Ranking of the best adjustable wrenches for 2024

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

Adjustable wrench: device and general characteristics

This tool can replace a whole set of different open-end wrenches. It allows you to adjust the size of the throat, which means the ability to work with nuts of different diameters. The main purpose of the key is to work with clamps, therefore its parts and body must withstand certain loads and not be deformed. For this, the tool is made from durable types of metal, and the surface is covered with special protective compounds.

The standard version consists of the following parts:

• Fixed "lip" - in fact is a continuation of the handle and part of the body;
• Movable "lip" - with its help a certain size of the throat 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, the adjustable models can work with any nuts and bolts and even with non-standard fasteners of various sizes.

Manufacturing material, weight and size

A quality tool should 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 sprays can be used:

• Phosphated;
• Nickel;
• Chrome plated.

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

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

• KR-19 - necessary for working with nuts with a diameter of no more than 19 millimeters (suitable for small jobs);
• KR-30 - used for manipulating nuts with a diameter of no more than 30 millimeters (perfect for repairing household appliances and equipment, as well as plumbing);
• KR-46 is used for nuts with a diameter of no more than 46 millimeters (the main area of ​​use 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 area of ​​application of the key in question is the production of plumbing works. With its help, plumbers can twist the fittings, remove pipe cuttings 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 effort is many times greater than when using a conventional open-end wrench. The tightening of nuts on various screwed parts occurs in the same way. Due to the application of uniform forces by means of the lever, the device does not "lick" the edges and does not break the threads.

A LITTLE HISTORY: In Russia, the competition "Professional installer" is held annually. At his last tournament in 2019, the monkey wrench was recognized as an indispensable tool of 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

Undoubtedly its advantages include the following properties:

• The ability to independently select the desired throat size;
• One and the same device can be used for different types of work;
• Variability of replacing a 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 the tight grip of the fastening parts;
• In the process, 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 version, equipped with a screw mechanism, which provides enhanced lip fixation. Ideal for working with elements with flat edges.
• Gable - not so common tool, in fact, it is an automatic tong. A great option if you need to screw / unscrew fasteners with a large diameter.
• Gas adjustable wrench - the device has two handles, one of which can move relative to the other. It is considered versatile and able to manipulate almost any detail.

The latter type of adjustable wrench is worth mentioning separately, since its versatility is a special help for any plumber, gas worker, plumber and even firefighter. 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 ratchet-based mechanism of operation and it has quick adjustment. These properties mean that the user can quickly adjust the size of the shed to accommodate the element to be rotated. Self-adjusting the device means that the user does not need to remove it from the part when the throat needs to be adjusted. Among other things, the embossed profile of the lips is made in such a way that sliding of the fasteners or any other damage to the nuts is not allowed during the process. There are quite a few models of self-locking keys on the market, standard adjustment sizes for them are from 17 to 24 millimeters.

End option

The design of this model is provided in such a way that its head forms a universal socket. It easily adjusts to the desired part - bolt head, hook, nut, screw, etc. Accordingly, by fixing the head on the element, it is possible to quickly start the process of unscrewing / twisting. 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 to:

• The practical impossibility of damaging the part with which the work is carried out;
• Using a ratchet for quick installation of the device in 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 work production

Due to the possibility of adjusting the size of the throat (the distance between the "lips"), the use of the device is quite simple - you just need to choose the right size corresponding to the diameter of the workpiece. 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 in the direction of the handle, where the fixing nut is located (otherwise, the lips will simply slide off the part);
2. To unscrew / twist the connection, the device must be installed with the right side;
3. A tube / nut is placed in the throat between the lips;
4. Further, the lips are brought together between each other with maximum density;
5. Tighten the adjustment screw by hand;
6. At the final stage, the handles are brought together for maximum grip.

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

Features of the choice of an adjustable wrench

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

The main factors that you need to pay close attention to when 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);
• Choose 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) the flexible hose connections, then keys with flat lips will perfectly cope with this. And if you have to work with old metal pipes (especially if they are prone to corrosion), then you will definitely need a device whose lips have special notches (they will definitely better "grab" the pipe 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 be possible to tighten them properly;
• And the most important parameter is that you need to carefully check the quality of the instrumentation, namely the tightness of fit of all elements of the device to each other in the thread area. This can be checked simply by looking at the key in the light - the larger the gap in these parts, the less reliability you can expect 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 shine. Such a coating means greater resistance to wet 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 the greatest concern to the end consumer of any product. Regarding adjustable wrenches, we can definitely say 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 cover for the body. The most optimal household option is considered to be models in the range from 500 to 1000 rubles - now they may already have additional modifications, and their quality will be at the level of world brands.

The most expensive models cost from 1,500 rubles and more. They are made of ultra-strong alloys and are supplied with additional components, such as a ruler, oil level, additional mountings, replaceable lips. However, plumbing professionals prefer to have a large and versatile set of all tools at home at once.

Ranking of the best adjustable wrenches for 2024

Standard Models

3rd place: Biber 90003

A conventional adjustable wrench made of steel. Suitable for infrequent household chores. Due to its small working width, it is preferable to use it with a larger key. There are no additional options in this model. The handle has a hole for attaching to a belt hook.

Name	Index
A type	Adjustable wrench without options
Maximum capture, mm	30
Maximum length, mm	90
Material	Steel
Price, rubles	500

• Durable steel body;
• Hole for waist-wear;
• Suitable for household needs.

• No additional options.

2nd place: STANLEY MaxSteel 0-90-940

Improved key model. It has an ergonomic grip 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
A type	Adjustable rubberized
Maximum capture, mm	30
Maximum length, mm	200
Material	Chrome vanadium steel
Price, rubles	610

• Rubberized body;
• Telescopic handle;
• Maximum capture increased.

• There is a slight play in the movable lip.

1st place: Kraftool No. 27258-25

An excellent sample of German production with a good set of additional options. Has a phosphated coating (anti-slip), which indicates additional comfort when working. The working head is equipped with a measuring ruler. It perfectly tolerates increased loads.

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

• High-quality workmanship 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 pipe handling model is not designed for particularly long-term loads. Suitable for infrequent and one-time use. The tool body is painted green and made of regular steel. Nevertheless, during visual inspection "through light", all parts of the device fit tightly to each other.

Name	Index
A type	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;
• Budgetary price.

• Some structural fragility.

2nd place: FIT 70371

This device has a very narrow specialization and is designed to work with small parts and small diameter pipes. Therefore, it is not worth making special demands on the strength and size of the throat. Perfect for bathroom and toilet piping operations.

Name	Index
A type	Gas lever
Maximum capture, mm	25
Lip shape	"G"
Lip angle	45
Material	Tool steel
Length, mm	300
Price, rubles	600

• Economical cost;
• Increased shoulder length;
• Ability to work even with parts 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. The extra-strong material of manufacture (carbon steel) allows you not to take special care when applying pressure to the lever.

Name	Index
A type	Gas lever
Maximum capture, mm	90
Lip shape	"G"
Lip angle	90
Material	Carbon steel
Length, mm	630
Price, rubles	1500

• Durable workmanship;
• Increased lip angle;
• The key length can be extended up to 63 cm.

• High price.

Reversible keys

3rd place: VORTEX-25

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

Name	Index
A type	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 construction uses durable material;
• The capture angle is expanded.

• Not identified (for its segment).

2nd place: KBT 76473

These adjustable pliers can replace a complete set of any keys. They are used for gripping parts up to 50 mm and their long-term fixation. The adjustment is carried out using a spring-loaded button. The lips are crafted from durable chrome vanadium steel, making it possible to work with high quality finishes without fear of risk of damage.

Name	Index
A type	Plumbing pliers
Maximum solution, mm	50
Material	Chrome vanadium steel
Additional options	The handle of their plastisol
Weight, gr	560
Length, mm	260
Price, rubles	3300

• Multifunctionality and versatility;
• Durable metal body;
• Adjustment with a spring-loaded 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 most rude to the most delicate. The jaws have a smooth polished surface, so there is practically no risk of damage to the fixed part. The lower jaw is repositioned by pressing one button.

Name	Index
A type	Plumbing pliers
Maximum solution, mm	27
Material	Chrome vanadium steel
Additional options	The handle of their plastisol
Weight, gr	200
Length, mm	150
Price, rubles	5100

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

• Polished lips may not work on rusted joints.

Instead of an epilogue

The analysis of the market showed that the considered instruments are present on it in sufficient quantity. They can be purchased both via the Internet and at retail sites, and the price will not vary greatly. 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).