Wrenches Buying Guide: Key Features and Uses

Whether you are repairing a conveyor belt in an industrial facility or installing a new faucet in your house, throwing a wrench into work comes in handy. Indeed, no toolbox can be complete without a set of wrenches, but knowing the kind that you require can get pretty confusing. So, how do you go about it? 

Think about the different types of works that you can put a wrench to, whether at work or away, and learn about the different sets of wrenches that would actually work. Keep reading as we explore more info about wrenches to help you pick the right match for your works. 

Comparing Wrenches to Sockets and Ratchets

Wrenches perform the same task as sockets and ratchets – tightening and loosening fasteners. However, there are some situations that make one a better option than the other. Take the example of a box-end wrench. It is considered a better option when loosening stuck fasteners because it is pretty easy to apply more force without damaging the ratchet system.

Another example is a wrench designed with an open end that fits comfortably around a fastener as opposed to going over it. This means that you can comfortably slip it into a section where no room is left for a socket. Therefore, you need to ensure that the tool you select is perfectly suited for the job at hand. 

Types of Wrenches

Wrenches are designed in different styles to suit varying applications. For example, some are made to work with the standard Society of Automotive Engineers, while others are for metric applications. So, you might want to check for the color-coded wrenches to help you pick the metric or standard type. Check out the common wrench type below: 

Adjustable Wrenches 

As the name suggests, these hand tools come with an adjustable lower jaw that you can adjust to fit different nuts, bolts, and fasteners for conveyor systems, or pumps, among other equipment you are working on. It works well with both metric and standard fasteners. 

Combination Wrenches 

A combination wrench is a set of two tools in one. One end is a closed-end wrench, while the opposite is an open-end wrench. They are preferred for medium to heavy-duty fastening and also because they allow you to work on more advanced projects. They also stand out when loosening a super-stubborn fastener. Once it gets loose when using the closed end, you simply flip the wrench to complete the job easily. They are also excellent for working in tight spaces.

Open End Wrench 

An open-end wrench (crescent wrench) is made with an open jaw on one end to help tighten and loosen fasteners of specific sizes. Using this wrench, you can quickly access and work on bolts, nuts, or fasteners. Since they do not feature a large socket on end, they are excellent for working in compact areas, such as repairing conveyor belts and material handling equipment. 

Ratchet Wrenches 

This is another common hand tool for loosening and tightening bolts and nuts. They allow you to loosen or tighten fasteners with one end while freely using the handle to reverse the direction free of the fastener. It stands out for offering 360° and easier maneuver. Its longer arm also makes it possible to exert more force, helping to remove even the stubborn and rusty bolts and nuts in a sprocket, shaft, or motor. 

As you can see, the list of wrenches that you can use is long. Indeed, we have only looked at the common ones. Others you might want to have, depending on your application, include torque wrenches, strap wrenches, pipe wrenches, and flare nut wrenches.