Comprehensive Guide on Wrench Types and Applications

Wrenches are versatile hand tools essential for any toolbox or shed. They’re used to tighten or loosen nuts, bolts, pipes, and fittings by applying extra torque for secure fastening. Specialized types, like auto and box wrenches, are designed for specific tasks, so using the right wrench is crucial for safety and efficiency.

Adjustable Wrench

Versatile open-ended wrench with an adjusting screw to fit a wide range of nuts and bolts. The movable jaw is controlled by a toothed bar system, allowing quick size changes. For safe use, always pull—never push—so force remaines on the fixed jaw. Commonly known as a Crescent® wrench.

Auto Wrench

Also referred to as a "Monkey wrench." Auto wrenches are adjustable wrenches with a sliding jaw, designed for flat service work. The wide jaw opening easily adjusts to fit nuts and bolts and is created with durable metal to ensure the longevity of the wrench during automotive work.

Box Wrench

Closed-ended wrench surrounds the fastener for better torque. The 15° & 45° angle is designed for use when there is an obstruction around the fastener. The angle allows the user to maintain a solid grip on the wrench. Available in 6 & 12 point.

Combination Wrench

Features both open and closed ends for a variety of needs. This combination wrench offers the advantage of having a box end for applying more force and an open end for working more quickly. The box end's 15° angle provides more handling space. Available in 6 & 12 point.

Crowfoot Wrench

A ratchet-driven open-ended wrench is best for hard-to-access fasteners in tight spaces. Available in standard or flare nut. Crowfoot wrenches can attach directly to torque wrenches to apply greater force in hard-to-reach areas.

Engineer Wrench

Large open-ended wrench with head diameters measuring anywhere from 1′′ to 10′′+, often used in such places as trains and boiler rooms. Engineer wrenches are suitable for applications with larger fasteners.

Flare Nut Wrench

Flare-nut ends are straight, not angled, and often used to work on pipe and tube fittings. The design makes them suitable for fasteners and accessories that are made of soft metals (i.e., brass and copper), whose structure could be damaged by a regular open-end wrench, and where access with a box wrench is not possible. Available in 6 & 12 point.

Flex head wrenches offer greater flexibility when working in tight or hard-to-reach areas. The flex head can rotate 180 degrees and is often used on automotive and plumbing applications.

Ignition Wrench

Ignition wrenches are most commonly used in auto assembly, construction, fabrication, manufacturing, maintenance, and industrial engine repair. Thin and narrow jaws allow for better access in tight and hard-to-reach areas. Offset 15° and 60°.

Open-End Wrench

Single or double-ended wrench with an offset opening to allow access to fasteners in limited spaces. Open-ended wrenches are necessary when there is an obstruction directly above the fastener or on pipe joints where a pipe does not permit the use of a box-end wrench.

Pipe Wrench

Pipe wrenches are designed for loosening and tightening pipe fittings, as well as gripping and turning threaded pipes. They have hooked jaws with or without serrated jaws (teeth), depending on grip requirements. (Pipe Wrenches can be found in the Plumbing Section - Refer to Section 17 of the Big Book.)

Features a short handle and thin head section designed for close-quarter work on pumps and valves (also referred to as a service wrench). These wrenches are commonly used in HVAC and plumbing applications that require a tight and secure grip.

Ratcheting Wrench

Ratcheting wrenches feature a ratcheting mechanism built into them. Available in Flat or Offset versions. These wrenches are not designed for applications that require high torque, but to move a fastener quickly. Available in 6 & 12 point.

Spanner Wrench

Spanner wrenches feature a hook or pin at the end for adjusting collars, locknuts, or rings, and are commonly used in material handling and for specific machinery. Available in adjustable or fixed styles.

Spline Wrench

Spline wrenches offer the flexibility to turn six and 12-point fasteners. These wrenches are used in applications where high torque is required, and can be used in conjunction with square, E-TorxTM, and slightly worn or rounded fasteners.

Striking and slugging wrenches are designed to be hit with a hammer, delivering extreme force to loosen or tighten large fasteners. Unlike standard wrenches, they withstand repeated impact, making them ideal for manufacturing and maintenance tasks involving heavy machinery or corroded fasteners. Available in straight and offset patterns.

Spud Wrench

Structural or spud wrenches feature long tapered handles for aligning bolt holes. These wrenches can be open or box-ended and are frequently used for flanged equipment with various hole configurations that need aligning.

Torque Wrench

Torque wrenches are used to tighten bolts to a precise torque specification. Two clicks indicate that the correct torque has been applied and the fastener is properly secured.