15 Types Of Wrenches Every DIYers Should Know

1 Types Of Wrenches

Combination Wrench

The combination wrench has a closed loop for hexagonal or square nuts on one side and an open U-shape on the other like a spanner wrench. It is frequently used for tight nuts; both the closed and open ends can be used to loosen and tighten the nuts. It is often sold in a standard wrench size.

Caution: Set up your body so that you won’t lose your balance and hurt yourself if the wrench slips or something breaks suddenly.

Chain Wrench

A chain wrench is used to fasten or disassemble bigger-diameter pipes or circular projects.  A plate with cuts in its mouth is fitted and riveted together. The fastener loosens up when it is held by the wrench. The chain strongly drips the bolt.

Socket Wrench

The socket wrench has a ratcheting mechanism that allows you to tighten or loosen the nuts, bolts, and sae sockets without removing the wrench from the fastener.

This sort of wrench is available in different sizes with 1/4′′, 3/8′′ (most common), and 1/2′′, and you put the appropriate size socket at the top of the drive. If you encounter an obstacle when turning the handle, you can reverse the direction to allow yourself more room and continue working.

Pro Tip: If feasible, use a straight-handled socket wrench as they are a lot easier to use. Beginners should use this type of socket wrench because of its straightforward application.

Ratchet Wrench

The ratcheting wrench is one of the most common types of a wrench and is similar to the combination wrench. It has at least one end with a ratcheting mechanism. This wrench allows you to tighten or loosen the lug nuts and bolts without having to remove and reposition the wrench handle after each rotation to avoid striking an obstruction. The ratcheting wrench makes it very easy to work in confined and tight spaces.

Additional Tip: Apply a little pressure to a ratchet wrench to check that the gear is engaged with the pawl.

Oil Filter Wrench

The oil filter wrench comes in three different types. They are:

• Chain-type oil-filter wrench
• Strap-type oil-filter wrench
• Socket-type oil-filter wrench

These are primarily utilized in the automotive industry. The chain strap and metal strap filters use a loop to protect the filter shell. Finally, a socket-style filter wrench is shaped like a cup with cut sections. These are used with a ratchet handle and fit under a filter cap. This wrench is a must-have tool for all automotive technicians and auto mechanics.

Adjustable Wrench

A crescent wrench or an adjustable wrench is one of the most common and extensively used wrenches available. They have an open end with a fixed spiral screw that opens and closes the crescent as you turn it. Just like an open-end wrench, the crescent wrench can be used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. Since it can be adjusted to be compatible with nuts and bolts of different sizes, it requires more space.

Pro Tip: When turning with an adjustable wrench, you should turn away from the fixed jaw.

Pipe Wrench

This spanner is used to fasten or dismantle pipes and their components, as the name implies. Flat threads are cut on its moveable jaw, and a plate is attached with a groove on its fixed jaw. This groove is filled with a knurled spherical nut. When this nut is rotated, the moveable jaw opens or closes by moving up or down. A spring is attached between the fixed and movable jaws, which aids in the correct job grip. Pipe wrenches are available in multiple metric sizes.

Notes: This wrench is more suitable for pipes and plumbing tools. Thus, it is essential to know which wrench is right for a given job.

Pro Tip:  Make sure a pipe wrench’s teeth are sharp and free of oil and dirt. Also, make sure the pipe or object is clean to avoid slipping and getting hurt.

Impact Wrench

An impact wrench is a socket wrench power tool designed to deliver high torque output with minimal exertion by the user. The difference between the cordless impact wrench and the air impact wrench is that the air impact wrench uses an air compressor. It is also occasionally called an air pistol or an air wrench. There are a few other names for it. In appearance, it is like a cordless drill. One can use this wrench with high torque to remove nuts or bolts that are particularly difficult to loosen. These power tools are a good option for managing many nuts, but they are not a good option for any task requiring precision.

Crowfoot Wrench

This open wrench does not have a handle. Instead, the single head with a box end is designed to attach to a ratchet handle and socket extension, allowing it to fit into tiny spaces. A crowfoot wrench makes it easy to handle the bolts positioned deep on the machine’s body when you don’t want to remove the surrounding parts first.

Strap Wrench

When you use a pipe wrench to hold pipes and round objects, it leaves some dent in the body. As a result, strap wrenches are employed in situations when the wrenches induce scarring. A leather or canvas belt is provided, which is wrapped around the object and buckled. The pipe is rotated with the help of its handle.

Caution: Make sure that strap wrenches don’t “slide” open while you’re using them.

Torx Key

This Torx key wrench accommodates star-shaped heads of specific bolts and screws. It is also referred to as a star-headed key. They are available in the standard L-shape and a more relaxed set that resembles a Swiss Army knife rather than a wrench set. Most electronic and automotive equipment have star-shaped heads, therefore this is one of the most useful wrenches. 

Pro Tip: These tools can be handy in any situation. We advise everyone to own a good set of Torx or Allen wrenches to make their life easier.

Pliers Wrench

A plier wrench comprises flat-edged jaws at an angle connected by a bolt to a handle. You may not recognize the names, but you may have used them at some point in your life. A bolt slides between two or more locations of an opening on the upper jaw, allowing the wrench to be configured to fit various head sizes. The name derives from the manner this item is held, which resembles a pair of pliers.

Alligator Wrench

The serrated upper jaw of the alligator wrench is smooth at the back. Because of the way it grabbed nuts, the alligator wrench was identified. This wrench’s handle resembles a pointed fang rather than a modern pipe wrench. Because these were designed mainly to handle square-shaped heads.

Caution: Choose the right jaw size to keep it from slipping.

Fan Clutch Wrench

One end of these flat clutch wrenches has a U-shaped hole. They are specifically developed to remove fan clutches from automobiles. A square aperture at the opposite end of either of these wrenches allows them to function as a clutch hold tool, while a second wrench is used to spin the hex nut.

Hammer Wrench

A hammer wrench or a striking wrench is a short, thick wrench with a block end designed to apply more force when struck with a hammer. It is used to tighten big flange fittings and fasteners. A hammer wrench forcefully removes stuck or rusty nuts and bolts. This heavy-duty wrench is utilized in metalworking, plumbing, and electrical work.

As you may know, a wrench can be either male or female. The male wrench is inserted, similar to the head of a screwdriver. The socket on the female wrench fits over the object being turned. Both tighten and loosen nuts and bolts, screws, covers, and casings. So all you have to know is the nature of the job, and you can select the suitable wrench for the activity.