Rating of the best adjustable wrenches for 2022

The range of tools for handling fasteners that exists today is quite large. However, wrenches are the most popular. Their unique features and versatility make them the most widely used instruments. But they also differ in cost.

Adjustable wrench: device and general characteristics

This tool is able to replace a whole set of different open-end wrenches. In it, you can adjust the size of the pharynx, which means the ability to work with nuts of different diameters. The main purpose of the key is to work with clamps, so its parts and body must withstand certain loads and not be deformed. To do this, the tool is made of durable types of metal, and the surface is coated with special protective compounds.

The standard version consists of the following parts:

• Fixed "lip" - in fact, it is a continuation of the handle and part of the body;
• Movable "lip" - with its help, a certain size of the pharynx is established;
• "Worm" - a special screw, with which the pharynx is fixed in a certain position (it moves the movable lip in both directions).

Due to their versatility, adjustable models can work with any nuts and bolts, and even with non-standard fasteners of various sizes.

Material of manufacture, weight and size

A quality tool must be made of durable metal, which can be an alloy of vanadium and chromium or high-carbon tool steel. And for additional resistance to rust and corrosion, as well as mechanical damage, the following coatings can be used:

• Phosphated;
• Nickel;
• Chromed.

In the production of keys, certain standards are used - in Europe this is the ISO 6787:2001 standard, and in Russia a similar version of the document has been adopted - GOST R 54488-2011.

The size of adjustable tools is determined depending on the width of its throat:

• KR-19 - necessary for working with nuts with a diameter of not more than 19 millimeters (suitable for small jobs);
• KR-30 - used for manipulating nuts with a diameter of not more than 30 millimeters (perfect for repairing household appliances and equipment, as well as plumbing);
• KR-46 - used for nuts with a diameter of not more than 46 millimeters (the main area of ​​\u200b\u200buse is the repair and installation of large industrial devices).

The weight of the tool will directly depend on the material from which it is made, its size and the type of protective coating.

Scope of application

The main scope of the key in question is the production of plumbing work. With its help, plumbers can twist the fittings, remove pipe cuts from rusted or stuck joints, etc. Due to the elongated handle, the operator has a significant physical lever, with which the greatest effort is applied to the unscrewed element. This force is many times greater than when using a conventional open end wrench. In the same way, the tightening of nuts on various twisting parts occurs. Due to the application of uniform efforts by means of a lever, the device does not “lick off” the edges and does not break the thread.

A LITTLE HISTORY: In Russia, the competition "Professional installer" is held annually. At his last tournament in 2019, the wrench was recognized as an indispensable tool for professional work.Depending on the areas of its application, the places were distributed as follows:

• Plumbing activities;
• Repair work at a car service;
• Assembly and installation of furniture.

Advantages and disadvantages of the device

Its undoubted advantages include the following properties:

• The possibility of self-selection of the desired size of the pharynx;
• The same device can be used for different types of work;
• The variability of replacing the movable lip with another with the desired shape.

The disadvantages include:

• The increased head size will become a problem when working in hard-to-reach places;
• Over time, a backlash forms on the moving part, which will be an obstacle to a tight grip of the fastening parts;
• In the process of work, you will have to constantly adjust the position of the movable lip.

Existing types of keys

In total, there are three main types:

• Traditional (aka classic) - the most common option, equipped with a screw mechanism, which provides enhanced fixation of the lip. Ideal for working with elements that have flat edges.
• Gable - a tool that is not so common, in fact, is an automatic pliers. A great option if you need to screw / unscrew fasteners with a large diameter.
• gas wrench - the device has two handles, one of which can move relative to the second. It is considered universal and is able to manipulate almost any details.

The latter type of adjustable wrench is worth mentioning separately, since its versatility is a special help for any plumber, gas service employee, plumber, and even a fireman. It takes up extremely little space in the bag and can replace several work items at once.However, universal devices are also divided into two types: self-locking and end.

Self-locking option

The main advantage of this tool is its mechanism of operation based on the ratchet effect, and it has an accelerated adjustment. These properties mean that the user can quickly adjust the gap size to the element that needs to be rotated. The self-adjustment of the device means that the user does not need to remove it from the workpiece when it is necessary to adjust the shed. Among other things, the relief profile of the lips is made in such a way that the fasteners are not allowed to slide or any other damage to the nuts is allowed during the process. There are quite a few models of self-locking keys on the market, the standard adjustment sizes for them are from 17 to 24 millimeters.

End variant

The design of this model is provided in such a way that its head forms a universal socket. It easily adapts to the desired part - the head of the bolt, hook, nut, screw, etc. Accordingly, by fixing the head on the element, it is possible to quickly begin the process of unscrewing/tightening. A special difference of this option is a rather large adjustment range - from 7 to 19 millimeters.

The advantages of universal equipment can be safely attributed:

• The practical impossibility of damaging the part being worked on;
• Using a ratchet to quickly set the device to the desired position;
• No need to use any other keys at all;

This shows that the productivity of working with universal tools increases significantly.

Features of the production of works

Thanks to the ability to adjust the size of the throat (the distance between the "lips"), using the device is quite simple - you just need to choose the right size that matches the diameter of the working part. In the case of a standard tool, you only need to adjust the throat with a worm.

For a gas (universal) key, the order is somewhat different:

1. It must be remembered that the movement of the device is carried out towards the handle, where the locking nut is located (otherwise, the lips will simply slip off the part);
2. To unscrew / tighten the connection, the device must be installed on the desired side;
3. The tube / nut is placed in the throat between the lips;
4. Further, the lips are reduced between each other with maximum density;
5. The adjustment screw is tightened by hand;
6. At the final stage, the handles are brought together for maximum hitch.

At the end of the entire procedure, you can start unscrewing / twisting.

Features of choosing an adjustable wrench

First of all, it should be noted that even for the level of domestic needs on the farm, you need to have two adjustable wrenches at once - a large and a small one. If you rely on the fact that most plumbing connections and pipes in Russian houses and apartments are adjacent to the walls, then they are clearly located in hard-to-reach places. Thus, using two keys at once is much more convenient, for example, when you need to move the futor from a part of the pipe. Accordingly, you need to hold the pipe with one key, and unscrew the futorka with the second.

The main factors that you need to pay close attention to in the process of purchasing a tool:

• Decide on the size of the key - it is preferable to choose it already knowing the expected amount of work in advance (for example, the diameter of the pipes in your apartment);
• Pick up the shape of the lips - they can be both embossed and also smooth. Again, you need to take into account the future scope of work: if you have to operate (twist) flexible hose connections, then wrenches with flat lips will do just fine. And if you have to work with old metal pipes (especially if they are susceptible to corrosion), then a device will definitely be needed, the lips of which have special notches (they will definitely “grab” the pipe better when unscrewing the connection);
• Additionally, it is worth choosing the width of the lips, while it should be noted that on some models they are too wide. For operations with pipes, this feature will not play a role, but when manipulating nuts / fittings, it will not work to tighten them properly;
• And the most important parameter - you need to carefully check the quality of the tools, namely the fit of all elements of the device to each other in the thread area. This can be checked by simply looking at the key through the light - the larger the gap in these parts, the less reliability should be expected during operation.

IMPORTANT! It is also worth paying attention to the material from which the device is made. If it is covered with a chrome compound, then it will gleam. This coating means greater resistance to damp environments. If the device is simply painted in different colors (green, blue, black), then this means that it is simply made of steel.

Value for money

These two main parameters are of most concern to the end consumer of any product. Regarding wrenches, it can be definitely stated that if the tool is supposed to be used no more than a couple of times a year, and even then for standard household needs, there is no need to focus on expensive Western brands.

Normal budget options for the above purposes will cost a potential buyer 100-300 rubles, but they will not be equipped with additional options, such as, for example, a rubberized handle or a protective coating on the body. Models ranging from 500 to 1000 rubles are considered the most optimal household option - now they may already have additional modifications, and their quality will be at the level of world brands.

The most expensive models cost from 1500 rubles and more. They are made of heavy-duty alloys, they are supplied with additional components, such as a ruler, oil level, additional fasteners, interchangeable lips. However, professional plumbers prefer to have at home a large and versatile set of all tools at once.

Rating of the best adjustable wrenches for 2022

Standard Models

3rd place: Biber 90003

Standard wrench made of steel. Suitable for occasional housework. Because of its small working width, it is preferable to use it with a larger wrench. There are no additional options in this model. The handle has a hole for attaching to a belt hook.

Name	Index
Type of	Adjustable without options
Maximum capture, mm	30
Maximum length, mm	90
Material	Steel
Price, rubles	500

• Durable steel body;
• Hole for belt carry;
• Suitable for household use.

• No additional options.

2nd place: STANLEY MaxSteel 0-90-940

Improved key model. It has an ergonomic handle protected by rubber pads. It can be used both for home needs and for work of a more professional level.It has a telescopic handle, which means it can work in hard-to-reach places.

Name	Index
Type of	Adjustable rubberized
Maximum capture, mm	30
Maximum length, mm	200
Material	Chrome vanadium steel
Price, rubles	610

• Rubberized case;
• Telescopic handle;
• Increased maximum grip.

• There is a slight play of the movable lip.

1st place: Kraftool No. 27258-25

An excellent example of German production with a good set of additional options. It has a phosphated coating (anti-slip), which indicates additional comfort during work. The working head is equipped with a measuring ruler. It tolerates high loads very well.

Name	Index
Type of	Adjustable phosphated
Maximum capture, mm	50
Maximum length, mm	250
Material	Chrome vanadium steel
Price, rubles	1500

• High-quality manufacturing material;
• The presence of a ruler on the head;
• Anti-slip coating.

• Extremely overpriced for its segment.

Pipe (gas) samples

3rd place: Sibrtech 15769

This model for handling pipes is not designed for particularly long-term loads. Suitable for infrequent and one-time use. The body of the tool is painted green and made of ordinary steel. However, when visually inspected “through the light”, all parts of the device fit snugly together.

Name	Index
Type of	gas lever
Maximum capture, mm	28
Lip shape	"G"
Lip angle	45
Material	Tool steel
Length, mm	250
Price, rubles	400

• Sufficient lip angle;
• Increased lever length;
• Quality manufacturing;
• Budget price.

• Some structural fragility.

2nd place: FIT 70371

This device has a very narrow specialization and is designed to work with small parts and pipes of small diameter. Therefore, it is not worth making special requirements for it in terms of strength and size of the pharynx. Ideal for plumbing in bathrooms and toilets.

Name	Index
Type of	gas lever
Maximum capture, mm	25
Lip shape	"G"
Lip angle	45
Material	Tool steel
Length, mm	300
Price, rubles	600

• Economic cost;
• Increased shoulder length;
• Ability to work even with details from 1 inch.

• Narrow specialization.

1st place: NIH 2731-4

An expensive and versatile tool suitable for all kinds of work. It copes equally well with small fasteners and large diameter pipes. Heavy-duty construction material (carbon steel) allows you not to exercise special care when applying pressure on the lever.

Name	Index
Type of	gas lever
Maximum capture, mm	90
Lip shape	"G"
Lip angle	90
Material	Carbon steel
Length, mm	630
Price, rubles	1500

• Durable manufacturing material;
• Increased lip angle;
• The length of the key can be extended up to 63 cm.

• High price.

Reversible keys

3rd place: VORTEX-25

This wrench is designed to grip objects of various shapes and sizes for unscrewing / tightening. Can also be used as an adjustable/pipe device. They have flowing handles and are made of the strongest carbon steel. With their help, a reliable and powerful fixation is provided.

Name	Index
Type of	Plumbing pliers
Maximum solution, mm	50
Material	Carbon steel
Additional options	Rubberized handle
Weight, gr	370
Length, mm	320
Price, rubles	500

• Excellent value for money;
• The design uses durable material;
• Extended grip angle.

• Not identified (for its segment).

2nd place: KBT 76473

These adjustable pliers are able to replace a complete set of any keys. Are applied to capture of details to 50 mm and their long fixing. Adjustment is carried out using a spring button. The lips are made of durable chrome vanadium steel, which allows you to work with a high-quality finish without fear of the risk of damage to it.

Name	Index
Type of	Plumbing pliers
Maximum solution, mm	50
Material	Chrome vanadium steel
Additional options	Handle them plastisol
Weight, gr	560
Length, mm	260
Price, rubles	3300

• Multifunctionality and versatility;
• Durable body metal;
• Adjustment with spring button.

• High price.

1st place: KNIPEX KN-8603150

This adjustable key has as many as 14 positions for fixing parts of various sizes. It can be used for any type of installation work - from the roughest to the most delicate. The jaws have a smooth polished surface, so there is practically no risk of damage to the fixed part. Rearrangement of the lower sponge is made by pressing one button.

Name	Index
Type of	Plumbing pliers
Maximum solution, mm	27
Material	Chrome vanadium steel
Additional options	Handle them plastisol
Weight, gr	200
Length, mm	150
Price, rubles	5100

• Delicate level of manipulation;
• 14 capture positions;
• The lower lip is rearranged at the touch of a button.

• Polished lips may not work on rusty joints.

Instead of an epilogue

The conducted analysis of the market showed that the considered instruments are present on it in sufficient quantity. You can buy them both via the Internet and at retail sites, and the price will not vary much. At the same time, the mass Russian buyer prefers Asian or domestic models due to their adequate cost and more or less normal quality. Expensive models from Western brands are more often purchased by professional specialists and for work in the private sector (design services).