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Tuesday, 11 February 2025 09:40

PocketWrench II Featured

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Dimensions and other info

Material: stainless steel (also exists in Chrome-Vanadium)
Manufacturers: Burketek, MCFeely's, Latshaw
Weight: 50g
Length:4" or 101 mm
Width: 1" or 25.4 mm
Thickness: 1/8" or 3.1 mm

Features
-Standard 1/4" hex hole
-Closed wrench end, sizes 3/16" to 11/16" or 5mm to 17mm
-beveled end for prying and large flat-head
-measuring scales, 2 inches and 5 cm

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The original PocketWrench was invented by Don Burk, founder of Burketek INC. It lacked the measuring scales that the PocketWrench II has.
Though it has fallen into obscurity, it was and still remains popular in the edc community, thanks to its streamlined designed, resilience, and versatility.

One end is a closed wrench. As the nut size increases, the teeth size increases as well. Though small, these teeth are aggressive, and grab onto fasteners securely.
The other end is beveled to function as a pry bar. This can also be used as a very large flathead, if it manages to fit a fastener.
There is also a 1/4" hex hole, to drive bits. This has no retention, so bits will simply fall out.
The measuring scales are arguably short, but they are great for taking a quick measurement of a nut and other small items.

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Construction Quality
Though it was made by multiple manufacturers, the PocketWrench II is a well-made tool. Finish is always consistent, the lines and curves are always flawless. The teeth are aggressive. Text and numbers are etched perfectly and are very easy to read. The high level of construction lends to the tools great performance.

Design
The design quite simple and industrial. No bends, just a beveled end. No cut-outs along the edge, this is a perfect stadium shape. No fancy features or moving parts exist; no latches, no screws, no hidden functions or secrets. Everything the PocketWrench II has to offer is out in the open, plain and simple. Just a few features that work well, and do not get in the way of each other.

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Performance
The PocketWrench II owes its good reputation to its excellent performance. It definitely punches above its weight. It has a few features that work well. It is quite robust, more than one would think looking at it. Arguably overbuilt for what it is, prying tasks are limited by length before durability or lack thereof will be an issue.
The wrench end is also very versatile, and very indiscriminate. Imperial, Metric, hex, spline, square, this grabs tightly on anything it can fit around.

Of course, being a closed wrench limits the fasteners it can access. This has to be able to go over a fastener in order to work. Also, the smaller the fastener, the deeper in the wrench end it will be. If a fastener is too close to an obstruction, the PocketWrench II may not have enough clearance to turn it.

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Having no retention for bits is understandable. Extensions with ball bearings are an excellent solution to this, although for a quick fix it will do. This can also assist another driver, like a ratchet or screwdriver, for additional leverage.

The measuring scales are useful features that do not compromise the shape of the tool. They are fine for measuring small items.
The dimensions of the tool also function as measuring features, at least for Imperial sizes. The tool is exactly 1/8" thick, one inch wide, and four inches long. It also has right angles so it can be used to make a quick straight mark with a pencil.

The length of the tool allows for decent leverage and the thickness lends to its durability. The tool is rather comfortable to hold and use. The edges are not sharp enough to be annoying.

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Part of performance is availability. This tucks into all sorts of wallets, sheaths, and pouches, and occupies very little space. This is also helped by having no bends and no cut-outs along the edges. This tool can go in and out a pouch very easily, without pulling other items out, or having to move things around.

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Conclusion
It is a sad fact that the PocketWrench II is so hard to find nowadays. It definitely earned its good reputation and still does, with its reliability, versatility, and pocketability. It is an excellent companion to a pocket tool. It has useful features that work well, and it will go unnoticed until needed.

One-piece tools have come a long way these past few years, to the point that they are not even one piece anymore. Hidden bit compartments, inline bit drivers, pocket clips, carabiner clips, features never seem to stop and one could argue things are almost getting out of hand. But the humble PocketWrench II is still an excellent piece of gear. It is a proven design and the edc of many. If you happen to find one available, consider yourself lucky and go for it.


Pros
-Resilient.
-Versatile
-Pocketable.

Cons
-Hard to find.

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More in this category: « Sanctum Hard Bar
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