A "tool " purchase, and a question for J.A.F.E.

[hickory n Steel]

My dad gave me one of these sets as a kid but I lost it somewhere along the way, so when I happened across this one on Ebay for $15 I just had to buy it.


Knowing J.A.F.E. collects small pliers and adjustables I figured he'd know if the little wrenches in these sets are the real deal or not.

Are these actually made well enough to handle the kind of small stuff you would want to do with a little 2.5" long adjustable wrench ?

I'm only asking because my new pocket organizer is a bit too small to fit a standard 4" adjustable I carried in the old one, and well I'm sure you get where I'm going with this.

[J.A.F.E.]

Cool little set.

The 2 1/2 adjustables I have seen usually will do light work but some are pretty delicate and I suspect most started out as keychain charms. How does the jaw feel when you open/close it and how much play? Personally if it felt like decent metal and the jaw worked well I'd use it.

[hickory n Steel]

Cool little set.

The 2 1/2 adjustables I have seen usually will do light work but some are pretty delicate and I suspect most started out as keychain charms. How does the jaw feel when you open/close it and how much play? Personally if it felt like decent metal and the jaw worked well I'd use it.

Oh sorry, I just ordered it and that's the sellers picture.

I'm hoping it's decent enough since It's made in West Germany and not Hong Kong, but I'm seeing similar ones online marked West Germany which are actually keychains which isn't to good of a sign.
Heres the sellers picture of just the wrench.

[skfarmer]

i understand the nostalgia and sentimental aspects. you can appreciate them for that.

as far as being useful? those little kits, no matter the coo are pretty weak and best suited for conversation pieces and  paper weights.

[hickory n Steel]

i understand the nostalgia and sentimental aspects. you can appreciate them for that.

as far as being useful? those little kits, no matter the coo are pretty weak and best suited for conversation pieces and  paper weights.

Oh I know full well most of the kits are pretty worthless, mine was missing something when I got it which I now know was the wrench.
I wonder if it's because my dad had tried to use it at some point and it failed ?

[J.A.F.E.]

Looking at the image of the wrench my impression is more of a display piece. I am sorry to say.

But then it's hard to tell from just a picture.

[hickory n Steel]

Looking at the image of the wrench my impression is more of a display piece. I am sorry to say.

But then it's hard to tell from just a picture.

You're probably right, and in any case at least it wasn't too much and is a bit nostalgic.

Theres a current Chinese offering that looks like a real functional wrench made from some kind of tool steel, but being made in China I'm not gonna buy it.

[hickory n Steel]

Ideally I'd like an adjustable that fits comfortably in my pocket organizer,  but I'll probably just stick with my old faithful MAC aw4.
The Diamalloy Is a bit more miniscule and would be a good choice as well, I'll just have to come up with something as I don't want it loose in pocket.

[strik9]

I have the chromed version of the Chinese model.  It opens to 8mm and is a real tool, if a tiny one.  Far better than Oxwall shit in actually starting and finishing a small job.

My wife has one also, as does a certain alien.  For size limits its fairly worthless, but if the task meets the tool it can be used.  Hers was used to open computers up when they were still big tin boxes.  Mine on sheet metal screws in any application.

Don't pay much for one if you must have it.

[hickory n Steel]

I have the chromed version of the Chinese model.  It opens to 8mm and is a real tool, if a tiny one.  Far better than Oxwall shit in actually starting and finishing a small job.

My wife has one also, as does a certain alien.  For size limits its fairly worthless, but if the task meets the tool it can be used.  Hers was used to open computers up when they were still big tin boxes.  Mine on sheet metal screws in any application.

Don't pay much for one if you must have it.

Good to know.

I'm probably gonna just stick with my faithful Mac , thinking about it I've been carrying it everyday for years and I don't know if I could actually bring myself to carry anything else anyway.

[J.A.F.E.]

You know good steel so handling it should give you an indication on how useful it could be. Some of the manufacturers did actually make a working wrench that size not sure if they were salesman samples or sold as novelties but they come up from time to time.

The Dimalloy would be my pocket choice partly because it's smaller but mostly because it's easier to find the Diamonds than the MACs and the MACs seem to get a premium over the Diamonds.

I used to carry a 4" and made it a keychain charm so I wouldn't loose it. I have a small collection so I'd rotate them every so often.

[hickory n Steel]

You know good steel so handling it should give you an indication on how useful it could be. Some of the manufacturers did actually make a working wrench that size not sure if they were salesman samples or sold as novelties but they come up from time to time.

The Dimalloy would be my pocket choice partly because it's smaller but mostly because it's easier to find the Diamonds than the MACs and the MACs seem to get a premium over the Diamonds.

I used to carry a 4" and made it a keychain charm so I wouldn't loose it. I have a small collection so I'd rotate them every so often.

Maybe I will get lucky and it happens to be a real tool, not counting on it but it would be nice.
 
I've never even seen another MAC AW4 so I'm sure you're right and it would be best not to loose it, but it's been with me everyday for years and while I think finding a more appropriate option would be nice I'm not sure how I'd feel about reaching into my pocket and feeling a different wrench in there.
Sure it would be better than reaching for this one and discovering that it had been lost, but I always carry it in something.  Pocket organizer,  belt pouch, you name it the little guy is almost never just loose in my pocket.

I'm starting to think maybe clipping this to my belt loop would he a good way to go, I don't really want to put anything on my keys so I'd have to carry it on it's own, but there's lots of good options out there for carabiners and such.

[J.A.F.E.]

I think I have a MAC AW4 I'll check today and see. They do turn up every now and again.

The 4"'s seem almost limitless. They turn up with just about every brand on them and even automobile marques and some seem to go for eye popping money. 

[hickory n Steel]

I think I have a MAC AW4 I'll check today and see. They do turn up every now and again.

The 4"'s seem almost limitless. They turn up with just about every brand on them and even automobile marques and some seem to go for eye popping money. 

I've noticed that about the 4"s on Ebay,  6" and 8" are all pretty reasonable but the 4"s must just be something a lot of people collect.
I'm not a collector so I've only got the one for my pocket and one for the 1/4 drive kit, but the idea sure is tempting.

[J.A.F.E.]

It's kind of addicting. I suspect the actual number of OEMs is very small most seem to be rebrands but still.

The Plomb/Proto dual marked is one of the most sought after. It was made for only a year maybe less so they are very hard to find. I was at the Long Beach swap a few years ago and watched a guy spend 125 for one. I had pangs seeing it go but then no way could I or would I have spent that kind of money on it.

The little 2 1/2 or 3 can be even pricier. I forget the brand but one is a cutout - those are very rich pickings.

[J.A.F.E.]

I just did a little searching. Here is a Westinghouse cutout listed for $511!.

Link: https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.picclickimg.com%2Fd%2Fl400%2Fpict%2F302752385917_%2FWestinghouse-Precision-Cast-Mini-Adjustable-Cutout-Wrench-3.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fpicclick.com%2FWestinghouse-Precision-Cast-Mini-Adjustable-Cutout-Wrench-3-302752385917.html&tbnid=Bj8bpOO-Rbe6kM&vet=12ahUKEwiH76-n-6nqAhWcAzQIHc4ECXAQMygcegUIARCsAg..i&docid=JlTq029xYVPDpM&w=400&h=300&q=cutout%20adjustable%20wrench&client=firefox-b-1-d&ved=2ahUKEwiH76-n-6nqAhWcAzQIHc4ECXAQMygcegUIARCsAg

[hickory n Steel]

I just did a little searching. Here is a Westinghouse cutout listed for $511!.

Link: https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.picclickimg.com%2Fd%2Fl400%2Fpict%2F302752385917_%2FWestinghouse-Precision-Cast-Mini-Adjustable-Cutout-Wrench-3.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fpicclick.com%2FWestinghouse-Precision-Cast-Mini-Adjustable-Cutout-Wrench-3-302752385917.html&tbnid=Bj8bpOO-Rbe6kM&vet=12ahUKEwiH76-n-6nqAhWcAzQIHc4ECXAQMygcegUIARCsAg..i&docid=JlTq029xYVPDpM&w=400&h=300&q=cutout%20adjustable%20wrench&client=firefox-b-1-d&ved=2ahUKEwiH76-n-6nqAhWcAzQIHc4ECXAQMygcegUIARCsAg

That's crazy.
It's a cool little fella but damn that's a lot of money.
Sometimes I collect a little bit without really trying to but I like to keep it practical,  and if I can't make use of another or it's not as practical to use I can live without it.

I'm a also not the type to splurge much on extravagance.
I'll spend a little more for a nice jigged bone over smooth delrin on a pocket knife , but I won't spend 3x as much for deer stag just because it looks nicer.

[hickory n Steel]

I just remembered I had a PROTO as well, wouldn't mind finding a little 4" William's Superjustable for my dad to match his 8".

One thing I appreciate about these 4" adjustables is the variation in dimensions and  jaw capacity.
The PROTO and MAC are about the same head size but the MAC still covers about 1mm more.

[J.A.F.E.]

There is an amazing variety of features among which is opening. I was gifted a Truper by Strik that opens to about 13/16.

The Williams are usually fairly easy to find - next one I come across I'll snag for you if you want.

I have a MAC but it is older than yours and a different OEM - it is marked CAJ4.

Back on topic of the little adjustable I have one like yours marked W. Germany. It is useable but the jaws are of limited capacity. I also have a little Craftsman marked China that is useable.

[hickory n Steel]

There is an amazing variety of features among which is opening. I was gifted a Truper by Strik that opens to about 13/16.

The Williams are usually fairly easy to find - next one I come across I'll snag for you if you want.

I have a MAC but it is older than yours and a different OEM - it is marked CAJ4.

Back on topic of the little adjustable I have one like yours marked W. Germany. It is useable but the jaws are of limited capacity. I also have a little Craftsman marked China that is useable.

If the one I receive proves to be the same I'll try it and see how it goes.
If it is and can handle maybe 3/8 It might not be too bad.

If you wanna keep an eye out on a little William's that would be great.

[bonneyman]

Ideally I'd like an adjustable that fits comfortably in my pocket organizer,  but I'll probably just stick with my old faithful MAC aw4.
The Diamalloy Is a bit more miniscule and would be a good choice as well, I'll just have to come up with something as I don't want it loose in pocket.

Just attach the wrench to a 10mm socket with a key ring - then you'll never lose it! 

[hickory n Steel]

Ideally I'd like an adjustable that fits comfortably in my pocket organizer,  but I'll probably just stick with my old faithful MAC aw4.
The Diamalloy Is a bit more miniscule and would be a good choice as well, I'll just have to come up with something as I don't want it loose in pocket.

Just attach the wrench to a 10mm socket with a key ring - then you'll never lose it! 

That would guarantee it to get lost, but I personally have found I use a 3/8 more than anything for some reason.

[J.A.F.E.]

Just attach the wrench to a 10mm socket with a key ring - then you'll never lose it! 

That is a guarantee alright. 

My little red one will open to just over 3/8 and is marked Germany not W Germany as I posted earlier. The little Craftsman will open to just over 1/4.

I'll take some pix later and post.

[hickory n Steel]

I'd appreciate the pictures.

Btw heres a blue one I found a picture of online.
free image host
I kind of like it better than the red one.

[J.A.F.E.]

Have to do this in pieces since I still have to set up another photo hosting account.

These are the little 2 1/2 adjustables. The red one would look better plated IMO or filing that black paint ot black oxide.

[hickory n Steel]

Have to do this in pieces since I still have to set up another photo hosting account.

These are the little 2 1/2 adjustables. The red one would look better plated IMO or filing that black paint ot black oxide.

Thanks for the pictures.
Yours looks pretty much just like the one I've got coming, and if yours is functional it gives me high hopes for the one I've got coming.
Nothing heavy duty, but sometimes I need a wrench on the backside of a small screw screw .

These would probably look better plated, but at the cost of the sets these came in they would probably do a pretty crappy job of it.

[J.A.F.E.]

This is the Truper and by far has the largest capacity of any of the 4" I have. A close second is the Bahco. If you aren't familiar Bahco is the original manufacturer of this pattern of wrench even though in the US Crescent is far better known and Crescent wrench is often used as a generic term for the tools. Bahco is a Swedish company and is now part of the Snap-on group. Oddly, Baco no longer manufactures this style wrench they are made in Spain by Irimo - another SNA (Snap-on) company.

The photo shows a few of the more interesting ones I have managed to accumulate. Starting at top left Bahco, MAC, Truper, PEXTO (Peck, Stowe and Wilcox and is probably my favorite of all of them and this one I believe is about 100 years old) and Utica.

[J.A.F.E.]

One other possibility for a pocket wrench is this bicycle wrench. This size was a promotion and more of a smaple but adequate for light work and the jaws open a fair ways - about an inch.

[J.A.F.E.]

The red one is usable as long as there's not a huge torque required but in small fasteners they usually aren't all that tight.

Hope the one you have coming is as good or better than the one I showed.

[hickory n Steel]

One other possibility for a pocket wrench is this bicycle wrench. This size was a promotion and more of a smaple but adequate for light work and the jaws open a fair ways - about an inch.

I was thinking about one of those but couldn't this kind on Ebay, only the slightly larger forged type.

Btw yes I am familiar with Bahco, they were once my goto brand for hacksaw blades.
Excellent quality and a local place down the street when I was a teenager had a huge bin full of their bi-metal blades 3/$1.

I'm not into funky shaped modern looking wrenches which it seems Bahco mostly offers these days ( I think snapon owns them now or something) or I'd try one of their current offerings as I understand they operate proper handed, none of that right hand BS were stuck with here in the states 

[hickory n Steel]

This is the Truper and by far has the largest capacity of any of the 4" I have. A close second is the Bahco. If you aren't familiar Bahco is the original manufacturer of this pattern of wrench even though in the US Crescent is far better known and Crescent wrench is often used as a generic term for the tools. Bahco is a Swedish company and is now part of the Snap-on group. Oddly, Baco no longer manufactures this style wrench they are made in Spain by Irimo - another SNA (Snap-on) company.

The photo shows a few of the more interesting ones I have managed to accumulate. Starting at top left Bahco, MAC, Truper, PEXTO (Peck, Stowe and Wilcox and is probably my favorite of all of them and this one I believe is about 100 years old) and Utica.

That PEXTO is a real Beauty.
They made an excellent tool, I've got a pair of PEXTO pliers and they're buttery smooth.

That locking Utica is cool too.

[hickory n Steel]

I just found one of the little 3" bicycle wrenches like that on Ebay but the condition isn't that great and they want $20+ shipping for it 
I'll see if the little red adjustable I've got coming is usable before I go looking for one of the bicycle type.

[J.A.F.E.]

PEXTO made some cool stuff.

The bicycle wrenches aren't all that rare so if you let this one go another will be along at some point. I carried this one for a while but don't recall ever using it when I did. I have used it a few times though.

To me 20 is pricey for these little things.

[Matt_T]

Oddly, Baco no longer manufactures this style wrench they are made in Spain by Irimo - another SNA (Snap-on) company.

Last I knew SNA were still producing Bahco Ergo crescent wrenches, possibly in the plant that used to be owned by Irimo, but definitely somewhere in either Spain or Portugal. I doubt they'd buy Bahco then totally fuck their reputation by rebranding Irimo wrenches, which are about the same as Crescent quality wise, as Bahcos and Snap-ons.

[J.A.F.E.]

Last I knew SNA were still producing Bahco Ergo crescent wrenches, possibly in the plant that used to be owned by Irimo, but definitely somewhere in either Spain or Portugal.  <snip>

That is my understanding as well.

[strik9]

I have an ancient Mossberg Sterling bike wrench in decent condition.  I find the F style adjustable fairly worthless and I use B&D electric adjustable wrenches fairly often.  A 6" Pretul rides daily with the bike and has proven its worth on roadside fixes. 

At work a 10" Truper does the dirty deeds and has proven its worth.

But if my pocket was bigger that funky electric would be most used as they really shine in the bike shop.  Neither of the two have batteries,  that part of them isn't very good.

[strik9]

Sir Jafe, how is that Truper comparing to others in real world use and such?  Is the ergonomic handle really making a difference?

I never got one for myself before they  changed them again.

[hickory n Steel]

Theres always something better or worse when specific when theres a specific use or capacity in mind for sure, and that's what a full toolbox is for.

I like to carry a few small useful tools on me that are just enough many times, but of course within reason and I know sometimes the regular full sized tools in one of my tool boxes or tool kits are the way to go.
When I'm working on something I've got tools out or accessible, but sometimes a small task pops up and that's what my pocket tools are for.

It's just a mini pry bar, mini adjustable wrench,  and small multitool, as well as of course a knife and flashlight,  but that takes care of many minor things.
Not gonna replace a toolbox for actual work nor am I going to reach in my pocket for anything but my pocket knife or flashlight when I've got a toolbox out, but little tasks where my pocket is closer than a toolbox and the task could be done in the time it takes to get to my toolbox they really shine.

[J.A.F.E.]

Sir Jafe, how is that Truper comparing to others in real world use and such?  Is the ergonomic handle really making a difference?

I never got one for myself before they  changed them again.

It works quite well. Too bad the design was changed it is a good one if not a bit unique. In use the handle is not all that noticeable but where it shines of course is it's ability to say ahhh. If the design was copied from it's larger siblings I suspect the handle design would be helpful where a good firm grip was needed.

I don't use all that many of the 4's mostly just when I get a new one to get a feel for it. But this one is one of the users and it's held up quite well - even the finish.

[hickory n Steel]

I'd love to see a 6" adjustable with a WRIGHT  contour grip

[hickory n Steel]

Just shipped today,  hopefully it doesn't take too long.

[hickory n Steel]

It arrived today,  and it's just as little as I remember.
Were it higher quality I could see it being useful.

The wrench is definitely some kind of ferrous metal because it has a few rust spots, but a magnet will only stick to the thumb wheel and screw pin.
I tested it on a small nut and it's pretty soft, probably not usable.

At least this little set is cool and I didn't pay much for it.

Probably just gonna come up with a good way to carry my trusty MAC.