Stuff

Selecting the right tool for the job is almost as important as knowing how to use the tool. The wrong tool can cause more damage than you intended. So in that line, this tool review is about two tools which are sometimes used for the same thing. The first up is the typical pair of sliding lock pliers. These are built by channel-lock and I've stuck with them over the years due to their quality. In case you wonder what I'm talking about, here is a picture:

I'm sure you've seen these blue handled pliers around somewhere. Their advantages are that they are fairly light, fairly cheap and they easily adjust across a wide range of opening sizes. You can grip everything from small parts to large items by opening them wide and sliding the jaws.

The challenger here is less common, but it is indispensable for certain tasks. It is the offset hex wrench. The one shown has smooth jaws which remain parallel as you adjust the wrench. Here is a picture:

This wrench is made by the Ridge Tool Company in Ohio. They are marketed under the "Ridgid" brand. In the past couple of years they have branched out from their high quality plumbing wrenches and now seem to be selling power-tools. Most of which are produced overseas.

So which is better? It depends on what you are doing with them. They have a few characteristics in common:

• Adjust to handle a wide range of sizes (more than the typical crescent wrench)
• Fairly light
• Well made

The offset hex wrench has a number of advantages:

• Smooth jaws won't chew up fittings
• Opens even wider and deeper than the Channel-locks
• Jaws are always parallel
• Can add "cheater bar" on handle for extra leverage
• Lifetime warranty against breakage

The Channel-locks also have a number of advantages:

• Can grab irregularly shaped objects
• Can be used to squeeze or crush items
• Serrated jaws provide positive grip
• Insulated handles

You can see from the handles of the tools and the rust spots that I use the channel-lock pliers a lot more. The offset wrench is exactly what you need to turn plumbing fittings or other smooth and regular nuts or bolts. The channel-locks are useful for grabbing and pinching things. They are not as good when they are used as a wrench - though they often are used for that and they leave a nasty mark when you do.