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Bahco Adjustables poor quality!

Welcome to the forum. Although you can post in any forum, the USA forum is here in case of local regs or laws

L

leakeee

Iv been hunting around for ages for a 10" adjustable that does 28mm nuts and not one of those stupid slim
jaws that slip off on everynut!

i used to have one but it was stolen, apparently bahco dont make them anymore!

I bought one of the 9072p spanners which is so poor the jaw moves around, slides off and it only goes up to 30mm.


So iv given up on bahco and am now looking for a better make. What would you say are the best spanners around?

Cheers
 
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Buy one of the old bacho scanners off eBay, mines great quality, the new ones fall to bits
 
My Irwin vise grip is a pretty decent adjustable.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
 
I've not yet got an adjustable, but based on my other thread and other opinions on here it seems that the Bahco wide jaw or the Irega SWO range are the best out there, some folks have mentioned Crescent too......has anyone had all 3 or maybe 2 as a direct comparison?
 
malcky said:
I've not yet got an adjustable, but based on my other thread and other opinions on here it seems that the Bahco wide jaw or the Irega SWO range are the best out there, some folks have mentioned Crescent too......has anyone had all 3 or maybe 2 as a direct comparison?
Click to expand...

i've got a crescent shifter somewhere with a sliding adjuster, used it once, load of s-hyte, i suppose everybody makes mistakes when buying tools though :sad_smile:
 
okaydokey, reckon will remove Crescent from my list of stuff then. Bahco or Irega it is then.
 
leakeee said:
Iv been hunting around for ages for a 10" adjustable that does 28mm nuts and not one of those stupid slim
jaws that slip off on everynut!

i used to have one but it was stolen, apparently bahco dont make them anymore!

I bought one of the 9072p spanners which is so poor the jaw moves around, slides off and it only goes up to 30mm.


So iv given up on bahco and am now looking for a better make. What would you say are the best spanners around?

Cheers
Click to expand...

if your spanner slips off nut then you have jaws the wrong way around
 
As far as adjustables go... Bahco are the dogs in my opinion. Used a lot of different types and find bahco the superior. If its a really tight nut or bolt the chances are a shifter won't budge it any road. Try using a correct size spanner ;-)
 
some old makes were as good if not better than bac's but most are not around anymore, my dad and grandfather had some very old tools many spanners etc... and they were working perfectly after 40-50 years. If you buy bacho adjustabes id recommend the chrome/silver ones as they dont suffer from rust like the black ones do. The do cost more tho.
 
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well i have used everyday 12 inch bachos thats 5 year old and a 3 year old 10 inch they dont slip and are my main gear
 
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Well dare I say it, I've been enjoying a set of homebase adjustables that I found at work. Good and sturdy, smooth action on the adjuster, comfortable to use... You'd never guess they were homebase. You can never tell though - I get fed up paying through the nose for rubbish. Sometimes the cheap ones are just as good if not better.
 
Jon3284 said:
Well dare I say it, I've been enjoying a set of homebase adjustables that I found at work. Good and sturdy, smooth action on the adjuster, comfortable to use... You'd never guess they were homebase. You can never tell though - I get fed up paying through the nose for rubbish. Sometimes the cheap ones are just as good if not better.
Click to expand...

Shame on you! :icon_bs:
 
I have bought a couple of new bahco shifters, and I find that the moveable part of the jaw wiggles quite a lot compared to the older ones that my mates have, and that the jaws are tighter at the end than deep into the wrench, which makes me adjust the spanner frequently to release it from the nut; very time consuming/annoying. These newer bahco ergo's do not have the stamp "made in sweden"
 
I agree. I only have the Swedish Bahcos but I lifted a new Bahco "shifter" (as I also call em!) in a plumbing suppliers & it just felt like cheap stuff. The adjustment screw gives the game away, as it seems poor - I knew straight away that it wasn't like the old Bahcos.
 
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How long has the Bahco stuff been made outside of Sweden? is this fairly recently or been years already? As a newby to knowing a good adjustable to a crap one...what am I looking for when in the shop looking for a good one?
 
Jon3284 said:
Well dare I say it, I've been enjoying a set of homebase adjustables that I found at work. Good and sturdy, smooth action on the adjuster, comfortable to use... You'd never guess they were homebase. You can never tell though - I get fed up paying through the nose for rubbish. Sometimes the cheap ones are just as good if not better.
Click to expand...
Dont think so !!!
 
Okay, I'll admit, it's not ideal but it's surprising what you'll find at the cheaper end of things. 99 times out of 100 it'll be crap, but if you like a tool then use it I say. Saying that, it would get expensive having to buy 99 tools. I'm a sucker for a false economy though :frown2: haha!
 
malcky said:
How long has the Bahco stuff been made outside of Sweden? is this fairly recently or been years already? As a newby to knowing a good adjustable to a crap one...what am I looking for when in the shop looking for a good one?
Click to expand...

i read that they had moved some production to france a few years ago.
 
Got a new pair of 10" wide jaws the other week. Haven't got a clue where they were made and don't really care. They are just as good as my old ones.
 
Glenwils said:
Got a new pair of 10" wide jaws the other week. Haven't got a clue where they were made and don't really care. They are just as good as my old ones.
Click to expand...

This is good to know, I really need to find a local shop that actually sell good tools and see/feel for myself what they are like....only have normal diy shops in my area.
 
malcky said:
This is good to know, I really need to find a local shop that actually sell good tools and see/feel for myself what they are like....only have normal diy shops in my area.
Click to expand...

There's not enough good tool shops.
I used to travel about 15 miles to a good one in Ormskirk.
I recently called in to Toolstation. It's complete gash!
 
In my opinion, if they do not say made in Sweden on them, then they are not real Bachos, not of the same original quality anyway.

IMG_00000004.jpg

I lost one of them 8" ones above, i found them about a month later by the side of my garage after being in the wet damp mud all that time, with no rust at all, i know people who have the new black type and some with the rubber handles, that rust in their toolbox. You also hear of people trying to buff the tools up, when imo you shouldn't, oil them and leave them form a natural form of anodize (sp)

Same with your grips, leave them be, if you shine them up they will rust and your hands will slip off them.
IMG_00000005.jpg

I can't believe i also went so long without a dedicated 10mm pipe slice :icon10:
 
gav8 said:
In my opinion, if they do not say made in Sweden on them, then they are not real Bachos, not of the same original quality anyway.

So what adjustables would you be looking at if you were needing a new pair? or would you get an old/used made in Sweden set?
Click to expand...
 
toolstation sell a carbon copy of the wide jawed bahco spanners made by todays tools i have bought them and must say they're pretty good quality for what they cost£17 and almost on par with the old bahco, never liked bahco grips though always rothenberger for me.
 
malcky said:
So what adjustables would you be looking at if you were needing a new pair? or would you get an old/used made in Sweden set?
Click to expand...

I always go for the 06 series, which i have found out from that link above (great link LegionellaSlave:grin🙂 were produced between [FONT=&amp]1969 to 1983, these are the ones collectors go mad over. I have lost (probably got stolen) my 10 inch ones, which i replaced with the 8072 type (5th gen), you can just make out on the picture slight tarnish in comparison to the others.

Send this guy a message, [/FONT]eBay My World - jafo_dd he will source you what you need for half the price for the rubbish what is on sale now
 
leakeee said:
Iv been hunting around for ages for a 10" adjustable that does 28mm nuts and not one of those stupid slim
jaws that slip off on everynut!

i used to have one but it was stolen, apparently bahco dont make them anymore!

I bought one of the 9072p spanners which is so poor the jaw moves around, slides off and it only goes up to 30mm.


So iv given up on bahco and am now looking for a better make. What would you say are the best spanners around?

Cheers
Click to expand...

I'm positive I've seen Bahco 10" in my local merchant's just recently. Do you want me to have a look and post you one if they've got it? I love mine, if they've stopped making them I'm going to get another just in case!
 
I recently bought an Irega adjustable when I lost my latest Bahco. Much prefer it. Wheel is slightly bigger, handle is much nicer, jaws smoother. Very nice.
 
These:

IREGA 8" (200mm) Super Wide 39mm Ergo Adjustable Wrench | eBay

Put them next to the 8" Bahcos and they are very similar apart from:
-The wheel is slightly bigger so you don't catch your thumb on the wheel housing around it.
-The handle is much nicer. Hardwearing, but is soft and warm feeling, and slightly springy.
-The jaw movement action seems a lot smoother than the Bahcos.

Apart from that it's identical. But the Irega is like someone sat down with an 8" Bahco and said 'Right, how can we make this even better'.
 
Aye seen them on ebay too and have saved one on my watch list to consider....dont want to be buying too many wrenches of same size though, unless its normal to have a spare or something....have now got 7" & 9" footprints, 8" Bahco 8072 (unused made in Sweden purchase from ebay), 9" pump pliers.....so was thinking maybe a 12" is all im likely to need.....correct me if wrong though folks.
 
Well i have found a guy on ebay that had an old unused reversable jaw version of the 9072 and this was made in Sweden so have bought it at a wee bargain price of £10 delivered along with a old unused 8071 for a tenner too.....here's a picture of the 9072.

imagejpeg
 
cant seem to attach the pics. oh well..
 

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LPC said:
These:

IREGA 8" (200mm) Super Wide 39mm Ergo Adjustable Wrench | eBay

Put them next to the 8" Bahcos and they are very similar apart from:
-The wheel is slightly bigger so you don't catch your thumb on the wheel housing around it.
-The handle is much nicer. Hardwearing, but is soft and warm feeling, and slightly springy.
-The jaw movement action seems a lot smoother than the Bahcos.

Apart from that it's identical. But the Irega is like someone sat down with an 8" Bahco and said 'Right, how can we make this even better'.
Click to expand...

I agree, to me though it seems that Bahco are throttling back on quality and have been doing so for sometime whereas Irega have seen what's been going on and gone full steam ahead with improving quality.

My Irega's are are a fantastic bit of the kit, I have the 8 and 6inch SWO's. wouldn't go back to Bahco's now.
 
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LPC said:
These:

IREGA 8" (200mm) Super Wide 39mm Ergo Adjustable Wrench | eBay

Put them next to the 8" Bahcos and they are very similar apart from:
-The wheel is slightly bigger so you don't catch your thumb on the wheel housing around it.
-The handle is much nicer. Hardwearing, but is soft and warm feeling, and slightly springy.
-The jaw movement action seems a lot smoother than the Bahcos.

Apart from that it's identical. But the Irega is like someone sat down with an 8" Bahco and said 'Right, how can we make this even better'.
Click to expand...
they are exactly the same as channel locks code blue while not bad tools the handles crack after a while heres a pic go compare
Channellock 6WCB WideAzz Adjustable Wrench with Code Blue Grips,Over 1-1/2-Inch Opening 8-Inch Overall Length - Amazon.com
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Hello All
Since 2006 the whole production process, tools, machineery and skills to produce the range of Bahco Adjustable Wrenches was transferred to the Bahco facility in Spain. The range includes the standard 80 series, the 90 series with handle and such varients as -P which has a reversibel jaw for use as a pipe wrench, -T which has a thin jaw profile to increase access, for example on locking nuts. The family 9029, 9031, 9033 & 9035 are all part of the wide jaw range where a shorter handle length than normal is used to offer extra access when needed on large dimension hexagons. You can see more of the range on the Bahco website www .bahco. com. I hope this helps
 
Mark Haywood said:
Hello All
Since 2006 the whole production process, tools, machineery and skills to produce the range of Bahco Adjustable Wrenches was transferred to the Bahco facility in Spain. The range includes the standard 80 series, the 90 series with handle and such varients as -P which has a reversibel jaw for use as a pipe wrench, -T which has a thin jaw profile to increase access, for example on locking nuts. The family 9029, 9031, 9033 & 9035 are all part of the wide jaw range where a shorter handle length than normal is used to offer extra access when needed on large dimension hexagons. You can see more of the range on the Bahco website www .bahco. com. I hope this helps
Click to expand...


are you a bacho employee?

i have some bacho adjustable's that say made in france?
 
Yes I work for Bahco, I am keen to know the history of the Adjustable Wrench that is identified as being made in France, which model is it?
 
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I have the old type Britool adjustables and they are the dogs danglies. Beware of the new Britool "expert" branded ones as these are foreign made rubbish.
 
AWheating said:
i will find them out this weekend and let you know, hidden in back of shed at the mo.
Click to expand...

You are not going to find real ones stamped Made in France you may have been mistaken.

Mark Haywood, what are you/Bahco doing about the massive quality difference between old and new? Will they ever be the same again?
 
Mark Haywood said:
Yes I work for Bahco, I am keen to know the history of the Adjustable Wrench that is identified as being made in France, which model is it?
Click to expand...

Hi Mark :yes:

Could you send me a free full set of Bahco adjustables please?

Lots of love, LS x

😛resents2:
 
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Can you get replacement springs for bahco's?
Had a quick look but no joy.
I've got an old bahco 31' alligator with a bit of play, but there's no spring on the roller??????
 
LegionellaSlave said:
Can you get replacement springs for bahco's?
Had a quick look but no joy.
I've got an old bahco 31' alligator with a bit of play, but there's no spring on the roller??????
Click to expand...

Hi LegionellaSlave
The part number you need is 31-95, this comprises jaw, knurl, pin & spring
 
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Mark Haywood, what are you/Bahco doing about the massive quality difference between old and new? Will they ever be the same again?[/QUOTE]
Hello Gav8
The manufacturing tolerances used previously where much tighter however there is always a pay off between reachng standards, having a product that we are proud to be associated with at a price that is acceptable to the market, the wrenches made today are all fully within the multitude of specifications needed (BS, ISO, ANSI) however if you look at our 95 series of adjustable wrenches these have a side screw action as opposed to the traditional centre knurl, the benifit of these is their strength and the finer adjustment that can be made due to a different manufacturing process that can't be replicated by the normal adjustables. For what its worth these are also the adjustable of choice for the MOD. Hope this helps,
loadImage.aspx

​
 
Mark Haywood said:
Hi LegionellaSlave
The part number you need is 31-95, this comprises jaw, knurl, pin & spring
Click to expand...

Hello Mark, thanks for the reply.

I only need the spring mate. Not the full spare kit with jaw etc.
Any idea where I could get one?
It's not worth me buying the 31-95, a few extra ££'s will get a complete new wrench.

Thanks again 😉
 
Mark Haywood said:
Mark Haywood, what are you/Bahco doing about the massive quality difference between old and new? Will they ever be the same again?
Click to expand...
Hello Gav8
The manufacturing tolerances used previously where much tighter however there is always a pay off between reachng standards, having a product that we are proud to be associated with at a price that is acceptable to the market, the wrenches made today are all fully within the multitude of specifications needed (BS, ISO, ANSI) however if you look at our 95 series of adjustable wrenches these have a side screw action as opposed to the traditional centre knurl, the benifit of these is their strength and the finer adjustment that can be made due to a different manufacturing process that can't be replicated by the normal adjustables. For what its worth these are also the adjustable of choice for the MOD. Hope this helps,
loadImage.aspx

​
[/QUOTE]
60% of my tooling is bacho my adjustables are my main tools,if my apprentice left those anywhere he would have his pay docked the only 2 of your recent products that quite frankly are tat are that stupid pump pliers that does not really fit anything and your junior hacksaws the frame is to flimsy i had one for a day and returned it to the merchants
 
I use a Bahco jnr hacksaw.
Never had a problem with it and I cut a lot of stainless with it.
In fact, the bahco hacksaw blade that it came with it lasted for ages.
 

​
[/QUOTE]
60% of my tooling is bacho my adjustables are my main tools,if my apprentice left those anywhere he would have his pay docked the only 2 of your recent products that quite frankly are tat are that stupid pump pliers that does not really fit anything and your junior hacksaws the frame is to flimsy i had one for a day and returned it to the merchants[/QUOTE]

Hello Gasman
We have a number of frames in the assortment, the basic version is the 239 as show
loadImage.aspx


We also have the 268 whihch is more stable, and may suit your needs better
loadImage.aspx

Hope this helps
 
you wont find any standard junior hacksaw to be great(as good as older ones) today imo, i have several and they are all poor compared to the old ones my dad left me when he passed. Same with all tools, record,hilmor etc..... alot of poor stuff now. Thats why ebay is so great as you can still get your hands on older stuff in good nick.
 
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I borrowed a recent Bahco adjustable and they aren't that good now and the jaws wobble. I have an own brand "Kennedy"adjustable from Cromwell and it's miles better for a lot less money.

My best Junior Hacksaw is an old Eclipse with part die cast frame and tightening nut, from the 1980s.

As for regular hacksaws, the Sandvik original has set the standard for many years and I hope Bahco don't cheapen that one. I have 2, one original 12" one and another cut down to take 10" blades.
 
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Thanks for the pm Mark (mate 😛resents3🙂

I'll let you know how I get on :hurray:
 
I do like my Bahco stuff and we have quite a bit of it. One gripe about the large hacksaw though, I've had two snap in the last four years, both after about 18 months of ownership 🙁
 
LegionellaSlave said:
Can you get replacement springs for bahco's?
Had a quick look but no joy.
I've got an old bahco 31' alligator with a bit of play, but there's no spring on the roller??????
Click to expand...

Mark Haywood.

Hello Mark. I contacted the lad you put me on to but he can't get the Bahco spare spring/screw.
Do you (or anyone) know where I could get one of these springs?
After all, it's only a spring!

It's like the spring pictured on the label in this link.....

Bahco Adjustable Spanner Repair Kit, Worm wheel and pin. | eBay

Ta :crazy:
 
Some of the best tools you can get are old British made ones second hand off ebay and car boot sales! They just don't make stuff like they used to.
 
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Mark Haywood said:
Let me investigate........
Click to expand...



I'd just like to thank Bahco (and Mark^^^^) for sorting me out with a new jaw/knurl kit for my Bahco 31 adjustable.
I only needed the spring out of it but they sent me the kit, so I fitted the spring and screw/roller today and it works perfectly! :25:

Mine is the older one without the hole in the handle (pre 1990) according to Wrenches with

By the way Mark, the jaw in the new kit does NOT fit the older adjustable. It won't slide in but I wouldn't have used it anyway. 😀

So a big 'SHOUT OUT' to Bahco, probably the best adjustable's in the world!!! :hurray:
 
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If anyones interested, i've got two bahco 9031's in front of me now. One is an older one with made in sweden inscribed on it and the other is a newer one with no mention of where it has been made on it, so i presume its a spanish made one.

There is no difference between the two. Both appear to be identical and both have around 0.7-0.8mm of "jaw wobble" 🙂

I might have to try one of these irega's as i would like to have an adjuastable with less jaw wobble.
 
I've got both, Impressed at first with irega spanner but jaws have now started jaw wobble. The irega does however open slightly wider which is handy in some situations.
 
Hello All
As you know we do not sell direct, the range fo tools can be bought "at all good retail outlets" however I do know that the range is stocked and competitevly priced at buybrandtools.com
 
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So they're kind of like Snap-On then? I never consider checking suppliers of mechanic's tools to be honest, maybe I'll take a nose.
 
I got a Teng socket set. Lifetime guarantee.

Don't know if it's as good as Snap-on though, hardly use it.

Does feel quality though :yes:
 
My Bahcos have slipped twice in recent weeks resulting in deep cuts in two different fingers. Very nippy!
sick of constantly having to adjust them each time I try to use them. Next cut and it is goodnight Vienna for them.
 

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