The wrench, also known as a spanner, is a basic hand tool typically used to grip and turn objects. It applies torque to turn objects by either loosening or fastening items, like nuts and bolts. They are most commonly used for plumbing jobs, automobile repairs, household repair and assembling furniture.
A wrench is typically made from chromium-vanadium alloy, which makes it resistant to any rust formation. Wrenches come in different sizes and styles to suit different applications. When working with nuts and bolts, having the right kind of wrench often determines the success of the job.
The most common type of wrenches used are the open-ended wrench and box-ended wrench. Both these tools have a fixed width of the jaw. This means it can be used only for a specific fastener size. The adjustable wrench is an open-end wrench with an adjustable jaw size which can be used with different sizes of fastener heads like nuts, bolts, etc. It is more flexible and versatile than a conventional wrench tool.
Adjustable wrenches can work with pipes of different sizes and thicknesses. As these tools come with adjustable jaws, they can be extended or reduced to fit pipes and faucets of varying sizes. In a car repair job, adjustable wrenches are best suited to work in smaller spaces. They offer a better grip and a little more torque to remove a difficult to reach nut or bolt head.
Based on distinctive characteristics and uses, there are four main types of adjustable wrenches available.
Adjustable Wrench
Also known as crescent wrenches, they are the most common variety. They are most typically used for fastening or unfastening plumbing accessories, such as pipes, elbows, and faucets. Their most distinguishable feature is the 15-degree angle between the movable jaw and the handle. When using this tool, users should make sure that the movable jaw is snugly clasped around the pipe, so as to avoid rounding. An easy hack is to place the jaw on the side towards which you will be rotating, which prevents any deformation of the tool.
Monkey Wrench
A monkey wrench comprises of a long handle and jagged jaw grips. The tool firmly attaches itself to pipes, boxes, and other objects. This variant of adjustable wrench is usually made from steel or steel alloys through heat-forging, which is responsible for its remarkable strength. It is so strong that it can bear the whole weight of the human body pushing against it. A monkey wrench is typically used in large-scale projects.
Pipe Wrench
The pipe wrench looks very similar to the monkey wrench. This type of adjustable wrench has a sleeker body and is much easier to use in locations that are hard to reach, such as nooks and corners. The tool is made of aluminum or steel and can be purchased in different handle sizes. This kind of tool is most suitable for working with soft iron pipes and round-surface fittings. Avoid using hex nuts with this tool as the teeth of its jaws could damage the hex head.
Plumber Wrench
The distinguishing feature of a plumber wrench is the presence of a key ring attached to one of its handles, which is used to close the movable jaws around the pipe or fitting. This type of wrench is heavy, thus, it is only used when other types of wrenches cannot be used.