Atwood Shootout!

Mr. Whippy · **on:** August 30, 2009, 02:25:11 AM

Over the last couple of weeks, I've gotten my hands on a few Atwood tools. If you've never seen one in person, they are miniature works of art with Multitool functionality. Each fits neatly in a pocket, on a keychain or around a neck. Each functions as advertised. All are made of high quality materials: S30V Stainless Steel or Aircraft Grade Titanium. And now for the show:

This shows 3 of the tools. On the left is the Wild Card. On the upper right, the famous Atwrench and the lower right shows the Sharktooth.

The formidable Atwrench. One of Peter Atwood's first tools. This version sports a standard alligator wrench, bottle opener and prytip. This tool is pure quality. It may be my favorite. The wrench fits as well as any Snap-on open end wrench ever has. The tool has enough torque to apply a fair amount of force to a nut/bolt--mind you, it won't break free a rusted up nut, but I'm sure I could get 30-40 ft-lbs on it.

The bottle opener is flawless. Even when tipsy, it makes quick work of the cap with little effort. I haven't used the pry tip yet, but man, it's almost too beautiful to try.

The Sharktooth. It was my first Atwood. This tool has a 1/4 inch driver, a slot for 1 bit, bottle opener and a short, very useful blade. It comes with a nice Kydex sheath for keychain carry. The blade works like an extension of your finger tip. It's not a high precision cutting utensil, it's a utility blade.

The bit driver holds the bit in place with a clever O ring design:

Just like the Atwrench, the bottle opener is flawless.

The Wild Card. This tool is a bit of a surprise. It has the most tools of the set. The tool is designed to be carried in a wallet. Hence it comes without a sheath. I managed to cobble together a Kydex sheath which clicks nicely in place for keychain carry. The tools include standard and metric alligator wrenches, 1/4 hex hole for bits or 1/4 inch nuts, bottle opener with 5/16 inch open wrench and blade. I thought this would be the ultimate. Because of the dimensions of this tool, all the features are somewhat compromised. The bottle opener is the least effective of the group. It works but takes more effort and occasionally doesn't remove the cap on the first try. The wrenches fit as well as the Atwrench, but it's harder to apply torque to it. The 1/4 inch driver hole doesn't have the Oring to hold the bit in place. The blade is very effective however. The tool is great on a keychain, but is somewhat of a compromise.

Here is the three tools lined up on edge.

All are excellent tools, but I suspect I'll be carrying the Atwrench most of the time.

As a little bonus, here is a Tropical Anodized Atwood Bermuda Triangle.

My wife is wearing it as functional jewelry. It sports a bottle opener, wrench for an oxygen tank, 1/4 bit driver and a 7/8 inch hex in the center.

I don't think I'm gonna get this one back.

J-sews · **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2009, 03:36:45 AM

They look like a great combination of form and function Mr W.

One of these days I hope to see one first hand. Thanks for the comparison pics.

MultiMat · **Reply #2 on:** August 30, 2009, 03:51:33 AM

They do look very cool.
I like the look of the Atwrench the best.
Thanks for the review Mr Whipper.

J-sews · **Reply #3 on:** August 30, 2009, 03:57:32 AM

Mat and Bob are wondering if Atwood will ever design a plier tool.....

Freudian Frog · **Reply #4 on:** August 30, 2009, 03:58:10 AM

Quote from: J-sews on August 30, 2009, 03:57:32 AM

Mat and Bob are wondering if Atwood will ever design a plier tool.....

You mean anything worthy of being called a tool? ... or art?

*coughs* Hack! *coughs*

J-sews · **Reply #5 on:** August 30, 2009, 03:59:42 AM

Quote from: One Lame Frog on August 30, 2009, 03:58:10 AM

Quote from: J-sews on August 30, 2009, 03:57:32 AM
Mat and Bob are wondering if Atwood will ever design a plier tool.....

You mean anything worthy of being called a tool? ... or art?

*coughs* Hack! *coughs*

Hey, we're trying to be supportive here!

Nikos · **Reply #6 on:** August 30, 2009, 04:00:42 AM

So... I looked up the description for the Funnybone on Peter's website and it features separate SAE and metric wrench sizes. On the other hand, McFeely's PocketWrench II is also supposed to support both SAE and metric sizes, but from a single wrench hole set. Judging from online pictures, the PW seems to manage this by interleaving dents for SAE and metrics sizes, however making each indentation "shallower". Is there someone owning and having used both to comment on their comparative performance? From the looks of it, I'd expect the PW to slip more but this is just a hunch...

Freudian Frog · **Reply #7 on:** August 30, 2009, 04:02:24 AM

Quote from: J-sews on August 30, 2009, 03:59:42 AM

Quote from: One Lame Frog on August 30, 2009, 03:58:10 AM
Quote from: J-sews on August 30, 2009, 03:57:32 AM
Mat and Bob are wondering if Atwood will ever design a plier tool.....

You mean anything worthy of being called a tool? ... or art?

*coughs* Hack! *coughs*

Hey, we're trying to be supportive here!

Ah, sorry, I keep forgetting we're all supposed to be enabling... what's the opposite of an intervention?

Quote from: noth on August 30, 2009, 04:00:42 AM

So... I looked up the description for the Funnybone on Peter's website and it features separate SAE and metric wrench sizes. On the other hand, McFeely's PocketWrench II is also supposed to support both SAE and metric sizes, but from a single wrench hole set. Judging from online pictures, the PW seems to manage this by interleaving dents for SAE and metrics sizes, however making each indentation "shallower". Is there someone owning and having used both to comment on their comparative performance? From the looks of it, I'd expect the PW to slip more but this is just a hunch...

You could just buy 8 of the pocket wrenches and stack them for more grip... XD

MultiMat · **Reply #8 on:** August 30, 2009, 04:05:05 AM

Quote from: J-sews on August 30, 2009, 03:57:32 AM

Mat and Bob are wondering if Atwood will ever design a plier tool.....

Imagine the price bracket it would fall in

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #9 on:** August 30, 2009, 04:05:18 AM

Definitely not a SwissTool or LM Charge, but when you consider he's one man, producing these cool little gadgets...

Well, who can argue with "Chance favors the prepared pocket"?

Seriously, you have to actually test these things out to really appreciate how well designed they are.

Re: Pocketwrench vs Atwood.

The Atwood wrench fits snug. Like a Snapon wrench. No free play. When engaged, there won't be rounding of the corners due to slop in the fit. I used a PW years ago, and while it worked, the ridges were more interference fit than exact fit.

Tinnie · **Reply #10 on:** August 30, 2009, 06:35:42 AM

I like the Atwrench

Nice overview of the tools

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #11 on:** August 30, 2009, 09:44:21 AM

Very fine comparisons mate

Magic Bus · **Reply #12 on:** August 30, 2009, 12:10:09 PM

What a cool idea

I would definitely give them a try

Benner · **Reply #13 on:** August 30, 2009, 06:19:37 PM

Quote from: noth on August 30, 2009, 04:00:42 AM

So... I looked up the description for the Funnybone on Peter's website and it features separate SAE and metric wrench sizes. On the other hand, McFeely's PocketWrench II is also supposed to support both SAE and metric sizes, but from a single wrench hole set. Judging from online pictures, the PW seems to manage this by interleaving dents for SAE and metrics sizes, however making each indentation "shallower". Is there someone owning and having used both to comment on their comparative performance? From the looks of it, I'd expect the PW to slip more but this is just a hunch...

I had both at one point and then quickly sold on the Pocketwrench. In terms of quality and "bite" on the nut, there was just no comparison IMO, the Atwood was far more solid and as Mr W said, far less slippage.

Atwoods are awesome and I do hope to get more (anyone got a full sized Ti GasBaby?

).

Sazabi · **Reply #14 on:** August 30, 2009, 06:38:38 PM

I must say that effectively all of Peter's tools look nice, but the only one I could really see myself going after is a G4 Prybaby with US sizes. *shrugs*

eodtech · **Reply #15 on:** August 31, 2009, 06:39:18 AM

Ti G3 without anodizing ( Born 8/5/2009 )

Nice write up on the Atwood's Mr. W

eodtech · **Reply #16 on:** August 31, 2009, 12:37:09 PM

Atwood Ti CookieWrench - just got this one today.

Atwood Titanium Cookie Wrenches measure 2.25" in diameter and are made of 1/8" thick stock. They are based loosely on antique lantern wrench designs from the 1940's. Features include 1/4 and 5/16 hex openings, 3/8, 7/16 and 1/2" wrenches, 5/16 open end wrench/bottle opener, oxygen bottle wrench, lanyard and center 7/8" hex opening.This batch is lightly bead blasted and anodized a rich rose gold color.

Tinnie · **Reply #17 on:** August 31, 2009, 12:45:10 PM

Quote from: eodtech on August 31, 2009, 06:39:18 AM

(Image removed from quote.)

Ti G3 without anodizing ( Born 8/5/2009 )

Nice write up on the Atwood's Mr. W

Me want!!! I've really been lusting over one of these forever!

Freudian Frog · **Reply #18 on:** August 31, 2009, 05:11:31 PM

Quote from: eodtech on August 31, 2009, 12:37:09 PM

(Image removed from quote.)
Atwood Ti CookieWrench - just got this one today.

Atwood Titanium Cookie Wrenches measure 2.25" in diameter and are made of 1/8" thick stock. They are based loosely on antique lantern wrench designs from the 1940's. Features include 1/4 and 5/16 hex openings, 3/8, 7/16 and 1/2" wrenches, 5/16 open end wrench/bottle opener, oxygen bottle wrench, lanyard and center 7/8" hex opening.This batch is lightly bead blasted and anodized a rich rose gold color.

That looks kind of painful and or awkward to use.

David Bowen · **Reply #19 on:** August 31, 2009, 06:09:34 PM

I am in the same boat as you Whippy, I have become quite the Atwood Addict. I have 8 different tools and I use to rotate them around but I seem to carry the G3 Prybaby the most. I like it because it's so densely packed with tools I need everyday. The wrench fits most nuts I may encounter (SAE), the bottle opener has yet to be tested but I have not gotten around to it. The forks can be used for prying but I use them more for screwdrivers, they fit a slotted/flat (what is the right name?) and phillips heads, also the v-notch can strip wires too. My second favorite is probably the Crawdaddy, pretty much the same functions minus the bottle opener and a slot for a dedicated phillips. I never thought I would get into Atwoods, I always thought it was like being a millions miles from one. But thanks to this great forum and the awesome folks who reside here I have been able to check them out.

Benner · **Reply #20 on:** September 01, 2009, 12:07:01 AM

Dave, can I please have your GasBaby?

Cheers mate

David Bowen · **Reply #21 on:** September 01, 2009, 02:41:06 AM

Only if I can have your funnybone

I am fixing to get rid of my Ti Funnybone and are going to need a replacement, unless of course you have a good offer for me

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #22 on:** September 01, 2009, 02:45:04 AM

Quote from: David Bowen on September 01, 2009, 02:41:06 AM

Only if I can have your funnybone I am fixing to get rid of my Ti Funnybone and are going to need a replacement, unless of course you have a good offer for me

Got piccies?

Sazabi · **Reply #23 on:** September 01, 2009, 02:46:54 AM

... If you still want a Funnybone, why are you selling the one you already have? o.o;

David Bowen · **Reply #24 on:** September 01, 2009, 02:58:24 AM

Cause I want one that is not Ti, I don't think the Ti makes for a good wrench, I prefer steel. Plus I am getting something good in trade for my funnybone.

Sazabi · **Reply #25 on:** September 01, 2009, 03:32:08 AM

Makes sense, then. XD

J-sews · **Reply #26 on:** September 01, 2009, 04:21:46 AM

Quote from: David Bowen on August 31, 2009, 06:09:34 PM

I am in the same boat as you Whippy, I have become quite the Atwood Addict. I have 8 different tools and I use to rotate them around but I seem to carry the G3 Prybaby the most. I like it because it's so densely packed with tools I need everyday. The wrench fits most nuts I may encounter (SAE), the bottle opener has yet to be tested but I have not gotten around to it. The forks can be used for prying but I use them more for screwdrivers, they fit a slotted/flat (what is the right name?) and phillips heads, also the v-notch can strip wires too. My second favorite is probably the Crawdaddy, pretty much the same functions minus the bottle opener and a slot for a dedicated phillips. I never thought I would get into Atwoods, I always thought it was like being a millions miles from one. But thanks to this great forum and the awesome folks who reside here I have been able to check them out.

(Image removed from quote.)

Ohmygawd, that picture is positively decedent!

I don't even want to look at it for fear I'll catch the Atwood bug....and start to develope those cravings.

I've got enough expensive collections going already! Get me outa here Mr Wizard!