Rating of the best wrenches: review, types, purpose, pros and cons, price
Wrenches are durable steel tools. They are used for tightening and unscrewing most types of connecting elements.Such keys are needed to solve many everyday problems when equipment breaks down, so there is a use in every master’s set. Due to their simple design, they are widely distributed in specialized stores.
The content of the article:
Best Combination Wrenches
The combination wrench is used as a lever with a C-shaped end on one side. Because of this appearance, it has another name - carob. On the other side of the key it could be:
- rounded end;
- another wrench, which is 1 size larger or smaller;
- O-shaped wrench with 12 or 6 edges.
To ease the effort during repair work, the ends of some levers can be bent vertically or horizontally at an angle of up to 90˚. There are also improved ratchet end nuts. They allow you to tighten without removing the tool from the mount.
What to look for when choosing
Main parameters to consider when choosing:
- Strength, durability. Strength characteristics are marked with C or B category. It depends on the method of using the wrench. The most wear-resistant ones are made of carbon or chrome vanadium steel, covered with satin on top.
- Manufacturing method. Forged using the hot forging method, it has increased strength and does not deform during use.
- The best option is to purchase a set of wrenches ranging in size from 6mm to 56mm or the most commonly used.In this case, the tool must fit tightly to the fastener being screwed, with minimal gaps. This will allow you to easily carry out the work without exerting excessive effort.
When When choosing a ratchet wrench, you need to focus on several separate criteria:
- Design. The most popular and easy to use is the side installation of the nozzle.
- Direction of movement. It can be one-way or reversible with a disk or flag switch.
- The size of the landing square (used for fixing the attachment on the side head of the wrench). Can be in sizes 1/4, 3/8, 1/2.
In addition to the listed parameters, it is important to pay attention to the ratings and reviews of those who have already purchased a set of keys.
Rating of the best
Manufacturers of wrenches produce various types of devices for a wide range of technical work. Depending on the task at hand, it is worth selecting a specific tool, without overpaying for unnecessary functionality and without choosing a fragile, easily broken key. It is worth considering the rating of wrenches, their pros and cons.
"A Matter of Technology"
Forged from carbon steel with a zinc plated top. It will last a long time and will not rust. Widely used during the repair of home appliances, in production, and in locksmith shops.
pros | Minuses |
wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant metal | not found |
convenient combination of options | |
comfortable to hold in hand | |
nickel plated, anti-corrosion lacquered |
The average price is 147 rubles.
Gross 14855
Made of chrome vanadium steel, coated with chrome nickel. It will be useful in the professional work of locksmiths, auto mechanics, builders or for home repairs.
pros | Minuses |
increased strength, wear resistance | high price |
easily withstands frequent use | |
the anti-corrosion layer does not wear off over time and protects against rust formation | |
Deflection of the handle makes it easier to tighten in hard-to-reach places | |
12-point ring nut profile reduces the risk of fastener damage |
Average price - 629 rubles.
Sparta 150395
Made from carbon steel, coated with anti-corrosion chrome plating. It has an inclination angle of 15˚ and 12 annular edges, which reduces the risk of deformation during installation.
pros | Minuses |
low price | low material strength |
easy | |
comfortable to hold in hand |
Average price - 117 rubles.
Pro startul
The key is made of chrome vanadium steel and satined with chrome nickel. It has a hinged connection of the cap part of 12 edges, the minimum return angle is 5˚.
pros | Minuses |
holds the load well | not found |
ratchet is well fixed | |
long handle |
Average price - 361 rubles.
Rexant
Carbon steel key. The top is coated with a yellow galvanized coating that protects against corrosion. Designed for use at home, in production, in workshops.
pros | Minuses |
small size | not found |
strong, unbreakable edges | |
comfortable to hold in hand |
Average price - 117 rubles.
The best wrenches with a special profile
Using a hand tool, unscrew and tighten self-tapping screws, screws, confirmants that have a hexagonal or star-shaped recess. They exist in the form:
- T-shaped;
- L-shaped wrenches;
- heads/bits for screwdrivers, electric screwdrivers.
For production we use:
- chromium-molybdenum alloys;
- chrome vanadium alloys;
- specialized tool steel.
Used in car repairs, installation of plastic windows, assembly of bicycles, furniture, household appliances, and motorcycles.
What to look for when choosing
The head (end) of a hexagon nut comes in 2 different types:
- in the shape of a ball (works at an angle of up to 30˚);
- straight ending.
The L-shaped design feature facilitates the torque of the hexagon. The speed and ease of twisting depends on the length and thickness of the tool. This must be taken into account when choosing wrenches. It is advisable to pay attention to the dimensions of the hexagons for repair work.
Size | Long part | Short part |
1/16 | 13,5 | 90 |
5/64 | 16 | 100 |
3/32 | 17 | 110 |
7/74 | 18 | 116 |
1/8 | 19 | 123 |
9/64 | 20 | 128 |
5/32 | 21 | 135 |
3/16 | 24 | 150 |
7/32 | 26 | 164 |
1/4 | 28 | 181 |
5/16 | 32 | 198 |
3/8 | 35 | 230 |
In addition, the alloy of the wrench is important. Tool steel and chrome vanadium compounds are durable and long-lasting. They have a good indicator of protection against corrosion and rust. The difference in production quality depends on the level of wrench manufacturer on the market. Factories in Russia, the USA and Germany were highly praised.
Leaders of the best
Use a hex key or an Allen wrench to tighten the mounting bolts or self-tapping screws. Several of them have been invented:
- straight;
- posidrif;
- "phillips";
- double square;
- anti-vandal.
They are divided into different types according to rigidity and geometric shape. Craftsmen will find this review of the best wrenches useful.
"A Matter of Technology" 561012
Consists of 2 levers: long (for applying maximum effort) and short (for working in confined spaces and rapid rotation). Durable metal provides the fastener edges with greater wear resistance.
pros | Minuses |
multifunctionality | not found |
compactness | |
comfortable | |
lasting |
The average price is 106 rubles.
"Bison" 27453-10
L-shaped imbus key made of chrome-vanadium steel with chrome plating and precision-machined edges. Does not rust or break. Suitable for household repairs and will provide high-quality results.
pros | Minuses |
strong metal | short |
fits comfortably in the hand |
The average price is 141 rubles.
Wera-027203
Wide-profile L-shaped metric hex key. The large bearing surface reduces the likelihood of fracture in the screw head. Helps with assembling furniture, door handles, accessories and plumbing fixtures in the bathroom, and adjusting plastic windows.
pros | Minuses |
high quality metal | not found |
Convenient engraving on the key |
The average price is 151 rubles.
Torx t-10 g-shaped/thorvik
The L-shaped imbus wrench allows for easy use without unnecessary force. It is durable and highly wear-resistant because it is made of chrome vanadium steel.
pros | Minuses |
with an extended handle it is convenient to use the wrench for different purposes and places | not detected |
high quality steel | |
comfortable in the hand, good grinding quality |
Average price - 182 rubles.
Wera-0227208
The L-shape allows you to conveniently tighten bolts in hard-to-reach places. There is an indelible laser marking of the number (size). The tool has a large bearing surface in the screw head, which reduces the likelihood of screw failure.
pros | Minuses |
long handle | not found |
strong steel |
Average price - 186 rubles.
The best adjustable wrenches
An adjustable wrench is a universal tool for a gas fitter, furniture assembler, plumber or installer. They can work with nuts or bolts, couplings or pipes. A simple adjustment mechanism locks in large and small parts. The extended handle increases the force several times.The rating contains the best wrenches of Russian and foreign production.
What to pay attention to
Several factors were taken into account when choosing the best wrench:
- difference in types, materials;
- by working width;
- convenience for work.
There are several different types:
- Models with a one-piece sponge handle and movable cheeks. Used for hex nuts and bolts.
- Models with an adjustable mechanism. The size in this case is regulated by spreading the handles, and the shape of the jaws is curved. Therefore, they are used when working with hex nuts, bolts, pipes and couplings.
- Gas adjustable ones - used when repairing pipes and couplings. They have a long handle. The width is adjustable via a threaded mechanism.
Basically, they are made of chrome vanadium steel. Chrome vanadium is replaced by a cheaper material - carbon.
The minimum width is 0. The maximum can reach 60 mm depending on the model.
Soft adjustment allows you to work with minimal effort. The rubber-coated handle makes work more comfortable and prevents the tool from slipping in your hand.
Rating of the best
Standard adjustable wrenches gained popularity due to their ease of use and strength of the material. The TOP contains the longest-lasting tools that exist in Russian stores and online platforms.
Kraftool slim wide pro 27258-25
Chrome vanadium steel, tool length — 25 cm, working width — 50 mm, movable mechanism and ease of use. Thanks to this, the model is used by auto mechanics, plumbers, and locksmiths.
pros | Minuses |
wear resistance of the material | not found |
big grip |
The average price is 2060 rubles.
Gross 15566
Compact tool made of chrome vanadium steel. It has thin jaws with a clearly marked scale. Convenient size — 160 mm in length and has a throat of 43 mm. This makes it convenient to work in hard-to-reach places.
pros | Minuses |
comfortable shape and light weight | high price |
"long serving" steel | small lever |
large throat |
Average price - 1711 rubles.
Stanley MaxSteel 0-90-948
The model has a grip width of up to 30 mm, a measuring scale in the sponge, and a convenient handle with a hole for hanging.
pros | Minuses |
low price | large backlash of jaws |
there is a measurement scale | |
comfortable handle | |
durable material |
Average price - 1004 rubles.
"Sibrteh" 15537
Made from carbon steel and protected from corrosion by phosphates. Has a weight of 800 g, mouth — 60 mm, long handle for easy tightening and two-component grip pad. For ease of use, there is a mark on the moving part, and a graduation on the fixed part.
pros | Minuses |
convenient scale | susceptible to rust |
durable steel | heavy |
convenient lever |
Average price—RUB 1,744.
Kraftool slim wide-k 27266-15
A lightweight and comfortable product made of chrome vanadium steel and coated with a protective layer of phosphates. It has a grip width of up to 28 mm, a small arm, a 4-turn operating mechanism and a scale. This ensures a tight fit during any load.
pros | Minuses |
light weight and comfortable | small connector |
"long-lasting" steel |
Average price - 1080 rubles.
Wrenches (or better yet, a set of several sizes) are convenient to keep on hand. They will be required in many repair work for the assembly or disassembly of structures. Basically, wrenches are used in various repair work. They have a wide range of characteristics and are sold in any convenience stores.
What tools do you prefer to use in your work? Share the link on social networks and bookmark the article.
I still use my grandfather's wrenches. They will probably last forever, so I won’t buy the beautiful shiny sets for now.
I like working with a ratchet. It was a birthday present from Bayer about 7 years ago. No problems, works great.
I use Sibrtech. Comfortable rubberized pad. It’s not very stylish, but I don’t crave keys from exhibitions, it’s just right for me.