We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Rating: 4.5/5
There are certain must-have hand tools that any workshop needs, and the adjustable wrench is one of them. Just one of the best adjustable wrenches can replace a whole set of fixed wrenches, which is why it’s one of the more versatile hand tools on my workbench. I’ve used mine to fix plumbing, trade out an old car battery, and even build furniture.
There are numerous brands of this hand tool to choose from, but I’m partial to the brand that’s often used as the generic term for this tool–Crescent. My 6-inch Crescent wrench and 10-inch Crescent wrench have been mainstays in my workshop for many years. Plus, it’s hard to beat a
Crescent
Adjustable Wrench
Though adjustable wrenches may look similar from brand to brand, there are a few things that set Crescent’s version of this tool apart. With an adjustable wrench, you need to be able to turn the adjuster screw so you can fit the jaws around a bolt or nut on the fly. In my experience, Crescent tools have an adjuster screw that rotates remarkably smoothly—noticeably better than most brands I’ve tried. This allows me to tighten its jaws around a nut or bolt while I’m reaching under a sink to loosen a faucet supply line or into the recesses of an engine bay to access a hard-to-reach bolt.
All adjustable wrenches have a little play in the jaws, but Crescent’s feel tighter than most. I can get a tighter grip on bolt heads and nuts than I can with adjustable wrenches with looser jaws, which allows me to apply more force when loosening or tightening. Crescent adjustable wrenches also have wide, rounded handles that feel comfortable in the hand. I can pull hard on the wrench without feeling painful pressure points on my palm.
Crescent wrenches are also well-made. One of my Crescent adjustable wrenches is more than 20 years old and, save for a few scuffs and scratches, looks and operates about the same as it did on day one. They also have black oxide coatings that don’t rust or corrode, even in the humidity of the South.
Like most people, I don’t have an unlimited budget when it comes to purchasing tools. While there are adjustable wrenches with cushier handles or that can fit a wider range of nut and bolt sizes, they also cost twice as much—often $30 to $40 compared to Crescent’s $15-$18 price point for similar-sized adjustable wrenches. The Crescent adjustable wrench checks all of the boxes: it’s reasonably priced, durable, and performs reliably.
Where to Buy the Crescent Adjustable Wrench
Get the Crescent Adjustable Black Oxide Wrench at:
