ADJUST-A-BOX Wrench!!!

Today we look at a nifty little wrench patented by Ted Neff in 1957! The adjust-a-box Wrench was very well made and designed. The wrench wasn’t cheap and is probably why you don’t see many around today. Many variants of this wrench exist today and Ted Neff even patented such a variant in 1999. Craftsman makes a current variant called “The Claw”. Other then the bulkiness of the wrench the only drawback I can see is it has a tendency to not release so easy from the nut once snuggled up.

[@partialtraction]

I picked the 12" one of these a few years ago. It is the perfect tool to use with for bicycle cassette lock ring tool or freehub lock ring tools. It holds my Shimano cassette lock ring tool very securely. I leave the lock ring tool in the wrench at all times hanging with my other bicycle tools. Every bike mechanic that has ever seen mine, wants one.

[@d-c-g6525]

Thanks for sharing, Scotcrafter! I always learn something new with your videos. Have a great weekend!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Carlos! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks very much!!!!!!

[@OldSneelock]

The Adjust-a-Box wrench is an interesting tool. I have a few odd wrenches that have ended up on the pegboard and in the tool boxes under the bench. Some are purchased new in their current shape and some are adapted. I always told the guys who worked for me that getting the job done was what was important. If that meant they neede an unusual wrench I would buy it. If it meant they had to cobble up something out of an existing tool or make it out of whole cloth the job came first. I would replace the tools as needed. I am impressed by your test rigs. At Demmer Corp I spent a bit of time breaking bolts to determine a working manufacturing tolerance for installing them. Once that was established we used manual, pneumatic, and electronic torque wrenches to set the bolts. Calibrating the torque wrenches was done on a test stand that looks similar to yours. Mine had a digital read out that read the torque applied to the spindle but the idea was similar. Good job polishing up the wrenches. I just have a little grinder that was my Dad's with a wire wheel on one end and a rag wheel on the other. Having a buffing arbor would be handy but space is limited. I'll let you polish up the wrenches. I haven't done an exhaustive study of your channel but I have watched quite a few of your project videos. Have you considered a collaboration? If you are interested let me know.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Mr. Sneelock! I have always been amazed at commercial torque devises, like the ones you used, so very interesting! Every once and a while I will come across a tool that looks home-made and like you said somewhere there was a shop where they needed a certain tool that could not be bought so it was fabricated. They are very interesting! I like gimmick tool only because I'm a modest collector, I get a kick out of tools that for one reason or another never caught on... I'm enjoying the file sharpening series! All good stuff! Thanks very much!!!

[@dallaswoiken7533]

Wow once again u show us all a very weird unique awesome tool Scout

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Dallas! I have always loved the weird and unusual tools! There are so many wonderful and obscure tools that are in collections and hard to find. Also there are a lot of rare tool collectors with very deep pockets!!! Thanks very much!

[@kadmaster]

I never seen that kind of wrench in Turkey. sir. We always learn new things from your great videos. Thnx again.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Kadir! I'm glad that my friends like you from other places can see these interesting tools!!!! Thanks again!!!!

[@manolispapadimitropoulos3334]

Nice video! These wrenches have an interesting design and I definitely haven't seen anything similar in Greece.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Manolis! I knew you were Greek from your awesome name but I had no idea you were in Greece! That's great! I'm glad you got to see something new! Thanks very much!!

[@uktony1525]

Never seen this style on this side of the pond. Great video.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Tony! Wow! I'm always surprised what tools don't make it over there! I'm glad you can at least get a visual! Thanks very much!!!!!!!

[@angelmejias6730]

That's a nice surprise for Saturday morning. That's a unique tool and heavy duty. I'm gonna look for one of them more likely the small one. Enjoy the Memorial weekend!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Angel ! Yes definitely the 8" model, they are all over eBay and I think, like me, you will be very impressed by the quality! Thanks very much!!!! 😃👍

[@jameshamilton6847]

Certainly never seen one of those in the uk. Thanks for another great vid :-)

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello James! Thanks very much! I love knowing the differences my UK viewers experience! Awesome!

[@altonriggs2352]

Never seen those..great video...be safe for Memorial Day.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Vernon! They are pretty cool and work surprisingly well! I'm glad you got to check them out! Thanks very much!!!!

[@upsidedowndog1256]

If I ever saw one of those I never noticed it. I was taught to only use adjustables in a pinch, working on what I do they would be large but it seems to work well. It seems that the easy to get to fasteners rarely give problems.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Upside Downdog! Somewhere along the way Adjustable's really got a bad reputation... It's a shame because they are a fantastic tool, just not for everything! (like stuck brass nuts) lol This Adjust-a-box is a bit cumborsome but well made and could have it's uses... It's hard to add a gimmick tool to the old line-up! Thanks very much!!!

[@Dardrum]

Since this video was published in 2018 I found a 8", 10", and 12" set of these wrenches, and YES I have never used them, but they are cool

[@ScoutCrafter]

They are so much better in person! Really not a gimmick!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!

[@Dardrum]

@@ScoutCrafter thank You

[@charlesdrennan4904]

Nice! It looks like a Millers Falls no. 4. Wish I could find one. Keep up the good work.

[@whatfreedom7]

Neat wrench!Reminds me of a old wrench I found in my grandfathers toolbox. It is a pipe wrench but it’s spring loaded and automatically adjusting. It’s a really cool wrench so I saved it but I’ve never seen one.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello whatfreedom7! You know there's always tools that are just quality made and even if you don't know what they are you know they are well made! The fact that it was your grandfathers makes it even better!!! Thanks very much!!! 😃👍

[@krm8372]

Craftsman sold something similar in the 90s. Great vid.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello KRM- Yes! It was called "The Claw" it's a variant you can still find all over eBay! Thanks very much!!!!!!!

[@CarlosRivera-mine]

Nice work! Can we get a shop tour?

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Rick! Upcoming!!!! It's really a mess now but I'm trying to sort things out! Thanks very much!!!!!!

[@nicolasjan1584]

I love the elevetor musique during fast-forwards.

[@ScoutCrafter]

LOL! You have to bop you head as you listen! Thanks very much!!!! =)

[@michaelpugh4894]

Neat wrenches. Never saw them before.

[@bigdog4173]

We didn't have Adjust a box wrenches ( we call them spanners..) down here..There was a similar sort of thing made by Bahco,which appeared here in the seventies..but didnt last long,nothing since...Im not keen on adjustables,prefer to use the correct size tool..multipurpose tools never seem to do any one job perfectly..liked the restoration of the UMT screwdriver,handle came up very nice indeed..all my screwdrivers are well cared for,otherwise Id try your technique..didnt know the made screwdrivers in Israel,though I do remember seeing spirit levels brands MEPO and TOVAH for sale in Pauls hardware shop.( famous Sydney business,closed down about 5 years ago..pity.) in the seventies..and noted them at the time,seem to recall reading that they were made in a kibbutz factory..keep up the good work Bob

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Bob! You are so right! Nothing beats the right Box wrench! However I was very surprised at how nicely these grip the fastener! Also High quality materials! Very nice gimmick tool! LOL I love those old hardware stores that still have stock from the 70's in the basement! There is a guy on Instagram called "Old Tape 61" who travels all over and buys all old stock out from these old hardware stores! Thanks very much!!!!!

[@adamsaint2890]

Hey these look great for damaged fasteners. I need to get one! I see it as more of a socket and breaker bar replacement rather than a wrench though? And something that would be good to have on the road when you don't want to take a full socket set out with you. Great video!

[@johnhartley3596]

I’ll keep my eye out for one

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello John! All over eBay, if you're going to bid on one get one in mint shape as there are so many available! Thanks very Much!

[@keithschrack]

I have a similar wrench that may be of interest to you. It clasps a hex nut on three sides and is adjustable between 6 to 19 mm. Patent # is 5415064. Like most of these gimmick wrenches, I find it is easily foiled by obstructions. Keep up the good work!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Keith! I rarely use the gimmick tools but I must admit I am a total sucker for them! As a tool collector I really like the weird and unusual stuff! You're so right, they are usually too large or cumbersome to give up our regular line-up but they are fun! Thanks very much!!!

[@congaronbo]

Nice. Thanks for a great review!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Congaronbo! Thank you very much!!! These wrenches are pretty cool and well made too!!! Thanks again!

[@congaronbo]

I love those old tools. My dad had some if his dad's old weird stuff when I was a kid. ...this review took me back....

[@mtmchenry]

Interesting wrench. Don't recall ever seeing it before.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Mike! I find a lot of gimmick tools are cheaply made and just manufactured to take our cash, but this wrench is quality made and works surprisingly well! Keep an eye out next time you're at a garage sale or flea market! Thanks very much!!!! 😃👍

[@sean6077]

i have a wrench similar to this.i believe it's a craftsman adjustable box end pocket socket wrench. it belonged to my granddad.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Sean! That is awesome that you still have the wrench! They really do work, not just a gimmick! I really enjoy using tools that belonged to my Great grandfather all the way down to me!!! Thanks very much!!!

[@NashRathbone]

I picked up an 8" version at the car boot sale this morning, it needs a clean up but it is fine otherwise.

[@Dardrum]

Just checking out some older vids John, I see a 10" version on ebay, so it seems 8,10, and 12 are available

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Dale- They aren't hard to find but they really are a nice little wrench! Well made for sure!

[@felixf5211]

Oh, man, I've got to get myself one of these!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Felix, pick up a 8" model, I think you will be impressed at the quality! They were very expensive when they came out!!! Thanks very much!!!! 😃👍

[@elliotkane4443]

Interesting sort of tool, don't really see a use for it but it would probably be nicer than a adjustable most of the time.

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

Interesting I can see its uses but can see its cons, great wrench for a emergency tool bag.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Doug! It will never replace any tools in our regular lineup but for a gimmick tool it is surprisingly well made and really grips well... You're absolutely right, a good backup tool'. Thanks very much!!! 😃👍

[@perrosymasperros8516]

good chanel new suscriber greetings from argentina

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello perros y mas PERROS!!! Welcome!!! I am so grateful to have friends from South America!!! Thanks very much!!! 😃👍

[@billiewright7532]

I've got one that I bought about 20 years ago. Have no idea what brand it is though

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Billie! They made a bunch of variants and it was a very interesting design! Thanks very much!

[@vargr]

I've seen them before, and used a pair for a month before I sold them as scrap metal in a pickup load I sold. Lord I hated that wrench. It was always working itself loose while I was either loosening or tightening nuts and bolts, I had two 8 inch wrenches, they were great if the nut or bolt head was just receased enough that you couldn't get a combination wrench in and a ratchet was too thick. Jobs that should have taken a few minutes took quite a bit, I got rid of them and put up with busting my knuckles with combination wrenches. This is just my experience with them and my opinion of them.

[@drscopeify]

There is a more simple tool from Craftsman called "Craftsman Pocket Socket Adjustable Wrench" It is similar but simplified.

[@toolinc.collection1521]

Career high 2 videos right. I done two also .

[@hectorquinones4824]

U have the coolest tools were do u get them lol

[@ScoutCrafter]

I used to get some on eBay but Tractor shows are the place to get them cheap!!!!!

[@carbidejones5076]

I use the craftsman version of this wrench to turn the nuts on my daughter's old British bike, Whitworth fasteners

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Carbide! Whitworth! LOL Those Brits!!! Busting balls since the 1700's! =D That was always my luck, look at the nut- Ok try 3/8... Hmmm too tight ok lets try 7/16"... Hmmmm Too loose... =/ "Where's the adjustable?!" Lol Thanks very much!!!!!!

[@joshuaw7330]

Hi. First time viewer to your channel. I am very interested in purchasing a set or two. Would you have an email address of the company, as I tried various websites and found the cost outrageous for used tools. Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated, and keep up the good work. Awaiting a reply.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Joshua! The best place to pick up these wrenches are on eBay! You can get a set for about $20- They really are very well made and d lovely wrenches! Thanks!!!!!!

[@johnmorrow7080]

Been it the motor trade since the mid 70's and never seen one .

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello John! You're probably used to more professional tooling, I think this tool is geared more twords the homeowner. They are made surprisingly well and were very expensive when offered for sale... Now you can find them all over eBay... Thanks very much!!! 😃👍

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Bent Water! I will have to look at mine for reference and get back to you...

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Bent Water - Sometimes the pin is flanged a little on each side making it permanent, to remove those types you drill a small hole dead center to a depth of about 1/4", then increase the bit size until it's the same size as the pin again only going in about 1/4"... Then using a pin punch try to knock it out. If it seems different you could send me a pic! [e-mail]

[@flhusa1]

yes i have some of those.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello J D, Not many people own these! Apparently they were quite expensive when first offered and people weren't so eager to try them at a high price! Thanks! 😃👍

[@jordansimpson9519]

Remiscent of pocket socket adjustables made by craftsman

[@johnsobery]

No red paint? I guess those boys aren’t going nowhere

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Dad Joke Guy! Lol Since these tools weren't messed up to begin with I usually go easy on them, when they are all beat up and rusty I have cart blanch! lol Thanks very much!!!!!

[@norherman]

Never was a fan of that tool. For me it just didn't feel right. A blast from the past I would say. Thanks again.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Norherman, was it the Neff model or a variant? Thanks!

[@norherman]

To be honest I don't recall. It was the early sixties and dad brought one home. Thanks again good stuff.

[@BarnWoodBob]

what is n.o.s.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Bob! I'm sorry- sometimes I use terms that were popular when I was younger! N.O.S. stands for New Old Stock. An acronym that stands for items that are old but still brand new like finding a case of screwdrivers from the 70's that are brand new... I love NOS stuff!!!! =) Thanks!!!!!

[@bruceg1845]

thanks, no thanks - I think it would only get in the way inside your toolbox

[@aguilayserpiente]

Husky makes a knock off version of this wrench.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello José! Yes! I've seen it! I had high hopes for Husky a few years back and now not so much... They have a lot of Chinese stuff that looks ok to the eye but their forging and tempering is not up to spec... Shame... Thanks very much! 😃👍

[@ded_Bidon237]

+

[@robg836]

Please don’t wear gloves using any type of rotating tool like bench grinder! It’s a recipe for disaster

[@ScoutCrafter]

Rob, Why would you ever work on a wire wheel without gloves? a wire wheel will never pull your glove into the wheel... It will trash your bare hand though...