What you see here is Crescent’s new ratcheting adjustable wrench, model ATR28. It features a 1-1/4″ jaw capacity, speedy ratcheting mechanism, on/off locking toggle switch, and comfortable handle grip.
We’ve seen some terrible ratcheting adjustable wrench designs in the past, but this one actually looks pretty good.
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From what we can tell, the entire lower jaw mechanism is what moves downwards when the ratcheting mechanism kicks in. Crescent’s video shows this, albeit not too closely.
There is one downside – the wrench looks a little bigger and bulkier than some non-ratcheting adjustable wrenches. The handle is also angled to indicate the direction the ratchet works in. Adjustable wrenches should only be used in one direction anyways, so the unusual shape probably won’t bother any users.
We previously reported that Dewalt is soon coming out a ratcheting adjustable wrench. The two competing wrenches should match up well, and it will be interesting to see which one performs better.
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The new wrench is priced at under $20.
Jeff Tieman
That actually looks like a decent design compared to the older ones I’ve seen.
Scottthetec
I played with one yesterday at HD. It seemed to me that the top actually pivots around the bolt head.
There was one Made in the USA 10″ Cresent wrench left on the display among the Chinese made Cresents. It looked lonely. I already have two, and so had to pass.
jesse
I tried one at HD also. It seemed to work surprisingly well in the ‘try me’ packaging. Sadly, made in China, so NFG as far as I am concerned.
What is surprising is that HD is carrying Wiss tools made in USA. Seriously. Is Apex actually reshoring some of their hand tools?
BTW, Bain Capital bought Apex Tool Group today for $1.6B: http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2012/10/10/bain-capital-scoops-up-apex-tools-jv-for-16b-from-cooper-danaher/
Glad Romney’s not running that show. And who thinks this acquisition will be good for American tool manufacturing and American tool users? Probably another nail nail in the tool coffin.
Baji
With the Crescent Wrench, I am not shocked it’s not made in USA as I haven’t seen a Crescent one that was in over a decade. Apex also re shored their screwdriver bits to USA some time ago here.
But now that Bain Capital bought them out, they might soon be outsourced yet again. Then again you know who isn’t running that company anymore, so at least there is a better chance the items won’t go to China right away.
Hopefully none of the companies that actually produce USA tools won’t be outsourced though.
WestHighalander
Massive ignorance — stick to your supposed knowledge of tools and skip your ignorant political posturing
Two quick points — China and Bain have almost nothing to do with outsourcing of tool manufacture — otherwise why outsource to Italy for circular and some reciprocating saw blades — not exactly a hub of low cost manufacturing
Much of the outsourcing of tool manufacture is due to the oppressive regulation of that kind of industry by Federal and some State bureaucrats — try to set up a new foundry in the US — don’t care how much you are willing to spend — it wont happen.
KenZ
I think it looks like a nice improvement over a standard crescent wrench, but I wouldn’t get one, and have also given away all my crescent wrenches. Once you have and learn to use (and can afford) a Knipex pliers wrench, you would never even consider using a crescent of any type again. And, once you learn to use it correctly, it effectively “wratchets.” Well, OK, it doesn’t technically wratchet, but it gives the same effect, never rounds your nuts/bolt heads, and grips like a mo-fo. If you can afford a Knipex, look no further.
Stuart
I have two Knipex pliers wrenches and still use my adjustable wrenches on occasion. Pliers wrenches require constant pressure to remain closed, adjustable wrenches do not.
Elmer
Do they come in bigger size? I need one thanks.