In case you missed it, we posted a preview of the new Stanley TwinTec ratcheting wrench. The new TwinTec multi-wrench is similar to a dog bone socket wrench, but instead of two rotating socket turrets, the TwinTec has adjustable universal sockets that increase and decrease in diameter to fit a range of inch, metric, and specialty fasteners.
Here’s a new marketing video that shows the wrench in action:
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http://youtu.be/mCYNguUtqAE
From the video, the wrench looks a little bulkier than in the still photos I’ve seen of the tool. The same is true for Dog bone wrenches, especially the ratcheting ones that hit the market in recent years, but my first impression was that the TwinTec looked a little slimmer and smaller.
The Stanley TwinTec wrench will be available later this month for $30.
LORDDiESEL (GJ Forum)
I’m not really digging it. Any job they’re showing it being used on, that tool would not be my choice for the job.
jesse
Looks cheap.
SteveR
Stuart–Sort of reminds me of a Logger Head Tools Bionic Wrench in its operation, although the TwinTec doesn’t require you to squeeze handles to maintain pressure on the fastener. Both lack a comfortable handle for extended use, although the Bionic Wrench may have a slight edge in that respect. The Bionic Wrench can get into tighter work spaces, and could be used in an engine compartment. The advantage of the TwinTec is that is appears to be able to wrench larger fasteners than the Bionic Wrench. Although it ratchets, the TwinTec still requires lots of open space around it to operate. Ultimately, I agree with LD’s comment that it wouldn’t be my first choice for the job.
I suspect that the market for these kinds of tools is the person who only occasionally needs to use them, and doesn’t have the space or budget to purchase more job-specific tools.
Stan
This still looks similar to a toy, in fact dog toy to me. For those applications, I would either use the right size wrench/socket and or adjustable wrenches for the job.
Before Rubbermaid bought them out, American Tools used to make a locking wrench variation of locking pliers and these can in three sizes. Even though this was probably slightly gimmicky, even those were a better built tool than this toy. Also those were made in United States of America and I highly doubt this Stanley Twin Tec is made anywhere else besides overseas.
I sincerely doubt any real tradesman would use this tool and at best, but I suppose for a average person, this might work. Then again, I personally wouldn’t reach for this toy.
Stuart
I have one of those Vise Grips locking wrenches, and in the past 6-1/2 years, I’ve used it maybe two or three times, and not on fasteners but on round stock.
Stan
Stuart, with your Locking wrench, what size or sizes do you own? I have the complete American Tools set; the 4LW, 7LW and 10LW. My 4LW is from 1996, the 7LW was made in 1994 and the 10LW was manufactured in 1998.
I’ve used these tools multiple times myself and they are very useful in my opinion. American Tools had a good idea and in my opinion, a cool one at that.
Stuart
It’s the 7LW with cushion grip, purchasing in March 2007. The first one I received had crooked jaws, but the second one works just fine.
It’s a neat concept, but the tool is very limited in how and where it can be used. I know some people use them to hold center punches, cold chisels, and the such.
Stan
I thought Irwin discontinued those locking wrenches when they took over American Tools?
Anyway, seems that you purchased the Irwin version, so I can tell just by the description, the quality went downhill though.
I bought all three of mine, factory sealed on eBay and they are synergistically aligned and while I personally wouldn’t use mine to hold punches or other tools, I will admit, these tools have some limitations, but I have repaired several tables and chairs with these recently.
But then again, I have old new stock from the 90’s. Personally, these were well worth buying, especially for the prices I paid on eBay though.
To each their own though respectfully.
fred
Stan:
Irwin did not take over the American Tool Companies – it was the other way around. The Petersen family – originators of the Vise Grip – formed American Tool Companies in 1985 – and that company acquired Peterson Tool. In 1993 Irwin was acquired by American Tool Companies. In 2002 American Tool Companies was acquired by Newell-Rubbermaid. I’m guessing that the Irwin brand name had better market recognition – so the Petersen name got subsumed.
Paul
I agree that this would not make it into my tool bag as the clearance required would be too much for most of my jobs. I do, however, find the appeal of an all-in-one socket quite strong. Screw divers have their 6-in-1s (or muli-tip if you go that route) and open end wrenches have their adjustable (Crescent) wrench which I am sure are in most of our tool bags right next to or all together supplanting our open-end wrenches.
My dad bought an adjustable closed end wrench several year ago from Sears (I think it was Craftsman brand but don’t quote me on that) which was designed to be the adjustable wrench of box-end wrenches. If was a short lived gimmick as it could not replace a socket set or box-end wrench in most uses like my other examples have done in their respective use, and today’s video reminds me of a bulkier version of that ill fated tool.
I only need to carry a small tool bag for “handyman” and emergency jobs which still weighs a ton. If I find that they make something that would replace all of my sockets (which is half of this bag) and be fairly confident that I am not going to
‘need’ my sockets , I would buy it and cut down on that weight.
You are only one innovation away from being revolutionary. This tool is not it… yet.
Jason
I have yet to find one of these type tools that would make me want to choose it over any of my multiple socket sets and ratchets, combination wrenches or even a crescent wrench.
The only multi-use tools I have found to be useful are 6 in 1 screwdrivers, multi bit screwdrivers and Leatherman or Swiss Army knife type tools, everything else is usually more useless than useful. I won’t be seeking out this latest Stanley abomination!
Robert
When something like this comes out, there are always predictable responses about how someone wouldn’t choose it over their socket sets, etc. While it should be painfully obvious, that’s not the point. Anyone in their right mind would prefer a dedicated socket when the availability presents itself. That is not however, what these kinds of tools are necessarily about.
There is a category of tool that in my opinion should be established. Although people often unofficially acquire tools for the purpose, I haven’t heard anyone articulate the category. The category sits somewhere in between “EDC,” (every day carry tools,) and a full arsenal of tools in your boxes, cabinets, etc. I like to call it “Event tools.” By my definition, an “Event” is a broad umbrella underneath which there are many circumstances. It can be recreational or work related activities. It’s essentially any activity that you’re involved with where there is an increased likelihood of needing tools with more aggression than EDC tools, and or tools that are more task specific. At the same time, the activity by its nature prevents you from carrying a full arsenal of tools.
An example might be that you’re going on a dirt bike expedition with some friends. You’re miles away from your house and your car. You obviously can’t carry all the tools that you would ordinarily have in your garage workshop. If your bike breaks down however, you’re not exactly going to fix it with your Leatherman Squirt.
Maybe you’re helping out a friend on moving day. You don’t know for sure what you’ll be doing because you determine that as you go. You might decide for example, to take a mirror off a dresser and secure it between the box spring and mattress on the truck. I once removed a flat screen TV bracket from a wall while moving that was secured with lag bolts. It couldn’t be turned with an open ended wrench and ideally called for a socket set. In those instances, I usually carry a “Gator Grip” on a short Craftsman ratchet. I carry it in a simple “Mini Maglite” sheath. A Gator Grip is an excellent example of an event tool. It’s definitely not something that you’d want to carry as an EDC item for the sake of carrying it. At the same time, it has saved my neck numerous times when I didn’t have access to a full arsenal of tools.
Tools like this Stanley are a similar idea. They aren’t intended to be a replacement for traditional sockets. They simply say that in the absence of the best tool for a task, you have a tool that can perform a number of tasks reasonably well. This tool reminds me of something called a Crescent Rapid Wrench. It’s a very similar idea. I would never consider this tool or the Crescent wrench as a replacement for a socket set. There are many circumstances however, when they can be quite handy. None of them are perfect, but it’s nice to see some new ideas for incidental tasks. I wouldn’t stick my nose up at this until I at least had a chance to try it.
Stuart
While I would agree that tools like can be suitable as event tools as you described, they are in fact marketed as replacement tools.
This is what Stanley says about the tool:
They intend for DIYers to buy this as a replacement for, or lieu of, a socket set, or at least that’s the message their marketing team is going for.
Robert
That may be true Stewart. When I address people on this site however, I generally take it for granted that they are a different class of user than the average do-it-yourselfer. People on this site generally understand the marketing games and who these things are generally targeted at. To a do-it-yourselfer, this very well might be a replacement for a socket set. For most people here however, that is unrealistic to a serious tool user in spite of their advertising.
We all understand the concept of extensions and universal joints that couldn’t possibly be replaced with a tool like this. Most people here would rather have their socket set regardless of anything Stanley claims about this tool.