Nut-wrenching experience

Here's a handy new tool--and stocking stuffer--from Black & Decker. The ReadyWrench is a single tool that's equipped to handle 16 different sizes of hex-nuts and hex-headed screws.

So, instead of carrying around a fistful of sockets or box-end wrenches, you can just slip the ReadyWrench into your pocket and you're ready for nearly any hex-shaped encounter.

At each end of the 10-inch-long tool is a rotating head of four sockets. That's eight sockets total, and each one can be used on both standard (SAE) and metric fasteners.

For example, the 3/8-inch socket fits onto 3/8-inch and 10-mm fasteners; the 19-mm socket fits 19-mm and 3/4-inch hex nuts.

Other sizes include: 5/16 inch and 8 mm, 7/16 inch and 11 mm, 1/2 inch and 13 mm, 9/16 inch and 14 mm, 5/8 inch and 16 mm, and 11/16 inch and 17 mm.

Now the ReadyWrench isn't meant to replace entire socket sets, especially for high-performance machine work. But for DIY projects, it's hard to beat the versatility and compactness of this unique tool.

The ReadyWrench (Model MSW100) lists for about $30, but is available on-line for less than $20.