Craftsman Plastic And Steel Wrench Storage

Craftsman has long been a staple in the tool industry, so when I got my hands on their Plastic and Steel Wrench Storage, I was eager to see if it lived up to the brand's reputation. With its model number CMMT99413, this wrench holder promises to keep your tools organized and secure, boasting features like a twist mechanism to lock wrenches in place and a magnetic backing for convenient storage.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the wrench holder looks robust. It's constructed from steel with a full polish chrome finish, which gives it a professional look. The product dimensions are practical, with a length of 19.1 inches, a width of 4.0 inches, and a height of 2.1 inches. Weighing in at 1.8 pounds, it's fairly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and place wherever needed.

The twist mechanism is designed to secure the wrenches when not in use, and this feature works reasonably well for mid-sized wrenches. However, I noticed that the design falls short when it comes to accommodating wrenches of varying sizes. The larger wrenches don't fit snugly into the slots, and the twist lock mechanism struggles to close properly. On the flip side, smaller wrenches tend to wobble and don't stay in place as securely as one would hope.

Usability

The magnetic backing is a thoughtful addition, allowing you to attach the wrench holder to any metal surface, which is a handy feature for keeping your workspace organized. However, the overall usability of the wrench holder is somewhat compromised by its inability to accommodate a wide range of wrench sizes effectively. This "one size fits all" approach doesn't quite hit the mark, especially if you have a diverse collection of wrenches.

In my experience, trying to fit my Snap-on and Matco wrenches into the holder was a bit of a challenge. The slots seemed too tight for some of the larger wrenches, and the smaller ones didn't fit securely. This made me question whether the holder was designed with a specific brand or type of wrench in mind. It seems to work better with thinner wrenches, but even then, it's not a perfect fit.

Durability

Durability is another area where this tool holder has its ups and downs. The steel construction gives it a solid feel, and the full polish chrome finish adds a layer of protection against rust and corrosion. However, the plastic components, particularly the twist mechanism, seem less durable. In my tests, I found that the twist lock mechanism felt flimsy and prone to breaking if too much force was applied. This is a significant drawback, especially for a tool designed to hold other tools securely.

Practicality

One of the standout features of this wrench holder is its ability to hold both SAE and metric wrenches. This versatility is a plus, especially for those who work with a variety of tools. However, the practicality of this feature is somewhat diminished by the issues with the twist mechanism and the fit of the wrenches.

The wrench holder's size is another point of contention. While it does a good job of keeping wrenches together, its length (19.1 inches) might be a bit too much for those with limited space in their tool cabinets or workshops. A more compact design would have been more practical for everyday use.

Warranty

Craftsman offers a full lifetime warranty on this product, which is a testament to their confidence in its durability and performance. This warranty is a significant advantage, providing peace of mind for those who invest in this wrench holder. However, given the issues with the twist mechanism and the fit of the wrenches, one might wonder how often this warranty will need to be utilized.

Conclusion

The Craftsman Plastic and Steel Wrench Storage has some commendable features, such as its full polish chrome finish, magnetic backing, and the ability to hold both SAE and metric wrenches. However, it falls short in several critical areas. The twist mechanism, while innovative, is not as durable as one would expect, and the "one size fits all" design doesn't effectively accommodate a wide range of wrench sizes.

If you're a professional mechanic or a serious DIY enthusiast with a diverse collection of wrenches, this wrench holder might not meet your needs. The issues with the fit and the durability of the twist mechanism could lead to frustration and potential damage to your tools.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a basic wrench holder for occasional use and you don't mind the fit issues, this product could still be useful, especially considering the lifetime warranty. However, for most users, I would recommend looking for a more versatile and durable wrench holder that better accommodates a variety of wrench sizes.

In summary, while the Craftsman Plastic and Steel Wrench Storage has potential, it doesn't quite hit the mark in terms of practicality and durability. Therefore, I wouldn't recommend it as a primary wrench holder for those with a diverse toolset. Instead, it might serve as a secondary option or a temporary solution until a more reliable and versatile holder is found.