I don't know if Gruber has ever used a wrench in any serious capacity, because he doesn't mention how the handle in the icons comes exactly at 0 degrees (instead of 15 degrees as in real life.)

As it stands, both the old and the new icons depict handles at 0 degrees, and the old ones depict octagonal open wrenches and not hexagonal ones.

I think it's a mistake to pick apart the wrench icon, but if you're going to make a major issue out of it, at least be exhaustive and consistent in your criticism.