
Pipe socket wrench, suitable for all sizes of pipes. Pipe socket wrench is made of alloy, strong toughness, not easy to deform, long service life. Pipe socket wrenches can be used for car repair, furniture and household appliances, such as sofa, window, etc. At the same time, wrench, easy to use.
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Pipe wrench.
A modern pipe wrench | |
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Classification | hand tool |
Related | wrench, plumber wrench, monkey wrench |
How do socket wrenches work?
Socket wrench sets typically come with one ratchet and a set of sockets of different sizes. The socket fits completely over the nut like a box end wrench but with a deeper socket, then the wrench attaches to the socket. This means you can move the wrench over and over without ever taking it off of the nut.
What is a pipe wrench?
The unique feature of a pipe wrench is that the teeth will only grip when turning the wrench in one direction (see above), so it almost acts as a ratchet wrench. Some kinds of pipe wrenches, though rarer, have a separate head assembly that can attach to the body.
What is a ratchet wrench?
A ratchet, most prevalently known as a ratcheting socket wrench, is a kind of hand tool device that a metal handle is attached to a ratcheting mechanism, which attaches to a socket. Ratchets consist of a handle and a socket. Through the ratcheting mechanism, a socket is used to fit onto a type of nuts or bolts.
What are the standard wrench sizes?
Standard sizing in America are as follows: 5/8, 19/32, 9/16, 1/2, 7/16, 3/8, 11/32, 5/16, 9/32, 1/4, 7/32, 3/16, 5/32, and 1/8. These are set out from the smallest wrench to the largest, and you will be able to buy these wrenches individually or in wretch sets. Below is the wrench size chart for both SAE and metric sizes.

What are the three basic types of pipe wrenches?
There are three main types of pipe wrenches: the straight, the offset and the end pipe wrench. Other types of wrenches include the compound leverage wrench, the chain pipe wrench and the strap wrench. Each of these tools has its own unique purpose and specification.
What kind of tool is a socket wrench?
A socket wrench (or socket spanner) is a type of spanner (or wrench in North American English), that uses a closed socket format, rather than a typical open wrench/spanner to turn a fastener, typically in the form of a nut or bolt.
What is a socket wrench used for?
A ratchet and socket combination (sometimes called a socket wrench) lets you turn a nut or bolt without repositioning the tool on the fastener — like you need to do with a wrench when there isn't enough room to turn it in a full circle. This can make the work quicker.
What are the 6 main types of wrenches?
Adjustable Wrench. Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts. ... Combination Wrench. Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts. ... Open-End Wrench. Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts. ... Ratchet Wrench. Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts. ... Short-Body or Stubby Wrench. Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts in tight spaces. ... Crowfoot Wrench. ... Basin Wrench. ... Pipe Wrench.More items...
Is socket wrench same as ratchet?
A ratcheting socket wrench – commonly known as a ratchet – is a mechanical tool that tightens and loosens nuts and bolts more efficiently than other wrenches. Ratchets attach to different sized sockets, making them a versatile tool for your toolbox.
What can I use instead of a socket wrench?
What to Use if You Don't Have a WrenchDuck tape. Duct tape is useful in almost any situation but you may be surprised to learn that you can use it to loosen bolts. ... Two coins. Who would think that money can be used as a makeshift tool? ... Zip-tie. ... Another nut and bolt.
What is a pipe wrench look like?
A pipe wrench has two serrated jaws that are tightened and dig into the pipe for grip. The top serrated jaw adjusts up and down to fit different size pipes. The unique feature of a pipe wrench is that the teeth will only grip when turning the wrench in one direction (see above), so it almost acts as a ratchet wrench.
Why do they call a pipe wrench a monkey wrench?
Charles Moncky, a Baltimore mechanic, invented the monkey wrench around 1858. Moncky's wrench was named using a purposeful misspelling of his name.
What is a socket wrench look like?
A socket wrench is a tightening tool that looks like a short pipe with a removable or integral handle and either a square of hexagonal shaped hole. Speed is the primary advantage of using a socket wrench, especially in repetitive bolt-off or bolt-on work.
What are the two types of wrenches?
The wrenches come in two common forms: L-shaped and T-handles. The L-shaped wrenches are formed from hexagonal wire stock, while the T-handles are the same hex wire stock with a metal or plastic handle attached to the end. There are also indexable-driver-bits that can be used in indexable screwdrivers.
What are the two kinds of wrenches?
Types of WrenchesPipe wrench.Chain wrench.Socket wrench.Torque wrench.Ratcheting Wrench.Oil Filter Wrench.Combination wrench.Adjustable wrench.More items...•
What are the most common wrenches?
The most commonly used and sold SAE sizes for wrenches and sockets are:5/16″3/8″7/16″1/2″9/16″5/8″11/16″3/4″More items...
Is a socket a tool?
A socket is a tool that attaches on to the end of a ratchet, or socket wrench, with the purpose of tightening or loosening a fastener by turning it.
What are the types of sockets?
Socket TypesStream sockets enable processes to communicate using TCP. A stream socket provides a bidirectional, reliable, sequenced, and unduplicated flow of data with no record boundaries. ... Datagram sockets enable processes to use UDP to communicate. ... Raw sockets provide access to ICMP.
What are the two types of sockets?
Sockets come in two basic types—connection-oriented and connectionless.
Are all socket wrenches the same?
Having different socket wrench sizes will allow you to operate different socket sizes based on your particular needs. Most ratchets use a geared drive. Gearless options use a rolling bearing, which can help you make greater changes with less effort.
What is a wrench?
The job of a standard wrench is to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts to fasten a joint. The head of the wrench fits over the nut providing leverage to tighten or loosen it.
What is the mechanism on a wrench that allows you to wind the socket without moving the socket?
You can use the closed end to loosen a difficult nut and then the open end to remove the nut more quickly. Socket . or ratchet. Socket wrenches and ratchet wrenches are often used interchangeably. Technically the ratchet is the mechanism on a wrench that allows you to wind the wrench without moving the socket.
What is a specialty wrench?
Specialty wrenches outside of construction. Outside of construction, there are many other fields that use specialty wrenches, especially in car and bicycle mechanics. For example, if you’ve ever changed a flat tire you have used a lug wrench—a wrench unique to the field of auto mechanics.
What is an open ended wrench?
Open ended wrenches are the most common wrench in home toolboxes and have the same crescent shape as adjustable crescent wrenches but come in fixed sizes. Many open ended wrenches are double sided with a different size of wrench on each end.
What is the power wrench used in auto mechanics?
At an auto mechanic shop, they use a powered wrench called an impact wrench to make quick work of tightening and loosening fasteners much like a carpenter would use a pneumatic hammer for speedy nailing. You’ll also see allen wrenches and torque wrenches used commonly in mechanics.
What is a crescent wrench?
Crescent wrenches are named for their u-shaped end. Adjustable crescent wrenches are very versatile. Because you can adjust the width of the wrench, you don’t need to know the exact size of the nut ahead of time—perfect for fixes in a pinch.
Why use box ended wrench?
The benefit of a box ended wrench is that because they fit completely over the nut you can get more powerful leverage, but they are harder to use in tight spaces where you don’t have enough clearance to slide the wrench over the nut.
What is a socket wrench?
A socket wrench (or socket spanner) is a type of wrench (spanner in British English) that inserts into a socket to turn a fastener, typically in the form of a nut or bolt. The most prevalent form is the ratcheting socket wrench, often informally called a ratchet. A ratchet incorporates a reversible ratcheting mechanism which allows ...
When was the socket wrench invented?
The tool was patented (Pat. No. 38,914) through the Scientific American Patent Agency on June 16, 1863. The first illustration of the tool appears on p. 248 of the April 16, 1864 issue of Scientific American. In current American English usage, the term "socket wrench" describes the wrench, not the socket. However, the term "socket wrench" is not ...
What is a pass through socket?
Each pass-through socket, within a given socket set, is designed to be used with a "special" ratchet that fits on the outside of the socket and not to the middle of the socket . By fitting the outside of the socket they allow the bolt or stud to extend through the socket, eliminating the need for a deep socket in some applications. By attaching to the outside of the socket they also allow the socket to be built up to 50% shorter and with 20% less width which is an advantage in some situations. Pass-through sockets and ratchets are built for 1⁄4 -inch, 3⁄8 -inch and 1⁄2 -inch sets in both SAE and metric sizes. By using a fine tooth ratchet and socket system that allow a pass-through ratchet to be used as a conventional ratchet handle with interchangeable 1⁄4 -inch and 3⁄8 -inch drives some ratchets can be used with standard sockets. They are built by a number of manufacturers with a variety of trade names. Craftsman Tools call theirs Max Axess, and also sells GearWrench's Pass-Thru brands. Lowes calls their socket system Xtreme Access, etc.. Ratcheting box end wrenches can often be employed in the same application, but will nearly always be significantly wider.
What are impact sockets made of?
Sockets for use with an impact wrench or impact driver are expected to receive higher torques, which is also percussive, and so need to be made of tougher materials. They are made from a thicker, tougher and more ductile alloy steel, often using CrMo steel to replace the CrV steel used in non-impact sockets. Most impact sockets made for "standard" hexagonal fasteners have a six-point design.
What is compressed air ratchet?
There are also power tool versions of "air" ( pneumatic) ratchets which use compressed air power to drive air powered socket wrenches which tighten or loosen nuts or bolts. A second major variety of compressed air powered tools are impact wrenches which are used for common tasks such as lug nuts on wheels.
What are the advantages of a ratchet wrench?
The advantages of the system of a ratchet wrench with indexable sockets are speed of wrenching (it is much faster than a conventional w rench, especially in repetitive bolt-on or bolt-off usage) and efficiency of tooling cost and portability ( it is much more efficient than a set of non-ratcheting wrenches, with every size head having its own handle).
What is a non-ratcheting socket wrench?
A non-ratcheting socket wrench where the socket is attached permanently to the end of a L-shaped, or X-shaped bar. They are designed as special use socket wrenches for loosening and tightening lug nuts on automobile or truck wheels.
How many points does a socket wrench have?
A socket wrench is designed like a hollow cylinder with a six, eight or twelve-point recess that fits over and grips one end of a nut or bolt head, allowing the user to loosen or tighten it securely.
What is a wrench used for?
If you don’t already know what it is I’m talking about, a wrench is also called a spanner in some places, and it’s a simple hand tool used for turning rotary fasteners like nuts and bolts or used to grip them to prevent them from turning.
How many types of wrenches are there?
23 Types Of Wrenches And Their Uses. As far back as the 15 th century, there have been mentions of wrenches and applications that needed them such as pipe clamps and suits of armor. Today, there are many types of wrenches or spanners, and although having all of them is not necessary, having a good number of them is very important so you can always ...
Why are Crowfoot wrenches so expensive?
Crowfoot wrenches are also bought instead of regular open-end and box-end wrenches because they’re less expensive to purchase as open-end and box-end wrenches are larger and thus are more expensive . Space and weight restrictions also makes their use necessary in other cases.
What is a U-shaped wrench?
It’s a one-piece wrench with a U-shaped opening made to fit the different sizes of nuts and bolts. It grips the two opposite faces of any nuts it used on.
What is an open end wrench?
Open-end wrench. One of the most common type of wrench you’re going to come across or must have used is the open-end wrench. You’ll surely find one of these in every mechanic or automobile workshop you visit. It’s a one-piece wrench with a U-shaped opening made to fit the different sizes of nuts and bolts.
What is a combination wrench?
Combination Wrench. A combination wrench is a double-ended wrench that’s both an open-end wrench and a box-end wrench. One side of the combination wrench is open-end, the other side is a box-end. Related: 12 Essential Tools That Will Make Your Electrical Projects Easier.
What is a socket wrench?
The socket wrench (or ratchet) uses a ratcheting mechanism to allow you to quickly tighten or loosen the nuts or bolts without removing the wrench from the fastener.
What is chain wrench?
Chain Wrench. In order to fasten or dismantle pipes or round jobs of larger diameter, a chain wrench is used. When the job is held in the wrench it is revolved. A plate having cuts in its mouth is fitted, which is joined with a rivet. Chain drips the job very strongly.
What are the different types of wrenches?
Following are the 31 types of wrenches and their uses: According to the Standard Types of Wrenches. Pipe wrench. Chain wrench. Socket wrench. Torque wrench. Ratcheting Wrench. Oil Filter Wrench. Combination wren ch.
What is an armorer's wrench?
Armorer’s Wrench. This armorer’s or single-piece wrench consists of a C-shaped, serrated head and involves a square slot and or a hole to attach the ratchet handle. They are available in many designs and are usually of the specific type or size of the model of gun. These are used for gun repair and maintenance.
What is the dog bone wrench called?
This wrench named after its bone-shaped appearance, which is sometimes called the dumb-bell wrench.
What is a torque wrench used for?
It is commonly used for automotive work for tightening wheel lug nuts. A torque wrench may be used on bicycles, farming equipment, or any situation where tightening the nut or bolt to a particular torque specification that is usually determined by the manufacturer.
Why do we use strap wrenches?
Therefore strap wrenches are used where damage is caused if such scars are made by the wrenches.
What is a plumber's wrench?
Plumber’s Wrench. A variation of the pliers wrench, the plumber’s wrench adds a spring or worm wheel between the handles for better control. The head is shaped to better fit hexagonal nuts. Many plumbers almost exclusively use this tool, which works great on pipe joints and other fixtures.
What are the different types of wrenches?
24 Types of Wrenches. 1. Combination Wrench. Perhaps the most common type of wrench in its class (and one of the most useful in general), the combination wrench has a box end on one side and an open end on the other. The box end fits both hex and square nuts and is usually used to loosen a tough nut. The open end is used to remove ...
What type of wrench is used to calibrate a maximum torque setting?
9. Torque Wrench. This special type of socket wrench allows you to calibrate a maximum torque setting.
What is a box wrench?
The box wrench has an enclosed loop at either end. The “box” head fits either hexagonal or square bolt heads, and can provide enough torque to loosen even tough bolts. Each end has a different sized box, and the boxes may be even with the handle or offset vertically to give more turning clearance.
What is a flare nut wrench?
The flare nut wrench (also called a line wrench) is a variation of an open-ended wrench takes the box design and removes a portion just wide enough to fit around a tube or thin pipe.
How are plier wrench jaws connected?
The jaws of a plier wrench are at an angle and are each attached to one handle. The handles are connected by a bolt which may be locked in place along one or more points in a slot. This allows the jaws to be set at different widths. The tool is then held like a pair of pliers, hence the name. 14.
What is a double end socket?
This specialty double-ended socket is used to unscrew spark plugs. It generally requires a T-bar handle but may also be included as part of a socket set. Despite their limited use, these tools may be found at any location that deals with engine repair.
What is a pipe wrench?
The Pipe Wrench, also known as a Pipe Spanner or Plumber Wrench or a Stillson Wrench, is mostly used in tightening and loosening pipe fittings, like a threaded pipe, while giving the best leverage and torque possible.
What is the difference between adjustable and pipe wrench?
When it comes to the grip, the pipe wrench has a teethed jaw design that helps to grip rounded objects, while the adjustable wrench has a flat jaw design best for flat surfaced nuts, bolts, and screws.
What is an adjustable wrench?
The adjustable wrench, also known as a crescent wrench, adjustable crescent wrench, knucklebuster, or adjustable spanner, is an open ended wrench with an adjustable jaw that makes it possible to act as a reliable fastener and is mostly used for tightening or loosening a nut, bolt, and socket of varying sizes.
Which is better, pipe wrench or adjustable wrench?
When it comes to torque, the pipe wrench outmatches the adjustable wrench by leaps and bounds because of its heavy frame and maximized leverage with its tightening or loosening motion, while the adjustable wrench is more flexible and can outperform the pipe wrench when it comes to versatility.
What is a good combination wrench?
A great combination wrench for both features would be the pliers wrench, which has a plier handle but has an adjustable pipe wrench head that gives flexibility and hand power leverage and torque, making it well suited for tight spaces and thinner pipe fittings.

Overview
Socket types
There are two main types of sockets: impact and hand. Sockets are referred by their number of “points” for the pointed intersections of their multi-faceted interior sides. Common designs include :
• 6 point, hexagon, for hexagonal nuts.
• 12 point (24 facets) for use with hexagonal nuts
History
Wrenches in the form of sockets—that is, a female driver to envelop the male head of a fastener—have existed for centuries. Early examples include the keys used to wind clocks since the Middle Ages. The heads and sockets were typically square; hex heads eventually became more common starting in the 20th century. The ratcheting socket wrench, with interchangeable (indexable) sockets, was invented by an American, J.J. Richardson, of Woodstock, Vermont. The t…
Accessories
These are some of the common accessories that are used with 1⁄4-inch, 3⁄8-inch, 1⁄2-inch (and so on) socket wrenches:
• Extensions, sometimes called "extender arms", attach to a socket on one end and a ratchet on the other end of the extension. These "extend" the length of the socket and allow access to nuts or bolts that are difficult to reach. Extensions …
See also
• Hydraulic torque wrench
• Impact wrench
• Torque wrench
External links
• Table of American socket and nut sizes in inches
• SAE to Metric socket conversion chart
• Ratchet manufacturing video
• Socket manufacturing video
Wrenches and Types
Types of Wrenches
- Following are the 31 types of wrenches and their uses: 1. According to the Standard Types of Wrenches 1.1. Pipe wrench 1.2. Chain wrench 1.3. Socket wrench 1.4. Torque wrench 1.5. Ratcheting Wrench 1.6. Oil Filter Wrench 1.7. Combination wrench 1.8. Adjustable wrench 1.9. Impact Wrench 1.10. Crowfoot Wrench 2. According to the Special Types of Wren...
Special Types of Wrenches
- When you have heard that someone has mentioned these special wrenches, chances are you will never own it. They are used for very specific functions or simply are not in common use outside of certain industries. Which are described below.
Conclusion
- As you know now wrench is usually available either male or female. The male wrench is inserted, like the head of a screwdriver. The female wrench has a socket that fits over the object they will be turning. Both are applied to tighten or loosen nuts & bolts, screws, and even caps and casings. If you have still any doubts about the “Types of Wrenches” you can contact us or ask in the com…