Every toolbox should have an adjustable wrench. They may not be suitable for every type of job, but the uses of adjustable wrenches are prominent in many work environments. They are an essential hand tool in many stores and industries.
What is an Adjustable Wrench?
An adjustable wrench is an open-end wrench with a removable jaw. The uses of adjustable wrench is the same as any other conventional wrench – to hold fasteners, such as nuts and bolts. The difference is that only an adjustable wrench can hold all sizes of fasteners due to its movable jaws. Unlike conventional wrenches that can only be used for a specific size nut or bolt, you can adjust the opening width of an adjustable wrench to fit any fastener size.
What Are The Main Uses Of Adjustable Wrench?
- Plumbing
One of the best uses of adjustable wrenches is definitely plumbing. Plumbers all over the world use adjustable wrenches when installing pipes of different thicknesses because they are so flexible. For example, the hex bolt fittings for sinks are larger in size, while those for bathtub faucets are smaller. Adjustable wrenches are therefore ideal for acting on nuts of different sizes to tighten or loosen them.
- Auto Mechanics
Almost all auto mechanics have an adjustable wrench. They are more advantageous than other wrenches in certain auto repair jobs. The uses of adjustable wrench are getting into smaller areas and handling nuts that are placed in difficult locations. Socket wrenches can serve the same purpose, but sometimes an adjustable wrench will provide better grip and more torque to remove a particularly difficult nut or bolt head. Some cars have awkward hand spaces where a regular wrench simply won't work, so adjustable wrenches are great in these situations.
3. Furniture
Self-assembled or self-made furniture sometimes requires some kind of nuts or bolts to be installed. The great thing about adjustable wrenches in this case is that they help you save time. Carrying around dozens of wrenches and trying to figure out which one fits can be a waste of time. Using an adjustable wrench instead will mean simply matching it to the nut or bolt head, adjusting it to the right size, and then tightening it. It eliminates the need for most other tools and minimizes the need to lug a heavy toolbox from one place to another to assemble furniture.
Types of Adjustable Spanner Wrenches
Adjustable pliers are useful tools for plumbers, mechanics and other tradespeople. But because they lack the worm-drive screw, they aren’t spanners. Similarly, pipe wrenches and other tools with jaws perpendicular to the handle technically aren’t spanners, either. There are three main types of spanners:
-Crescent wrench: The classic adjustable spanner comes in sizes from four inches to four feet. The jaws are basically the same thickness as the handle, and approximately the same length as the width between the jaws when they are open halfway.
-Plumber’s wrench: This features long jaws, typically narrower than the handle, and an extra-wide expanse. A plumber’s wrench sometimes has a nut to tighten down the jaws into a fixed position. Plumbers use this wrench for turning plumbing fittings.
-Monkey wrench: The modern version of the monkey wrench looks like a crescent wrench, but it’s a different tool. It has extra-thin, straight, precision-ground jaws for reaching fasteners in tight spots like car engines and HVAC components.
Adjustable wrenches are loved by all craftsmen for their functionality and practicality. This tool allows you to perform a variety of fastening jobs without the need for any extra size tools. Unlike traditional wrenches, where you may need a full set of tools to use different sizes of fasteners, using small adjustable wrenches saves space in your tool bag and reduces weight. They are quick and easy to operate, made of the toughest materials, durable and long-lasting. They really are the ideal addition to any craftsman's tool kit.
