The Spyderench>> A CLOSER LOOK

[JD Spydo]

The Spyderench has always intrigued me. I own 2 of them and I use one from time to time. I really like the Spyderench but I will admit that I know little about it's origin, history and what ultimately brought it about. About 2 years ago I bought one from the guy whose dad was the innovator of it. The guy's name is Marty Beck.

Three things I would like to know about the Spyderench: # 1 Was it made here in the USA at the Golden plant? If not then where was it manufactured?

#2 What was it's launch date and about how many years did they make it?

#3 I had heard last spring that there was going to be a new Spyderench come to market and since then I have heard nothing. What's the scoop on that?

They really seem to be drying up rapidly and with the prices that they have been fetching here of late I would think it would be worth looking into as far as bringing it back. I would personally love to see one with some new bells & whistles. How many of you like the Spyderench and what do you all know about it?

[yablanowitz]

I picked a used one up a while back, and have carried it workdays since then. To be absolutely honest, I don't find the pliers to be all that useful, and I seldom use the knife blades on my multi-tools. Since I figured out how to position the extended bit/diamond file to hold the tool shut, it is a lot easier to open the knife blade one handed, so I may use it more, but I doubt it. I use the adjustable open end wrench and screwdriver bits more than anything, including using the bit holder for a 1/4" nut driver.
There were some new Spyderenches for sale by a British company (Heinie something, my memory for names is non-existent) that Kristi said was an inadvertant early release a few months ago. From the pictures, it looked like the only change was a blade steel change from 440C to AUS-8, but I didn't buy one to compare.
Overall, I think it is a good quality, useful tool for those who don't mind lugging that much weight around. It carries IWB fairly comfortably, and doesn't tear your pocket off that way

[JD Spydo]

Well YAB I really appreciate your constructive criticism. Because that might be what's holding up the second edition of the Spyderench. Maybe they realize some of what you say. I will admit that I never have used the pliers on the tool but then again I usually have 3 sets of vise-grips handy for that use.

But on the other hand I have had quite a few small repairs around the house that the Spyderench did the chore quite nicely. But I am sure that Sal & Company thoroughly appreciate feedback postivie or negative. Because that's just how bugs are worked out.

I think the tool has promise but I will agree with you that improvements would certainly be welcome.

Well I know there are more of you who have testimonies about the Spyderench. come forward and tell us :)

[Chucula]

i have wanted to play with a spyderench for a long time, but i dont want to buy one. pics would be cool...anyone have some? im not liking the ones i found online

[yablanowitz]

This is why I seldom use the pliers



Notice the clip is laying on the surface the nut is resting on, and the amount of surface the jaws are gripping on this nylock nut. Guess how much engagement there would be on a regular nut.



This is what happens if you turn the tool over so the clip doesn't hit. Do you see any improvement?



Another look at the grip on a nut.



Not the most comfortable thing to squeeze hard.

[nomaded]

I have one, but also found the pliers and wrench to be not very useful, at least for the things I encounter on a day to day basis. I recall reading/hearing that the SpyderWrench was aimed at servicing bikes. Not sure how accurate that is.

[Ging]

Fixing bikes would make sence as you could carry the correct allen key sizes that bike use. The thing I dont get about the Spyderench is that there is no wire cutter :confused:

[v34]

C'mon guys-its a multi tool which is a fairly well, and interestingly, designed bit of kit. It has its limitations as all multitools have. If there is time go for the correct tool-you'll save time-everytime!
But for a quick tighten or cut the Spyderwrench is pretty good.

[yablanowitz]

I DO use the adjustable wrench, the screwdrivers, the diamond files, even the knife blade once in a great while. I have also rounded off a couple of nuts and said a few bad words (well, more than a few :rolleyes: ) when the pliers tore the corners off the nut just before the end of the handle closed on my finger :eek: . That is when I started REALLY looking at the way the pliers are made. I can see why they are shaped the way they are, but for me at least, they may just as well have left that part off, since in my hands, the pliers have proven to be next to worthless. Love the rest of it, though...