Comments on: Hands-On: Black & Decker’s AutoWrench http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/ All tools. All the time. Your source for news, information, and reviews of hand tools, power tools, and tools of all kinds. Fri, 16 May 2008 03:41:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.2 by: Leslie http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-69450 Tue, 29 May 2007 03:05:58 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-69450 Old post but considering the recent comment I'll add: Good review and I enjoyed reading the testing process. And this has been a great tool to get as a "what in the WORLD do I get him/her" gift for anyone at all into gadgets. I can't at all say if they used it (especially, as others have mentioned, how often do we really need an adjustable wrench??) or how well it worked, but the smiles over it's "coolness" factor were worth the cost. And definitely get one from the BACK of the rack, if you want the batteries to have any life to them. Old post but considering the recent comment I’ll add:
Good review and I enjoyed reading the testing process.
And this has been a great tool to get as a “what in the WORLD do I get him/her” gift for anyone at all into gadgets. I can’t at all say if they used it (especially, as others have mentioned, how often do we really need an adjustable wrench??) or how well it worked, but the smiles over it’s “coolness” factor were worth the cost.

And definitely get one from the BACK of the rack, if you want the batteries to have any life to them.

]]> by: eddie http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-69441 Tue, 29 May 2007 02:24:29 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-69441 my cogged belt broke and the replacement is not available from the b & d site. never actually used the tool, only played with it my cogged belt broke and the replacement is not available from the b & d site. never actually used the tool, only played with it

]]> by: Toolmonger » Blog Archive » Reader Find: A Coffee Cup “Rim Roller” http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-36196 Sun, 18 Mar 2007 16:18:20 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-36196 [...] Dan also mentioned (and we agree) that Lee Valley’s page (link below) “shows an admirably positive attitude towards inventors” — very apropos considering the discussion of the CO2 nailer power pack here at Toolmonger recently and the AutoWrench a while back. [...] […] Dan also mentioned (and we agree) that Lee Valley’s page (link below) “shows an admirably positive attitude towards inventors” — very apropos considering the discussion of the CO2 nailer power pack here at Toolmonger recently and the AutoWrench a while back. […]

]]> by: JP http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-9262 Tue, 26 Dec 2006 17:53:18 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-9262 Don, I am happy to say that Black & Decker is an honorable company and they did not steal my idea. We signed last year and we worked together to bring the latest and greatest to the people. Black & Decker has done an outstanding job on the "Auto Wrench" and I am very happy to be with them. Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all. The Inventor (P.S.) Now if we can only get Modern Marvels to do a sequel we could share the rest of the story and good will to all! BTW- These guys here at Toolmonger did a good job, too. Don, I am happy to say that Black & Decker is an honorable company and they did not steal my idea. We signed last year and we worked together to bring the latest and greatest to the people. Black & Decker has done an outstanding job on the “Auto Wrench” and I am very happy to be with them. Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all.

The Inventor

(P.S.) Now if we can only get Modern Marvels to do a sequel we could share the rest of the story and good will to all!

BTW- These guys here at Toolmonger did a good job, too.

]]> by: Don http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-9014 Tue, 26 Dec 2006 00:51:50 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-9014 I saw this tool years ago on a Modern Marvels inventor's show. My question is: Did the inventor sell this to Black and Decker, or did they steal his idea? Anyone who knows can email me at Dpehta@aol.com. thanks! I saw this tool years ago on a Modern Marvels inventor’s show. My question is:
Did the inventor sell this to Black and Decker, or did they steal his idea? Anyone who knows can email me at Dpehta@aol.com. thanks!

]]> by: Jeff http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-8101 Wed, 20 Dec 2006 14:57:57 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-8101 This is the most in-depth tool testing I've seen published on the internet. Neat examples using sound principles by folks that obviously know their stuff (plus who doesn't love using a plasma cutter). Keep up the nice work, people!! More and more tool shoppers will visit your site with a little "word of mouth" advertising, and I plan to begin just that. This is the most in-depth tool testing I’ve seen published on the internet. Neat examples using sound principles by folks that obviously know their stuff (plus who doesn’t love using a plasma cutter). Keep up the nice work, people!! More and more tool shoppers will visit your site with a little “word of mouth” advertising, and I plan to begin just that.

]]> by: Wendy http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-6165 Wed, 06 Dec 2006 16:03:33 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-6165 Awesome review! Very informative! It sounds like the perfect gift for the man who already has everything...my dad. Thank you! Awesome review! Very informative! It sounds like the perfect gift for the man who already has everything…my dad. Thank you!

]]> by: Eugene http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-4239 Sun, 19 Nov 2006 17:50:06 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-4239 Good test, I guess. It worked well around the shop, but let's see if we can break it. Okay. Wouldn't a more fair comparison, though, have been to have tried the same leverage on Cooper Tools, Crescent Wrench that has a manual slide to adust the wrench, instead of a standard adjustable wrench? Good test, I guess. It worked well around the shop, but let’s see if we can break it. Okay. Wouldn’t a more fair comparison, though, have been to have tried the same leverage on Cooper Tools, Crescent Wrench that has a manual slide to adust the wrench, instead of a standard adjustable wrench?

]]> by: Michael Cole http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-1411 Tue, 26 Sep 2006 04:56:39 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-1411 Did you actually know the reason for the length of the spanners. Ever seen a 10mm spanner with a really long handle. From what i heard is that the length is based on the torque that should be placed on to a bolt. A longer handle will place too much torque on the bolts. Try always to use the correct spanner for the job so you will not destroy the bolts. If you need specific torque for a bolt there are some good small, medium and large Torque spanners or attachments for your tolls available. For safety never add an extender to a spanner unless it is designed as such. Did you actually know the reason for the length of the spanners. Ever seen a 10mm spanner with a really long handle.

From what i heard is that the length is based on the torque that should be placed on to a bolt.

A longer handle will place too much torque on the bolts.

Try always to use the correct spanner for the job so you will not destroy the bolts. If you need specific torque for a bolt there are some good small, medium and large Torque spanners or attachments for your tolls available.

For safety never add an extender to a spanner unless it is designed as such.

]]> by: John http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-858 Sat, 02 Sep 2006 19:41:59 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-858 Great write up! I got a question for you. The picture that shows the wrench that you compared the Autowrench to looks like you used a 10" adjustable. If this is correct than a 10" adjustable is normally rated at higher foot-lbs. torque and of course would out-beat an 8" adjustable like the Autowrench. However, it sounds like your test confirmed that the Autowrench is a quality tool and is a new twist for an old tool! Thanks again for an indepth report. Great write up! I got a question for you. The picture that shows the wrench that you compared the Autowrench to looks like you used a 10″ adjustable. If this is correct than a 10″ adjustable is normally rated at higher foot-lbs. torque and of course would out-beat an 8″ adjustable like the Autowrench. However, it sounds like your test confirmed that the Autowrench is a quality tool and is a new twist for an old tool! Thanks again for an indepth report.

]]> by: Toolmonger Review on Black & Decker’s AutoWrenchMAKE Magazine http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-812 Fri, 01 Sep 2006 12:08:39 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-812 [...] Toolmonger has a great in depth review and test on Black & Decker’s Auto Wrench. Toolmonger says, "We were concerned about the AutoWrench’s strength, so we built a cool test rig to measure exactly how much torque it could take. Afterward we disassembled our test subject and found some parts Makers’ll definitely want to scavenge once the neighbor loses interest in his new AutoWrench." There’s lots of pictures of the test rig build and a video of the test itself. Link. [...] […] Toolmonger has a great in depth review and test on Black & Decker’s Auto Wrench. Toolmonger says, "We were concerned about the AutoWrench’s strength, so we built a cool test rig to measure exactly how much torque it could take. Afterward we disassembled our test subject and found some parts Makers’ll definitely want to scavenge once the neighbor loses interest in his new AutoWrench." There’s lots of pictures of the test rig build and a video of the test itself. Link. […]

]]> by: Jeff http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-762 Wed, 30 Aug 2006 20:13:27 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-762 Cool write up -- looks like you had fun testing it. I don't use adjustable wrenches much, so I can't see spending $30 on a novelty tool. It seems like a product in search of a market. Found you via <a>MAKE Blog</a>. Cool write up — looks like you had fun testing it. I don’t use adjustable wrenches much, so I can’t see spending $30 on a novelty tool. It seems like a product in search of a market.

Found you via MAKE Blog.

]]> by: Dale http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-751 Wed, 30 Aug 2006 16:32:02 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-751 This looks like the type of tool that would be pretty handy to have in the kitchen drawer. Under a car doesn't sound like a good place for this wrench unless the inner workings are very well sealed. Based on the description of the motorized adjusting system, I suspect that a slug of just about any fluid that would come out of a car could render the tool non-functional. Likewise bits of rust and gunk that tend to break loose from a nut or bolt being tightened or loosened could jam things up. The tool certainly seems to have lived up to it's claims and expected functionality, but I can't imagine me buying one. Nice writeup. This looks like the type of tool that would be pretty handy to have in the kitchen drawer. Under a car doesn’t sound like a good place for this wrench unless the inner workings are very well sealed.

Based on the description of the motorized adjusting system, I suspect that a slug of just about any fluid that would come out of a car could render the tool non-functional. Likewise bits of rust and gunk that tend to break loose from a nut or bolt being tightened or loosened could jam things up.

The tool certainly seems to have lived up to it’s claims and expected functionality, but I can’t imagine me buying one.

Nice writeup.

]]> by: Mike http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-746 Wed, 30 Aug 2006 11:53:23 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-746 I think this thing would be good for one of those road side assitant kits that you put together and leave in the back of you car. Or for leaving in the stuff drawer in the kitchen. Because as we all know. Use the right tool for the right job. An ajustable wrench isn't the right too for anything. I think this thing would be good for one of those road side assitant kits that you put together and leave in the back of you car. Or for leaving in the stuff drawer in the kitchen.
Because as we all know. Use the right tool for the right job. An ajustable wrench isn’t the right too for anything.

]]> by: Rob http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-743 Wed, 30 Aug 2006 05:38:07 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-743 "This would be an invaluable tool for someone working with very tight clearences, such as under a car." But really, shouldn't you have the correct size combination wrench for that? I use an adjustable when I'm in a rush but I'd rather not risk rounding a nut on my car. “This would be an invaluable tool for someone working with very tight clearences, such as under a car.”

But really, shouldn’t you have the correct size combination wrench for that? I use an adjustable when I’m in a rush but I’d rather not risk rounding a nut on my car.

]]> by: Kyle http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-739 Wed, 30 Aug 2006 04:36:52 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-739 "I really don’t understand the need for this tool other than to sell more batteries. Is it really that hard for people to operate an adjustable wrench with one hand?" I never knew this product existed, but after reading this I might have to go out and buy one. This would be an invaluable tool for someone working with very tight clearences, such as under a car. You have no idea how handy this would have been on the last couple projects I did; removing driveshaft bolts without dropping the exhaust of a rear-wheel drive car for instance. It's a handy little gadget that just might wind up in my toolbox! “I really don’t understand the need for this tool other than to sell more batteries. Is it really that hard for people to operate an adjustable wrench with one hand?”

I never knew this product existed, but after reading this I might have to go out and buy one. This would be an invaluable tool for someone working with very tight clearences, such as under a car. You have no idea how handy this would have been on the last couple projects I did; removing driveshaft bolts without dropping the exhaust of a rear-wheel drive car for instance. It’s a handy little gadget that just might wind up in my toolbox!

]]> by: Chuck Cage http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-734 Wed, 30 Aug 2006 02:19:08 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-734 It's exactly the kind you'd find in a toy car. There's a small plastic pully on the end that drives the screw via a belt. The rocker switch is also mounted on a small (just barely bigger than the switch) board that's easily removable. In fact, you can pull the whole mess out without cutting the wires. It’s exactly the kind you’d find in a toy car. There’s a small plastic pully on the end that drives the screw via a belt. The rocker switch is also mounted on a small (just barely bigger than the switch) board that’s easily removable. In fact, you can pull the whole mess out without cutting the wires.

]]> by: Derek Hunt http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-733 Wed, 30 Aug 2006 02:17:15 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-733 Reviews need to be indepth (good write up BTW). Reviews need to be indepth (good write up BTW).

]]> by: John http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-732 Wed, 30 Aug 2006 02:11:43 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-732 Very nice review. I loved the depth of detail that you went into on how you did your torque tests. Thanks for adding the baseline info. So the motor is like the kind you would find in a toy car, or is there some sort of gear head on it. Very nice review. I loved the depth of detail that you went into on how you did your torque tests. Thanks for adding the baseline info. So the motor is like the kind you would find in a toy car, or is there some sort of gear head on it.

]]> by: Jason http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-731 Wed, 30 Aug 2006 01:45:57 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-731 "I really don’t understand why this post is longer than 5 paragraphs. Did it work? That’s all I want to know." Eh, I don't know. I assume you're referring to the extended coverage of the torque test. Well, the tool claimed a specific torque specification and the review put that claim to the test. I, for one, appreciate that they explained their testing methodology. Maybe you could suggest something like "hey, could you implement a star system for the tools you review," or "hey, could you give a quick verdict at the top of the review for people who like to skim?" “I really don’t understand why this post is longer than 5 paragraphs. Did it work? That’s all I want to know.”

Eh, I don’t know. I assume you’re referring to the extended coverage of the torque test. Well, the tool claimed a specific torque specification and the review put that claim to the test. I, for one, appreciate that they explained their testing methodology.

Maybe you could suggest something like “hey, could you implement a star system for the tools you review,” or “hey, could you give a quick verdict at the top of the review for people who like to skim?”

]]> by: Rob http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-729 Wed, 30 Aug 2006 00:24:47 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-729 I really don't understand why this post is longer than 5 paragraphs. Did it work? That's all I want to know. I don't care what color shirt you wore that day. I really don’t understand why this post is longer than 5 paragraphs. Did it work? That’s all I want to know. I don’t care what color shirt you wore that day.

]]> by: Rob http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-718 Tue, 29 Aug 2006 19:18:50 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-718 I really don't understand the need for this tool other than to sell more batteries. Is it really that hard for people to operate an adjustable wrench with one hand? Nice writeup guys, it's good to know that this tool will perform if one should ever end up in my tool box I really don’t understand the need for this tool other than to sell more batteries. Is it really that hard for people to operate an adjustable wrench with one hand?

Nice writeup guys, it’s good to know that this tool will perform if one should ever end up in my tool box

]]> by: Kubik http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-717 Tue, 29 Aug 2006 19:12:58 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-717 I bought this a couple of months ago on it's "coolness" factor after playing with it on the endcap display. Have yet to get any regular use out of it, but it's good to know the quality is there and that it's not junk. Thanks, Toolmonger! I bought this a couple of months ago on it’s “coolness” factor after playing with it on the endcap display. Have yet to get any regular use out of it, but it’s good to know the quality is there and that it’s not junk. Thanks, Toolmonger!

]]> by: Sean http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-715 Tue, 29 Aug 2006 18:29:27 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-715 Great review, I love that last line :) Great review, I love that last line :)

]]> by: Fletcher http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-712 Tue, 29 Aug 2006 17:36:48 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/29/hands-on-black-deckers-autowrench/#comment-712 Excellent write-up! Excellent write-up!

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