12 best adjustable wrenches

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

An adjustable wrench is a universal tool, which is always in the bag of a plumber, installer or gasman. Its main advantage is the ability to work with a wide range of hardware products, pipes, fittings, couplings. Thanks to the adjustment of the clamping jaws, it is possible to securely fix both small and large workpieces. A long shoulder allows you to multiply the exerted effort. On the Russian market there is a wide range of adjustable wrenches from domestic and foreign manufacturers. Our experts' advice will help you choose the most suitable tool.

Selection recommendations

Types of adjustable wrenches. There are several popular adjustable spanner designs.

1. Models are considered standard, consisting of a one-piece handle with a sponge and a movable cheek. The movement is carried out using a worm gear. The disadvantage of such a tool is loose fixation in a given position. In addition, only hex bolts and nuts can be retained.
2. The adjustable locking mechanism is considered more reliable. It does not require very precise sizing, which is done by moving the top handle. The size can be adjusted by pulling the handles, additionally the jaws are made curved. Thanks to this design, you can work not only with hex hardware, but with couplings and pipes.
3. Pipe adjustable wrenches are called gas wrenches in our country. They are designed to securely hold pipe products and couplers. Long handles are a characteristic feature of gas wrenches, which allow you to multiply the force due to the large lever. The spreading width of the toothed jaws is adjusted using a threaded mechanism.

Material. To withstand serious stress during work, manufacturers are responsible for the selection of materials.

1. The most popular metal alloy is chrome vanadium steel. The base of the tool is made from a casting, and the jaws are additionally hardened. As a result, the hardness of the working surface reaches 50-60 HRc.
2. A cheaper alternative is carbon steel. It can also be hardened by hardening. The main disadvantage of the material is considered to be low corrosion resistance. The problem is solved by applying electroplating or paintwork.

Capture width. Adjustable wrenches have a defined working range that lies between the minimum and maximum working width.

The minimum width in many models tends to 0, but in some keys this figure can be 15 or 25 mm. Therefore, working with thin workpieces will not work.

The maximum width limits the size of the parts that can be clamped by the jaws. This value usually varies from 35 to 60 mm.

Convenience in work. When you have to hold the tool in your hand for a long time, the convenience of the key in work becomes an important point. The following nuances affect the level of comfort.

1. Smooth adjustment requires minimal effort to move the moving part.
2. The rubberized handle improves the grip of the hand with the tool, making the work safer.
3. Heavy weight and bulkiness in some cases negatively affect performance. Even strong male hands quickly get tired of a massive key.

We have selected 12 of the best adjustable wrenches for review. All of them are sold in the Russian retail network. When allocating seats, the editorial board of the journal relied on the opinion of the expert community, taking into account the reviews of domestic masters.

Rating of the best adjustable wrenches

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best standard adjustable wrenches	1	Kraftool SlimWide PRO 27258-25	RUB 1,399
	2	Gross 15566	1 192 RUB
	3	STANLEY MaxSteel 0-90-948	495 RUB
	4	Sibrtech 15537	RUB 1,063
	5	Kraftool SlimWide-K 27266-15	662 RUB
	6	STAYER COBRA 27264-20	589 r
The best tubular (gas) adjustable wrenches	1	BAHCO 1410	RUB 4,820
	2	Kraftool PANZER L 2734-10	RUB 519
	3	Gross 15623	RUB 1,650
Best adjustable adjustable wrenches	1	Knipex 8603180	RUB 4,725
	2	KBT 76473	2 433 RUB
	3	Gross 15724	RUB 2,006

Best standard adjustable wrenches

Standard adjustable wrenches use a worm gear to move the movable jaw. The tool is simple and reliable. Experts have identified several interesting models.

Kraftool SlimWide PRO 27258-25

Rating: 4.9

Experts consider the Kraftool SlimWide PRO 27258-25 adjustable wrench to be a professional tool. The model is highly popular with generalists. The tool managed to win gold in our review due to its reliability, durability, large grip width (50 mm). The moving mechanism also deserves praise, it has a slight backlash, which practically does not affect the operation of the product. The key is made of high quality chrome vanadium steel, so it is very difficult to break or bend it. With a length of 250 mm, the model weighs 520 g, which confirms the quality of steel.

Users love the strength and durability of the adjustable wrench, comfortable grip, and high quality workmanship. The only downside is the high price.

Advantages

• large width of capture;
• strength;
• reliability and durability;
• quality workmanship.

disadvantages

• high price.

Gross 15566

Rating: 4.8

The successful combination of thin jaws and an enlarged mouth (43 mm) allowed the Gross 15566 adjustable wrench to rise to the second step of the prize podium. The experts liked the compactness of the tool, its length is 160 mm, the product weighs only 287 g. The manufacturer used durable chrome vanadium steel as a material. The German-Taiwanese model is inferior to the leader in the tightening torque of the nuts and bolts, which is explained by the shortened handle. But in cramped working conditions, the tool outperforms many competitors.

Many plumbers and installers have already appreciated the advantages of the Gross 15566 adjustable wrench. They are satisfied with the quality of workmanship and reliable fixation of the movable mechanism. Among the shortcomings mentioned are a small lever and sharp edges of the jaws.

Advantages

• lightness and compactness;
• high-quality assembly;
• durable steel;
• enlarged pharynx.

disadvantages

• high price;
• small lever.

STANLEY MaxSteel 0-90-948

Rating: 4.7

The renowned American manufacturer STANLEY organized assembly of adjustable wrenches MaxSteel 0-90-948 in China. As a result, Russian consumers are offered an attractive price for a very useful tool. The model cannot boast of a grip width (up to 30 mm), but there is a measuring scale on the jaws. With its help, it is easy to immediately set the width of the throat, knowing the size of the bolt or nut. The experts praised the manufacturer for the ergonomic handle and the presence of a hole for hanging the tool. However, the editors of the magazine gave the product only bronze in the review. What prevented the tool from overtaking the leaders?

Users complain about a large backlash in the movable jaw, misalignment of the jaws. But the low price and comfortable grip deserve flattering words.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• measuring scale;
• ergonomic handle;
• reliability.

disadvantages

• small working width;
• play in the movable jaw.

Sibrtech 15537

Rating: 4.6

Sibrtech 15537 adjustable wrench has a record opening width (60 mm). Due to the long handle, it is possible to achieve a large tightening torque. The manufacturer took carbon steel as a basis, and the key was phosphated to protect it from corrosion. Convenience in work is ensured by a two-component pad on the handle. In order to accurately spread the jaws, there is a graduation on the stationary part, and a dotted line is applied to the movable cheek. The product weighs 800 g, therefore, with prolonged use, hand fatigue will make itself felt. The instrument stops one step away from the winning three.

Domestic consumers speak flatteringly about the large working width, ergonomic handle, and indelible scale. Among the shortcomings, it should be noted the rapid appearance of rust, high weight and bulkiness (300 mm).

Advantages

• large width of capture;
• scale on the lips;
• strength;
• big lever.

disadvantages

• afraid of moisture;
• great weight.

Kraftool SlimWide-K 27266-15

Rating: 4.5

The lightest (110 g) and compact (120 mm) adjustable wrench in our review was the Kraftool SlimWide-K 27266-15 tool. Experts appreciated the high-quality chrome vanadium steel coated with a protective phosphate layer. The manufacturer also deserves praise for the perfectly smooth processing of the sponges. A small grip width (28 mm) and a small shoulder can limit the scope of the key. The tool should be included in the asset with a worm gear with 4 turns, which ensures reliable fixation even under high load.

In the reviews, users praise the German-Taiwanese product for its high-quality workmanship, a reliable moving part, and a clear scale. The disadvantages include a small throat and a modest tightening torque.

Advantages

• lightness and compactness;
• high-quality manufacturing;
• excellent processing of sponges;
• clear scale.

disadvantages

• small pharynx;
• modest tightening torque.

STAYER COBRA 27264-20

Rating: 4.4

The STAYER COBRA 27264-20 adjustable wrench is sold at the most affordable price in Russian stores. The model is suitable for many professionals, since it successfully combines the working width (39 mm) and length (200 mm). The German manufacturer made the key from chrome vanadium steel with a phosphate coating, for a comfortable grip there is an anti-slip handle. To make it convenient to work in hard-to-reach places, the developers have improved the design of the jaws. The instrument weighs 250 g and has a measuring scale on the jaws. The adjustable wrench closes the TOP-6 of our review.

Russian users are satisfied with the build quality, low cost, and ease of use. The product also has disadvantages. This is the presence of a backlash in the moving mechanism, a short-lived pad on the handle.

Advantages

• low price;
• wide scope;
• high-quality assembly;
• ease of use.

disadvantages

• backlash in the moving mechanism;
• the handle pad wears out quickly.

The best tubular (gas) adjustable wrenches

For a long time, plumbers in our country have used tubular adjustable wrenches, which are more popularly known as gas wrenches. They allow you to securely hold couplings or pipes, while creating a huge force when twisting or unscrewing. Experts have appreciated the properties of the following tools.

BAHCO 1410

Rating: 4.9

A simple and reliable design was implemented in the BAHCO 1410 gas key by a Swedish manufacturer. At the same time, the developers made a number of useful improvements, thanks to which it became more comfortable to work with the tool. Experts also note the increased productivity, narrow jaws allow for installation or repair work even in hard-to-reach places. The combination of length (320 mm) and width of sponges (45 mm) turned out to be successful. Against the background of competitors, the model stands out for its low weight (610 g), a progressive shape of the teeth, and a comfortable two-component handle. For high quality, the key becomes the winner of our review.

In many respects, the Swedish instrument looks more attractive than its closest competitors. But the high price tag is holding back domestic consumers.

Advantages

• high quality;
• simple and reliable design;
• light weight;
• ergonomic handle.

disadvantages

• high price.

Kraftool PANZER L 2734-10

Rating: 4.8

The German-Taiwanese manufacturer offers the most affordable price for the Kraftool PANZER L 2734-10 adjustable wrench. The model received our review silver for its solid forged construction. Durable chrome vanadium steel plays the main violin in the instrument. The length of the gas wrench is 330 mm, but in the width of the opening of the throat, the model loses to the winner (25 mm). Therefore, the scope of application is limited to plumbing works with a pipe diameter of up to 1 inch. The tool turned out to be quite heavy (800 g); powder paint and varnish coating provides reliable protection against corrosion.

Domestic users are satisfied with the workmanship, low price, reliable grip. Of the minuses, there is a small throat and the absence of a lining on the handle.

Advantages

• low price;
• one-piece forged construction;
• powder coated;
• secure grip.

disadvantages

• small pharynx;
• no overlay on the handle.

Gross 15623

Rating: 4.7

The undisputed leader in such an indicator as the maximum grip width (65 mm) is the gas wrench Gross 15623. At the same time, it is able to work with workpieces not thinner than 25 mm. The German-Chinese instrument is made of powder-coated chrome vanadium steel. To increase the strength of the sponges, the operation of quenching with high-frequency currents was performed. As a result, the hardness of the working part is 57-60 HRc. The manufacturer has applied a progressive tooth shape, due to which self-locking of the workpiece gripper is carried out. Due to the large length of the key (535 mm), the weight of the product (2461 g) has also significantly increased.

Russian plumbers and installers speak flatteringly about good quality, high tightening torque, wide grip. The disadvantages include large dimensions and weight. The model ranks third in the review.

Advantages

• high strength;
• large lever;
• wide pharynx;
• hard sponges.

disadvantages

• heavy weight;
• bulkiness.

Best adjustable adjustable wrenches

Adjustable keys use a special mechanism (adjustable), which allows you to accurately and quickly select the size of the throat. Reliable fixation of the workpiece is ensured not only by the compression force of the handles, but also by special jaws with recesses. The experts liked the following products.

Knipex 8603180

Rating: 4.9

A large set of tools can replace the Knipex 8603180 adjustable wrench. The German design has smooth jaws, which allows you to gently hold chrome-plated or painted parts. The manufacturer has provided the ability to adjust the key using a screw connection. Due to the parallel arrangement of the jaws, the desired size is infinitely adjustable, while spontaneous rearrangement is excluded. The experts praised the oil-hardened chrome vanadium steel forged structure. With a length of 180 mm, the tool weighs 254 g. The working width is 35 mm.

In the reviews, users praise the Knipex 8603180 adjustable key for high workmanship, ease of use, and gentle fixation. The downside is the high price.

Advantages

• high-quality manufacturing;
• strength and reliability;
• ease of use;
• accurate fixation of parts.

disadvantages

• high price.

KBT 76473

Rating: 4.8

The Russian-Taiwanese key KBT 76473 finds a wide scope of application. The tool perfectly combines a wide grip (50 mm) and convenient adjustment of the opening. The spring button allows you to quickly adjust the jaws to the size of the workpiece. The high strength of the product is ensured by forged chrome vanadium steel, the 9 mm wide jaws are hardened to a hardness of 51-53 HRc. The experts drew attention to the plastisol coating of the handles, which provides a good grip on the palm. With a key length of 260 mm, its weight is 543 g. The model becomes the silver medalist of our review.

Russian consumers are satisfied with the build quality, affordable price, smooth lips, convenient adjustment. On the downside, they include the jamming of the button at the maximum dilution of the sponges.

Advantages

• wide grip;
• affordable price;
• comfortable handles;
• smooth sponges.

disadvantages

• the spring button is stuck.

Gross 15724

Rating: 4.7

In many respects, the Gross 15724 flip key looks better than the review leaders. The model is realized at the most affordable price, the maximum width of the jaws is 60 mm, with the help of the tool you can create a large tightening force (length 300 mm). The adjustable wrench does an excellent job of fixing and rotating pipes, couplings and fittings. The working part of the product is made of hardened chrome vanadium steel, the comfort in work is ensured by rubberized handles. There are 10 setting positions for adjusting the jaws. A groove is made in the clamping surfaces to hold the wire or nails.

Russian craftsmen praise the adjustable key for a large grip width, affordable price, ergonomics. Of the minuses, inconvenient adjustment and a large dilution of the handles are mentioned.

Advantages

• low price;
• German quality;
• wide grip;
• high tightening torque.

disadvantages

• inconvenient to set the size;
• handles are widely spread.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.