The R2 (R-squared) Rapid Wrench from Crescent is advertised to supposedly replace your entire socket set. Now, if your idea of using tools is the occasional non-rusty nut or wingnut, then this might be the tool for you. If anything, it might be fun to see the look on your Dad's face when you give it to him on Fathers' Day (the look will undoubtedly be some form of "What exactly IS this thing?") The answer is a bit more complex. The R2 Rapid Wrench by Crescent (now a licensed name from Cooper Hand Tools) is part ratchet, part crescent wrench-turned-sideways and passed through a multi-dimensional wormhole.
When we attended the Milwaukee New Tools Event this year, Tim Albrecht showed us some of the new hand tools that fall into three basic categories: Pliers, Snips, and PEX Cutting. At the time, the info was under NDA, but now that has been lifted and we an bring you all of the first impressions and info we learned first-hand about the new tools. First up was a focus on build quality. First off, the new hand tools are all drop forged, machined for maximum precision, and treated to resist rust. In fact, using chrome plating instead of nickel, Milwaukee demonstrated the advanced corrosion resistance of their new tools by leaving two new aviation snips left in salt water overnight and then in the sun. Milwaukee's tool showed considerable resistance to rust while the other brand had a ton of rust around the hinge points and across the blade.
With the recent reintroduction of the Kobalt mechanics tools, we have been eager to put our hands on a set to see what they are all about. The Kobalt 63 Piece Mechanics Tool Set (0338513) that we got in includes some of the most common 1/4" and 3/8" drive Metric and SAE sizes sockets that you will need. Things like a 72 tooth ratchet and fully polished chrome plating on all the tools comes standard along with laser etching and red/blue colored markings for easy identification of SAE (standard) and MM (metric) sizes. With an ever-growing line of mechanics tools, it looks like Kobalt is not just about quality, but also variety. They want to make sure that they have what you need to do your projects - and they enlisted the help of Hendrick Motorsports to make sure they did it right this time.
C.H. Hanson is a company that's been around for a while, so we keep an eye out for innovations when their name pops up. This week the company announced they redesigned their locking jaw pliers to work faster and have a better grip. The new model is re-engineered to automatically lock onto your workpiece, without adjusting - regardless of size (provided it fits within the jaws, of course). Hone is the adjustment screw at the handle bottom. Now, a pressure setting screw is located within the mechanism features a Set & Forget method of operation. You just set the optimal clamping pressure (it can be very light to full force), and then the tool's jaws will adjust on their own to whatever size object you need.
If you loved the original ReadyWrench, you'll definitely want to get your hands on the new Black & Decker RRW100 Ratcheting ReadyWrench that adds a new level of functionally to an already handy tool. For those of you new to the concept of the ReadyWrench, you will appreciate the compact size and versatility of the Black & Decker's RRW100 Ratcheting version. With 16 of the most common metric and standard socket sizes represented this is an ideal do-it-yourself tool for many household tasks that might involve using a socket set or a wrench. Ratcheting ReadyWrenchThe Black & Decker RRW100 Ratcheting ReadyWrench takes the success of the original ReadyWrench and adds a reversible ratcheting feature that makes it perform much like a socket and ratchet. This tool combines 16 popular standard and metric socket sizes in one and is based on a simple concept that uses two rotating heads that have 4 different socket sizes each (compatible with 8 different SEA and metric sizes).
When storage space is critical, the compact size and versatility of the Black & Decker MSW100 ReadyWrench is an ideal do-it-yourself tool for light-duty tasks that might involve turning a wrench. With 16 of the most common metric and standard socket sizes represented, you should be able to tackle everything from furniture assembly to putting that new riding toy together for your child.
For a tool that was invented in 1924, the Irwin Vise-Grips just keeps getting better with age. In our arsenal of tools, a Vise-Grip is one device that has certainly not outlived its usefulness. The latest addition to the Vise-Grip family is the new Fast Release Curved Jaw locking pliers that are available in three sizes. These new pliers come with no-slip ProTouch handles and take only one hand to open and lock closed and offer some other significant improvements over “The Original” style Vise-Grips.
Irwin GrooveLock Pliers are designed with twice the adjustment positions as traditional grove joint pliers and feature multipurpose jaws that can grip round, hex, square and flat surfaces with ease. These pliers come in many sizes that range from 6”, 8”, 10”, 12”, 16” and 20" and are also available as both toothed flat jaw and smooth flat jaw.
The Craftsman Evolv 101 Piece SAE and Metric Tool Set is an ideal starter kit since it comes with decent tools to tackle most home owner's tasks that require turning a wrench or tightening a bolt. With a pretty wide variety of sizes in both the sockets and wrenches, this set is a pretty good gift for the young person moving out on their own for the first time.
Leatherman is a name that is synonymous with multitools. Some might say they are the Kleenex of multitools. You may or may not own an actual Leatherman, but if someone asks if that thing on your belt is a Leatherman, you'll probably say yes. One of the newer entries into the Leatherman line is the Super Tool 300. It started shipping in September of 2009 and sports 19 different functions.
Craftsman 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" Drive Thin Profile Ratchets give you the ability to reach in tight spaces. These ratchets have super comfortable handles and are covered entirely in high polished chrome. With a 60 tooth ratchet gear inside, you only have to move the ratchet 6 degrees to get it to index to the next "click." This is significant because the regular Craftsman ratchets only have 36 tooth ratchet gears which means you have to move it 10 degrees.
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