A couple of years ago Craftsman reintroduced the dog bone wrench. Late last year they introduced the universal dog bone wrench. And then there was the ratcheting rotary wrench. Now, Craftsman is introducing the Figure Eight Wrench.
The Craftsman Figure Eight Wrench is available in two versions – metric and inch, with each tool having four box-end sockets. Each end of the tool has two sockets, with each socket covering two sizes via a stepped-box end wrench design. The sockets fold in and swivel out for use.
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These box end wrenches feature a universal tooth design, making them compatible with 6pt, 12pt, partially rounded, external Torx, square and spline fasteners.
(UPDATE!) Inch sizes include 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4-in, and metric sizes include 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 13mm, 15mm, 17mm, 18mm.
MSRP is $25, model numbers are 32761 (inch) and 32762 (metric), and ETA is Q2 2012.
Inch Version (via Sears)
Metric Version (via Sears)
To be honest, I am not particularly fond of all-in-one wrench designs. But, some homeowners and DIYers seem to like them, and I believe that even some pros like using them for oil changes. To each their own.
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Dan Richards
For every pro-spec tool Craftsman drops, two gimmick tools pop up.
Stuart
Maybe they sell 4 such tools for every pro-spec tool?
Dave
I like to carry a couple of all in ones in the truck for emergency equipment repairs. The save space in the truck and can get you out of a pinch. I like the looks of this design much better than the dog bone. The dog bone is too bulky for a lot of the emergency repairs I need them for. I may give this one a try.
Alexander
Looks better designed than the dog bone and might be worth it for a metric one
george
well they won’t work on some cars as they are missing some sizes. kinda useless.
i prefer a complete set of wrenches and sockets.
Harry
No 13mm? What were they thinking? Alas now we know what some poor schleps will be getting for Christmas next year. Where is it made?
Stuart
I’m fairly certain these are made in China or Taiwan as are Craftsman’s other universal wrenches and sockets.
I’m not sure what’s up with the absence of a 13mm socket and am hoping that maybe there was just a typo in the press release.
Jason
No 13mm and no 7/16″, that’s a dealbreaker for me. The design does look somewhat better than a dog bone, but missing extremely common sizes like that, that’s just inexcusable! I do see several sizes listed though that are more rarely used that could have provided an open slot for the two above mentioned sizes. Now granted an 11mm and a 7/16″ are very close in size, if you are working on a project with standard sized bolts you don’t want to have to go fetch the metric version of this tool to find the socket that semi-fits.
Doboy 86
need to look again it says it has 7/16 and 13mm
Stuart
I don’t remember the last time I used a 1/4″ wrench, although I do use 5/16″ quite a bit. The lack of 7/16″ and 13mm is pretty surprising, and I’m hoping that perhaps the fact sheet is wrong about this.
No 7/16″ or 13mm, and the addition of E-Torx, 12pt and splite compatibility make me wonder what kind of DIYers the tool was designed for. Hopefully the tool is early enough in the production process that they can consider adding back in the omitted sockets. I can’t see how they would do it, though, with only 4 double sockets on each tool.
Stuart
UPDATE: I just heard from Apex/Danaher, who make many of Craftsman’s hand tools. The Figure 8 Wrenches DO include 7/16″ and 13mm sizes – the initial size listings were incorrect.
Yadda
Just a quick note on this older topic. Craftsman is closing these out. An ad two weeks ago advertised these at $12.50. After probably millions sold they evidently decided this was a gimick and wasn’t worth a long term invesment. Great collectors items/shelf queens for those that like to collect oddball tools.