The 6 main types of wrenches are open-end wrenches, box wrenches, adjustable wrenches, socket wrenches, torque wrenches, and pipe wrenches.
Open-end wrenches have two symmetrical ends and often have slightly offset heads to make them easier to use in tight spaces. Box wrenches are designed to fit over the end of a fastener’s head and often have a 12-point spline drive.
Unlike open-end wrenches, they usually have the same size on both ends. Adjustable wrenches feature a moveable jaw that makes them capable of gripping fasteners of different sizes. Socket wrenches feature a hex or star-shaped opening that fits over the head of a nut or bolt and are often used with a ratchet handle to make them easier to use.
Torque wrenches are designed to apply a specific amount of force to a fastener and feature a calibrated head that helps to ensure that the proper amount of torque is applied. Finally, pipe wrenches are similar to adjustable wrenches, with the addition of a hook-shaped jaw that is designed to grip round surfaces, such as pipes and tubing.
How many types of wrench are there?
Including Adjustable Wrenches, Crescent Wrenches, Basin Wrenches, Box Wrenches, Socket Wrenches, Pipe Wrenches, Strap Wrenches, Combination Wrenches, Allen Wrenches, Torque Wrenches and specialized wrenches.
Adjustable wrenches can be used to turn various fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, by adjusting the size of the jaw. Crescent wrenches utilize a solid jaw to grip fasteners, providing more stability and torque.
A basin wrench is used to tighten or loosen fasteners in tight places such as under the sink, and has a long, thin handle to reach those hard-to-reach places.
A box wrench has two different-sized heads, allowing the user to choose the correct socket size to fit the nut or bolt. Socket wrenches are similar to a box wrench, but instead of two heads, they employ a ratchet mechanism which allows the wrench to be quickly engaged and disengaged around a fastener.
Pipe wrenches are designed to grip round objects, and have adjustable jaws that can be adjusted to fit whatever size object is being held. Strap wrenches have a long strap that wraps around the object, cinching tightly to grab and turn it.
Combination wrenches combine the best of both socket and box wrenches, providing multiple sizes on one wrench. Allen wrenches have hexagonal heads, and are commonly used to tighten and loosen screws.
Torque wrenches are used to measure the force of fastener, typically for nuts and bolts, as too much or too little torque can cause the fastener to be stripped or not properly tightened. Specialized wrenches are designed specifically for certain tasks, such as spark plug sockets and ignition wrenches.
What is a standard socket wrench?
A standard socket wrench is a type of hand-powered or powered tool that has a simple six-sided head which fits a variety of sizes of nuts, bolts and other fasteners. The head has a removable socket that attaches to the handle of the wrench and provides the mechanical advantage to turn the fastener.
Most socket wrenches come with a variety of sockets, extensions and universal joints which allow them to be used in a variety of confined spaces and at various angles. Socket wrenches can be powered either manually or pneumatically but typically it is more common for them to be powered manually as this allows for more precise force application.
Socket wrenches are very useful when it comes to assembling or disassembling items as they provide a great amount of convenience and versatility compared to other types of wrenches.
What does SAE tools stand for?
SAE tools stands for Society of Automotive Engineers tools. It is a set of tools designed to help automotive engineers, technicians, and hobbyists diagnose and repair automotive issues. At the heart of the SAE toolset is a standardized set of product specifications ensuring interchangeability among any SAE-designated parts.
Included in the SAE toolset are manifold gauge sets, flex head wrenches, and digital DVOMs. These tools allow mechanics to work quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Additionally, the SAE toolset supports a standardized system of classifications making it easier to find and obtain the necessary parts when performing repairs.
With the SAE toolset, automotive professionals can ensure that their repairs are correctly and accurately performed while providing the highest levels of safety and reliability.
What is the most common socket size?
The most common socket size is one that fits a ¼ inch drive ratchet. This type of socket has a square-shaped drive which allows a ratchet or wrench to fit onto its head. This type of socket comes in a variety of sizes, with the most common being either a 10mm or 11mm size.
The 10mm size is often used for basic tasks such as fastening and loosening nuts and bolts, while the larger 11mm socket can be used for larger fasteners and torquing applications.
Is a ratchet and a socket wrench the same?
No, a ratchet and a socket wrench are not the same. A ratchet is a type of wrench with a ratcheting mechanism that allows it to be turned continuously in one direction without removing it from the drive fastener.
A socket wrench, on the other hand, usually consists of a handle connected to a drive head and one or more sockets that fit onto the drive head. Ratchets come in a variety of drive sizes and speeds, whereas sockets come in various sizes, shapes and depths to fit different applications.
Furthermore, ratchets are ideal for tight or confined situations, whereas sockets provide extra reach for hard to access fasteners. Both tools effectively loosen or tighten nuts and bolts, but each has its own unique benefits and limitations.
What are the really big wrenches called?
The really big wrenches are called “Spud Wrenches”. Spud wrenches are usually at least twice as long as a standard wrench, and may range anywhere from 24 inches in length up to an impressive 6 feet. They feature a wide, adjustable jaw that enables them to fit a variety of shapes and sizes, and are used to adjust various large components such as tanks, valves and flanges.
Spud wrenches are usually made from steel for strength and durability and feature a bright finish for easy visibility. They are also sometimes referred to as “monkey wrenches” due to their shape and the common phrase “throw a monkey wrench into the works”.
What is a double ended wrench called?
A double ended wrench is a useful tool that is sometimes referred to as a double open end wrench. It is an adjustable wrench that has a flat-ended varying in size on both sides which can be used to turn nuts and bolts in tight spaces.
The handle of the double-ended wrench usually has a hexagonal shape and a comfortable grip that gives the user extra leverage to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. The adjustable ends can fit different sizes of nuts and bolts which offer a versatile and compact way to tighten and loosen bolts.
Although it can be used on both standard and metric nuts and bolts, some double-ended wrenches may be designed for metric sizes or for standard sizes.
What is a box wrench used for?
A box wrench is a type of wrench that is characterized by its box-like shape and is often used to fasten or loosen hex-shaped nuts and bolts. The box wrench, also known as a double-ended wrench, is designed with two different sizes of box-ends, which allows it to be used to tighten or loosen many different sizes of nuts and bolts.
The box-shaped ends fit securely over hex nuts and bolt heads, making them more secure and less prone to slipping off when turned. Additionally, the box end of the wrench provides additional leverage when tightening or loosening bolts and nuts, especially those that have become tight from weathering or corrosion.
Box wrenches are usually made from forged steel and harder materials than standard open-ended wrenches, making them a great tool for use in tight spaces. As with any type of wrench, the box wrench is an essential item in any toolbox, allowing you to quickly and easily loosen or tighten any nuts and bolts.
Why do they call a pipe wrench a monkey wrench?
The pipe wrench is known by many names including monkey wrench and Gas pipe wrench. The reason why it’s known as a monkey wrench is because of the ‘monkey-like’ gripping action created by the adjustment nut, which allows the jaw to open or close.
This adjustable jaw allows it to be used on passages of various sizes. The wrench’s teeth and the shape of the handle allows for a firm grip on the pipe. There have been theories that it was called a monkey wrench because it was invented by Daniel C.
Adams who was nicknamed “Monkey” Adams. However, the invention likely pre-dates Adams so this theory is generally accepted as untrue.
In reality, the term “monkey wrench” likely originated from American workmen who referred to its “monkeying around” action when opening and closing the jaws of the Monkey Wrench around various sized pipes.
This was a common expression used at the time and, over time, evolved into calling the tool a “monkey wrench”.
What advantage does a socket wrench have over a box wrench?
A socket wrench provides an advantage over a box wrench because it is designed for fastening nuts and bolts easily and securely. Socket wrenches can be quickly adjusted to fit a variety of sizes of nuts and bolts, which makes them ideal for a variety of tasks.
Socket wrenches also have a higher torque compared to box wrenches, which allows users to make tighter connections with less torque and fewer chances of stripping a bolt. Additionally, the flexibility of a socket wrench allows it to fit into hard-to-reach areas, unlike a box wrench that has a fixed size and cannot reach certain areas.
Socket wrenches are also lighter and more easy to work with compared to a box wrench, which adds to the overall advantage.
What does a monkey wrench look like?
A monkey wrench is a type of adjustable wrench with a long handle and short, fixed jaw. It has a hook-shaped movable lower jaw that can be adjusted to the size of the nut or bolt to be turned. The hook-shaped lower jaw allows the tool to be used to grip bolts or pipes and nuts of different sizes.
It is usually made of metal such as steel, iron or aluminum and is sometimes coated with a rust-resistant finish. The size of the monkey wrench can vary from as small as 1 inch up to a few feet long and it can be used for a variety of purposes.
Are monkey wrenches still used?
Yes, monkey wrenches are still used today. Monkey wrenches are large adjustable wrenches that are used for turning large nuts and bolts. They often feature a long handle for extra leverage and a wider jaw than more standard adjustable wrenches.
These versatile tools make it easy to adjust bolts and nuts without having to put too much strain on the user. They are a great tool to have on hand when working on a large project. Nowadays, monkey wrenches come in a variety of sizes and styles, making them even more useful for a wide range of applications.
They can be found in any hardware or automotive store and are available in both steel and aluminum.
