A new 8-inch Duralast adjustable wrench (70-209A) features a spring-loaded lower jaw that adjusts to create a self-ratcheting action. There’s also an on/off switch that allows you to use the wrench as you would any other non-ratcheting adjustable wrench, and a partially-skeletonized I-beam-style handle.
What I like about the design is how the lower jaw moves parallel. You probably wouldn’t want to use the ratcheting mode on more delicate fasteners, but it seems to me that a parallel-action lower jaw is going to be a lot more fastener-friendly than the action found in pivoting-jaw models.
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A test sample is supposed to be inbound, so we’ll hopefully be able to tell you how well it works.
Price: $25 at AutoZone
Buy Now(via AutoZone)
First Thoughts
If you’re thinking that this wrench looks familiar, that’s because there used to be a Schroder ratcheting adjustable wrench of similar if not identical design.
While I’m not usually a fan of ratcheting adjustable wrenches, it looks like the new Duralast will join the Crescent wrench in my short list of ratcheting adjustable wrenches that I wouldn’t really mind using.
To be fair, I don’t think this would be the first, second, or third type of wrench I would pick up for a fastener installation or removal task, but I’m also the type of person that has multiple sets of wrenches in different styles. This new ratcheting adjustable wrench seems to be aimed at more casual user types, and I think it will suit such users and DIYers quite well.
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Guy Lebuc
Piece….of…… !
Admin note: please keep it PG.
Stuart
I’m hopeful that it’s not.
skfarmer
but i am afraid he is correct. that is one ugly looking tool and just in time for father’s day. i hope no one gets me anything remotely like it.
Stan
I entirely agree with SK Farmer. This looks to be your atypical made in China junk tool would be purchased on Father’s Day.
With a tool similar to that you’d be better off using a tried and true wrench.
Now I will admit, maybe calling this what this was originally was named was maybe not the best, but this sure isn’t anything I would ever want.
I’ll stick with what has worked for decades.
typhoon
I’m not a fan of gimmick tools, but these ratcheting adjustables don’t bother me. I think it’s because adjustable wrenches are “compromise” tools to begin with.
This Duralast has been out a little while; I remember playing with one at AutoZone a couple of months ago. It worked great with the little plastic demo bolt, but of course, who knows how it’ll hold up in real use. I doubt I’ll buy one to find out, but still, it looks like a more realistic and usable tool than many others.
Jerry
Maybe as good as any for $25, but in my opinion, spend the $50 and spring for a pair of the very well made Knipex pliers wrench, which gives you both ratcheting action, and a non-slip grip. I’ve had mine for a couple years, and honestly can’t think of them ever slipping when used properly.
Stuart
My Knipex pliers wrenches are indispensable as well. But they require a more active grip to use. I don’t often use them in place if wrenches or adjustable wrenches.
fred
I’m sure you know – but the Knipex has added a 400mm (about 15-3/4 inch long ) pliers wrench to their 86 series (86 30 400)
Allen
What do you think about this idea ?
An adjustable wrench with a hollow handle filled with bits like the Megapro. Have a hex hole somewhere on the head they fit in with some sort of ball detent.
Wrench and screwdriver in one.
Toolfreak
I’d agree that this is a gimmicky tool – if only because there are very few situations where you need a ratcheting wrench AND have the space for the gigantic head of an adjustable. I’d guess that most of the time, these situations call for the access of a regular open end wrench, and those with the ratcheting feature would allow for easier fastener rotation.
I do like the pointy sharpness of the jaws, though. So many adjustables have the jaws ground flat at the tips and it really limits their use and access.
Will
To start, I’m not an employee of Autozone. I worked for them for a summer a decade ago, and I don’t recall the Duralast tools being of great quality, but I was in high school and hadn’t really evolved into the tool nerd I am today so I didn’t pay them much attention.
I bought this wrench because I was bored, had a few bucks from my discretionary fund to spare and am generally intrigued by tool mechanisms much in the way a child likes to take things apart to see how they work.
In the way someone might collect stamps, artistic plates or spoons, I’ve collected many wrenches and ratcheting hand tools both vintage and new simply because I like to fool around with them in my spare time when I’m not building things in my garage.
I’ve used this wrench to remove and reattach the blades from my lawnmower, tighten bolts on decks and on other projects where fitting into a tight space isn’t an issue, such as removing a rusty bumper from a pickup.
Like most Duralast tools, it’s made in Taiwan. The satin chrome finish (on my wrench at least) is flawless, the thumb adjustment is really smooth and the ratcheting mechanism is crisp and tightens securely to the flats after a turn. We’ll see how well the small lock button holds up, but the overall fit and finish of this wrench is just as good as any of the Crescent, DeWalt, Craftsman or Husky wrenches I’ve seen in stores. And it just feels solid.
If it breaks, Autozone will replace it for free.
P.S., I’ve checked out the Crescent pivot-jaw ratcheting wrench and it doesn’t lock into place nearly as well; needs a bit of jiggling for the jaws to settle onto the flats.
JeffD
I know, I know, old post. But, did you ever get a sample to test?
I just picked up a set of their 3/8″ metric flex sockets @ AutoZone for $20 w/ lifetime warranty. Made in Taiwan. MFG is Apex I believe. Respectable quality for the money. On par with Husky/Kobalt and dare I say Gearwrench?