Recommend an adjustable wrench that doesn't suck
 

I generally use my largest mastercraft adjustable wrench for loosening the 1" nuts on headsets and loosening/tightening cassettes/freewheels.

The worm gear slips, it always opens bigger than I want it to and generally is a pile of offal.

Other than buying specific box wrenches, what adjustable wrench actually works? Between a filet mignon and ramen I'm somewhere in the middle to upper middle in terms of budget for this tool.

Crescent tool, the original ..



With your thumb on the adjustment screw , tightening, the jaws will grip solidly with even an old one..






....

+1

Crescent, etc.-meh

This is clearly the best that I've come across &, I own at least a dozen adjustable wrenches.

Have carried a 6" one in pocket daily for 2 years.

https://www.amazon.com/mobarel-Toucan-Adj-Wrench-Openning/dp/B00D2SXJ0K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1508776413&sr=8-3&keywords=mobarel%2Bwrench&th=1

The best is probably made by Irega...it's all they make.

When the filet mignon is just about $20, there's really no reason not to have one.

Knipex Pliers Wrench, pricey, but none better.

Snap On, then or what ever tools they use in NASCAR & F1 garages.

Is this the crescent wrench?

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.1...001000907.html

+1. I don't use adjustables anymore. Smooth jaws, excellent construction, and the grip tightens with turning force (as long as you use them in the right direction.

Knipex tools are top notch. I even use the smallest version of the plier wrench in my seatbag.

Once you hold a pair in your hands, you understand why everyone raves about them.

https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-860318.../dp/B000X4KP1C

Edit: I re-read your OP and recommend them even more, because when you are using for cascette/BB tools, you "grip" the tool in addition to just fitting over it. Makes removing the cassette a two handed-job rather than a three-handed job or an extremely awkward two-handed one.

I have the 150mm, not the 125mm, as my smallest, and in a pinch used them to adjust spoke nipples.

By trade I use Crescent wrenches daily. You're going to be hard pressed to find a better adjustable wrench then Crescent. Like Channel Lock channel locks... Being an electrician I've also learned Klein tools are superior as far as side cutters, needle nose, diagonal cutters, screwdrivers.. I know bike mechanics have Park tool and car mechanics use snap on.. Proto, S&K, Wright, and others are made in USA which is what I strive for. When I can.. Not starting an argument just saying. As far as adjustable goes crescent has it perfected.. If they slip, it's because either the wrench isn't tight or it's worn.

Be sure to get metric.

Bahco were good IME, don't know if they have kept up the quality.

Wait a Minute....
 

That is a consideration, but remember the English also market 'Whitworth' sizes. So, you gotta know what type hardware you are breaking loose or torquing. (Is there an adjustable torque wrench???.) :)

Seriously, there is a correct way to use an 'adjustable wrench'. If you are "righty-tighty" the stationery jaw should be on top of the flats and conversely for "lefty-loosely".

Every one should have various sized of these beloved wrenches....!

monkey wrench if you can find one with a hex hole built in to the handle..

or these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073FF9CSJ..._detail2?psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/RIDGID-31305-...BYSGSDH712G610

Printing says so printed on the plasti-dipped handle , right? :rolleyes:

Maybe it's me, but are there really that many hex sided nuts or bolts on a bike that would prevent someone from just buying the right wrench or two for a headset?

Adjustable wrenches don't work on cup/cone hubs. Maybe the fixed cup on a vintage bottom bracket.

John

I use a very large Harbor Freight adjustable wrench for headset locknut and fixed cup on bottom bracket. I use a large Channel lock with a rag on the lockring of a BB.
These are the only uses I have for these tools with bikes. When I am riding a non-QR, I carry a small Crescent for emergency wheel removal.

:lol::thumb:

... they used to sell a good one at the Home Depot, but stopped. You can still get them online.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....L._SL1500_.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/Channellock-8...ustable+wrench

The jaws are thinned, so it works on most headsets at least for the top nut.
The adjustable mechanism has less slop in it, so the jaw faces remain relatively parallel.

I was very pleased to discover it, and use it all the time.

Will this work?
Ridgid 31305 9-1/2 Offset Hex Wrench. 1-1/8 - 2-5/8 Pipe Capacity.

No, I have one of those- clunky & not good for much.


6" adjustable wrench, opens 35mm, precise enough to use as a spoke wrench.

For all purpose, get 8" or 10". Not much use on bikes but handy overall.

Any large adjustable wrench will work including cheaper ones from Harbor Freight.

However-------------------on many bikes you will also need a large thin headset wrench of the proper size to get the headset tightened back into proper adjustment.

For headsets, my preferred is the Park spanner to fit the cup and a 12-14" crescent for the locknut. I really like those thick jaws for the nut, much more than a second thin HS wrench.

Ben