Open-ended wrench comes in new sizes

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 20, 2007

Because of its size and functionality, the Bionic Grip is an ideal general-purpose tool to keep around for maintenance chores.

LoggerHead Tools has introduced 6 and 10in sizes of the Bionic Grip, an open-ended version of its patented, award-winning Bionic Wrench.

The 8in Bionic Grip was introduced in June 2006 as the first open-ended wrench to distribute forces 240 degrees over a work surface.

It automatically fits multiple sizes of fasteners, pipes and tubes with the squeeze of a hand.

Like all LoggerHead Tools products, the Bionic Grip is made in the United States and guaranteed for life.

With four serrated jaw surfaces and an Interlock mechanism that stays locked while under torque load, the Bionic Grip is well-suited to a wide range of applications that require turning nuts and bolts or pipes and tubes - such as renovations, repairs, machinery and vehicle maintenance, equipment assembly and plumbing.

Because of its size and functionality, the Bionic Grip is an ideal general-purpose tool to keep around for maintenance chores.

"The Bionic Grip features an ergonomic design and simple adjustability without locks, knobs or adjustments", said LoggerHead Tools President Dan Brown.

"Plus, its symmetrical grip is less likely to distort softer materials, such as copper, plastic and brass pipes", he added.

When the Bionic Grip's handles are squeezed, four gripping jaws converge and grab the curved surface of a pipe or the flats of a fastener - distributing force over 240 degrees.

The Bionic Grip features LoggerHead Tools' new Interlock mechanism, which engauges onto the work, stays locked while under torque load and simply disengauges when the force is removed.

The Bionic Grip reduces the need to have the exact size wrench for a job.

A set of three covers 35 metric and standard fastener sizes, as well as pipes and tubes from 0.3125 to 1.25in (outer diameter).

The 6in Bionic Grip fits pipes and tubes from 0.3125 to 0.5625in (outer diameter) and 12 sizes of fasteners, from 0.3125 to 0.5625in and from 8 to 14mm.

The 8in Bionic Grip fits pipes and tubes from 0.5 to 0.75in (outer diameter) and 13 sizes of fasteners from 0.5 to 0.75in and from 13 to 20mm.

The 10in Bionic Grip fits pipes and tubes from 0.875 to 1.25in (outer diameter) and 14 sizes of fasteners from 0.875 to 1.25in and 21 to 30mm.

The Bionic Grip has a universal design that is easy to use for almost anyone, regardless of ability and experience with tools.

It can be gripped in either hand and in almost any orientation.

Users can tighten or loosen their work with ratchet-like speed because there is no need to remove the wrench between turns.

In 2006, the Bionic Grip won a Chicago Innovation Award for its ability to uniquely fill unmet needs, generate a competitive response in the marketplace, exceed market expectations and achieve financial success.

LoggerHead Tools' Bionic Gripping technology also has won numerous international design awards, including the 2006 Red Dot: Best of the Best distinction for pioneering design in its category and the 2005 iF Gold award from the International Design Forum.

The Bionic Wrench also was nominated by the German government for the prestigious German Design award and received the 2005 Popular Mechanics Editor's Choice award.

The Bionic Grip family is available direct from LoggerHead Tools; at retail stores such as Orchard Supply, ACE Hardware, Lowe's, TruServe, HWI, Blaine's Farm and Fleet, BJ's Wholesale Club; and through leading catalogues such as Herrington's, Garrett-Wade and Hammacher Schlemmer.

Following are the suggested retail prices for the Bionic Grip series: 6in Bionic Grip, US $24.95; 8in Bionic Grip, $28.95; 10in Bionic Grip, $32.95.

Bionic Grip combination packs will also be available at selected retailers.