Wrench Buying Guide

Wrenches are one of the most commonly used tools. We come across many different types of wrenches, and their uses can be confusing. There are various types of wrenches to perform different tasks. This way you can find the right wrench for your next project. The right wrench makes the job easier. Learn what to look for and how to choose the best wrench for your needs.

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Activity wrenches

Also known as crescent wrenches, adjustable wrenches are one of the most commonly used wrenches. They are popular because they are easier to use and you don't need a separate one for each size of bolt. They have a removable jaw, operated by a screw, and are used to tighten and start loosening nuts and bolts of different sizes. The open end with the screw can be turned to open and close the crescent, which allows them to be used for different sizes of fasteners. 

&#; Tightening/loosening nuts and bolts

&#; Removable jaws allow for wrench size adjustment

&#; Suitable for standard and metric fasteners

Combination wrenches

Combination wrenches have a closing ring for hex or square nuts on one side (box end) and an open U-shaped on the other end (open end) Combination wrenches are a combination of an open-end wrench and a socket wrench. They eliminate most of the hassle of wrenches slipping off the bolt head and allow a firmer grip on a wider range of bolt head designs. These wrenches are typically used on nuts that are difficult to loosen. The closed end is used to loosen the nut, while the open end is used to completely unscrew it.

&#;Tightening/loosening nuts and bolts

&#;Metric and standard sizes

&#;Open end and box end (usually same size)

Socket wrenches

A socket wrench has a hollow cylinder on one end called a sleeve. The sleeve is placed over the nut used to tighten or loosen the bolt or nut. Each end of the socket wrench has a closed ring, sometimes slightly above or below the handle, to hold the concave nut without rounding the tip. The closed ends are suitable for hexagonal or square bolts and are available in different diameters. Socket wrenches are mainly sold in sets, but replacement sockets can be purchased separately if they are lost. Depending on the brand, your set may also come with one or more extensions - for easy access to nuts and bolts in tight places.

&#; Tightening/loosening nuts and bolts in tight spaces

&#;Metric and standard sizes

&#; Allows for greater torque control and less accidental fastener slippage

Ratchet Wrenches

You may find a ratchet wrench similar to a socket wrench or an enclosed wrench. But it is different. That's because once you slide it over the bolt, the gripping slip mechanism tightens around the nut. This happens when you pull the wrench handle in a specific direction. It helps tighten the grip by turning it to one side and losing the grip by turning it to the other side. So you can turn the nut ratchet handle back and forth by simply moving the nut to loosen or tighten it - no need to reposition it after each turn. Use the ratchet mechanism to quickly and easily tighten or loosen nuts and bolts without having to pick up or lift the wrench from the fastener. This allows tightening/loosening in tight confined spaces. Socket wrenches usually have a square drive that can be attached to different sized sockets. The socket is then resized according to the fastener you are using. Ratchet wrenches are great for getting the job done fast! Ratchet wrenches can be used in any situation where a socket wrench might be used. If you have a lot of nuts or bolts to tighten, a ratchet wrench will greatly reduce tightening time.

&#; Tightening/loosening nuts and bolts

&#;Metric and standard sizes

&#; Ratcheting action at one end moves freely in one direction and engages the fastener at the other end, tightening or loosening nuts and bolts without the need for a removal tool

&#;Some are rotatable ratchet ends for tight spaces

0 comments / Posted on Dec 27, by Gray Tools

In the vast world of hand tools, wrenches are some of the most indispensable items in the toolbox. Whether you&#;re a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the various types of wrenches is essential for selecting the right tool for the job.

From adjustable wrenches to socket wrenches, each type has its unique features and applications. Let's explore the key differences to help you pick the perfect tool for the job.

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Socket Wrenches: Power and Precision in Your Hands

Design Characteristics: Socket wrenches employ interchangeable sockets on a ratcheting mechanism. With various sizes available, they offer a secure grip and flexibility to match different bolt heads. Multiple styles of sockets are available for these wrenches to accommodate the job at hand.

Uses: Socket wrenches shine in applications requiring high torque, such as automotive repairs. The ratcheting mechanism allows for efficient use in confined spaces, and the availability of different socket sizes makes them a versatile choice for a wide range of tasks.

Combination Wrenches: A Dual-Purpose Option

Design Characteristics: Combination wrenches have both an open end and a closed end (ring) on the same tool, providing versatility for general-purpose tasks. The open end is typically set at a different angle than the closed end, allowing for flexibility in various applications. Multiple sizes and lengths are available to meet different needs.

Uses: Combination wrenches are ideal for various tasks, as the closed end provides a secure grip for applying greater force, while the open end allows for quick application and removal. While versatile, they might not be as efficient as specialized wrenches.

Box-End Wrenches: Strength and Stability

Design Characteristics: Box-end wrenches have a closed-end design for a strong grip on fasteners, offering stability in demanding applications. The closed-box design provides more contact points with the fastener, reducing the risk of rounding off edges.

Uses: Well-suited for higher torque applications, box-end wrenches are less likely to slip compared to their open-end counterparts. However, their use may be limited in tight spaces due to the enclosed design.

Open-End Wrenches: Made for Tight Spaces

Design Characteristics: Featuring U-shaped ends for quick application and removal, open-end wrenches are great for tight spaces where a full rotation is challenging.

Uses: Open-end wrenches are efficient in situations where a full circular motion is not possible. While ideal for confined spaces, caution is necessary to prevent rounding off bolt edges during use.

Ratcheting Wrenches: Speed and Efficiency

Design Characteristics: Ratcheting wrenches feature a ratcheting mechanism, located at the boxed end, which enables the user to apply continuous force in one direction without having to remove and reposition the wrench. These wrenches come in a variety of styles such as double-boxed end, combination and flex head. Most designs mirror the functionality of traditional wrenches, with the added convenience of the ratcheting mechanism.

Uses: Ratcheting wrenches are ideal for work in tight spaces where a traditional wrench might not have enough room to maneuver. The ratcheting mechanism allows you to keep the wrench in place while fastening, while the optional switch allows for change in ratcheting direction without having to flip the wrench. While these wrenches are great for loosing and tighting fasters, they should not be used to break fasteners loose, as the force required will damage the ratcheting mechanism.

Torque Wrenches: Precision at its Peak

Design Characteristics: Torque wrenches are specifically designed to apply a predetermined amount of torque to a fastener, ensuring precision in critical tasks. They come in various types, including dial-type, click-type and electronic torque wrenches.

Uses: Essential for projects where precise torque is crucial, such as automotive work, torque wrenches are a must-have for those who demand accuracy in their work. Click-type torque wrenches emit an audible click when the desired torque is reached, while dial-type wrenches rely on a visual scale for indication. Electronic torque wrenches offer digital precision and may have additional features, such as memory storage.

Crowfoot Wrenches: Finesse for Hard-to-Reach Fasteners

 

Design Characteristics: Crowfoot wrenches are open-ended with a shaped head resembling a crow&#;s foot. This unique design is intended for reaching some of the most difficult-to-access fasteners.

Uses: Perfect for some of the tightest areas, crowfoot wrenches are typically used in combination with a torque wrench. They can often reach fasteners in spaces where traditional wrenches may struggle.

Pipe Wrenches: Great for Plumbing Challenges

Design Characteristics: Pipe wrenches feature serrated jaws to provide a firm grip on pipes and rounded objects.

Uses: Although they&#;re primarily used in plumbing, these wrenches also prove handy in various applications where a secure grip on cylindrical objects is necessary. The adjustable jaw size accommodates different pipe diameters.

Adjustable Wrenches: One Wrench with Many Possibilities

Design Characteristics: Adjustable wrenches feature a movable jaw, allowing them to adapt to different nut and bolt sizes. They typically come in various sizes, and some models feature a built-in scale to help gauge the jaw width.

Uses: Versatility is the hallmark of adjustable wrenches, making them perfect for tasks where multiple fastener sizes are encountered. However, they may not provide the precise fit of a fixed-size wrench and are not recommended for high-torque applications.

The following table gives a summary of the most suitable wrench to choose based on your specific requirements:

Selecting the appropriate style of wrench for the task requires considering the size of fasteners, space constraints and the level of torque needed. After narrowing down the list of compatible wrenches, you can then decide which option will help complete the job most efficiently. Of course, it will help to invest in a diverse set of high-quality wrenches to ensure you're well-equipped for any challenge that comes your way.

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