Different Types of Wrenches Explained

Not to be confused with a spanner, a wrench is an adjustable tool that can be used to apply torque in order to tighten or loosen a fastening such as a nut or bolt. Available in powered or manual forms, there are many types and sizes of wrenches, some of which can be for general use, others for more specialist applications. 

Whether you are a plumber, mechanic, or a keen DIYer, if you are looking to remove rusty bolts, secure loose nuts, or fasten metal constructions, this guide will talk through some different types of wrench hand tools, and what they are designed to be used for.

Adjustable Wrench

The adjustable wrench, also known as the crescent wrench, is possibly the most versatile wrench you can own in your toolkit. With a sliding jaw, its width can be easily adjusted to fit a range of nut and bolt sizes using your fingers on its worm screw. When you need flexibility for different jobs, the adjustable wrench is a great option as it can be customised to different sizes within its range, so you only need one tool rather than several. The STANLEY FatMax Quick Adjustable Wrench 300mm (12in) is an example of a forged steel adjustable wrench available to buy at HSS.

Pipe Wrench

Also known as a Stillson wrench, or a monkey wrench, pipe wrenches are often used by plumbers as they are designed for jobs that involve rounded or cylindrical objects such as installing or removing soft metal threaded pipes or fittings. It only works on rounded fittings so cannot be used on fastenings such as hex nuts for example, unless they are badly misshapen. The Bahco 361-18 450mm (18in) Pipe Wrench is an example of a forged steel pipe wrench available to buy here at HSS.

The serrated top and bottom jaws offer a strong grip on the pipe and make it easier when adjusting or fitting pipework. A unique feature of the pipe wrench is that it only grips in one direction - simply rest the teeth from one of the jaws on the pipe, close the jaws using the nut, then push the wrench down to turn the pipe. To remove the wrench just push on the end of the hook jaw to lift it and loosen the grip on the pipe.

Leader Wrench

A leader wrench is a heavier-duty version of a pipe wrench, primarily designed for civil engineering applications, although can be used in other commercial settings. It is used in the same way as a pipe wrench however is more robust and features a jaw with a larger capacity. The IRWIN 350 Leader Wrench 450mm (18in) is an example of a leader wrench available to buy with us here at HSS.

Hook Wrench

A more specialist type of wrench often used by mechanics in the automotive industry for car and motorcycle parts, the hook wrench is designed to tighten or loosen round fastenings with notches such as lock nuts or ring nuts. The end of the curve of a hook wrench features a pointed tooth that is used to grip onto the notch in the fastening.

Strap Wrench

Largely used by mechanics and plumbers, a strap wrench is a useful tool for rounded or irregular shape fastenings thanks to its flexible grip. They can be used for applications such as changing oil filters, or plastic pipe fittings, and often feature a soft material like rubber for the strap so as not to leave marks on the fastening.

Whichever wrench you are planning on using for your project, always remember to use the appropriate size for the job. You may want to consider investing in a wrench set such as the Bahco Adjustable 3 Piece Wrench Set 8070/71/72 if you are likely to be using on different sized fastening. Also consider powered wrenches such as an impact wrench if you are completing repetitive tasks or need extra power and a high torque output is needed.

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