A wrench is a tool used to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque to turn objects such as bolts, nuts, or other fasteners, or to keep them from turning. There are many different types of wrenches used in a wide array of applications. In this blog, we will discuss the ten most common types of industrial wrenches and their characteristics.
Open-end wrench: These wrenches are one-piece wrenches with a U-shaped opening that grips two opposite faces of a fastener. Open-end wrenches are usually double-ended and feature openings of different sizes at either end. The ends are typically oriented at an angle of approximately 15 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the handle, allowing for a greater range of movement in enclosed spaces.
Box-end wrench: Box-end wrenches are one-piece wrenches with an enclosed opening that grips the face of the bolt or nut. The recess of the wrench is usually a six or twelve point opening for use with fasteners whose heads have a hexagonal shape. The twelve point fits onto the substrate at twice as many angles, a major advantage in tight spaces. There are also eight point box-end wrenches made for square-shaped nuts and bolt heads.
Combination wrench: A combination wrench is a double-ended tool with one end like an open-ended wrench and the other like a box-end wrench. Both ends generally fit the same size of bolt.
Flare-nut wrench: Also known as tube or line wrenches, these are wrenches used for gripping nuts on the ends of tubes. It is similar to a box-end wrench but, rather than completely encircling the nut, it features a narrow opening just wide enough to let the wrench fit over the tube and thick jaws to increase the contact area with the nut. This allows for maximum contact on plumbing nuts which, due to their softer material, are typically prone to damage from open-ended wrenches.
Ratcheting box wrench: These wrenches are a type of box wrench with a ratcheting end section. The ratcheting can be reversed by flipping over the wrench or by activating a reversing lever on the wrench. It combines the compact design of a box wrench with the utility and speed of a ratchet wrench.
Spanner wrench: A spanner wrench, or simply a spanner, is a wrench with one or many pins or hooks designed to drive spanner head screws, threaded collars, and retainer rings.
Strap wrench: A strap wrench is a self-tightening wrench featuring a strap or chain or metal, leather, or rubber attached to a handle and used to grip and turn smooth cylindrical objects. Wrenches of this type rely entirely on friction between the strap or chain and object to be manipulated.
Pipe wrench: This type of wrench is similar to a monkey wrench in both design and appearance, but features self-tightening properties as well as hardened & serrated jaws that securely grip pipes and pipe fittings.
Adjustable wrench: Adjustable wrenches, also known as crescent wrenches, are wrenches with adjustable jaws. They are similar to monkey wrenches but differ in that the gripping faces are displaced to a 15-degree angle relative to the tools handle. This design feature allows the wrench to be used in tight spaces.
Striking wrench: Lastly, a striking wrench is a thick, short, stocky wrench with a block-ended handle designed for use with a hammer. These wrenches are commonly used with large fasteners, especially with nuts and studs that have index marks. They also provide shock and high force used to release large and/or stuck nuts and bolts.
At Industrial Parts Circuit, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all types of wrenches and tool sets in addition to other parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@industrialpartscircuit.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.
We hope that you will visit us again the next time you need industrial parts and make us your strategic purchasing partner.
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