It’s been a couple of months since we first talked about Dewalt’s new adjustable wrenches. Introduced last Fall, these wrenches are now widely available, at least online. They may not be pretty, but Dewalt’s adjustable wrenches are downright tough.
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The new heavy duty wrenches are designed to provide maximum strength and durability, and to endure rough jobsite handling. I had the chance to preview these new wrenches on two occasions, and found them to be quite impressive. They are a bit crude-looking, but they feel incredibly strong and solid.
The Dewalt wrenches adjusted smoothly and were a joy to test out. But not everyone will love them. Although a scale wasn’t available, these wrenches felt a bit heavier than other same-size wrenches. Other brands’ wrenches often have I-beam-profiled handles, which saves a bit of weight. But on the bright side, the thicker handles on these wrenches give off a sense of greater strength and toughness that almost welcomes abuse.
Prices and Availability
DWHT70289 6 inch: $10.99
DWHT70290 8 inch: $12.99
DWHT70291 10 inch: $14.99
DWHT70292 12 inch: $18.99
DWHT70293 15 inch: $34.99
DWHT70294 6 inch and 10 inch combo pack: $19.99
Buy Now(via Amazon)
I haven’t seen these wrenches in stores yet, only online. If you’re on the fence, the 8″ model looks to be a reasonably good buy at about $15 with shipping. Channellock’s adjustable wrenches are still top-dog in my book, but the Dewalt ones look to be great workhorses.
If you’re looking for a lightweight or low-profile adjustable wrench, or one with thin jaws for use in tight clearance areas, look elsewhere.
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E_Baker
Stuey: For what it’s worth, both my Home Depot locations carry several of the models you’ve listed. I want to say the 6, 8, and 10″ models are on the shelves.
Stuart
I know they’re supposed to be be carried at Home Depot, but I couldn’t find them at my local store the other day. I’ll check another nearby store sometimes this week if I can. Thanks for the heads-up!
Leo Winburn II
Country of origin?
Stuart
Imported, if I recall correctly.
jesse
Guaranteed to be imported since Stanley is involved. Probably China.
Jason
I have seen them at the HD stores here in South FL. They are not found in the tools section, rather on a separate end cap display close by. The ones I have seen are made in China if I remember correctly. Stick with Channellock if you want a quality adjustable wrench at an affordable price. I’ll take Spanish steel over Chinese steel (pronounced “Lead” [Pb on the periodic table]) any day. And before everyone jumps down my throat about buying imported tools let me say that I wanted USA made Crescent but none seemed to have a laser etched rule for measuring bolt/nut sizes. I use that feature a lot.
chad w
Its steel, not lead. Although i understand it was a rather basic attempt at humor, lets not waste time with petty insults, nor incorrect information (whether presented for humor attempts or not)
Mike
Crescent wrenches are beginning to be made in China and they are rolling them out now in certain sizes… DeWalt is best bet for import, Crescent switched to Carbon Steel as opposed to Chrome Vanadium (stronger steel) as well..
Simon Huang
DeWalt made in China, Stanley,Facom and Cresent made in China… all made in China. The top best as I tried in China is BAHCO – not made in China, the second best is InnoMax – made in China.
Frank Evans
Bahco is Swedish, Irega is from Spain, the 2 best adjustable wrenches made. Irega makes adj wrenches for Channellock, Klein and I’ve seen a few random companies as well. Irega’s are always marked Spain. Channellock is best buy, Klein upcharges and Irega is usually msrp. There literally the same wrenches. Bahco is probably arguably every bit as good as Irega. Wright, Proto are some very excellent USA made adjustable wrenches for the not so tool guy who’s finicky about his tools, Wright and Proto are every bit as good as Bahco and Irega. The weight if these Dewalt wrenches is a joke, I have never broke a adjustable wrenches handle to warrant the extra steel. Shit steel will wear Jaws , create movement, distort smoothness, dent jaws occasionally. Never with professional use should a adj wrench break by hammering with it, or using a cheater bar, I Beam structures are strong by design.
tork
I bought DWHT70290 at HomeDepot about a year ago. Too bad there is no way to attach an image – you’d be surprised to see how shitty this wrench looks like. The steel is soft, bad quality and the jaws became all smashed. loosing here and there for a mm on a side. Looks ironical with the mm scale on the its side. I have never hit it or with it or used it as a hammer.
don’t buy.
Stuart
Yikes, that sounds terrible! Maybe the tools changed between batches, or a batch didn’t heat treat properly? I hadn’t heard any of what you’re complaining about before.
If you’re looking for a replacement, Irega-made Channellocks are still my absolute favorite.
If I were in your shoes, I’d contact Dewalt about a warranty replacement, as what you described definitely shouldn’t happen.