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CartHere’s How to Choose a Wrench
Any well-equipped toolbox includes a wrench — or more likely, several. Wrenches are used for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. This hand tool comes in handy for plumbing, vehicle maintenance, furniture assembly and more. Here’s how to find the right wrench for every job.
Primary Wrench Types
Wrenches come in a wide array of styles designed for general and specialized uses. They fall into two main categories: open wrenches and box-end wrenches. Here’s how they compare.
Wrenches are sized by metric or imperial SAE measurements. The latter refers to fastener sizes standardized by the Society of Automotive Engineers.
Open Wrench
An open wrench has a U-shaped head at each end of its handle to grasp a fastener for tightening or loosening.
Each head is a different size, increasing the tool’s versatility
Designed for hard-to-reach nuts and bolts
Grasp is less secure, compared to a box-end wrench
BEST FOR: Common nuts and bolts in home, automotive and bicycle repairs and maintenance
TIP: Always ensure you use the right-size open wrench. This will ensure the bolt will never be stripped.
Box-End Wrench
A box-end wrench has a closed, ring-shaped head at each end of its handle. The ring encircles a fastener for tightening or loosening.
Each head is a different size, increasing the tool’s versatility
Designed for secure, non-slip contact with fasteners
Less able to access hard-to-reach fasteners, compared to an open wrench
BEST FOR: Hex and square bolts in home, automotive, bicycle, HVAC, appliance and plumbing repairs and maintenance
TIP: Similar to combination wrenches, box-end wrenches have ratcheting gears built in that typically require a 5-degree arc turn for tightening
Common Wrenches
Now that you know about the two main wrench types, let’s take a look at three more wrenches commonly used in home improvements, vehicle maintenance and other household DIYing.
Specialty Wrenches
Avid home improvers, mechanics and furniture builders may want even more wrenches in their toolbox. Here are nine more wrenches that can help tighten up your DIY abilities.
Lug Wrench
This four-way wrench fits four different-sized lug nuts for easy tire changes to your car or truck.
Strap Wrench
With its adjustable rubber loop, this wrench can grip oil filters or even open a tightly stuck jar lid.
Hex Wrench
Also known as an Allen wrench, this set is a must-have for motorcycle and bike enthusiasts.
Basin Wrench
Access narrow, hard-to-reach plumbing fittings with this long and skinny adjustable wrench.
Impact Wrench
Mechanics will appreciate the torque provided by a battery- or air-compressor-powered impact wrench.
