What is the function of box wrench?
Wrenches perform the same function as ratchets and sockets — tightening and loosening fasteners — but there are differences and situations that call for one over the other. For example, a box-end wrench is a good option for loosening stuck fasteners because you can apply more torque without risking damage to a ratchet mechanism.
What is an open end wrench used for?
Open-Ended Wrench They are used for hard-to-reach nuts and bolts, and the open design makes it possible to attach them either vertically or horizontally onto the target fitting. The downside is that they are more likely to round the edges of a nut than box-ended wrenches. Also Know, how is a open end wrench identified?
What is a bung wrench used for?
When the set torque is reached, these wrenches slip to disengage and stop turning the plug, preventing overtightening. Also known as bung wrenches, they are used to install and remove screw-in drum plugs. Calibration certificate traceable to NIST states the product has passed a test for accuracy.
What types of wrench ends are there?
There are differently sized loops at both ends. Unlike open-ended type, Box-ended wrenches will not round-off the edges. Combination. A combination wrench has features of both the open-ended a box-ended wrenches. It has an open-end at one side, and closed loop on the other side.
What is the difference between a box end and open end wrench?
Wrenches vs. For example, a box-end wrench is a good option for loosening stuck fasteners because you can apply more torque without risking damage to a ratchet mechanism. A wrench with an open end fits around a fastener instead of over it, so you can slip it into an area where there isn't room for a socket.
What are the ends of a wrench called?
A combination wrench is essentially three parts: an open end, a beam and a boxed end. Despite only having three parts, there are a few different ways to shape them. On the open end side, it's pretty simple -- you can have standard jaws or a modified open end.
What is a wrench with one box end and one open end?
Combination wrenches have an open-end jaw at one end of the tool and a box-end wrench of the same size at the other. As there are many situations where one or the other type simply won't work, combination wrenches can be handy indeed.
Why do wrenches have two ends?
By flipping a wrench over with each turn, the two-jaw open end has the ability to tighten or loosen a fastener. If the offset were any different, it would be possible for the fastener to get “stuck,” or unable to be turned in a limited-clearance area.
What are the parts of a socket wrench?
The Parts of a Socket WrenchSocket. The socket is open on both ends. ... Ratchet. The ratchet mechanism in the handle allows the handle to reverse direction without moving the socket, so the tool does not have to be removed to continue tightening or loosening. ... Accessories. ... History.
What is a square box wrench?
In wrench. Box-end wrenches have ends that enclose the nut and have 6, 8, 12, or 16 points inside the head. A wrench with 12 points is used on either a hexagonal or a square nut; the 8- and 16-point wrenches are used on square members.
Why is there a small opening at the end of the line wrench?
They allow access to difficult to reach fasteners. Should be used on bolt and nut heads 1/4" and smaller. Adequate on bolt and nut head sizes between 1/4" and 3/8".
Why are line wrenches open ended?
An open-ended wrench may grip the nut, but often the line joint is located in tight places where the wrench does not swing far enough to allow a second placement with the nut in its new position. Causes and DIY fixes for smoking brakes.
What are the 6 main types of wrenches?
Different types of wrenches and their functions1.1 According to the Standard Types of Wrenches. 1.1.1 Pipe wrench. 1.1.2 Chain wrench. ... 1.2 Join our Newsletter. 1.2.1 Ratcheting Wrench. 1.2.2 Oil Filter Wrench. ... 1.3 According to Special Types of Wrenches. 1.3.1 Strap wrench. 1.3.2 Plumber's Wrench. ... 1.4 Kindly Share!
What is the other side of a wrench used for?
After inserting one end of the hex-key wrench into a hex-head nut, the other end of the wrench is used as a handle to turn the nut. “Cheater bars,” or small tubes that slip over the end of the wrench handle, can create a longer handle and provide increased leverage when the nuts are stuck.
What's the difference between a spanner and a wrench?
A spanner is a type of wrench with an opening and sometimes little teeth: you can clasp it over the nut or bolt and get a good grip. In the US, the main difference between a spanner and other wrenches is the spanner is adjustable and works with many sizes of nuts and bolts.
What do the points on a socket refer to?
Matching up the points between the tool and fastener means that you will maximize the surface area of steel in contact, making the tool less likely to slip or fail. This is important when you're applying a lot of force, especially if the fastener is damaged or rusted.
Why are line wrenches open ended?
An open-ended wrench may grip the nut, but often the line joint is located in tight places where the wrench does not swing far enough to allow a second placement with the nut in its new position. Causes and DIY fixes for smoking brakes.
What is an open end wrench?
Definition of open end wrench : a wrench with jaws having a fixed width of opening at one or both ends of the handle.
What is the tool called to tighten bolts?
wrenchwrench, also called spanner, tool, usually operated by hand, for tightening bolts and nuts.
What is a box wrench?
Categorically speaking, a wrench is a tool that fits around a nut (as opposed to inside a screw or bolt, as the screwdriver ). Another property of the wrench is that it uses leverage, vis-a-vis the wrench’s handle, to tighten or loosen the nut.
Which side of a wrench should be away from the direction you are pulling?
Same goes with adjustable wrenches: the stable (and solid) side should be away from the direction you’re pulling, while the adjustable side is closest. One more thing to consider is the angle of the wrench arm itself, giving yourself the best leverage.
What to do if a bolt is stuck?
If a nut or bolt is really stuck, try a quick spray of Liquid Wrench or silicone directly onto the threads. Avoid using too much of this lubricant — you want it on the threads, not on the ears of your nut or bolt. One more use of a wrench is to hold one end in place. Fasteners often consist of a bolt and a nut.
What type of wrench is used for changing tires?
Other types of wrenches include the pipe wrench (for, you guessed it, pipes), socket wrench, adjustable wrench, lug wrench (a box wrench specially designed for changing tires), allen wrench. This last one was placed handily in the screwdriver category, despite the fact that, unlike the screwdriver, it does feature a lateral handle for leverage.
How to get a wrench to go full range of motion?
When possible, place the wrench at a 90-degree angle parallel to your body, so that pulling the wrench straight toward you allows for maximum torque. Once it’s loose, and less brute strength is needed, you can go for the wrench’s full range of motion. Here’s a neat little trick, if the nut is stuck.
How to turn a nut that is stuck?
Here’s a neat little trick, if the nut is stuck. You can use a length of metal pipe to extend the handle of the wrench. The longer the handle, the more torque leverage you get. That’s a fancy way of saying it will turn more easily with less work.
Is it safe to use an open end wrench on uneven surfaces?
While momentum-driven face plants onto uneven metal surfaces may provide hilarious and prize-winning video footage, it’s generally safer and healthier to fall away from metal surfaces. Open-end wrenches are slightly angled. For best stability, angle your open-end wrench so that the more-open side is closest to you ...
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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 an open end wrench?
The open end is used to remove or fasten nuts quickly, as it can be removed and replaced easily at the end of each turn arc. 2. Open-Ended Wrench. The namesake for this category of wrenches, an open-ended wrench has a U-shaped head at either end of the shaft.
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 makes hex screws so useful?
What makes hex screws so darn useful is the fact that children can’t just grab a penny and unscrew the furniture when you’re not looking. Another advantage is the L-shape. You can insert the long end, wrap a finger around the shorter end, and use it for a handle when working with deeper screws.
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 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.
Wrenches vs. Ratchets and Sockets
Wrenches perform the same function as ratchets and sockets — tightening and loosening fasteners — but there are differences and situations that call for one over the other. For example, a box-end wrench is a good option for loosening stuck fasteners because you can apply more torque without risking damage to a ratchet mechanism.
Wrench Types
Wrenches are available in a variety of styles for different applications. Some are designed to work with standard (Society of Automotive Engineers or SAE) fasteners, and some are for metric applications. Look for color-coded wrenches to help you quickly identify standard or metric. Here are some of the more common wrench types and their uses.
Strap Wrench
Tightens, loosens and turns a variety of different-sized items that don't have flat faces (container lids and plumbing fittings) for a standard wrench to grip
What is a combination box end wrench?
The combination box end wrench is the typical shape and style that people think of when they hear a “wrench” is in order. This simple but useful tool has an open wrench end at one side of the tool and a closed circular wrench at the opposite end. This tool has multiple uses and allows you to narrow in on your particular project’s correct size wrench.
What is an extra wide jaw wrench?
The adjustable extra-wide jaw wrench is a practical tool to keep in your toolbox. This wrench allows you to use several different wrench size options to custom fit your bolt in question. The extra-wide jaw opening will allow you to lock onto even the most oversized bolts and nuts in question.
What is the difference between metric and standard sizes for wrenches?
Nuts and bolts can come from anywhere in the world, and it is not uncommon to find nuts and bolts designed in both metric sizes and standard sizes. Metric sizes will use millimeters as the measurement unit, while standard sizes are measured in inches.
What is a 6 point combination wrench?
The combination standard 6 point wrench is very similar to the jumbo combination wrench, except the wrench is available in smaller sizes that are better suited to common household applications. Like the jumbo wrench, the combination standard 6 point wrench has one open end and one circular, closed-end, which makes this a multi-purpose tool.
What is a wide jaw adjustable wrench?
The wide jaw adjustable wrench is very similar to the extra-wide jaw option , with the only difference being that the jaw is not quite as large. This tool is a great wrench size option to keep in your toolbox because it can work with many bolts and nuts.
What is SAE wrench?
SAE is a common abbreviation that denotes a wrench size is a standard size. This notation means that the wrench head size is measured in inches rather than millimeters in the metric system. Standard wrench sizes range from 1/4 inch to 2 inches. It is also possible to buy jumbo size wrenches that range from 2 inches to 4 inches.
What happens if you use incorrect wrench size?
Using the incorrect wrench size can cause you to round off the square bolt head edges, impacting the nut or bolt’s overall integrity.
What is the angle of the box end of a wrench?
Because of this, the box end generally has an head offset angle of 15 degrees or so. Why? Clearance. For your knuckles. If there was no offset, you’d scrape and smash your knuckles as you used the more common end of the wrench. The engineers know you’re using this end of the wrench because you have some clearance in the plane of the fastener’s axis, so they made it more comfortable for you, the user!
What is the open end of a wrench?
The open end of the wrench is actually sized just a touch loose by a few thou to speed you along as you work on things. Cheaper wrenches often cheat that number up, making the open ends particularly awful to work with. This has not always been the case.
Why isn't a wrench hex shaped?
Why a wrench meant to turn hex-head fasteners is not hex-shaped at either end. If your wrenches had a hex-shaped hole in them , they would be kind of awful to use. It would take a pretty long time to perfectly align the hole in the box end of the wrench and the fastener .
How many degrees can a hexagon wrench move?
Because there are six flats on a hex head, each flat can move 60 degrees before the hexagon’s position is “reset.” (i.e., oriented the same as when it started, with a different flat in the same position). By flipping a wrench over with each turn, the two-jaw open end has the ability to tighten or loosen a fastener. If the offset were any different, it would be possible for the fastener to get “stuck,” or unable to be turned in a limited-clearance area.
Why do you drive a hexe?
To avoid this, it becomes necessary to drive the flank, or flats, of the fastener. This is done by way of radiused corners to allow for off-corner engagement of the fastener. This lobular design has been used in sockets for a long time, and was first patented for wrenches in 1961 by Kelsey-Hayes. The principle has been improved and riffed upon many times over the years and has given rise to many proprietary names you are probably familiar with — Flank Drive, SureGrip, Surface Drive, and a few flavors of spline drives come to mind. (Some of these are great, some are copies, and some are awful.)
Why are wrenches shorter?
The reason smaller wrenches are shorter isn’t just aesthetic so they look nice hanging on the pegboard; it’s practical, too. Smaller fasteners can bear less torque than big’uns, and by reducing the leverage your big dumb arm can exert, the tool designers reduce the odds you bust somethin’ important. (Long and short wrenches are available, of course.)
What is offset on a combination wrench?
Instead, offset here is generally in the angle of the opening of the jaws relative to the longitudinal axis of the wrench. Almost always, that angle will be 15 degrees — and the reason for that is, to me, deeply satisfying. The open end of a combination wrench is also offset, but it's offset a bit differently than the box end.
