698w Pipe Wrench 12.in, Steel

I used this to help me replace 9 radiators in my house. It was suggested as indispensable by a plumber on YouTube. Well, don't be fooled by its antiquated look, it is a tremendous tool. Gripped valves so I could tighten/undo the nuts on them with a spanner without stressing the pipework, and it was the only thing I had that could actually fit into a tight space to tighten some nuts up, which it did without slipping. Grips very hard indeed, and the wedge shaped "tool" at the bottom of the handle was surprisingly useful - used as a wedge to keep old pipes away from walls when soldering, levering things, unscrewing big radiator plugs etc. etc. I'm pleased I bought this one with the screw in nut - on a few occasions I slid out the head part to use it as a wedge by itself. And it is made in England! My friend who helped me was so impressed that he's bought one for himself - the "omni-tool" as he called it.

This is a replacement for a trusty original which was "liberated" by the son-in-law! In principle the footprint wrench is one of the best systems around. I'm a bit concerned that according to one reviewer the thumb-screw version isn't so robust but I've not been able to test this one to its maximum. Mine says "Made in England" though, which at least used to be some guarantee of quality.

Needed this initially to loosen boiler pump fittings that were corroded as I couldn’t get a reasonably priced adjustable spanner with sufficient jaw opening. Turns out this is a great tool with loads of grip. The teeth are rough so will damage a more delicate item. For example it tore up a Maglite cap where the threads had been corroded by leaking batteries. But it got it off and I could grind off the burrs it left. Really like this tool and now I’d like the larger one!

I know I have two of these, one of which belonged to my Grandfather (dead at the age of 93 these sixty years !), but I can find neither. They are so convenient and useful in so many situatiuons that I have had no choice but to buy another. Thank goodness they are still being made, this being a fine example.

Had one of these many years ago. Binned it on a house move thinking i’d never need it again. However found that i need it to hold pipes when soldering or fitting. This is a must have if you like plumbing, saves a lot of hassle.

It's not pretty but it's old school bomb proof quality and if I don't lose it, I don't expect I will ever need to replace it. Great grip and custom adjustment. Iconic and brilliant with long trusted design history.

Had a radiator to remove and needed foot prints to hold valve in place whilst undoing nut.Great piece of kit that I’m sure will see me out. Sturdy no nonsense tool.

Have used a pair of the 7” type of Footprints, for the last 40 yrs, and decided to upgrade—it’s a great British made tool, simplicity in design, and will last a life time—