50under50

One handle, eight sockets. Sounds pretty good to me if you’re looking for a socket wrench to throw in your pocket. You won’t lose your most commonly used socket sizes, and finding the right size is as quick as flipping the rotating head. Black and Decker hits the market with their versions called the ReadyWrench ($30). 16 of the most popular sizes in 1 wrench ensures the right size for the most common applications.

Features:

• All-in-one socket wrench replaces 1- and 2-inch-deep sockets
• 16 of the most popular sockets; combines standard and metric in 1 tool
• Durable rubber grip provides comfort for high-torque jobs
• Meets or exceeds ASME standards
• Lifetime warranty

In my home shop, I have a variety of power tools that require height and tension adjustments and use machine bolts and screws for that purpose. I like a clutter free shop and sometimes the need to have a ratchet and a handful of sockets out is a bit annoying, this item helps alleviate that.

As advertised and already listed, this wrench has 16 of the most frequent socket sizes installed on one hand tool. I can dial the socket size I need and not have to frequently pull out a socket set. I do work on my lawnmower and I also take apart, store, and pull back out furniture items that use nuts and bolts also. Would I say that this one tool would replace a mechanic’s tool set? No, probably not. But it does make life a little easier for me. If I need to perform any car repair, I do have my ratchet sets. If I am under the car and in difficult spots under the hood, a ratchet still is the best choice. It may ,however, be quite useful as a breaker bar.

Special items to note -

1. The sockets are 6 point and not the cheaper 12 point versions. For those that are unfamiliar with the difference, professionals will use 6 point sockets because they have less of a tendency to round over bolts. 12 point sockets can do a lot of damage to a bolt when applied with too much torque. I am pleased they went with the higher end sockets.

2. This tool, in most situations, will reduce the need for deep sockets and will reduce the amount of times you need to use a wrench instead of a socket. Sometimes bolts are long and when you attempt to use a socket, the socket is too short to fit over the bolt. I run into this when assembling and disassembling my kitchen table. I have to use a wrench because the socket bottoms out on the bolt before touching the nut. The way this is designed, the bolt (most times) could slide through the socket on the opposite side, allowing the socket to grip the nut firmly.

3. Only complaint of this tool (and not really a large one) is that the 45 and 90 degree stops for the sockets do not lock. There is a stop for the angles, but not a full locking mechanism. During high torque situations, this might make for more tricky situations. This is where the choice of using 6 point, rather than 12 point sockets is a large factor.

– David Craig’s review from Amazon

Buy Black & Decker MSW100 Ready Wrench from Amazon $23

Craftsman Dog Bone

Because the ReadyWrench opts for simplicity over getting a precise fit, you may want to consider Craftsman’s Dog Bone ($25). It also has six-point sockets; one wrench for SAE and another for metric sizes.

DOG BONE 8-in-1 Wrench. Fits 8 SAE socket sizes: 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, and 13/16 – inch. Go-Thru swivel head allows easy access and fits any angle. Built in 8-lb magnet serves as oil drain plug or nut holder. Cr-Mo Steel for strength and durability. Ideal for oil drain plugs. Triple chrome plated with full polish finish makes The DOG BONE easy to clean and corrosion resistant. Cam-Lock 6 pt. socket system provides larger contact area and will not strip bolt or nut heads.

Buy Craftsman Dog Bone sae or metric $25 from Craftsman

(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

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