Pipe wrenches come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 8 inches to 36 inches. The most common size of pipe wrench is 14 inches. Larger sizes of pipe wrenches include 18 inches, 24 inches, 30 inches, and 36 inches.
The size of pipe wrench you choose will depend on the size of the pipe or fitting you need to work on. Generally, the larger the pipe or fitting, the larger the size of wrench you will need. For example, to work on a 1-inch pipe, you would likely need an 18-inch pipe wrench, while a 24-inch wrench may be more appropriate for a 3-inch pipe.
If you’re working on a pipe fitting which requires even more force or a combination of motion, you may wish to use a larger size of pipe wrench such as a 36-inch.
How wide will a 36 pipe wrench open?
A 36 pipe wrench will open wide enough to grip a pipe or object up to 36 inches in diameter. The actual size of the jaw opening of a 36 inch pipe wrench will vary depending on the model, but generally the minimum jaw opening will be around 2-3 inches, while the maximum jaw opening can reach around 3 ½ inches or more.
The larger the size in inches, the greater the maximum width that the pipe wrench can open. Some models of 36 inch pipe wrenches also come with adjustable jaws, which can increase the width of the opening for gripping larger pipes or objects.
Why do they call a pipe wrench a monkey wrench?
The term ‘monkey wrench’ is actually derived from the term ‘Monkey Grip wrench’, which was coined by the mining and railway engineer Charles Moncky in 1858. The Monkey Grip wrench was an adjustable wrench that had a serrated jaw and a swing handle, which was revolutionary for the time because it allowed for more leverage and ease when tightening or loosening any type of fastener.
As the Monkey Grip wrench gained popularity, many other brands followed suit and modified the original design. This included modifying the swing handle to make it longer, more adjustable, and more comfortable to use.
In addition, the design of the serrated jaw changed; the edges became more refined and curved, allowing it to better grip whatever it was fastening or loosening. This modified wrench then became known as the ‘pipe wrench’ due to its ability to easily grip and loosen pipes.
Over time, the term ‘monkey wrench’ was used interchangeably with ‘pipe wrench’, which has stuck around until this day. So, when people say that they are using a ‘monkey wrench’, they really mean that they are using a ‘pipe wrench’.
What are pipe wrenches made of?
Pipe wrenches are typically made of a strong and durable metal such as ductile iron or aluminium alloy. The jaws on the wrench are normally made of a heat-treated alloy steel, while other parts such as the handle, thumb wheel, and nut may be made of other materials.
The majority of pipe wrenches are drop-forged, a process which involves heating a metal object until it is malleable, and then hammering or pressing it into the desired shape until it cools and hardens.
This is what gives the wrench its strength and durability.
What is a monkey wrench used for?
A monkey wrench is a type of adjustable wrench that is often used to turn fasteners, such as nuts and bolts. The jaws of a monkey wrench are adjustable, meaning that the wrench can be adjusted to fit the size of the fastener being worked with.
The adjustable head of the wrench is usually controlled by a screw-like mechanism or a lever, making it easier to apply the desired amount of torque. Monkey wrenches are designed to work with a wide range of sizes and fastener configurations, making them a versatile tool to have on hand.
They are used in a variety of applications, from automotive repairs to plumbing and general maintenance.
What are the three basic types of pipe wrenches?
The three basic types of pipe wrenches are: Straight Pipe Wrench, Offset Pipe Wrench, and Chain Pipe Wrench.
Straight Pipe Wrench, also known as Stilson wrench, is the most widely used type. It is composed of two serrated jaws with a sliding handle and adjustable nut. Its main purpose is to turn and tighten pipes or nuts.
It is widely used in plumbing and other engineering applications.
The Offset Pipe Wrench is similar to the Straight Pipe Wrench but is designed to help work in tight areas. Its one jaw is offset, allowing the user to reach into the corner areas that a regular Straight Pipe Wrench may not reach.
The Chain Pipe Wrench, also known as the Chain Tong, is similar to the Straight Pipe Wrench but with a metal chain attached to the handle and a hook at the end. The metal chain gives it extra leverage and makes it much stronger than the other two.
It is mainly used for turning difficult-to-grip pipes.
How is the size of a pipe wrench determined?
The size of a pipe wrench is determined primarily based on the size of the pipe that it is meant to fit. Pipe wrenches are sized according to the nominal pipe size. Generally, the larger the pipe, the larger the wrench size that is needed.
When selecting a pipe wrench, the size is determined by the pipe’s outside diameter (OD) in inches, which is the distance across the outside of the pipe. The size given by a manufacturer is usually the pipe’s nominal size, which is not always the same as the actual OD size.
It’s important to measure the actual OD of the pipe to ensure that the correct size wrench is chosen. Although adjustable wrenches can be used in place of pipe wrenches, they will not function as effectively and should not be used as replacements.
What can I use instead of a pipe wrench?
Depending on the job, there are several substitutes to a pipe wrench that may do just as well. For instance, a crescent wrench or an adjustable wrench could be used for unscrewing a fitting, but may not be as effective for removing a frozen, rusted, or corroded part.
Some alternatives to a pipe wrench include channel lock pliers, gripping pliers, line wrenches, multipurpose pliers and locking pliers, vise-grip pliers, and even a pair of vice grips. Each of these tools has its own unique purpose and can be best used for certain tasks.
For instance, channel lock pliers have strong gripping capabilities and can be used for many jobs like gripping and unscrewing pipes and fittings, while vise-grips are better suited for gripping and clamping bigger parts.
If a part is very small, a set of tweezers or small needle-nose pliers may work just as well as a pipe wrench. While each type of wrench or tool may work for certain unscrewing projects, it is important to figure out which is the correct tool for the job in order to make sure it is done correctly and carefully.
Which pipe wrench is used to hold the big diameter of a pipe?
A stillson type pipe wrench is typically used to hold the large diameter of a pipe. This type of wrench has jaws that secures tightly around a pipe, allowing the user to then turn the pipe in one direction.
Stillson pipe wrenches come in a range of sizes so they can handle various pipe diameters, including larger sizes. Using this type of wrench also helps users to get greater leverage and achieve a secure hold on the pipe.
To help ensure a better grip, the user should choose a Stillson pipe wrench with an adjustable jaw so it can be adjusted to fit the pipe tightly. Additionally, the wrench should also have a long handle to help the user apply extra torque when needed.
What is a chain wrench?
A chain wrench is a type of adjustable wrench used to hold and turn fasteners such as nuts and bolts in tight spaces. It is similar to an adjustable wrench and has a long handle with a tight-fitting chain around its jaws.
The chain is secured to the handle and is tightened using a ratchet or other type of mechanism. The chain is designed to grip any size or shape of fastener, making it an incredibly versatile tool. It is often used in automotive repair and to secure pipe fittings.
Chain wrenches are also able to hold onto fasteners for extended periods of time, reducing the risk of slippage.
What is the difference between a monkey wrench and a pipe wrench?
A monkey wrench and a pipe wrench are both types of wrenches used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts or pipes, but they do have a few key differences. A monkey wrench is a large adjustable wrench that usually has a long, flat handle and jaws that can be adjusted to fit a variety of sizes.
It is often used for large jobs as the larger handle offers more leverage. A pipe wrench, on the other hand, has two claw-like points that grip a pipe and are kept in position by a locking mechanism.
The pipe wrench has a shorter handle and is used primarily to tighten and loosen pipes and nuts on pipe fittings. Pipe wrenches are available in both fixed and adjustable sizes and are considered more specialized tools.
