Hot or Not? Crescent’s RapidRrench
By Chuck Cage
We’ve written about Crescent’s RapidRrench before, but we’d like to know what you think about it. Cooper Tools claims this’ll “accommodate up to 38 different bolt/nut sizes,” but will it round ‘em off?
More to the point, even if you wouldn’t give up correctly-sized wrenches, would this make sense in a situation where you’d sacrifice the perfect tool for an OK tool that’s smaller (and cheaper), like maybe homeowner’s toolkit? Or a car emergency kit?
And most significantly — do any of you own one of these?
Let us know in comments.
January 30th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
Well, I wouldn’t give up my wrenches or sockets, but I’d consider using this instead of an adjustable crescent wrench.
January 31st, 2007 at 6:20 am
Access is the issue, (again). Look at the size of this thing. A decent crescent wrench would be a better choice, especially for a homeowner tool kit.
January 31st, 2007 at 12:49 pm
I own one of these and keep it on my workbench. For quick tightening, it’s a time saver. For a major project? Forget it - I’ll grab the right tool out of the toolbox. This tool is very useful for turning odd objects, though - such as screw-eyes, ceiling hooks and wing-nuts. In my opinion, it’s a decent tool with a useful niche, but not a tool to replace my wrenches and sockets.
January 31st, 2007 at 2:57 pm
I’ve played around with one of these and I thought it was pretty neat. I didn’t think it was $30 neat but if someone gave me one I’d use it.
January 31st, 2007 at 5:14 pm
This reminds me of the Craftsman Pocket Socket. At least that was made in the USA!
January 31st, 2007 at 5:29 pm
I picked this up at HD for my father-in-law as an X-mas gift. It seemed like a well-made tool, and like it might come in handy.
February 1st, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Not. Definitely not hot.
I had one of these for about a week to install satellite dishes so that I wouldnt have to take a whole tool belt up on a roof and multiple sockets, etc.
This thing started slipping and got really painful to use professionally after a short period of time. I thought it was
February 1st, 2007 at 10:26 pm
About the only way to get this thing hot is with a butane torch and a pair of tongs.
The head really isn’t servicable in most applications and can’t fit anywhere. A good concept but not the best useability out there.
February 2nd, 2007 at 2:18 pm
[...] Crescent’s RapidRench: Not. Though some of you thought it might be ok, the majority indicated that you wouldn’t be willing to give up other tools for it — even if it reduces your carry-load. One reader who bought one to avoid carrying extra tools onto roofs when he installs satellite dishes said it was “painful to use professionally after a short period of time.” Ouch! [...]