Anyone who works on dive equipment knows the uncommon sizes, tight spacing and thinned surfaces of wrench flats on equipment optimized for SCUBA can present some annoying challenges. Manufactured in Japan by Top Kogyo and supplied in the US by Tek-Tite; this is not just an ordinary adjustable "monkey" wrench. Unlike a monkey wrench where the jaws are intentionally non-parallel, once you set the jaws on this tool it works just like a spanner or box wrench. This tool has a spring-loaded worm drive which means no backlash and no need to constantly reset (loosen/tighten) the perfectly parallel jaws each time you turn it. Thin, pointed, and 20° angle deep-reach jaws allow access into difficult spaces. Although there are several versions, this compact angled-jaw model excels at back-to-back wrench applications on regulators, valves and hoses. Perfect for use with 1st stage transmitters and mini-spgs, the thin 19-mm jam nut on manifold crossbars, as well as the very tight spaces frequently encountered when rebuilding second stages.
This hand-tool is designed for precision work, not circumstances requiring 'brute force', so make sure the jaws are fully engaged and please don't use it with a hammer or extender otherwise the tool may be damaged.
It's a really fantastic wrench. Everyone that has seen me use this has said something like, "wow, this is a surprisingly nice wrench!" I love the shape, the slight angle, how thin it is, and how easy it is to adjust. My only complaint is that it's already rusting. Used it on a boat a few times and I guess I didn't dry it enough. Still adjusts just fine though.
Just ordered another one. Hopefully I can keep the next one dry.
This product is made from chrome-vanadium steel (CR-V). CR-V is structurally strong with a toughness enabling it to withstand high fatigue and wear that makes CR-V a best practice material choice for hand tools. However, CR-V is not as corrosion resistant as stainless steel and not 'rust proof'. As any boat owner will tell you, CR-V tools must be protected from prolonged contact with the corrosive nature of the marine environment. Conventional wisdom says if you get CR-V tools wet, dry them thoroughly and store them in an air-tight pouch such as a zip-lock sandwich bag with some WD-40.
Travis
I recommend this product
TLDR I own 2 and we have them at work.
5
Mar 9, 2022
It's my favorite adjustable end wrench. In particular there are some second stages with thin profile jam nuts where only a "Thin Wrench" fit. If someone has over tightened a Pelagic (Shearwater/Aqualung/Hollis/Etc) transmitter this wrench is about the only thing that will get to the hex too. I keep one on the bench and another in the save-a-dive box. They will rust easily so that's the only downside. Interestingly the profile is the obvious feature of this but there is a feature you only see when you use it. There is a spring system so the wrench won't stick on the nut you are tightening, it's hard to explain and a very subtle touch but will make sense when you play with the screw mechanism in person.
This product is made from chrome-vanadium steel (CR-V). CR-V is structurally strong with a toughness enabling it to withstand high fatigue and wear that makes CR-V a best practice material choice for hand tools. However, CR-V is not as corrosion resistant as stainless steel and not 'rust proof'. As any boat owner will tell you, CR-V tools must be protected from prolonged contact with the corrosive nature of the marine environment.
WARNING