Finding the best adjustable wrench for your needs can be daunting. Luckily, while there are $$ wrenches out there, you don’t need to spend that much money to get a quality product that lasts a lifetime. We did the digging for you and compared the superior models at the best price to come up with the seven best wrenches out there. A variety of sizes are represented on the list so that you can find a great tool in almost any size you need as a starting point in your search.
How We Chose Our Ratings
We based our ratings on information about the product, the brand, and customer testimonials. The main parameters were price, quality, and functionality. The listed prices are those found on Amazon.com, which usually gives a good idea of the cost you’ll find in most major retailers.
Top 8 Best Adjustable Wrenches
STANLEY MaxSteel Adjustable Wrench, 6-Inch (90-947)
- Tapered jaw design of the adjustable wrench allows for work in limited space applications
- Slip-resistant bi-material handle for a comfortable grip
- Wide-capacity jaw accepts a wide range of fastener sizes
This one came up at the top of the list for its high quality, low price, and rave reviews. It’s easy to adjust and made from durable chrome vanadium steel, so this tool works well and will not fall apart. It meets specifications for ANSI. The handle is slip-resistant and comfortable to grip, which is important for tough projects.
Due to its small size and tapered jaw, it’s a great tool for getting into small areas, such as working on vehicles or plumbing. Despite the short length, its jaw has a wide capacity that will get the job done for most fastener sizes.
Stanley provides a lifetime warranty as long as the product was not improperly used or abused. This is a product that works great and is very reasonably priced, making it an easy first choice for our list.
Who Should Try It
Anyone who needs a dependable wrench that works very well for a low price, especially for projects in small spaces
Cost
$
STANLEY Adjustable Wrench, 12-Inch (87-473)
- Adjustable jaw design of the adjustable wrench allows tool to grip many fastener sizes
- Knurl adjusting mechanism for quick and precise adjustment
- Laser-etched SAE and mm jaw scale for easy size adjustment
Stanley knows its tools, and another one of its wrench models came in second on our list. This is another very reasonably priced wrench for the quality. If you need a larger wrench, this one is a great choice.It’s made from high-quality chrome vanadium steel, making it strong and durable, and the chrome makes it rust resistant. Just don’t grab it after it’s been out in the sun because it will be hot. It’s up to par with ANSI specifications. As is typical of Stanley, the tool is easy to use and works flawlessly. It has measurements in inches etched into the jaw.
Who Should Try It
Someone looking for a large, solid wrench that is easy to use and will last decades, despite the modest price
Cost
$
Olympia Tools 15" Adjustable Wrench, Heavy Duty Drop Forged Steel,...
- SMOOTH TWIST: Our adjustable wrench is hardened & tempered drop forged alloy steel. It’s a much needed tool for your...
- FIXES & REPAIRS: Our product features widespread jaw size for a wide range of nuts and bolts fastenings. It can be used...
- MADE TO LAST: Our durable and long-lasting tools help you with home, garage & industrial projects. With...
At 15 inches, this is a strong, quality wrench that works well and has a great reputation. This lands it comfortably in the top 3. It opens to 1.75 inches. It has chrome plating to resist corrosion, so you’re good to go if you need to use this in the rain or other wet conditions. This wrench is for jobs that require a large, sturdy tool. Reviews note there is sometimes a little play, but nothing that causes any major issues.It’s not just about what this tool does; it’s what it doesn’t do, that makes it special. It doesn’t lock up or flex, even under heavy stress. It doesn’t chip regardless of the pounding it takes. It doesn’t damage materials it’s in contact with, such as couplers or plumbing. The handle is not as comfortable as some of the others on the list, but it’s easily as effective as $$ or $$ wrenches of its size.
Who Should Try It
Someone who wants a huge, indestructible wrench for a small price
Cost
$
Channellock 8WCB 8-Inch WideAzz Adjustable Wrench|1.5-Inch Wide Jaw...
- Extra Wide opening to 1-1/2"
- Longer jaws grip better, Thinner jaws give greater access in tight spaces.
- 4 thread knurl and non-protruding jaws provide greater capacity; minimal head width improved performance in confined...
This wrench is all about the jaws. This is a heavy-duty tool with an extra wide opening (1.5 inches.) That is a huge width for an 8-inch wrench. It has long jaws for gripping, yet is designed to work exceptionally well in small spaces. The jaw is uniquely designed to achieve a precise grip on the first contact. The measurement scale has both inches and millimeters. It’s constructed of chrome vanadium steel and has flashy blue grips that are comfortable and long-lasting. This is a wrench that grips tightly and stays that way until the job is done. Although it’s on the heavy side, the handles are short enough to make this great for work with plumbing and other places that are lacking room to move around.This one is a little pricier than the other ones. That moved it down the list a bit, but it’s still an easy favorite. Its high-quality construction and the ingenuity of its design make the modest price increase well worth it by most customers’ standards.
Who Should Try It
Anyone who wants wide jaws that grip but needs to work in cramped conditions.
Cost
$$
Crescent 8" Adjustable Wrench - Carded - AC28VS, Chrome
- The original adjustable wrench, made by the world-famous Crescent brand
- Laser etched scale in both SAE Standard and Metric sizes allows easy identification
- Larger knurl for easy adjustment ensures a tight jaw fit
This is an 8-inch wrench from the reputable Crescent brand. The company has paid attention to proportioning the tool for optimum strength at the lowest weight. It’s made of alloy steel, so there is no need to worry about durability. It has dual metric and standard scales for measuring fasteners. The knurl design allows for easy adjustment and a no-slip grip.This tool is perfect for a variety of projects and a set of them in different sizes would be a respectable addition to any toolbox. It is dependable enough to be used by professionals. The main downside, according to reviews, is that the product is made overseas. Despite this, the quality is superior, which is overwhelmingly supported by the feedback. The product has a lifetime warranty that backs up this claim.
Who Should Try It
Someone who wants a well-designed tool that will last forever
Cost
$
Crescent 12" Adjustable Wrench - Carded - AC212VS, Chrome
- The original adjustable wrench, made by the world-famous Crescent brand
- Laser etched scale in both SAE Standard and Metric sizes allows easy identification
- Larger knurl for easy adjustment ensures a tight jaw fit
This is an 8-inch wrench from the reputable Crescent brand. The company has paid attention to proportioning the tool for optimum strength at the lowest weight. It’s made of alloy steel, so there is no need to worry about durability. It has dual metric and standard scales for measuring fasteners. The knurl design allows for easy adjustment and a no-slip grip.This tool is perfect for a variety of projects and a set of them in different sizes would be a respectable addition to any toolbox. It is dependable enough to be used by professionals. The main downside, according to reviews, is that the product is made overseas. Despite this, the quality is superior, which is overwhelmingly supported by the feedback. The product has a lifetime warranty that backs up this claim.
Who Should Try It
Someone who wants a well-designed tool that will last forever
Cost
$
TEKTON 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench | 23002
- Drop forged and heat-treated carbon steel construction with a corrosion-resistant satin chrome plated finish
- Precision-machined slide jaw and worm gear allows for exact fastener fit and smooth adjustment
- Quick fit jaw opening guide with permanent laser-etched size markings in 1/16 in. and 1mm increments
This is a tough little wrench. It is corrosion resistant with a satin chrome finish that hides scratches to keep it looking new over time. It opens to 1.75 inches. Carbon steel makes it durable. It’s designed to adjust smoothly and prevent excessive play.It’s a wonderful tool for getting into tight spaces. Jobs such as putting furniture together or repairing bicycles are no match for this tool. It has scales in both millimeters and inches, which is handy for measuring. It has special manufacturing to keep its grip from slipping. It meets ANSI standards for quality.Overall, this is great for any toolbox. It’s a dependable little wrench that is great for small areas when a big wrench will be too cumbersome. Its size won’t work for bigger jobs, though, and some customers have noticed some jiggling in the jaw mechanism, which is why this one is toward the end of our list. For the price though, this is an excellent choice.
Who Should Try It
Someone who wants a sturdy wrench and doesn’t need a large size
Cost
$
MAXPOWER Heavy Duty Adjustable Wrench Set, 2 Pieces. 6-Inch Adjustable...
Unlike the others on the list, this is a set of 3 tools, making it a bargain for the price. The sizes in the set are 6, 8, and 10 inches. Like the others in the list, these are made with sturdy steel and are rust resistant. They are easy to turn and can adjust to a wide array of sizes. They have both standard and metric scales. They are known for having a good, tight fit.These come in #7 on the list because there are some complaints about the operation of the adjustment mechanism. Overall, feedback was positive, and for the bargain price, this is a decent set to have on hand. Plus, they have a lifetime guarantee.
Who Should Try It
Someone who wants to affordably stock his or her toolset with good wrenches that will fit a variety of projects
Cost
$$
Buyer’s Guide
It’s great to look at some top brands and models when shopping, and even better when you are armed with general information as well. As you decide which product to choose, keep in mind the projects you are most likely to carry out. If most of your projects require tight spaces, go for some of the small space tools that were mentioned. If you are working with large pipes or fasteners, you’ll want to look at bigger models.
Prices of tools can add up, so it’s often preferable to get a wrench in the size you need most often and see if you like it before buying other sizes of the same model. Sometimes buying sets such as #7 on the list can be an economical way to get more than one size. Always pay attention to customer testimonials. Brands change over time, and some start to use lower quality materials or outsourcing that was not an issue 20 years ago. Read customer reviews and compare rating lists to get the best adjustable wrench for your needs, and be happy with the purchase for years to come.
Last update on 2023-04-15 at 07:41 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API