Customer Reviews

Crescent AC118 2-1/16-Inch Jaw Capacity 18-Inch Adjustable Wrench

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I own Crescent "Forged Crestoloy Steel" wrenches I've had for as long as 50 years - that were made by the old Crescent Tool Company in Jamestown, New York. Three are 10" versions that have seen heavy use since I was a kid. My older model Crescents have a polished side face instead of the new machined tooling marked face on this new model. They also have a threaded screw pin that holds the rotational worm gear. That rotating gear is also spring loaded just as are the newer Crescents by Cooper Tool.

As far as the metal, it looks the same in both the old and new versions. But, the handles are thicker in the new version by Cooper Tools. Machine work in both cases is also of the same tolerances and gives the new wrenches the same proven strength and feel of the older ones that were forged at the original Crescent Tool Company in New York. I'm sure either version would break, using a cheater pipe on the handle for added leverage, rather than ever bend a handle. In fact, I have used cheater pipes with mine whenever needed - but I've never broken a Crescent wrench by made Crescent Tool Company. I have broken and bent those made by Proto, Kobalt, and other Chinese manufacturers where I was accustomed to using a Crescent Tool Company wrench without damage - and all my old Crescents still work just as well as they did when new, athough their finish is quite worn now. Incredibly, they still don't look that bad after so many years of hard use, and stand well beside my new ones. I can also say I've never seen a speck of rust on my "Crestoloy" Crescent wrenches - despite they have seen use in wet environments and have been left in stored in damp areas. Although, I have sprayed them with WD-40 now and then through the years.

While some may say the new pin design for the rotating worm gear (in the Cooper Tools model) is less desireable, it has its merits. The older design allowed the disassembly of the tool for better cleaning of it if needed, but that created its own problem. By having the unstaked pin, the screw could work its way out and allowed the wrench to fall apart. I know, I lost one good Crescent wrench in just that manner once, and it prompted me to stake the screw pins in on my remaining older Crescents many years ago. The problem of a lost pin has never happened again - since I staked them in. Crescent wrenches like these by Crescent Tool and Cooper Tools are truly extremely rugged tools with unexpected accuracy and strength. Because of this, I have purchased the entire set from 4" to the 15" and 18" models. The 12" here is the most versatile for me as I use it most. Sure, I have hundreds of sockets and closed and open end-wrenches, including pipe wrenches and Vise Grips, and Channel Lock pliers, but the original Crescent is the most universal and reliable wrench you can rely on when it's not convenient to carry many wrenches around, and you don't want to damage a fitting.

If anyone had asked me if they could have improved on the original Crescent, I would have said no. But, the new wider handle does feel better - especially in my now old and arthritic hands. No the handles aren't polished, but are more of a satin finish - just like they've always been. But then again, The original Crescent wrench was designed to be a rugged tool that saved time looking for and getting the proper size wrench - while providing a close tolerance fit to nuts and bolts that didn't damage them. That's an accomplishment that made the tool world famous. You'll pay more for these "original" Crescents, but the price is worth it over all the competition.

One tip: While the Crescent jaw head makes a handy hammer, don't use the jaw end of a Cresent wrench for a hammer - it's possible to burr the metal on the open end of the housing for the sliding jaw, which can prevent the easy ability to close the jaw for smaller jaw openings. Hold the tool by the jaw head and use the handle as a striking tool if needed.

This wrench is a very good replacement for my previous wrench that I had for almost 40 years. Although, it is not as thin as my previous wrench it is much tighter in the adjustment.

These little wrenches on amazon are made in the USA. They are very hard to find in my area mostly all are imported junk!they work great on car antennas and cable tv connectors.

I just broke my 24" Crescent wrench today. So why is this a good review you ask? Well It was given to me as a gift in 1977. It was old then. I don't know how old. Just really old. I am a plumber and used it in my work for all these years. I looked here to see how much they cost. Was a bit shocked. But If I wasn't retired now I would certainly buy another one.

Wanted to write a review and let any interested parties know that as of 01/03/12 there are still USA made 6" crescent wrenches being sent out.
As for function, the wrench's adjustment is nice and tight, jaw movement is smooth, and the metal is thick and sits nicely in your hand.
Couldn't ask for much more from a wrench, and now that I know there are still USA made units to be had I might have to put in an order for a 4" just 'cause.

These small wrenches are excellent! Proportionately well-sized for small working areas, yet very strong and durable. I was so impressed with the quality of these wrenches that I opted to give each one of my 5 brothers one for their respective tool boxes. Most adjustable wrench sets do not come with a 4 inch wrench, yet this size is very handy. I have even added one to my tackle box for minor reel repairs. For the money, you cannot go wrong. GJM

There really isn't a comparison between a real Crescent wrench and all the cheap imitations. The originals are still the best. This little (four inch) wrench isn't designed for taking apart your truck, but for small nuts and bolts; it's a delight. Snugs down easily and holds well. Never a complaint and would purchase again if I needed.

This wrench is just what I needed. I am a lineman for a transmisson power co and I depend on my tools to work as hard as I do. This wrench holds size and does not slip. Highly recommended.

At 4" overall length, this Crescent wrench (by Cooper Tool) doesn't really have many uses - at least not any that require greater strength from a tool. But, it can come in handy in tight areas where small nuts and bolts have been used, and it's fair for use straightening some sheet metal edges - and as a small temporary clamp for holding some things together at times. What it does make is a conversation piece on a key ring that can make a set of keys easier to find - and catch the eye of others. The quality of build and metals used appears to be that of the original "Crestoloy" Crescent wrenches with a bit less polish. Although, the overall look of the finish does look a bit brighter than its larger original Cresent brothers.

It's as stout as you would expect a Crescent of 4" design to be, and much stronger than any made by other manufacturers, but just don't get overzealous in its use or you may break its adjustable jaw. It's really the perfect presentation for the mechanic who wears a shirt pocket protector or his keys hanging from the waist of his pants. For what it is, it is five stars - but mostly for the conversation factor. It goes well with a MagLite Solitaire flashlight in the miniature tool category and, while it isn't, it should be about the same price as the MagLite.

This 4" Crescent wrench is the perfect pocket tool. Those Leatherman-type folding pocket pliers that you may have are going to leave teeth marks on your nuts and fittings. You really need a wrench. You can buy a cheaper 4" adjustable wrench, but you get what you pay for. Once you see how tight the tolerances are in the spiral adjustment wheel and the movable jaw, you won't be happy with the no-name Chinese import wrench. After twenty years of use, I lost my old 4" Crescent wrench, but I never wore it out. This is a replacement.