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Wiha Put their Name on New Adjustable Wrenches

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Wiha Adjustable Wrench Closeup

Wiha has quietly launched new adjustable wrenches that are – if you look closely – labeled as being made in Spain.

According to Amazon, they started carrying these wrenches over the summer. I only noticed them now because Amazon has the 3pc set on sale for around $70.

Wiha Adjustable Wrenches 3pc Set

Wiha adjustable wrenches are available in a range of sizes, from 8″ up to 12″. They have SAE markings on one face, and metric on the other.

If you’re thinking that these wrenches look familiar – you’re right.

Channellock vs Wiha Adjustable Wrenches

The new Wiha adjustable wrenches look nearly identical to Channellock’s made-in-Spain adjustable wrenches, which are widely presumed to be made by Irega.

Wiha’s prices aren’t bad, but unless they offer something different, I see no reason to buy them over Channellock’s lower prices.

For example, Amazon has the Wiha 10″ wrench for $29.98 at the time of this posting, and Channellock’s is priced at $25.09. Plus, Channellock has different surface finish options, and their WideAzz wrenches with cushion-grip Code Blue handles.

The Channellock chrome finish 10″ wrench is $22.63.

I think it’s good for Wiha to put their name on more tools, but in this case I don’t see why anyone should buy what look to be the same exact tools for higher prices. Hopefully Wiha’s prices come down a bit.


Someone Asked for a Locking Adjustable Wrench?

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Amazon Basics Locking Adjustable Wrench

The Amazon Basics locking adjustable wrench is part adjustable wrench, part locking pliers.

Amazon’s not the first to make a tool like this, and they won’t be the last.

According to Amazon, their locking adjustable wrench is “ideal for auto repair, general assembly, maintenance, plumbing, and more.”

It’s a 10″ wrench with a max clamping diameter of 1.25″.

Amazon Basics Locking Adjustable Wrench Turning Plumbing Fixture

I could kind of almost see it being useful.

Crescent Locking Adjustable Wrench

Crescent also has a locking adjustable wrench, and Amazon’s version makes the Crescent look more appealing, even with its higher price tag.

Crescent Locking Adjustable Wrench Gripping Bolt

The Crescent is advertised as delivering “2x gripping power on rounded fasteners,” and features an anti-slip grooved jaw to help make that happen.

I think the Crescent might be more effective, but I would be hesitant to use it on delicate materials.

To be frank, I would be hesitant to use either tool on anything, but I’ve never given them a chance and aren’t likely to. I’ve tried my fair share of gimmicky tools, and I think I’m done.

Let me know what you think – do these tools have a spot on your tool box? Are they problem solvers?

Channellock 10-inch Adjustable Wrench with Chrome Finish

If you want a good adjustable wrench, I can sing praise for Channellock’s made-in-Spain wrenches all day and every day. They’re awesome.

This isn’t the best that Channellock offers, but it’s a good price for a solid 10″ wrench.

New Crescent Locking Adjustable Wrench – here’s my launch post from when the Crescent first came out in October 2016. Reading back that post, I was a bit more optimistic 7 years ago.

Crescent is Hyping up a New Adjustable Wrench

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Crescent Adjustable Wrench Update 2024

Crescent has kicked off a social media marketing campaign, advertising that they’re going to “revolutionize” the adjustable wrench.

“Stay tuned!”

Playing with the brightness and contrast of their image, and… Crescent’s brand new “revolutionized” adjustable wrench looks like… an adjustable wrench with a new molded handle grip.

Adjustable wrenches are convenient additions to general purpose tool kits.

I know what some of you are going to say – “what’s the point when we have Pliers Wrenches from Knipex and other brands?!” I think it’s good to have both.

Crescent’s adjustable wrenches have been decent over the years. Other brands offer wider openings, fancier handle grips, and greater thumbwheel engagement.

The company shifted (most?) production from USA to China a few years ago, but you can still find the older USA-made wrenches at specialty suppliers.

From what they’ve been showing off, I don’t see how Crescent’s new design will “revolutionize” anything.

Are there features and innovations that aren’t obvious to me, or is this a “only $9.99, perfect for Father’s Day” at Lowe’s promotional tool type of thing?

Channellock 8-inch Code Blue Adjustable Wrench

Channellock’s Wide Azz adjustable wrenches remain my favorite.

If I had to pick a second choice, I think Bahco’s are decent (buy it at Amazon). I bought one a decade ago, but rarely reach for it.

I also still have a couple of older (and “new old stock”) Crescent wrenches that I won’t be giving up, as well as Milwaukee adjustable wrenches (test samples) that are great but also behind Channellock’s.

New Harbor Freight Extending Adjustable Wrench

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Harbor Freight Extending Adjustable Wrench Used on Car Parts

Harbor Freight launched a new extendable adjustable wrench.

The new Pittsburgh-branded wrench (SKU 70778) features a 12″ length and can be extended up to 16″. It has 5 locking positions, and can be fixed at full inch increments.

The wrench’s opening width can be adjusted from 0 to 1-1/2″.

Harbor Freight Extending Adjustable Wrench

Harbor Freight says that the handle is made with a solvent-resistant bi-material grip for added comfort and durability.

Husky Extending Adjustable Wrench

The “compare to” blurb points to the Husky HEXTADJ12 wrench, which sells for $25 at Home Depot. Given the strong similarity in appearances, I wouldn’t be surprised if the same company made both tools.

The Harbor Freight Pittsburgh model is priced at $20.

Basically, this is a 12″ adjustable wrench with built-in extending cheater bar that lets you get a little more reach or leverage when needed.

While not unique, the HF version is less expensive than competing models, and also undercuts the price of no-name models on Amazon.

There are similarly-styled extending ratchets, such as by Neiko via Amazon. Looking deeper into HF’s catalog, they also have a couple of Pittsburgh extendable ratchets. Crescent’s got some on Amazon as well.

What are your thoughts on this? Adjustable wrench plus extending handle = win? Let’s hear from both pros and weekend warriors.

New Crescent Quick-Fit Adjustable Wrench

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Crescent Tools Quick-Fit Adjustable Wrench Hero

Crescent Tool has revealed their much-hyped new adjustable wrench technology, called Quick-Fit.

Crescent says that their “revolutionized” adjustable wrenches with Quick-Fit jaws were designed to eliminate those aggravations you deal with daily on the job.

Quick-Fit wrench jaws help to eliminate the need to “readjust your wrench at every turn,” offering faster frustration-fee fittings.

Crescent Tools Quick-Fit Adjustable Wrench Closeup of Jaws

Crescent Quick-Fit adjustable wrenches look a lot like ordinary adjustable wrenches, but with a key difference.

Crescent Tools Quick-Fit Adjustable Wrench Closeup of Lower Jaw Angle

The Crescent Quick-Fit lower jaw is sloped outwards by 1 degree, giving the adjustable wrench just enough of an angle to wedge itself onto hex-shaped bolts and fastener heads.

The slightly off-parallel jaw angles mean you can engage and reengage a fastener without having to readjust the opening for a perfect fit.

Crescent Tools Quick-Fit Adjustable Wrench with Comfort Grip Handle

Crescent is launching these wrenches with comfort grip handles and in 6″, 8″, 10″, and 12″ sizes. There will also be a 2pc set with 6″ and 10″ wrenches.

Crescent Tools Quick-Fit Adjustable Wrench Application Examples

It’s unclear as to who Crescent designed these wrenches for, but their social media promo images depict the tools being used for what looks like heavy equipment maintenance.

Discussion

Here’s what Crescent says about the wrench in their marketing descriptions:

Crescent, the original adjustable wrench, alleviates the aggrevating [sic] trial-and-error on the job-site. With innovations like the off-corner loading and the 1-degree slope we provide jaws that are fast fitting, won’t snag, and won’t round your fasteners.

They also say:

Larger knurl provides an easier adjustment and tighter jaw fit which reduces binding

How does a tighter jaw fit reduce binding?

Isn’t the point of the slightly angled Quick-Fit lower jaw to wedge itself onto fasteners, which is essentially a slight binding condition?

What do you think? Will this “revolutionary” design save you any hassle?

From what I’m seeing, I’d pass, especially given Crescent’s somewhat high introductory price points. If I want to skip the hassle and frustration of readjusting and fiddling with an adjustable wrench, I grab something other than an adjustable wrench.

Pricing and Comparison

Let’s use the 8″ wrench as a pricing reference.

The Crescent Quick-Fit 8-inch wrench, AC38CVS, is priced at $22.99 at Acme Tools. It’s listed as being made in Vietnam.

You can get a chrome-finish Channellock 8-inch adjustable wrench, 808W, made in Spain, for $19.95 at Amazon. The black-finish version is $22.99, and the comfort-grip wrench is $26.99. Channellock’s extra-wide comfort grip wrench is $31.95.

Bahco’s 8-inch adjustable wrench is $28.74 at Amazon.

Milwaukee Tool’s 8-inch adjustable wrench is $18.97 at Home Depot.

This Craftsman Wrench Set is a HOT Deal!

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Craftsman V-Series Metric Combination Wrench Set CMMT87325V

You should strongly consider picking up this Craftsman V-Series 12pc metric combination wrench set while it’s at an all-time low price.

At the time of this posting, this wrench set is just $39.98 at Amazon, which is around half of what it cost last year when I bought a set.

Craftsman V-Series Metric Combination Wrench I-Beam Design

Craftsman V-Series combination wrenches are very similar to my favorite Facom 440 wrenches, reviewed here.

They have an I-beam design with a slightly rounded handle profile, and an angled open end. The box end has thin but strong side walls, helping the wrenches access fasteners in tighter recesses.

In no uncertain terms, I am a huge fan of these wrenches.

They also come in a handy organizer case that’s great for grab-and-go. You can also organize the wrenches in a tool box drawer and toss the case into a “I might need this someday” storage drawer or cabinet.

I was checking the prices on a lot of the tools I bought around Prime Day last year, and the $40 seemed shockingly good to me. I don’t know why the price is down from it’s regular $80-85 or so, or how long it’ll stay there, but it’s been at $40 since at least Prime Day last week.

This a great wrench set at a fantastic price.

Included sizes: 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19mm

Sale Price: $39.98

The SAE set is also discounted from its regular price, but the savings aren’t as huge.

Also, one thing I’d like to mention is that these wrenches are a little shorter than others.

Facom 440 Combination Wrench Compared to Craftsman Pro

This photo shows a Craftsman Professional long pattern wrench (top) and a Facom wrench similar to a Craftsman V-Series wrench (bottom) of the same size.

The Facom/Craftsman V-Series wrenches aren’t the best choices for higher torque applications.

New Tools at Home Depot – Husky BITE Wrenches

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Home Depot Husky Bite Combination Wrench Box End Turning Hex Bolt

Home Depot launched a new line of Husky BITE wrenches, hex wrenches, and bit sockets, seemingly as a counter to the Craftsman Overdrive tools that launched at Lowe’s last year.

The main claim, at least based on images of the store packaging, is that new Husky BITE mechanics tools design “reduces fastener rounding.”

Home Depot Husky Bite Combination Wrench Box End Closeup

For the wrenches, Husky says that BITE delivers “45% more applicable torque.”

Home Depot Husky Bite Combination Wrench Claims

The Husky Bite combination wrenches have a non-slop open end and zero-offset 6pc box end. They are also advertised as having a 10% longer beam for greater length and leverage.

Husky Bite Hex Wrenches

The Husky Bite hex wrenches have a similar tip shape, for fitting internal socket fasteners rather than 6pt hex bolts.

Husky Bite Hex Wrench Closeup

Here’s a closeup of the Husky Bite straight hex tip.

Husky Bite Hex Wrench Set Claims

Husky says that the “gripping end” delivers “10% more applicable torque.” The tools have a ball hex tip on the long end.

Home Depot Husky Bite Hex Wrench Set in Packaging

The hex keys are color-coded, with silver for metric and black for SAE.

Home Depot Bite Tool Set Family

Home Depot is launching the Husky Bite lineup with 13 SKUs – combination wrench sets, ratcheting wrench sets, nut driver sets, and hex key and bit socket sets.

As a pricing example, the 10pc combination wrench sets are $50 each, and the 8pc ratcheting wrench sets are $60 each. The 18pc inch and metric hex wrench set is $30.

Discussion

That Home Depot’s newest Husky wrenches have a zero offset box end makes them an immediate deal breaker for me; my primary combo wrenches must have a standard 15° offset box end.

Husky Bite Hex Wrench Metric and SAE Closeup

The hex key straight profile looks a bit aggressive to me, and also directional.

The metric sizing is unusual, ranging from 3 to 10mm. I’d rather have a 2.5mm size than 4.5mm.

Craftsman Overdrive Wrench Open End Closeup
Craftsman Overdrive Wrench Open End Closeup

As I mentioned at the start of the post, Husky Bite looks like Home Depot’s counter to Craftsman’s Overdrive tools at Lowe’s.

Craftsman Overdrive Wrench 6pt Box End Closeup
Craftsman Overdrive Wrench 6pt Box End Closeup

That’s not a bad thing, it just invites direct comparison. Which would you pick?

Given the launch timing, I expect to see these Bite tools appear at Home Depot stores in time for the winter holiday deals season. However, the premium pricing suggests they might be a step-up addition to Husky’s regular product line.

I haven’t seen any Husky Bite tools in person yet, but will look for them during my next Home Depot visit.

Kobalt Ratcheting Wrench Set Deal at Lowe’s

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Kobalt 20pc Ratcheting Wrench Set

Several readers tipped me off about this Kobalt 20pc ratcheting wrench set at Lowe’s, with all of them describing it as a good deal.

Jason (thank you!) provided more details, writing:

Lowe’s has the 20-piece Kobalt ratcheting wrench set on sale for $59.98, until February 5th. That’s a pretty good value. Three bucks per wrench.

Granted, they’re not reversible, but for someone looking for a cheap entry point to ratcheting wrenches, it’s probably the best deal out there.

I picked up a set last night, but have yet to try them out. My set is labeled, “Made in India.”

One of the most recent reviewer’s complained about them not looking like the pictures on the site. (The previous version had the red and blue distinguishing marks for SAE and metric, as pictured on the site. The new version doesn’t. The new version also has the “V-notch” on the open end for increased contact with the fastener, which the older version didn’t.)

Apparently, Kobalt has recently changed the wrenches up, at least aesthetically. I wonder if they beefed up the internals of the ratcheting portion, as well, that some of the older reviews complained about. That may have been the reason for the redesign.

Lowe’s has had this – and an earlier version – Kobalt 20pc ratcheting wrench set for $60 this year, last year, and in 2021. They likely had the same deal in 2022, but it doesn’t show up in my records.

A different Kobalt 20pc ratcheting wrench set was $50 in 2020, 2019, and 2018. I didn’t look further than that.

It’s a typical holiday season promo for Lowe’s.

Still, $50 or $60 are good prices for a 20pc ratcheting wrench set. There were similar Gearwrench deals going back to at least 2011.

Is it a good value? Yes, I think so – if you’re in the market for non-reversible ratcheting wrenches. The holiday season is over, and it looks like Lowe’s Kobalt wrench deal is the last one left.

Personally, I’m not much a fan of non-reversible ratcheting wrenches unless we’re talking about flex-head wrenches, but the pricing can be attractive, especially for tool users on a strict budget.

I’m also not much a fan of the Kobalt brand anymore, as it no longer has a brand identity or direction, but at least Lowe’s still advertises a “hassle-free lifetime guarantee” on these tools.

It’s hard to beat the pricing of $3 per tool.

I can’t find any better or even comparable name-brand sets for the same $60. You can’t get even get close to 20 ratcheting wrenches for $60 at Harbor Freight.

Kobalt 20pc Ratcheting Wrench Set Product Claims Screen Capture

Let’s dig into some of the product claims:

“Chrome vanadium steel gives a Dazzling look.”

High polish – giving a stylish look.

“Professional grade” – where enabling selection of wrench size and refined chrome finish avoids corrosion which is simple to maintain.

Hassle-free lifetime guarantee – facilitating the gain of leverage in limited spaces. Your piece [sic] of mind is provided by the hassle-free lifetime guarantee.

Steel material – steel material lasts a very long time as a sustainable building material. Low maintenance requirements and efficient assembly guarantee the user of an unmatched service life.

Aren’t all consumer-grade ratcheting wrenches made from steel?

Either there’s a lot lost in translation, or this is another example of Lowe’s leveraging AI in nonsensical ways.


5 Brands of High Quality USA-Made Wrenches, Ratchets, & Sockets

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Proto Spline I-Beam Ratcheting Wrench

When it comes to mechanics, industrial, and aerospace tools, such as wrenches, ratchets, sockets, and similar accessories, there is a broad spectrum of brands and products to choose from.

This post was originally published in June 2014, and it seemed interesting to revisit it over 10 years later, in February 2025. The post will remain as it was originally written, with new updates, comments, and responses where noted.

Casual – These tools are for the once-in-a-while DIYers, and include a lot of the inexpensive multi-functional and “innovative” seasonal tools that are typically given as gifts around Christmas time and Father’s Day.

Entry-Level – There are many options available for DIYers that don’t quite know what they might need and who want the greatest bang for the buck. Entry-level tools aren’t particularly good for heavy use or demanding applications, but they’re usable and can get the job done.

Mid-Level – Better brands, such as Craftsman Professional (at least with their previous USA-made lines), are not quite at the same level as other industrial brands, but offer tools that are stronger or better featured than less expensive entry-level ones. These tools are appealing to DIYers and weekend warriors with higher budgets, and a lot of professional users earn their livings with some or many mid-level tools.

Professional and Industrial – When you need more features, better strength, top-quality, and greater breadth of size and style selection, consider a professional or industrial brand. This is the category that the rest of this discussion is mainly about.

Super-Premium – When you need absolute uncompromised quality, as well as at-your-door service, tool truck brands such as Snap-on are at the highest rung of the quality and price ladder.

USA-Made Professional & Industrial Tool Brands

We are asked this question a lot, and often see it on enthusiast forums in various forms:

Which is a good mid-level mechanics tool brand? I’m looking to buy USA-made tools and cannot afford Snap-on.

The answer used to be that Craftsman Professional was the way to go, but in recent years they discontinued many if not all of their USA-made tools, replacing them with redesigns that are manufactured overseas. Craftsman Professional tools offered fantastic bang for the buck, and it was often believed that many Craftsman pro tools were relabeled Armstrong tools.

2025 – Craftsman is now under new leadership, and their attempt to return to USA hand tool manufacturing failed.

There really aren’t any mid-level USA-manufacturing mechanics tool brands around to fill the holes left by the departed Craftsman Professional line, but there are some great reasonably-affordable professional and industrial brands to consider.

2025 – this remains true. However, Tekton has launched some reasonably priced USA-made hand tools in recent years, and seems motivated to continue along that path.

Although I sometimes describe this category as simply being mechanics tools, the same tools are often used in aerospace and other industries. It’s a simplification to describe these tools as being mechanics tools, but one that usually works.

Why USA?

This is a question everyone must answer for themselves.

For me, USA-made typically means high quality tools, experienced engineering, and a history of excellence that instills a sense of trust and reliability. It typically also means easier warranty replacement or greater availability and quicker acquisition of new tools.

I should point out that, while I often prefer USA-made mechanics tools, quality and functionality are my top priorities. I recently purchased Wera tools that are made in the Czech Republic, and Facom tools that are made in Taiwan. The Wera and Facom tools are not quite challenged by any current USA-made offerings.

Brands

All but one of these brands are part of other larger corporations (more info about large tool corporations).

Armstrong Formerly part of the Apex Tool Group

Proto – Part of Stanley Black & Decker

SK Hand Tool Formerly part of Ideal Industries – now part of Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial Co

Williams – Part of Snap-on Industrial Group

Wright – An independent manufacturer

2025 – of these tool brands, 1 no longer exists and 1 shifted most production to China. To my knowledge, Proto, Williams, and Wright still produce wrenches, ratchets, and sockets – among other tools – in the USA, although not exclusively.

Armstrong

Armstrong Maxx Ratchet

My experience with Armstrong is mostly limited to relabeled Craftsman Professional products, mainly wrenches, and a few Armstrong wrenches.

A contributor reviewed the Armstrong Maxx locking flex ratchet a while back, and really liked it.

Armstrong seems to be more aimed towards government, aerospace, and military users, but a lot of their tools are affordable and easy to find for mechanics and independent users. They’re solidly made and worth the investment.

2025Apex Tool Group eliminated the Armstrong tool brand in 2017, and funneled users towards Gearwrench and Crescent tool brands.

Proto

Proto Spline I-Beam Ratcheting Wrench

Proto has become one of my favorite industrial tool brands. Their new spline ratcheting wrenches are great, their Duratek screwdrivers are awesome, and their ratchets are both consistently good and affordable.

They also make great accessories as well, such as the locking extensions that we reviewed, and ratchet adapters for your breaker bar.

I like to think that, if there’s something you need, Proto makes it. Not all of their tools are made in the USA, but most are. And if there’s something that you need that they don’t offer, you could probably find it under one of their sister brands that are also under the Stanley Black & Decker umbrella.

Although not quite Proto, Facom – one of the brand’s sister companies – makes some really great angled socket wrenches that are compact yet highly versatile. They also have advantages when faced with nuts on longer fasteners or threaded rod.

2025 – Proto remains a fairly reliable source for USA-made hand tools.

SK Hand Tool

SK Bit Socket Set

Although I have very little experience with SK in the past, I have read numerous times that their quality has gone back up to former levels, following their bankruptcy and acquisition by Ideal Industries.

There are quite a few compelling innovative tool designs in SK’s lineup, and so it’s exciting to see that they’re back in action and looking to reclaim lost market share.

Our reviews of their bit driver sockets, thumbwheel ratchet, and a socket set left me reasonably impressed and with a taste for more.

2025 – Ideal Industries sold SK Tools to Great Star. SK has faced backlash for shifting a majority of their production to China. It is no longer clear how many or which tools are still made in the USA.

The company has not fully updated their language or product images online. For example, their thumbwheel ratchet listing at Amazon is marked in images as being made in USA, but the description now says it’s made in China.

Williams

Williams SuperCombo Wrench Open End

Williams offers tools that are made in the USA, and ones that are made overseas, but it’s easy to differentiate the separate lines by looking through their catalog. A quick but not sure way to know if a Williams tool is made in the USA is to look at the part number. If it starts with letters instead of being all numbers, there’s a good chance it’s a USA-made tool.

There is a lot of debate whether Williams tools are simply relabeled Snap-on tools without the premium prices attached to tool truck distribution structure, but insiders have pointed out a few subtle changes, such as the level of attention given to finishing tools prior to chrome plating.

I recently purchased a few Williams tools, and am pretty pleased with the quality thus far. Their SuperCombo wrenches that we briefly reviewed are popular tools for users first buying into the Williams brand, as are their fabulous hard-handled screwdrivers.

2025 – Williams, along with Snap-on, their parent company, still produces hand tools in the USA. The notes about there being USA-made and imported hand tools, with clues given by the model number, seems to remain accurate.

Wright

Wright 3440 Mini Ratchet

My experience lies mainly in a small ratchet and 7pc set if WrightGrip wrenches that are beautifully finished with a satin polish.

Wright doesn’t produce anywhere near as many tools as the other brands, but there are a few gems in their offerings, such as their stellar wrenches.

2025 – Wright remains a lesser-known USA hand tool manufacturer.

Which to Buy?

There’s no one best brand. All of these are brands of tools that I own, and all are brands that I would recommend. Which one might be for you depends on what you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend.

We have some test samples coming in, and also a large number of purchases inbound. In other words, we have plenty of reviews planned for the next few months to help you see the best of what each brand offers, and to help you determine which – if any – might be nice additions to your toolbox.

It wouldn’t be unwise to stick with just one brand, but personally I like to built my toolbox with a motley of brands that includes – but is not limited to – the 5 mentioned here.

Which mid-to-high level USA brands would you recommend for tools such as ratchets, sockets, wrenches, and other such tools?

2025 – There are fewer USA-made options than 10+ years ago. Your best bets, besides looking towards Snap-on and other tool truck brands, are Proto, Williams, and Wright. There are other brands for USA-made tools other than wrenches, ratchets, and sockets, but fewer options when it comes to these types of core tools.

The comments section contains contributions from throughout the years. Here’s a shortcut to the newest comments in response to the 2025 reflection update.

New Wera Black Edition Tools (Limited Edition)

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Wera Black Edition Joker Wrenches

If you’ve been meaning to finally pick up a set of Wera Joker wrenches or their fantastic Zyklop ratchets, you might want to hold of a little more for their new black edition tools.

That’s right, Wera has new black edition wrenches and ratchets on the way.

Wera Black Edition Joker Wrench Set

Wera and their distributors have been showing off new Joker wrenches in a matte black chrome finish.

It looks like the finish is decorative but I imagine it cleans about as well as satin and polished chrome tools. Since they say the finish is still a chrome-plating, I wouldn’t expect the same feel – or frustrations – as with tools finished with a black oxide surface treatment.

Wera Black Edition Zyklop Ratchet

The new black edition Zyklop ratchets look quite good.

The Zyklop Speed is a multi-functional ratchet with a locking swivel head, quick release button, screwdriver-type handle grip, and rotating hand sleeve that comes in handy when using the ratchet in its inline mode. They’re shorter than other ratchets, but well-suited for a wide range of tasks.

USA pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but hopefully these new limited edition tools won’t cost much more than the regular versions.

Update: KC Tool has prices for the Black Edition ratchets.

A commentor (thanks Tony!) mentioned a listing for the 11pc wrench set, $419.76, which seems pretty steep compared to the regular version that’s selling for $301.51 at KC Tool.

New Harbor Freight Adjustable Demo Wrench is a 4-in-1 Tool

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New Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Adjutable Demolition Wrench

Harbor Freight has launched a new Pittsburgh 4-in-1 adjustable demolition wrench.

Yes, it’s a demo wrench – an adjustable wrench with pry bar, nail puller, and – if you look closely – a hammer-like striking face.

You read that correctly, this adjustable wrench has a strike face. You can use one tool for very different tasks without having to switch to something else, and without feeling bad about it!

Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Demo Wrench Head

The adjustable wrench head fits fasteners up to 1-1/2″ wide.

Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Demo Pry Bar End

To use the nail puller or pry bar end, you just kind of grab the wrench head and do what you gotta do.

Harbor Freight Pittsburgh and Craftsman Demo Wrenches

Harbor Freight compares their new Pittsburgh demo wrench to a pricier Craftsman – I’ve included images of both so you can see their differences.

I have to say, the Harbor Freight version looks a bit snazzier.

The wrench has a 10″ length, flared handle for improved comfort, and corrosion-resistant black oxide coating.

It looks like Harbor Freight backs this with a lifetime warranty, just as Craftsman offers.

Price: $20

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