Types of wrenches names

Types of wrenches names

Wrenches are hand tools used to provide grip and mechanical advantage to turn objects, usually fasteners such as nuts and bolts. Here are some of the various types of wrenches:

• Adjustable Wrench

  This is also referred to as a shifting spanner or crescent wrench. It has jaws of variable width that are used to grip and turn nuts and bolts of various sizes and shapes. The wrench is made of steel and has a movable jaw that is adjusted with a thumb screw. The wrench is suited for work in tight spaces where a fixed-size wrench cannot fit. It is used in plumbing and mechanical work.

• Socket Wrench

  This is also known as a ratchet wrench or socket tool. It is used with a socket that fits over the fastener. The wrench has a square drive that fits into the socket. The handle of the wrench is turned to move the socket and the ratchet mechanism allows the handle to be moved back and forth without removing the socket from the fastener. This tool is commonly used in automotive work.

• Torque Wrench

  This is used to apply a specific torque to a fastener. It measures the torque applied to the fastener and ensures it is tightened to the manufacturer's specifications. This tool is essential in construction, mechanical work, and automotive work.

• Open-End Wrench

  Also known as a spanner, this wrench has U-shaped jaws that grip the sides of a nut or bolt. It is used to turn fasteners that are in tight spaces. The open-end design allows it to fit in small areas where a box-end wrench cannot.

• Box-End Wrench

  This wrench has a closed, rounded head that fits over the nut or bolt. The box-end design provides a better grip and turns the fastener without slipping. This wrench is useful for fasteners that are rusted or have been tightened too much.

• Combination Wrench

  This wrench has both open and box ends. One end has an open design and the other end has a box design. It is used to turn fasteners in tight spaces where the open end cannot fit. It is a versatile tool used in various applications.

• Chain Wrench

  This is used to turn pipes and cylindrical objects that are too large for other wrenches. It has a chain that wraps around the object and a handle that turns the chain. The wrench provides a strong grip and can turn rusty or stuck pipes.

• Strap Wrench

  It uses a strap to grip and turn objects without scratching them. This wrench is ideal for turning polished or chrome-plated objects. It is used in plumbing and HVAC work.

Design of wrenches

Wrenches are essential tools for fastening and loosening nuts and bolts. Their designs vary based on their specific functions and the types of fasteners they are intended to work with. Here are some key design elements and features commonly found in various types of wrenches:

• Adjustable Wrench

  The design of an adjustable wrench is comprised of a long handle that ends with two curved jaws separated by a movable screw. This allows the jaws to adapt to various sizes of nuts and bolts. The jaw adjustment is often made using a knurled knob or wheel located at the end of the fixed jaw. The movable jaw slides along a groove to permit precise alterations. The design also includes measurement markings etched on the fixed jaw, enabling users to determine the size of fasteners quickly.

• Socket Wrench

  Typically, the socket wrench design features a ratchet mechanism. Here, a socket containing a hexagonal or square opening fits over the fastener. The handle is attached to a ratchet mechanism that permits the socket to turn in one direction while the handle moves back in the opposite direction without loosening the socket. This design is compact and permits work in tight spaces. Interchangeable sockets of varying sizes are used to accommodate different fastener sizes. Often, the sockets are secured to the handle using a quick-release mechanism or a locking pin.

• Torque Wrench

  This wrench is designed to provide a precise measurement of torque applied to a fastener. The design incorporates a calibrated scale and a mechanism that either clicks or releases when the preset torque value is achieved. There are two common types of torque wrenches: beam and click. The beam type uses a pointer and a scale to indicate torque, while the click type gives a distinct audible click when the desired torque is reached. It is crucial to ensure proper fastening and avoid over-tightening.

• Box-End Wrench

  A box-end wrench is designed to fit over the entire head of a bolt or nut. This design includes a rounded socket at the end of the handle. The socket has internal ridges that correspond to the shape of the bolt or nut. This design provides a secure grip and minimizes the risk of rounding off the fastener's corners. The wrench is usually made of high-strength steel or chrome-vanadium steel, ensuring durability and resistance to wear and deformation.

• Open-End Wrench

  This wrench design is characterized by two parallel jaws at the open end of the handle. Each jaw has a distinct width that corresponds to different sizes of fasteners. The open-end wrench is ideal for use in locations with limited space around the fastener. However, it may not always fit securely on the fastener. Consequently, it is often used in conjunction with other wrenches that provide a better grip and leverage.

• Specialized Wrenches

  Some specialized wrenches feature unique designs tailored to specific applications. For instance, a plumbing or basin wrench has a long handle with an adjustable jaw and a pivoting head. This enables it to reach and turn plumbing fittings in confined spaces. Additionally, a strap wrench uses a flexible strap or rubber belt to grip cylindrical objects delicately. This prevents damage to polished or fragile surfaces.

Wearing/Matching suggestions of wrenches

Wrenches are hand tools that are used to loosen or tighten bolts and nuts; they are invaluable for any kind of assembly or disassembly work. Here are some wearing and matching suggestions of the wrench and wrench sets to make the most of these indispensable tools:

• General Matching Guidelines

  When using a wrench, it is important to match the size and type of wrench to the fastener being worked on. Ensure that the wrench fits snugly around the fastener to prevent slipping and damage. For hexagonal nuts and bolts, use open-end, box-end, or combination wrenches. For round fasteners like pipes, use a pipe or chain wrench. Torque wrenches require specific sockets, so ensure the correct socket is used for the application.

• Adjustable Wrench

  These wrenches can be used for different sizes of nuts and bolts. The most common type is the crescent wrench. It is best to use it on hexagonal nuts and bolts but is also used on other fasteners like pipes. One wearing/matching suggestion is to use an adjustable wrench with a protective pad when working with softer metals like aluminum or brass fasteners. The pad prevents damage to the metal surface while maintaining a secure grip. Another suggestion is to ensure that the adjustable jaw is properly tightened before use to avoid slippage and potential damage to the fastener.

• Socket Wrench

  These wrenches are used with sockets to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts. They are ideal for working in tight spaces and for applying higher torque. Wearing insulated gloves when using a socket wrench in electrical applications is recommended to protect against electrical shock. Another matching suggestion is to use a socket adapter to convert a ratchet handle into a screwdriver for fastening screws with a screwdriver bit.

• Torque Wrench

  This is used to apply a specific torque to fasteners, ensuring proper tension and preventing over-tightening. Always hold the torque wrench by the handle and never use it to loosen fasteners. Wear safety glasses to protect the eyes from debris when working in an environment where fasteners are being secured with a torque wrench. Additionally, ensure that the torque setting is correctly calibrated for the application, and return the wrench to its lowest setting after use to maintain its accuracy.

• Specialty Wrenches

  These wrenches are designed for specific applications, such as plumbing or automotive work. For example, a pipe wrench is essential for tightening and loosening plumbing fittings. Wearing a padded glove on the hand using a pipe wrench is recommended to enhance comfort and grip and prevent slippage that can lead to injury. Another suggestion is to match the size of the pipe wrench to the diameter of the pipe for optimal performance and to avoid damaging the pipe or fitting.

• Maintenance and Care

  Maintaining and caring for wrenches is important to ensure longevity and optimal performance. One wearing suggestion is to always store wrenches in a dry, clean place to prevent rust and corrosion. Another matching suggestion is to regularly lubricate moving parts of adjustable wrenches with light machine oil to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear. Additionally, always check wrenches for signs of damage or wear, such as cracked jaws or damaged handles, and replace them as necessary to ensure safety and effectiveness in use.

Q&A

Q1: What are the two basic types of wrenches?

A1: Wrenches are categorized into two basic types. The first type is the open-end and the second type is the box-end. Open-end wrenches have two different sized openings at each end and they are used for nuts and bolts with limited rotational spaces. Box-end wrenches have a closed loop or box shape at both ends, which fits over the fastener completely, offering better grip and torque. Due to this, box-end wrenches are mostly used in tight spaces.

Q2: What is a wrench with a name?

A2: A wrench is a tool that is used to turn or tighten nuts and bolts. It consists of a handle and a shaped metal head that fits onto the fastener. Wrenches are mostly used in construction, automotive, and mechanical applications to apply torque and loosen or tighten fasteners securely.

Q3: What is a wrench with a head called?

A3: A wrench with a head is simply referred to as a wrench or a spanner. The head is uniquely shaped to fit over or around the fastener, while the handle is long enough to provide leverage for turning. Some wrenches, like ratchet wrenches, have interchangeable heads that allow them to fit various fastener sizes.

Q4: What is a wrench tool?

A4: A wrench tool is defined as a mechanical device that is specifically designed to turn or tighten fasteners like nuts and bolts. Some of the common wrench tools include adjustable, socket, and torque wrenches, each specifically designed for certain applications but sharing the basic principle of providing leverage to rotate fasteners.

Q5: What is the function of a wrench?

A5: The main function of a wrench is to apply torque to fasteners, thus enabling them to either tighten or loosen. This function allows wrenches to secure or release bolts and nuts, which is a crucial step in assembling or disassembling mechanical components and structures.