Different Types of Wrenches
Wrenches are very commonly used tools that are great for gripping, fastening, turning, and tightening things such as pipes, pipe fittings, nuts, and bolts. There are many types and sizes to choose from. We will be covering some of the most common wrenches available and their key features to help you select which style is right for your next job.
Types of Wrenches
Wrenches, also known as spanners are available to suit the many different purposes they can be used for. They are commonly manufactured to be utilized with standard SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) fasteners or metric fasteners.
When it comes to wrenches, the options are vast. They are excellent to add to your toolbox for automotive, construction, and engineering applications.
#1. Combination Wrench
Combination wrenches are a tool you may already be familiar with. This style features both an open-end and a box-end. The box end is ideal for hexagonal or square nuts.
Combination wrenches are often utilized on fasteners that are difficult to loosen. The box end does a great job of loosening the fastener. The open end can then be used to fully unscrew it.
#2. Open-End Wrench
A very common style of wrench is the open-end wrench. This option can be easily found in most mechanic or automobile shops you visit. This wrench has a u-shaped opening that varies in size. This opening fits the different SAE and metric nuts and bolts available.
The open ends are often oriented at an angle of around 15 degrees to the handle. This greatly improves the range of motion for tighter spaces.
#3. Box End Wrench
Box-end Wrenches, also referred to as ring spanners feature openings on each end that grip nuts and bolts. They have enclosed six, eight, or twelve-point openings.
This wrench provides a tighter fit and allows for more torque to be applied without damaging the fastener. Since the entire open end is secured around the fastener, there is limited slipping.
#4. Adjustable Wrench
The adjustable wrench is able to precisely grip many fasteners due to its adjustable broadhead jaw design. It features a knurled mechanism that makes it quick and simple to find the exact adjustment. This option is ideal for plumbing fixes and auto repairs. The most common adjustable wrenches have jaws displaced to a 15-degree angle relative to the handle.
#5. Pipe Wrench
Pipe Wrenches, often called monkey wrenches are a style of wrench that are excellent for plumbers. They have serrated adjustable jaws that self-tighten for a secure grip to hold, tighten, or loosen threaded pipes and pipe fittings. Their long, sturdy handles allow for more leverage.
The teeth on the pipe wrench will only grip when turning the wrench in one direction. This option is available in a large variety of sizes. They can be manufactured from six inches in length to over four feet.
#6. Ratcheting Wrench
A ratchet wrench, also known as a socket wrench is perfect for turning nuts and bolts without lifting the wrench to reposition it. This tool is designed with a ratcheting function that allows them to engage and apply force in one direction, then disengage and turn freely in the opposite direction.
A compatible socket locks into the ratchet. Using the appropriate sized socket will allow you to get the job done with ease. Extensions can be used with a ratchet wrench to reach even further into hard-to-reach spaces.
#7. Crowfoot Wrench
Additionally, Crowfoot wrenches are excellent when the torque needed to tighten or loosen a fastener needs to be measured. They are also ideal when a regular socket wrench can't fit in the space.
Crowfoot wrenches are a bit unique since they have no handle. They fit with a ratchet to extend their reach in difficult-to-reach areas. There are several types of crowfoot wrenches available including crowfoot flare nut wrenches, open-end crowfoots, adjustable crowfoots, and ratcheting crowfoots.
#8. Striking Wrench
A striking wrench is also known as a hammer wrench or a slugging wrench. This tool loosens stubborn fasteners or sets/tightens nuts and bolts. It features a box end that is skillfully designed to stay on fasteners while being struck with a hammer.
#9. Torque Wrench
Torque wrenches are rugged, durable, and easy-to-use tools that have excellent performance and longevity. They are used to apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a nut, bolt, or lag screw.
The operator sets the desired torque that matches the specification for the application. This allows for the correct tension and loading of all parts. Common torque wrenches include dial, click, beam, and digital torque wrenches.
#10. Pedal Wrench
If you need to repair or maintain a bike, pedal cart, or pedal boat, a pedal wrench is the perfect fit. It is specifically designed for working on pedals. This wrench makes adjusting the connection of pedals to cranks a much easier process.
