All about Wrenches

A wrench is also known as spanner, which is a tool used to tighten and loosen nuts, bolts, screws and pipes. Wrenches are an important part of tool-kit, which come with a set of their uses. Developed to work with standard fasteners, wrenches are available in different styles and are applicable in wide variety of applications. Wrenches come with color coding, making them easy to identify if they are standard or metric.

Some general guidelines on using wrenches:

1.    Select the right wrench size: It is really important to select the right size of wrench to do the job to avoid damaging your fastener. Select a wrench jaw size that corresponds to the fastener which you are tightening or loosening.

2.    Pull, don't push: Always pull a wrench, never push it. That way even if the wrench slips, you won't be hurt.

3.    Don't add more leverage with pipe: Avoid using this as they can damage the wrench by bending the handle and secondly the risk rounding your fastener is more.

4.    Don't hit a wrench with a hammer: Avoid using a hammer to hit wrench to get more power to turn a stubborn fastener, this will damage your wrench.

5.    Buy quality wrenches: Quality wrenches last longer and they never break or bend easily.

6.    Avoid using a damaged wrench: If the wrench is damaged, the handle will look bent or the jaws look wider.

Below mentioned are some types of wrenches and their uses:

1. Adjustable Wrench or Crescent wrench:

•    Moveable lower jaw to adjust wrench size

•    Works with both standard and metric fasteners
•    Tightens and loosens nuts & bolts

2. Strap Wrench:

•    Tightens and loosens
•    Turns a variety of different size items
•    Used in plumbing fittings, container lids

3. Pipe Wrench:

•    Turns metal pipes and fittings
•    Moveable upper jaw to Adjustable Wrench size

4. Basin Wrench:

•    Tightens / loosens nuts and hose couplings under sinks and lavatories

5. Crow's Foot Wrench:

•    Tightens / loosens bolts
•    Operates with a ratchet handle / socket extension combination.
•    Designed to work in tight spaces

6. Torque Wrench:

•    Tightens nuts and bolts
•    Made to work with either 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch sockets
•    Sockets are available in standard and metric sizes

How to Use an Adjustable Wrench:

1.    Check which nut or bolt you want to tighten
2.    By turning the screw mechanism, open the adjustable wrench, enough to fit in the nut properly
3.    Place the open jaw on the nut and hold it in place to tighten it around the nut
4.    After that, carefully turn the wrench in clockwise direction
5.    Once done, remove the wrench