It’s not only mechanics who are in need of an adjustable wrench but also homeowners, tinkers, woodworkers, and DIYers. As I was not a professional craftsman myself, I thought that it’s okay to buy the cheapest tool on the market. After all, I was not going to use the wrench every day. However, I soon realized that choosing the best adjustable wrench in high-grade steel is the wisest choice.
Having a good adjustable wrench makes plumbing and mechanic work easier. Jobs can be done much quicker as well. You need a tool that can grip the bolts tightly and is easy to adjust. Otherwise, you’ll end up doing a sloppy job.
How to Choose the Right Adjustable Wrench
The first adjustable spanner was invented in 1842 by Richard Clyburn - an English engineer. And now adjustable wrenches come in a variety of shapes and sizes, open to different degrees, and can be used for a number of jobs.
The best adjustable wrench for plumbing might not be the best one for a mechanic job and vice versa. That is why before you make a purchase, you should check the product specifications and see whether or not the wrench is suitable for the specific repair or task you have at hand.
Here are things you need to consider in buying an adjustable wrench:
What to consider when picking up an adjustable wrench?
Size and Shape
Adjustable wrenches are not as strong as fixed-type wrenches or torque wrenches. However, they are compact tools that can be used for a variety of tasks. When purchasing adjustable wrench, it’s best that you get a few different sizes that fit around different bolt or nut sizes. Adjustable wrenches have four basic sizes that range from 8-inch double-ended adjustable wrench to 12-inch adjustable wrench.
Choose the right size of the adjustable wrench for your job
Metric or Standard Wrench
Each adjustable wrench has a head which can be measured according to metric or standard sizes. The unit used in the metric measurement is millimeters while the standard wrench uses inches. Choose a tool with the unit that you are familiar with. However, you can also buy a wrench that uses both metric and standard measurements.
Choose the unit that you are familiar with (via wikipedia.com)
Adjustable Wrench Durability
When choosing an adjustable wrench, we want to get the most from our money, thus we look for the most durable tool. Look for a wrench that is made from forged chrome vanadium or chromium vanadium steel because these are corrosive-resistant.
There are also wrenches made from cast iron or wrought iron (carbon steel). These wrenches are not as tough as those made from chrome vanadium though.
Wrenches made from aluminum bronze and beryllium copper are non-spark and non-magnetic.
Beryllium copper wrenches are proven to be explosion-proof, so they are suitable for industrial repairs.
Another durable material used in making an adjustable wrench is the titanium. It has non-magnetic and non-corrosive properties.
What material of the adjustable wrench that you need?
Top Best Adjustable Wrenches
It is always wise to invest in a high-quality tool.
Why?
First of all, it helps you avoid spending more on repairs.
Secondly, you do not want to compromise the quality of your job.
Lastly, it’s a waste of time and money to use tools that don’t do the job well.
Evaluating several products before you buy an adjustable wrench is what you should do. If you’re on the hunt for the best adjustable wrench, the reviews below might be able to help you.
Channellock 8WCB 8-Inch WideAzz Adjustable Wrench
Editor’s Pick – The Product that We Recommend
Channellock has a reputation for manufacturing quality tools.
The Channellock 8WCB, in particular, is made in Spain and follows the manufacturer’s high standards. It is an eight-inch wrench that has a distinct design, making it function like a twelve-inch wrench.
However, you can also get its six-inch version. Its wrench extra-wide jaw is made to open as much as 1-1/2 inches, which is a characteristic capacity of twelve-inch wrenches. Because it has longer jaws, you can ensure better gripping.
If you want to work in hard-to-reach places, you can use its thinner jaws instead.
The wrench has the markings for both standard and metric sizes. Its four-thread knurl can be easily adjusted, but it locks firmly in a regulated setting.
Manufactured with chrome vanadium steel, it promises to perform tough jobs and last for years.
The wrench is also abrasion-resistant, oxidation-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. To reveal the larger hanger hole, the rubber grip may be removed.
Pros
Cons
Stanley 90-948 8-Inch Adjustable Wrench
The Product for Your Money – Quality Product with a Reasonable Price
This adjustable wrench’s body is forged from alloy steel for added strength and durability. It has also met the standards of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for torque.
Stanley 90-948 has an extra wide jaw opening to grip big nut sizes. It is popular among plumbers, automotive mechanics, and homeowners. Its measurements of metric and standard sizes are marked with a laser.
The handle is made of a dual material to prevent slipping and for added comfort.
Overall, the design gives users control and precision even when working in a limited space. Though a lightweight adjustable wrench, it is sturdy enough not to bend or snap when used.
Compared to other tools in the same price range, this adjustable wrench is a great find. You can use it as your primary adjustable wrench or a backup tool. Because it’s easy to store, you can simply put it in your trunk.
Pros
Cons
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Adjustable Wrench Set, 4 Piece
Upgrade Pick – Pricey but Worth the Money
Irwin is known as one of the companies which make the best wrench, manufacturing warranted hand tools that are free from defects.
Their adjustable wrench set comes in varied sizes, each offering the perfect length required for different jobs. The handle lengths include six, eight, ten, and twelve inches.
You can use them in small tight areas or in jobs requiring large opening and high torque.
Irwin 2078706 adjustable wrenches are made from a chrome vanadium steel alloy, which makes them tough enough to withstand normal wear and tear from everyday use.
With markings in both metric and standard, its jaws can be set to dozens of different sizes with just a roll of the thumb. It has a firm grip once the measurement has been set. Thus, it has more reliable tightening system. Handles come in ProTouch grips for more comfort and less hand fatigue.
The set includes a carrying tray for portability. Each of the wrenches in this set has a hanger hole for easier storage.
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts
Do you make your decision for picking up an adjustable wrench for your job?
There are many adjustable wrenches on the market but not all of them are strong enough to perform tough tasks or durable enough to withstand everyday use.
After evaluating hundreds of products, including all types of Japanese adjustable wrench, I’ve found that there’s nothing like the Channellock 8WCB WideAzz Adjustable Wrench.
Aside from getting the most positive reviews from various online shops, Channellock 8WCB adjustable wrench is also the top recommended wrench by bloggers, mechanics, plumbers, and homeowners.
Though it costs more than the Stanley 90-948 8-Inch Adjustable Wrench, it’s an investment that you’d want to make.
Channellock 8WCB WideAzz Adjustable Wrench is abrasion-resistant, oxidation-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. It can last for years, so you get to save money in the long run.
With its unique design, you can use it for a number of industrial and home repair tasks. Its jaws are longer and thinner compared to the Irwin 2078706 4 Pc Adjustable Wrench Set. You can easily adjust the Channellock wrench and firmly lock it in place so that you can grip nuts and bolts tightly. You can even perform tasks in tight spaces.
In conclusion, the Channellock 8WCB WideAzz Adjustable Wrench is the best adjustable wrench that you should buy.
However, I understand that different people have different needs. You might look for a cheaper alternative or a more varied tool. In which case, I hope that the reviews I’ve written above have helped you. Also, remember that no matter how good the manufacturer is or how durable the materials of the wrench are, they don’t matter if you don’t take care of your tool. Be sure to properly clean your wrench after use.
