>>2943206
>Interesting, but when and why would you opt for an American/Ridgid versus Swedish/Knipex/Bahco?
The American/Ridgid style pipe wrenches are just a basic solid tool, made for biting into a pipe like a rabid bit bull.
The wrenches can also be used on square and hex fasteners, but were designed for round soft pipe.
You adjust the size, put the wrench on in the right direction, and the wrench jaws just bite into the pipe.
As
>>2943262 said the simple handle is good for cheater pipes.
The Bahco Design is basically a “plier” type wrench, and can be used as pliers in a pinch.
The Swedish type has two handles though, which you have to squeeze together to use, at least initially, making the design not as basic and quick in use.
The handles can also flop apart if you fail to hold both in use, and Bahco used yo, and may still, sell an accessory to hold the handles closer together to prevent the problem.
I would saw the Bahco version is lighter than the American design, but with Aluminum handles as an option, that may no longer be the case.
The Swedish wrenches may be narrower, which can be helpful in certain situations, but also may provide slightly less grip.
Basically, Bahco is slightly more versatile in use, Ridgid is simpler to use once the jaw is adjusted to the right opening size.
Also, you can buy every single part for the Ridgid style wrenches as replacement parts, and most brands making the Ridgid style wrenches use compatible parts, with the possible exception of MCC of Japan, which uses a varied design on some series of their “American Style” wrenches.
