MYTH BREAKERS #1 (Pt 1 of 2) Use & Abuse of Crescent Wrenches tubalcain

Watch me bust the myth about turning an adjustable wrench in a specific direction.
Sorry, I cannot respond to all comments. But you should read all the comments for some good info & laughs.
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[@kynaston1474]

The reason for the direction isn't that it will break the wrench, it's because it will cause you to round off your bolt more easily.

[@LifesAbe-ach]

At least someone knows why there is a wrong and right way for an adjustable . I would have posted same statement . " With no engineering experience comes guesswork . "

[@moparmania86]

Same thing as a right and wrong way to use channel locks and pipe wrenches. Although a crescent wrench won't slip anywhere near as bad as those if used the wrong way

[@jasonpatterson8091]

And yet what we saw here was the wrench slipping and rounding the bar when it was in the "correct" direction and never the other way around.

[@rodneymiller5926]

You are exactly correct! Using it the wrong direction and your chances of slipping on the nut or bolt increase immensely. And if the United States Navy says there is a correct way and a wrong way, to use an adjustable wrench, you darn tootin better believe it.

[@kenbee1028]

@@jasonpatterson8091 We saw wrenches tested to failure on some square steel stock, not nuts with a considerably smaller area between contact points. When an adjustable wrench is held the "wrong way" the nut can slide outward in the jaws as the slop in the adjustable end creates a slight ramp. When held in the proper orientation the nut will slide inward and bottom out inside the "mouth" of the wrench, which reduces the likelihood of rounding the nut.

[@jwills8606]

Funny how this stuff gets started. I was told in a machine-shop class many years ago to turn the wrench the OTHER way. The idea was that turning it what most folks call the "correct way" puts pressure on the end of the movable jaw, where it has more leverage. Turning it the "incorrect way" - according to my instructor, the correct way - puts the pressure from the nut on the part of the movable jaw close to the worm, which is supposedly better.

[@AnonYmous-iw6rh]

YES! It is an issue of LEVERAGE. Distance from the pressure point on the moveable jaw to the worm gear. You want that distance to be as SHORT as possible to minimize the mechanical advantage working to shear off the teeth on the worm gear

[@Graham_Langley]

Back in '75 when I did a basic machine shop practice course, the line was that if you had any mechanical sympathy you used a Swedish-pattern adjustable (AKA Crescent) so the force on the moving jaw was at its root and not the tip.

[@Fuzzybeanerizer]

Which would be opposite to the "Right" picture at the start of the video. Personally I think it is 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. One way "binds" the jaw and puts less strain on the worm... but potentially bends the movable jaw. The other way puts less leverage on the jaw, but more force on the worm engagement. I have probably seen more crescent wrenches with bent or non-parallel jaws than with broken adjustment mechanisms, hinting that you are right, but I think the REAL "correct" answer is: if you are using that much force, get a different type of wrench.

[@Graham_Langley]

@@Fuzzybeanerizer Since writing the above I've got a Stanley 85-610, the offspring of a Swedish/Crescent and a Vice/self grip wrench. It's saved the day or my knuckles several times.

[@jjjtttggg]

@@Fuzzybeanerizer "use a real wrench" is, of course, the right answer, but I think a handful of us here and on similar threads are all saying the same thing. It's not at all obvious the proper way to use an adjustable wrench, handed down through the generations, actually makes any real sense.

[@Fuzzybeanerizer]

@@jjjtttggg Yes. I see people getting shamed as clueless over this, but it seems to be more a matter of unquestioning belief in old dogma than any real thinking out in mechanical or engineering terms.

[@Fuzzybeanerizer]

@@jjjtttggg And logically, the reason any wrench's jaws are angled instead of parallel to the handle is exactly so we CAN flip it over and choose from two alternative approaches to the fastener.

[@MeZillch]

I have a third option. I think the REVERSE of the common rule actually applies. The easiest way to think of it is in picturing what force is applied to the front mouth vs. the back, tool end of the jaws when attempting to rotate an undersized bolt [which inevitably happens as the tool loosens during use anyways] Assuming the moving jaw is more vulnerable to snapping off the goal is to apply as little force to its mouth end and instead concentrate the force close to the tool itself. Why? Because the longer lever when applying force to the mouth end has a greater impact on snapping the jaw off than when the same force is applied close to the fulcrum point.

[@An_Idiot_in_the_Wild]

Yep, exactly.

[@mikko3d]

Agreed. That's what my intuition first told me.

[@AmericanThunder]

After 40 years of tearing up my knuckles on mechanical crap, both as a profession and as a hobby, I've sheared off a few bolts over the years, but I've never broken a Crescent wrench, and some of them in my tool box are still in good shape from the 1970s. I never paid attention to which direction I turned it. "What size is that bolt?" "Crescent wrench size."

[@jix177]

At 14:45 , I'd say the green one which was used in the 'correct' direction is actually slightly damaged in that the adjustable jaw is now a little flared after bending out during the test. Great video, really enjoyed it, thanks.

[@chemech]

As a more real concern, using an adjustable wrench that is not tightened up against the work is asking to round off a bolt head or nut. I was taught to keep the jaws tight, and really didn't learn about how bad the damage could be until I started working on my college car - a 1972 Toyota which was serviced by American mechanics who were not equipped with larger metric wrenches. Specifically, the oil pan drain plug on that car was a 24mm hex, and guys had used adjustable wrenches on it to the point where I had to buy a new plug. Under "normal" circumstances - including some uses of cheater bars - you aren't likely to damage your wrench. I'd suggest that it's smarter to worry about getting the wrench set up to the fastener such that you can work in a controlled fashion.

[@MrUbiquitousTech]

+chemech That's very true. I suspect a lot of the negative comments we see here against adjustable wrenches come from guys that do not use them properly adjusted. So many people claiming rounded nuts, yet I use adjustable frequently and never round off nuts. Usually when I see rounded nuts it's from some clown that grabbed Vise Grips as his tool of choice.

[@realvanman]

I have always used adjustable wrenches in the opposite direction of the myth, at least whenever possible. When used in the myth direction, the contact point is far out on the movable jaw, putting far more leverage on it. So in addition to the force trying to open the jaw, another force is trying to pry it out of the body of the wrench. Figuring the movable jaw to be the weaker of the two, I turn the wrench around, vastly reducing the leverage on the movable jaw, instead putting it on the presumably stronger fixed jaw. Indeed seen here that broke one of the fixed jaws.

[@tomswonderfulworld]

The correct way to use an adjustable wrench is which ever way it takes to loosen the fastener........ Period!

[@pedrowhack-a-mole6786]

Maybe your know-it-all customer was confusing it with a pipe wrench which IS directional.

[@mrfingers4737]

Yep. And if it's a tight fitting just get a proper wrench.

[@Biggestfoot10209]

I always call an adjustable ie. crescent wrench knuckle busters.

[@MrPragmaticLee]

"I might save some parts - no I won't " - love it.

[@PeterWMeek]

+MrPragmaticLee - I've recently made a few similar decisions after a lifetime (72 years) of "Never throw *anything* away."

[@stefanoworx]

Great job again Mr Pete. I was also taught the same thing, but the idea that it slips less with the proper rotation. You have demonstrated that either way works just fine. Keep it up .

[@BrandonLund]

I've used adjustable "spud wrenches" quite often which are used for erecting structural steel (one end has an adjustable wrench and the other is a tapered drift used to align two pieces of steel through the bolt holes). For me there is a difference in feel between the "right way and the wrong way". I've never snapped one but when it's used in the "right" direction it feels like it's engaging the fastener better than when used the other way which feels like it's stretching the jaws when force is applied.

[@Oldvet1946]

My knuckles, my wrench, my money, and I will use it whichever way I want. Totally agree with you. Also way back when bolts and nuts were square headed also. I also have used them as hammers. Mike

[@strrchristmas]

MrPete, Love your videos and please keep this series going. It is nice to see someone trying to open the eyes of the people, with education. I wonder what would have happened if you had tried the green 8" in the wrong direction as was the red 8". If the green had broken the same way as the red, that would have been confirmation. THANK YOU!

[@machinist_kwt]

mrpete, l have been following your posts for 3 years lm from Kuwait an l have learned alot of tips and tricks from you lm now teaching my students some of your videos , you still have been teaching me hope you live with a long life , healthy and stay one of important our inspiration thanks

[@AndTheCorrectAnswerIs]

I have never broken any jaws on an adjustable wrench, but I have stripped plenty of teeth ib the movable jaw...always on newer wrenches. I have NEVER broken an antique made in USA adjustable wrench. Old tools are my favorite garage sale finds. Stuff made before the advent of "planned obsolescence" .

[@dheujsnrhfydhehehshshhdggsd]

8 mins in the bin dump... this is my favorite in a while. just plain old shop time what ifs and why nots. I really need the didatic episodes that teach me, but this was a good diversion.

[@Gigabomber]

Very thorough and honest analysis. You didn't miss anything. Good show!

[@bcbloc02]

Hey Mr. Pete, can you test the Superjustable in the wrong direction too, just to see if it breaks used the wrong way? One thing to note is the Williams "Superjustable" are heat treated alloy, the "Adjustable" brand is a non alloy wrench made as an economy tool, so while they are the same brand they are not marketed as equivalent.

[@tomstoughton]

the sound of his voice is a smooth Jimmy Stewart-ish almost lullaby. i could listen to him talk for hours.

[@petercunningham4000]

I have never seen double ended adjustable spanners before, so it was interesting to see them. Please keep up the good work on all that you show us on your videos.

[@mrpete222]

Thanks for watching

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Adjustable wrenches are convenient and have no other good characteristic. They are very wonderful for ruining nuts and bolts as they will do to them what they did to your key stock. We are all too lazy to walk a few steps to get a good 6 point box end for our tight nuts and then we have to go to the hardware store for a new nut or bolt after we ruin them with the adjustable wrench. Myths like this grow to gospel because everyone wants something to say that makes them a part of the group who know what they are doing and it is so easy to parrot what everyone else is saying. Thanks for a very good video.

[@geraldwilliams8425]

You say walk a few steps to get a wrench oh what a luxury that must be, but sadly not an option in my line of work. I carry 8 10 13 17 19mm combination spanners and 2 wide jaw 8 inch Bahco's which are absolutely invaluable. Saves a lot of walking back to the van. Great video

[@johnc4352]

It's being a child of the great depression era parents that makes you want to save the salvageable parts from the broken wrenches. The parents saved and reused everything because money was so scarce. Kids these days don't even think of saving a salvaged part, my kids laugh at me when I squirrel away some used nuts and bolts I removed from some old machine. My Dad used the word "dear" when talking about something costly. The only problem I have is when I go to look for that part I saved, I can't remember where I put it.

[@queenofyeay]

+John C My father had a way of saying that same sort of thing, something like "Time is cheap, but money is dear" when he would spend hours repaing something himself. I too benefited from having depression era parents, additionally both of mine served in the Navy in WWII and saw the effects of rationing. I too have several times wondered where that bit or this part I saved is, but even so, I've saved literally thousands upon thousands of dollars in my life because of the THRIFTINESS I was taught as a child!

[@hootinouts]

I concur, John C. I am in my late 50's and fix darned near everything. I'm not a pack rat but I do salvage all sorts of fasteners, springs, and electrical components that I remove from unrepairable appliances and the like. Then I make sure I sort out those items and I've got a nice inventory for when I'm in a pinch to repair something.

[@localbroadcast]

i always used it the so called correct way because if you use it the other way, it slips off the head of the bolt easier! didn't think i'd ever actually break the thing!

[@cyberbadger]

Use them any direction. If you were applying that much torque and expecting no wrench damage you should be using a BIGGER wrench.

[@justin10054]

I agree. Clearly the myth was broken because it took a 3 feet long cheater bar to break the wrenches. Under normal use there should not be any concern.

[@NotSoDumb]

In my experience in dealing with nuts and bolts, it was found through computerized testing, a nut, even being cracked all the way through one of the six sides, is still 4 times stronger than the bolt and with enough torque, will break the bolt. All testing was performed on 1" H.S A-325 bolts. It seems that an internal threaded part is stonger than an external thread. Just something that I thought you'd be interested in. Love your videos, I've learned so much from them. Thank you.

[@nodrogawson963]

I broke a 10" Bacho adjustable when using the so called correct way. The only thing I did wrong was use a 4ft. bar and stood on it. Thank you for another interesting, excellent quality video, much appreciated.

[@Confederatemule]

Thanks fer the demonstration. I expected the movable jaw to break, with over pressure, in either direction. I agree that being extended to the max may have had something to do with the failure with the six inch wrench. Blacksmiths would probably be glad to git your broken wrenches.

[@davidtyndall8880]

I think the main issue here is that both wrenches used incorrectly WERE DAMAGED. Using an adjustable wrench in either direction on a loose nut or bolt is not an issue. The movable jaw is designed to "cam" into the lower jaw and not exert force on the threaded portion. Used properly you could practically remove the threaded nut and still have the wrench hold.

[@drawvenmusket]

tubalcain, I want to thank you for this video it was entertaining and educational too, as I have never before seen the locking adjustable wrench before I will be on the lookout for then from now on as they seem to be very handy so again thank you for your time and efforts

[@S0SS0L]

I was told growing up that the wrong way was wrong because the wrench was more likely to slip due to the play in the movable jaw. The wrong way allowed it to angle out away from the wrench body, while the right way pushed it against the wrench body, simultaneously tightening and squaring it against the nut. The notion of damaging the wrench was never mentioned to me. It's been my experience that no adjustable wrench can tighten well enough to make a difference which way it goes - it's just as likely to round the nut/bolt either direction.

[@1pcfred]

+S0SS0L I have a Bacho that will give hardware a run for its money. The jaws angle in on it a little I think? It is one bad ass adjustable wrench let me tell you.

[@GaryGrumble]

I was an unbeliever in the wrong way until I broke a Ward's 12" with a cheater bar. It was a tight spot. But ... I think that you are correct; it is virtually impossible to break a Crescent without a cheater. On other channels one sees Crescents being used in the wrong direction all the time by some very experienced machinists. Myth Busted!

[@shanek6582]

I could see the case hardening in the grain structure of the first one that broke, that was cool.

[@dougrundell947]

I think that was a great test. I've often wanted to test that theory. I think I'll keep using those any 16th wrenches in the correct (?) direction and use an open end or boxed end wrench when I don't want it to slip.

[@bluehornet6752]

Actually, you should have tried the wrench(s) the "right" way first...and then reversed the same wrench and tried it the "wrong" way if it held up to the first test. Otherwise you've introduced additional variables into the test--not the same wrench, different manufacturer, (possibly) different alloy, different amount of wear or damage, etc. If you look at the frame of the wrench, it's definitely intended for heavier use on the top than it is on the bottom. So will all due respect (and no one is a bigger tubalcain fan than I am), I don't necessarily agree that you can use the wrench in either position. The test(s) shown here doesn't go far enough to substantiate that assertion--and design in fact the design of the wrench suggests that you cannot do that. And keep in mind that the wrench manufacturers likely HAVE performed these tests in a standardized fashion, under controlled conditions.

[@thebeststooge]

+Tom B That is what I was shouting at the screen, lol.

[@ardemus]

+Tom B - I'm sure you know that bending something back and forth is a great way to break it. If this was a proper engineering study, and he repeated that it wasn't, you would account for outliers and small variations in the wrenches by using a large sample size. If you reused the same wrenches for some reason you would have to randomly assign each wrench to either take stress A first, or stress B. You certainly would not apply stress A to every wrench, write down the results, and then apply stress B to the same wrenches.

[@thebeststooge]

Nick B He did it wrong as yeah, not a scientific approach as he said but still a worthless approach as well when dealing with the myth.

[@TIMEtoRIDE900]

+Dark Alchemist Since he's just testing the principle, he could have bought 6 brand-new, identical wrenches from Harbour Freight (cheap quality) and tested 3 the "right way" and 3 the other. . Also, I was thinking the "wrong way" would put less stress on the movable jaw, as the contact point is closer.

[@tomgarside480]

Thanks that was really cool. It seems fairly clear that on those wrenches the adjustable jaw is not the weak spot. If you can stress them to the point that they fail and the adjustable jaw does not break then i feel fine using them either way.

[@scottfirman]

You can get a free replacement on that craftsman wrench by the way,lifetime warrenty you know.

[@HobbyOrganist]

+scott firman Yeah but now the replacement willbe made in China.

[@scottfirman]

+Victorian Sculptures Snap on tools would be the alternative, I know they are still made in the US. I doubt if I would spend that kind of money on an adjustable wrench though. We used to call them metric fit all's back in my maintenance days. It was clearly ment as an insult to the user,you didnt get cought dead using one in the shop.lol.

[@supercleaner]

Thanks for the video. I always noted that my concern wasn't for the wrench, but for the integrity of the nut being rounded off when using the wrench "backward."

[@garryhammond7619]

Good idea for a series Mr P. I don't think many of us could break one of these without the aid of an additional bar. My dad, bless him, was a gas fitter all his life and used them a lot - I became a mechanic and they are frowned upon in our trade - but if you work on pipes with all the slightly different sizes especially in the UK where we turned to metric half way through his working life - I now see why he loved them so much - must have saved him hours of time. PS I didn't realise that Whit nuts and bolts had different head dimensions pre and post war to save metal - another good reason to have a pair of adjustables to hand. Regards Garry UK (The English Bit)

[@shnlj5910]

Good video. As a maintenance man when I'm repairing something with someone constantly on the radio asking me when a machine is going to be fixed....I'm using the wrench whatever way I need to use the wrench. Nut Rounders aren't my preferred method, but they are damned convenient. I carry a 6" in my back pocket on the job.

[@aktrapper6126]

Good Video Mr. Pete. When the metric system first came to America the trusty adjustable wrench became my best friend. As far as strength goes however an open end wrench is always weak and you risk stripping the head if its really tight. A box end is the way to go for a stubborn bolt or nut. Also a 6 point is more secure then 12 point. My knuckles will testify.

[@amateurdesubaru]

I think that the lever action is greater when you use the correct way because of the pivoting point, thanks for that pioneering video in material's strength&resistance

[@billbussler3332]

I agree that in most situations you can use it in either direction. I was always under the impression though that it was more like when you use a pipe wrench the wrong way. Because the unfixed side has play in it it is likely to slip off but when used "correctly" it locks itself. Very interesting video though. Thanks!

[@weshowe51]

From my experience, what is critical in using an adjustable wrench is adjusting it. Adjust twice, pull once! There is play in the mechanism that allows the jaws to open a bit after applying the initial pressure. Avoiding rounded nuts requires a second adjustment (if a hard pull is required). I saw Mr. Pete making that second adjustment, and the offset angle, as was pointed out, was designed to be used where there is limited rotational freedom. As far as cheater bars, we used to use a 6-foot long adjustable wrench on really old (1940/1950 era) bulldozers to tighten the tracks. We used a cheater pipe and a backhoe bucket for extra pull. The wrench had a bent handle, but held together well considering the abuse it took.

[@springwoodcottage4248]

First tool I bought when I worked in the US was a Sears 6 inch crescent, still got it & love the one size fits many aspect. Convenient & useful & effective so long as nuts not corroded or seized.

[@azyfloof]

The flats of the bolt, the actual contact surfaces, would still sit in the wrench as far back as the square stock anyway, so it wouldn't have much much - if any - difference. As a fan of _another_ myth busting show, that shall remain nameless for legal reasons :P I can't wait to see more of this new segment :D Great work, Lyle! Lots of love from over in the UK!

[@tjejojyj]

Great video. Just watch part 2. Excellent. That's one hell of a wrench!! Nice to see someone say "pause and type it in yourself", IMO.

[@CafeenMan]

I've been using adjustable wrenches forever and never even knew there was a "right" and "wrong" way to turn them. I use them whichever way is most convenient to what I'm doing. I still have my first ever Crescent wrench and I still use it more than the other half dozen I have because it's nicely worn in and the jaws move smoothly. I know I've abused the heck out of it and it's a happy wrench that loves me with all its little wrench heart. My newer wrenches are all kind of tight so I avoid them which, of course, means they don't get broken in. But if I can use the one I like best I do. I only use the other ones when I can't use my favorite. Anyway, yeah... no problems either way. Maybe you have to believe there's a problem before you can start having it.

[@patcb829]

Great video Mr Peterson. As of April 2016, Craftsman adjustable wrenches are still made in the USA by Western Forge.

[@turnersparadise8368]

My takeaway? The Crescent wrench is not a brute strength tool. As far as direction, I am with you; whichever way it fits...

[@skoue4165]

Fascinating. The take away is I think that the wrenches are weaker in the "wrong" direction. So for when you are really torquing down to tighten or loosen one should probably pay attention to orientation. But most of the time you are not exerting a lot of force on the wrench so, what ever works.

[@AWDJRforYouTube]

Very interesting and informative testing. I got a hunch we will be seeing a "How To Weld Tool Steel" video shortly, what ya think?

[@pneumatic00]

Nice video, Mr. Pete! Very surprised to see the Craftsman disintegrate like that. But you're right---when you showed the broken off section one could see it was quite hollowed out there and thus weakened.

[@coffeeisgood102]

Thanks for sharing. I never thought there would be a right way or wrong way to use the wrench, tho I think that would only apply to nuts which are seized or rusted on. I think a normally torqued nut would not damage the wrench.

[@junglejammer1]

Thanks, Mr. Pete. Very interesting. It's your wrench so, use it as you see fit. I've got an idea for your next one. How about going back and forth with a file instead of forward only. I knew a sheet metal man who was practically, a wizard in every way. Did beautiful work but, would file back and forth. Know-it-alls would ignore his work and just have to call him down about the way he used a file. As I said, he owned the file so, he could use it any way he saw fit.

[@eddiekawecki2510]

Now how about a test on whether to push or pull on a wrench when using a lot of pressure? Proper way is to pull. I for one agree with pulling. I rather fall on my ass than on my face when it slips or breaks. Thanks for the great videos, keep them coming.

[@mrpete222]

+Eddie Kawecki I cover that in pt 2--released today yet

[@Jim1457a]

I try to to use em the "right" way whenever I can (but sometimes there's no other choice)... It grips the nut better that way... I never heard about it breaking the wrench though... Cool vid mrpete!

[@HemiRod23]

I wouldn't worry too much about the trolls. They COULD do a video themselves showing different conclusions in a more scientific way... but they won't. They would rather criticize your results instead. Thank you for the time and effort you give to make these videos. I personally appreciate them very much!

[@marbleman52]

The first broken wrench could have just been some metal fatigue or metallurgical defect in the forging process and not necessarily because the wrench was used in the wrong direction. No one knows what stresses those wrenches had been put under after many years that could have weakened the metal. Anyway...fun to watch...thanks for the test..!!

[@Blejzzz]

In Poland where I live, we call them swede or swedish wrench or swedish adjustable wrench.

[@notsure7060]

here in Norway to. in fact the bacho wrench is stamped with "Invented by bacho" but I dont know. but it sems like a tigth wrench compaired to other types

[@ralphsalotto-ld5xe]

I was an electrician in a nestle plant for over thirty years and I worked primarily on high speed packing machinery almost all of which was Swiss and Danish made. These machines used only metric fasteners and there were many adjustments to be made on them. As a result I purchased a 4" Crescent wrench and discovered that it almost fit 17 millimeter fasteners. So I filed quite a bit from the fixed jaw and the rest of the size I gained from grinding off the end of the thread on the adjusting screw. I punished the hell out of that wrench and still carry it today. They are a little springy if you use them in the "wrong" direction.

[@AreThereNoMoreNames]

Huh, I've always used them in the "incorrect" direction to prevent them from stripping nuts as the movable jaw flexes. It looks like there was some of that happening. I think I'll continue doing so, since breaking the wrench is often cheaper and easier than rounding out some weird bolt.

[@MrAlekoy]

+AreThereNoMoreNames I do the same when I am really putting force into it, as the point where the nut meets the adjustable jaw is closer to the base of the jaw.. Of course, the difference is insignificant..

[@machinesmotorcycles5511]

I liked the video ,and you should do some more . Thanks Mr.pete

[@lukexr125]

clever man, love learning from you. I also saved the 4" ones when i was throwing out my old tools, wish i could buy some of you, never seen a double ended adjustable, or that multi tool one, very interesting

[@jorgenlannock]

i used them both ways and never broke one. on the other hand, i don't put pipes on them. i just use a bigger wrench for the job or use an other tool.(using the right tool for the right job will help a lot too)

[@TheOtherBill]

Conclusion: For light work (what they're made for) it doesn't matter which way you hold it. Sub-conclusion: Don't abuse your tools, they won't hold up no matter which direction you face them; if you really have to apply that much torque it's worth it to go back to the toolbox and get the proper open end wrench. But we already knew that! Thanks for the video, it was fun to watch.

[@briantaylor9266]

Definitely do more of these! And the lesson is you can use your adjustable wrench any way you want, but don't use a cheater!

[@firstnamelastname7143]

Certainly proved how the instability of these wrenches can round off nuts & bolts.

[@raphealwood4434]

That's why you use a boxed in wrench..personally I don't use these things.. I've got some for gifts from family..if I was going to use an adjustable wrench it would be vise grips for a clam chowder nut or bolt.. I still find slight use with them, but extractors work well enough. So I'd just punch a hole drill a bit and then extract set bolt. Now they're a unique pair from Germany the have offset angles. That I would love To own, can't think of the brand name..I believe they start with a k..I'll go look for the brand name.

[@trollforge]

I agree, use them however is expedient, the offset angle is there for a reason. That being said, I have broken 3 crescent wrenches. All three have been through the thin part of the movable jaw where it passes into the handle. All have been six or eight inch, and none have been with the use of a cheater bar greater than 2 foot in length... One of the 6" was bare handed...

[@ethan9920]

Love the brutal honesty in the video making. Something about true shop workers streaming is always going to be different from just about any other type of streamer. Can definitely appreciate it more

[@mrpete222]

Thank you very much

[@JeremyMcMahan]

Great test. Love the idea for a series!

[@Bear-Ur2ez]

Thank you for performing theze test . This has been interesting to watch and enlightening . I enjoyed this and glad the tool bear had a link to your channel.

[@mrpete222]

Thank you for watching, I have many other videos

[@rlamb51]

Another entertaining learning video. I have 3 adjustable wrenches that is all. I always find them too big and awkward to use in most situations plus they tended to round off corners of hex nuts. Now I have another reason to stay away from them. By the way in one of your videos you mentioned adding music. I think music wouldn't add anything and would distract from the content.

[@Farmall450]

+Roger Lamb I agree, no music please!

[@jonmccormick8683]

Williams makes some of the best wrenches and sockets. Took some force to break the Williams and it surprised me how it broke. Do this with a cheaper Indian steel adjustable and it will snap quite easily. The non-adjustable Indian wrench sets are the worst -can get a whole set for $10 rolled in plastic (they will say forged -but look and snap like cast steel).

[@MattsShop]

Wow, I can't believe they failed where they did, but after watching your video it makes sense. Those are the weakest failure prone parts of the wrenches. Great vid!

[@chochobob1]

I have been woeking on old steam engines for 50 years, and have some ajustable wrenches that are probably from the 1900th (including monkey renches). The older ones work much better than the thinner new ones. I have borken off 3/4" bolts, but never broke a wrench. Very interesting demenstration. Keep up thee good work.

[@ECM398]

i just go for using them the "correct" way when possible but i do turn them around when i need a little more space

[@codyboyd7]

I just want to say I like the idea of this series. Can't wait to see what you have up next. Keep up the awesome work.

[@mpar]

Some people have their metric crescents and standard crescents, used on the wrong bolt types probably. The right tool for the job, standards, do fit occasionally. Sometimes some stuff just needs done, with whats close and handy, and available, in the manner and direction you have room to work in. Many of the complainers, probably use cordless drills for screw drivers excessively, stripping screw heads, for who ever has to fix their poor handy work later. Keep up the great work, vids, road trips, knowledge sharing, and your passions and vast wealth of experience.

[@lewdan5]

you are the best youtub channel and i would have loved to be in your shop class when i was in school.

[@DrogoBaggins987]

My dad was one of those old farts who would yell at anybody for using a wrench in the wrong direction. It's whatever percentage he was told weaker that way. He would go off on the way a wrench was used while wasting many thousands of dollars on other things every year.

[@philliplambes3217]

Not trolling by any means brother but, I was taught by instructors at the Union training center way back when, that when you put the adjustable wrench on the wrong way it has a tendency to open up and damage the fastener more so than it does the wrench and, when you use the wrench in the proper position, it will tighten itself into the fastener and not have as much of a tendency to slip. Not knocking your knowledge by any means cuz i enjoy your channel immensly. Just passing on some knowledge for others who might read this and not know.

[@vinsavmom]

In my Jr. and Sr. years in high school (1978-1980) I went to vocational school for machine trades, we were not allowed to use adjustable wrenches on machines. My instructors were very strict on this.

[@TheDisorderly1]

Could you repeat the test on the smaller wrenches using 1/2 inch stock? Looks to me like they may have failed differently if they weren't completely extended.

[@derosacentaur5514]

Brilliant!! I work as a vehicle tech and regularly get the 'know it alls' telling me similar things. When you work in the real world (not the theoretical world)and know what works for you, keep doing it your way.keep up the great work .

[@BisonWorkshop]

i love to see videos like this showing people that these correct trols are wrong about just about everything. if someone told me i was useing my wrench wrong in my shop on my project, i would probably sling the wrench at them so they can see the real way not to use a wrench lol, good video mrpete

[@1pcfred]

+Bison Workshop keep thinking the wrong way is the right way, and keep stripping hardware too. See what I care!

[@joeestes531]

The reason for useing it the right way is so it will get a good bite and keep from rounding the bolt off and it gets a better grip! Great video!

[@GH-oi2jf]

That’s correct.

[@icondonnied]

I've never been fond of using a several sixteenths wrench. But I do own a couple.. Thanks for this info!

[@derekspender1303]

In a long life time of tool use I have only had one adjustable wrench fail in use. It was being used in the "Wrong" direction. The moving jaw cut a neat channel through the worm. The spanner was a good quality made in Sweden. Actually I try to avoid using adjustable spanners, or even open ended set spanners. Your square bar illustrates why. I have seen too many rounded off nuts.

[@Eicles]

Interesting to see you actually testing this. I've often wondered whether it was true. Not sure if it's really a myth but another one I've often wondered about involves the tightening of a 3 jaw chuck. I've seen a number of people use all three key holes one after another to tighten it up, whereas I've only ever used one keyhole. It would be interesting to see if it makes any difference to the tightness.

[@warriorcraft4191]

I've always heard the same thing about adjustable wrenches yet I've never seen one broken in the wild. They never fit as nicely as a proper wrench or socket so they seem more prone to slip and bust your knuckles. That being the case I only use them for heavy duty/high torque stuff if I have no other choice.

[@tjsean0308]

I was always of the idea that which way you use the wrench was more about damaging the fastener than the wrench. Hence the term "nut rounder"

[@mwganson]

I'd like to see you test the breaking points of nuts of various sizes. I'm still not convinced about what you say about how a thicker nut with more threads won't be any stronger than a standard nut.

[@ctjctj2]

Thank you for the video. The question is of definition. Is the myth "If you turn this the wrong way the movable jaw will fail" or is it "If you turn it the wrong way the wrench will fail." The myth does not seem to be "If you turn it the right way the wrench will not fail." So your test shows that using the wrench the "wrong way" causes failure of the wrench. Two tests, to catastrophic failures. Turn it the "right way" caused failure of the bar stock twice but not the wrench in the first case and caused a jam but not catastrophic failure in the second test. From my point of view this is myth confirmed. The wrench fails catastrophically when abused in the wrong direction..

[@dynotec1]

Good observation! I agree.

[@57cpdvl]

These wrenches were never designed, nor intended, to be used with any extension to increase the torque beyond that of what the human hand can apply. Your hand would break far before any of these wrenches, no mater which direction turned… therefore, myth broken!

[@LifesAbe-ach]

The adjustable jaws break only on quality units such as Bahco first . Cheap inferior ones bust at the fixed jaw . I have mistreated loads of adjustables . I have a pair of 18" Bahco used on a 50mm 2" nut with 6' bar on end and with 2 of us jumping on bar . Still intact .

[@cliffordfender1159]

Great idea for a series !!! Thanks again Lyle.

[@111fishkiller]

My father was born in Early Dec.1924,on a farm in NJ,soon to be in the depths of the depression. Believe me,I knew as much about the depression era as my Pop did,when I was 11 years old. He reached the goal of being a "MASTER MECHANIC" of piston and jet powerplants as well as turboshaft. Along with Diesel,gasoline,and even a certified Evinrude, 2 -stroke big bore cert. in the late 90's From the first day I ever remember seeing him and any type of hand tool at the same time. He was SCREAMING at me to throw any and every crescent/adjustable "wrench" as far from your tool box as you can. They are and always will be known as "KNUCKLEBUSTERS" and an ARMATURE'S tool. I will NEVER BE CAUGHT DEAD using one. RIP Pop..

[@railroad9000]

I for one would like to see more in this series. I enjoy all of your videos.

[@hootinouts]

Great video. We always referred to adjustable wrenches as "knuckle busters". While I believe that most of these are drop forged, they certainly do have some precariously thin cross section between the jaws and handles. I would love to see someone run a finite element analysis on a typical adjustable wrench 3D CAD model with the loading in the "right direction" then in the "wrong direction". Thank you for your swell videos. I really enjoy them.

[@blinginlike3p0]

I agree about using the wrench in any direction. But I was thinking about it, and maybe the adjustable side is stronger, and by using it the reccomended way less force is exerted on it. look at where the bearing surface of the bolt is, it has more leverage on the side closes to you when you are pulling on a wrench.