Black & Decker MSW100 Ready Wrench
Our socket set is a mess. It's fine when it's sitting in our shop and we're the only ones using it, but the instant it enters the construction site, pieces start disappearing. It's like there are ratchet-eating elves living under the excavator or something. And oddly enough, it's always the most common sizes that vanish, so it doesn't take long for the kit to be rendered practically useless.
Black & Decker has come up with a new tool that might help the situation. The Ready Wrench is an interesting looking item that's sort of one-stop shopping for the 16 most popular socket sizes. Each end of the tool has a rotating piece with 4 different socket sizes. It looks like they get to the 16 number by including both SAE and the similar metric size, which actually aren't identical, so there's likely a little slop in 1/2 of the sizes.
This looks like a potentially handy tool. Probably more of a space-saver than anything else, or something for the DIYer who has no need for a complete wrench set. It reminds us of the space-age HK1 Adjustable Wrench that we reviewed way back in February. While the HK1 has a wider range of sizes (it's fully adjustable), the B&D looks easier to use on the fly.
The Ready Wrench costs about $30, which could be worth it if the tool has some durability to it.
At Amazon
Read More in: Hand Tools
Share this Article with others:
Related Articles:
Came straight to this page? Visit Tool Snob for all the latest news.
Posted by Tool Snob at September 24, 2009 5:05 AM
Anyone can look at a photo and draw a conclusion. We're all smart enough to do that. "This looks like a potentially handy tool." Nobody cares about an amateur opinion that is no better than anyone else's. We're all capable of seeing the same thing. I guess that I'm now qualified to post my "professional revues." I mean, I have seen a picture and everything!
Your opinion on the other hand, "could be worth it, if it had some durability to it."
How about actually picking one up, then providing your "professional" determinations?
I have this tool and it is quite useful. A few things going for it is the fact that B&D went with a 6 point instead of 12 point socket design. Also, the hollow space between one socket and the opposite socket give it more of a deep socket capability. Most times, the bolt will fit through both and you can get to the nut.
There isn't plastic on this tool, but a rubber grip. This doesn't replace my socket set as this isn't really practical for car repair. For tight fits, a ratchet is still your best option. But in my woodshop, where I have height adjustments and tension adjustments that use machine screws and bolts, it is nice to have one tool sitting out that doesn't require me to keep running back to my socket set.
Newsletter
Subscribe - RSS
Megapro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver - Review
