In the house of each person there is a set of keys, screwdrivers, pliers. After all, it is always easier to fix a broken thing than to acquire a new one. Especially if the breakdown is insignificant. In addition, the tools allow you to perform most of the installation work. However, there are situations when the required key is not at hand, then it is necessary to use a universal device. But before buying it, it is important to understand what the nuances and features of the choice exist.
The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best adjustable wrenches for 2020.
Content
Features and importance of technical characteristics
The adjustable wrench is a universal tool, which is a standard open-end product. The only difference is the ability to adjust the working area (throat) up or down.
There are hundreds of different models, but most differ only in the presence of dielectric handles, ratchet and material of manufacture. The simplest design:
- Housing;
- Fixed part that serves as a continuation of the handle;
- Adjustable element;
- A screw designed to quickly adjust the distance between the movable and fixed jaw.
Due to its versatility, this tool is used in most areas. If you choose a device with a wide working area, a person can work with large bolts or nuts. But before that, you need to make sure that the key is strong so that the jaws do not break during unscrewing.
In addition to professional activities, the product will not be superfluous in the household. Especially if it is necessary to assemble or disassemble plumbing elements.
Material selection
In order for the product to last the maximum period and not break under excessive loads, special attention is paid to the material of manufacture. High-carbon tool steel is considered a good option. The advantages of this option are high strength indicators and resistance to the corrosion process. It is also allowed to use an alloy of chromium and vanadium.
In some cases, cheap analogs of these materials can be used, but it is important to choose those that have protective sprays. For example:
- Chrome plating, the most common and reliable option. Found in the budget and middle segment;
- Nickel plating;
- Phosphating.
You should also pay attention to the manufacturing standards of the device. Regardless of the manufacturer or modification, many foreign countries adhere to a single standard - ISO 6787: 2001. Domestic manufacturers have GOST R 54488-2011.
Dimensions and weight
Manufacturers produce hundreds of different keys, which may differ not only in the quality of the material, but also in the size of the working part:
- KP 19. The option is perfect for carrying out simple operations on unscrewing nuts, the diameter of which is 19 mm.
- KR 30. A model with this value is intended for carrying out repair operations of household appliances or appliances. It is also often used in the restoration of plumbing equipment. The maximum diameter of the nuts is 30 mm.
- CR 46.A professional tool that has found its place in production. Locksmiths use them to repair large industrial equipment. The main thing is that the diameter of the nuts does not exceed 46 mm.
The final mass of the tool depends entirely on the dimensions of the device, as well as the material from which it was made. For example, the average weight of the KP 30 key, up to 250 mm long, made of tool steel, is 500 grams. Accordingly, the value of oversized or less massive tools is different.
Price-performance ratio
When choosing a device for home or professional activity, it is important to pay attention to this point. Unlike many models, where price is not the standard of quality, here both of these parameters are interrelated. Therefore, the first thing to know is how often the key will be used.
In the case when the user needs a tool for repair or installation for domestic purposes, it is not necessary to look for branded versions with a guarantee of reliability for several years, special functions and special technical characteristics. It is enough to buy a good domestic model, which can be found in every hardware store. The main thing is that it conforms to the above-described GOST.
The opposite is the case, when a locksmith needs a reliable and professional wrench that will replace an entire box, but will work better and more reliably. Then it is better to take a closer look at foreign brands. Sure. Often their cost reaches 1,500, and sometimes 3,000 rubles. In return, a person will receive reliability, a guarantee and an increase in productivity.
Range of prices
If the user is not ready to pay 700-1,000 rubles for an adjustable wrench, and he needs a standard model that will help fix minor problems, it is worth looking for a good option in the cheap segment. Often their cost reaches 300 rubles. Of course, in this case, there will be no dielectric handles, ratchets and other modifications. The reliability is also at a low level.
With infrequent use, such a solution is acceptable, but experienced craftsmen recommend looking for good tools in the range from 500 to 1,000 rubles. Yes, there will be some overpayment. But the quality of their performance is 2, and sometimes 3 times higher.
In expensive models, special materials are used that provide additional comfort and increase product safety. For example, in some cases, the use of a ruler, replaceable jaws and auxiliary attachment is allowed. In the domestic sphere, such modifications rarely help, but for a professional they are necessary.
You should know! IF a person wants to buy a quality key and save money, it is best to purchase construction kits.
To determine the quality of the material, it is important to pay attention to the handle and sponges. The first one should be durable and comfortable. Insulating cover is encouraged, but not the main criterion. It should be remembered that performance and duration of use often depends on comfort. If you buy a standard model, then calluses or scuffs will form on the palm of your hand.
The second thing that should be given time is the quality of the sponges. Cracks and chips are not allowed on them. It is advisable to look in advance on the packaging what material they are made of. There are models in which the body is made of a cheaper material than the sliding part.
Which key to choose
All products are divided into three broad categories. The choice of a specific model depends on the operating conditions:
- Classic. This design is in great demand, as it has high-quality fixation of moving elements. Adjustment is carried out using a screw mechanism. In most of the products, the sponges have a smooth and even surface. Therefore, it is suitable for work where it is necessary to unscrew or tighten a fastener with a flat edge.
- Gabled. Quite a rare product that is more often used in the professional field. The peculiarity of this option is performance.Thanks to him, a person will be able to unscrew a large number of nuts or similar fasteners that are located in an open area of the device. Another name for this device is automatic. The only drawback of this design is the poor fixation of the sponges and a short service life if the product is used every day.
- Gas. A popular model found in everyday life and in the professional sphere. This key is completely universal and will work in most cases. With this device, a person will be able to unscrew a fastener that has a faceted or round head. This product received the name "gas" because it is constantly used when working with pipes of different diameters. This is made possible by the grooved surface that provides a tight and secure grip.
Rating of the best standard models
Kraftool SlimWide PRO 27258-25
The product has a girth width of up to 50 mm. Jaws and body are made of the same material - chrome vanadium steel. The main advantage of such a solution is strength characteristics, durability, resistance to the corrosion process and reliability.
The maximum length is 250 mm. The handle is made of elastomer, which is a more reliable and high quality solution. In addition, due to its convenience, a person will not experience problems when working with this tool for a long time, which is also an advantage.
Average cost: from 1,500 rubles.
Advantages:
- Efficiency;
- Strength;
- High-quality assembly;
- No backlash;
- Compactness;
- Girth width;
- Ergonomics.
Disadvantages:
- Defective products with large backlash are encountered.
Gross 15566
A good tool for use at home or in some industrial areas. The maximum grip width is 43 mm, which is suitable for quickly loosening and tightening plumbing fasteners. The material of manufacture is chrome vanadium steel, which is a good solution, as it increases the strength characteristics.
The length of the key is 160 mm, this became possible due to the short handle, which, on the one hand, simplifies some of the work, as the weight is reduced, and on the other, it may seem inconvenient. In addition, the product lacks a good insulating layer, which negatively affects the ergonomics when working with electrical materials.
The average cost is 1,400 rubles.
Advantages:
- Thin lips;
- Workmanship;
- Compactness;
- Capture width;
- Acceptable cost.
Disadvantages:
- Inconvenient due to poor silicone on the handle.
STANLEY MaxSteel 0-90-948
A quality tool that is suitable for home use. Of course, there is no convenient ruler here, as in the Kraftool SlimWide PRO 27258-25, but the product is distinguished by good ergonomics, which is many times superior to most similar models.
The maximum grip width is 30 mm, which is suitable for some household appliances and plumbing fixtures. The product is made of chrome vanadium steel. Therefore, the strength indicators are at the level. Also, the product is easy to store, as it does not corrode.
Sold at a price: from 580 rubles.
Advantages:
- Quality material;
- Low price;
- External execution;
- Good grip;
- Efficiency.
Disadvantages:
- Fragile mechanism;
- Suitable only for household work.
Rating of the best gas keys
Gross 15611
A reliable pipe toggle wrench that will help both in the professional field and for minor home renovations. The minimum grip width is 20 mm, the maximum value is 40 mm. These parameters are suitable for most of the operations.
The sponges are made of durable material. There is a grooved surface, which improves adhesion to the working part by 2-3 times, compared to standard representatives. Jaw shape - S. The wrench is capable of handling pipes with a diameter of less than one inch. The length is 330 mm, while the weight is 878 g.
For greater reliability, the product is treated with a powder anti-corrosion coating, and the sponges are hardened to a hardness of up to 60 HRC. Therefore, they are able to withstand high loads and not deform.
Average price: 805 rubles.
Advantages:
- Reliability;
- Good strength indicators;
- Corrosion protection;
- Long service life;
- Convenience.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
KROFT 202027
A good model for home use. It is made in a standard way, therefore, when working, you must use two hands. The corner of the jaws is 45 degrees. This solution allows for the dismantling or installation of pipe products more efficiently and better. No insulation layer is provided, as the key is not designed for electrical use.
Convenience is at the standard level, but gloves are important to avoid scuffing during prolonged operations. The maximum pipe diameter is 1 inch. The mass of the structure is 880 g.
Sold at a price of 660 rubles.
Advantages:
- Strength;
- Reliability;
- Efficiency;
- Convenient sponge shape;
- Price.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
FIT 70372
The standard product with the jaw shape is L, with an angle of 90 degrees. A distinctive feature of the product is the ability to perform various operations with pipes with a diameter of 1.5 inches.
The product is made of durable tool steel, which is characterized by quality and reliability. Covered with anti-corrosion protection, which makes it easier to operate the product. The limiting value of the length is 40 cm, the mass of the structure is about 950 g.
Average cost: 890 rubles.
Advantages:
- Long service life;
- Reliable grip;
- Performance;
- High-quality performance;
- Optimal price;
- Convenience.
Disadvantages:
- Weight.
Rating of popular ratchet models
Inforce 06-05-87
A quality device designed for professional and domestic use. To ensure simple and convenient operation, there is a ratchet in the design, which allows you to fix the jaws in one position and prevent them from moving. This solution allows you to perform assembly or disassembly operations with better quality. In addition, thanks to several holes in the handle, the weight of the device is only 400 grams, which has a positive effect on convenience.
Sold at a price: from 1,335 rubles.
Advantages:
- Efficiency;
- Durability;
- Strength;
- Ratchet;
- Reliability;
- Good jaw thickness.
Disadvantages:
- There are no protective pads.
NEO 03-017
A reliable product designed only for professional use. The wrench is made entirely of high carbon steel for maximum strength and resistance to corrosion. However, the latter is achieved not only thanks to the material, but also to the chromium vanadium coating. The handle has a convenient cover for easy handling and increased productivity.
Average cost: 2,400 rubles.
Advantages:
- No backlash;
- High-quality performance;
- Good grip;
- Long service life;
- Efficiency;
- Strength.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
WIEDERKRAFT WDK-4001
A German brand that produces only high-quality and durable tools. This option is no exception, since it is made of the usual material - chrome vanadium steel. In addition, there is a handy ruler in the working area that will help you determine the size of the cap. The wrench is equipped with a ratchet and a reverse, which simplifies operation several times. There is a cover on the handle.
Sold at a price of 1,880 rubles.
Advantages:
- Reliability;
- Strength;
- Reverse;
- Convenient overlay;
- Robust working part.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Finally
Finding a high-quality and reliable adjustable wrench is a difficult task. After all, not all stores can find the above brands.In the case when a person cannot order a tool, but he needs it, one should remember about three factors that are taken into account when buying: body material, convenience and price / quality ratio. If you have experience using the models described in the rating, or more interesting representatives, tell us about it in the comments.