Black & Decker Auto Adjustable Wrench - Not Your Father's Wrench

This Christmas I was given the Black & Decker Automatic Adjustable Wrench by my kids since they know I regularly have a tool in my hand and love trying out the latest gadget. Between my home, the condo we are renovating and the home we are attempting to sell, I've already had the opportunity to use it on several instances with mostly positive results.

There's no question there are instances where this tool could make the job a bit simpler. The button on the side of the tool makes adjusting the width of the wrench, especially in certain tight spaces where I would otherwise find it difficult using a manual wrench, a snap. With your thumb or index finger, one touch of the toggle button will tighten or release the jaws of the wrench. The switch is conveniently located on the handle for easy one-touch operation.

Black and Decker has designed the wrench to adjust up to 1 1/4". I like this fact which means sufficient for most applications I could dream up around the house.

I have to say the wrench does feel fairly well constructed. The heat treated hardened steel appears a solid as any wrench I have ever owned. The manufacturer states this tool can withstand 220 ft-lbs. of torque which should allow it the ability to withstand most any household use possible. The adjustment feature offers smooth operation although it has yet to see any severe punishment or heavy duty use.

It is a bit finicky from time to time, getting locked up in the tightened position. On occasion it will either take your manual intervention to wheel the jaws open or completely pull the wrench off the bolt head. This can be a problem in those tight spots where the wheel is hard to reach or the wrench is not in a spot where it can be pulled straight off the bolt.

Whatever you do, don't throw away your old manual adjustable wrenches or crescent wrenches. The electronics required for operation caused the company to design the head on the Black & Decker Automatic Adjustable Wrench to be somewhat larger than your average manual adjustable tool. The over-sized head will make this a less than suitable choice when little space surrounds the nut or bolt that needs tightening.

Earlier I stated the button is conveniently located on the wrench's handle. Actually on occasion you will find it's a little too conveniently located as you accidentally hit the button and release grip when you least expect it. I also found it occasionally slips it's grip, especially on small nuts or bolts that need extra torque.

Black & Decker does supply the consumer with 2 AAA batteries so the wrench can be used directly out of the package. I've used the wrench on no less than 5 projects since receiving it with no noticeable loss of battery power. When it does become necessary, the batteries can be easily replaced after removing one screw and the battery cover in very short order.

The manufacturer does offer a product warranty for two (2) years from date of purchase. The wrench warranty is limited per the product packaging and the limitations taken from the Black & Decker website: This warranty does not cover damage resulting from negligent handling, misuse or lack of reasonable maintenance and care. (Proof of purchase maybe required).

At a cost of $25.99, the Black & Decker Automatic Adjustable Wrench I find this a bit of a gimmick. Somehow I envision my father or grand-father shaking their heads and setting this tool aside for their old stand-bys. This tool will never replace my manual wrenches nor will I get rid of my fixed crescent wrenches. I'll give this one a tepid Epinions three star rating especially for many homeowners who will not take on any serious heavy duty work.