I’m no longer jealous of your…
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,672
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1924 Post(s)
Liked 1,954 Times
in
1,086 Posts
I’m no longer jealous of your…
…4 inch adjustable wrench. Over the last few years, I’ve handled a few but they all were cheap, poorly forged, loose junk. This one is pretty nice and I highly recommend it.
Multi-Tool
Multi-Tool
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
Likes For Classtime:
#2
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 3,927
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2185 Post(s)
Liked 3,337 Times
in
1,742 Posts
Needs a digital caliper-type read-out.
Does the other side have a metric scale?
Does the other side have a metric scale?
Likes For Polaris OBark:
#3
Cantilever believer
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,471
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 491 Post(s)
Liked 1,666 Times
in
761 Posts
I will neither confirm nor deny hoarding curating a collection of 4" adjustable wrenches. Mostly quality brands such as (US made) Craftsman, Snap-On Blue Point, etc.
That being said, I'll typically carry a 6" in the bike toolbag, as a 4" usually is too small to handle common bicycle fasteners (such as saddle or axle nuts) or provides insufficient leverage. Many of my bikes have nutted hubs, and I'm often asked / tasked with helping others' bikes in time of need.
This one is the most interesting in the toolbox.
That being said, I'll typically carry a 6" in the bike toolbag, as a 4" usually is too small to handle common bicycle fasteners (such as saddle or axle nuts) or provides insufficient leverage. Many of my bikes have nutted hubs, and I'm often asked / tasked with helping others' bikes in time of need.
This one is the most interesting in the toolbox.
__________________
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Richard C. Moeur, PE - Phoenix AZ, USA
https://www.richardcmoeur.com/bikestuf.html
Likes For RCMoeur:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 910
Bikes: 1964(?) Frejus Tour de France, 1967(?) Dawes Double Blue, 1979 Trek 710, 1982 Claud Butler Dalesman, 1983 Schwinn Paramount Elite, 2014 Brompton, maybe a couple more
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 308 Post(s)
Liked 669 Times
in
324 Posts
Don't leave that lying around the Spoke.
Is one end left-handed and the other right-handed?
Is one end left-handed and the other right-handed?
#5
Overdoing projects
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Rotterdam, former republic of the Netherlands
Posts: 2,443
Bikes: Batavus Randonneur GL, Gazelle Orange Excellent, Gazelle Super Licht, Gazelle Grand Tourist, Gazelle Lausanne, Gazelle Tandem, Koga-Miyata SilverAce, Koga-Miyata WorldTraveller
Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 783 Post(s)
Liked 1,215 Times
in
677 Posts
I'm partial to the Knipex mini wrench pliers myself. Though I do wish they made one that would go as big as 32mm to tighten headsets.
Courtesy of the: Adventure Rider review
The XS version can be useful too:
Courtesy of the: Adventure Rider review
The XS version can be useful too:
Likes For JaccoW:
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 2,096
Bikes: Trek 800 x 2, Schwinn Heavy Duti, Schwinn Traveler, Schwinn Le Tour Luxe, Schwinn Continental, Cannondale M400 and Lambert, Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 801 Post(s)
Liked 1,000 Times
in
654 Posts
I will neither confirm nor deny hoarding curating a collection of 4" adjustable wrenches. Mostly quality brands such as (US made) Craftsman, Snap-On Blue Point, etc.
That being said, I'll typically carry a 6" in the bike toolbag, as a 4" usually is too small to handle common bicycle fasteners (such as saddle or axle nuts) or provides insufficient leverage. Many of my bikes have nutted hubs, and I'm often asked / tasked with helping others' bikes in time of need.
This one is the most interesting in the toolbox.
That being said, I'll typically carry a 6" in the bike toolbag, as a 4" usually is too small to handle common bicycle fasteners (such as saddle or axle nuts) or provides insufficient leverage. Many of my bikes have nutted hubs, and I'm often asked / tasked with helping others' bikes in time of need.
This one is the most interesting in the toolbox.
One end is for metric and the other English. No that is not right.
One end is for tightening the other end is for loosening bolts and nuts. No that has been debunked. They work either way.
One end is for holding the bolt while the other end loosens the nut. No way, Jose.
There are two ends just in case one end breaks because you were using it as a hammer. NO.
One end is equivalent to a 4" and the other end is equivalent to a 6" adjustable wrench. Yea, that's it. The 4" end works good on brake and derailleur nuts while the 6" end works on axle and seat bolts. They are especially good for Sturmey Archer hubs.
These Diamond Tool wrenches seem to be better made than the newer ones that I see nowadays. That is just my opinion. I wouldn't mind having a double ender, but since they are getting valuable, that may be going beyond my usual budget for a tool to keep in the tool bag. And don't throw it at a car that almost killed you.
Are you jealous of this double ender @Classtime ? I might be.
Last edited by Velo Mule; 10-12-22 at 04:32 PM.
Likes For Velo Mule:
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,672
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1924 Post(s)
Liked 1,954 Times
in
1,086 Posts
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Point Reyes Station, California
Posts: 4,715
Bikes: Indeed!
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1504 Post(s)
Liked 3,443 Times
in
1,127 Posts
My son brought this back from France for me several years ago. As you can see, it is well-used.
Brent
Likes For obrentharris:
#9
Senior Member
I'm partial to the Knipex mini wrench pliers myself. Though I do wish they made one that would go as big as 32mm to tighten headsets.
Courtesy of the: Adventure Rider review
The XS version can be useful too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWRhASrMvp0
Courtesy of the: Adventure Rider review
The XS version can be useful too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWRhASrMvp0
Those look like they would be great for installing or removing water supply tubes to/from the angle stops under the sink
__________________
Be where your feet are.......Lisa Bluder
Be where your feet are.......Lisa Bluder
Likes For r0ckh0und:
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Pioneer Valley
Posts: 881
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 281 Post(s)
Liked 640 Times
in
329 Posts
I'm partial to the Knipex mini wrench pliers myself. Though I do wish they made one that would go as big as 32mm to tighten headsets.
Courtesy of the: Adventure Rider review
The XS version can be useful too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWRhASrMvp0
Courtesy of the: Adventure Rider review
The XS version can be useful too:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWRhASrMvp0
#11
Senior Member
I have an ancient Billings 5" that was my grandfathers--it is significantly thinner than modern ones, and is just as useful. It just barely clears 16mm, I believe.
If you want "high end" now, Irega is the wrench to shop for. They only make one thing...and they make it well, as the saying goes.
If you want "high end" now, Irega is the wrench to shop for. They only make one thing...and they make it well, as the saying goes.
#12
Happy With My Bikes
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 2,185
Bikes: Hi-Ten bike boomers, a Trek Domane and some projects
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 868 Post(s)
Liked 2,277 Times
in
1,099 Posts
Many years ago, I had a 4" Crescent brand adjustable wrench. It was as handy as pocket on a shirt and I carried it everywhere. One day I left it at a swimming area at a lake and hated losing it. A couple of years ago, I ordered a new one on Amazon that was supposed to be made in the USA, but sadly it wasn't. Not near the quality of the old one that would easily have been 40 years old today. But still handy as pockets on a shirt.
__________________
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
"It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels." -- Heinz Stücke
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Peoria, IL
Posts: 4,450
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1820 Post(s)
Liked 3,330 Times
in
1,564 Posts
I do bring a little Craftsman 4" adjustable "crescent" wrench with me when riding my vintage bikes. Perfect for adjusting the brake pad, tightening the derailleur cable, etc.
On my utility/touring bike, I still carry a Cool Tool. This has a proper 6" adjustable wrench with thinned jaws that are said to be able to adjust hub cones. It also has sockets to tighten crank bolts, a chain tool, and the usual allen wrenches/keys. It is a bit hefty, but will handle many problems. It also has a headset wrench attachment, in case that sort of thing keeps you up at night.
... but the little 4" adjustable handles most of the usual issues...
Steve in Peoria
On my utility/touring bike, I still carry a Cool Tool. This has a proper 6" adjustable wrench with thinned jaws that are said to be able to adjust hub cones. It also has sockets to tighten crank bolts, a chain tool, and the usual allen wrenches/keys. It is a bit hefty, but will handle many problems. It also has a headset wrench attachment, in case that sort of thing keeps you up at night.
... but the little 4" adjustable handles most of the usual issues...
Steve in Peoria
Likes For steelbikeguy:
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,672
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1924 Post(s)
Liked 1,954 Times
in
1,086 Posts
I have an ancient Billings 5" that was my grandfathers--it is significantly thinner than modern ones, and is just as useful. It just barely clears 16mm, I believe.
If you want "high end" now, Irega is the wrench to shop for. They only make one thing...and they make it well, as the saying goes.
If you want "high end" now, Irega is the wrench to shop for. They only make one thing...and they make it well, as the saying goes.
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
Likes For Classtime:
#15
small ring
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: PNW
Posts: 1,030
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 437 Post(s)
Liked 925 Times
in
370 Posts
some of my small stuff, love the needle nose vise grips
__________________
72 Bob Jackson -- 74 Motobecane Grand Jubile -- 74 Sekine SHS 271 -- 80 Nishiki International
85 Shogun 800 -- 86 Tommasini Super Prestige -- 92 Specialized Rockhopper -- 17 Colnago Arabesque
72 Bob Jackson -- 74 Motobecane Grand Jubile -- 74 Sekine SHS 271 -- 80 Nishiki International
85 Shogun 800 -- 86 Tommasini Super Prestige -- 92 Specialized Rockhopper -- 17 Colnago Arabesque
Likes For droppedandlost:
#16
Senior Member
I'll respectfully go against the grain and say no thanks. It's not like there are numerous sizes that are a necessity and we know why the adjustable wrench hasn't made all other single size wrenches obsolete.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 3,404
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 863 Post(s)
Liked 2,225 Times
in
1,248 Posts
I have two different sizes of Craftsman adjustable wrenches in my bike tool box near my bike stand 4” and 6” . I don’t use them often as my combination wrench set but when I need them they are handy. When I was building engines it was the same thing , seldom used but always appreciated when needed.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,127
Mentioned: 480 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3788 Post(s)
Liked 6,573 Times
in
2,580 Posts
Back for one of the cheapo build contests, I went for a 15-mile shakedown ride on my creation. It had a nutted rear axle so I brought along a 4.5” vintage adjustable wrench that I had bought for 25 cents at a used tool store (seemed like it fit the theme). Well, I had a problem with the chain, so I stopped to change the position of the rear wheel. When I went to adjust that wrench, the barrel part spun right out, landing somewhere in the grass, as did the adjustable jaw. Never did find them and had to ditch the bike and take a ride-share home.
#19
I don't know.
Join Date: May 2003
Location: South Meriden, CT
Posts: 1,976
Bikes: '90 B'stone RB-1, '92 B'stone RB-2, '89 SuperGo Access Comp, '03 Access 69er, '23 Trek 520, '14 Ritchey Road Logic, '09 Kestrel Evoke, '08 Windsor Tourist, '17 Surly Wednesday, '89 Centurion Accordo, '15 CruX, '17 Ridley X-Night
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 306 Post(s)
Liked 822 Times
in
430 Posts
I recently purchased Knipex pliers after being on a ride this past summer and someone used one for a repair. I was like; "whoa, what is that?" I also like my Robo Grips that I purchased at Sears many years ago. Not sure if they are still made.
Likes For RB1-luvr:
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,672
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1924 Post(s)
Liked 1,954 Times
in
1,086 Posts
On my new Rando Bike, the saddle rail clamp needs a 13mm as does the seat post clamp. And the early 1A stem requires a 12mm along with a 7mm hex. So, with my new adjustable, the MT-1, a CT-5, and the 7mm hex (a heavy effer), I think I’m covered on long rides away from home. For my shake down rides, I carried some combination wrenches but I’m lightening up for the brevets.
On my first EroicaCA, coming down Cypress, I stopped to help a guy who was riding a borrowed bike that had a loose Vanquer 999 cable clamp. My MT-1 couldn’t do it alone and we had to wait for another rider with a second wrench. I think I’m prepared now.
btw, the made in Spain channel lock opens up to 15mm.
On my first EroicaCA, coming down Cypress, I stopped to help a guy who was riding a borrowed bike that had a loose Vanquer 999 cable clamp. My MT-1 couldn’t do it alone and we had to wait for another rider with a second wrench. I think I’m prepared now.
btw, the made in Spain channel lock opens up to 15mm.
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
#21
Junior Member
The 12" Knipex pliers wrench is AMAZING for removing fixed bottom bracket cups. Try it once, you'll never touch your HCW-4 again.
#22
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 7,429
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 56 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2385 Post(s)
Liked 2,931 Times
in
1,862 Posts
Do the larger Knipex wrenches lock or is it just the force of the squeeze that gives you leverage.
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
Last edited by jdawginsc; 10-13-22 at 11:02 AM.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Medford MA
Posts: 2,090
Bikes: Ron Cooper touring, 1959 Jack Taylor 650b ladyback touring tandem, Vitus 979, Joe Bell painted Claud Butler Dalesman, Colin Laing curved tube tandem, heavily-Dilberted 1982 Trek 6xx, René Herse tandem
Mentioned: 80 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 963 Post(s)
Liked 1,448 Times
in
722 Posts
But I have to say, it is mighty sufficient! I've been surprised.
__________________
Owner & co-founder, Cycles René Hubris. Unfortunately attaching questionable braze-ons to perfectly good frames since about 2015. With style.
Owner & co-founder, Cycles René Hubris. Unfortunately attaching questionable braze-ons to perfectly good frames since about 2015. With style.
#24
Overdoing projects
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Rotterdam, former republic of the Netherlands
Posts: 2,443
Bikes: Batavus Randonneur GL, Gazelle Orange Excellent, Gazelle Super Licht, Gazelle Grand Tourist, Gazelle Lausanne, Gazelle Tandem, Koga-Miyata SilverAce, Koga-Miyata WorldTraveller
Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 783 Post(s)
Liked 1,215 Times
in
677 Posts
Looking up videos of people using them helps to understand how they work.
Likes For JaccoW:
#25
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 7,429
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 56 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2385 Post(s)
Liked 2,931 Times
in
1,862 Posts
Pricey, but they look pretty useful.
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super