Nine Types of Wrenches and Pliers

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Socket wrench
Socket wrench
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A combination wrench has an open end and an enclosed end, which is called a box end.
A combination wrench has an open end and an enclosed end, which is called a box end.
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The socket wrench is one of nine types of wrenches and/or pliers you shouldn't be without.
The socket wrench is one of nine types of wrenches and/or pliers you shouldn't be without.
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Flat open-end wrench
Flat open-end wrench
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Basic slip joint pliers.
Basic slip joint pliers.
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Allen wrenches are also called allen keys.
Allen wrenches are also called allen keys.
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Pipe wrench
Pipe wrench
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An adjustable wrench, often called a Crescent wrench.
An adjustable wrench, often called a Crescent wrench.
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Lock-jaw pliers, often called Vise-Grips, are the most useful and common style of pliers.
Lock-jaw pliers, often called Vise-Grips, are the most useful and common style of pliers.
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Needle-nose pliers are finesse tools that let you sneak into confined spaces.
Needle-nose pliers are finesse tools that let you sneak into confined spaces.
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Adjustable-width pliers are also called Channellock pliers.
Adjustable-width pliers are also called Channellock pliers.

A collection of wrenches and pliers is a standard part of any toolbox, and they’re among the most useful tools for home improvement projects and auto repair. Perhaps the biggest challenge is selecting the right tool for the job. Wrenches are designed to fit nuts, bolts and other standard fasteners. Pliers grip, turn, squeeze and rotate round or irregularly shaped objects of most any size, from baling wire to barbecue grills.

One bit of advice: If you have a job that could be completed with either a wrench or pliers, use the wrench. You’ll get better results with an appropriately sized wrench, because it won’t slip and damage the fasteners you’re working on. Pliers are always more tempting to use because one pair can grip a wide range of fastener sizes. But doing so can quickly ruin machine parts by rounding off the heads of nuts and bolts. Use a wrench whenever possible, and save the pliers for when your wrenches won’t work.

Types of Wrenches

A socket wrench set is invaluable because it’s so versatile. All sets include a wrench handle, an assortment of detachable sockets that fit different sizes of nuts and bolts, and a couple of extensions. Extensions lengthen the tool’s reach and snap in place between the wrench handle and the sockets. You can adjust socket wrench handles to turn the socket in either direction, using a button or lever on the handle.

If you purchase only one socket set for jobs such as vehicle maintenance or home improvement, buy a half-inch system. This measurement refers to the size of the square-drive recess in the base of each socket. Half-inch sockets are versatile and will handle most small- and medium-size jobs, delivering sufficient torque without breaking. A three-eighths-inch drive socket set doesn’t cost as much, but the socket will break more easily if you exert too much force on it. Another size is a three-quarter-inch drive socket. But unless you’ll be working on large fasteners frequently, you can save money by using another kind of wrench.

  • Published on Jun 1, 2006
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