A few weeks ago, the good folks over at Black and Decker sent me a ReadyWrench to review. I wanted to use the tool a few times before writing about it. This week I saw that they started promoting it as a christmas gift idea so I decided that it was time to write the review before the holidays are over!

Let’s get down to it. What is this thing? Basically it’s a handle with 4 box wrenches on each end. To select which size you want to use, just turn the boxes at the end of the tool. The packaging says there’s 16 different sizes, but in reality, it’s 8 sizes which are close-enough matches between SAW and metric: This means that your half-inch box is really a 13mm (0.51 in.) box. A notch every 45º prevents the box from spinning and jerking off the bolt while you’re using it. That mechanism is well done.

The tool feels good in the hand: it’s not too light and doesn’t feel flimsy, although I wouldn’t whack it with a mallet to get a stubborn bolt unstuck. The plastic grip is comfortable, but I feel they could have went with a higher quality material. Also, I didn’t see any markings that would indicate which grade steel alloy it’s made of. In my opinion, at 30$, it should be high quality chrome vanadium steel. Then again, it’s not designed to be a heavy-duty tool — which is fine since it isn’t pretending to be.

I’ve tried it around the car and I must say that it was frustrating at times: without ratcheting action and with 60º teeth, the tool needs a lot of space to work — space that wasn’t always available under the hood of my Volvo. For working on the car, nothing beats a good set of box wrenches.

Around the backyard and in the shed, the ReadyWrench felt more at home. As much as I love to use my extensive tool set when I work on the car, as much I hate taking it out just to tighten a few bolts in the backyard. That’s where the ReadyWrench really shines.

Sure, I have other tools that tighten bolts. But, I don’t leave those in the shed. Having the ReadyWrench handy when you need it is really practical. In fact, the Ready Wrench prompted me to assemble what I call a “satellite tool kit” that I leave in the shed. Nothing fancy, just a multi-bit screwdriver, some pliers, a utility knife and the ReadyWrench. That way, I don’t need to run to the house when I need to tighten a bolt.

So — where does this tool stand?

What they got right:

• Handy all-in-one design
• For noobs, less likely to strip a bolt than an adjustable spanner
• A nice addition to any toolbox
• Lifetime Warranty

What can be improved:

• Somewhat ill suited for tight spots (a 30º bend would help)
• Better quality plastic grip
• Plastic Blister Packaging is annoying

The verdict:

The ReadyWrench is a good addition to any tool kit. For beginners, it’s easier to use than an adjustable spanner. If you’re a seasoned DIY person with a full toolkit, don’t dismiss it too quickly: you can always use it in a secondary toolbox that’s closer to the action! At around 30$, it’s the perfect stocking stuffer.