Which Wrench Should I Buy
Which Wrench Should I Buy
A big problem with selecting wrenches today is M E T R I C. If you decide you need any particular wrench you probably need two -- one English standard and one metric. If I were buying my first wrench set and was willing to pay a little extra, I would buy one of the Metrinch tool sets. They appear to be reasonable quality and they fit both English and Metric fasteners.
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That said, if you are going to buy ordinary wrenches the brand suggestions are Husky, Sears Craftsman, S-K depending on how much you want to pay. Husky will be the cheapest and you can find them at home centers like Home Depot. You may not have noticed but few Sears tools are mentioned in my tool article. Sears used to sell good quality tools, but with a few exceptions, that's no longer the case. One exception as of are their Craftsman wrenches. They're not excellent, but they're good and moderately priced if you buy them in sets on sale. I've found the ratchets that usually come in their tool sets wanting, and I buy their better quality ratchets separately. S-K makes topnotch mechanic quality tools. Snap-On or MAC are considered the absolute best but are quite expensive. I think most if not all these brands have lifetime replacement warranties, but you may find the Craftsman warranty easier to take advantage of. Sears sells tools that are not Craftsman, but only tools marked "Craftsman" have their lifetime replacement warranty.
Husky are probably adequate for a beginner, until they figure out if they're gonna grow up to be a Tim Allen tool freak.
Sidebar
In a metallurgist for the Danaher Corporation stated that Danaher makes all the sockets for Craftsman, Easco, Matco, Proto, Allen Wrench, NAPA, and K-D. He said all are made the same -- there is no difference between any of these sockets, in any way, except for the name.
I usually call the kind of tools we're discussing here mechanics' tools, because their use for home repair is more limited. Tools needed for cars are in general smaller sizes than needed for home nuts. This creates the problem that many home repairs require wrenches that are large, expensive and hard to store. Probably the best compromise is to get the wrenches that come in ordinary wrench sets, plus a 12" Crescent wrench and a large pair of Channelock pliers (not Sears Robo-Grips for this). I have a pair (good quality but not Channelock brand) with 4+ inch jaws I bought 40 years ago and they've gotten me out of awkward situations lots of times. The problem with Channelocks is they scar up whatever you use them on. [Sometimes you can get plastic shrouds for the jaws that prevent the scarring but reduce their effectiveness]
Socket-to-me -- Socket-TO-me -- Socket to ME
whatever happened to Judy Carne?
In selecting a socket set you want one that has about 7 deep (long) sockets in addition to the standard length sockets. (See how the metric/English problem makes the number grow?). Also, you want 2-3 extensions (rods that go between the ratchet and the socket). You can combine extensions to get different lengths.
Hand Wrenches
Everybody seems to love box end (the business end is a ring the goes entirely around the nut) and combination wrenches (box on one end and open end (U shaped opening the nut goes into) on the other. If you only intend to buy one type, buy an open end set. Sometimes a bolt is in a position you can't put the box over it. You can always slide the open end on. If you're going to get both open and box, I prefer a set of open and a set of boxes over a set of combinations (it's the same number of wrenches). Often you have to put a wrench on the head of a bolt while you turn the nut with another. If you have a combination set, both of the sizes you need are on the same wrench -- duhh.
The minimum set is 7 English open end wrenches from 3/8" to 3/4" and 5 metric from 10mm to 14mm. When you want to expand beyond that add a 3/8" drive ratchet and sockets in the same sizes as the hand wrenches. After that, add the deep sockets. I'd buy a 1/4" socket set next. Then start adding the larger open end and socket sizes in the same order until you reach 1" and 19mm. Others might add box end wrenches in the same size order as I suggest for open ends.
As I'm sure you can guess, opinions vary widely on the order given above, but you have one person's opinion.
Wrenches are usually a lot cheaper in sets than individual prices. You can buy hand wrench sets and socket sets separately. So look around for separate sets or combination sets to put together the amount of the above collection you want. To flesh out big sets they usually throw in a lot of stuff you don't need. But, every once in a while Sears will have a sale price that's so good on a large collection you can just put that filler stuff in a box in the attic and still have a good buy.
I'm tired and stopping now but I'll probably come back later with more on wenches, wrenches . . . and maybe a little on winches :-)
A Guide to Wrenches: How to Choose Wisely
In the vast world of hand tools, wrenches are some of the most indispensable items in the toolbox. Whether you&#;re a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the various types of wrenches is essential for selecting the right tool for the job.
From adjustable wrenches to socket wrenches, each type has its unique features and applications. Let's explore the key differences to help you pick the perfect tool for the job.
Socket Wrenches: Power and Precision in Your Hands
Design Characteristics: Socket wrenches employ interchangeable sockets on a ratcheting mechanism. With various sizes available, they offer a secure grip and flexibility to match different bolt heads. Multiple styles of sockets are available for these wrenches to accommodate the job at hand.
Uses: Socket wrenches shine in applications requiring high torque, such as automotive repairs. The ratcheting mechanism allows for efficient use in confined spaces, and the availability of different socket sizes makes them a versatile choice for a wide range of tasks.
Combination Wrenches: A Dual-Purpose Option
Design Characteristics: Combination wrenches have both an open end and a closed end (ring) on the same tool, providing versatility for general-purpose tasks. The open end is typically set at a different angle than the closed end, allowing for flexibility in various applications. Multiple sizes and lengths are available to meet different needs.
Uses: Combination wrenches are ideal for various tasks, as the closed end provides a secure grip for applying greater force, while the open end allows for quick application and removal. While versatile, they might not be as efficient as specialized wrenches.
Box-End Wrenches: Strength and Stability
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Design Characteristics: Box-end wrenches have a closed-end design for a strong grip on fasteners, offering stability in demanding applications. The closed-box design provides more contact points with the fastener, reducing the risk of rounding off edges.
Uses: Well-suited for higher torque applications, box-end wrenches are less likely to slip compared to their open-end counterparts. However, their use may be limited in tight spaces due to the enclosed design.
Open-End Wrenches: Made for Tight Spaces
Design Characteristics: Featuring U-shaped ends for quick application and removal, open-end wrenches are great for tight spaces where a full rotation is challenging.
Uses: Open-end wrenches are efficient in situations where a full circular motion is not possible. While ideal for confined spaces, caution is necessary to prevent rounding off bolt edges during use.
Ratcheting Wrenches: Speed and Efficiency
Design Characteristics: Ratcheting wrenches feature a ratcheting mechanism, located at the boxed end, which enables the user to apply continuous force in one direction without having to remove and reposition the wrench. These wrenches come in a variety of styles such as double-boxed end, combination and flex head. Most designs mirror the functionality of traditional wrenches, with the added convenience of the ratcheting mechanism.
Uses: Ratcheting wrenches are ideal for work in tight spaces where a traditional wrench might not have enough room to maneuver. The ratcheting mechanism allows you to keep the wrench in place while fastening, while the optional switch allows for change in ratcheting direction without having to flip the wrench. While these wrenches are great for loosing and tighting fasters, they should not be used to break fasteners loose, as the force required will damage the ratcheting mechanism.
Torque Wrenches: Precision at its Peak
Design Characteristics: Torque wrenches are specifically designed to apply a predetermined amount of torque to a fastener, ensuring precision in critical tasks. They come in various types, including dial-type, click-type and electronic torque wrenches.
Uses: Essential for projects where precise torque is crucial, such as automotive work, torque wrenches are a must-have for those who demand accuracy in their work. Click-type torque wrenches emit an audible click when the desired torque is reached, while dial-type wrenches rely on a visual scale for indication. Electronic torque wrenches offer digital precision and may have additional features, such as memory storage.
Crowfoot Wrenches: Finesse for Hard-to-Reach Fasteners
Design Characteristics: Crowfoot wrenches are open-ended with a shaped head resembling a crow&#;s foot. This unique design is intended for reaching some of the most difficult-to-access fasteners.
Uses: Perfect for some of the tightest areas, crowfoot wrenches are typically used in combination with a torque wrench. They can often reach fasteners in spaces where traditional wrenches may struggle.
Pipe Wrenches: Great for Plumbing Challenges
Design Characteristics: Pipe wrenches feature serrated jaws to provide a firm grip on pipes and rounded objects.
Uses: Although they&#;re primarily used in plumbing, these wrenches also prove handy in various applications where a secure grip on cylindrical objects is necessary. The adjustable jaw size accommodates different pipe diameters.
Adjustable Wrenches: One Wrench with Many Possibilities
Design Characteristics: Adjustable wrenches feature a movable jaw, allowing them to adapt to different nut and bolt sizes. They typically come in various sizes, and some models feature a built-in scale to help gauge the jaw width.
Uses: Versatility is the hallmark of adjustable wrenches, making them perfect for tasks where multiple fastener sizes are encountered. However, they may not provide the precise fit of a fixed-size wrench and are not recommended for high-torque applications.
The following table gives a summary of the most suitable wrench to choose based on your specific requirements:
Selecting the appropriate style of wrench for the task requires considering the size of fasteners, space constraints and the level of torque needed. After narrowing down the list of compatible wrenches, you can then decide which option will help complete the job most efficiently. Of course, it will help to invest in a diverse set of high-quality wrenches to ensure you're well-equipped for any challenge that comes your way.
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