Never Buy These Hand Tools: Wrenches and Beyond
In the vast landscape of hand tools, some stand out as essential, indispensable, while others are best avoided. Specifically, certain wrenches in the market aren't just unhelpful, but can actually cause more problems than they solve. Let's dive into the details and find out why you should put certain wrenches at the bottom of your tool list.
The Problem with Some Brands and Models
As someone passionate about woodworking, my expertise with wrenches is somewhat limited. However, in my experience, certain wrenches have proven to be more trouble than they're worth. Particularly, wrenches from the 5 bin at places like Harbor Freight are best avoided. For me, Harbor Freight wrenches are hit-or-miss, with no guarantees of quality. Over the years, I have faced numerous issues with Craftsman wrenches, which is perhaps the brand I have encountered the most often.
My experience with Craftsman wrenches has not been positive. A few sets of Craftsman open and box-end wrenches have failed, often breaking or spreading. When I tried to get replacement parts, I faced additional hurdles. The replacements were made of stamped metal, not cast, and the trip to exchange them was long and daunting. This made the process not worth the effort. Furthermore, when one of my 40-year-old Craftsman screwdrivers failed, I had similar issues. When I took the screwdriver to Lowe's, they suggested I bring in the entire set to replace just one screwdriver. This led to the conclusion that it was not worth the trouble.
Why Certain Wrenches Are a Waste of Money
One of the most unworthy end wrenches marketed widely is an open-end wrench with a relief cut into one jaw, designed to spin around the bolt head or nut in a counterclockwise direction. This design is misguidedly meant to provide better grip, but in reality, a pipe wrench is typically a more versatile and reliable tool for this task. It might not seem obvious, but most would agree a pipe wrench is a much better option, yet it's often overlooked.
When it comes to brand-name end wrenches, one tool distributor, known for offering an extensive range of tools at a business, stands out. These wrenches are the epitome of polish and beauty, but their elegance often backfires. They are so smooth and shiny that, with just a bit of grease on your hands, they slip right off your fingers. Their slim design makes pulling on them quite uncomfortable and even painful. In short, their finesse often feels like an indulgence that causes more frustration than it prevents.
Conclusion: Your Budget Matters
Some may think that buying cheaper tools is a good idea, thinking they will pay off in the long run. But with tools, you get what you pay for. Spending money on poorly made tools can lead to constant frustration and replacements, which ultimately cost more time and money than buying a well-made tool in the first place. It is important to invest in tools that will stand the test of time and serve your needs effectively.