Kobalt has come out with a new line of one-size-fits-all universal sockets and wrenches, called Xtreme Access. What’s so special about the Xtreme Access tools? To start, each wrench and socket size has a dual-functional spline profile that fits both SAE inch and metric fasteners. Add on the sockets’ low-profile and go-through design, and you’ve got extreme access capabilities.

There are two 7-piece Xtreme Access wrench sets – metric and SAE. Both wrench sets feature universal combination box ends and differ in that the metric set has metric-sized open-ends and the SAE has inch-sized open-ends.

Each socket and wrench box size fits the following fastener types:

• 6pt (mm)
• 6pt (inch)
• 12pt (mm)
• 12pt (inch)
• spline
• star
• square
• most rounded (damaged)

Plus, the sockets’ pass-through design gives them the reach of shallow and deep sockets. The range includes 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ sizes.

I plan to test one of the pass-through Xtreme Access socket sets in a week or two, and will report back with the results. It will be especially interesting to see how it fares compared to Craftsman’s Max Axess pass-thru socket set.

Buy Now(via Lowes)

Personal Bias and First Impressions

I typically stay away from “universal” type sockets and wrenches. During the winter 2011 holiday season I picked up a Craftsman universal wrench set and a Kobalt Multifit wrench set. The prices were great and I thought that reviews of both sets, and possibly a comparison, would be interesting. However, I never reach for any of these wrenches, and so the reviews have been back-burnered.

What about universal inch-metric combination tools? I absolutely loathe them. Tools like the Kobalt Multi-Drive Wrench - which is currently marketed as the Kobalt 15-piece Wrench Multi-Tool - really soured me towards such designs.

First – how many DIYers and homeowners commonly come across 12pt fasteners? Spline? External Torx? Square?

Second – I still cannot see how a combination wrench or socket size can fit any inch or metric fastener all that well. True, paired sizes are not too dissimilar in dimensions, but separate inch and metric tools will always fit fasteners better.

That all said, the new tools do appear to be reasonably well built. Peeking into the 27pc Xtreme Access socket set that our friends at Lowes just sent over, I feel that the tools and accessories are very well designed. The geometries seem well thought out, and unlike other universal tools I’ve seen in the past few years (*cough* Husky Rotary Wrench *cough*), I don’t think that Lowes rushed to bring these tools to market.

I inherently believe that separate tools are best – 6pt sockets and 12pt wrenches in separate inch and metric flavors to be precise – but am surprisingly not as dismissive of the Xtreme Access tools as I expected to be. While I’m not a fan of the universal one-size-fits-all socket design, I’ll still give the set a fair review. I might even pick up or borrow one of the new wrench sets as well.

Update: Quick video review of the 27pc Xtreme Access socket set

Over at Amazon, Gearwrench 7-piece combination ratcheting wrench sets are on sale for $40 each. I’m pretty fond of these wrenches, although they see less use than my reversible Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches. $40 with free super saver or Prime shipping is a great price and is about what I paid for these sets a while back via a Sears deal.

Metric Set
Standard Set

A new rapid-slide adjustable wrench was introduced in Germany last week by CPower Tools Co. The wrench features a rack and pinion gearing mechanism that quickly opens and closes the wrench jaws as you slide the switch across the handle.

The CPower website is atrociously designed, so we have not been able to dig up additional details.

CPower’s new wrench bears remarkable resemblance to Crescent’s Rapid-Slide wrench, suggesting that this design heavily inspired the development of the CPower version. It is also possible that Crescent/Apex manufactures the tool for CPower.

Wera is usually known for their screwdrivers, but they are no stranger to mechanics tools. In recent years they have come out with their Zyklop ratchets and sockets, Koloss hammer ratchet, and mini ratchet bit driver. Their recent release is a new line of ratcheting wrenches.

Wera’s Joker combination wrenches feature a unique open-end design and conventional uni-directional ratcheting box-end. The wrench design is named after the Joker playing card, given its tendency to increase a player’s chance of winning a card game.

The Wera Joker combination wrench is advertised as being vastly superior to ordinary wrenches. Wera says that the Joker is faster, better, more stylish, and can do a whole lot more.

Wera Joker Wrench Fastener Holding Function

The Joker’s open end features a fastener holding function that somewhat resembles the cap-stop function on some of Gearwrench’s ratcheting wrenches. The fastener holding function means that nuts and bolts can be held in the jaw with a stop-plate for easier positioning. This can potentially reduce the hassle sometimes associated with getting fasteners started.

If you don’t like the idea of a stop-plate, it looks to be removable via a small Torx-head machine screw.

Secure Fastener Grip

In addition to the stop-plate making bolt and fastener installation easier, it also serves to prevent slippage when turning longer fasteners. It is incredibly frustrating to use wrenches on such fasteners where there is no top or bottom reference to keep the wrench in contact.

A ratchet and socket will typically work even better for this type of application, but if you can only use a wrench, the Joker should perform better than traditional designs.

Anti-Slip Double-Hex Open-End Wrench

Instead of parallel jaws, the Wera Joker wrench has a double-hex design, similar to that of a  12pt line wrench, to provide an improved fastener fit. The replaceable stop-plate features hardened gripping jaws that bite into stubborn, rusted, or rounded fasteners.

Very Small Return Angle

The Joker, with its double-hex jaws, has a 30° return angle. This means that the Joker’s open end can be effectively used even in confined areas. A traditional open-end wrench, with jaws angled 15° to the side, has a 60° return angle if used in one direction, and 30° range of motion if you flip the wrench over.

Fine-Tooth Ratcheting Box-End Wrench

Oh yea, and the wrench has a ratcheting 12pt box-end as well. Wera’s product literature and demonstrations minimize this feature, but it’s still nice to see. The fine-tooth ratcheting mechanism features 80-tooth gearing.

Wera Joker wrenches are available in metric sizes 10mm, 13mm, 17mm, and 19mm, and will be sold individually or as part of a 4-piece set.

Thanks to Dana for the emailed tip!

Here’s a nice demonstration video showing the Wera Joker in action:

It’s been a couple of months since we first talked about Dewalt’s new adjustable wrenches. Introduced last Fall, these wrenches are now widely available, at least online. They may not be pretty, but Dewalt’s adjustable wrenches are downright tough.

The new heavy duty wrenches are designed to provide maximum strength and durability, and to endure rough jobsite handling. I had the chance to preview these new wrenches on two occasions, and found them to be quite impressive. They are a bit crude-looking, but they feel incredibly strong and solid.

Look at the size of this handle!!

The Dewalt wrenches adjusted smoothly and were a joy to test out. But not everyone will love them. Although a scale wasn’t available, these wrenches felt a bit heavier than other same-size wrenches. Other brands’ wrenches often have I-beam-profiled handles, which saves a bit of weight. But on the bright side, the thicker handles on these wrenches give off a sense of greater strength and toughness that almost welcomes abuse.

Prices and Availability

DWHT70289 6 inch: $10.99
DWHT70290 8 inch: $12.99
DWHT70291 10 inch: $14.99
DWHT70292 12 inch: $18.99
DWHT70293 15 inch: $34.99
DWHT70294 6 inch and 10 inch combo pack: $19.99

Buy Now(via Amazon)

I haven’t seen these wrenches in stores yet, only online. If you’re on the fence, the 8″ model looks to be a reasonably good buy at about $15 with shipping. Channellock’s adjustable wrenches are still top-dog in my book, but the Dewalt ones look to be great workhorses.

If you’re looking for a lightweight or low-profile adjustable wrench, or one with thin jaws for use in tight clearance areas, look elsewhere.

A couple of years ago Craftsman reintroduced the dog bone wrench. Late last year they introduced the universal dog bone wrench. And then there was the ratcheting rotary wrench. Now, Craftsman is introducing the Figure Eight Wrench.

The Craftsman Figure Eight Wrench is available in two versions – metric and inch, with each tool having four box-end sockets. Each end of the tool has two sockets, with each socket covering two sizes via a stepped-box end wrench design. The sockets fold in and swivel out for use.

These box end wrenches feature a universal tooth design, making them compatible with 6pt, 12pt, partially rounded, external Torx, square and spline fasteners.

(UPDATE!) Inch sizes include 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4-in, and metric sizes include 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 13mm, 15mm, 17mm, 18mm.

MSRP is $25, model numbers are 32761 (inch) and 32762 (metric), and ETA is Q2 2012.

To be honest, I am not particularly fond of all-in-one wrench designs. But, some homeowners and DIYers seem to like them, and I believe that even some pros like using them for oil changes. To each their own.

Check it out here via Garage Journal forum

Whoever it is at Sears that sets prices must have lost their minds. Or, more realistically, Sears is taking its battle against other retailers for customers’ attention to the next level. A couple of Gearwrench sets are currently phenomenally priced – they’re selling for less than I have ever seen them at ever before!

I just got home from Lowe’s, where a couple of Kobalt wrench sets were too cheap to pass up. I ended up bringing home a Crossform wrench set, which is regularly price at $80 and still on sale for $25.

Here’s what’s on sale:

Gearwrench 7pc XL X-Beam Ratcheting Wrench Set SAE ($24, reg. $80)
Gearwrench 7pc XL X-Beam Ratcheting Wrench Set Metric ($24, reg. $80)

Gearwrench 7pc Flex-Head SAE Set ($27, reg. $90)
Gearwrench 7pc Flex-Head Metric Set ($27, reg. $90)

Gearwrench 8pc Reversible Ratcheting Wrench Set SAE ($40, reg. $80)
Gearwrench 8pc Reversible Ratcheting Wrench Set Metric ($40, reg. $80)

Coupon SEARS2011 OR SEARS5OFF50 takes an additional $5 off $50+ orders. Alternatively, REALJOY gives you free shipping on $99+ orders.

Deal looks to be good through 12/3 or until supplies run out, whichever comes first.

P.S. Free in-store pickup!

Klein recently announced 3 new products – 2 Lineman’s wrenches, and a milled-face hammer.

The new 4-in-1 insulating box wrench features a chrome-plated finish, see-through insulated handle, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, and 3/4″ 12pt socket sizes. The ratcheting box wrench sockets are reversible as well.

The 5-in-1 non-insulated Lineman wrench  features a through-bolt design, 9/16″ and 3/4″ sockets, and a 3/4″ and 1-1/8″ combination square socket.

Designed for pole-line work, the milled-face Lineman’s hammer features milled and smooth faces to meet a range of driving tasks. The forged and tempered steel head is under 4″ long to allow for clearance in tight spots.

More info via Klein

This set was a $50 DoorBuster on Black Friday at Sears, and is still an incredible deal at $55. You get 10 metric ratcheting wrenches (6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18mm), and 10 inch sizes (1/4, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16 and 3/4 in.)

These are not available for shipping, but if they’re still in stock in your area, you can opt for free in-store pickup.

Use coupon SEARS5OFF50 or SEARS2011 to drop the price from $60 to $55.

Buy Now(via Sears)

Kobalt’s new Crossform wrenches are ergonomic “twisted” style wrenches that bear a strong resemblance to Gearwrench’s X-Beam and Craftsman’s CrossForce designs. Compared to standard wrenches, these types offer wider, more comfortable areas to apply pressure with your palms.

The downside is that these wrenches tend to be a little larger and bulkier than conventional wrenches. Still, we can overlook a little extra bulk means an easier time tightening and breaking loose fasteners.

The SAE set includes 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, and 3/4″ wrench sizes, and the metric set includes 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm, and 18mm wrench sizes. Both 8-wrench sets are now priced at $25 each, but they were previously priced at $80.

Buy Now(SAE via Lowes)
Buy Now(Metric via Lowes)

We’ve received a couple of emails this month about how the Black & Decker Auto Adjusting Wrench dropped in price at Amazon. The auto-adjusting wrench is now priced at about $13, down from its regular price of $16-20.

This wrench came out a couple of years ago, and usually pops up in stores before Christmas and Father’s Day.

To use the wrench, you place it over a fastener, and then push the power button. The wrench’s lower jaw then moves and self-adjusts to fit the fastener. You then turn the wrench to tighten or loosen a fastener. The wrench can deliver 220 ft-lbs of torque, which is high enough that you’re unlikely to break the mechanism under normal conditions.

Thank you to all that sent in this deal tip! We’re not fans of the tool, but maybe a couple of readers will also appreciate the heads-up.

Black & Decker Auto Adjusting Wrench via Amazon

For about the same money, this Stanley MaxSteel 8″ wrench operates smoothly, is more comfortable to use, and does not require batteries.

Kobalt Pliers & Wrench Sets $10 Each

Included in the promo is the Kobalt 4-piece locking pliers set, 3-piece adjustable wrench set, 5-piece pliers set, and 3-piece groove joint pliers set. Each set is on sale for 50%-off, making them all $10 each.

We’ve tried some of these pliers, and while they’re not our favorites, they’re not bad, and we usually keep a couple around as spares. Every year we usually pick up a set or two of the pliers to give to friends and family to help build their tool sets.

Buy online via Lowes, with free in-store pickup (deal ends Oct 31st)

Kobalt 22pc Tool Set with Bag

This 22pc tool set makes a great starter kit for homeowners and anyone else without many tools. It includes most of the tools needed for basic DIY and maintenance tasks around the home or apartment.

From the product description and photo, we count 16 individual tools plus an organizer and tool bag. Not bad for $30. We’re told that the sale price ends Oct 31st, but we’re not sure about that – this looks to be the everyday price.

Buy online via Lowes, with free in-store pickup

Kobalt 10pc Pliers Set for $30

These aren’t the best pliers we’ve used, but for $3 each there’s not much to complain about. This set includes all the styles and sizes one needs to start off with. If we could change one thing, we would drop the needlenose locking pliers in favor of a wire stripper.

Buy online via Lowes, with free in-store pickup (sale ends Oct. 31st)

With all these deals, you can buy the tools online with free in-store pickup at your local Lowes, or you can have them shipped. You should be able to find the items in-store as well.

And in case you’re interested, here is a link to recent tools that dropped in price at Lowes.

First, there’s a new 309 piece mechanics’s tool set that includes 201 sockets and 16 full-polish ratcheting wrenches. The regular price is $400, but the set is currently on sale for $200. The list of full contents shows that there is a mix of 6pt and 12pt sockets.

There’s also a 10-drawer ball-bearing storage combo that is on sale for $280. Or you could just pick up either the top chest or rolling cabinet, both are separately discounted.

We double-checked, and the two small socket sets we mentioned the other day are still on sale for 50%-off as well:

Craftsman 10pc standard 3/8″ socket set
Craftsman 10pc metric 3/8″ socket set

Craftsman has announced another new hand tool, the ratcheting rotary wrench. The new wrenches are fine-toothed, and built with 6pt hex metric and inch sockets.

Each double-ended wrench has 8 different socket sizes and 72-tooth reversible ratchet mechanisms. The inch version includes 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, and 3/4″ sockets, and the metric version includes 8mm, 10mm, 11mm, 13mm, 14mm, 16mm, 17mm, and 19mm sockets.

Both Craftsman ratcheting rotary wrenches will be priced at ~$30 each, and will be available later this month. You can order them via Sears.com, and they will probably start appearing in stores next month.

Purchase or get more info on inch version via Sears
Purchase or get more info on metric version via Sears

Our first impression was to think back to Husky’s Rotary Wrench from last year, which was thought looked too bulky to be of practical use. However, the Craftsman versions look to be more compact and more finished.

If you’re into all-in-one tools for on-the-go use or as a gift, the limited edition Craftsman universal dog bone wrench or new Craftsman ratcheting clench wrenches may be a bit more portable than these rotary wrenches.