When it comes to wrenches, bigger isn't necessarily better.
More specifically, longer isn't necessarily better. But more capacity – that's certainly better.
The extra-wide-capacity 8-inch adjustable wrench from Klein Tools offers the best of both worlds, with the same capacity as a 12-inch adjustable wrench but in a more compact size.
"A wrench that is compact allows for the end user to use it in tight spaces, getting more work done, faster and easier," explains Gary Lalla, senior product manager for Lincolnshire, Ill.-based Klein Tools.
For more, read Lalla's interview with New Equipment Digest below.
NED: Why did Klein Tools decide to market this wrench?
GL: We are constantly meeting and talking with end users to understand unmet needs or opportunities that will improve their quality of work life. The research findings indicated that users wanted a more compact wrench, but with a larger capacity.
The 8-inch extra-wide-capacity adjustable wrench was a logical addition to our already existing product portfolio of adjustable wrenches.
NED: How is this wrench different from similar tools?
GL: The Klein 8-inch extra-wide-capacity adjustable wrench has the same capacity as the 12-inch adjustable wrench. However, because the total length of the tool is 8 inches, it is more compact.
A wrench that is compact allows for the end user to use it in tight spaces, getting more work done, faster and easier.
NED: What problems did you encounter during the development process?
GL: Klein has been manufacturing quality products for over 155 years. We are equipped with sophisticated prototype modeling and have some of the best engineers. That ensures that the final design is foolproof and provides a solution to the end user.
NED: How long did it take from conception to final production?
GL: The total design time, including production, took about 10 months with a dedicated team of engineering, marketing, product development, manufacturing and operations.
NED: Did cost factors play a role in changing the final design of this product? And, if so, in what way?
GL: Cost targets are always an essential part of Klein's new-product development process. The team is very conscious of achieving the cost targets set forth in the project.
We ensure that we are developing a meaningful, quality product that is always competitive in the market. At the end of the day, our goal is to deliver to our customers value-added features and benefits at a competitive price.
NED: Who do you consider your target audience to be and what benefits will they realize from using this tool?
GL: Klein targets the electrical, HVAC, plumbing, construction and industrial users.
The biggest benefits that the end-users will realize from using the Klein 8-inch extra-wide-capacity adjustable wrench will be smoother operation because of the 4-threaded knurl worm gear, in addition to being more efficient since this tool has the same capacity as a standard 12-inch wrench.