How to Choose the Right Wrench
- 1). Use these types of wrenches for plumbing projects: Pipe wrenches are ideal for gripping and turning threaded pipe. A spud wrench is designed to tighten or loosen fittings on sink traps and toilet connectors. Strap and chain wrenches fit larger pipes and odd-shaped objects. A monkey wrench looks much like a pipe wrench but is designed for flat surface work, such as square-head bolts.
- 2). Put an adjustable wrench ' also known as a Crescent wrench ' to use turning nuts and bolts and small fittings.
- 3). Get a multi-wrench for general household use. This tool fits many different sizes of nuts and bolts and eliminates the need to have a whole set of box- or open-end wrenches on hand.
- 4). Make use of a combination open- and box-end wrench. The open-end type is useful when you can only access a nut or bolt from one direction. The box-end type has a closer fit than the open-end type and allows for more torque. All of these wrenches come in standard or metric sizes. You must use the correct size for the job or risk stripping the bolt head or nut ' or smashing your knuckles.
- 5). Try a ratchet wrench and sockets for faster work with less effort.
- 6). Tighten all of the fasteners to the same degree with a torque wrench and sockets to prevent warping. This wrench has a built-in spring-loaded indicator that shows how much torque is being applied.