If you loved the original ReadyWrench, you’ll definitely want to get your hands on the new Black and 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.
Black and Decker RRW100 Ratcheting ReadyWrench Features
The Black and 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). These rotating heads are mounted inside a metal rings on each end that provide unidirectional rotation. There is a red plastic ring integrated on each end that allows you to switch the ratcheting action direction. With the deep ridges molded into this plastic ring, it makes it easy to grip and switch the direction when turned. The whole tool is made from vanadium steel with a black oxide finish on the handle and chrome on the the socket ends. The one thing to understand with this tool is that there are eight standard and eight metric sizes represented on this tool. Since many metric and standard measurements are close to their SAE counterparts in size, this wrench operates on the idea that “close is close enough”. The way to think of it is as a standard set of 8 wrenches that have been optimized to work on their closest metric counterparts. For precision work that needs a snug fit of the tool on the bolt or nut, then you might still need to use a properly sized socket or wrench. For many simple applications that a do-it-yourself type person is going to encounter, the Ratcheting ReadyWrench will probably work very well. Each size is clearly marked on the sides of the rotating head with blue text representing metric and red for SAE (inches). The overall feel of the tool is great thanks to the snug fit of the rotating heads, the tight ratcheting action, and a decent heft that lets you know this is a quality product.
Black and Decker RRW100 Ratcheting ReadyWrench Testing
The Black and Decker RRW100 Ratcheting ReadyWrench is one of those tools that can come in handy when needed. Just keep it in the kitchen junk drawer or in the tool box in the garage and we are pretty sure that you will use it for everything from assembling furniture, to adjusting bicycle seats to taking off lawnmower blades to have them sharpened. We know this because these are a few of the things we have used this tool for. It is also a great tool to give as a gift to anyone starting out on their own or for the guy that has it all. Sure this is not a socket or wrench set replacement, but for most of the types of repairs that the average person would need those types of tool sets for – this one tool would probably do the job. Each time we tried the Ratcheting ReadyWrench, it worked with no problems. It did take a little time to get used to the ratcheting motion. As you are putting pressure on the wrench, it has the tendency to want to twist some, depending on how lined up you were with the bolt or nut. This also worked to our advantage in some instances since it made the wrench work almost like a wobble type extension would on a ratchet except this one required much less clearance. Occasionally we did notice slight looseness in some of the nuts and bolts in how they fit into the socket on the wrench; but we kind of expected that given the “universal fit” design of the tool. The only two sizes that we ran into that we wish the wrench had was 12MM and 15MM. Since there is no close standard equivalents for these sizes they were not included. The last big observation we had is that when working with a long bolt and nut, that the Ratcheting ReadyWrench, by design, is open so that the bold threads can pass completely though unobstructed; making it great if you are working with long threads.
Conclusion
The Black and Decker RRW100 Ratcheting ReadyWrench takes the original ReadyWrench to a new level of functionality. While this tool is not necessarily for precise projects like rebuilding engines, it definitely is for the handy homeowner that needs to do a little fixing or building every now and then. Given that 16 common sizes of both metric and standard are included, you should be able to handle a lot of different tasks. For our Performance rating we gave the Ratcheting ReadyWrench an 8/10 since it worked well and adds more features to the original design. For our Value rating, we gave the tool a 7/10 since it costs much less than buying the equivalent amount of wrenches and sockets. Give it as a gift, or horde it for yourself – but by all means get one.
