It’s mind-boggling to know that the first wrench was patented in 1835.
Wrenches are handy tools that come in various shapes and sizes for tightening or loosening bolts and nuts. Depending on the job at hand, you might need a different type of wrench to get the job done.
What are the different types of wrenches? Read on for a full wrench guide.
Socket Wrench
A socket wrench is one of the most versatile kinds of wrench used in both professional and DIY settings. It consists of a handle and various socket attachments that fit over the heads of bolts and nuts.
The most common socket wrench is the “ratchet” type. The ratchet mechanism allows you to turn the bolt without needing to remove the wrench from the fastener, which makes your work more efficient.
When using a socket wrench, it’s important to select the right socket size to match the bolt or nut you’re working with. The socket size should snugly fit the fastener to ensure a secure grip and prevent slippage.
Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench can adapt to different sizes of nuts and bolts. It features a movable jaw that can be adjusted by turning a worm gear or screw mechanism. It’s another one of the most common Mac Tools.
This adjustability allows the wrench to fit various fasteners. It’s a handy choice when you don’t have access to a complete set of socket wrenches.
To use an adjustable wrench, you need to first determine the size of the fastener you’re working with. Then, adjust the wrench’s jaw to the appropriate size by turning the worm gear. Make sure the jaw fits snugly to prevent slipping, which can damage the fastener and make your job more challenging.
Torque Wrench
People use a torque wrench when precise torque settings are crucial. Torque is the force required to turn a fastener to a specific tightness. Torque wrenches are used in various industries, including the following:
- Automotive
- Construction
- Engineering
Torque wrenches come in different styles, such as click-type, beam-type, and electronic torque wrenches. The click-type torque wrench is one of the most common and user-friendly options. It produces an audible click when the preset torque is reached, which alerts you to stop tightening.
Beam-type torque wrenches rely on a visual indicator, while electronic torque wrenches provide digital readouts for precise torque measurements.
Wrench Size Matters
Choosing the right wrench size is essential for efficient and safe work. Wrenches come in both metric and imperial (standard) sizes, so you’ll need to identify the unit of measurement used on your fastener.
To determine the wrench size for a bolt or nut, you can use a wrench size chart or a wrench size guide. Remember to select a wrench that matches the fastener’s size as closely as possible to ensure a secure fit and minimize the risk of rounding off corners.
These Are the Different Types of Wrenches
Wrenches come in a variety of types, and each is suited to different tasks. Socket wrenches are versatile and efficient, adjustable wrenches offer adaptability, and torque wrenches provide precise control over tightening. Knowing the different types of wrenches will help you choose the right one for the job.
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