tore my Kobalt 1" strap wrench

[Robb]

Tried to remove a Bushmaster free float tube from a Bushy upper. Used a Kobalt strap wrench with a rubber strap and tore the strap in two. Happened awfully easy. Sooooooooo I guess I should have heated the tube up before trying to remove it? Obviously it's on tight. I thought about it but wanted to give it a try without heating it up first.
On a side note we'll see if Kobalt's "Lifetime Hassle Free Guarantee" is worth anything.

[ray1970]

I usually wrap a piece of leather around the tube and use a large pair of channel locks.

[BPTactical]

Buy a good strap wrench and one doesn't have to worry about such. I picked up a Rigid brand at Tool King a couple of years ago and it has held up well.

[BuffCyclist]

On a side note we'll see if Kobalt's "Lifetime Hassle Free Guarantee" is worth anything.

For what it's worth, I had a kobalt tool that broke within the first several weeks. I took it back asking for a replacement and they said I had to have my receipt and then it was just a return and I'd have to buy a new one. I showed them on the back of the packaging that it says Lifetime Hassle Free Guarantee". They didn't agree and said in order to get it replaced that way, you have to mail it in to get replaced and it takes weeks. That was the last tool of theirs I bought. And no, I honestly don't remember what it was.

[baglock1]

The best strap wrench I ever owned was a simple piece of square tube that was sized such that a 1/2" socket could slide in it. Attached to the tube was a roughly 6" diameter loop of 2" strap that was the same material used in heavy duty tow ropes (the 1/4" thick green stuff from the 60's and 70's - probably mil surplus). Anyways, it had it's limitations since it was a fixed loop of fabric and couldn't be threaded around something, but it worked amazingly well.

Sadly, it was stolen (along with about $4000 of other tools) about 15 years ago.

BP - Are you using one of their chain wrenches or some other one? If other, what material is the strap made from?

[BPTactical]

The strap appears to be heavy nylon webbing that is polyurethane coated. I was leery at first but it has withstood some serious leverage and done well.
I have only run into one forearm I couldn't get loose with it and that was because whoever installed it must have used an entire bottle of red Loctite on it. That one needed the blue wrench and I didn't want to melt my strap. Vise grip chain wrench handled that.

[Robb]

If memory serves I think I paid in the neighborhood of $18.00 for two wrenches, one larger, and one small one. Took it back to Lowes with no receipt and they no longer carry them allegidely. They only gave me $10.00 back, no exchange. I took the money and left.

[00tec]

For what it's worth, I had a kobalt tool that broke within the first several weeks. I took it back asking for a replacement and they said I had to have my receipt and then it was just a return and I'd have to buy a new one. I showed them on the back of the packaging that it says Lifetime Hassle Free Guarantee". They didn't agree and said in order to get it replaced that way, you have to mail it in to get replaced and it takes weeks. That was the last tool of theirs I bought. And no, I honestly don't remember what it was.
Stand at the counter and call corporate. I had to do that once. Underinformed counter jockey told me to mail it in. Called while I was walking around, the nice lady on the phone put me on hold and, next thing I know, the manager was being paged over the PA. Squashed that shit quick.

[Daniel_187]

This is funny because I broke my Kobalt strap wrench replacing my mag tube on my Mossberg. Went to lowes and grabbed the 2 pack and they let me cut out the one i needed to replace it and went on my way.

[Alpha2]

My only experience with Kobalt Krap was a 5/8" open end wrench that wouldn't fit over a 5/8" nut. They're dead to me.

[vectorsc]

the finest strap wrench I have encountered is available at NAPA auto parts. It is made out of an automotive serpentine belt and has an enormous amount of turning power and durability.

It's also made in the USA and $20-30.

[Irving]

Does it have a brand name? Is it just a NAPA brand tool?