Recommend an adjustable wrench that doesn't suck
10-23-17, 09:51 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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.
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.
10-23-17, 09:53 AM
#2
Banned
Crescent tool, the original ..
With your thumb on the adjustment screw , tightening, the jaws will grip solidly with even an old one..
....
With your thumb on the adjustment screw , tightening, the jaws will grip solidly with even an old one..
....
Last edited by fietsbob; 10-23-17 at 03:13 PM.
10-23-17, 10:32 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 6,016
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1814 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 923 Times
in
569 Posts
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
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
10-23-17, 12:10 PM
#5
Senior Member
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.
When the filet mignon is just about $20, there's really no reason not to have one.
10-23-17, 12:50 PM
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
10-23-17, 01:05 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Sherwood, OR
Posts: 1,279
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 336 Post(s)
Liked 309 Times
in
180 Posts
+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.
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.
Last edited by aggiegrads; 10-23-17 at 01:10 PM.
10-23-17, 01:09 PM
#10
Full Member
Knipex tools are top notch. I even use the smallest version of the plier wrench in my seatbag.
https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-860318.../dp/B000X4KP1C
https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-860318.../dp/B000X4KP1C
10-23-17, 01:12 PM
#11
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Ga but travel for work
Posts: 8
Bikes: 07 Specialized hardrock comp disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
10-23-17, 02:24 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: The banks of the River Charles
Posts: 2,029
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease, 2020 Seven Evergreen, 2019 Honey Allroads Ti, 2018 Seven Redsky XX, 2017 Trek Boon 7, 2014 Trek 520
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 696 Post(s)
Liked 910 Times
in
487 Posts
Be sure to get metric.
10-23-17, 02:37 PM
#13
Passista
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,598
Bikes: 1998 Pinarello Asolo, 1992 KHS Montaña pro, 1980 Raleigh DL-1, IGH Hybrid, IGH Utility
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 866 Post(s)
Liked 721 Times
in
396 Posts
Bahco were good IME, don't know if they have kept up the quality.
10-23-17, 02:54 PM
#14
Always Learning
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Palm Bay, Fl.
Posts: 166
Bikes: Very Upgraded Denali 63.5cm
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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....!
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....!
10-23-17, 03:07 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,389
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,971 Times
in
1,918 Posts
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
or these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073FF9CSJ..._detail2?psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/RIDGID-31305-...BYSGSDH712G610
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
10-23-17, 03:11 PM
#16
Banned
10-23-17, 04:27 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,806
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1944 Post(s)
Liked 2,164 Times
in
1,323 Posts
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
Adjustable wrenches don't work on cup/cone hubs. Maybe the fixed cup on a vintage bottom bracket.
John
10-23-17, 05:14 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 458
Bikes: 2017 Surly Cross-Check. 2020 Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0, 2002 GT Dyno Roadster, 2002 Rans Stratus, 2020 Giant Fathom 2, 2011 Trek Pure Sport
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 171 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times
in
62 Posts
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.
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.
10-23-17, 05:39 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 458
Bikes: 2017 Surly Cross-Check. 2020 Specialized Turbo Vado 3.0, 2002 GT Dyno Roadster, 2002 Rans Stratus, 2020 Giant Fathom 2, 2011 Trek Pure Sport
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 171 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times
in
62 Posts
10-23-17, 05:57 PM
#21
Friendship is Magic
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 22,984
Bikes: old ones
Mentioned: 304 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26419 Post(s)
Liked 10,380 Times
in
7,208 Posts
... they used to sell a good one at the Home Depot, but stopped. You can still get them online.
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.
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.
10-23-17, 06:07 PM
#22
Full Member
10-23-17, 08:23 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 6,016
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1814 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 923 Times
in
569 Posts
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.
Last edited by woodcraft; 10-23-17 at 08:28 PM.
10-24-17, 08:30 AM
#24
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lincoln Ne
Posts: 9,924
Bikes: RANS Stratus TerraTrike Tour II
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3352 Post(s)
Liked 1,056 Times
in
635 Posts
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.
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.
10-24-17, 08:49 AM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,905
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4806 Post(s)
Liked 3,928 Times
in
2,553 Posts
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
Ben