I see many reviews indicating that these wrenches are "floppy" or loose. The key to using them properly is to unfold them, moving your hand up to the break point, make contact snugly with the coupling or butt of the hose and then slide your hand down onto the handle to break the connection. I have been using these wrenches since I joined back in the 80's. Excellent design that has stood the test of time.

works best with two to break the seal on the couplings.

These are great in a pinch. They fold up really small and I don't even feel them in my pocket. Definitely a must-have for the older lines with tough threads to deal with. The only thing is, they're very loose. When they fold, they'll just flop back open and they can pinch you if you're not careful. And when they're open they don't lock in place, so you have to hold them open. I haven't found a way to tighten them up. But other than that, great for the money, I've had lots of guys asking me where I got them.

I purchase these in batches every time we have new juniors or rookies join. I give each person one along with a talk about always carrying a spanner in their gear and the basic reason we use them, which is that every firefighter has to be able to handle hose. I want them to keep it, use it and remember who gave them their first personal tool to use at the station and that I expect them to excel in their training.

Small and handy tool

The spanner is great to keep in your pocket to avoid those annoying (or embarrassing) moments when you need to break apart a coupling and there are no spanner wrenches anywhere to be found. You'll amaze and impress your fellow vollys who are also empty handed. The product is pretty solid, but also pretty simple. It opens, closes and that's it. There's no spring or tension to keep it in the open position, so it can be floppy - but in a pinch it does exactly what you need. At a cheap price, it's a great deal. Others sell it for 2x-3x more, which makes no sense. Great deal at The Fire Store.

good solid wrench and feels like it will last a long time. good fit and doesn't slip. over all good sturdy wrench that I would buy again.