Outside The Grip, The Stanley 66-183 6 3/4" Flathead Screwdriver Is One Of The Very Best!

The Good: Durable, Works. . . so you don't have to.
The Bad: Handle is not comfortable/hard to hold onto.
The Basics: The Stanley 6 3/4” screwdriver is a wonderful “staple” screwdriver for those with a lot of flathead screwing projects!


When it comes to screwdrivers, sometimes it helps to have one with a shorter shaft. From that style of screwdriver, one gets more power; one can feel the turning of the screws much more clearly and one is able to control the screwing in better. I have several Stanley screwdrivers in my toolbox and the 6 3/4” flathead screwdriver is one that I used for quite some time. The Stanley 6 3/4” screwdriver (66-183 in the Stanley Tools product numbering system) has a 3 1/16” steel shaft and a small-sized (3/16” wide, a millimeter or two thick) head which is ideal for single-slot (wood) screws. And when contemplating a screwdriver, I think what everyone wants to know is “Does it work?” Well, it's a manual screwdriver, so you do the work; this tool just makes it easier for you. But yes, the Stanley 6 3/4” flathead screwdriver works.

For three years, I used this screwdriver on projects around the house that required a flathead screwdriver. I also used it to pry open paint cans and once as a wood chisel (not recommended). The steel shaft never bent, the head remained sharp and intact. This is a very solid piece of hardware and at its $4.00 (or less) pricetag, it is a steal. This tool will remain in use for years by anyone who does projects around the house.

I am, however, left underwhelmed by the handle. The 3 3/4” handle, which is made of a solid plastic that is enough to not crack when hit by a hammer, is too smooth. As silly as it sounds, the ergonomic grip on this screwdriver is so smooth that if one is either working in conditions where one's hand sweats or they are wearing gloves that have less grip, it becomes impossible to use this screwdriver. While the smooth, hard surface is more comfortable than the ridged grips of many older screwdrivers, the Stanley 6 3/4” has little friction so when one is twisting screws with it, it becomes very easy for the hand to slip. When that happens, one will find their hand sliding around the screwdriver handle, but not actually moving the screwdriver.

I still rate this Stanley screwdriver so highly because the major defect does not come into play each and every time one uses it. This screwdriver is ideal for screwing the appropriate-sized screws into pre-drilled holes. When it is being used properly, it is very easy to use and get the results one would hope for. But prolonged use (like, for example, when I was screwing fence segments to their posts in my yard on a hot summer day) is likely to make this an unnecessarily harder tool to use because maintaining a grip on it is harder.

Also, as one's hand becomes sweatier while using it, the tension of trying to torque screws is likely to cause one's hands to blister. This, naturally, will lead one to put on gloves, which increases the likelihood they will be unable to maintain a grip on this particular screwdriver!

For other Stanley tools, please check out my reviews of:
84-110 10" Pliers
60-006 6 3/4” Cabinet screwdriver
42-468 ABS level

7.5/10

For other tool reviews, please visit my index page!

© 2013 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission
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A Longshaft And Thin Tip Make The Stanley 60-005 Flathead Screwdriver A Great Specialized Tool!

The Good: Durable, Works generally well
The Bad: Handle is not comfortable/hard to hold onto.
The Basics: A very average screwdriver, the long-shafted Stanley 60-005 is good for very specific projects, but not much else!


Out of all the screwdrivers – and most of them are Stanley Tools screwdrivers – in my toolbox, the 9 5/8” flathead screwdriver is one that I have used very little. I am not fond of these new ergonomic grips that are very smooth; as I sweat, the screwdriver is very hard to hold onto. The thin tip is not quite wide enough for most screws on projects I would use screws for, but the 60-005 is useful for some rare circumstances I have found where the screws are recessed and hard to reach. The Stanley 9 5/8” screwdriver has a 6” steel shaft and a medium-sized (3/16” wide, about a millimeter thick) head which is ideal for single-slot (wood) screws. As a screwdriver, this works just a little harder than the user does; unlike a power tool which does the work for you. The Stanley 9 5/8” flathead screwdriver makes work easier for those screwing in screws.

For four years, I used this screwdriver on projects around the house that required a flathead screwdriver. I also used it to pry open paint. The steel shaft never bent, the head remained sharp and intact. This is a very solid piece of hardware and as it may usually be found for less than five dollars, it’s an excellent value. This tool will remain in use for years by anyone who does projects around the house.

Still, this screwdriver does not impress me. The 3 3/4” handle, which is made of a solid plastic that is enough to not crack when hit by a hammer, is too smooth. The ergonomic grip on this screwdriver is so smooth that if one is either working in conditions where one’s hand sweats or they are wearing gloves that have less grip, it becomes impossible to use this screwdriver. While the smooth, hard surface is more comfortable than the ridged grips of many older screwdrivers, the Stanley 9 5/8” screwdriver has little friction so when one is twisting screws with it, it becomes very easy for the hand to slip. When that happens, one will find their hand sliding around the screwdriver handle, but not actually moving the screwdriver.

I still rate this Stanley screwdriver so highly because the major defect does not come into play each and every time one uses it. This screwdriver is ideal for screwing the appropriate-sized screws into pre-drilled holes, especially ones which might be in recessed holes which require the longer shaft of this screwdriver. When it is being used properly, it is very easy to use and get the results one would hope for. But prolonged use is likely to make this harder to use because maintaining a grip on it becomes more difficult.

Also, as one’s hand becomes sweatier while using it, the tension of trying to torque screws is likely to cause one’s hands to blister. This, naturally, will lead one to put on gloves, which increases the likelihood they will be unable to maintain a grip on this particular screwdriver!

For other Stanley tools, please check out my reviews of:
42-468 ABS level
85-785 12” Adjustable Wrench
Stanley 60-002 Phillips Head Screwdriver

6.5/10

For other tool reviews, please check out my index page by clicking here!

© 2012 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.
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So, You Want To Know About This Stanley Screwdriver? It (Only Sometimes) Works!

The Good: Durable, Works. . . so you don't have to.
The Bad: Handle is not comfortable/hard to hold onto.
The Basics: Very durable, but with a serious design flaw in the handle, the Stanley 6 5/8” screwdriver is a good basic screwdriver, but not one for big projects.


I have several Stanley screwdrivers in my toolbox and the 6 5/8” flathead screwdriver is one that I used for quite some time . . . until, ironically, I received a much older screwdriver. The Stanley 6 5/8” screwdriver has a 3” steel shaft and a medium-sized (3/8” wide, a few millimeters thick) head which is ideal for single-slot (wood) screws. And when contemplating a screwdriver, I think what everyone wants to know is “Does it work?” Well, it's a manual screwdriver, so you do the work; this tool just makes it easier for you. But yes, the Stanley 6 5/8” flathead screwdriver works.

For three years, I used this screwdriver on projects around the house that required a flathead screwdriver. I also used it to pry open paint cans and once as a wood chisel (not recommended). The steel shaft never bent, the head remained sharp and intact. This is a very solid piece of hardware and at its $2.00 (or less) pricetag, it is a steal. This tool will remain in use for years by anyone who does projects around the house.

Why, then, do I not recommend it? The reason is pretty simple. The 3 5/8” handle, which is made of a solid plastic that is enough to not crack when hit by a hammer, is too smooth. As silly as it sounds, the ergonomic grip on this screwdriver is so smooth that if one is either working in conditions where one's hand sweats or they are wearing gloves that have less grip, it becomes impossible to use this screwdriver. While the smooth, hard surface is more comfortable than the ridged grips of many older screwdrivers, the Stanley 6 5/8” has little friction so when one is twisting screws with it, it becomes very easy for the hand to slip. When that happens, one will find their hand sliding around the screwdriver handle, but not actually moving the screwdriver.

I still rate this Stanley screwdriver so highly because the major defect does not come into play each and every time one uses it. This screwdriver is ideal for screwing the appropriate-sized screws into pre-drilled holes. When it is being used properly, it is very easy to use and get the results one would hope for. But prolonged use (like, for example, when I was screwing fence segments to their posts in my yard on a hot summer day) is likely to make this an unnecessarily harder tool to use because maintaining a grip on it is harder.

Also, as one's hand becomes sweatier while using it, the tension of trying to torque screws is likely to cause one's hands to blister. This, naturally, will lead one to put on gloves, which increases the likelihood they will be unable to maintain a grip on this particular screwdriver!

For other Stanley tools, please check out my reviews of:
84-110 10" Pliers
60-006 6 5/8" Cabinet screwdriver
42-468 ABS level

5/10

For other tool reviews, please visit my index page!

© 2011, 2009 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission





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Two Different Names, Same Mediocre Product: Stanley 84-110 Pliers Disappoint Me!

The Good: Durable metal construction, Adjustable channel works
The Bad: Slippery grip, Teeth in the plier end grip poorly, Intermediate distances with channels seem problematic.
The Basics: A strong pair of pliers, the Stanley 84-110 Waterpump adjustable pliers have a grip that hands slip easily on and a head that adjusts too far to be useful.


Durability goes a long way when it comes to tools with me. I mention this up front with my review of the Stanley 84-110 Waterpump Adjustable Pliers because the solid stainless steel construction of these is so impressive that I allowed my rating to come down to a cointoss between the two and three stars for these perfectly average pliers. If they had been made of an inferior material, there is no way I would have stuck with the Quarter Of Fate's decision for the star rating I ultimately granted this tool. Either way, I knew I was never recommending this set of pliers.

The Stanley 84-110 pliers are adjustable pliers and are intended for twisting and turning everything from nuts and bolts to heavy-gauge wires and pipes. The only problems I've found is that no matter where I am in life with my hand strength, these never seem to hold what I need them to where I need it held. If my hands are not slipping on the smooth grip, it seems the business end of these pliers is sliding off the wire, pipe or even plastic bolts. I've lugged this tool out whenever I have done any project with the toilet, pipes and even when I just need things grabbed in tight corners and I have always ended up relying on a different tool or my bare hands instead!

The Stanley 84-110 Waterpump Pliers are 10 1/4" long from the curved head to the base of the handles. For those entirely unfamiliar with what pliers are, they are a tool that works on the principle of two levers working around a fulcrum within the tool, much like scissors. There are two handles which are joined by a bolt near the head of the pliers. The head is offset - if the handles are considered "straight," then the head is set at about a 45 degree angle to the handles. The pliers are made of stainless steel which lives up to that claim as mine have gotten wet and not been immediately dried many times over the last six years without showing even a hint of a dot of rust on them.

The handles of the Stanley 84-110 are one of the key detractions to this particular set of pliers. These pliers have a soft, rubbery coating for the bottom five inches of the handles, where ones hands are supposed to go to grip the pliers. Unfortunately, these grip poorly. While the rubber has never stopped adhering to the metal below them, the spongy rubber is actually very smooth, which makes it very hard to keep one's hands on them with a firm grip under virtually any conditions involving moisture, water or anything that would require friction, like turning a lock nut. In other words, it's hard to keep one's hands in a firm grip on these pliers under any of the conditions one might use these pliers for! The only positive thing about the handles on these pliers - other than being a comfortable distance apart to apply pressure when squeezing - is the fact that the grips have not torn, worn out or otherwise degraded after years of use, though in recent years that is because I stopped using them because they slide out of my hands when bare or gloved.

As for the business end of the Stanley 84-110 pliers, these are shiny bare steel that looks great, even after years of use. The head is a 1" toothed section that is curved through most of the surface. The head is only 3/8" wide, so the surface area this is using to grip onto whatever one wants to hold or bend is ridiculously small. The thing is, because of the application of force from the leverage from the handles, these pliers ought to grip quite firmly onto pipes, wires, bolts and the like. I, however, have not found that to be the case when using the 84-110 and virtually everything I have ever tried to grip and/or turn with them (which it a pretty basic function of pliers) has slipped from the metal teeth.

To avoid crushing items that are larger in diameter or to hold things that are wider in diameter, the 84-110 pliers are adjustable and this is one of the mixed bag features of this particular set of pliers. The pliers adjust by turning the "top" handle and unlocking it from the curved channel that allows it to pivot on the bolt. There is a perpendicular hole in the "bottom" handle near the head which allows the bolt to be moved up and down, which opens and closes the head. When the top handle is adjusted closest to the top of the head, the tip of the pliers is closed with the teeth meshed. This is the most powerful grip the piers have because the teeth lay flat with one another. The handles have channels - an indentation on the "bottom" handle, a curved protrusion on the "top" handle - which mesh to allow the pliers to space the head further apart. The head may be adjusted to seven fixed points 1/4" apart until the head has the teeth spaced 1 3/4" apart when it is closed. This allows one to grip larger diameter items with the pliers . . . in theory.

The theory comes into conflict with the practice in that the pliers are curved in the jaws of the tool. Imagine spreading your mouth wide open at the back of your jaw and trying to grip something in your mouth while missing your molars. So many things would easily be pulled out of your mouth because your front teeth were not responsible for keeping the larger diameter items in. As a more concrete example, when I open these the full way and grab my forearm with them, no matter how tightly I hold the handle with the other hand, I am easily able to slip out of the grip of these pliers.

The channels are solid, though, and over the years, they have not bent, malformed or worn down no matter how much pressure I have put on them. Similarly, I have never had to tighten the bolt which connects the two handles which acts as the fulcrum.

Adjustable pliers can be handy, but at the end of the day, they need to be able to grip. The Stanley 84-110 does not grip well at the head and it is hard to people to maintain a grip on the handles. There are better pliers out there!

For other Stanley tools, please check out my reviews of:
60-006 6 5/8" Cabinet screwdriver
42-468 ABS level
85-785 12î Adjustable Wrench

4.5/10

For other tool reviews, please visit my index page by clicking here!

© 2011, 2009 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.




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A Screwdriver That Does What It Claims, Even When It's Only Mildly Comfortable To!

The Good: Durable, Works generally well
The Bad: Handle is not comfortable/hard to hold onto.
The Basics: A very average screwdriver, the long-shafted Stanley 60-006 has a problematic handle I do not enjoy using.


I have several Stanley screwdrivers in my toolbox and the 7 5/8” flathead screwdriver is one that I have used very little, because: 1. I do not have many occasions where I need a screwdriver shaft as long as this one and 2. The grip is not terribly comfortable to me. The Stanley 7 5/8” screwdriver has a 4” steel shaft and a medium-sized (3/8” wide, a few millimeters thick) head which is ideal for single-slot (wood) screws. As a screwdriver, this works just a little harder than the user does; unlike a power tool which does the work for you. The Stanley 7 5/8” flathead screwdriver makes work easier for those screwing in screws.

For four years, I used this screwdriver on projects around the house that required a flathead screwdriver. I also used it to pry open paint. The steel shaft never bent, the head remained sharp and intact. This is a very solid piece of hardware and as it may usually be found for less than four dollars, it’s an excellent value. This tool will remain in use for years by anyone who does projects around the house.

Still, this screwdriver does not impress me. The 3 5/8” handle, which is made of a solid plastic that is enough to not crack when hit by a hammer, is too smooth. The ergonomic grip on this screwdriver is so smooth that if one is either working in conditions where one’s hand sweats or they are wearing gloves that have less grip, it becomes impossible to use this screwdriver. While the smooth, hard surface is more comfortable than the ridged grips of many older screwdrivers, the Stanley 7 5/8” screwdriver has little friction so when one is twisting screws with it, it becomes very easy for the hand to slip. When that happens, one will find their hand sliding around the screwdriver handle, but not actually moving the screwdriver.

I still rate this Stanley screwdriver so highly because the major defect does not come into play each and every time one uses it. This screwdriver is ideal for screwing the appropriate-sized screws into pre-drilled holes, especially ones which might be in recessed holes which require the longer shaft of this screwdriver. When it is being used properly, it is very easy to use and get the results one would hope for. But prolonged use is likely to make this harder to use because maintaining a grip on it becomes more difficult.

Also, as one’s hand becomes sweatier while using it, the tension of trying to torque screws is likely to cause one’s hands to blister. This, naturally, will lead one to put on gloves, which increases the likelihood they will be unable to maintain a grip on this particular screwdriver!

For other Stanley tools, please check out my reviews of:
42-468 ABS level
85-785 12” Adjustable Wrench
Stanley 60-002 Phillips Head Screwdriver

5/10

For other tool reviews, please check out my index page by clicking here!

© 2010 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.



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Lightning Round Review: The Stanley 18" ABS Level Works!

The Good: Does what it's supposed to do, Has a convenient ruler on one side, Surprisingly durable
The Bad: Impossible to calibrate, Can be damaged, Not as precise as most.
The Basics: Ideal for home and private use, the Stanley 18” level seems to lose very little precision over years of use!


The more I go through my toolbox, the more I realize that my first marriage was a very Stanley marriage. Or, maybe it works better if I say that my first marriage was brought to me in part by Stanley tools. Either way, I swear my former father-in-law’s big gift to me was a toolbox which was, as it turns out, packed with only Stanley brand tools. Today, I find myself contemplating the 18” level which is in that box.

I have used the Stanley 18” ABS level for over five years now (my, time flies!) and as many of my projects – including hanging artwork for various gallery openings when I was displaying my visual art – require things to be level, the Stanley level has seen a lot of use. And it works. It is hard to get excited about writing about a level, but the truth is in non-industrial settings, working away from metal (which might be magnetized and somehow upset this level), the Stanley 18” level does everything a private home consumer would want it to. After five years of use, mine is still in excellent shape and that is a testament to the durability of the little device.

For those unfamiliar with the principles which guide a level, embedded in the level are sealed tubes. The sealed tubes have fluid within them and a bubble. When the bubble is between the lines on the outside of the transparent tube, the surface one is pressing the device against is flat. In the case of most levels, there are different fields one might consider using different tubes on the level. The Stanley 18” ABS level has three tubes in it one for (for lack of a better series of terms): parallel (to the ground), perpendicular (to the same relative plane) and 45 degrees.

The Stanley 18” level is an inexpensive option for leveling which was a welcome change for me; prior to this arriving in my life, I was using a simple level pen (a pen with a level tube/bubble in it) that my mother had picked up free at a business show (seriously!). This level, though, is an excellent step up for me. Instead of threatening to give me entirely inaccurate data, the Stanley is a slightly bigger, more professional tool. Fortunately, it is rather inexpensive for users as well. The Stanley 18” level is, as its name implies, an eighteen inch long level which is two inches tall and ¾” deep. It is made of surprisingly thick and durable yellow plastic which reminds one more of a mop bucket or a reinforced plastic than a flimsy ruler. The three bubbles that form the actual working portion of the level are located in the center and near either end of the level.

This is not just a bare bones inexpensive level, though, which might surprise some. Instead, this plastic level includes a ruler – measuring in inches – along the top of the level. This is not an exceptional selling point, but it has come in handy when I’ve had to mark holes for nails a set distance away from a currently placed point on the wall. This is the only “bonus feature” of this tool.

To use the level, simply find an object you want to make sure is flat or parallel to the ground. Then, lay the level on top of it. Because the Stanley 18” level is only ¾” thick, even picture frames are likely to allow the level to balance atop them. This is a decent selling point and I found this was great, except when I was dealing with hanging paintings in rooms where I had to hang them within two inches of the ceiling (this makes this level impossible to use for that as there is no wiggle room. When the level is resting at the center of the top of the object you want to check, look at the center bubble. In the center of the Stanley 18” level is a clear plastic tube with a yellow fluid and two black marks on the surface of the tube. If the bubble is centered between the two lines, the object is flat. If the bubble is on one side or the other of the hash lines, the object needs to be raised or lowered on one side (or end). To double check, assuming your object is square, one may flip the Stanley 18” ABS level on its side (rotate it 90 degrees) and press it against the side of the object. The bubble vial perpendicular to the central one on the level should indicate that the object is straight in that plane as well. For me, this came in handy when I was putting up a fence at my house.

The Stanley 18” level is very durable. In addition to being stored in a cold room (the fluid in the vials is not made of water, so I’ve never managed to freeze them!), my Stanley level has been dropped no less than one hundred times. In fact, it has been dropped and flung around in the process of trying to catch the level. It has never broken. Neither the plastic, nor the vials, have ever broken. After years of use, I only have a few scratches on the yellow plastic surface, though I have noticed the writing that helps bring definition to the ruler marks on the top of the level have begun to fade and chip away.

As well, I have discovered that sometimes, the level is not as precise, though user error is always a possibility. At a recent show, I discovered – through using a laser level after using the Stanley level – that what I thought was perfectly level (0 degrees relative to the ground) was actually sitting at about a five degree angle. This is not a huge difference, but I know once upon a time this was perfectly calibrated. Unfortunately, there is no way to recalibrate this inexpensive level. As a result, it might not be appropriate for industrial work where tolerances are exceptionally tight and/or the person using it cannot afford to lose about five degrees worth of precision after six years use!

For the average user, this is a simple, efficient and well-constructed level that will remain a staple tool in the toolbox.

For other Stanley tools, please check out my reviews of:
85-785 12” Adjustable Wrench
Stanley 60-002 Phillips Head Screwdriver
Stanley 66-052 6-piece Precision Screwdriver set

5/10

For other tool reviews, please visit my index page by clicking here!

© 2010, 2009 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.




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The Perfect Wrench... If Ever One Has Cause To Use It: The Stanley 12" Adjustable

The Good: Sturdy, Works well over years, Nice gauge, Comfortable Grip
The Bad: A bit large for many projects
The Basics: Ideal for big projects, the grip on the Stanley 85-786 helps the hands not tire when they are twisting nuts and bolts with heads up to 1 ½"!


As I continue through my toolbox, I find myself finding that I am in possession of some truly amazing tools and at the same time, that I have severe overkill when it comes to others. At the bottom of my toolbox - since I abandoned my house - is a massive wrench that I have only used three times over the course of the five years I have had it. And while I initially thought that a wrench that simply does what it is supposed to would make it average and one this large might be a tougher sell than one I would use more frequently, I came to believe that this is the ultimate wrench for any bolt square or hexagonal nut up to 1 ½" in size, so long as the project one is working on has bolts that are at least two inches apart. The wrench I am writing about is the Stanley 12" 85 - 786 ergonomic handle adjustable wrench.

The Stanley 85-786 adjustable wrench is just under 12" long from the base to the tip of the head and is made of solid stainless steel. This wrench is adjustable from a closed position all the way up to 1 ½" wide. However, because this is such a large adjustable wrench, the stationary and mobile portions of the wrench's head have a ridiculously large footprint; 1 ¾". This is a lot of workspace to lose between bolts and on many projects, this wrench will be too big. But for projects with large, well-spaced bolts (like on a fence where one is securing the fence to the posts) this is actually ideal. The head is flat on the sides and is over ½" thick at the base.

Use of the Stanley 85-786 adjustable wrench is ridiculously simple. There is a dial in the head which one twists to open the wrench up so it may be slipped around nuts or bolt heads. One of the key selling points which differentiates this wrench from the average adjustable wrench is that the bottom of the "mouth" of the wrench has a gauge. Etched into the base is a ruler measuring from zero to 1 ½" in 1/16" increments. This allows those who know the size of the nuts they are tightening or loosening to simply open the head to the proper length before using the wrench to turn them. The wrench is then fitted around the nut or bolt and one turns it.

A wrench works on a simple principle of leverage, making the work easier to do because the user is further away from the work. The Stanley 85-786 works perfectly for this and it opens easily, but also tightens around bolt very easily. Every time I have used this wrench, it did not slip and the heavy steel composition of the wrench makes it unlikely that it would ever bend or loosen from continual use.

The other selling point of the Stanley 85-786 adjustable wrench is the rounded grip. The smooth steel shaft of the wrench is cast without any sharp edges and it tapers toward the head. This makes it fit much more naturally into a human's grip (which is curved, not made of straight planes) and it makes it very comfortable to use. On my fence project, I used the wrench (in conjunction with other tools) for over eight hours and my hands did not get tired. This truly makes the work very easy.

That said, this is a rather heavy tool at over a pound. But that extra mass helps the user build momentum when using it. At the base of the grip is an open loop which makes it easy to hand this heavy wrench up.

For those looking for a durable tool which will never rust, does not seem to wear out and is great for projects from toilets (with their large bolts) to fences, the Stanley 85-786 12" adjustable wrench may well be the ideal wrench.

For other Stanley tools, please check out my reviews of:
Stanley 87-367 6" Adjustable Wrench
Stanley 60-002 Phillips Head Screwdriver
Stanley 66-052 6-piece Precision Screwdriver set

10/10

For other tool reviews, please visit my index page by clicking here!

© 2010, 2009 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.



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Solid Design, Light On Slippage, Stanley's 6" Adjustable Wrench Is A Keeper!

The Good: Well-made, Durable, Easy to clean, Does not wear out easily.
The Bad: Smaller than some might need.
The Basics: Near-perfect, the 6” Stanley Adjustable Wrench is easy-to-use and recommend for all homeowners or do-it-yourselfers!


When it comes to wrenches, it’s hard to go wrong. In fact, it wasn’t until I was considering my Stanley 6” Adjustable Wrench that I thought both about how simple tools sometimes fall truly to the absolutes of the rating spectrum and how very many Stanley tools I have in my toolbox! For the latter point, I suppose this helps as I review more tools, as Stanley is fairly popular as far as tool manufacturers go. As for wrenches, adjustable wrenches might not have a lot of criteria needed for greatness, but in my book, durability – especially because adjustable wrenches have moving parts – is a big one.

For that, it is hard to imagine a better tool than a Stanley 6” Adjustable Wrench.

The 6” Adjustable Wrench gets its name because it is six inches long. The jaws open on the wrench to a maximum span of 1 ½” and the slot is designed to grasp eight, six or four sided nuts, depending on how one uses it. Adjustable wrenches like this one work ideally in settings where one has various size nuts or bolts they are torquing, but the desire or inability to swap out specific tools – i.e. each exact wrench for each size and type of nut or bolt – for the task. Adjustable wrenches are less-specific, but more convenient, making for a versatile tool which is not usually the ideal for professionals or perfectionists. That said, the Stanley 6” Adjustable Wrench is hard to argue with.

To use, simply open the jaws of the wrench up using the imbedded screw dial near the head. This is easy enough to do with one’s thumb and the jaws on my Stanley 6” Adjustable Wrench have held up just fine for over ten years. I have never had any problems with the teeth or the dial having burrs; this is a quality manufactured tool. Once the jaws are open enough to admit the nut or bolt, dial the screw dial back so the jaws close around the metal of the nut or bolt. Then, twist the lever or use the lever to hold it stationary while whatever needs twisting is twisted. It is that easy.

This is a very simple tool to use properly and it works on leverage, the idea that a job like twisting a nut becomes easier when one is father away from where the force is being applied. For that, the 6” adjustable wrench is a mixed bag. The handle is a bit shorter than many people would like – I have found myself going for larger wrenches under some circumstances – but it also allows one to use this tool in tighter corners. Those who have smaller hands will find this to be a good size. Tools that rely on leverage occasionally bend or break from the force, but I have not had that problem with the Stanley 6” Adjustable Wrench. In fact, the solid steel construction of this wrench has never wavered, bent or dented and unlike some adjustable wrenches I have used, I’ve not encountered any slippage, even after a decade of use. The fact that this has moving parts which have remained tight after ten years of home projects makes this a quality tool that is easy to recommend.

Outside the handle length, the only other possible detraction I could find for the 6” Adjustable Wrench by Stanley was the fact that the grip is solid stainless steel. That makes it potentially painful (or at least cold!) to use in winter or cold environments. Because I always recommend wearing work gloves, that is a minor problem and comfort issues from extended use have not come up for me, as I always wear work gloves while using this.

The Stanley 6” Adjustable Wrench is all most homeowners will need for tightening (or loosening) bolts around the house.

For other Stanley tools kicking around my workshop, please check out my reviews of:
Stanley 60-002 Phillips Head Screwdriver
Stanley 66-052 6-piece Precision Screwdriver set
Stanley 64-105 Phillips head screwdriver

8/10

For other tool and appliance reviews, please visit my index page!

© 2010 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.


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Egonomic Grips Bring Down The Stanley Phillips Head (60-002) Screwdriver Just A Bit!

The Good: Durable, Works generally well
The Bad: Handle is not comfortable/hard to hold onto.
The Basics: A superlatively durable screwdriver is diminished by its ergonomic grip which is too slippery for common use.


Sometimes, things are good before people begin messing with them and when change comes, it is hard to argue that it is for the better. It might seem strange, reading that from an avowed liberal such as myself, but there you have it. Sometimes, good design trumps revision and with the Stanley 60-002 Phillips Screwdriver, that is where I fall. I have a ton of Stanley screwdrivers and I generally enjoy using them, however, I have found I use the newer ones less than the (arguably) antique ones I got when I was first given a tool box. Fortunately, Stanley tools are so durable someday I may be able to pass off the 60-002 I am less fond of to someone else to use for the rest of their life while I continue using my older two-point Stanley Screwdriver.

The 60-002 is a Phillips head screwdriver, which means it ends in a pointed end with four fins that project out at 90 degree angles to one another. This screwdriver is designed solely for Phillips head screws which have a female slot which has four pronged receptors for it. The “two point” is the standardized size of the Philips head and because it is standardized, the 60-002 will fit into any #2 Phillips head screw, regardless of that screw’s shaft length.

The Stanley 60-002 is a 7 7/8” screwdriver has a 4” steel shaft and a medium-sized (1/4” wide, a few millimeters thick) Phillips head blade which is ideal for Phillips head screws. As a screwdriver, this works just a little harder than the user does; unlike a power tool which does the work for you. The Stanley 60-002 screwdriver makes work easier for those screwing in screws.

For five years, I used this screwdriver on projects around the house that required a Phillips head screwdriver for #2 screws. Then, I uncovered my original toolbox (the one I had before my first marriage and all of its gifted tools) and I returned to the #2 Philips head screwdriver (also from Stanley, just much, much older) that I loved.

And it’s not that this is a bad screwdriver. The steel shaft never bent, the head remained sharp and intact. This is a very solid piece of hardware and as it may usually be found for less than two dollars, it’s an excellent value. This tool will remain in use for years by anyone who does projects around the house.

Still, this screwdriver does not impress me. The 3 5/8” handle, which is made of a solid plastic that is enough to not crack when hit by a hammer, but unless one is trying to use the screwdriver as a wood chisel (NOT recommended!) there’s no reason they would be hitting it with a hammer. The ergonomic grip on this screwdriver is so smooth that if one is either working in conditions where one’s hand sweats or they are wearing gloves that have less grip, it becomes impossible to use this screwdriver. While the smooth, hard surface is more comfortable than the ridged grips of many older screwdrivers, the Stanley 60-002 screwdriver has little friction so when one is twisting screws with it, it becomes very easy for the hand to slip. When that happens, one will find their hand sliding around the screwdriver handle, but not actually moving the screwdriver.

I still rate this Stanley screwdriver so highly because the major defect does not come into play each and every time one uses it. This screwdriver is ideal for screwing the appropriate-sized screws into pre-drilled holes, especially ones which might be in recessed holes which require the longer shaft of this screwdriver. When it is being used properly, it is very easy to use and get the results one would hope for. But prolonged use is likely to make this harder to use because maintaining a grip on it becomes more difficult.

Also, as one’s hand becomes sweatier while using it, the tension of trying to torque screws is likely to cause one’s hands to blister. This, naturally, will lead one to put on gloves, which increases the likelihood they will be unable to maintain a grip on this particular screwdriver!

Finally, I ultimately gave this a very weak “recommend” because the screwdriver is exceptionally durable. While I’ve stripped some screw heads with this, the blades on the head of the 60-002 has never dulled even over five years of pretty constant use. That, despite the flaws with the ergonomic grip, makes it a winner for most people who want to use this in more of an industrial setting than for home use.

For other Stanley tools in my toolbox, please check out my reviews of:
Stanley 66-052 6-piece Precision Screwdriver set
Stanley 64-105 Phillips head screwdriver
Stanley 8" Adjustable wrench

5/10

For other tool reviews, please visit my index page by clicking here!

© 2010 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.



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A Fine Enough Set Of Small Screwdrivers . . . Until They Break: Stanley 66-052 Screwdriver Set.

The Good: Nice carrying case, Convenient set for finer screw work
The Bad: Case breaks very easy under worksite conditions, Heads of screwdrivers chip annoyingly easily.
The Basics: Despite some design issues and general fragility of the fine blades on the flathead screwdrivers, the Stanley 66-052 6-Piece Precision Screwdriver Set is worth getting.


The nice thing about going through my toolbox to look and see what I might want to review is that I'm also cleaning it out. In the case of my screwdrivers, I seem to have a pretty ridiculous number of them. However, whenever my eyeglasses break or get loose, I never seem to have the right size screwdriver to tighten the screws on them. I was reminded why as I continued going through my toolbox. For there, I have a set of Stanley 66-052 fine screwdrivers. But most of the heads of them are chipped or snapped and that's why I haven't been able to use this set for some time.

The Stanley 66-052 Six-Piece Precision Screwdriver set is a set of six fine-head screwdrivers which comes in a bright yellow plastic carrying case. The set consists of four flatheaded screwdrivers and two Philips head screwdrivers. The shaft of each screwdriver is made of black steel and the handles are made of yellow and black plastic. The screwdrivers in this set are 1.4 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.4 mm, and 3.0 mm wide for the flat heads and a #0 and #1 screwdriver for the tiny Philips head screwdrivers. These are very small heads which are ideal for watches, eyeglasses, small toys and the like. Because the handles are insulated with plastic and rubber, they are also ideal for fine electronics work where there might be tiny screws involved.

There are two major drawbacks and one minor drawback to the Stanley 66-052 precision screwdrivers. The minor drawback comes in the form of the case. The case has a clear plastic window which allows the six screwdrivers inside to be displayed. Under working conditions where tools like this might be used around other, heavier, tools, this casefront is very easy to break. Mine is cracked in several places and it looks pretty worn and I'm pretty careful. Outside that, the case is very well-designed; the case is designed like a self-contained little drawer. To access the screwdrivers, simply pull the "drawer" with the screwdrivers toward you and then flip the top under, so it has the same footprint as the unopened case! One never needs to worry about losing the top as a result. This gives the user access to all six precision screwdrivers. The case itself is 5 1/2" long by 3 1/4" wide by 3/4" tall. It appears intended to sit on a workbench as opposed to hang anywhere as there is nowhere on the device to hang it from anything else.

The first major problem, then is the design. These fine screwdrivers are 4 1/4" long from the metal head to the butt, which is 1/2" in diameter. Near the head, the screwdriver bulges outward and it has a black rubber grip which is essentially a series of striations in the rubber that are oriented parallel to the flat head. In other words, if one is twisting at this point, the grip is not offering friction and if this gets damp, the fingers slide on the screwdriver exceptionally easily. This poor level of design is almost made up for by the butt of the screwdriver. The butt flares outward and swivels. This means that if one is using one hand to push down on the screwdriver at the top (butt), they may twist the screwdriver with another hand and it will rotate independent of the butt. This is a problem, though because on finer work where one needs to hold the item they are screwing a screw into with another hand, they cannot use both hands to use this "properly." As a result, as screws get tighter, it is very hard to tighten them all the way.

This leads to the other problem. The fine heads are not terribly durable. While I was careful in using these, over the course of two years of house projects and hobbies that required small screwdrivers, I managed to snap or chip the blades on each of the four flatheaded screwdrivers in the set. They have sat, then, for the four years since, worthless in my toolbox. The two Phillipshead screwdrivers are intact, but they are almost impossible to deliver the torque needed to make them useful. The real disappointment here is how, in normal, proper, use screwing in tiny screws, the Stanley 66-052 screwdrivers fracture.

That said, Stanley has a lifetime warranty on these, but because I did not have the original package (it was part of a gift to me), I've never been able to exercise the warranty. Still, when I go to replace this set, I am likely to buy another, if for no other reason than to be able to perform maintenance on my eyeglasses once again. Maybe in the last six years, they've made these more durable.

For other Stanley products, please check out my reviews of:
Stanley 64-105 Philips head screwdriver
Stanley 8" Adjustable Wrench
Stanley 66-183 Screwdriver

5/10

For other tool reviews, please visit my index by clicking here!

© 2010 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.



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A Durable Little Screwdriver, The Stanley 3 1/2" Phillips Head Screwdriver Screws In Tight Spots!

The Good: Durable, Works well, Easy to clean
The Bad: Not ideal for long-term (in a day) use.
The Basics: A surprisingly good little screwdriver, the Stanley 64-105 3 1/2" Phillips Head Screwdriver is a great tool that most would not suspect needing until they truly need a reliable tool!


Screwdrivers: how much is there truly to say about them? I've been surprised about how much I can find to write about the various screwdrivers in my toolbox, like the Stanley 66-183 I reviewed before (click here for that review!) and it seems I've never actually reviewed any of the Phillips head screwdrivers. So, I figured I would start small with the 64-105, a 3 1/2" Phillips head screwdriver that I have used for years.

It ought to be noted right off the bat that the Stanley 3 1/2" Phillips head screwdriver is just about a perfect screwdriver and for the projects one ought to use it for it probably is perfect. My robbing it of a perfect rating comes more from how it stands up against all tools in my toolbox. This screwdriver is durable, easy to clean and has a head that has not worn for the fifteen years I have had it. However, because the handle is so short, there are very limited uses for the 64-105 and prolonged use on a project is likely to cause hand cramps.

Stanley is not to blame for this; it is a problem with all such tools. Because one is applying the force so close to the head, they tend to expend more energy than when the shaft is longer and the work is distributed along the tool better. Add to that that most adult hands will find it tough to grip this smaller handle and you've got a handle on my difficulties with using this screwdriver too long!

That said, the 3 1/2" Phillips head screwdriver is a useful screwdriver for when one is working in tight corners, like screwing things in in-between drywall layers where there is only about a hand's width to move around it. I'm not sure what one would be screwing in there, but I know I've found uses for the small screwdriver that involve having very little room to move and needing a very small screwdriver. It occurs to me that the built-in dishwasher which had a screw mount behind it was one of them. This tool is ideal for such specialized projects.

The Stanley 3 1/2” screwdriver has a 1 1/2” steel shaft and a medium-sized four-point Phillips head which is ideal for Phillips head screws. The 64-105 is a manual screwdriver, so you do the work; this tool just makes it easier for you. Fortunately, the 64-105 Phillips head screwdriver works and it is useful for those tight places one never expects to find a Phillips head screw binding something.

For three years, I used this screwdriver on projects around the house that required a Phillips head screwdriver when the screws were standard wood screws or when I found any Phillips head screw in a location I could barely fit my hand. I used the screwdriver for about ten years prior to that and the two years since sporadically, so I've been using the 64-105 Phillips head screwdriver on and off for about fifteen years. The steel shaft never bent, the head remained sharp and intact. This is a very solid piece of hardware and for only $5.00, it has saved me time and headaches. This tool will remain in use for years by anyone who does projects around the house.

At least as important is that the 64-105 has the old style Stanley handle. This is a handle that has little fins which offer much better gripping potential when one has gloves or when one is using the small screwdriver in circumstances that have water. Stanley has changed many of its grips to an ergonomic grip which is smooth and becomes worthless when one truly has to bear down on the screwdriver. The 64-105 is not hampered by that defect and is easy to use under all conditions.

In other words, this is great tool for every do-it-yourselfer. I know I've grabbed this screwdriver with vice grips and it has not dented the handle or stripped the plastic coating. So this stands up for abuse and is still in service, making it an undeniable asset!

For other tools and gadgets, please check out my reviews of:
Craftsman Electronic Studfinder
Howard Leight Laser Lite Corded Hearing Protection
Stanley 8" Adjustable Wrench

8/10

For other tool reviews, please visit my index page!

© 2010 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.



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With A Longer Handle, The Stanley 8" Adjustable Wrench May Be The Perfect Fit!

The Good: Well-made, Durable, Easy to clean, Does not wear out easily.
The Bad: None I can find!
The Basics: A perfect steel wrench, the Stanley 8" Adjustable Wrench has not wavered, bent or loosened for me with over a decade of use around the house!


For me, it is amazing what a difference two inches can make. While there may be many delightful ways that sentence may be misconstrued for those with dirty minds, the truth is that I'm talking about tools here! Some time back, I was going through my toolbox and I reviewed the Stanley 6" Adjustable Wrench. That tool is one I tend to use when I am in tight spots. However, where that one is robbed of perfection by its lack of leverage, the 8" model is as perfect an adjustable wrench as I have ever found.

It is worth noting up front that truly all that separates these two wrenches is the length of the handle shaft. The head size on the 8" is the same size, which means that it offers no additional gripping options (i.e. the jaws do not open wider) and all it truly offers is greater leverage. Otherwise, it is identical and the 8" adjustable wrench is a predictably high-quality adjustable wrench that continues to grip without slipping after years of use.

The 8” Adjustable Wrench gets its name because the handle is eight inches long from the back to the top of the adjustable head. The jaws open on the wrench to a maximum span of 1 ½” and the slot is designed to grasp eight, six or four sided nuts, depending on how one uses it. Adjustable wrenches like this one work ideally in settings where one has various size nuts or bolts they are torquing, but the desire or inability to swap out specific tools – i.e. each exact wrench for each size and type of nut or bolt – for the task. Adjustable wrenches are less-specific, but more convenient, making for a versatile tool which is not usually the ideal for professionals or perfectionists. In the case of Stanley wrenches, the trepidations one might have over the weak element of the adjustable wrench may be laid to rest: the 8" is everything one might hope for from an adjustable wrench, including that it has enough leverage to make it easy to use on tough nuts or bolts!

To use, simply open the jaws of the wrench up using the embedded screw dial near the head. This is easy enough to do with one’s thumb and the jaws on my Stanley 8” Adjustable Wrench have held up just fine for over ten years. I have never had any problems with the teeth or the dial having burrs; this is a quality manufactured tool. Once the jaws are open enough to admit the nut or bolt, dial the screw dial back so the jaws close around the metal of the nut or bolt. Then, twist the lever or use the lever to hold it stationary while whatever needs twisting is twisted. It is that easy.

This is a very simple tool to use properly and it works on leverage, the idea that a job like twisting a nut becomes easier when one is father away from where the force is being applied. For that, the 8” adjustable wrench is perfect. Because the handle is so long, the tool gets a decent amount of leverage and that makes it very easy to manipulate nuts and bolts as it is supposed to. Tools that rely on leverage occasionally bend or break from the force, but I have not had that problem with the Stanley 8” Adjustable Wrench. In fact, the solid steel construction of this wrench has never wavered, bent or dented and unlike some adjustable wrenches I have used. This durable tool has not loosened causing slippage, even after a decade of use. The fact that this has moving parts which have remained tight after ten years of home projects makes this a quality tool that is easy to recommend.

The 8” Adjustable Wrench by Stanley has a grip is solid stainless steel. That makes it potentially painful (or at least cold!) to use in winter or cold environments. Because I always recommend wearing work gloves, that is a minor problem and comfort issues from extended use have not come up for me, as I always wear work gloves while using this.

The Stanley 8” Adjustable Wrench is a perfect adjustable wrench and one that should be a part of any do-it-yourselfer's or professional's toolbox.

For other tools and gadgets, please check out my reviews of:
Xacto X73610 Needle File Kit
Stanley 66-183 Screwdriver
Soundbest International 8" Round File

10/10

For other tool reviews, please check out my index page!

© 2010 W.L . Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.



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