Black & Decker AutoWrench (AAW100)

The unique aspect to the B&D AutoWrench is its ability to open and close with the press of a button. In every other aspect it's a traditional adjustable wrench.

The Auto Wrench is 9-1/2" long, and constructed of heat treated hardened steel with a soft grip handle. On the tail end is a hanging tab, a handy feature, and on the business end a measurement scale.

Two AAA batteries are located in the handle, with the toggle switch placed conveniently next to the head, and in-line with your thumb placement. Press the toggle switch in one direction and the jaws open smoothly, up to a maximum of 1-1/4". Press the switch in the opposite direction and the jaws quickly close. Alternately you can use the thumb wheel for the same purpose (or when the batteries run out and you can't find spares). B&D claim that the Auto Wrench will open and close approximately 650 times per battery pair.

I found the AutoWrench light (it weighs a mere 20 oz), comfortable to grip, and the jaws quick to adjust. The heat treated hardened steel body means that the wrench will easily stand up to a lot of heavy use. Replacing the batteries is a simple matter of removing one screw from a cover plate.

The thumb wheel is almost flush with the sides of the wrench head; a wheel with a larger diameter would make manual adjustment of the jaws easier. 

The measurement scale stamped on the jaws is virtually indecipherable. Having the scale printed in black or red would have made it easier to read.

My first thought was that the 'auto' feature was just a marketing gimmick. However, I can see that anyone who suffers from arthritis in the hands, or any other debilitating illness that impairs hand mobility, will appreciate this feature. It might also come in handy when you have to reach into tight, confined spaces.

DIYers and home owners, and anyone with manual dexterity problems, will appreciate the auto adjusting feature on this wrench. Woodworkers, carpenters and other trades people would likely be just as well served with a conventional adjustable wrench.

Reviewed October 2010