Black & Decker Auto Wrench

This Black & Decker "Auto Wrench," a self-adjusting monkey crescent wrench that automatically sizes itself to the bolt you're on, has been around for a while, but I'd forgotten about it and thought perhaps y'all might have, too. And bonus: it's been out long enough to garner some user reviews, which are almost universally positive. You can get it at Amazon for $29. Two AA batteries will power the clamping jaws for about 650 cycles.

Catalog Page [Amazon via Coolest-Gadgets]

[#1 posted by Jake von Slatt , October 24, 2007 6:59 AM]

Crescent, not monkey.

[#2 posted by Anonymous , October 24, 2007 7:17 AM]

the guys at toolmonger.com reviewed this, used it right up to the breaking point.

very good review.

[#3 posted by Andrew Neesley , October 24, 2007 7:21 AM]

I've got one. It's not the greatest. Battery life isn't that great and it's not put together all that well...

[#4 posted by Andrew , October 24, 2007 10:52 AM]

Actually, 'adjustable' not Crescent or Monkey.

Crescent is a brand of tools - Crescent

And as long as I'm here
Vice Grip is a brand of locking pliers
Channellock is a brand of tongue and groove pliers

[#5 posted by Anonymous , October 24, 2007 11:18 AM]

Seemed like a stupid idea to me when I first saw it. No thanks, I'd rather not use batteries (along with the persistent waste stream issues) on a hand tool. How about the Irwin Vice-Grip quick adjusting wrench or the Crescent RapidSlide adjusting wrench. I have not used either product since my old tyme thumb wheel adjusting wrenches still work fine.

[#6 posted by David B. , October 24, 2007 5:48 PM]

Is it any wonder that sooooo many Americans are obese?

Thumb muscles tiring... must hold on...

David B.

[#7 posted by strider_mt2k , October 25, 2007 3:09 AM]

So what are "Dykes"??

Don't answer that.

[#8 posted by Anonymous , October 25, 2007 8:34 AM]

In November Black & Decker is introducing its new VPX Interchangeable Li-Ion Battery System of power tools and home products?

http://www.vpxsystem.com/

Interested in receiving a few of the products to test? Email me at [e-mail] and I'll email you a press release.

[#9 posted by Anonymous , October 25, 2007 10:17 AM]

Andrew was close... the proper name is "adjustable open end wrench" (not Crescent as was noted).

An for the question of "Dykes" ... the proper name for the tool is "diagonal cutting pliers".

[#10 posted by Anonymous , October 25, 2007 10:31 AM]

Andrew is right, this is not a Crescent wrench. It is not made by Crescent(brand of Cooper Hand Tools). It is an adjustable wrench.
(just as not all photocopiers are Xerox, and not all facial tissues are Kleenex)

Crescent does make a better wrench, (as noted by another "anonymous") called the Crescent RapidSlide Adjustable wrench. (comes in 8" and 10" versions)
http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/crescent/index.cfm?model_list=1&att_id=CRE001&att1=Wrenches&att2=Adjustable

It doesn't take batteries, but uses an easy slide mechanism to turn the internal screw. It is also less expensive, at $15.99 at amazon.com for the 8 inch version. http://www.amazon.com/Crescent-AC8NKWMP-8-Inch-Adjustable-Wrench/dp/B000EOJUI0

[#11 posted by Anonymous , October 25, 2007 4:41 PM]

Why does everything in the everyday life needs to be battery-powered? I'm not a hippy, far from it, but seriously, if you don't find any pleasure in adjusting tools when you're working on a project, maybe it's time for you to abandon activities that require you use your hands.

[#12 posted by Anonymous , December 19, 2007 9:21 AM]

I don't care what it is called...I want to know how it works! My husband is a diehard hotrod guy and I thought this would be a good addition to his toolbox...am I wrong?