Channellock 4-in-1 Combo Ratcheting Wrenches Reviewed

A few weeks ago we introduced Channellock’s new 4-in-1 ratcheting wrenches. These wrenches feature four sizes in a single wrench, which each end sharing the ratcheting mechanism. This makes the wrenches light and compact, and we couldn’t wait to put them through some rough and intense testing.

Before we get started with the review, please bear in mind that while new to Channellock, this wrench design is also available in other flavors, a point we previously neglected to mention. They’re made in the USA, and are available in 2-piece SAE and metric kits.

Design

Each wrenches consist of two electro-plated steel sides with a plastic spacer sandwiched in between them. (Or at least it looks and feels like plastic.) This gives the wrenches a nice wide cross section. The ratcheting mechanisms are coarse and exposed, but they feel extremely robust and durable. Wrench sizes are engaved in the handles and are easy to read.

In order to prevent the over-torquing of fasteners with the smaller wrench sizes, the tools are somewhat on the short size. This means that if you need to use the larger wrench sizes, you’re not going to have as much leverage as you would with separate combination wrenches or sockets.

Comfort & Performance

As mentioned, the wrenches are fairly wide and very comfortable to use and hold. The ratcheting mechanism is pretty smooth (but coarse), and the direction-select levers are quick and easy to toggle.

Their low-profile heads are compact and can reach most tight spaces with ease. Although I know that the larger sizes will require additional elbow grease to loosen or tighten fasteners, I never really felt the need to exert extra effort.

One of the things I greatly appreciate about these wrenches is that they’re incredibly compact, much moreso than Dog Bone style wrenches. Using a rubber band or two, the wrenches can be nested close together, and they take up hardly any space in a portable tool kit.

Because of the ratcheting mechanisms’ open-style, users must pay a bit of attention to keeping the tools clean. The wrenches have an engraved reminder that they should be cleaned and oiled regularly. Just something to keep in mind. 

Conclusion

These are very well-built ratcheting wrenches that are compact and very convenient to use. They’re great for general purpose use and for on-the-go tool kits, but they won’t completely replace standard combo wrenches for heavy-duty applications due to their shorter size.

Channellock’s 4-in-1 ratcheting wrenches are very well-built, and we definitely recommend them. If you’re looking for an all-in-one (or two) type of combination tool, these should be at the top of your list. What would we not recommend them for? Heavy duty applications that require greater torque than these tools can comfortably apply.

Channellock SAE Ratcheting Wrench Set via Channellock (841S)
Channellock Metric Ratcheting Wrench Set via Channellock (841M)

Thank you to Channellock for providing the sample for this review unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or in some cases kept for further testing or benchmark and comparison purposes.