Wera Joker 6004 Self-Setting Spanner

One of the earliest tools I recall playing with from my father’s toolbox was an adjustable wrench. Many people commonly and incorrectly refer to this tool by the name brand “Crescent Wrench,” but you would recognize it nonetheless. I had found the tool interesting because the wrench would move up and down whenever the screw was turned, however, later on when I actually used it, I often found the tool frustrating to use. Whenever I would use (or more likely misuse) it, it would slip off, or the adjustable screw action was less than smooth, it wore on my thumb or I would often adjust the wrench the wrong way. Turning the adjustment screw on the wrench the wrong way must not be terribly uncommon as Robert, our resident Tool Junkie, even confesses to turning it the wrong way as well. Even using an adjustable wrench properly (about 2:30 in) can be an exercise in frustration or at best cumbersome and monotonous.

But like with most things in the world going through the inefficient motions of using an adjustable wrench is a necessary evil in many cases. Any misgivings one has about how difficult it is is mere complaining and we’d better just buck up and muddle through it because, after all, since the 1800’s, “we’ve always done it this way.” And because that’s how it’s always been done, that’s how it will always be done.

Except that’s just not how Tool Rebels and Tool Junkies roll.

Tool Rebels take the initiative to change tools for the better and Wera Tools has done it again with the Joker 6004 Self Setting Spanner. And if you clicked on the link to Robert’s video you probably already figured that out. Wera Tools previously fixed the pain points on using ratchets with their Zyklop ratchet and they’ve applied that same sort of “why can’t this be better?” mindset to the adjustable wrench. Wera has removed the thumb screw altogether saving your thumb for videogame time and has instead designed a wrench that opens easily with a slight push, then as you move it into position and release your thumb, the wrench automatically clamps down as it moves back into place. Turn the fastener, then another push with the thumb loosens it. Rinse repeat. So much easier. Robert’s aforementioned video explains the tool in less than 5 minutes – it’s THAT easy to use.

While it may seem overly simple, this is, as you’d expect from Wera, kind of a revolutionary change to adjustable wrenches. For literally almost 200 years, anyone using the adjustable wrench for a job had to loosen the jaws of the wrench with the screw, then tighten it again, turn the wrench, then turn the screw to loosen, reposition, tighten again. On a big job that no doubt would cause a lot of thumb blisters and strain on thumbs and wrists. It’s somewhat shocking that it took this long to get something as game changing as Wera’s Joker 6004 Self Setting Spanner, but sometimes it takes the right rebel with the right amount of chaos to shake things up and make something new. The Joker is always wild and Wera has taken full advantage of that fact.

The best way to get your hands on the Wera Joker Self Setting Spanner, if you use various size wrenches regularly, would probably be with the 4-piece set. The 4-piece set gets you the Joker XS 6004 self-setting spanner (7-10mm or 1/4“-3/8“), the Joker S 6004 self-setting spanner (10-13mm or 7/16“-1/2”), the Joker M 6004 self-setting spanner (13-16mm or ½”-5/8") and the Joker L 6004 self-setting spanner (16-19mm 5/8“-3/4“) – about $190 value for the low cost of $165.99 (at the time this is written). That’s almost like ordering the small medium and large wrenches and getting the extra small wrench free. On top of that it comes with a nice pouch that’s compatible with the Wera 2go System making it easy to bring on the go.

Unfortunately, the 4-piece set does not include the Joker XXL 6004 self-setting spanner (24-32mm or 15/16” – 1 ¼”), but that’s probably because most people won’t need one that large and including it in a set wouldn’t do much for most people. If you don’t need multiple sizes and are just looking for a good “all arounder” you can take a look at the sizes of each wrench and see which one or two wrenches that meets your needs best.

With a seemingly simple tool that’s actually a revolutionary design, Wera has again made tool history in improving a 200-year-old toolbox staple. They’ve taken a design that everyone has accepted and taken for granted and found a way to make it better, easier to use and more comfortable as well. If you need a new wrench, or more than one, give the Wera 6004 Joker series a try. One or two could take the place of an entire toolbox of wrenches. If you’re not a fan of the traditional adjustable wrench, the Joker 6004 might be just the thing!