Over at Instagram yesterday, I posted about the Stanley FatMax demo wrench that I came across in a store a couple of years ago.
Well, there’s now a Craftsman model, CMMT12003.
It looks updated compared to the FatMax version, although not necessarily improved. If you ask me, the differences all look to be cosmetic. There could be some functional strength enhancements – it’s really hard to tell – but I would say probably not.
So… what might one use this Craftsman adjustable wrench with pry bar for?
Advertisement
I’m sorry, it’s not just a wrench with a pry bar, Craftsman says this is a 4-in-1 tool.
The demolition tool has the following features and functions:
- Adjustable wrench
- Pry bar
- Nail puller
- Hammer strike face
The strike face is “dedicated and reinforced” for “hammering nails.”
I posted about the Stanley FatMax wrench four years ago:
Now under Craftsman branding, this is still a very interesting and special tool.
Yes, of course it looks silly and gimmicky at first glance. And, it might also invoke an eyebrow-raise with subsequent glances as well.
But, here’s the big question – does it work?
The adjustable wrench? Looks pretty functional to me. Although I would urge anyone and everyone to consider Channellock adjustable wrenches, Stanley and other Stanley Black & Decker brands have made some decent adjustable wrenches in the past.
What about the pry bar and nail puller? Granted the adjustable wrench head doesn’t make the best handle, but it could work.
The hammering strike face? I’ve used tools improperly before, and this one just has a flat dedicated surface for such a task.
This is far from being the only multi-functional adjustable wrench on the market, but at least with this one Stanley and FatMax knew what they were going for – a demolition tool.
Would I rather have a pry bar, adjustable wrench, and demo hammer? Of course. But here’s a 10″ tool that does all of that for users who might want to save some space in their tool bag.
Price: $19
Buy Now via Amazon
See Also: Stanley via Amazon
See Also: Stanley via Acme Tools
Birdog357
Looks like a good search and rescue tool or for a go bag.
JoeM
Never thought of that application, but I wholeheartedly agree! No fumbling with breaking up, and prying loose, debris between you and some trapped individual, just one tool… Bam… Doesn’t do EVERYTHING all that well, but it at least keeps it handy.
Scott K
I was recently updating my emergency bin and thought it would be good to throw in a duplicate pry bar and a few other tools. My first thought when I saw this was that it would be great for a bugout bag or car kit.
Chaws
Where is it made?
Stuart
Overseas. COO isn’t posted anywhere and so I can’t be exact.
William Adams
Great tool for rounding off bolts while doing demolition.
Kent
There’s no “thumbs up” button, but if there was, it would be for this comment.
Steve
Neat.
I’ll Pass.
Joe H
I mean I’ve seen guys use regular adjustable wrenches for all the purposes except nail pulling so while many might say it seems silly but many people use tools in silly ways at some point or another. So I say why not have the option out there? Seems great as an emergency tool. I’d by curious to hear what a firefighter would say about it. Have you seen what they carry in their pockets?
Jared
I feel much the same way. This is not a tool I’m eager to buy or use, but it might not be as gimmicky as it first seems. Could serve a real niche (though the cynic in me assumes SBD created it more as a holiday special).
My wife, for example, has no qualms about using any number of my tools as hammers. This is the only wrench I’ve seen where it might be an appropriate (well I suppose there’s the Koloss too).
Jonathon
I had a coworker who would have a ball ping on the table and would reach across it and use a adjustable wrench for a hammer
Steve
34 year firefighter Joe. Nope, wouldn’t carry that in my pocket but it looks like something one of my in-laws might buy me for Christmas. With wedges, cable cutters, flashlights, multi-tools, radios, door straps, rescue straps, and anything else you can cram in it gets obvious real soon that it only helps to carry stuff you can get back out of your pockets and use with all the gear and heavy gloves on. Gimmicky stuff is the first to go. Wouldn’t mind having one in a boat or truck tool box where I don’t really expect to need to use it.
Jon
Firefighter here, Joe. Personally, I can’t see the application. I have seen firefighters carry small trim-style bars for forcing window sashes and door anti-pry plates, but I can’t imagine what application the “farmer’s nut rounder” wrench would have. A pry tool and a striking tool are both handy on a fire scene, but combining them is problematic to a firefighter–in the fire service, the striking tool is generally used to drive on the prying tool for forcible entry applications.
skfarmer
a stanley fubar makes a better forcible entry tool. hammering, prying and chopping the only advantage this may have over a fubar is the ability to use it as gas valve wrench.
i would much rather have a fubar for versatility if i could only have one. if more capability is needed add a channellock rescue tool for cable cutting and gas valves.
the problem with any of them is weight and bulk. one can only carry so much stuff.
fred
I’ve seen the hammer head built into adjustable wrenches that have tapered handles. The tapered handle is used for aligning bolt holes. The hammer head for tapping in bolts. These are usually aimed at ironworkers.
Ares makes a combination adjustable wrench (one end) and alligator jaw wrench on the other end. Come in both regular and thin jaw styles:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HR5N7T2/ref=emc_b_5_t
And they make a hammer head style
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HR5N7T2/ref=emc_b_5_t
but adding a pry bar/nail puller – I’m not sure how well it will feel in your hands
Jeremiah Ducate
I was thinking along these lines.
Matt
I wouldn’t spend my own money on one but if someone gave it to me I’d stash it in the toolbox on a tractor, where you don’t have a ton of space and X-in-1 tools (while gimmicky) can come in handy. That pry bar end just looks destined to end in a nasty cut though…we’ve all had wrenches slam into us when a bolt breaks loose, I’d much prefer a round end than a sharpened one when that happens.
Clay
If I were given it, it would be a shed or vehicle tool. Don’t think I would buy one.
JoeM
As I said on… Either Facebook or Instagram about the Stanley… Honestly I hadn’t thought of such a tool until seeing it myself, right now. But, having seen it… it fits nicely into a set of all-in-one demo tools that might deserve some serious respect for their ability to LITERALLY wrench debris away from wherever it is located, if not perfectly, then in a way that gets the job done with plenty of force.
A few comments here have listed emergency response applications for this, and my somewhat ignorant response on social media hadn’t considered those. But, just as seeing it for the first time changed my mind about it, the thought of emergency usage is now ALSO on my mind. And frankly… why WOULDN’T we genuinely develop first-responder grade demo tools? A minimum effort to allow them to save time getting to someone in need. It’s really quite brilliant. I just don’t think it’s FOR someone like me. Then again, neither is any form of Jackhammer… it doesn’t mean Jackhammers are bad. I can still be glad when people engineer new models of those for efficient use and whatnot.
I mean, extend the handle a foot or two, and this thing becomes a pretty powerful fulcrum for Firefighters. It’s not far in features from something I would expect to see in use.
Ed
Doing a fair amount of handyman work, I carry a small pair of vise grips, a small pry bar, and a 10 oz claw hammer in a lightweight go bag for on-the-fly repairs. If the wrench part had vise grip pliers or a pliers wrench and if the hammer surface stuck out more and was more rounded like an actual hammer head I would buy one just for the convenience factor. Bonus points if the pry bar had a plastic cap so I wouldn’t have to keep the sharp end wrapped in electrical tape. #GimmickGoals
blocky
This just looks like a hand or leg gash waiting to happen, and I see nowhere on the opposite end to hammer that pry chisel end into place. I’d see more usefulness if it were a blunt wedge and if it had 2 or 4 more inches in length to get useful torque and leverage for either business end. To me, it looks like a light of weight to sling for not that much function.
I’d probably tape the heck out of that pry end, but anywhere I’d stash this tool just-in-case is a place I already keep a wonderbar, a hammer, and some wrenches.
Tools that are a liability are the opposite of useful.
blocky
*a lot of weight (NOT a light of weight)
Jerry
Maybe as something to throw in a tractor toolbox or behind the seat but I don’t see it doing multiple jobs well other than it’d be a better hammer than the average adjustable wrench. Sharper is better as a nail puller, and sharp on a wrench sounds like an accident waiting to happen. That said, if used with care it might be one of those things you grab when you aren’t sure what to grab.
Steve G
Silliness. This is like a boat-car. Not great at ether being a boat or a car
James Ouzts
I’ve had a popular mechanics adjustable wrench with a hammer face on it for 20 years and it’s a way more useful tool than you would ever expect. I don’t think I’ve ever driven a nail with it but tapping a piece of something to move it into place is something I’m doing constantly.
Jeremiah Ducate
Yes, exactly. Moving parts into place by tapping or prying before inserting large bolts. Like farm tractor implements as some have mentioned
Wayne R.
“Huh, this wood here would make a good handle. Lemme stick an ax head on this end. How about a canoe paddle on the other end? I’ll put a level bubble in the middle and add a cup holder next to that. Perfect!” No bottle opener?
Kitchen tools that are too specialized are frowned upon, and I usually think most multi-use tools are similarly gimmicky.
Eric S.
What just a 4-in-1? How about 8-in -1!
DAVID
As a gift, I’d say thank you. It would go in a tool cabinet drawer and one day in the future I’d come across it and remember when I received it as a gift.
MikeIt
Every since I saw AvE’s Saskatchewan socket set with an integrated thumb detector I’ve wanted one for my truck tool bag. I also wanted one so I can stop using the “hammer side” of all my other tools. The one he has is pricey for a tool that would seldom get used. I’ve seen versions of the Craftsman/Stanley but I didn’t think the one with a pry bar end was for me. In the spirit of Festivus, I have a few suggestions for SBD that might make it more appealing.
1. Make the wrench a little longer and make a slot for gas shutoff and market it as an earthquake safety tool. I know the adjustable wrench can also shut off the gas but that would be one less thing to think about when you are trying to shut off the gas in a hurry. Remember, not all homeowners know how to use tools!
2. Instead of a prybar end how about making it a spud wrench so you can line up your holes and then use the hammer to drive in your bolt or whatever.
3. How about drop the prybar end and make the handle nicer so you don’t tire out your hand when hammering with it? An all metal hammer handle can’t be comfortable. I have Stanley adjustable wrench with a soft handle so I know they already do that.
4. Some people think this 4 in 1 tool is crazy looking, I say its not crazy enough. How about if they drop the pry bar end and put in arc joint pliers? Make it so the plier handles get tucked in together so you can use the adjustable wrench side as usual. When you need the pliers side just put the handle in another groove and go to work as usual.
Maybe they should let their designers go crazy with ideas like these. They could have some sort of contest where people submit ideas or sketches and people vote on their favorites. They could make it a big social media thing. Maybe the winners are considered for sale or they get their design made as a one off tool. I’m sure SBD has rapid prototyping tools that could print out a tool as a prize, even if its just made of plastic. Will they sell? You’ll never know until you make them. Steve Jobs said “People don’t know what they want until you show it to them”.
Brian Harris
No LED lights??? Junk.
Stuart
You joke, but…
https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-LED-Lighted-Adjustable-Wrench/dp/B00A29HYPI/?tag=toolguyd-20
Joatman
This is totally unrelated to the item posted……..but just got home from Lowes. They have the Kobalt 24v Misting fan on clearance for $29.00. Regular price is $119. You can use it with or without the mist feature. Comes with battery and charger. I’ve been waiting for the Dewalt fan to come down on the price of theirs….but this will do. I took it out of the box and tried it. Works awesome. Has 3 speeds. I haven’t tried the mist feature being it’s friggin freezing outside. But the unit is designed to sit on top of a standard 5 gallon bucket and you just put the siphon hose in the water………or you can just connect your hose to the hose connection. Just thought I’d share……… Happy Holidays
PeterC
If it’s cold enough you could make some snow with it.
Dave
Well I guess almost anything can have a use somewhere….. But there can’t be many uses for that abortion.
But one will NEVER be in my shop or any of my machines or vehicles.
If I was given one, I’d pass it on. Most likely it would passed on many times before someone would keep it to gather dust…. and that guy would most likely eventually throw it in some wet concrete where it could act as reinforcement.
So in the end, it could be useful.
Mick
Craftsman huh…this does not surprise me. Maybe for stress management. If you can’t get a wrench on it, pry it or pull it, beat the SOB till you relieve all your stress!! Christmas time gimmick!!
me
Sometimes, when plug valves get really tight, you loosen the nut a little and tap on the thread side (with the nut backed out to flush with end of threads) to loosen cone shaped plug in valve, and then retighten nut, could be very handy for that. Also, might as well have a hammer head on an adjustable wrench, it gets used that way often enough anyways.
Kent
Not quite as useless as the battery powered adjustable wrench they offered a few years ago.
My guess is that it’ll be on the market for a few years, and bought by people who don’t use tools.
Yadda
Expect to see this advertised for Father’s Day. Not the worst multi tool I’ve seen.
James Ouzts
I agree that the majority of “multi use” tools are not fit for any task but an adjustable wrench with a hammer surface on it is great. You don’t use it as a hammer you use it as a taper and a gentle persuader.
Pretty sure this is the one I’ve had forever. Mine was made in the USA but I can’t speak for this one.
ARES 79006-12-Inch Hammer Head Adjustable Wrench – 1 1/2-Inch Jaw Capacity – Chrome Vanadium Steel Construction – Flat Top Hammer Face https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07HR5JC17/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_cxJ5Fb3776N8D
Nor draw
Seems like this is where Craftsman is headed, the toy tool market.
Dave the tool
Emergency tool for the vehicle seems to be the unanimous comment and I whole heartedly agree. I have purchased a few of these gimmicky tools in the past and they typically sit in my tool box unused. I believe they market them for people looking for a multi tool in a minimized tool collection but for those of us with larger tool collections we just grab the tool we need forgetting about multi tools.
Sam Greenfield
It will never be as good as a Knife-Wrench combo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ImcrILvEo
Don Thompson
I’m now retired, having worked in all phases of Construction.
I see Two (2) things wrong with this Concept:
A.) Too many conflicting functions to put into One handtool. What am I supposed to do with this; Maintenance, Repair, Assembly, Demolition?! What if I have to perform two functions at the same time (turn a nut while prying or hammering), but have them both on the same tool?
B.) Scenario: I climb a vertical rebar wall 25 feet to attach a form panel being hoisted into place by a crane, and, I suddenly drop my multifunction tool into an inaccessible place. What’s left for me to do? I just lost All my tools ?
Stuart
B) Why wouldn’t you have a safety tether or leash attached to your tool?
salmon
I used to work with rigging and hydraulics offshore. Hammer + crescent wrench is really the ideal tool for that environment.
Miners would probably love it too. Not sure what good the pry bar is, though.
Jimmy Simpson
I see this and think of the Scrubs episode with the Knife-Wrench
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ImcrILvEo
Charles
Horrible.
Whichever end you hold, it’s going to hurt your hand.
Typical craftsman these days, which is all about selling to suckers
Boots
This tool should come in a set of multi purpose tools. Just imagine the possibilities. The second tool would be a chisel/saw/multimeter/flashlight. Then you would have the screwdriver/bottle opener/can opener/Wirecutter. Last would be the radio/cheese grater/soap dispenser/survival knife. Perfect white elephant gift. I would buy it just to see people sit there and analyse if they should pass it and choose another gift, or if they could imagine themselves using the tools.