Crescent Wrench Set Buyer's Guide

A crescent wrench is an adjustable wrench that got its name from the Crescent tool company that produced it. The name became eponymous after it became a tool of popular use. Some say its head resembles a crescent moon. The wrench features a sliding jaw for an adjustable width, allowing it to fit a whole range of bolt sizes. It can, however, be the wrong tool for the job and should only be used for its specific purpose. When buying a crescent wrench, it is important to evaluate several of its features to make the right purchase.

Crescent Wrench Cost
More accurately called an adjustable jaw wrench, it can be used for a great many uses. Thanks to its sliding jaw piece, depending on its size it can fit a range of bolts. Crescent wrenches start around $8 and go all the way up to $100 or more. When evaluating crescent wrenches, certainly look at the cost. An $8 tool will be of a lower quality than the $100 version. Then again, you may not need a precisely machined, chrome plated tool from the Crescent Company. Chances are a mid-priced wrench will serve you well.

Measurement Units
Whether using metric or imperial, a crescent wrench is adjustable according to the units of measurement it employs. This won't make much of a difference when you use it to tighten or loosen bolts of smaller sizes. It will, however, matter for its maximum size. It is a good idea to have one sturdy crescent wrench for each of the units to handle all jobs.

Material
As stated, the most expensive types of crescent wrench are chrome plated steel that last a long time. You don't have to buy the most expensive wrench to get a good tool, though. Hold it in your hand and feel if it is a quality tool. You can feel the difference between a cheap tool and a quality one.

Durability
The $8 crescent wrench features a slider to adjust the jaw rather than the typical round adjuster. Although this may seem more convenient, it is a part that will fail relatively quickly, especially with much use. Your best bet is to go with the standard form of the tool. New attempts at making the tool more convenient are usually just gimmicks. Trust what has worked for generations. A steel adjustable jaw wrench should have a tapered handle and feel somewhat weighty in your hand. The jaw should not wiggle, nor should the adjuster have much play in it.

Use
Ask yourself what you need the tool for. If it is simply for household maintenance, you don't need the industrial-strength tool. Only use your wrench for the jobs that call for it. It should not be used for high stress bolts, for the wrench can slip, damage the bolts and make your job harder.

If it is to be used in your home shop or tool box, it need not be the most expensive industrial version of the tool. Buying a quality, durable adjustable jaw wrench can be done for $30 or so. You want something to last, but you don't want to spend a day's wages on it either.

What to Look for in a Crescent Wrench Set

A crescent wrench can be a life saver when kept in the trunk of your car or underneath the seat of your motorcycle. A good crescent wrench will adjust to fit many different sizes of nuts and bolts and will come in handy in many occasions if you have problems with your vehicle or bike on the road. However, you should always look for quality crescent wrenches when you decide to purchase one.

Buy High Quality Steel Wrenches
You can purchase cheap crescent wrenches for as little as two or three dollars in some places; however, invest $20 to $30 and purchase one that will last a lifetime. If you get a bargain crescent wrench, you'll probably soon discover there's a very good reason that it is so cheap--it doesn't work very well or last very long. Always choose one made from high quality chrome-vanadium steel. The way to tell is simple--a chrome/vanadium steel wrench weighs much more than the cheaper imitations.

Buy Made in the U.S.A
If you want to purchase a quality crescent wrench, spend a couple of dollars more and purchase one made in America. If you're a professional mechanic, companies like Mac and Snap On make some of the best tools in the world. If you don't have that kind of money to spend, purchase brands like Husky or Craftsman, which are also made in America and also come with lifetime warranties. In the end purchasing an American-made crescent wrench will pay for itself time and time again.