a fit with a universal dual-size spline socket as you would with a standard 6pt socket. Disregarding the dual-size issue for a moment, it’s worth pointing out that a major selling point of spline sockets and wrenches is that they provide a better grip for partially rounded and damaged fasteners.

While this tool might replace an 8″ adjustable wrench, I don’t think it’s going to cut it as your only ratchet or pipe wrench. Still it might be a good tool to drop into a go bag or give to your kids when they get their first apartment.

I first tried Channellock’s WideAzz adjustable wrenches nearly 6 years ago. Since then, I bought maybe 6 pairs, some for me, some for my father, plus a couple of Irega-branded adjustable wrenches. Irega makes the wide-jawed adjustable wrenches for Channellock, in Spain.

They really are superb adjustable wrenches. The ones with Code Blue comfort-grip handles are my favorites, but I have one black oxide wrench that I am also quite fond of. The wrenches are great bare, but the Channellock grips are the cherry that tops off the perfect sundae.

In a nutshell, this is what I like about Channellock’s wide adjustable wrenches:

• Smooth thumbwheel operation for fast and fluid adjustment
• Jaws open wider than many competing models, without making the wrench heads too bulky
• Adjustment mechanism is strong with little slop or wobble
• Comfortable usage
• Decent pricing

Now, Channellock has come out with new Xtra Slim adjustable wrenches, which are built with thinner jaw tips. Channellock says that these are manufactured exclusively for them, and so you probably won’t find them under Irega or any other branding.

Similar thin-jaw wrenches already exist, such as these Engineer models, but I am nonetheless exciting about Channellock’s new release.

The wrenches’ jaws are just 3/16″ thick, which will allow them to fit in all but the slimmest openings. According to Channellock, Xtra Slim WideAzz wrenches’ jaw tips are 40% thinner than on regular adjustable wrenches of the same size.

There will be two wrench sizes, 6″ and 8″, and both will feature the four-thread knurl, non-protruding jaws, jaw opening measurement scales, and Code Blue grips as Channellock’s other top-notch adjustable wrenches. The 6″ wrench has a 1.34″ capacity, and the 8″ wrench has a 1.5″ capacity.

Street Price: $30-32

As with Channellock’s other adjustable wrenches, these are confirmed to be made in Spain.

Buy Now(6″ via Amazon)
Buy Now(8″ via Amazon)

First Thoughts

Can you tell that I’m excited about the new Channellock wrenches?

Have you ever been in a situation where your adjustable wrench couldn’t reach a fastener because its jaws were too thick? If the answer is no, then these probably aren’t for you.

While every now and then I could use a slim jawed adjustable wrench, there are two types of applications where I am guaranteed to be frustrated. First – removing bicycle pedals. Some pedals install and are removed with hex keys (and sometimes hex sockets with breaker bars and mallets), others require slim wrenches. After too many frustrations, even with my go-to Stanley adjustable wrench (at least for applications where my Channellock ones can’t fit), I broke down and bought a pedal wrench.

Second – installing or removing leveling feet or threaded stem casters. Often, there are teeny tiny hex flats that are impossible to reach with regular adjustable or open end wrenches. I have a little stamped wrench that came with casters meant for a wire shelving unit, but it’s a real pain – literally and figuratively – to use. These Channellock wrenches would work wonders for final tightening and initial loosening over casters and equipment feet, at least those that have flats for such purposes.

There have been other times where there’s just not enough clearance for full-sized wrenches.

These aren’t one-tool-fits-all wrenches, although I don’t see why they couldn’t be used for general purpose applications on occasion. If you look back at the slim jaw Engineer adjustable wrench post, there are quite a few comments discussing out such wrenches are great for use on jam nuts. I imagine that they might also work well on panel-mounted components, which often come with very thin retention nuts.

The term cheater bar usually refers to a section of pipe or other makeshift wrench extension that you can use to increase the lever arm for high torque applications. Sometimes cheater bars work, other times they only serve as a quick way to bend or break your wrench, at the least. Another way of loosening really tight fasteners is to use a long breaker bar with a socket or crowfoot if access is reduced.

The Wrench Extender is exactly what it sounds like – it’s a tool that couples with your wrench to extend its length. A longer wrench means a longer lever arm, which means you could apply more torque with less effort than with just the wrench.

The Wrench Extender can accommodate up to 1″ wrenches, and wrenches with shafts up to 7/16″ (11mm thick). It doesn’t care which way you insert a wrench and can be used for tightening or loosening applications. If you want to switch directions, simply flip the Wrench Extender over.

Although pricier than a section of black pipe, the Wrench Extender can be used with one hand and more easily fits in your toolbox. It also features two rare earth magnets to help hold wrenches in place.

Price: $25

Buy Now(via Lee Valley)

What do you think? Personally, I prefer to use a breaker bar and dead blow hammer route when a wrench just isn’t enough. If only a wrench could fit, I’ll sometimes take a dead blow hammer to the shaft as well. Not a very big hammer, but something like the Nupla Handi-Hammer handleless dead blow hammer.

Anex makes a set of super slim metric hex drivers that are similar in design to their screwdriver wrenches I previously posted about. You get 4 sizes: 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm, with each hex tip being less than 1/2″ wide. This should make it possible to engage fasteners in the tightest and narrowest work areas.

There’s not much else that needs to be said. This is the type of tool set that you need only if you know you could or would use it. It’s about as specialized as hex drivers come.

I haven’t went on a tool-buying splurge in quite some time, so I spent some time doing so earlier this week. Since there have been a couple of times these past couple of months when my PB Swiss low profile hex keys struggled to fit fasteners in tight spaces, I figured I’d order the Anex drivers and give them a try. They’ll arrive later this week, and I’ll be ready to field some questions about them.

You get the 4 drivers as part of a set, for $22. If you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber, they ship free. If not, then you’ll need a $35+ order of Amazon-sold or fulfilled items to get free shipping.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

I wish that Anex made these in inch sizes as well; maybe one day I’ll make some for myself.

Crescent has taken their Flip and Grip wrench to a new level to create a new Flip and Grip multi-tool. The new multi-tool features a tried-and-true self-adjusting ratcheting wrench design, a partially serrated knife blade, and a couple of additional tools.

The wrench can fit a range of fasteners, from 3/8″ to 5/8″, and not just standard hex fasteners – it can fit spline and E-Torx fasteners, as well as wing nuts, eye bolts, and other odd-shaped sizes and styles.

Additional tools and functions include a Phillips #2 screwdriver, a medium (3/16″) slotted screwdriver, a combination can opener, bottle opener, and V-groove wire stripper, and a lanyard ring. The knife blade and tools are all made from stainless steel, except for the adjustable wrench head, which seems to be coated with a black corrosion-resistant finish.

Everything folds into the tool, nice and neat for portability.

Here’s a quick promo video that shows off the tool:

Price: $20

Buy Now(via Home Depot)

First Thoughts

I have very mixed feelings about the Crescent Flip and Grip wrench multi-tool design. At first glance, it looks a little big, maybe even bulky, and possibly uncomfortable to hold. How are you supposed to use that knife blade with that handle shape?

The wrench can only work with fasteners 3/8″ to 5/8″, which means it only offers 1/4″ of adjustability. It’s still going to be fit a wide range of fasteners, and many users might never need it to access larger or smaller sized fasteners, but I think a wider range would make the design a little more welcoming, at least to me. Then again, a wider adjustment range would mean physically larger components.

Kobalt’s similar multi-tool wrench design has the wrench head on one side, and a utility knife on the other. That seems like a more ergonomic arrangement, and it only costs $10. But with the Kobalt version you don’t get the additional tools.

I see the utility in this tool, and  think it might be well suited as the kind of multi-tool you keep in the car or a kitchen drawer. It packs a decent assortment of tools into a compact package. Maybe if I give it a chance it’ll grow on me.

You guys surprised me yesterday. When I announced the KC Tool giveaway (ends 6/26/2015), I expected you guys to break my inbox with entry comments. There are some great comments and entries so far, but not anywhere as many as I anticipated. Maybe asking you to pick any prize you want for under $75 was a bit off-putting.

So here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to fire off a series of posts briefly discussing tools that I would want to enter to win. If the tool strikes your fancy, go to the KC Tool Giveaway Post and leave a comment telling me what you want to win and why.

I have already written about the Knipex Pliers Wrench before, and it usually needs no introduction. It’s a very high leverage smooth-jaw plier that can be used in wrenching applications in place of an adjustable wrench.

I use my Knipex Pliers Wrenches for so many things, from turning fasteners when I need an extra or adjustable wrench, to press-fitting small parts together. The jaws have a parallel action which is useful for many random and impromptu applications. I snapped my watch case back together once with these pliers, as they were forceful but delicate enough so as to not mar the front or back.

I must have read about the Knipex Pliers Wrench 10 times before I finally mustered up the budget to buy one. And then I bought another. I don’t remember the order, but I have two of these – 7″ and 10″, both with plastic-dipped grips. You could also spend a little extra for the cushion-grip ones.

Oh, and if you already have a couple of these in your toolbox, maybe you’d like to try the 5″ or 6″ mini Pliers Wrench models. They’re quite pricey, which makes them perfect as giveaway items. Maybe you wouldn’t buy one for yourself, but surely you’d like to win one?

Here’s the link to Pliers Wrenches category at KC Tool, in case you want to look over the size and handle style options. Remember, the giveaway value is $75 max. We might be able to extend that a couple of dollars, such as if the one you want is priced at $75.79, but I can’t stretch it much beyond that.

Keep in mind that there will be (4) winners, and so you have good chances to win the giveaway.

Enter the Giveaway Here (Ends 6/26/2015)

By now you have probably already seen my teaser of Dewalt’s new tools, although it’s buried under a lot of tool news and deals in that post, and my very lengthy sneak peek of Dewalt’s new cordless tools for 2015. If not, definitely check those posts out too.

Here, I’ll be discussing all of the noteworthy mechanics tools and hand tools that will be coming out. The only one missing is the new carbon fiber level, as I never even saw it. It wasn’t until I was at the airport chatting it up with Tools in Action and Workshop Addict that I even found out there was a carbon fiber level!

I’m going to ask the same question at the end of this post as in the new cordless tool post: which of these new tools are you most excited about? If you can’t think of an answer, think about which tools you would like to see Dewalt come out with next.

Ball Bearing Tool Storage Combo

If there is one thing I am desperately in need of, it’s more efficient tool storage solution. Right now I don’t have the space for wide units, but once we move in coming months, I plan to have a place for every single tool I own. Right now, I’m short on tool drawers and there’s way too much overflow.

It’s difficult to evaluate a tool box that isn’t loaded, but on the surface I think that Dewalt’s new box has a strong design.

For one, it’s not yellow like Dewalt’s 2014 ball bearing release. I don’t mind the mostly-yellow look of last year’s combo, but it’s too loud for a lot of users.

Small details hinted at a thorough attention to detail.

From beefy air pistons for holding up the lid.

To a contoured top compartment lid that’s easy to grab and open.

The drawers open smoothly and close with a snap. Once the drawers are loaded, the self-closing drawers should dampen out.

Plastic caps on the drawer pulls are a nice touch I wish Craftsman would consider. The small aluminum pulls of my Craftsman 16-inch deep chest have been marking my arms up lately.

And ooh… stylized casters. I’m not one for flashy-looking caster wheels, but I can at least tell you that the box glided on the cement floor.

Expanded Open Stock Wrenches, Sockets, and Mechanics Tool Stacking Sets

That’s right, Dewalt will be offering open stock selection of their wrenches and sockets.

I tried to do my usual 11/32″ test, where I check to see how complete a wrench or socket arrangement is, and saw mixed answer. The Dewalt rep said that this wasn’t the full offering, and so maybe there will be 11/32″ wrench and socket sizes.

I use 11/32″ tools on #8 machine nuts and some other hardware. Most mechanics tool sets don’t include that size, except maybe as a 1/4″ drive socket, but brands with more complete wrench and socket offerings often sell it separately. If a brand doesn’t make 11/32″ tools, then there’s a chance I will later on come across another size of wrench or socket that they don’t offer.

I was told that the wrenches and sockets were redesigned, but I didn’t really see any difference between the new tools and the older ones I’ve tested and used.

The sockets looked to be decent samples.

Good chrome on the outside, and the inside, rounded corners, crisp broaching.

I’ll be taking a closer look at these new tools, but I think they’re recommendable. If you’re the type that gripes about how Dewalt wrenches and sockets aren’t made in the USA, keep in mind that you can always upgrade to Stanley Black & Decker’s Proto and Mac tool brands. If Dewalt’s mechanics tools were made in the USA, they would command much higher prices and overlap too much with SBD’s highest hand tool tiers.

One more thing – the mechanics tools are all kitted in stacking boxes that lock together for easy carrying. There aren’t any handles, as John from Workshop Addict pointed out while we were chatting at the airport, and so “easy carrying” could be made easier. They are also sized for easy storage in a tool cart or drawer.

MaxFit Screwdrivers

Say hello to the new line of Dewalt MaxFit screwdrivers.

All of the new Dewalt MaxFit screwdrivers are designed with tips similar to the ones on their FlexTorq impact-rated bits and MaxFit screwdriving bits, and they even sport hex shanks as well. And yes, there will be magnetic accessories as with the FlexTorq system that hold screws to the driver tips for easier installation.

Dewalt MaxFit screwdrivers have quad-lobed handles that are over-molded with a rubber grip. No, these screwdrivers are not based on the Proto Duratek screwdriver design, and yes I asked. They look mighty similar to me, but I guess that’s probably just wishful thinking.

To be honest, I was a little ho-hum about the screwdrivers. They seemed nice and all, but weren’t spectacular, if you know what I mean. Are the handle materials Santoprene? No, they’re whatever Stanley and Dewalt use on their bimaterial tool grips. Hex? Torx? Robertson? I only saw Phillips and slotted.

Oh, but what’s this? Hollow ground slotted screwdrivers? Nice. And even the corners are eased a little to help prevent fastener damage of any kind. Nice.

Once these hit the market I’ll be sure to take a closer look.

Adjustable Pliers

Adjustable pliers? Booooring. I hate to sound like a jerk, but what’s so special about a product that Dewalt already offered when they first got into the hand tool market. So many other brands are way ahead in this category. C’mon, where are the compound leverage pliers that Stanley came out with overseas?

Hmm… one-handed adjustment, you say? I’m listening.

And they open wider than the competition? Okay, I’ll give them a second look-over once they hit the market.

The Dewalt rep was showing off how the smaller size opened greater than the Irwin Vise Grips larger size. But if I recall correctly and an unpublished photo shows, the jaws are shorter. And the shorter handle size also means less leverage.

If you buy these, it should probably be fore the easier one-handed adjustments.

One-Piece Hammers

One-piece hammers? Sweet!

I liked the 16 ounce the best, but there was one thing I was unhappy about – it only comes with a ripping claw.

Seriously? C’mon, where’s the curved nail claw option?

That niggle about the claw aside, these hammers are nice. They have thinner handle shafts that help to create a higher velocity swing, similar to the pricier Dewalt MIG-welded hammers that kicked-off a fierce competition for market share.

There are other steel high velocity options from Vaughan (Stealth), Estwing (Ultra), and Kobalt.

The hammers swung nicely and had a nice balance, They also had large nail-starting notches that worked, and a side-puller for removing nails.

These hammers suck at pulling up nails. I tried to remove a ~16d nail that I mangled, and I couldn’t. The side puller worked a little, but the rip claw couldn’t get that nail out easily. I got the nail out eventually, and wouldn’t pack these hammers in a bag without a separate nail puller.

Earplugs

These aren’t new licensed offerings, but I hadn’t seem them before. My typical ear plugs don’t have that flat mushroom shape at the end – I wonder if these work better. I’ll definitely keep in mind to try them later on.

Random NASCAR Decal Work Photo

These guys were re-skinning the NASCAR car FAST. I don’t know why they were applying the new Built in the USA decal in the factory, but it was impressive to watch them work. If that was me, I would have been slow and sweaty, worried that I’d be the one to screw up with a bubble, wrinkle, or miscut.

iPad Case

I’ve seen the new Dewalt iPad case ($27 via Amazon) a couple of times, but were reluctant to post about it. How many of you would be interested in something like this?

Still, looked like a solid case for those who want to sport a Dewalt-themed iPad case at jobsites. Smartphones and tablets are becoming increasingly common in the workplace, and so it makes sense for Dewalt and their licensing partners to look to address such needs.

LED Lighted Tool Bag

I wrote about the new Dewalt lighted tool backpack, and their lighted roller bag, but there’s also a new lighted technician’s tool bag ($60 via Amazon).

The LED still seems a little silly, but after seeing it in person, it makes more sense.

Overall Impressions

Overall, I like what I saw. I wasn’t shocked to see any of these developments, at least nothing like my utter surprise upon seeing the ToughSystem Bluetooth radio system, but I was happy to find that Dewalt’s not sitting still. There’s more work to be done if they have any hope of capturing sizable market share, but from what I can tell they’re moving in the right direction.

Actually, there was one big surprise – the hollow ground slotted screwdrivers. That’s a level of precision I didn’t expect Dewalt to be concerned about.

A lot of these tools are ones that I would actually buy if given the need. I can’t always say this about some of their previous offerings. For example, finally offering open stock sockets and wrenches is going to win over a lot more users. Previously, the only option was to buy full sets.

I also think that designing mechanics tool sets around a common case size could lead to some potential user-unfriendliness, and the many options might complicate purchasing decisions, although I like that they’re durable and how they stack together.

POLL: WHICH TOOL ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

Hopefully this question is easier to answer than trying to determine which new Dewalt cordless tool you might be drooling over. So how about it – Which of Dewalt’s new mechanics tools and hand tools are you most excited about?

Don’t have a favorite? What kind of tool would you want to see Dewalt come out with next?

For me, I think I am most excited about the ball bearing tool box combo. If there was just one related tool I could wish for, it would be a modular Dewalt workstation, similar to what Lista offers. Maybe an extra-long ball bearing storage box as the base, and some cordless tool docking attachments for the top.

My second pick would be those screwdrivers. I really like quad-lobed screwdrivers, and hope that Dewalt expands the line to include more than just Phillips and slotted tip sizes and styles.

As a reminder, go check out the new Dewalt cordless tools sneak peek as well!

Our coverage of Miwaukee’s 2015 new product symposium (see more of our recent new Milwaukee tool posts here) continues with a quick look at their new adjustable wrenches.

That’s right, adjustable wrenches.

Milwaukee has said time and time again that they don’t want to be a “me too” brand, and that they seek to introduce new tools that offer new and innovative features for users.

So what new and innovative features has Milwaukee brought to adjustable wrenches, a tool category that some might say is mature and over saturated?

To answer that, take a look at one of their adjustable wrench heads. Do you notice anything unusual? You should – this wrench has a very fine-tooth thumbwheel that provides 5 points of engagement!

Most adjustable wrenches, like Dewalt’s, and Crescent’s, have 3. My favorite adjustable wrench – Irega-made Channellock’s extra wide styles – have 4.

So why do you want more engagement? For one, more engagement usually means more strength. But, surprisingly, that’s something that Milwaukee’s product manager didn’t touch upon. What they emphasized was that the thumbwheel wouldn’t budge or self-adjust during use.

Self-adjustment is a big frustration when using lesser quality adjustable wrenches. You set the jaw opening, turn a fastener, reset the wrench position for another turn, and find that the opening width has changed. Having to adjust the wrench opening with the thumbwheel every turn or couple of turns of a fastener can really slow things down.

Milwaukee’s product manager encouraged us to do the “rattle test,” which is something Channellock also encourages. After you read this post, go pull one of your adjustable wrenches out of your toolbox or bag. Hold it by the handle and shake the wrench around a little.

It really isn’t too useful to listen for the sound one adjustable wrench makes. The “rattle test” is more useful when comparing the sounds of 2 different makes or models.

If you hear a lot of clanging around of the thumbwheel in one wrench, and quieter sounds in another, the quieter adjustable wrench will usually hold its jaw opening width closer to where the user set it to. Louder rattles usually indicate how much slop there is in the mechanism, which can sometimes make an adjustable wrench more prone to unintentional self-adjustments.

There is a tradeoff – looser thumbwheels are often easier to spin and adjust. Those with greater tolerances and less slop are often a little slower to spin and adjust.

Milwaukee’s product manager also mentioned that the new adjustables will be a little slower to adjust, but that it’s slight enough where it might go unnoticed.

Milwaukee also strayed from the traditional I-beam design that some brands still adhere to. They also added in a branded and Milwaukee-red handle insert to provide greater gripping comfort.

Here is their extra-wide adjustable wrench, although I don’t recall if it was their 6-inch or 8-inch size. I think it was the 8-inch.

And here’s the standard sized wrench.

Comparing the two, you can see that there’s a pretty substantial difference between standard and extra-wide adjustable wrenches.

So why buy one of the other? The standard wrench will be available at a slightly lower price point and is a little less bulky, while the extra-wide wrench obviously offers greater jaw capacity.

There will be a couple of different sizes, although a full list wasn’t immediately available.

Don’t give your current adjustable wrenches away just yet, as these won’t be available for quite some time.

ETA: Feb 2016

First Thoughts

One of these days, I’d really like for a tool brand to demonstrate their brand new adjustable wrenches against Channellock’s, rather than Crescent’s. On the other hand, Crescent seems to be the by-far dominant player in the adjustable wrench market. Theirs are the wrenches to beat.

Still, these new Milwaukee wrenches offer some nice features, and might even best Channellock and Irega’s offerings.

I liked what I saw, and am definitely eager to get my hands on the new wrenches once they hit the market.

Right now there’s no plan for Milwaukee to come out with thin-jaw models, which Channellock just came out with, but they said they will continue to explore options. I asked about this because I found the new adjustable wrenches to be a little chunky. Sometimes you want an adjustable wrench to be a little thicker, other times you need one that’s a little thinner.

Before anyone can say it in comments, yes – the Knipex Pliers Wrench is often a better tool. The discussion in a more recent Pliers Wrench post confirm that it’s a very popular tool. But it’s also more expensive than an adjustable wrench and the Pliers Wrench won’t replace the use of adjustables 100% of the time. Just like an adjustable wrench won’t replace a set of “real” combination wrenches, the Pliers Wrench won’t completely replace adjustable wrenches.

What do you think – are you excited for these new Milwaukee adjustable wrenches to come out?

Are you sick of all of our Milwaukee 2015 New Product Symposium tool coverage yet? Too bad if you are, there’s still a lot more coverage to come. Don’t blame me, blame Milwaukee for innovating so much and for coming out with so many new tools. Today I’m going to discuss a little bit about their new pipe wrenches and a couple of other new plumbing tools.

First up, shown above, is the Cheater Wrench. One of my Tweets during the event was a little silly:

@MilwaukeeTool #NPS15 Cheater, cheater, round pipe eater pic.twitter.com/k1yoVSDxl8

— Stuart Deutsch (@ToolGuyd) June 17, 2015

Anyways, so there’s this new Cheater Wrench. It’s a 10-inch pipe wrench with tubular handle, and it comes with 2 extension handles. If my memory serves me correctly, the shorter handle essentially makes the Cheater an 18-inch wrench, and the longer one makes it a 24-inch wrench.

No, you cannot use regular black pipe with the Cheater Wrench. The Cheater handles were specially designed to stand up to normal application torques.

And no, that’s not a Milwaukee pipe vise, it’s a Ridgid.

What I liked is how compact the wrench becomes. So not only do you get a multi-sized pipe wrench, thanks to the removable handles, you get a long pipe wrench that can break down and fit into a small tool bag.

The Cheater holds similar appeal as the ToughBuilt and Olympia folding handle bolt cutters I posted about 2 months ago. You get full-size functionality, but in a small-size tool.

The downside is that the Milwaukee Cheater, and the aforementioned folding bolt cutters, need a moment to set up and then another to separate or collapse down. Moving folding locking handles back and forth is a lot quicker and easier than screwing and unscrewing the Cheater’s handles from the main wrench.

I don’t remember what they said about pricing, but I got the impression that the Cheater is going to be a premium tool.

The Cheater ships with both handles, giving you 3 length options – no handle, short handle, long handle. Both handles easily screw into the base of the Cheater wrench.

Milwaukee is also coming out with a new line of steel pipe wrenches.

And they’re coming out with aluminum pipe wrenches too. Ooh, are those size markings in the movable jaw?! I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before in a pipe wrench, have you?

All of the new pipe wrenches have a spring-action anti-self-adjustment mechanism that helps to lock the jaws in place.

Overall, I was intrigued by Milwaukee’s effort to spring head-first into the pipe wrench market, and am optimistic about their new offerings.

Aww, look at the cute little tubing cutter! I’d say this is a prototype, so forgive the peeling paint.

And it’s got a big brother too!

The product manager was especially proud of this new basin wrench. I’ve never used a basic wrench before, but Milwaukee’s looked to be far better featured than the lesser competitor’s model that it was compared it against.

I remember someone saying something about Milwaukee’s basin wrench head having the strongest spring compared to competitors’ offerings. That’s a good thing, right?

Considerable efforts were put into the handle design. I found the adjustable handle shaft easy to lengthen and shorten, and liked the “doorknob-inspired” ergonomic curve of the handle endpiece.

There’s a regular sliding bar that’s used to increase leverage, but also the potential to couple additional tools for even greater leverage.

Slots on the sides of the handle endpiece are designed for use with a screwdriver. You might want to use one of Milwaukee’s heavy duty demolition screwdrivers instead of a thin-shafted one. You probably already figured as much, but I thought I should warn you anyway.

And that hole at the very end of the handle? It is perfectly sized for a square drive ratchet. This gives you multiple options to get the job done. When I first saw the ratchet (scroll up 2 photos), my heart skipped a beat or two, as I thought it was Milwaukee-branded, but it wasn’t.

ETA: November 2015 for the basin wrench, February 2016 for the pipe wrenches and tubing cutters

Overall

Milwaukee has said that their goal is to “own the installation.” This was in regard to their 2″ to 3″ ProPex expansion tool, but I can tell that they’re applying it to other tool areas as well.

With tubing cutters, a basin wrench, and pipe wrenches, Milwaukee is trying to get into even more plumbers’ tool bags. And remember – these tools are all in addition to the new adjustable wrenches and PVC pipe wrench that I posted about before these tools. Also keep in mind that they recently came out with new and updated plumbing-centric pliers as well.

I didn’t have much opportunity to test any of these new pipe wrenches or other plumbing tools at the media event, but look forward to being able to use and test them for review later on.

If I had to pick a favorite, it would be the Cheater Wrench. I really like the out-of-the-box thinking behind the Cheater’s design.

I really, really like my Facom 440 combination wrenches, which I reviewed, but they’re not the only Facom wrenches in my toolbox. I also ordered 2 sizes of their 40R “Fast Action” combination wrenches.

The special thing about Facom 40R wrenches is their ratcheting-type open end, which doesn’t have any moving parts. It is also very quick to engage with fasteners.

There is also a new line of 467R Fast Action wrenches, which look to engage more of a fastener, but I haven’t tried them yet.

This post is a hands-on, rather than a true review, because I have used them plenty but haven’t really settled on my opinion of them. I figured that I would tell you all about them, as I usually do, but will leave out any recommendations.

I very deeply loathe open-ended wrenches that have ratcheting mechanisms. More often than not, they’re clunky and by the way they move I can’t help but expect for there to be a strong potential for fastener rounding. So why did I buy these Facom 40R wrenches? Because they don’t have any moving parts and because they’re too funkily designed to pass up.

These wrenches are only available in metric sizing, so I bought a 10mm and 13mm sizes. They’re combination wrenches, and I figured that even if I didn’t like the open ends, I could still use the box ends in applications that called for supporting a hex fastener and its nut on both sizes. Or for tightening two nuts up against each other, and other 2-wrench applications.

Okay, so here you can see how the 40R wrench engages a fastener. I didn’t use a fastener, I used a 10 mm hex wrench, as it was easier for photography purposes. And by easier, I mean it was still an incredibly finicky and frustrating arrangement to set up. But just a little less so than using a hex fastener.

Anyway, this is the starting position. Let’s say you turned the wrench and hit an obstacle, and it’s time to reposition.

Oh, and notice how the Facom 40R wrench supports the “fastener” on the flats, and not really right on its corners.

This is an example of a tightening operation, so the wrench is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. I felt the need to show this because the wrench works in the opposite direction than I would have thought. The smaller side of the wrench is the “upper” side.

I tried to show how the wrench can be rotated around a fastener in the direction opposite of torque delivery.

After it’s rotated enough – about 60° and the same as with any other open end wrench – the wrench re-seats on the next set of flats and is ready to turn the fastener once more.

Facom 40R Fast Action wrenches work similarly to traditionally styled open end wrenches, but the open ends can be repositioned around a fastener without having to first remove it. With a regular wrench, you have to remove it from a fastener, rotate it, and then re-engage the fastener. With a 40R wrench, you save all that time and merely have to rotate it.

I mostly work with inch/fractional/SAE wrenches, but when I do work with metric fasteners I often reach for my Craftsman Professional combination wrenches or Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. There’s nothing I don’t like about these wrenches – I just haven’t taken to them yet. If they come out with these wrenches in inch/fractional sizes, I’d probably buy them in 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″, and maybe 1/2″ sizes.

I bought these two wrenches nearly 4 years ago, via Stanley Supply Services. The 10mm size was $4.17, and the 13mm size was $5.08. I bought them simply to check out the designs, and don’t regret it one bit. They’re not longer available there, and current USA pricing is $12 and $14 at Ultimate Garage.

Don’t let my indecision detract you. After almost 4 years, I still don’t love or hate these wrenches, but I also don’t work with metric fasteners anywhere as often as I do imperial ones. If they were available in such sizes, I’d buy a couple more in a heartbeat. I guess that means I don’t feel as neutrally about them as I thought.

Buy Now(via Ultimate Garage)

P.S. The last I checked, Steve over at Ultimate Garage offered a 10% discount on Facom tools if you’re a Garage Journal forum member and mention your username. The discount is actually in the form of a 10% refund/credit to your payment method. I don’t know if that discount offer is still valid, but maybe we could convince him to offer a ToolGuyd commenter discount.

I’m a fan of ratcheting wrenches, and especially different designs that solve problems. For instance, I am quite fond of my Facom 440 combination wrenches, and also my Facom angled socket wrenches. Facom’s 40R fast action combination wrenches are interesting, but I could take them or leave them.

And so you could imagine, I was quite intrigued when I came across Stahlwille’s FastRatch 240 ratcheting-action wrenches, which look more like a kitchen gadget than serious tool.

Stahlwille FastRatch 240 wrenches are designed for use on hex nuts and union nuts. They look a lot simpler and more compact than ratcheting line wrenches that I’ve used before.

These wrenches have a spring mechanism in the pivot, which is what provides the ratcheting action. Torque is applied when the wrench is rotated in the direction indicated near the jaws. Rotate a Stahlwille FastRatch wrench in the opposite direction, and the jaws will spread a little until the wrench settles in a new position.

Since the jaws open and close around fasteners, it makes sense that each wrench actually pulls double duty and covers both inch and metric sizes.

Stahlwille makes these from stainless steel, which makes them corrosion resistant and also suitable for use in industries where contamination is a huge concern.

The wrenches have grooves on the outside handles, for a more secure grip, and “thumb release” cutouts for spreading the jaws.

Price: ~$44to $100, each, depending on size

Buy Now(via Amazon)
More Info(PDF via Stahlwille)

Sets: 5-piece | 6-piece

Wow are these expensive.

So… this Nepros 250 mm (10″) adjustable wrench is priced at $85. That’s a lot for an adjustable wrench (Channellock’s is $21 at Amazon), but you do get more for your money.

To start, this is one of the only non-I-beam adjustable wrenches I’ve seen. Milwaukee’s new adjustable wrenches deviate from the traditional I-beam handle design, but only slightly. This Nepros has a sleek high polish design. They put as much effort into the adjustable wrench handle as some of the better ratchet’s I’ve seen – if not more.

The wrench features a 15° offset angle, and can accommodate fasteners up to ~1.14″ wide.

This is the kind of wrench that’ll go on my wishlist – and they stay there. It would probably be the last adjustable wrench any of us would ever buy, except for maybe a smaller size, if we could ever justify it.

If it was stronger or dramatically more ergonomic than everyday adjustable wrenches, I’d be sold on the design. But I don’t see much benefit aside from maybe being easier to clean and being easier on the hands. Maybe I’m just too focused on the price.

For the money, most users would be better off with a Knipex Pliers Wrench and a solid brand of adjustable wrench – I like Channellock (Irega) and sometimes Proto (here’s a review of my Proto Click-Stop adjustable wrench).

Nepros makes these adjustable wrenches in Japan.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

P.S. Please tell me if you’d like to see this reviewed. If there’s enough interest, ToolGuyd’s Supreme Treasury Unit, or STU for short, will look into it. Maybe we’ll do a giveaway.

Over at Sears, their almost predictable Gearwrench 20pc ratcheting wrench deal is back. You get all this, for $50, which according to Sears reflects a 50% discount off the regular price of $100.

Actually, the set is $45 right now, but that’s because Sears is holding a friends and family deal tonight. By the time you see this post, the deal will be back to $50.

I first became aware of this deal during the 2011 holiday shopping season, but it could have existed before that. Since then, it’s been a doorbuster and a regular holiday item, with $50 being the typical price.

These are non-reversible ratcheting wrenches, which means the wrenches must be flipped over if you want to reverse the ratcheting direction. That’s not a bad thing, but some of us (like myself) prefer reversible wrenches.

I discussed my dislike for zero offset ratcheting wrenches in a previous review of Gearwrench’s X-beam ratcheting wrenches. Gearwrench’s X-beam wrenches are awesome – I just don’t like zero-offset non-ratcheting wrench designs.

If you don’t own any ratcheting wrenches, or are looking for a wrench set for a portable kit, this 20pc set will get you going for a good price.

If shopping for yourself weigh the low price against the benefits and downsides of the zero offset design. If shopping for someone else, you could probably get away with spending about the same or maybe less for an okay ratcheting wrench set from a slightly lesser brand.

Buy Now(via Sears)

I wouldn’t buy this for myself, unless I was looking for a good bang for the buck set and didn’t care about the zero-offset box end.

For automotive and industrial use, reversible ratcheting wrenches are better (in my opinion) as they help to prevent situations where you can get stuck backing a fastener and the tool into an obstruction.

But for homeowner use, these wrenches should work just fine.

What do you think – hot deal or a pass?

Strolling through the Holiday 2015 tool promo display at Lowes, here are all the Kobalt hand tools you’d find. We did the legwork for you, visiting 3 Lowes stores to scout things out. A lot of the deals are also available online, but some aren’t.

While some of these tools are regularly stocked items, others are “special buys” put together just for Lowes’ holiday sales.

Keep this in mind (but don’t fixate on it), especially if warranty is very important to you. Even though Kobalt has a great hand tool warranty, you might not be able to find a replacement a couple of months down the road.

Click here to see some other tool deals!

Shop Online for these and other Lowes Holiday 2015 Savings

A 3-pack of Kobalt folding hex key sets for $15 $10 (this is the “new low price”).

This is your basic trio of fold-ups, including SAE, metric, and star (Torx) drivers.

Kobalt Flip-Jaw pliers, for $25.

They’re a little bulky, and I wouldn’t use them in place of separate pliers and cutters, but they do offer a lot of functionality in a very small package.

Kobalt compound leverage self-adjusting parallel jaw pliers, for $25.

They seem to be alright, although some readers have reported seeing issues with the “try me” display models.

In contrast to the awesome Knipex Pliers Wrench, these have grooved jaws.

Ooh, a menagerie of Kobalt hand tool sets!

Here you’ll find a Kobalt Double Drive stubby screwdriver set, a Kobalt Double Drive screwdriver, Kobalt precision screwdrivers, and some hex key sets.

I’ve bought some of these tools in the last, and find the precision screwdriver bit holder sets to be a great value. Inexpensive, but more than half decent.

This Kobalt 11pc multi-bit flexible screwdriver looks interesting. It comes with a standard (straight) screwdriver attachment too.

The set was $20 at the first Lowes I stopped by, and $15 the next day at a different location with “new lower pricing” signage.

There’s a 24pc Kobalt bit ratchet set for $20…

and a 35pc set, also for $20. I have a feeling that it’ll soon be priced at $10.

The smaller set looks to have larger screwdriver bits, the bigger set has sockets.

Ah, the Kobalt Multi-Drive Wrench, for $20. By ah, I mean uch, although it might be okay if you’re looking for a dogbone-style wrench.

This package comes with the full-size Kobalt Multi-Drive wrench, and also a new mini one that looks a little like the Craftsman one that came and went.

There are several Kobalt ratcheting and combination wrench sets.

I’ve got my eye on the stubby set. 12 pieces for $20 sounds good for tools that wouldn’t see anywhere as much use as my better everyday wrenches.

There are a couple of new Kobalt Xtreme Access tool sets. I’m not usually a fan of universal-style sockets, but I do like pass-thru-style sockets for certain things.

There are a couple of universal socket sets as well, which I guess do make for great gifts to homeowners and anyone who doesn’t want to manage too many tools.

On the bright side, these don’t look to have dual-sized inch and metric sockets that I really loath.

This “tri-fold” tool kit has a lot of the basics a homeowner might need.

I believe that you can put together a similar kit, potentially even with better tools, for less than $100. We’ll probably see this on sale for $50 or $65, or something like that, later this month.

I also spotted a 175pc Kobalt tool kit, packaged in a huge “I love you THIS MUCH” box. I anticipate seeing this at a much lower price as well.

119pc Kobalt mechanics tool sets, for $119.

This set comes with what look to be double-ended ball hex drivers that are used with a socket.

This 22pc Kobalt hand tool set caught my attention because it comes with a decent-looking tool bag.

Other Lowes Brands

Blue Hawk hex key sets, for $15.

If you ask me, I think everyone should spend just a few dollars more and get a Bondhus set.

100 Workpro screwdrivers, for $20.

How are these even possible to manufacture at such low cost?

Kobalt Tool Storage

There was just a line Kobalt ball bearing tool storage combo in the promo section. It’s kind of pricey too, at $319 for the top, and $499 for the bottom.

The design of the bottom cabinet is different from other Kobalt tool storage roller cabinets I have seen, drooled over, and manhandled in the past. And ooh – a built-in power supply with USB ports? That’s something that might warranty this setup a closer look.

I could do without the plastic bumper guard (workstation accessory?) and somewhat high price, but I’ll definitely take a closer look at these in the future.