42 Types of Wrenches

Various Types of Wrenches

Adjustable Wrench

Due to its adaptability, an adjustable wrench is the most popular and widely
used wrench. Because of its movable crescent-shaped head, it is also known as
a crescent wrench. It is also known as a “shifting spanner wrench” in British
English. They have an adjustable open head in the form of a crescent with a
screw installed that, when rotated, opens or closes the crest. The same
functions of a fixed wrench can be carried out by an adjustable wrench, which
eliminates the need to carry around a set of numerous sizes. Because it is
thicker than fixed wrenches, it takes up more room. These wrenches may have
been used by carpenters, mechanics, and plumbers.

Allen Wrench

To fit into the heads of screws and bolts with hexagonal holes and recesses at
the end, Allen wrenches are typically T- or L-shaped hexagonal wrenches. Allen
keys are another name for it in British English. When you order any kind of
furniture online, you might receive this kind of key.
Box-Ended Wrench

The closed loops at the ends of the box-ended wrench are either higher or lower
than the handle. In British English, it is also referred to as a “ring spanner.” For
use, the open loop on the end of the wrenches fits on the nut or bolt head. It
comes in different sizes and is either used with hexagonal or square-shaped
nuts and bolts. Wrenches with box ends are typically sold in sets.

Open-Ended Wrench

Open-ended wrenches are the most commonly used wrenches and are included
in all toolboxes because they can be used on difficult-to-reach nuts and bolts,
and because of their open design, they can be joined to the heads of nuts or
bolts either vertically or horizontally. In British English, it is also referred to as an
“open-ended spanner.” These wrenches’ sole drawback is that they can round
the edges of the bolt more than other available options.
Combination Wrench

Combination wrenches combine open-ended and box-ended construction, as

suggested by their name. has a closed-loop end for hexagonal nuts and a U-
shaped open end on one. In British English, it is sometimes referred to as a
combination spanner. utilized frequently in complicated nuts where the open
end is used to unscrew the nut and the closed loop is used to loosen the nut.
Combination wrenches are sold in packages that contain many wrenches of
various sizes.

Crowfoot Wrenches

The crescent head without a handle is the Crowfoot wrench. This is coupled with
a socket extension and ratchet. Due to the limited area, this wrench can be
fixed even in the most difficult locations. In order to handle bolts in more
challenging locations on the machine frame without separating neighboring
components, the Crowfoot wrench is frequently utilized.
Impact Wrench

These two categories are Impact wrenches come in two varieties: cordless
impact wrenches and air impact wrenches, both of which operate using an air
compressor. Airguns or air wrenches are other names for impact wrenches.
These wrenches may have been visible at an auto repair business. As a result of
these being able to unscrew bolts by applying a high torque, they are ideally
suited for removing difficult nuts and bolts. They perform best for repeated
tasks like mounting a car’s wheel and are not appropriate for precise bolts. It is
not advised to use it for general use since over-torquing might harm the thread
on nuts and bolts.

Lug Wrench
Due to its usage and construction, a lug wrench has several different names.
Since they are used to tighten or loosen nuts on an automobile, they are known
as wheel braces. Other names for this include X-shaped, which has four ends
with four different-sized sockets, and L-shaped, which has two ends with two
sockets of various sizes each. It also goes by the name “spider wrench.” By
exerting pressure to loosen or tighten the nuts, longer lug wrenches provide
higher torque. It is frequently referred to as a “tire spanner” in British English.

Oil Filter Wrench

Oil filter wrenches are often used in the auto industry to take out oil filters that
are round. Depending on the brand of the automobile, it comes in four distinct
varieties. Another option is a claw wrench, which functions similarly to
adjustable wrenches and is also referred to as a chain wrench in British English.
Both of these employ a loop to wrap around the filter casing.

Pipe Wrench

The pipe wrench has a stronger, F-shaped form and is comparable to an

adjustable wrench. Plumbers primarily use it on metal pipes and fittings. It has
jaw-like or tooth-like features on its head that may readily grasp the fittings and
pipelines. These pipes may get scratched by their teeth. By turning the wrench’s
nut, the adjustable jaw may be fixed depending on the diameter of the pipe or
the fitting.

Ratcheting Wrench

A ratcheting wrench is similar to a combination wrench, with the key distinction

being that it contains a ratcheting device within one end that aids in adjusting
the nut or bolt without removing the tool. This makes it simpler to operate in the
small space. In British English, it is referred to as a “ratcheting handle.”

Socket Wrench

Without raising the wrench, the socket wrench employs a ratcheting mechanism
to tighten or loosen any nut or bolt. Several sockets are available, depending on
the size of the nuts and bolts. This wrench makes it simple to increase your
speed because it doesn’t require any wrench adjustment. And if you encounter
any obstacles while performing the loosening or tightening operation, you may
reverse the direction to get some room and carry-on working.
Torque Wrench

To control and apply a precise amount of torque to nuts or bolts, a torque

wrench is utilized. It serves as the main tool in the car, mechanic, wheel-
replacing, and mechanical support sectors. Because too much torque can harm
the threads of nuts and bolts, each vehicle has a unique torque mechanism that
must be adhered to. They come in a variety of forms, including manual and
computerized. The automotive industry uses them the most frequently to
tighten the lug nuts on the wheels.

Alligator Wrench
Allen wrenches have a form like the gaping mouth of an alligator, as their name
indicates. The inner upper jaw of the cranium possesses teeth, whereas the
lower jaw is toothless. Handling square-head nuts and bolts is the main
application for an alligator wrench. Prior to the introduction of hexagonal nuts
and bolts, square nuts and bolts were often utilized in the agricultural,
automotive, and maintenance sectors.

Armorer’s Wrench

An armorer’s wrench is a specific kind of wrench with teeth to easily grab the
nuts or bolts and a C-shaped aperture on the open side. As the name implies,
armorer wrenches are often used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts on
firearms, rifles, or armorers. It has a hole in the handle, either square or circular,
where the ratchet handle is attached. According to the gun or rifle, armorer
wrenches are available in a variety of sizes and forms.

Basin Wrench
Basin Wrenches are wrenches designed for use in tight spaces beneath sinks,
basins, and toilets. It features teeth on the jaw and on the skull that aid in
improving grip. At the other end, it features a transverse handle. Due to its
functions, this is also known as the faucet wrench.

Bionic Wrench

The piler’s spherical head and handle design are shared by the wrenches. These
spherical heads make it easier to firmly grasp the bolt or nut head. It may be
described as a movable box-ended wrench.

Bung Wrench

Bung wrenches are specialized tools created especially for removing drum caps.
The head of the socket wrench features teeth that fit into the sockets of the cap.
By removing the cap, it helps lower the drum’s pressure. The term “drum plug
wrench” also applies to them. It comes in a variety of forms, and there is even a
sparkly wrench that is designed specifically to open a combustible drum cap or
plug.

Cone Wrench

Cone wrenches are designed to fit into tight spaces that are difficult for open-
end wrenches to access. The heads of these wrenches are narrow and broad.
These wrenches have a big head and low strength. They are mostly used for
bicycles and to change the washing machine’s leveling feet. The majority of
bicycle front hubs utilize 13 mm, whereas 15 mm wrenches are used on the
back.

Die-Stock Holder Wrench

The foundation of tap and die sets is the die-stock holder wrench. Both male and
female sets of dies are compatible with this. With the use of a screw to tighten
them, this two-handed wrench helps to keep the dies in the middle. The nuts
and bolts are given a thread by these wrenches. This is mostly used for
threading operations.
Dog-Bone Wrench

Dog-bone wrenches, as their name indicates, resemble dog bones in form. They
are also known as dumb-bell wrenches. This wrench includes two box ends with
sockets of various sizes. Although its capacity to set many nuts and bolts makes
it helpful everywhere, it is typically used for bicycle maintenance and repair. It
also goes by the name “dog bone spanner” in British English. Some dog
wrenches include swivel heads for more flexible operation.

Drum Key

Tuning drums and other percussion instruments is mostly done with a drum key
wrench. With a flat handle and a square-shaped socket, this may be inserted
into the heads of nuts and bolts. Longer handle drum keys offer a greater torque
capacity than shorter handle drum keys. Its form is a T.

Fan Clutch Wrench

The removal of fan clutches from automobiles requires the use of a fan clutch
wrench. These wrenches feature a handle linked to a U-shaped head. They are
included with the kit in a variety of sizes. A square aperture can also be seen on
the other end of several of the wrenches. This facilitates removing the hex-
shaped nuts and bolts. where the other end functions as a clutch-holding device.

Fire Hydrant Wrench

Specially designed fire hydrant wrenches are used with them. It is a specialized
wrench with only one intended function. It has a pentagonal or five-sided head
that is coupled to a long handle that generates the necessary amount of torque.
The handle is an adjustable handle that makes performing the necessary
operation simple. It is challenging to remove the hydrant’s nuts and bolts
without this wrench. They are employed to unlock hydrant valves and hydrant
caps.

Flare Nut Wrench

In plumbing, a flare nut wrench is used specifically to grasp the nuts on the
tubes’ ends. It is comparable to open-ended wrenches in every way except for
the fact that they have significantly broader holes. A flare nut wrench may grab
the nuts or bolts in addition to fitting across the tubes. For easier gripping of the
nuts and bolts, the opening head has teeth. While plumbing nuts and bolts are
often softer and more prone to breakage when handled with an open-ended
wrench, this improves contact with them.

Garbage Disposal Wrench

The trash and debris that jam the shredder plate are carefully removed with
garbage disposal wrenches. It swivels its head and places itself over the shedder
plate into the trash for quick disposal. It has an extended arm to prevent your
hands from touching the trash. Trash disposal wrenches are specialized tools
that are solely used for garbage disposal.

Hammer Wrench

The term “striking wrench” also applies to hammer wrenches. On one end, it has
a box end or an open end, while on the other, the handle has a block end. To
apply more force when using the hammer, smash the block at the end of the
piece. Typically, it is small and thick. Typically, this is used to tighten big nuts
and bolts by hand-screwing them and then applying the necessary torque to the
nut by striking the wrench with a hammer. Similar to this, it is used to impart
the necessary amount of force by hitting it with a hammer to release the
resistant, damaged, or corroded nuts and bolts. Hammer wrenches are
employed in a variety of mechanical tasks, including plumbing and electrical
work. Slogging spanner and flogging spanner are additional names for it in
British English.
Monkey Wrench

Unlike alligator wrenches, which have teeth on their jaws, monkey wrenches
have rounded handles and are a more traditional style of adjustable wrench. For
the purpose of adjusting the head to fit the size of the nut or bolt, an adjustable
screw is fixed to the jaw.

Pedal Wrench

Pedal wrenches are a special category of wrench used exclusively for bicycle or
boat pedals; they serve no other use. On the head, it often features a handle
and either two or one U-shaped aperture.
Pliers Wrench

As pipes can be damaged by teeth, using wrenches with teeth may leave their
mark on the pipes; plier wrenches are best suited for plumbing fittings and other
materials that demand a firm grip. It features a smooth jaw that slides to change
the opening of the jaws in accordance with the size of nuts, bolts, or fittings. The
set of jaws is connected to the handle by a bolt that may slide. Because of how
this instrument is employed, which is comparable to the piler, it got its name.

Plumbers Wrench

The main distinction between pliers and plumber’s wrenches is the jaw, which is
made to provide a firm hold on hexagonal bolts, nuts, and fittings. Plumbing
pipes and fittings are the best candidates for this type of work. According to the
size of the pipes and fittings, the jaws may be changed.
Spanner Wrench

As they feature one or more pins or hooks that fit into the heads of nuts or bolts,
they may be used to loosen or tighten those that have holes in the head of the
nut or bolt. Its head is C-shaped and contains one or more hooks or pins.

Spark Plug Wrench

Use the spark plug wrench for tightening and loosening the plugs. It resembles a
T and has sockets on both ends. These wrenches may be found at any bike
repair shop or with those who do engine repairs and maintenance.
Spoke Wrench

The bicycle’s spokes are maintained with a spoke wrench. These may be located
in any bicycle maintenance business. They are really small and feature holes on
one end that may be used to effortlessly tighten or loosen the spokes. The
opposite end’s drive head allows it to fit around the nip nut. This wrench’s small
size allows for full rotation without removing it.

Spud Wrench

An open-ended adjustable or standard wrench with a spike on the other end is

referred to as a “spud wrench” and is used to align the holes in pipes and bolts.
The plumber’s wrench has rendered it obsolete nowadays, yet it sometimes
pops up in specific toolboxes.
Strap Wrench

The handle of a strap wrench has a strap, leather strap, or chain connected that
automatically tightens. used to hold things that are smooth and cylindrical and
difficult to hold with a conventional wrench, such as an oil filter. The sole
distinction between this and the pipe wrench is that the pipe wrench has an
adjustable head, but the strap wrench has a chain or strap. This is totally based
on friction between an object being manipulated and a strap or chain. It is
typically used for greasy and oily items. Wider pipes used in deep wells and
borewells require larger chain wrenches, sometimes known as “bull tongs.”

Stubby Wrench

A stubby wrench is a combination wrench that is shorter and has one open end
and one end with a loop, so it may fit in small spaces. A hinge in the handle of
some more recent versions enables either end to be bent for improved usage.
Tap Wrench

Drive-in square taps are turned with tap wrenches. Either it is T-shaped or it has
two handles with a socket in the center of each handle. This particular wrench is
designed just for use with taps. Any plumber may give you this tool.

Tension Wrench

You may have seen someone using these wrenches when they were lock
picking, which is the practice of opening a lock without a key by fumbling with
the lock’s parts. You may have also seen individuals unlocking locks without
keys in photos or online series. While picking locks, these wrenches are used to
provide tension. Torque wrenches are another name for them.
Torx Key

Hex keys and torque key wrenches are related. The main distinction is that they
fit into star-shaped nuts, whereas hex keys fit into heads with a hexagonal
shape. They are also included with the wrench kit and Swiss Army knife.