The EDC Tool Roll: Adjustable Wrench Comparison – Knipex Pliers Wrench, Channellock 804, Lobster Shorty

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.


We compared the various pliers options in a recent edition of The EDC Tool Roll and that lead to a handful of emails asking for a comparison of the adjustable wrench options that we have covered so far. Most of the emails were basically asking if the Knipex Pliers Wrench was worth the cost over the other options. That is a personal decision but, hopefully, this comparison can better equip you to make that call.

Check out the earlier entries on the specific tools in this comparison for background:

This comparison is not even really close on functionality. The Knipex Pliers Wrench has a trick up it’s sleeve that a standard adjustable wrench can’t match but they also cost more than twice as much as either of the other two options profiled here. The truth is, if you just need an adjustable wrench for your range kit, any of these will do.

Quality – All three of these options are very high quality and will likely be heirloom tools if you don’t abuse them. The Lobster Shorty is an extremely high quality adjustable wrench with nearly perfectly flush jaws, polished flats, and smooth adjustment. The Knipex Pliers Wrench is everything you expect from Knipex. There is no clear winner here between the Lobster Shorter and Knipex Pliers Wrench. The Channellock 804 lags behind a bit but it is no slouch in the quality department.

Features and Functionality – All three options have the same basic functions of adjustable parallel jaws but the Knipex Pliers Wrench goes beyond that basic adjustable wrench functionality. They offer easier, push-button adjustment and the ability to “ratchet” by simply loosening your grip as you reset the jaws on the fastener. This makes them 3-4 times faster to use than the other options when turning the same bolt. The Knipex Pliers Wrench is the clear winner on features.

Size – The Knipex Pliers Wrench is the largest in the bunch but it also boasts the largest capacity jaws. The Lobster Shorty is the shortest wrench in the bunch but still boasts surprising jaw capacity. The Channellock 804 is the smallest and lightest overall tool in this comparison. All three of them are easily pocketable.

Price – This is where the Knipex Pliers Wrench looses some of its luster. They will typically set you back around $47 – $55. Sometimes you can find a deal that is lower but there is no way around the fact that this is an expensive tool. I found the functionality that the tool offers to be worth it so I paid the price. The Lobster Shorty will run around $20 – $24. The Channellock 804 is around $18. Typically, the Knipex Pliers Wrench is more than twice the price of the other options.

How to Choose – If you need the smallest and lightest adjustable wrench for a very compact kit, the Channellock 804 is the one for you. If you want an adjustable wrench that is small enough to carry but offers plenty of versatility due to it’s disproportionate jaw capacity, the Lobster Shorty is an amazing EDC wrench. If you like the finer things and appreciate the ratcheting functionality, the Knipex Pliers Wrenches are amazing tools. I carry the Knipex Pliers Wrench and occasionally the Lobster Shorter to go with it since you often need two wrenches instead of just one.

Where to Buy – You can almost certainly find the Channellock 804 locally. The Lobster Shorty is imported from Japan so it is usually only available online (Ebay often has the best deal). You may be able to find the Knipex Pliers Wrench locally but the small version profiled here is unlikely to be found at a box store. Online is likely your best bet.

Here are links directly to the tools on Amazon:

Knipex Pliers Wrench on Amazon

Lobster Shorty on Amazon

Channellock 804 and 804N on Amazon


There are a number of compact adjustable wrenches on the market at a variety of price points. Do you have one that we should try? Tell us about it below.

These Exist: Gunsticles

If you read about TAC-SAC and thought, “That’s pretty cool but I wish they could swing,” Gunsticles could be for you. If you are a carbine instructor looking for a way to shame poor performances from students or you’ve simply run out of meaningful things to spend money on, Gunsticles could be for you. Maybe you just want your AR-15 to match your bro-truck.

Apparently, rail mountable, plastic scrota now represent an actual market niche with competing products. As a valued JTT reader, you can even use the code JERKING at checkout to save 10%. What an exciting time to be alive.

Gunsticles.com

Scalarworks On Point Sights – Now Available

When Larry Vickers asks if you can make fixed AR-15 sights. You make fixed AR-15 sights.

Two years ago I approached Scalarworks about making a set of fixed iron sights; what they came up with has exceeded my expectations. I’m now running Scalarworks iron sights and Aimpoint Micro mounts on my BCM carbine in all of my training classes. Scalarworks Low Drag Mounts and On Point Sights are the current state of the art. – Larry Vickers

We’ve been updating you on the progress of the On Point Sights from Scalarworks since the earliest prototypes saw the light of day. Now, I’m happy to report that they are now available to purchase and shipping immediately. These sights boast the skeletonized design that we have some to expect from Scalarworks along with other useful features like recessed knobs and toolless adjustment.

HEIGHT OVER RAIL: 36mm (1.42″) @ center of elevation range
CLICK VALUE: 0.5 MOA @ 15″ Sight Radius
ADJUSTMENT RANGE: 47.2 MOA Elevation / 57.6 MOA Windage @ 15″ Sight Radius
FLIP APERTURES: 1.78mm/5.08mm (0.07″/0.20″) Ø – Same-Plane
SIGHT POST: 1.35mm (0.053″) width – Non-Rotating
COMPATIBLE FIREARMS: AR-15, AR-10, SCAR, MCX, and similar with MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail

On Point Sights at Scalarworks.com

Kinetic Concepts Tactical Rhodesian Camo Kydex Holsters

Kinetic Concepts Tactical (KCT) whipped up some of their Element 1 IWB holsters in Rhodesian Camo print kydex. The holsters in the image below were a special run of holsters for RhodesianArms.com but if you want to “Be a Man Among Men”, you can get in touch with KCT to order your own.

KCTKydex.com

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