17 different Types of Wrenches

Do you have a toolbox at home with a single or two wrenches that you use everytime you need a wrench? most people do. Although Adjustable wrenches in particular can perform many task that requires a wrench, you may be surprised to learn that there are many different kinds of wrenches, each designed for a particular purpose and Learning about these wrenches can help you understand how they may be useful to you and make your projects run smoother . Wrenches can either be inserted or fit over and around a fastener. Despite their differences, wrenches are designed to hold, loosen or tighten bolts, screws, and nuts. The list below helps to describe multiple different wrench types, and their unique functions.

Adjustable Wrench

The adjustable wrench, sometimes referred to as a crescent wrench due to it being shaped like a crecent moon is one of the most common wrench types. . While certain wrenches do have adjustable features, this standard wrench is one of the most common wrenches. One end of the wrench is open and has a spiral screw embedded. This screw is easy to move with your thumb. Moving it in either direction moves the crescent open or closed for a precise fit. These wrenches are often the most desirable wrench types, because the person using it can adjust its size, eliminating the need for multiple open-ended wrenches. You can find a set of 4 Adjustable wrenches with a comfortable grip on Amazon 4Pc Adjustable Wrenches

Allen Wrench

Allen wrenches are one of the most popular wrench types. They are pretty simplistic, and are either in an L-shape or a T-shape. T-shaped allen wrenches are designed to have an extra handle for support. These wrenches are also called hex key wrenches, due to their shape being hexagonal. They fit into screws that have hexagonal recesses, as well as bolts.

Alligator Wrench

The alligator wrench is considered a specialty product. While traditional wrenches feature a crescent shaped open end, the alligator wrench's open end is more pointed and almost resembles an alligator's mouth. This wrench has the capability to firmly hold nuts and bolts due to the fact that the top of it's jaw is serrated. Although they were generally popular, alligator wrenches are now more popularly considered a collector's item.

Armorer's Wrench

Armorer wrenches are generally used by gun shops and gun repair shops. It features one end that is crescent shaped with a serrated head. There is also a spot where a ratchet handle can be attached. You can find these types of wrenches in many different designs and variations. The type of armorer's wrench that you would need typically depends on the type of gun.

Bionic Wrench

. Due to it's handle, this type of wrench can be easily confused with a Plier. They are actually quite different from a plier however. The bionic wrench is quite efficient for firmly holding nuts or bolts. You simply place the wrench around the target and squeeze, using the handles. Once the handle is squeezed, the round head closes in and firmly grips the nut or bolt, which will then allow you to easily loosen or tighten.

Box-Ended Wrench

Box-ended wrenches may seem peculiar at first due to the fact that both ends of the wrench has a closed end, and the wrench handle is located in the middle. The ends are either slightly higher or lower than the handle. This allows a person using this wrench to maintain a good grip when the wrench is placed on nuts or bolts. The closed ends are typically designed to either fit hexagonal or square bolts. They come in different sizes and are typically sold in sets.

Combination Wrench

The combination wrench is just what its name says. One side of the wrench has a closed end, meant to hold hexagon or square shaped nuts and bolts, while the other side of the wrench has a crescent shaped open end. The open end of the wrench is designed to easily loosen nut and bolts, while the closed end is designed to firmly fit and hold nuts and bolts.

Cone Wrench

Cone wrenches are similar to the basic open-ended wrench, but there is one key difference. They are wider and more flat. On projects where an open-ended wrench is too thick, a cone wrench may just do the trick. Bicycle repair shops are some of the most frequent users of cone wrenches, as well as those who work on washing machines.

Dog Bone Wrench

The dog bone wrench got it's name from being shaped like a dog bone. It is also sometimes called the dumbbell wrench. The two different sides of the dog bone wrench each has a head that in some cases swivels. These types of wrenches are normally used for bicycle repair and maintenance. However, their small size can make them useful in other areas too.

Fan Clutch Wrench

Fan clutch wrenches has a U-shaped opening on one end of the wrench, and they popularly used for removing a fan clutch in a car, The other end of the wrench typically acts as a handle, but at times, it has a square opening.

Hammer Wrench

Hammer wrenches are characterized by being short and thick. They can either have a box end or an open end, and are sometimes called a striking wrench, due to the fact that one end of the wrench is a solid block, which can be used for striking things like you would with a hammer. These types of wrenches are used to help loosen rusted nuts and bolts due to the high amount of force that can be produced. The hammer wrench is a heavy duty wrench that is used by various professionals.

Lug Wrench

The lug wrench, also referred to as the spider wrench, is either L-shaped or X-shaped. The L-shaped wrench has one round opening, while the X-shaped wrench has four round openings. These wrenches are great for tightening or loosening lug nuts on vehicle wheels and are primarily used in the automotive industry. Longer lug wrenches make applying more torque easier.

Oil Filter Wrench

Oil filter wrenches are mainly used in the automotive industry. Unfortunately, these wrenches are not one size fit all, and you will have to match the oil filter wrench to your brand of vehicle, otherwise it might not be able to get the job done. There are four different types of oil filter wrenches. In order to get around the filter casing, the chain strap wrench and metal strap wrench use a loop. The claw wrench is more like an adjustable wrench wihile the socket-style filter wrench is designed in a way that allows it to fit onto a filter cap.

Open Ended Wrench

If you took at look at someone's toolbox, chances are you will most likely find an open-ended wrench. This type of wrench is common because of their versatility. They come in many different sizes, as well as sets. and have two open crescent shaped ends, with one end bigger than the other. This wrench type allows You to be able to get those stubborn nuts and bolts, as well as attach the wrench vertically or horizontally on a nut or bolt.

Pliers Wrench

The name behind the pliers wrench comes from the fact that it looks like a pair of pliers. This wrench type has a set of jaws located at one end and two handles located at the other. The jaws are flat-edged and at an angle pointing downward, with a bolt connecting the jaws to the handles. The wrench is adjusted by moving the bolt between different settings.

Ratcheting Wrench

Ratcheting wrenches are a great dual-purpose wrench option. While they are similar to combination wrenches, ratcheting wrenches have one end dedicated to a ratcheting mechanism. This wrench allows users to work in small areas without having to remove and readjust the wrench. You can turn, tighten, loosen nuts and bolts with this wrench with ease. The opposite end of the wrench has a crescent moon shaped open end.

Socket Wrench

Socket wrenches are very popular wrench types and are often sold in sets. They come in different shapes and sizes, which means you will want to make sure that you pick out the right type for your project. Socket wrenches are also referred to as a ratchet wrench, however, unlike some ratchet wrenches, they do not have the crescent shaped open end on one side of the wrench but rather have a cylinder shaped box end that attaches to nuts and bolts and a handle that's used for turning. These wrench types are very efficient in tightening and loosening nuts and bolts.

Are all your wrenches starting to blur together? There are a multitude of different wrenches, all featuring their own unique functions and capabilities to help make your life easier. While you may not know about every single wrench, knowing about a few will surely help you if a certain job presents itself to you. Knowing about different wrenches can help you be more equipped and efficient when it comes to completing projects that require a specific task be carried out, in regards to tightening or loosening nuts, bolts, or even casings. The next time you are opening up your toolbox, you will have the knowledge you need so that you will not have to reach for the same wrench anymore.