Crescent has taken their Flip and Grip wrench to a new level to create a new Flip and Grip multi-tool. The new multi-tool features a tried-and-true self-adjusting ratcheting wrench design, a partially serrated knife blade, and a couple of additional tools.
The wrench can fit a range of fasteners, from 3/8″ to 5/8″, and not just standard hex fasteners – it can fit spline and E-Torx fasteners, as well as wing nuts, eye bolts, and other odd-shaped sizes and styles.
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Additional tools and functions include a Phillips #2 screwdriver, a medium (3/16″) slotted screwdriver, a combination can opener, bottle opener, and V-groove wire stripper, and a lanyard ring. The knife blade and tools are all made from stainless steel, except for the adjustable wrench head, which seems to be coated with a black corrosion-resistant finish.
Everything folds into the tool, nice and neat for portability.
Here’s a quick promo video that shows off the tool:
Price: $20
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Buy Now(via Home Depot)
First Thoughts
I have very mixed feelings about the Crescent Flip and Grip wrench multi-tool design. At first glance, it looks a little big, maybe even bulky, and possibly uncomfortable to hold. How are you supposed to use that knife blade with that handle shape?
The wrench can only work with fasteners 3/8″ to 5/8″, which means it only offers 1/4″ of adjustability. It’s still going to be fit a wide range of fasteners, and many users might never need it to access larger or smaller sized fasteners, but I think a wider range would make the design a little more welcoming, at least to me. Then again, a wider adjustment range would mean physically larger components.
Kobalt’s similar multi-tool wrench design has the wrench head on one side, and a utility knife on the other. That seems like a more ergonomic arrangement, and it only costs $10. But with the Kobalt version you don’t get the additional tools.
I see the utility in this tool, and think it might be well suited as the kind of multi-tool you keep in the car or a kitchen drawer. It packs a decent assortment of tools into a compact package. Maybe if I give it a chance it’ll grow on me.
Stan
I am sure that is the perfect gift for Father’s day from a person that doesn’t know anything about tools.
To me this looks similar to a cheap imported tool that is designed to fix problems and in reality likely will cause more if you try to use this.
Jason. W
But wait…there’s more….
But why?
Mark S.
I have this tool and yes, it is gimmicky but it does work out pretty well. Is it superior to a specialized tool? No. Is it inferior to a similar tool? No. As such, I feel it is worth a look – not an EDC but a glove box tool to be sure.
Yadda
Does the knife lock? If not, I see the potential for severed finger tips.
Jerry
If the wrench would fit axle nuts on a bicycle, I could see the benefit of this. However, if the wrench only fits a very narrow range of sizes, it might be more style than substance.
DanG
Looks like an expensive piece of junk to me. I would not put that crap in the dash of my car or in my much valued tool box. If they are trying to compete with Leatherman, they have a long, long way to go. Hmmm let me guess, it’s manufactured in China. China who is building a secret military installation within restricted waters and telling us to get the heck away from there!
Stan
I couldn’t agree with you more. There was a time in history that Crescent brand was not only a true American manufacturing company, but produced legitimate tools for real world applications.
Cooper Tools ruined this company and more so in later years. Years and years ago, there was a American made Crescent multi tool named the Toolzall. I am fortunate enough to have one and I can honestly say that was as good, if not better than the traditional Leatherman at that time.
Sadly the Crescent brand of today is nothing more than a shell of once awesome company that produces rubbish similar to whatever this “tool” is supposed to be.
Eric
They would have to pay me to use one of these things. My experience with the craftsman version of the clench wrench was terrible, I’m not wasting money on another one.