Query ; what do you all think of self adjusting wrenches ?

[lonediver]

Granted , 

[Grant Lamontagne]

For some reason I have never really been in a position to use or need a self adjusting wrench, but I think I may have to bump that up on my priority list.  I think the main reason the standard crescent wrench is still around is simply because of low cost and ease of manufacture.  For the $20 you'd spend on that VersaWrench, you could have a whole set of crescents, which admittedly amounts to the same thing since the adjustable nature means the VersaWrench can do the same job.

There's also the eggs in a basket angle too- if you break or lose one of the set of wrenches you may be able make do with another one, while the VersaWrench is gone if it breaks or is lost.

Either way, I think I may have to check out the VersaWrench or something similar next time I am at Canadian Tire.

Def

[Tom Munch]

Doug,

I've never used a versa wrench because I didn't think it would work well.  I guess I'll have to pick one up.  Does Sears sell them?

Tom

[Splat]

I don't know about the VersaWrench but I wouldn't waste my dead presidents on the AutoWrench from Black & Decker. We sell them where I work so naturally we tested one.   The jaws don't get tight enough on the item you're using it on. Fresh batteries or not, it's easier to strip a bolthead than anything else with that thing. I've never been in a position enough times to warrant getting a self-adjusting wrench though.
--
Splat

[I'm Still Bison]

 I'd suppose it was a matter of having friends if not in high places,but the right places.It's very likely the designer/maker of the first crescent wrenches was connected with one of the major industrialists,and got a big boost in sales in contracts via that route.

[I'm Still Bison]

 I've only handled the Auto Wrench a couple times,and it has does have a high"gee whiz" factor,it was far too awkward for my tastes.

[Tom Munch]

Doug,

I only found the versa wrench online at the links you gave & at QVC - Sears doesn't have it.

I may order one after Christmas.

Tom

[Sea Monster]

Most jaws of crescent wrenches are sloppy in my estimation .

For the $20 you'd spend on that VersaWrench, you could have a whole set of crescents

Maybe if you don't go for the $10 bargain Bin tool kits, you'll get accurate, reliable tools.

You wouldn't use a Knockoff SAK, so don't use a knockoff Shifter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johan_Petter_Johansson

(That said, Genuine Swedish Shifters are harder to find nowadays - The company has moved production to Country X, and believe me - you can tell the difference)

Have others of you used some of the self adjusters and liked them ?

Despite my above comments - No.
The Shifter is a vile beast, spewed forth from the twisted designs of Hell, Saruman, and Goblin engineers.
I carry one, as shown previously, because it's easier than carrying a full set of ring spanners up to 38mm! - But if you're in a workshop, or otherwise have access to Sockets or Ring Spanners, then using a Shifter should earn you nothing but 20 lashes and a week in the bilge.

[Tom Munch]

I actually prefer the Knipex Plier Wrench to the Versa overall.

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,884.0.html

[parnass]

Granted , I like many of you am a gadget freak . But seriously I have used for many years wrenches such as the versa wrench ;

http://www.skpop.com/shop/shop_versawrench.htm

...

Looks like it requires more clearance around the fastener than the familiar "Crescent" wrench.