Knipex makes mini Cobra pliers and Pliers Wrench sizes, but they’re both pliers and require constant handle pressure to maintain a secure grip. Sometimes what you need for EDC or a portable tool kit is a mini adjustable wrench.

I bought a Craftsman or mini adjustable wrench once, and it was alright except for being a little sloppy. Since I misplaced it recently – perhaps my subconscious wanted this to happen – I ordered two new ones.

I don’t use adjustable wrenches on a daily basis, but they do come in handy fairly often. Thinking back at this past year, I’ve used pliers on-the-go much more often than adjustable wrenches, and mini pocket pliers even more so. That’s why I will soon buy the 6″ Knipex Pliers Wrench that I mentioned is on my holiday shopping list.

But I wanted to replace my mini pocket adjustable pliers anyways. Here’s what I just ordered:

Engineer TWM-08 Thin-Jaw Pocket Wrench

I mentioned these adjustable pliers in last year’s post about Engineer Inc’s thin-jaw adjustable wrenches. Well, I finally pulled the trigger.

At $26, it’s a bit of a splurge, but hopefully the small size, handle grip, and thin jaws make it a useful and justifiable part of my kit.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Channellock 804 Mini Adjustable Wrench

I was introduced to Channellock adjustable wrenches more than 6 years ago, and since then I have purchased quite a few of them. They’re top quality from what I’ve seen.

These are my favorite adjustable wrenches, and I have not yet found any others that come close – at least none within my budget to try. I remain open minded about Milwaukee’s upcoming adjustable wrenches, but even if quality and performance are equal, Channellock’s sourcing might still give them an edge. Irega makes all of Channellock’s adjustable wrenches in Spain.

I have a mix of cushion-grip Channellock wrenches and bare metal wrenches and like both styles. For something that might ride around in my pocket or a compact tool bag kit, I prefer bare metal. For my toolbox, I keep the cushion grip ones more rechable.

I hesitated to buy Channellock’s 4.5″ adjustable wrench in the past based only on a bang-for-the-buck standpoint, but recently decided that the $15 price point is justifiable. The price will only bug me at the time of purchase, and I figure that I’ll never think of it again during the years of good service I’m expecting for this wrench.

Hopefully it’s exactly like my larger Channellock adjustable wrenches, only smaller.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

You could find this wrench for $1 less from Zoro, which is where I ordered mine from because they have a limited time promo on $250+ orders. Other than that, Amazon has the best price I’ve found.

Channellock once asked me for feedback, I think it was about my favorite Channellock tool, and so I told them exactly what I thought about their adjustable wrenches. A few years later, a reader informed me that Channellock posted my recommendation on their site. Cool!

Crescent AC24VS 4″ Adjustable Wrench

Crescent makes a slightly less expensive 4″ adjustable wrench, but at $12 it’s not priced low enough for me to give it serious consideration over the Channellock.

There’s no indication as to whether Crescent still makes this size in the USA, but even if they do, I like Channellock adjustables much better than my USA-made Crescents.

I figured that it was still worth a mention.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Also…

Let’s not forget about the Handspan adjustable wrench keychain that Benjamen posted about last year. This one was on my wishlist, but it’s no longer available for $19 plus $6.50 shipping. Now, you could only find it for $30 and change at Amazon.

I should have bought this when I wanted to. I’ll check again in 6 months, maybe the price will come back down towards $25 shipped. You can’t put much torque on a tool like this, even compared to a 4″ wrench, but I suppose it’s still better than having to hand-tighten or loosen something.

Still, for $25, the Engineer Inc. model is probably the better choice, despite not having a similar screwdriver bit-holding function.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Over at Amazon’s today’s single and lonesome tool-related Lightning Deal is on this Sunex 14pc SAE angled wrench set.

The wrench set is currently priced at $40, but also eligible for Sunex’ 20% off Holiday promo, making the price $32.

Since this is a Lightning Deal, the 20% discount should be applied to whatever the sale price is, meaning these should be appreciably cheaper than $32.

The street price on these wrenches seems to be $52. Heck, that makes the $32 “right now price” seem like a great deal already. The metric set probably won’t be included in the Lightning Deal. That set is $50 right now, or $40 after discount.

Angled wrenches are useful for reaching fasteners in tight spaces. One side of the open end wrench is offset by 15°, which is typical for combination wrenches, and the other side is offset by 60°, giving it a much tighter access angle.

Deal Starts at: 10:05am ET for Prime members, 10:35am ET for everyone else.

Deal is valid for a couple of hours, 12/4/15 only, until the Lightning Deal window closes, or supplies run out, whichever comes sooner.

Sale Price: $25.59 plus tax

Buy Now

This is the second time we’ve ever mentioned Sunex on ToolGuyd! The first time was when we talked about Sunex’s T-handle speed wrenches, which are NOT eligible for the 20%-off Holiday promo. (BOO!)

Update: I ended up ordering a set, maybe they’ll come in handy. I added it to my cart to verify the price, saw the 15-minute countdown timer, after which I wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the deal, and ordered on impulse. It is kind of my responsibility to try new or unfamiliar tools.

The price is $40, minus $6.40, minus $8 (20% off $40), for a final price of $25.59.

Last week we posted about a hot deal on Knipex mini pliers that we found using ToolGuyd’s Amazon Deal Finder search tool. We asked readers if they could find other great deals, and received a couple of good deal mentions.

Tom found a deal on these Wera ball-end Torx L-wrenches. I couldn’t pass up the deal, and my ordered set arrived yesterday. They’re actually pretty neat.

While I have plenty of Torx drivers, I could use another L-key set, and the deal price was too good to say no to.

Regular Torx keys have straight tips on both short and long ends. These have ball-end tips on the long end. I use ball-end hex keys almost exclusively, and figure it might be worthwhile to have similar features on Torx keys.

The ball-shaped Torx end should be useful for accessing fasteners from anything other than head-on angles. They can also of course be used head-on.

I have found that, even when a fastener is not obstructed, and is easy to access from straight head-on, ball-end hex keys offer easier engagement. I will usually use the short straight end of an L-wrench for initial loosening or final tightening, or a socket, or other non-ball-end tool.

I haven’t used these Torx wrenches at all yet, but will let you know what I find out. Will they be as useful as ball-end hex keys? I hope so. And if not, maybe they’re at least as useful as regular double-straight-end Torx keys.’

Sizes: T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40

Price: $13.13

The Wera set I received yesterday was made in the Czech Republic. It also arrived in a small easy-open product box, and not the plastic card packaging as shown in the photo.

Buy Now(via Amazon)
See Also(Bondhus BallStar via Amazon)

If you want a USA-made version, Bondhus has a number of BallStar L-wrench sets, starting at $30 for 8 pieces.

This Wera 967 PKL/9 Torx key set seems to be priced at $27 to $32 elsewhere, leading me to believe the low Amazon price is temporary.

CES 2016, the annual Consumer Electronics Show, kicked off this week. Craftsman has released news at CES in the past, and so I spent a few minutes on Google trying to see if there were any recent announcements.

I didn’t find anything Craftsman-related in any CES 2016 coverage, but I did find a Craftsman page that says:

Coming in 2016, New Craftsman Industrial Brand Mechanics Tools.

There’s also this PDF, which I think I also saw a few months ago, that discusses the new Craftsman Industrial offerings.

I must say, I’m a bit excited about this. I bought a lot of Craftsman Professional tools, and most are great quality. Since then, Craftsman discontinued most (if not all) Craftsman Professional tools, as well as the branding. “Craftsman Professional” is no more. Craftsman also moved away from USA production, and in doing so the designs of some of their hand tools have changed.

I’ve written about this before, so there’s no need to rehash it too much.

Right now, if I’m in need of any mechanics tools, such as a certain ratchet style, a replacement socket, an accessory such as an extension, adapter, or breaker bar, Craftsman isn’t anywhere on my list. I will sooner look at Husky (which has recently piqued my interest), Kobalt, Tekton, Gearwrench, Proto, or Facom.

Craftsman used to be my go-to brand for mechanics hand tools, but not anymore.

In addition to interest in what these new tools have to offer, I am hoping that this might be the start of a new direction for Craftsman. I won’t hold my breath, but I will allow myself to feel some excitement and optimism.

What does concern me is that these are Craftsman Industrial tools, and not Craftsman Professional tools. Craftsman has offered some Craftsman Industrial tools in recent years, and also a small selection of USA-made hand tools, but they were sold at industrial suppliers, such as Grainger.

Grainger isn’t a very affordable place for individual users to shop.

A big part of why I bought so many Craftsman Professional tools is because they offered great quality at very affordable prices. Hopefully the same will be true of these new tools.

Oh, and in addition to being made in the USA, these new Craftsman Industrial tools have a lifetime warranty.

But… and not to sound too grumpy, all of my Craftsman Professional tools also have a lifetime warranty, but since they don’t exist anymore, what does it matter? If one of my Craftsman Professional tools fails, and I bring it to Sears, my only replacement option would be to accept a lesser tool.

Also Read: 5 Brands of High Quality USA-Made Mechanics Tools

Here’s a look at the new offerings mentioned in their PDF sneak peek:

Premium Grade Ratchet – We’ve reviewed these Craftsman premium ratchets before, or something very similar, and they were very good. The handle design isn’t my favorite, but I still reach for the test samples every now and then in lieu of my personally owned ratchets.

It’s nice to see these ratchets returning to market. They offered a very good balance between number of teeth and strength.

Round Head Ratchet – I don’t remember if this is the round head ratchet that many users liked, or if it was the two-winged round head ratchet. I think it was this one. Either way, the new round head ratchet looks like it could be quite compact, and the refreshed handle design looks pretty snazzy.

Quick-Release Teardrop Ratchet – I’m not a very big fan of Craftsman’s basic quick-release teardrop ratchet design, but they do make for good “beater” ratchets. I bought a NOS (new old stock) model at the local Sears Essentials before it closed due to leasing disagreement, and sometimes use it in tough situations.

It has fewer teeth, which increases the size of the ratcheting arc, but it’s also strong. I’ll use it in situations where I’m worried a fine-toothed ratchet might break.

Clinch Drive Wrenches – These new Craftsman wrenches have anti-slipping grooves, which Craftsman says allows up to 29% more gripping power in either direction compared to previous standard open end wrenches.

Lots of professional and industrial tool brands have similar anti-slipping and improved-gripping enhanced open end wrench designs. Check out the imagery in our Williams SuperCombo wrench review to see a clear example.

Such features do seem to work well in higher torque applications.

I’ll give Craftsman extra points if these are long pattern wrenches.

Satin Finish Wrenches – Craftsman will also be coming out with new satin finish wrenches in combination, ratcheting, and stubby styles. Hopefully this means non-ratcheting combination wrenches, as well as ratcheting combination wrenches. While full polish wrenches are usually easier to clean, some users prefer satin-finish wrenches over shiny chrome.

Double Box End Ratcheting Wrenches – I can’t say I have ever used a double box end ratcheting wrench, but some users swear by them.

What I really want to see a return of Craftsman’s USA-made deep offset wrenches. Last year I wrote about these wrenches after one got me through an assembly task, and they’ve saved me more time and effort since then.

What do you think?

At first glance, the mininch WRENCHit, which I’m just going to write out as WrenchIt, looks like one of those slim box cutters, but that’s far from its function. The WrenchIt is a multi-sized box end wrench tool that takes up a fraction of the space of a single wrench or adjustable wrench.

It’s designed as an EDC (everyday carry) multi-sized wrench that can easily slip into a pocket, bag, pencil cup, or other place where full-sized tools don’t normally go.

The WrenchIt has a “pop a point” design, similar to the Tool Pen we posted about in July of 2014. The WrenchIt is actually from the same company, and has exceeded its Kickstarter goal. The Kickstarter campaign is still ongoing, as of the time of this posting, and is set to expire on April 21st, 2016.

Back to the “pop a point” design… you take the rearmost tool, and insert it in the front of the tool, pushing the other individual sections backwards. You keep doing this until the desired tool selection is in the forward position. Do a quick search for “pop a point pencils” to see where this type of tool swapping seems to originate from.

Each WrenchIt tool can carry 5 individual wrench sizes, with some of the sections featuring additional functions, such as spoke wrenches or a bottle opener hook, or multiple smaller wrench sizes.

Most of the wrench size options are metric, but there’s also the option for 3 different imperial wrench sizes.

Pledge Options:

• Bike Set with 5 tool components for $30
• Full Set with 10 wrenches and tools for $38

All of these options include a pouch. There are also bundle sets, some of which also include a Tool Pen, and multiple WrenchIt quantity bundles.

The inventors expect for the full retail price for the full set to be $55.

More Info(via Kickstarter)

Promo Video:

First Thoughts

This looks to be a neat EDC multi-size wrench tool, and I wish it were available with a greater range of imperial wrench sizes.

The pricing seems to be pretty decent too, for what it is. I guess? The inventors mention the need for stamping dies in the Kickstarter campaign, and that the sleeve and individual tools are all made from SUS 420 stainless steel with a sandblasted finish.

This isn’t quite for me, but I can appreciate the elegance of the design.

I wonder how well it holds up to high torque applications. I’m guessing that, if the going gets tough, it’s time to reach for a sturdier tool. But it still looks great for casual tightening tasks, or if you need a compact and lightweight tool on-the-go, such as when mountain biking.

But for biking, maybe only the spoke wrenches and bottle opener will be useful.

What I’d like to see is a revised biking design where you get a spoke wrench tool, bottle opener (why not?), 1/4″ hex wrench, and 2 slightly thicker tool attachments with 1/4″ insert bit storage. Why? Because a 5 mm hex bit is far more useful than most smaller box end wrench sizes.

Flare nuts are often found on fittings and other components with tubing or other lines attached, meaning you cannot access them with a standard box end wrench. I suppose that you could sometimes work on them with the open end of a standard combination wrench, but most often flare nut wrenches are used when you know you’ll need them,

Flare nut wrenches are open end wrenches, but with narrower openings than the standard open ends on a combination wrench, and often have 6pt (non-ratcheting) or 12pt (often ratcheting) profiles with hooked openings instead of the parallel jaws of an open end wrench.

You place a flare nut wrench on top of a fastener, as opposed to sliding onto it from the side, as with a regular open end wrench.

Flare nut wrenches give you better access angles, and some slippage protection, so that the wrench stays more secure around a fastener.

These new Astro Pneumatic Ratchet and Release flare nut wrenches, 7120 for the SAE set, 7120M for metric, are a new hybrid tool that they say gives you the strength of a box end wrench, with the accessibility of a flare nut wrench.

The new wrenches close and then ratchet around flare nuts, releasing then when your work is done.

The smaller sizes have a rocker pawl clutch for releasing the wrench and line, the larger sizes have a more robust design with double pawl mechanism for added strength.

Fine-tooth gearing means a ratcheting angle of 5°.

Sizes

Each set comes with 5 sizes of wrenches:

• Metric: 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 18mm
• SAE: 3/8″, 7/16″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″

Price: ~$82 each set

Buy Now(Metric via Amazon)
Buy Now(SAE via Amazon)

First Thoughts

I don’t own any flare nut wrenches, or ratcheting flare nut wrenches, although I have used them before. I suppose the benefit of these, compared to the ratcheting flare nut wrenches that have a pivoting jaw that bends open for access and ratcheting, is that you require less space to actually use the wrench.

Why is there a split down the middle of each wrench’s gripped handle?

These look to be a good effort by Astro Pneumatic to create a semi-unique approach to common automotive fastening needs. I say semi-unique, because I have seen enclosing ratcheting wrenches before.

Here are 2 other Astro Pneumatic innovations we previously posted about:

Wobble head ratchets
3-in-1 hex key sets

If you encounter flare nut wrenches often, what do you think about these new ratcheting wrenches?

Stanley FatMax has come out with a new 10-inch adjustable demo wrench, FMHT75081. It’s an adjustable wrench with a pry bar built into the end of the handle.

This unique wrench offers 4-in-1 functionality:

• A “dedicated and reinforced” strike face can be used for driving loose nails and fasteners
• It’s an adjustable wrench
• Pry bar
• Nail puller hole

Stanley says that the handle is flared, for both control and comfort. I’m guessing they’re just talking about the end?

So this is a hammer wrench? It’s got all the parts of an adjustable wrench, a strike face, and prying end.

Yes, it’s a real tool.

Related: The Silliest Tools to Receive “Demo” Treatment?

It seems a little ridiculous, but this is a tool I wouldn’t mind having. Sometimes I need an adjustable wrench I want to pound on, other times I want a short prying bar that I have to choke up on.

That sounds a little tongue in cheek, but I’m not yet sure if I’m being serious or cheeky.

How’s this going to work in tight spaces? Then again, it’s a 10-inch adjustable wrench. How many people use 10-inch adjustable wrenches in tight spaces?

Will professionals really pick this up for use in demo work? They’ll still need a larger dedicated nail puller, trim puller, or other prying bar, and probably a smaller adjustable wrench as well.

But on the other hand, it’s a heavy duty-looking adjustable wrench, and with 2 added features that might come in handy. Sorry, 3 added features – that nail puller contributes to the 4-in-1 description.

Price: $14 to $18

Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(via Lowes)

I’d say there’s a 50:50 chance I’d buy this if I saw in store shelves, for a garage, auto, portable, or loaner tool kit. Maybe not at $18, but $14 is more convincing. I bought plenty of Crescent adjustable wrenches for around the same, and they had loose and noisy mechanisms. This one looks to provide greater thumbwheel engagement than most adjustable wrenches, which would mean greater strength.

It is in my bones to laugh at this tool for how silly it looks, but I can’t shake the feeling that it might be a handy combination.

But for demo work? I’ll let you decide. I don’t do much demoing.

Crescent has come out with a new locking adjustable wrench, model ACL10VS, which they say combines the versatility of an adjustable wrench with the gripping power of locking pliers.

The new Crescent 10″ locking adjustable wrench also boasts a max opening of 1-5/16″, for increased access for a wide variety of fasteners.

The wrench has grooved jaws, for “amplified gripping power,” for applications such as tightening and loosening of rounded fasteners. These jaws, and the locking pliers-type mechanism give it the ability to securely grip fasteners of different sizes and shapes.

A product manager for Crescent Tools said that:

Mechanics and plumbers will appreciate the quick release handle with dual material comfort grip. This innovative wrench is easy to use on even corroded fittings.

If this is the kind of tool you’ve been missing, you can pick it up soon, for around $25, possibly less.

Price: $25

Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Compare(Cheaper Stanley Model via Amazon)

Promo Video:

Stanley offers something similar, for ~$12 via Amazon. The Crescent design has a shaped locking handle, gripped main handle, and grooved wrench jaws. But is it worth twice as much?

Sears also offers a nearly identical locking adjustable wrench, under Craftsman Extreme Grip branding, for around $20. Given Craftsman’s relationship with Apex Tools, it’s safe to assume the tools come from the same Apex Tools factory.

First Thoughts

While the idea of a locking adjustable wrench seems awfully gimmicky, I have heard from more than one pro tool user who expressed interest in an adjustable wrench with jaws that can be fixed in place.

When I came across the Kobalt Rapid-Adjust Squeeze Wrench, I put it through my typical “is it gimmicky junk or potentially usable?” filter, and I’m actually very interested in the design.

A typical adjustable wrench is adjusted by means of a thumbwheel. Even the best adjustable wrenches can be a little finicky at times, requiring some minor corrections as you move from nut to nut, even when working on fasteners of the same size.

Lowes claims that their new Kobalt Rapid-Adjust wrench will revolutionize the standard adjustable wrench, and we think there’s some potential to that claim.

The Kobalt Rapid-Adjust Squeeze Wrench is adjusted via a simple squeeze-handle trigger that closes the jaws in what Lowes describes as smooth and precise movements.

There’s a quick release button, for one-handed jaw release.

So to use the Kobalt Rapid-Adjust Squeeze Wrench, press the release button, spread the jaws, place the jaws around a fastener, and squeeze the handle to grip down. Advanced gear technology keeps the jaws fixed in place, which should hold the setting as you move from fastener to fastener, or if a single fastener requires a lot of turning.

The 2-piece set comes with 6″ and 8″ wrench sizes. The 6″ Kobalt Rapid-Adjust wrench has a jaw capacity of 1/8″ to 1″, and the 8″ from 1/16″ to 1-1/8″.

Price: $35 for the 2-piece set, but we expect the holiday pricing to be LOWER

Buy Now(via Lowes)
Compare(Our Fave Channellock Adjustable Wrenches via Amazon)

First Thoughts

Although I was tempted to dismiss these as gimmicky holiday tools, I really think Kobalt is onto something here.

While these are unlikely to unseat traditional adjustable wrenches as the standard one-t00l-fits-most staple in many DIYers’ and pros’ tool bags and toolboxes, they do have the potential to be quicker and easier to use, if all of Lowes and Kobalt’s claims prove to be true.

Yes, I know, “the Knipex PliersWrench is superior to adjustable wrenches in every way.” Except it isn’t. The pliers wrench requires constant pressure to maintain fastener engagement, which isn’t always possible. Adjustable wrenches, including this Kobalt Rapid-Adjust wrench, can be set to a fixed jaw opening, which can make it easier to work on certain fasteners.

I do see a potential downside. Some fasteners require a little adjustment, even if you’re just repositioning the wrench after each turn. Maybe they’re rounded a little bit, damaged in another way, or just ever so slightly imperfect. And even perfect fasteners sometimes require minor resetting of an adjustable wrench.

With a traditional adjustable wrench, you can open the jaws and close them back with just your thumb on the adjustment wheel. These new Kobalt Squeeze Wrenches require you to release the locking mechanism, reposition the wrench, and squeeze down on the trigger handle to close the jaws.

It’s not yet clear whether the handle operates in a ratcheting-type mechanism, or if the release button spreads the jaws all the way automatically.

Different doesn’t always translate to good, especially when it comes to hand tools that come out this time of year. For example, I was optimistic about last year’s Kobalt self-adjusting compound leverage locking pliers, but ultimately didn’t much care for them.

As for the price, I don’t think the $35 list price is the true pricing. If it were, I’m sure Lowes would have packaged the 2 wrench sizes separately, perhaps at $15 and $20, or there would just be one size. If I had to guess, I’d think that the holiday season price will be $20 for the 2-piece wrench set. $25 seems to invoke a different psychological response than $20.

If you saw these wrenches on the shelf at your local Lowes, would you consider buying them?

This tough-looking wrench is the new Craftsman Extreme Grip 12″ Breaker Wrench, designed for loosening tight and stuck fasteners.

It’s reminiscent of the Crescent clench wrench, the similar Craftsman models, and many earlier wrenches of a similar style that have existed for quite some time. It seems to be a more old fashioned design.

The Craftsman Extreme Grip Breaker Wrench is long, giving you a lot of leverage for tasks where you need brute force. Its serrated jaws give it an aggressive look, and likely a strong and secure grip. Obviously, this is not the tool to use on delicate or easily marred materials.

The Craftsman Breaker Wrench also has a slip joint design, allowing you to increase the jaw opening width as needed. This means you can use it on fasteners, and then work on pipes or other larger materials.

I guess this makes it a 2-in-1 tool, capable of nut-busting tasks and certain plumbing applications.

It also features a dual-material handle, which Craftsman says provides “all day comfort.”

As with other tools of this nature, the jaws are spring-loaded and self-adjust. The jaws’ opening width can accommodate hex fasteners 3/8″ to 1-3/4″, and NPS pipe sizes 1/8″ to 1-1/4″.

Price: $20

Buy Now(via Sears)
Compare(Channellock Nutbuster via Amazon)
Compare(Knipex Raptor via Amazon)
Compare(Knipex Raptor via Amazon Direct)

Smaller Alternatives

If the Craftsman 12″ Breaker Wrench is a bit too large for your needs, consider these 2 alternatives. I own both, and can enthusiastically recommend them.

The Channellock Nutbuster is very capable at loosening small and medium sized fasteners. Its no-slip fastener grip holds tighter when you turn the pliers, and its jaw shape has proven to be quite perfect.

Compare(Channellock Nutbuster via Amazon)

What I like most about the Knipex Raptor pliers, aside from the great handle grip, is its less aggressive and smooth jaws, which do a lot less damage if you need to use them on a stuck fastener you need to reuse. It still works well on rusted-on, corroded, and other types of gnarled fasteners.

Compare(Knipex Raptor via Amazon)
Compare(Knipex Raptor via Amazon Direct)

First Thoughts

Back to thoughts on the Craftsman 12″ Extreme Grip Breaker Wrench…

One advantage this type of tool has, compared to pliers – even the other 2 mentioned above – is that you don’t need to squeeze the handle to maintain a good grip. You don’t have to do that very much with all types of pliers, but you do with a lot of them. Let go of that lower pliers handle, and the top jaw might swing free and you lose your grip on the stuck-on fastener.

With a tool like this, you can focus your strength and energy on torquing-free the stuck fastener, fitting, or pipe.

This is one tool that I’d think especially lives up to Craftsman’s Extreme Grip branding.

It’s reasonably priced too, at just $20. Part of me wishes that Craftsman also made a shorter version, but when dealing with stuck fasteners, a bit of extra leverage is hardly ever a bad thing. With a 12″ length, you shouldn’t have too much trouble fitting this into your tool bag or toolbox, or finding a place for it on your pegboard next to a longer pipe wrench.

If you need something with a bit more turning power, invest in a breaker bar for your socket set, and a dead blow mallet for extra coercion. I suppose you could use a dead blow mallet with this Breaker Wrench, but I don’t know if that would be a good idea.

Dewalt has come out with a new adjustable wrench set, DWHT75497, that includes 6-inch and 10-inch wrenches, both with dipped handle grips.

That’s all there is to say, the end!

Oh, there’s more? Dewalt says that the vinyl grip helps provide control in wet environments, and has “Grip Armor” to help prevent the grip from peeling off. The wrenches have wide jaw capacities, 1-1/32″ for the 6″ wrench, and 1-13/32″ for the 10″ wrench.

The handle ends are flared, which Dewalt says is for added control during use.

Those opening widths don’t impress me – check out Channellock’s adjustable wrenches (~$20+ via Amazon) if you want an extra-wide adjustable. While not the only adjustables I use, Channellock’s are my favorite.

I’m not in a very good mood today, after being sick for the past 3 days. So I’m just going to say it. These look like ordinary adjustable wrenches with the Dewalt brand name slapped onto them. There’s nothing unique-looking about them.

But the price is appealing, and Dewalt stands by their tools as being jobsite-tough. I imagine that these are sturdy and capable wrenches, but just wish there was something more special about them.

Dewalt’s original adjustable wrenches (reviewed here) are decent, but I heard they’re not very corrosion resistant. They were also thick and heavy, which contributes to strength but against user convenience.

Milwuakee’s new adjustable wrenches are a little more inspired than any of these Dewalt adjustable wrench designs.

Price: $20 for the set

Buy Now(via Home Depot)

Meet the Skil Tri Driver ratcheting wrench, which a reader recently alerted me too (thank you, Fred!). The skeptic in me is crying inside, while the optimist struggles to find something positive to say.

The Skil Tri Driver fits both inch and metric fasteners, and is adjusted by rotating the ring.

Its mechanism kind of resembles that of the Craftsman Max Axess wrench, but has 3 points of contact instead of 6.

Fastener Fitment Range:

• Inch: 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″, 7/8″, and 15/16″
• Metric: 14mm, 16mm, 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, 22mm, and 24mm

The wrench head looks large – too large if you ask me. I imagine that clearance issues will be a top reason owners put it down in favor of something smaller, or just different. But it’s not so large I’d consider it a deal-breaker. In fact, it kind of looks around the same size – or smaller – than an average-sized adjustable wrench.

And I know I’m not the only one who thinks that 3-point fastener engagement – on the corners no less – has the potential for damaged and rounded-over fasteners.

It’s also a ratcheting wrench. This should alleviate having to turn and reposition the wrench, especially in tight corners, but might introduce another potential wear concern.

There appear to be spring-loaded jaws within the wrench head. I don’t know how else to consider the two-toned grooved teeth (flats?). I really hope that this isn’t the ratcheting mechanism, but what’s the alternative – within the ratchet head?

The ratcheting mechanism will work one of two ways. Either the wrench flats stay fixed and rotate within the wrench head assembly, or the flats/jaws are set to yield in one direction for a ratcheting effect.

Since the jaw with adjustment mechanism takes up a fair bit of space, I’m assuming that the ratcheting works by means of yielding jaws that allow for ratcheting action. That wouldn’t be my preference, as it could contribute to potential fastener corner rounding.

This wrench looks like it inspires to be an all-in-one version of the Skil Secure Grip wrench, but with a fixed fastener range that skips smaller sizes that are very fairly common. Maybe there will be a smaller version that covers a range of fasteners under 9/16″, but if so, we probably would have seen it in a 2-piece set with this one.

I haven’t ruled out that there could be positive aspects of the Skil Tri Driver Ratcheting Wrench, but if there are, they’re not yet clear to me.

Price: $14

Buy Now(via Amazon)

It sounds harsh, but I can’t think of a reason I’d buy this. Maybe it’ll work well on longer fasteners and threaded rod, at least where there’s enough clearance for the wrench head.

I took apart 3 commercial workbenches last week, with 9/16″ hardware. There’s no way I could have used this wrench for that.

Can somebody find something nice to say about this wrench? I mean this sincerely. What am I not seeing? Is there a good reason for anyone to buy it?

What would I buy instead? I’d plunk down a few extra dollars on a Channellock adjustable wrench, or even the new Dewalt 2-pack of adjustable wrenches, and would then start saving up for a proper socket set – even an inexpensive one. Around the holidays, you can get entry-level socket sets for not much money. I think that even “universal” sockets, with their gimmick multi-fastener-fitting profiles, might be better buys.

A few weeks ago, as I was strolling through the leftovers of Lowe’s “Special Buy” holiday tool deals section, I spotted these Kobalt gearless ratcheting wrenches for half-off. I didn’t even realize that these wrenches existed — somebody missed a press release at some point.

Stuart’s Note: Err… umm… sorry! More about my hesitation at the end.

These wrenches have a gearless ratcheting mechanism similar to the Kobalt direct drive gearless ratchet Stuart reviewed and dismantled a few years ago.

Gearless ratcheting mechanisms can come in handy in situations where you need to advance a fastener but cannot swing a wrench or ratchet very far, due to tight clearances or obstructions. Or at least that’s usually the main selling point.

According to Kobalt:

The gearless roller bearing drive will grab the fastener with the smallest movement, allowing you to make the most out of every swing

You can also try to solve this by having finer teeth with a conventional ratcheting mechanism, but finer teeth aren’t as strong. Another way to solve this problem is to use offset pawls like the Gearwrench dual pawl ratchet, which gives you finer positioning without the gearing getting too small to be practical.

These Kobalt gearless ratcheting combination wrenches are constructed from chrome vanadium steel with a high-polish finish. They have standard 12 point box ends, not the Multi-Fit sockets that come with the ratchet set, so there are separate metric and SAE sets, each with 7 wrench sizes.

The sizes are stamped in large “easy-to-read” markings and the colored rings around the ratcheting end make it easy to identify the Metric and SAE wrenches: red for SAE and blue for Metric.

The Metric set comes with 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, and 17 mm wrenches and the SAE set includes 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, and 11/16″ sizes.

These Kobalt wrenches come with a lifetime “hassle free” guarantee. The SAE and the Metric 7 piece wrench sets are now marked down to $20 both online and in store.

Price: $20

Buy Now (SAE set)
Buy Now (Metric set)

First Thoughts

After thinking about it for a while, I went back to Lowes and picked up both 7 piece sets along with some other special buy items that have been marked down. I’ve been looking for a set of ratcheting combination wrenches for my shop throughout the entire Holiday season, and have been pretty disappointed with the deals. This is the first time I saw something that I thought was at a good price/quality point.

I knew I was taking a bit of a risk on them because they aren’t conventional ratcheting wrenches, but I had picked up the Kobalt gearless ratchet set for $10 when Stuart wrote about it back in December of 2014, and I’ve been happy with the ratchet.

The gearless ratcheting mechanism is a little weird to get used to. For one thing, it’s silent. There is no clicking sound for feedback that the tools is actually ratcheting. And as Stuart mentioned in his teardown, these don’t exactly have o° of swing, as there is a minimal but-not-zero distance they have to be pulled back to advance the fastener

The few times I’ve tried these wrenches so far they’ve worked as advertised. I’ll keep you informed if I have any issues.

Stuart’s Take: I have some hesitations about these wrenches. Reasons tied to limited time and post slots aside, I couldn’t make up my mind about what to say about these wrenches. 

1) If there’s a factory defect, or a wrench breaks, will a replacement be available in 2017? 2018? I have been hearing more and more that Craftsman and Kobalt tools from a set must be exchanged as a set. So if let’s say the 1/2″ wrench shows a defect or breaks due to a defect. If only sets are available, you’re only going to be able to exchange or return it as part of a set, and that’s only as long as the set is still available.

2) If one wants to expand with intermediate or larger sizes, will they be available? The SAE set lacks 11/32″ and 3/4″ sizing. What about 1″? But to be fair, most consumer and enthusiast ratcheting wrench sets are small and focus on most-used DIYer sizes.

I have come across some applications where these wrenches might have come in handy. In a recent application where I had to get creative, regular box end wrenches fit, and some ratcheting wrenches might have fit. I don’t think these gearless would have fit, due to the box end wall thickness.

I too will be interested in hearing about how well they work for Ben over time. Personally, I wouldn’t want these to be my first or only ratcheting wrenches. But I also have an affinity towards reversible ratcheting wrenches and somewhat of a strong hesitation towards non-reversible types.

The other day I noticed KC tool was promoting this Gedore wrench for plumbing fittings. I’d never seen anything like it — it has the characteristics of several different tools, like a Pliers Wrench, adjustable wrench, and Vise Grips.

The wrench is made for turning nickel and chrome plated plumbing fittings, and has removable 8mm plastic jaws to protect finished fittings’ delicate surfaces from being marred. The parallel jaws can clamp fittings up to 65 mm (2.5″) wide and 45 mm (1.75″) deep. While opening and closing the jaws, the length of the wrench extends from 250 mm to 299 mm (9.8″ to 11.8″).

Made in Germany, the tool is constructed from chrome-vanadium steel (31CrV3) which has been hardened and chrome plated. The locking handle is enameled blue.

This wrench is not cheap. The best pricing I could find was Chad’s Toolbox where they charge $97 and have free shipping over $49.

Buy Now (via Chads Toolbox)

As this wrench is imported, KC Tools seems to be out of stock on the Gedore 320000 wrench for now, but if you prefer KC tools and are willing to wait they charge $118 with free shipping.

You might want to head over there for a look anyway, because they have a short non-embeddable video showing how the wrench operates.

Buy Now (via KC Tools)

P.S. Don’t forget about our KC Tool coupon code!

See Also: Gedore Grip Wrench Locking Pliers

This is the new Dewalt 8″ adjustable wrench, DWHT80267, one of several new adjustable wrenches the brand will be coming out with.

Dewalt first came out with adjustable wrenches a few years ago, and they’re okay. They’re overbuilt for strength and durability, but this also makes them larger and heavier than competing wrenches.

These new models of Dewalt adjustable wrenches feature an I-beam design, similar to what you’ll find on other adjustable wrenches, to save weight.

Dewalt says shedding some weight gives the wrenches better balance compared to their original adjustable wrenches, and that the new wrenches will also have more comfortable handles.

It’s not very clear in the product image, but it looks like there are 4 engagement teeth, which would mean greater jaw strength and resistance to slop, wobble, and unintended adjustment.

There will be a range of sizes, from 4″ to 24″, including a spud wrench.

Features

• Precision jaws
• Solid steel I-beam handle
• Laser-etched markings
• Extra wide jaw capacity
• Flared end to help prevent hand slipping
• Extended jaw length for added reach

8″ Wrench Specs

• 0.51″ head thickness
• 1.14″ jaw max opening width
• 2.44″ head width
• 8.11″ overall length

Sizes and Model Numbers

• 6″ DWHT80266
• 8″ DWHT80267
• 10″ DWHT80268
• 12″ DWHT80269

We’ve found model numbers for 4 sizes listed on Dewalt’s website, and according to Dewalt’s product descriptions there will be a total of 9 different sizes and styles.

Buy Now(2-pack via Home Depot)

Update: It looks like these new wrenches are a bare version of yellow-handled Dewalt wrenches that appeared in a 2-pack last winter during the holiday shopping season.

First Thoughts

This new design definitely looks better. There are no weight specs I could find, and so comparisons to older Dewalt wrenches and other brands’ designs won’t be possible until the new wrench starts shipping.

I bought a couple of Dewalt adjustable wrenches when they first came out, but I can’t remember the last time I used them. I don’t even know where they are right now, something I don’t regret in the least. I’m sure I have one or two review samples somewhere too.

There was never anything special about them. Yes, they’re strong, tough, and overbuilt, but I can’t remember the last time I broke an adjustable wrench.

To me, reduced slop, high precision, and comfortable handles are most important. Bulkier handles do nothing to contribute to any of this.

One of these new 8″ wrenches might find its way to my toolbox, for times I might need a heavy duty adjustable wrench that can shrug off some abuse with ease.

If its handle is as lighter in weight and more comfortable as Dewalt claims, maybe it’ll become my go-to, but that doesn’t seem likely. I’m so enamored with my Channellock adjustables that it’s almost inconceivable for any wrench to be better.

It’s not very often you run across a completely unfamiliar type of hand tool, but that’s what happened when I stopped by the Kirk Wrench booth in the Inventors Spotlight section of the National Hardware Show. The exhibitors in that area are typically brand new companies showing first-time products.

That definitely describes the Kirk Wrench, an ingenious drive system for reaching nuts and bolts that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to get at with standard wrenches and ratchets (as shown in the demo video below).

There are different attachments for reaching around different types of obstructions.

It’s difficult to describe the various components, because they are unfamiliar and the system is so new its developers have yet to come up with the final names for all of them. The only recognizable part of the Kirk Wrench is the handle, a reversible breaker bar with an oversize composite grip. After that, there is a static arm or arc, a curved connector piece that accepts proprietary attachments and also standard attachments such as sockets, crow foot wrenches, hex wrenches, and the like.

Among the proprietary attachments is an adjustable head that functions as a tight-quarters adjustable wrench, a ratchet, and a pivoting ratchet head that reminds me of the Wera Zyklops. Handles and accessories can be attached at any of the square perforations through the arcs.

Pieces can be mixed and matched in any number of configurations – the manufacturer says there are hundreds of possibilities – to allow you to work around the obstructions encountered inside cabinets, engine compartments, and anywhere else with restricted access.

The Kirk Wrench is the brainchild of Kirk Hyust, a remodeler who landed a job that involved replacing cabinets and plumbing in a large number of apartment units. The supply lines were so close to the backs and corners of cabinets it was hard to put wrenches on the compression fittings at shutoffs.

Hyust dealt with the problem by cutting the head off an adjustable wrench and welding it to a handle that came out from the open side—which allowed him to reach around from the back of the valve.

To develop the Kirk Wrench, Hyust joined forces with several friends and investors, among them a mechanical engineer and another who manages auto repair shops. They picture the Kirk Wrench being used by mechanics, building contractors, plumbers, aircraft maintenance techs, and others who often encounter fasteners or fixtures that are difficult to access and turn.

As with many exhibitors at NHS, they were there to find distributors willing to carry their product. If that doesn’t work out, there is always the possibility they’ll sell the Kirk Wrench directly to end users online. They hope to have the product available before Black Friday in November 2017.

The folks from Kirk Wrench showed me prototypes of a $50 set aimed at DIYers. This set works with 1/4″ drive accessories, and would include a handle, a static arm, and a ratchet. A 3/8″ drive version of the same, aimed at pro users, would sell for about $150.

The company’s Facebook page shows a set aimed at plumbers, featuring a handle, static arm, and an open end wrench fitting that presumably fits compression fittings. It’s unclear what other accessories will cost—though there seem to be plenty with more on the way.

More Info(via Kirk Wrench)

First Thoughts

I can see why the product was conceived as a solution to the installation and removal of plumbing compression fittings. They’re never where you can get at them and there is always something in the way. The same may be true of nuts and bolts deep in an engine compartment or piece of machinery.

Do I like the Kirk Wrench? As a concept, yes; it’s incredibly clever and for that reason alone I find it appealing.

Would I consider buying one if and when it becomes available? That would depend on what I was working on. There was a time when I worked on machinery, repaired my own vehicles, and did a fair amount of plumbing work. In those days the Kirk Wrench would have been very appealing.

It has less appeal now—not because of any flaw in the product but because I no longer do the kind of work where a reach-anywhere-wrench would be of use. Fortunately for the folks at Kirk Wrench, there are plenty of people out there who regularly do the kind of work where a reach-anywhere-wrench might come in handy.

I don’t picture this being an “everyday” tool. For me it would be the kind of tool that lives deep in the toolbox and comes out when nothing else will work.

Would having a tool like this save you time or effort?

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.

Knipex makes mini Cobra pliers and Pliers Wrench sizes, but they’re both pliers and require constant handle pressure to maintain a secure grip. Sometimes what you need for EDC or a portable tool kit is a mini adjustable wrench.

I bought a Craftsman or mini adjustable wrench once, and it was alright except for being a little sloppy. Since I misplaced it recently – perhaps my subconscious wanted this to happen – I ordered two new ones.

I don’t use adjustable wrenches on a daily basis, but they do come in handy fairly often. Thinking back at this past year, I’ve used pliers on-the-go much more often than adjustable wrenches, and mini pocket pliers even more so. That’s why I will soon buy the 6″ Knipex Pliers Wrench that I mentioned is on my holiday shopping list.

But I wanted to replace my mini pocket adjustable pliers anyways. Here’s what I just ordered:

Engineer TWM-08 Thin-Jaw Pocket Wrench

I mentioned these adjustable pliers in last year’s post about Engineer Inc’s thin-jaw adjustable wrenches. Well, I finally pulled the trigger.

At $26, it’s a bit of a splurge, but hopefully the small size, handle grip, and thin jaws make it a useful and justifiable part of my kit.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Channellock 804 Mini Adjustable Wrench

I was introduced to Channellock adjustable wrenches more than 6 years ago, and since then I have purchased quite a few of them. They’re top quality from what I’ve seen.

These are my favorite adjustable wrenches, and I have not yet found any others that come close – at least none within my budget to try. I remain open minded about Milwaukee’s upcoming adjustable wrenches, but even if quality and performance are equal, Channellock’s sourcing might still give them an edge. Irega makes all of Channellock’s adjustable wrenches in Spain.

I have a mix of cushion-grip Channellock wrenches and bare metal wrenches and like both styles. For something that might ride around in my pocket or a compact tool bag kit, I prefer bare metal. For my toolbox, I keep the cushion grip ones more rechable.

I hesitated to buy Channellock’s 4.5″ adjustable wrench in the past based only on a bang-for-the-buck standpoint, but recently decided that the $15 price point is justifiable. The price will only bug me at the time of purchase, and I figure that I’ll never think of it again during the years of good service I’m expecting for this wrench.

Hopefully it’s exactly like my larger Channellock adjustable wrenches, only smaller.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

You could find this wrench for $1 less from Zoro, which is where I ordered mine from because they have a limited time promo on $250+ orders. Other than that, Amazon has the best price I’ve found.

Channellock once asked me for feedback, I think it was about my favorite Channellock tool, and so I told them exactly what I thought about their adjustable wrenches. A few years later, a reader informed me that Channellock posted my recommendation on their site. Cool!

Crescent AC24VS 4″ Adjustable Wrench

Crescent makes a slightly less expensive 4″ adjustable wrench, but at $12 it’s not priced low enough for me to give it serious consideration over the Channellock.

There’s no indication as to whether Crescent still makes this size in the USA, but even if they do, I like Channellock adjustables much better than my USA-made Crescents.

I figured that it was still worth a mention.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Also…

Let’s not forget about the Handspan adjustable wrench keychain that Benjamen posted about last year. This one was on my wishlist, but it’s no longer available for $19 plus $6.50 shipping. Now, you could only find it for $30 and change at Amazon.

I should have bought this when I wanted to. I’ll check again in 6 months, maybe the price will come back down towards $25 shipped. You can’t put much torque on a tool like this, even compared to a 4″ wrench, but I suppose it’s still better than having to hand-tighten or loosen something.

Still, for $25, the Engineer Inc. model is probably the better choice, despite not having a similar screwdriver bit-holding function.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

I have a browser window open on my computer, with tabs open to various discounted tools, holiday deals, and “special buys.”

The best deals are posted about as soon as I can after learning about them. The ones I feel so-so about, I leave them be while I think things over. This Tekton wrench set is one of those deals.

With this Tekton wrench set, you get 22 wrench sizes in inch and metric sizing. The inch wrenches range from 1/4″ to 7/8″, and metric from 8 mm to 19mm.

The box ends have 12pt sockets, and are offset by 15°. Both sets come with “store and go” organizer.

Years ago, I waited for Craftsman Professional wrench sets to drop in price, and that’s when I bought my 9pc sets for $60 each, stepping up from raised panel wrenches. Since then, I’ve bought a couple of other styles of wrenches, with my favorite being USA-made Proto ratcheting wrenches and Facom combination wrenches.

If I were to start over today on a beginner’s tool budget, I think this Tekton 22pc set would be at the top of my list.

I have had good experiences with Tekton tools these past few years. They seem to be holding true to their pledge towards better quality, and I have heard good things about their customer service.

My only hesitation would be whether I’d go with this bundle set, where you appear to save $10 off the regular price, or separate sets. I tend use 11/32″ a lot, on #8 machine screw nuts, and 1″ also. Sometimes buying larger-count sets work out more economically than buying smaller sets and adding other needed wrench sizes. Plus, the larger sets have larger organizers. There’s no way to add a 11/32″ wrench to the inch set, organizer above.

Most DIYers or homeowners might never need a 11/32″ wrench, or 1″ for that matter. Or the other in-between sizes you get by going with individual wrench sets with higher wrench size counts.

There is a 30pc bundle set, and it’s also said to be discounted from the list price. But with no other sellers or 3rd party listings, it’s hard to tell if it’s currently being discounted, or “discounted.”

With the above-shown 22pc, you do save when compared to the prices of the 11pc inch and metric sets. You save a little with the 30pc set, but not as much.

Bottom line, this seems like a good deal on a wrench set I would expect to perform reasonably well. I’d consider these tools to be on-par with what you find from Husky and Gearwrench these days, and maybe a step above what you’d find from Kobalt.

If I were putting together a DIYer or homeowner tool kit on a budget, this would likely be my top pick. A lot of DIYers tend to use adjustable wrenches for everything, taking too long to realize how much easier work could be with regular combination wrenches. And at just under $50 for inch and metric sets, this bundle isn’t likely to leave such users wanting, at least not unless they have unusual hobbies or needs.

Price as of the time of this posting: $48.19

Buy Now(22pc set via Amazon)
See Also(30pc set via Amazon)

User reviews seem to mirror my own feelings towards the brand.

I have purchased a number of Tekton tools, mainly for review and testing purposes, and have received quite a few, too. I don’t think I’ve tested these wrenches yet, but I have been quite pleased with their ratcheting wrench quality.

I would offer to buy a set for ToolGuyd testing and review, if reader demand was high enough, but I still have a Sunex angled wrench set from a 2015 holiday season Lightning Deal that I haven’t gotten to yet. You could ask, but no promises. I’ve started working on my review backlog, but it’ll probably be 6 months until I’m fully caught up with everything.