If you’ve ever tried to find the correct wrench, you already know how frustrating it can be. There are numerous design sizes, and they are all similar. However, not all wrenches are created equal. Wrenches are versatile tools that you can use in various ways. They’re not some tool that should be limited to just one task.
Different types of wrenches come in handy when you need to tighten or loosen something. Picking a tool with the right handle or grip can make life much easier and is essential if you want to finish the job quickly.
Why It’s Important To Get The Right Wrench
The right tool for the job is a mantra repeated by every tradesman and DIYer since they were old enough to know what “tool” meant. But how many times have you used a wrench that was just a bit too small or too big? Maybe it was for a small bolt, or maybe it was for something much larger than it should be used on.
If you’re using the wrong size wrench, you risk damaging your tools, stripping out your bolts, and even hurting yourself. And when you’re working with your car engine or other large mechanical components, the consequences of an ill-fitting tool can be worse than just having to buy another one — they could cost you time and money in repairs down the road.
All of these mishappening can happen if you does not aware with your tool. Today we are going to discuss about different types of wrenches so you can avoid these mishappening.
Types of Wrenches:
You’re not alone if you’re confused about the various wrenches and how to use them. There are many wrench types, and each has a specific purpose. Here are the different wrench types, so you can start making more informed decisions when shopping for tools:
Pipe Wrench:
Pipe wrenches grip and turn pipes. It is a long-handled tool with parallel jaws adjustable by a screw or bolt turn. The handle is often made of wood, but the head can be made from other materials such as steel or plastic.
The jaws can be adjusted by turning an adjusting bolt on one side of the wrench. This allows you to change the jaw opening size to fit your needs. If you want to tighten something, you can turn the handle clockwise (tightening it), while if you want to loosen something, you can turn it counterclockwise (loosening it).
Ratchet Wrench:
A ratchet wrench uses a mechanism that allows it to be rotated in both directions. This makes it much easier to use and can speed up your work significantly.
Many different ratchets are available, including single-sided, double-sided, and reversible ones. The most common ratchet type is the double-sided one, allowing you to move forward or backward as needed. You can also find wrenches with telescoping handles that enable you to get into tight spaces more efficiently.
Impact Wrench:
An impact wrench uses a mechanism to provide torque quickly and powerfully. This wrench is used for loosening or tightening nuts or bolts under extreme conditions. Impact wrenches are often used in the automotive industry specially to tighten the wheel parts but have many other applications.
Impact wrenches are ideal for situations with little room to use a manual wrench. Since they’re powered by electricity, they don’t require any physical effort on the user’s part, thus ideal for tight spaces where less force can be applied manually.
The major disadvantage of an impact wrench is that it can cause damage if not used correctly. For example, if you continue using an impact wrench after it overheats, it could burn out its motor or cause other problems with the tool itself.
Box Wrench:
A Box Wrench is a type of wrench that has a box head and a straight shank. The box head is like a large square with a hole in the middle. It’s used for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts with hexagonal sockets. Box wrenches are usually made from forged steel and come with an ergonomic handle that allows you to apply more pressure to the wrench while you work on your project.
There are two main types of box wrenches: open-ended and closed-ended. Open-ended wrenches come with half of the head cut off, while closed-ended wrenches have both sides fully intact. These are one of the most popular types because they are easy to use, versatile, and durable enough for any job site or home improvement project.
Crescent Wrench:
This relatively old tool has been around for quite a few years. The crescent wrench has been used for many different purposes, but it was mainly designed for plumbing applications. It is also commonly used in automotive repair shops and industrial settings.
The crescent wrench is made up of two parts that fit together to form the shape of a “C.” A pin connects the two parts, allowing them to slide along each other.
When you need to use the tool, you open up the “C” shape, place it around the object or bolt that you want to tighten or loosen, and then close the “C” shape around it again. This will allow you to apply pressure onto whatever item you try to tighten or loosen without holding onto it.
This makes working with a crescent wrench much easier than working with other types of wrenches because it puts less strain on your hands and arms.
Socket Wrench:
Socket wrenches are a type of wrench that has a hexagonal head. This allows it to fit onto nuts and bolts with hexagonal slots. Socket wrenches come in various sizes, from small to very large, depending on the size of the nut or bolt being worked on. They are used for all jobs, from auto repair to home improvement.
Socket wrenches are usually adjustable, so you can rotate them to a different angle if needed. They are also very useful when you need to tighten or loosen a nut or bolt that is hard to reach because they don’t have enough room for a regular wrench.
Allen Wrench:
Allen wrench is a type of wrench that has different sizes and shapes. The best thing about this tool is that it can be used for bolts and screws. You can use it for a wide range of applications. It is one of the most popular wrenches in the market.
The Allen wrench has been around for many years and remains one of the best tools to use when working on different objects.
Several variations are available for this type of wrench, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs. For example, if you want something that will last longer than usual, you can go for a hardened steel version.
This wrench will be more expensive than other types of Allen wrenches, but it will last longer than them.
Strap Wrench:
A strap wrench can be used to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts. It is made up of a metal strap with holes, with the strap attached to a handle. When compared to a standard ratchet or spanner, this allows you to apply more force when using the wrench.
The strap wrench is most useful when working on motorcycles or bikes. With it, you’ll be able to take off some of the most stubborn nuts and bolts without much trouble since it fits over the nut perfectly for a tight grip that won’t slip. It’s also convenient for changing your oil or spark plugs.
The strap wrench has been around for a long time, but it hasn’t always been used in the same way. It was invented in 1878, but it didn’t become widely used until the 1930s and 1940s, when they were incorporated into tool kits that could be shipped to mechanics all over the world. The first strap wrench only had one handle and could be tightened with a bolt on top, but modern models have two handles, which makes them easier to hold and turn.
Strap wrenches are mainly used to remove nuts and bolts that are difficult to reach or damaged. They are also used when you need more force than a standard ratchet can offer, such as when trying to remove a stubborn nut or bolt over-torqued by another mechanic.
The main benefit of using a strap wrench is that it allows you to apply more pressure than other types of a wrench, making it easier for you to remove stubborn fasteners or get them tight enough so they will not loosen again.
Strap wrenches come in different sizes, so make sure you purchase one suitable for your needs before using it on your vehicle or other equipment.
Deep Socket Wrench:
The deep socket wrench is a particular type with a deep socket and a universal joint at its end. This type of wrench is used in cases where there is no room to use a standard wrench. The deep socket wrench can be used when a regular socket wrench cannot be used.
The deep socket wrench is useful for turning nuts and bolts in tight spaces. This enables you to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts without fear of damaging anything in the vicinity.
You can also use the deep socket wrench when working on automobiles because it allows you to reach inside an engine compartment without having to remove any parts from the car itself. The deep socket wrenches are also used by mechanics when they need to repair specific engines or vehicles damaged over time due to wear and tear on various parts.
Combination Wrench:
A combination wrench has two ends, one square and the other hexagonal. The square end can be used for turning round nuts and bolts that have an internal threading system. The hexagonal end can be used on external threads for turning fasteners such as nuts or screws.
The combination wrench has many uses in the automotive industry because it can be used on almost any nut or bolt head size. For example, it can easily adjust the tightness of lug nuts on your tires without damaging them during installation or removal.
This tool may come in handy if you need to replace parts on your vehicle yourself rather than taking it to a mechanic shop, where they may charge you more than if you bought tools like these online or at your local hardware store.
Torque Wrench:
Torque wrenches are used to tighten bolts and nuts to a specific value, which is usually measured in inch-pounds or Newton-metres. The word torque is the basic unit for measuring rotational force, and it is often used interchangeably with the term pound-feet. The unit is derived from Newton meters (Nm), which measure the force required to move an object by one meter under standard conditions.
Torque wrenches vary in size and features. You can use these tools in numerous situations and can be used on small or large objects.
There are two types of torque wrenches: click-type and beam-type. Click-type wrenches have a mechanism that clicks when you reach your desired setting, while beam types display an accurate reading on their dials, so you know exactly how much torque has been applied.
Beam types are more expensive than click types because more parts must be calibrated before use, but they are also more accurate because there are no moving parts that can fail over time.
Lug Nut Wrench:
A lug nut wrench removes and tightens the lug nuts on a vehicle. It has an “L” shaped end or “X” shaped end that fits into the recesses in a wheel’s hub, allowing you to turn the nuts without using a hammer.
Lug wrenches are available in different sizes and lengths depending on how many lugs you need to loosen or tighten at one time. They also come in different styles, such as those with a ratcheting handle or an adjustable head that allows you to reach those hard-to-reach nuts.
The main advantage of using a lug nut wrench is that it makes it easier for anyone to remove and tighten tires when changing them out on their vehicle.
CrowFoot Wrench:
Crowfoot wrenches (also known as hex keys) are one of the most types of wrenches and commonly used tools in the world. They come in various sizes; many have a 6-, 8-, or 10-sided opening at the end.
The Crowfoot wrench is known as a common tool that is used to apply torque. It has a unique design and is available in different sizes. The crowfoot wrench is also known as a spanner, which is a type of wrench used to turn bolts or screws that have an outward-facing, hexagonal socket. They come in handy when you need to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts, especially those that are in hard-to-reach places or with limited space around them.
Many types of crowfoot wrenches are available on the market today, but one of the most common types is the crowfoot spanner set. This type comes with more than just one wrench; there are usually four different sizes included in each set. Other sets contain only one size crowfoot spanner only. If you want something more comprehensive, it’s best to go for these sets instead of just getting one size only because they can be used for various applications.
The advantage of the crowfoot wrench over other types is that it uses the same size head for different-sized fasteners. This makes it easier to use on an assembly line or when working with large numbers of fasteners with tight tolerances.
Crowfoot wrenches are made from high-quality steel and heat-treated to ensure maximum strength and durability. They are also precision machined for accuracy and ease of use.
Dog Bone Wrench:
The dog bone wrench is also called an alligator wrench, a monkey wrench, and many other names. One thing is for sure; it is one of the most popular wrenches today. This wrench is a powerful tool that can loosen or tighten nuts and bolts. It consists of two jaws that open and close around the nut or bolt head and then slip into place when you need to turn it. You can find this tool at any hardware store or home improvement center.
The dog bone wrench comes in various sizes to fit different sizes of nuts and bolts. If you want to use this wrench for auto maintenance, you should get one that fits your car’s nuts and bolts so you don’t strip them out when trying to remove them from their positions.
Flare Nut Wrench:
Flare nut wrenches are used in the automotive industry to remove and install rusted or damaged nuts on car parts. The wrench’s additional features, such as the handle’s length and the grips’ width, make the tool easier to use than a traditional open-end wrench. Most flare nut wrenches are made from drop-forged steel, which is durable and long-lasting. Most also come with a lifetime guarantee.
Flare nut wrenches are available in sizes 6, 10-inch, and 12-inch. The most common size is the six-inch size. The other two sizes are rare and, therefore, more expensive. Even so, any mechanic would recommend using a six-inch flare nut wrench because this size allows you to reach tight areas more easily than the other sizes.
Wrenches Types for Special Function:
Garbage Disposal Wrench:
Garbage disposal wrenches can be used to tighten or loosen garbage disposal. They come in different sizes and shapes, so you should ensure that the wrench will fit your disposal before buying them. A good quality wrench will last for many years, but as with any tool, you must take care of it properly. This means storing it safely when not in use, cleaning it after use, and oiling it regularly. Proper maintenance of your garbage disposal wrench can last a lifetime!
The best way to avoid clogs is by throwing out food waste instead of putting them down the sink drain. If this is impossible, you should take time out of your busy schedule to learn how to unclog your drain effectively.
Oil Filter Wrench:
An oil filter wrench is a tool to remove your car’s oil filter. Oil filters in your car’s engine are usually made from metal or plastic. The filter aims to catch any dirt particles or other contaminants that may get into your engine.
If you need to replace your old filter, you must ensure you have a new one. However, if you don’t have one on hand, you can use an oil filter wrench to loosen it so you can take it off easily. These wrenches come in different sizes and shapes depending on what type of vehicle they’re designed for.
Fan Clutch Wrench:
A fan clutch wrench loosens and tightens the fan clutch on an engine. The fan clutch is connected to the fan, which cools the engine by drawing air through it.
The heat generated by the engine causes the air inside to expand, so without some cooling device, it would become too hot to run efficiently. A fan clutch uses centrifugal force to circulate air through the system, thus cooling down the engine.
This tool’s primary function is to turn the nut or bolt that secures the fan clutch to its shaft. It can also be used to tighten hexagonal-headed nuts and bolts and to adjust valves in internal combustion engines.
Fire Hydrant Wrench:
The Fire Hydrant Wrench is a special types of compact, easy-to-use wrenches that can be used to turn off and on the fire hydrant. Although this tool was originally designed for firemen, it is also commonly used by plumbers and other tradespeople who need to make repairs or adjustments to the fire hydrant. The Fire Hydrant Wrench generally comes with a built-in compensator that reduces torque applied to the wrench when used in confined spaces, so there is less risk of damage to the wrench or injury to the user.
Conclusion:
Wrenches come in various styles and types, but they all have one thing in common: they’re used to grip objects so they can be turned. Some wrenches are used to loosen nuts and bolts from their holders, while others are used to tighten them back up. And though not all wrenches are adjustable, there’s a wrench for every job you might face.
