Knipex makes some decent adjustable wrenches (not crescent style, though). Their Pliers Wrench line has an adjustment mechanism like a channel lock plier, but then has a jaw that’s on a cam mechanism to keep the two jaws parallel. One direction they’re just as good as a crescent wrench, but in the other direction it “self tightens” and you can really reef on it. The cam mechanism allows you to loosen your grip and there’s just enough room for a bolt head/nut to spin around, so it’s almost like having a ratchet, too. Only downsides are price and they are not super low profile so you need a bit of room to turn in.
I've got the XS which is even smaller, and has the distinction of being the only wrench I carry with me on MTB/hiking trips, basically an EDC item in the pouch of my backpack:
The mini has still got the pushbutton and dual locking tabs, the XS is more compact, much lighter, and is slightly more complicated to use, but can be used one-handed.
It's fixed a number of problems with skis, bikes, and tents that you might not expect of its size, it will do properly maintained axle nuts and other large fasteners (it prefers 12mm and less, where most wrenches suck, but can do up to 18mm or 3/4"). I carry the 10" pliers wrench in my work tool bag for working on hydraulics, pneumatics, and it's definitely one of my favorite tools, unlike the accursed worm-gear Crescent wrenches...
Yes, it's quite useful around the house. Anything that isn't cranked on tight or corroded typically is fine. This is my go-to for most chores involving a wrench.
The XS is useful even as a small tool in a carry-on. I've busted mine (and it's Cobra XS equivalent which is probably more useful on a job site) out in a datacenter, etc. to get a small job done. You can more or less crank on them with as much strength as you can and they won't break or slip.
I bought it as a laugh when I found one 50% off and ended up purchasing a dozen or so as Christmas gifts for my ops staff that year. Fits in the watch pocket of your jeans comfortably, so it's handy to just have on you all day especially if going up and down ladders.
It won't replace a full toolset for a serious job - but as a "just in case" pair for little quick jobs they are unexpectedly useful.
I then ended up with a collection of around 20 various Knipex tools over the years since they simply are so much better than anything else I've found. Their precision nippers are the bees knees for terminating cat5/6 into patch panels, for example.
Definitely pick up a "baby wrench" if you have an excuse to!
> You can more or less crank on them with as much strength as you can and they won't break or slip.
This seems to be more or less a theme for knipex tools. I know I've put my full weight on a knipex combination plier before to cut something that I probably shouldn't be cutting with it.
I have 4 of these Knipex adjustable pliers. I do like them but find that getting them set just right for the task at hand is a bit fiddly. Seems like I am always setting it one setting too loose or too tight.
The Knipex product that I love is their automatic wire stripper.
> getting them set just right for the task at hand is a bit fiddly
I know what you mean, but if I use the bolt that I want to loosen or tighten as a stopper, and then latch into the next bigger position, I think I never miss the right setting.
Seconded. I have one and a lot of other Knipex tools, the Cobra adjustable pliers being the most loved one. My oldest got handed down from my Dad and is 40 years old, love the W-Germany imprint:-)
I just bought two of their Cobra channel lock / water pump pliers, an electrician's plier and wire cutters. I decided at 59 I am tired of using rubbish tools - even for DIY duties. I got the trigger from here https://youtu.be/wcs2elc0LsU?t=538
I’ve a set of Wera Joker adjustable wrenches, and for anything they can’t handle a couple of Kniper. Between them I don’t have much need for anything else.
