Spyderco Byrd Wrench

Tom Munch · **on:** February 15, 2007, 05:03:57 AM

The Spyderco Byrd Wrench is an interesting tool & off the charts for cool factor. Whether it really is a useful tool is for each owner to decide.

Tom Munch · **Reply #1 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:05:21 AM

It is a decent size - slightly larger than a LM New Wave.

Tom Munch · **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:06:35 AM

Here's some detail of the blade locking mechanism.

Tom Munch · **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:07:43 AM

The Byrd logo is prominently featured along with the Byrd finger hole. I really like it.

Tom Munch · **Reply #4 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:09:14 AM

It has a bead-blasted finish that is very attractive but easily scratched. Here's the adjustable wrench - note that the jaws do not exactly match at the tip.

Tom Munch · **Reply #5 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:09:54 AM

It has a magnetic hex bit holder on one end.

Tom Munch · **Reply #6 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:11:14 AM

The backside has a rasp with medium teeth - different than the Spyderwrench which had a diamond-coated file. You can see the spring holder here.

Tom Munch · **Reply #7 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:12:02 AM

Here's a closeup of the slip-joint plier mechanism.

Tom Munch · **Reply #8 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:12:46 AM

Closeup of the pliers - notice that the lower jaw is much wider.

Tom Munch · **Reply #9 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:13:34 AM

The rasp also acts as a barrier to the bits falling out. It comes with two Phillips & two slotted.

Tom Munch · **Reply #10 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:14:22 AM

Side views.

Tom Munch · **Reply #11 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:15:11 AM

Another closeup of the slip-joint mechanism.

Tom Munch · **Reply #12 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:16:36 AM

Here's the pliers in the smaller slip-joint position & then slipping between the two positions.

Tom Munch · **Reply #13 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:17:57 AM

When you open the tool & rotate it 180 degrees it has a locking mechanism to hold it in the open position.

Tom Munch · **Reply #14 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:18:45 AM

Side views in 180 degree position.

Tom Munch · **Reply #15 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:19:21 AM

Releasing the 180 degree locking mechanism.

Tom Munch · **Reply #16 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:20:46 AM

When closed the rasp works as a lock pin to hold the tools together tightly. Note the wear already from the pin sliding near the lock divot.

Tom Munch · **Reply #17 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:22:24 AM

The rasp is fairly aggressive & is flat on the side that rests against the bits in the handle. Note that the backside which rests in the spring was not finished well.

Tom Munch · **Reply #18 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:23:21 AM

Here's the hole it rests in & the divot as well as the spring it rests in on the other end.

Tom Munch · **Reply #19 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:24:59 AM

Removing bits is a little difficult. They snap into the hex cutout cleanly & are held very tightly - probably a neodymium magnet.

Tom Munch · **Reply #20 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:29:00 AM

The screwdriver can be used in both the 180 degree position or even with the tool taken apart in two. This allows holding a nut with the adjustable wrench while tightening the screw with the screwdriver bit.

Tom Munch · **Reply #21 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:29:57 AM

Using the screwdriver in both 180 position & taken apart.

Tom Munch · **Reply #22 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:31:03 AM

There are plastic friction holders to hold the bits in. Note the bunged screw at the bottom of the adjustable wrench at right.

Tom Munch · **Reply #23 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:32:45 AM

The adjustable wrench opens smoothly to 3/4". I don't think you get much torque at 3/4, but at 5/8 it should be fine.

Tom Munch · **Reply #24 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:33:33 AM

Showing inserting the rasp into the spring & also the flat part resting against the bits.

Tom Munch · **Reply #25 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:34:51 AM

The blade is easily opened one handed & looks like the typical Spyderco Byrd blade - very nice. With the tool taken apart the Blade & handle are very sleek.

Tom Munch · **Reply #26 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:36:17 AM

Here you can see how the blade rests against the detached plier jaw & also how the blade fits onto the pivot point.

Tom Munch · **Reply #27 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:37:15 AM

The blade seems a little undersized for the tool when the tool is fully assembled. It's a bit of a handful to use this way, but it is fairly comfortable.

Tom Munch · **Reply #28 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:38:07 AM

The finish is not perfect by any means. You can see welds & missed sanding points in some places.

Tom Munch · **Reply #29 on:** February 15, 2007, 05:39:20 AM

Again the finish scratches fairly easily - a little steel wool would make it fine again though. Hey - it's a tool!

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