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?

Related Posts:

Kobalt Gearless Ratcheting Wrenches Invention: Allwrencher Smart Wrench, a Multi-Size Ratcheting Wrench New Milwaukee Ratcheting Wrenches

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.

Related Posts:

Kobalt Rapid-Adjust Squeeze Wrench Set Who Makes Blue Hawk Tools for Lowes? Japanese-Made Hand Tools

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)

Related Posts:

New Crescent Locking Adjustable Wrench USA-Made 4-inch Adjustable Wrench? Stanley 10″ Adjustable Demo Wrench

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.

Related Posts:

Dewalt Adjustable Wrench 2-Pack My Tuesday Morning Will Involve Replacing a Dryer Vent Duct Kirk Wrench – a Reconfigurable Modular Wrench for Tight Spaces

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.

Related Posts:

Stanley FatMax Folding Diamond-Coated Ball Hex Key Sets Ball Hex vs. Straight Hex Tools New Wera Hex and Torx Bit Socket Sets

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?

Related Posts:

First New Craftsman Ratchets and Tool Sets Appear on Lowes.com New Milwaukee Ratcheting Wrenches Astro Pneumatic Ratchet and Release Flare Nut Wrenches

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.

Related Posts:

Invention: Allwrencher Smart Wrench, a Multi-Size Ratcheting Wrench New COMBAR Outdoors Multi-Tool, with Hammer, Axe, Spade, and More Kobalt Rapid-Adjust Squeeze Wrench Set

It’s been a while since I’ve talked about Channellock adjustable wrenches, and with this post, hopefully I’ll make up for that.

Here are 5 reasons you need one.

1. Smooth Adjustments

There are some adjustable wrenches that you can *kinda* adjust with your thumb, and others that respond with precision and control.

Channellock’s adjustable wrenches respond smoothly and effectively, making them easier to use.

2. Strong and Wobble-Free Adjustable Jaw

The “shake test” can tell you about an adjustable wrench’s quality. These wrenches have a 4-thread knurl, whereas lesser wrenches only have 3, and they’re “tighter.”

Overall, it’s a finer mechanism, and the jaws won’t change their spacing on you.

3. Non-Protruding Jaw

Due to how the knurl and moveable jaw are designed, the jaw’s gear rack won’t protrude out the bottom of a wrench when fully opened.

This can be an access or wrench-swinging issue with other adjustable wrench designs.

4. Comfortable to Use

I own Code Blue cushion grip-handled and plain-handled versions, and they’re both exceptionally comfortable to use. They’re among my favorite hand tools, because they’re simply a pleasure to use.

5. Jaw Opening Width

The chrome-finish, black phosphate, and Code Blue versions all have great opening width capacity, but the Code Blue open a little bit wider.

This can mean being able to carry and use a smaller wrench – say an 8″ wrench instead of a 10″, or a 10″ instead of a 12″.

Buy Now(8″ cushion grip via Amazon)
Buy Now(8″ Chrome finish via Amazon)
Buy Now(Other styles via Amazon)

Additional Comments

Channellock adjustable wrenches are made in Spain by Irega. They are simply fantastic to use – comfortable, precise, and convenient.

I tend to prefer using combination wrenches. I’ll use a 1/2″ wrench when I need a 1/2″ wrench, a 5/8″ wrench when I need a 5/8″ wrench, and a 13mm wrench when I need a 13mm wrench. But even then, there are times when an adjustable wrench is convenient, or even required.

If you are fastening two things together via a hex bolt and a hex nut, you’re going to need two wrenches, at least one of which could be an adjustable.

I bought my first Channellock adjustable wrench 9-1/2 years ago, and have purchased several more since. I have also purchased a few Irega wrenches, but I found Channellock’s pricing and availability to be a lot better.

There are great adjustable wrenches. This is one of the few tools I’d say “you should try one!” for. If you don’t know which one to go for, I think that 8″ is a good general purpose size. The Code Blue cushion grip material offers wider capacity, while the chrome finish version is less expensive.

The wrenches are available in a range of sizes, and in chrome, black phosphate, or Code Blue versions.

Buy Now(8″ cushion grip via Amazon)
Buy Now(8″ Chrome finish via Amazon)
Buy Now(Other styles via Amazon)

Related Posts:

USA-Made 4-inch Adjustable Wrench? Dewalt Adjustable Wrench 2-Pack New Dewalt Adjustable Wrenches

I received a tip a few weeks ago that Irwin was making a pliers wrench and that it was up on the Lowe’s website, but when I tried to find them, they weren’t available yet. The other day I checked the website again and lo-and-behold, it was available for purchase, so I ordered a 8″ version. While I wait for my order to arrive, now seems like a good opportunity to discuss the new pliers with a quick preview post.

As you might be aware, pliers wrenches are some of Stuart’s favorite tools, and I am also quite fond of them. These new Irwin pliers wrenches look to have some of the same features.

The cool thing about pliers wrenches is that the smooth jaws stay parallel to each other, so they fit nuts and bolts on their flats. Also, unlike an adjustable wrench, the jaws can actually grip the fastener tighter as you push on the pliers. All this means you can replace a fist-full of wrenches with one pliers wrench in many applications, with less risk of rounding or damaging fasteners.

These Irwin Vise-Grip pliers wrenches have a GrooveLock-style pushbutton mechanism for adjusting the jaw opening size, and the handles are made from two different materials, which Irwin says give you a more ergonomic grip and better control.

The Irwin pliers wrench is available in 8″ and 10″ sizes. The 8″ wrench can handle fasteners from 5/16″ to 1-5/16″ and the 10″ can span 5/16″ to 1-1/2″. Keep in mind that this is their hex fastener size compatiblity; they of course close down all the way.

Right now it looks like Lowe’s is the only major retailer carrying the new Irwin Vise-Grip pliers wrenches. I haven’t seen them in stores yet, but they are available to be shipped either to a store or to your home.

Price: 8-inch for $22, 10-inch for $26

Buy Now (8″ Wrench via Lowes)
Buy Now (10″ Wrench via Lowes)

First Thoughts

The first thing I noticed about the Irwin Vise-Grip pliers wrenches is that they don’t look as refined as the Knipex versions. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are inferior tools, it could just mean that Irwin limited the amount of tooling needed to manufacture the wrenches, to bring them in at a lower price point.

I ordered a pair of the Irwin 8″ pliers wrenches to compare to my 7″ Knipex Pliers wrench. This is the size that I prefer, as they open almost as wide as the 10″, but are smaller and have narrower jaws which make them nice for getting into tight spaces. I’m hoping the Irwin version are at least half as handy.

Stuart’s Note: This looks to be the first new Irwin hand tool designs since the brand was purchased by Stanley Black & Decker. Does that mean we might see similar designs from FatMax or Dewalt brands?

Related Posts:

Irwin Vise-Grip Launches New Line of Premium-Styled Pliers That are Made in Taiwan The Best Traditional Adjustable Wrench Alternative? Malco Reopens Former Vise-Grip Factory in DeWitt, Nebraska

Crescent has come out with a new line of wide-jaw adjustable wrenches, featuring wider opening capacities and micro-serrated jaws.

The new Crescent adjustable wrenches are said to meet ASME performance requirements for wrenches the next-size up, meaning that the 6″ version meets the requirements for the 8″, and so forth. They say that, with the expanded jaw capacities, each wrench does the work of the next larger size.

The jaws feature micro-serrations, or finely spaces grooves, which Crescent says provides a tighter grip on fasteners, helping to generate 4x more torque than traditional adjustable wrenches.

Each wrench also features a larger knurl, which provides a tighter jaw fit, is easier to adjust, and is less likely to bind up.

SAE and metric size markings are laser etched into the wrench head.

Finally, the new Crescent wrenches have a black phosphate and lacquer finish for corrosion and rust resistance.

Sizes

• 6″, model ATWJ26VS
• 8″, model ATWJ28VS
• 10″, model ATWJ210VS
• 12″, model ATWJ212VS
• 6″ and 10″ set, ATWJ2610VS

Price: $26.37 for the 8″, as of the time of this posting

Buy Now(via Amazon)

First Thoughts

I was a little worried when I read that the new Crescent adjustable wrenches would have micro-serrated jaws. However, from the close-up image, they appear to be blunted, maybe even rounded. I don’t know if I could consider them non-marring, but I don’t think they’ll gouge out fasteners or fitting in the way I had initially imagined.

Wider jaw openings? Sounds good to me. A larger knurl? They make it sound good, saying it tightens up the jaw fit and is easier to adjust.

Crescent’s specs sheets show the wrong max jaw opening capacities, and so we’re still working to get the official specs. But, seeing as how a standard Crescent 8″ adjustable wrench opens to 1-1/8″, and images of the new 8″ show markings greater than 1-1/4″, they’re definitely wider.

It has been more than a year since Crescent’s rebranding and absorption of other Apex Tool Group brands. Actually, they also recently added Jobox under the Crescent brand umbrella.

New premium Crescent Lufkin tape measures, and now new premium-looking and featured adjustable wrenches? It’s good to see new fire in their engines.

Crescent was known for their adjustable wrenches. If these new wrenches are everything they’re claimed to be, will you be adding one to your tool kit?

Related Posts:

New Crescent Locking Adjustable Wrench New Dewalt Adjustable Wrenches 5 Things That Make Channellock Adjustable Wrenches so Good

Milwaukee has come out with a new 12″ smooth jaw pipe wrench, model 48-22-7186.

It was announced in 2018 as part of Milwaukee’s pipe wrench expansion, and started shipping late last Fall, but I think it’s still fair to describe it as new.

The new Milwaukee smooth jaw pipe wrench provides a parallel grip and should provide a secure hold on fittings and fasteners, without damaging them. It’s specifically designed for use on chrome plumbing fittings.

Milwaukee says that the handle has an ergonomic shape that won’t dig into your palms, and that its design helps to prevent fatigue and slipping.

• 11.5″ length
• 2-5/8″ jaw capacity
• Weighs 2.9 lbs

Milwaukee’s product imagery shows the wrench in use on a commercial toilet fixture.

Price: $32

Buy Now(12″ smooth jaw wrench via Acme Tools)

Offset Hex Pipe Wrench

Milwaukee also makes an offset pipe wrench with hex-style smooth steel jaws, model 48-22-7171.

• 10.5″ length, 14.29″ height
• 2-5/8″ jaw capacity
• Weighs 1.8 lbs

The Milwaukee offset hex smooth jaw pipe wrench allows for 3 points of contact, and like the 12″ wrench, it’s designed for non-marring use on chrome-finished fittings and other similar plumbing fixtures.

Price: $30

Buy Now(Offset wrench via Acme Tools)

First Thoughts

I have smooth-jaw pliers, and they come out when I need to work on finished plumbing fittings and fixtures. Despite the smooth jaws, I usually tape the jaws, just to be safe.

These pipe wrenches look a bit too big for things like shower head installs, which is why I think they’re more aimed at commercial plumbers than residential. But maybe there are some residential plumbing applications?

I’m curious to see what a pro plumber thinks of these Milwaukee pipe wrenches, especially if you do commercial installations or maintenance.

What about the offset hex wrench? That looks like it could be a handy problem-solver when working in tight spaces or very specific scenarios.

Related Posts:

Gedore Wrench for Plumbing Fittings New Milwaukee Ratcheting Wrenches Astro Pneumatic Ratchet and Release Flare Nut Wrenches

I visited two local Lowe’s stores this weekend and came across either a new Kobalt tool or a tool so unsightly that I blocked out all memory of it – the Kobalt ratcheting rapid-adjust wrench.

I posted a quick in-store video of the wrench’s adjustment action to Instagram, and will link to it at the end of the post.

Basically, it’s a new take on the Kobalt Rapid-Adjust wrenches from a couple of years ago.

You squeeze the handle to auto-close the adjustable jaws, and then there’s a push-button release level.

Admittedly, ratcheting jaws do seem to make this wrench a little more versatile. However, I can’t help but feel this to be an abomination of an adjustable wrench.

Those jaws look like they’ll tear into delicate surface materials. Perhaps not, but they look like aggressive pliers jaws instead of what you might typically find on an adjustable wrench.

I bought one. It’s purely for some light testing and potential review purposes, but I feel pretty lousy about it. First of all, it was priced at $25, which I just know is too high. Next week, or the week after that, this gift-center special buy will almost definitely drop to $15 or so. $25? I can think of far better adjustable wrenches for that kind of money.

ToolGuyd Pick: Channellock Cushion-Grip Wrench via Amazon

If I were looking to shed a few dollars off my credit card bill, I’d look at Channellock’s plain-handle adjustables. You can buy a Channellock 8″ made-in-Spain adjustable wrench for $7 less than this Kobalt is currently priced.

I’m sure that the Kobalt ratcheting auto-adjust wrench is a fine substitute for… I don’t know. I’m not walking into this review very open-minded. There’s a good chance I won’t even remove it from its packaging and that it’ll go back to the store for a refund this week.

I can see myself testing it and coming to the conclusion that a quality adjustable wrench is a safer buy, or that one could budget towards a Knipex Pliers Wrench or similar for turning fasteners via a pseudo-ratcheting action.

Maybe the in-store display was a little wonky and left me with a little more hesitation than deserved.

I don’t have good feelings about this tool. Maybe that’ll change and it’ll surprise me during testing.

Can you see a use for this wrench?

Buy Now via Lowes

Is this a solution to a problem? Or a gimmick aimed at less discerning tool buyers and gift givers?

View this post on Instagram

New @kobalttools adjustable ratcheting wrench pliers thingie from @loweshomeimprovement . Bought one at full price for testing. It's hard to walk into this one optimistically. Maybe it'll be surprisingly good? Will probably drop to $15 in two weeks. Sticker price is currently $25. #tools #kobalt #lowes #newtools #toolreview #contractor #diyer #electrician #plumbing #plumber

A post shared by ToolGuyd (@toolguyd_stuey) on Nov 3, 2019 at 2:20pm PST

Related Posts:

New Southwire 8″ High Leverage Diagonal Cutting Pliers New Milwaukee Ratcheting Wrenches New Craftsman Compound Action Pliers and Cutters

Over on Amazon, they are discounting both the 8″ and 10″ Irwin Vise-Grip adjustable parallel jaw pliers, which I’ll simply describe here as a “pliers wrench.”

The sale price for the 8″ pliers wrench is $15 and the 10″ pliers wrench is $20. We don’t know how long this sale will last, but it looks to be part of Amazon’s pre-Black Friday promotions.

According to camelcamelcamel, an online Amazon price tracker, Irwin’s 8″ pliers were was previously priced as high as $25, it’s been $22 for more than half the time they’ve been listed on Amazon. There is no other pricing data for the 10″ pliers on Amazon, but they were previously $26 at Lowes.

Price: 8-inch for $15, 10-inch for $20

Buy Now via Amazon

Lowe’s also has the Irwin Pliers Wrenches on sale, although they are charging slightly more ($17) for the 8″ pliers wrench. The 10″ pliers wrench is priced the same as Amazon: $20.

Irwin pliers wrenches are regularly $22 for the 8″ and $26 for the 10″. On the Lowe’s website, the discounted prices are advertised as the “New Lower Price,” which is often just a synonym for “sale price.”

Price: 8-inch for $17, 10-inch for $20

Buy Now (8″ via Lowe’s)
Buy Now (10″ via Lowe’s)

Related Posts:

New Irwin Vise-Grip Pliers Wrenches are Now Available Kobalt Ratcheting Rapid-Adjust Wrench is… Different Irwin Launches Improved Vise-Grip Locking Pliers

Over at Amazon, they have a couple of new Wera tool deals. There’s no information about when the promos will end, or how limited supplies might be.

First, the Wera Kraftform Kompakt 25 multi-bit screwdriver is on sale for $27.27. This is probably my favorite Wera tool, or at least the running is so close between this and my Wera ratchet that I can’t tell which one I couldn’t ever part with.

It comes with a removable, extending, and locking bit holder, and has internal storage for the 6 included screwdriver bits.

You also get a belt pouch, which is handy. I don’t think I’ve ever worn this on my belt, but I have used the belt loop to hold an adjustable wrench for a compact on-the-go tool kit.

The price has bee lower, but it’s usually quite a bit higher. I think this is a good deal. If you’re on the fence, you might have to wait until next July’s Prime Day for the next noteworthy deal or discount.

Buy Now via Amazon

They also have this Wera 6pc insulated screwdriver set on sale for $23.89, which is a little less than I paid for my set during a 2018 Prime Day deal.

You get 2 Phillips (#1, #2) and 4 slotted (2.5, 3.5, 4.0, 5.5 mm) screwdrivers.

The handles are tested to 10,000V and rated to provide safety when working around voltages up to 1000V. You should of course de-energize circuits before working on them, with screwdrivers like these meant to be secondary precautions just in case.

They’re comfortable and in my opinion trustworthy.

The drivers have feature lasertip tech on the tips, which helps to prevent fastener slipping.

Buy Now via Amazon

Lastly, there’s a deal on this Wera 8pc imperial Joker ratcheting wrench set. The set comes with wrench sizes from 5/16″ thru 3/4″ in 1/16″ increments.

This set, model 05020012001, seems to be priced at $144 to $200 elsewhere. On Amazon, the set is currently discounted to $130.56.

Buy Now via Amazon

I can’t find a “deal page,” but Amazon’s Wera storefront page helped me identify the Joker wrench deal. Please let us know if you find any other Wera tools on sale!!

Related Posts:

Wera Pozidriv Screwdriver – Perfect for Assembling IKEA Furniture Kobalt Ratcheting Rapid-Adjust Wrench is… Different Wera Kraftform Precision Screwdriver “Big Pack 1” 25pc Assortment

It seems that Wera is diving deeper into wrenching territory, with new Joker non-ratcheting combination wrenches (which we’re gathering more information on), and a trio of new Joker “self-setting” adjustable wrenches.

The new Wera Joker adjustable wrenches are said to cover all metric and imperial sizes in the respective field of application, which simply means there are no physical stops to limit adjustability up to the max opening width.

The Joker adjustable wrench is self-sizing, with the proper size set when attached to a hexagonal fastener. An integrated lever mechanism ensures proper clamping pressure to reduce the risk of slippage or damage as the wrench is turned.

Its jaws are parallel, with added corner-width grooves.

Typically, a 6pt hex fastener must be turned at least 60° before the next set of flats can be engaged for work to continue. Thanks to the corner grooves, the pivot angle on these Joker adjustable wrneches is 30°, which should help with difficult access situations such as in tight spaces.

Wera describes the new Joker adjustable wrenches as the universal screwdriving tool.

So basically, these new Wera Joker wrenches are self-adjusting ratcheting adjustable wrenches. The three main selling points are that they feature:

• Self-adjusting jaws
• Secure self-gripping
• Ratcheting action

The 6004-series Wera Joker self-setting wrenches will launch in 3 sizes:

• Small (6.06″ overall length)
  • 10-13mm
  • 7/16″ – 1/2″
• Large (8.82″ overall length)
  • 16-19mm
  • 5/8″ – 3/4″
• XXL (12.68″)
  • 24-32mm
  • 15/16″ – 1-1/4″

For some reason, Wera’s main website and distributors’ pages only show the Small, Large, and XXL sizes. Digging deeper, there will also be XS and medium sizes. These additional sizes will be available Fall 2020.

• XS (4.53″ overall length)
  • 7-10mm
  • 3/8″-9/32″
• Medium (7.40″ overall length)
  • 13-16mm
  • 1/2″-5/8″

It seems that there will/should also be an XL size to bridge the gap between L and XXL opening width ranges. Although Wera doesn’t list an XL or 10″ Joker 6004-series wrench size right now, I would imagine it’ll have a fastener range of 19-24mm, which will cover 13/16″ and 7/8″ sizes.

Price: $45 for small, $62.50 large, $80 XXL
ETA: mid-April 2020, Fall 2020

Buy Now: Small via KC Tool
Buy Now: Large via KC Tool
Buy Now: XXL via KC Tool

Reminder: coupon code TOOLGUYD4LIFE will get you a 10% discount at KC Tool.

Compare: Channellock 8″ Wrench via Amazon
Compare: Channellock Chrome 10″ Wrench

Discussion

I have some mixed feelings about these new Wera tools. On one hand, self-adjustable ratcheting adjustable wrenches are typically cheap gimmicky tools that entice holiday gift shoppers into buying what will inevitably collect dust. On the other hand, Wera makes solid tools and I don’t think they’d put their name on tools they weren’t sure would hold up to users’ high expectations.

$45 and up per wrench, with each wrench only covering a couple of fastener sizes? That’s sure to hurt your wallet.

Wera’s sales flyer says:

Many users wish to have a universal screwdriving tool with the widest possible range of applications. It should be a single tool for multiple metric and imperial dimensions.

It should automatically adjust to the different screw sizes. It should be safe to grab without damaging anything and allow for a high working speed.

They say that the tool fulfills these wishes, but does it?

There are two main benefits that I can see, aside from the self-adjusting and ratcheting aspects. First, Wera emphasizes that the jaws are gentle to fastener heads, which should help prevent damage such as rounding-off. Second, the low 30° back-pivoting angle should come in handy. Who hasn’t gotten stuck with an adjustable wrench, flipping it back and forth trying to achieve a full 60° rotation so that the next set of flats can be engaged?

The ratcheting action seems simple enough. Turn the wrench in the clockwise direction, and it clamps down on the fastener, and then turns the fastener once proper pressure is achieved. Turn the wrench in the counterclockwise direction, and it loosens up allows for a ratcheting-like reset so that you can engage the next set of fastener flats.

It seems like it could work as a replacement for standard adjustable wrenches in many applications, if you’re willing to empty quite a few bills from your wallet.

These new Wera Joker wrenches also seem very application-specialized, given their limited jaw opening width ranges. For instance, a Channellock (Irega-made) wide adjustable wrench has a 0 to 1-1/2″ opening range. Their chrome (wide but not super-wide) 10″ wrench has a jaw capacity of 0 to 1-3/8″.

Wera’s ~9″ wrench covers 16-19mm and ~5/8″ – 3/4″ fastener ranges. With a standard 8″ adjustable wrench, you can cover smaller or larger fastener sizes, at least if there aren’t physical obstacles that prevent the larger head and longer handle from turning smaller nuts or bolts. Thus, it’ll take maybe 3 of these Wera Joker 6004-series ratcheting adjustable wrenches to cover the practical range of what a standard 8″ adjustable wrench can cover.

But, let’s say your installation, assembly, or maintenance tasks predominantly require a single wrench size or two. Will these wrenches come in handy for those types of applications? Then again, if you know what fastener sizes you’re most likely to come across, wouldn’t you then bring dedicated-size combination wrenches?

These new tools look appealing, but when you consider that there are 5 tools to cover the range, plus a presumed 6th XL wrench size to bridge the gap between L and XXL sizes, that’s a lot of tools and a lot of money.

See Also: Buy a 10″ Knipex Pliers Wrench
See Also: Buy a 5″ and 7″ Pliers Wrench Set

Wera Promo Videos

Here’s a quick demo video:

There’s also a longer video that doesn’t really show much, but it’s a light and funny 4-1/2 minute almost 3 stooges-like story:

Related Posts:

New Dewalt Adjustable Wrenches New Crescent Wide-Jaw Adjustable Wrenches w/ Micro-Serrations Kirk Wrench – a Reconfigurable Modular Wrench for Tight Spaces

We have extolled the benefits of ball end hex tools in the past, and for good reason – they conveniently allow for working around obstacles, engaging fasteners at angles of up to 30° off-vertical. But, ball hex ends are not capable of delivering as much torque as straight hex tips.

I own a couple of PB Swiss low-profile hex keys, and they do come in handy, featuring a 100° angle that helps clear the tools above obstacles while also fitting into more confined spaces.

Now, PB Swiss has come out with a new stubby-sized 90°-100° hex key design, featuring a ball point at the long end and a very short and combination-angled end on the short end.

PB Swiss Tools describes the new shape as being hemispherical with a half ball point, capable of high torque for versatile applications.

The new hex keys are made from a special allow based on spring steel with exceptional elasticity coupled with high grade hardening.

The new 90°-100° hex end can engage and turn fasteners with a 10° range to one side, allowing users to work over obstacles where a traditional 90° hex key end simply won’t fit.

While you could potentially use a 90° hex key to access the fastener in a recessed structure, it doesn’t leave you with much clearance to fit your hand.

The stubby hex keys I showed above feature a fixed 100° taper. But what if you need to swing the hex key under an obstacle, instead of over it?

Here’s where the special hemispherical head allows for the hex key handle to engage fasteners at a variable axis.

In their intro video, PB Swiss shows off the new hex keys being used to access a fastener, swinging above a large side wall, and then below a higher obstruction, offering easier access and allowing for a wider swing than if traditional 90° or 100° stubby hex keys are used.

The new 90°-100° hex keys will be available in metric sizing, individually and in plain and rainbow color-coded sets.

PB Swiss 90°-100° Hex Key Sizes

• Individual Sizes (PB 2222.L)
  • 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 mm
• Set: PB 2222 LH
• Rainbow Set: PB 2222 LH RB

1.5 and 2mm sizes only have the 90° angle.

Intro Video

Discussion

Will it be useful?

I have straight hex keys, ball hex keys, and a new-complete set of low-profile angled hex keys from back when Amazon and Small Parts were clearancing them out at a great discount.

Over the years, those angled stubby hex keys have come in handy on occasion. You get the ball hex tip on one end, and the short angled straight tip on the other.

Personally, I see this new design as somewhat of a replacement to those low-profile hex keys, rather than an adjacent offering, and it does look to provide a little more added versatility. But, you can still opt for the 100° hex keys if you are so inclined, or traditional 90° ends in standard lengths.

Sometimes you might need that 10° offset, other times you might not want it, preferring straight 90° engagement for better comfort. This new design gives you both.

Looking at PB Swiss’s website, they’re still offering the low-profile, low-profile ball end, and long low-profile ball end hex keys, series PB 2210, PB 2212, and PB 2212 L respectively, plus rainbow-colored long low-profile ball end versions, PB 2212 L RB.

While some material is removed to allow for the special semi-ball-like shape, it doesn’t look to compromise the strength and torque capabilities of the hex keys. You only get a small range of adjustability compared to ball end hex tips, but seemingly without much reduction in strength.

This new design won’t change the world, but looks to be a convenient problem-solver for certain fastener accessibility challenges.

There are other tools that can rise over obstacles, such as bit ratchets or standard ratchets with screwdriver bit holders, sockets, and extensions, but few are as compact and easy to pack into a tool bag as a set of hex keys.

I love my PB Swiss hex keys – I have a couple of their rainbow color-coded sets – but haven’t used my low-profile hex keys enough to warrant an upgrade to this new design.

I would classify these new 90°-100° hex keys as specialty tools for technicians or industrial users, but the design seemed novel enough for discussion.

More Info via PB Swiss Tools

Related Posts:

New PB Swiss Precision Screwdrivers Stanley FatMax Folding Diamond-Coated Ball Hex Key Sets New Megapro T-Handle Ratcheting Screwdriver

You know the Labor Day Savings Event that we partnered with Home Depot to share about? I have been shopping the sale, and came across another deal that I just cannot say no to.

Right now, they have Milwaukee Tool 15pc wrench sets on sale for $99 each.

In my opinion, that’s a great price, seeing as how these wrench sets typically sell for $129. With this deals, you save $30 (a little over 23%) on great quality combination wrenches.

But, that’s not all – they’re also throwing in a free 4pc pick set, which typically sells for $17.

So, you get a $129 15pc wrench set and a $17 4pc pick set for $99 out the door. AND with free shipping.

I don’t need new combination wrenches, especially since I still have a set of these that Milwaukee Tool provided for review when they launched (which is also how I know they’re great wrenches).

I can’t pass up this deal!

I’m sure that some of YOU could use a new set of wrenches, right? So, I want to buy one lucky reader a brand new 15pc wrench set in their choice of SAE or metric flavors.

The 15pc SAE wrench set comes with 1/4″ thru 1″ wrenches, and does not look to miss any sizes. The storage rack is also convenient and sturdy.

See the SAE Deal via Home Depot

The 15pc metric wrench set comes with 8mm thru 22mm sizes, and in 1mm increments with no skipped sizes.

See the Metric Deal via Home Depot

Giveaway Rules

The Prize: Winner’s choice of either SAE or metric wrench set.

Winner Selection: (1) winner will be chosen at random.

Prize Fulfillment: The deals end 9/6/2020, and so I will be selecting a winner and ordering the prize to be sent to them shortly after the entry period closes.

We will contact the winner AFTER the giveaway prize is ordered, and so be sure to provide accurate contact/address information via the link below.

Entry Details: Leave a comment telling us why you want to win a new Milwaukee 15pc wrench set. Are you looking to build your tool set, upgrade from lesser wrenches, or is there another reason? What would you use these wrenches for should you win?

Entry Period Ends: Friday (today) 9/4/2020 at 11:59pm ET.

Due to shipping limitations, this giveaway is limited to those in the contiguous USA.

Giveaway Address Form

Transparency Note

This post and our also-live Milwaukee M12 giveaway aren’t explicitly included in our paid partnership with Home Depot, but since more posts that mention their Labor Day event – even if unsponsored and purely editorial – align with the spirit of the arrangement, it’s best if you consider everything as intertwined until the partnership ends after Labor Day.

I appreciate all of you for continuing to read and support ToolGuyd. Hopefully this giveaway is a good way for me and ToolGuyd to give back to you. If not, I’m open to ideas. This seemed like a win-win-win idea.

I’ll scour through the deals again before they end. If you take a look and see a HOT deal that draws your attention and warrants a deal post, please let me know!

More Home Depot Labor Day Savings: Power Tools | Hand Tools

Our current sponsorship with Home Depot helped make this possible. Thank you to Home Depot, and for the gift card that will pay for this giveaway prize!

Update 1pm: The giveaway is only open to entrants in the contiguous USA. If any Canadians entered the giveaway prior to this update, we’ll make something work if you win.

Winner!

Congratulations to Pete O! Your new Milwaukee wrench and pick set has been ordered and is on the way!

Related Posts:

New Milwaukee Ratcheting Wrenches A Closer Look at Milwaukee Combination Wrenches New Craftsman Wrench Sets at Lowes

I have been watching for new Amazon.com AmazonBasics tool introductions for a while, and it seems that I missed their broad entry into the mechanics hand tools and combination wrench market.

Feast your eyes on these new sets! What do you think?

There a LOT of new listings too, with many different options when it comes to standard, ratcheting, and SAE + metric wrench sets.

Each of the AmzaonBasics wrench sets that I’ve been looking at come bundled with a handy nylon roll-up case for portability and convenient storage.

I see these wrench sets as budget-focused entry-level offerings, although the marketing is a little unclear.

Amazon says:

This quality set of wrenches is the perfect addition to any tool box. With exceptional torque, steel construction, and easy-grip handling, the wrench set is a reliable essential for both the professional and DIY handyman. Keep in your garage, tool shed, or work truck for quick accessibility and convenience.

They’re advertised for use on all kinds of work:

From putting together furniture to working on heavy equipment, you’ll appreciate the diverse range and dependability of the AmazonBasics combination wrenches.

While these look perfectly fine for general budget-shopper use, I don’t know how well suited they’d be for professional use.

The warranty isn’t quite inline with the industry:

Backed by an AmazonBasics limited one-year warranty.

A one-year warranty? Crescent, Husky, Craftsman, Kobalt, and other brands offer lifetime warranties against defects – at the least. Even Harbor Freight’s Pittsburgh wrenches ($15 for a 22pc set) come with a lifetime warranty.

Here’s what I’m wondering: who makes these wrenches for AmazonBasics?

Looking on Amazon at some of the unfamiliar straight-to-Amazon brands, I see a resemblance with the “Hurricane” brand of wrenches, but not quite exact.

Here is a set of “Toolman” wrenches with similar but not-exact roll-up case styling.

There are so many of these unfamiliar brands on Amazon, and they all look very similarly generic.

I’ve purchased some AmazonBasics products before, with HDMI cables and a paper shredder coming to mind. I stopped using the HDMI cables after one failed and drove me crazy with a bizarre troubleshooting process.

I’d like to think that the AmazonBasics brand is reasonably trustworthy, but find myself needing to be convinced again, especially in light of recent controversies.

More Info: [US Senators] Demand Amazon Recall & Stop Sales of Dangerous AmazonBasics Products – Including Flaming Phone Chargers & Exploding Batteries

These AmazonBasics combination wrenches could be a decent low-end buy. But, I can’t help but feel skeptical. There are plenty of entry-priced wrench options out there, many from established names.

Crescent. Stanley. Craftsman. Harbor Freight. WorkPro. Sata (Crescent and Gearwrench’s sibling brand). These brands all have very affordable entry-priced wrench sets.

What makes the AmazonBasics wrenches any different from others’ entry priced listings?

I hope you can forgive the slight digression, but here’s a Tekton combination wrench set, featured in a more premium roll-up case.

Nearly 7 years ago, I spoke with a Tekton manager, and we talked about how they were working to change their image. Or rather, they were shifting focus, away from “cheap tools at cheap prices” and towards “tools for demanding users on budgets.”

Speaking now, after years of period review samples and quality check purchases, I can see that Tekton has indeed changed. They also steadily release new USA-made tools, resulting from an increasing number of partnerships.

Why buy Tekton tools now? Great quality for the price and, from what I’ve heard, exceptionally good customer service.

Why buy these AmazonBasics wrenches? Because they’re low-priced (if that’s what you’re looking for) and from Amazon? Those can be compelling reasons, but is it enough?

Both brands, Tekton and AmazonBasics, have similar imagery demonstrating the wrenches’ 15° offset box end, a feature that is shared by most brands’ combination wrenches.

Buy Now: Tekton Set
Buy Now: AmazonBasics Set

Check out how Tekton (top) and AmazonBasics (bottom) use similar imagery to demonstrate how their wrenches’ 15° offset provides hand clearance. In the Tekton image, the model’s hand is positioned above the table surface. In the AmazonBasics image, the hand is shown resting slightly above the table surface except for one knuckle that’s touching.

It’s not clearance if your knuckles contact and potentially scrape a flush worksurface. Somebody at AmazonBasics should have caught this.

Why buy AmazonBasics tools? Because they’re cheap? Because you trust Amazon and should automatically trust AmazonBasics?

AmazonBasics came out with a broad selection of combination wrenches, ratcheting wrenches, and some specialty wrenches.

So what?

For now, it looks like AmazonBasics wrench sets just another entry-level option for users shopping solely on price? That’s okay, I guess. There was a time when I did the same for certain hand tools.

Grizzly announced a new line of “incredible professional” power tools last year.

CAT, which is tied to many licensed tools and tool-related products, apparently has a new line of cordless and brushless power tools coming out.

I often ask so what? about new tools and especially whenever there are unconventional entries into crowded tool markets.

What’s the point of these AmazonBasics wrench sets and their other new (newish) core hand tool offerings? Are the low prices the only selling point?

Amazon and AmazonBasics have the potential to really disrupt the tool industry. I’m serious – with the right leadership and strategies, they can grab market share and severely reshape the competitive landscape.

Unfortunately, at this time, there doesn’t seem to be any such strategy.

There’s something to be said about the “Amazon” brand familiarity, but is that it?

It’s as if Amazon looked at wrench sets that had high sales and low return rates and then contracted with the manufacturers to sell the same under AmazonBasics branding.

At this time, there’s not even any kind of unified color scheme that I can tell, or any cohesive branding effort. No design distinction.

Here’s a Crescent 10pc combination wrench set for for $18-19 on Amazon. And here’s the metric set for around the same price.

These Crescent full-polish wrenches are priced lower than Amazon’s sets. Why spend more for AmazonBasics?

Amazon is the world’s largest retailer, and there is so much potential here.

I suppose that I might find AmazonBasics’ more specialty and niche wrenches more interesting, but not really any more appealing.

Shop for AmazonBasic Wrenches
See More AmazonBasics Tools

AmazonBasics offers a range of different combination wrench set options. So what? Why should budget shoppers care? I haven’t found a good answer to this question yet.

Everything Amazon does has impact. But for consumers, what’s the impact of these entry-priced wrench sets?

Related Posts:

New Craftsman Wrench Sets at Lowes New Milwaukee Ratcheting Wrenches Pros and Cons of Preordering New Cordless Power Tools

Gearwrench is a decent name when it comes to mid-level wrenches, ratchets, and other mechanics tools. I came across a 28pc combination wrench set at a great price, but it’s not a straightforward recommendation, making for what I feel could be an interesting reader discussion.

You see, there’s a catch here – this is a 6pt combination wrench set.

This is an all-in-one wrench set, meaning it gives you both SAE and metric wrenches, in the following sizes:

Wrench Sizes

• 1/4″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″,  7/16″,  1/2″,  9/16″,  5/8″,  11/16″,  3/4″,  13/16″,  7/8″, 15/16″,  1″
• 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 mm

These wrenches have a full-polish finish, standard open end, standard 15° offset, and a 6pt box end.

Who should buy this wrench set?

Anyone who wants a good range of 6pt combination wrenches. I say good range because from 1/4″ to 1″ with no skipped sizes is a good SAE set, and the same is true for 6 to 19 mm, also with no skipped sizes.

But here’s the next question:

Who needs 6pt combination wrenches?

Fact: A 6pt wrench box end will have a more secure fit on hex fasteners than 12pt box ends or “universal” style box ends.

In other words, there’s less chance or rounding-off fasteners. You get a better fit, more engagement, less risk of damage.

6pt is better than 12pt.

When buying my first socket sets, I made sure to buy 6pt sockets for this reason. It wasn’t easy, as a lot of consumer sets give you 12pt sockets.

But with wrenches, I still do not own any 6pt combination wrenches. Why? Because 6pt restricts your access angle.

Let’s say a fastener is turned just beyond where you could access it with your wrench’s box end. If that wrench is a 12pt combination wrench, you have to rotate the tool 360/12, or 30° to engage the next flats. With a 6pt box end wrench, you have to rotate the tool 360/6, or 60°.

In order to turn that fastener, you need to double the swing arc for a 6pt wrench as you do for a 12pt wrench.

This isn’t a big deal for 6pt sockets being used with a ratchet or ratcheting accessories. But for a 6pt wrench, there’s no escaping the minimum engagement angle.

Have you ever worked with an open end wrench and been frustrated at being unable to turn a standard hex bolt or nut in one direction, only to flip the wrench and find that you still cannot engage its flats? A 6pt wrench might encounter similar difficulties.

So, who should buy 6pt combination wrenches? Anyone who KNOWS they want or need them. Everyone else will be better off with more common 12pt combination wrenches.

I have been tempted to buy a set of these Gearwrench 6pt combination wrenches – they are indeed a great value – with the idea that I would use them mainly as secondary wrenches, such as when turning a fastener with a wrench on one side, and needing a wrench on the other side to hold things steady. But, since I have fixed and ratcheting combination wrenches, and no shortage of smooth jaw pliers and adjustable wrenches, my temptation is more of a curiosity than any real need.

Do YOU prefer 6pt wrenches? Why? Have you bought a set only to leave them to collect dust?

What needs or types of uses could justify a set of 6pt wrenches?

Lastly, this set seems like a very good buy – 28 full polish Gearwrench-brand wrenches for ~$82. What’s the catch?

Buy Now via Amazon

Related Posts:

New Amazon Basics Combination Wrench Sets – So What? The Best Traditional Adjustable Wrench Alternative? New Craftsman Wrench Sets at Lowes

Over at Amazon, they have this Dewalt 8pc SAE combination wrench set on sale for $20, and it comes with a tool box drawer-friendly case that also stacks with other like-sized cases. Model number is DWMT73809.

Sizes range from 1/4″ to 11/16″.

• 1/4″
• 5/16″
• 3/8″
• 7/16″
• 1/2″
• 9/16″
• 5/8″
• 11/16″

Features include 12pc box ends and open ends with “DirectTorque technology” to help prevent rounding of fastener corners. These Dewalt wrenches have a full polish finish and 13° box end offset.

Regular Street Price: $30
Sale Price: $20

Buy Now via Amazon

I’m not quite sure how new these cases are, but they stack together with like-sized Dewalt mechanics tool sets.

They also have a Dewalt 1/4″ SAE and metric ratchet and socket set, DWMT73805.

This is a 25pc set that includes a 72-tooth ratchet, extensions, and standard/shallow sockets with polished chrome finish.

Here’s what you get:

• 1/4 Drive Quick Release Ratchet
• 3” Extension
• Drill Adaptor
• SAE sockets:
  • 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16 inch
• Metric Sockets
  • 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 mm

Regular Street Price: $30
Sale Price: $20

Buy Now via Amazon

Are These Good Deals?

Dewalt mechanics tools are decent, and with these deals you get these two sets at ~33% discount – $10 off their regular prices of ~$30 each.

The cases should stack together, which is convenient, and they’re thin enough to be tool box drawer-friendly.

These seem to be very good deals if you can use these particular sets.

Related Posts:

New Dewalt Ratchets are Hitting the Market A Closer Look at Milwaukee Combination Wrenches First New Craftsman Ratchets and Tool Sets Appear on Lowes.com