Wrench with head. Wrench sizes, features of use

No auto repair shop can do without a wrench. To tighten the nuts securely, there are many different wrenches, but this does not include narrowly specialized wrenches.

But from this set, several main types of wrenches can be distinguished: ring wrenches, open-end wrenches, combination wrenches, adjustable wrenches and socket wrenches, which are shown in the photo.

Types of keys

To know how to choose the right socket or wrench, you need to familiarize yourself with their types and properties. To do this, it is worth considering the most popular and sought-after types of keys.

Horn instrument

The most popular and famous wrench tool is the open-end tool. With its help, the nut is fixed with horns. This is where the name came from - carobs.

However, in current standards it is referred to as a “spanner with open mouth" The handle is tilted at 15 degrees. to the handle. This position is the most comfortable and allows you to work in particularly narrow places.

In addition, the handle can be positioned at an angle of 7 degrees between the handle and the ring. The combined method involves a different combination of angles: 15 degrees. from one edge and 70 degrees. from another.

Often, keys are equipped with two heads at once, and of different sizes. In this case, there is no need to purchase two keys. Among the disadvantages, there is a small space for interaction and with increased pressure, the corners can be crushed, especially if the size of the wrench and the nut do not match.

It is better to use only correctly selected and combined sizes. Thin horns will cause less damage to the corners.

To unscrew old fasteners covered with rust, you need to use impact wrench, which on one side has a special thickening for striking with a hammer.

Many wrenches come with a specific horn configuration. For example, one is shortened, the other has a protruding recess of a non-standard configuration. There are two visible here positive qualities: speed of action and minimal chance of blurring the corners of the edges.

In simplified tool models working surface has projections or grooves, which makes it easier to work with crumpled corners of the nut.

Snap-on tools

A modernized type of open-end wrench is a socket or ring wrench, which leaves a small contact patch, since the nut is grasped from above by the head and the load is distributed evenly. And not 2 sides, but 6. In addition, the process of crumpling the corners is practically eliminated. Thanks to the smaller head size, it is more convenient to work with.

The spanner wrench has a hex or twelve-sided profile. The first one is more convenient to use, the second one has large area contact and the ability to apply more force.

The tool head is either located in the same plane with the handle, or at an angle of 15 degrees, which are used in different conditions.

Flat ones are rarely used; those with a curved head are more in demand. Some models are equipped with a ratchet or hinge.

The handle can be curved or crescent-shaped for greater convenience.

Combination keys

This option combines two types at once: carob and cap. They are endowed with only advantages without disadvantages, therefore they are more in demand and widespread than others. Combinations with other types are also possible. For example, with the end one. But this is a less common model.

Adjustable wrenches

According to the principle of operation, the adjustable one resembles the horn one, with the only difference being that you can change the size by moving the horns apart. They are mainly used in everyday life, and not in production, since their disadvantages include:

increased size of the head, which creates inconvenience in narrow places;
due to the formation of backlash, it is impossible to firmly fasten the nut, as a result the corners are smoothed out, and this can even lead to injuries;
the low level of strength does not allow creating the necessary force;
the horns keep slipping off.

Among the advantages we can only highlight the ability to adjust the size of the head. If necessary, you can replace it with socket wrenches that have replaceable heads.

Socket wrenches

When repairing cars, it is simply impossible to do without socket wrenches. Their design assumes the presence of a recess hexagonal shape from the end. This recess is placed on top of the fastening parts and turned in the desired direction.

For ease of use, you should purchase a tool with a small lever and replaceable heads. different sizes.

When unscrewing the bolts, you will need to apply a little more force than when tightening them, since the threads tend to sour.

Photos of wrenches and socket wrenches

Wrenches are used to work with bolted connections. They come in several varieties, each of which is used for specific purposes. The choice of tool configuration depends on the difficulty of accessing threaded connection. If it is in an open place, then any wrench will do, but if you need to dodge, then you need a special shape of the tool.

Types of wrenches

First of all, the instrument differs in size. Each one is designed for a specific hex nut. The size of the key is indicated by numbers that correspond to the diameter of the landing throat in millimeters. Foreign instruments may have an inch designation, but they are practically not used in the CIS.

There are more than 10 types of wrenches, which are divided into the following groups:

Monolithic.
Adjustable.
Composite.
With a special profile.

You can also note special keys, but they are used very rarely and only in special designs. Most of these tools are almost never used, so they can be ignored.

Monolithic wrench

The monolithic wrench is a one-piece metal structure. This tool is the most common. It is mainly made from special steel, which contains chromium and vanadium. Monolithic type is divided into several subtypes:

Rozhkovy.
Cap.
Tortsevoy.
Combined.

Rozhkovy

The horn tool is used for nuts and bolts ranging in size from 3.6 to 95 mm. This is the most common key that is used in all areas, including car servicing. Its design is a flat profile, at the end of which there are two axes for covering the heads of threaded connections. The horn instrument can be single-sided or double-sided.

Single-sided has horns on one side only, while the other is a cut profile. Often, when working on a tightly clamped connection, a tube can be placed on the other end of the wrench to increase the leverage and make it easier to unscrew. A double-ended wrench has horns on all ends. They are usually designed for nuts of different diameters.

Thanks to flat design open-end wrenches quite compact. The direction of their jaws has a deviation of 15 degrees. This reduces the risk of slipping and adds additional maneuverability. The disadvantage of the horn design is the flimsiness of fixing the joints. When unscrewing with strong force, abrasion of the metal on the edges of the bolts is observed. In addition, the horns may break off or expand.

Cap

The box spanner has sizes from 6 to 55 mm. Its working part is a ring with edges, which ensures complete crimping of nuts and bolts. When working with such a tool, the risk of edge licking is eliminated. The cap design can also be one-sided or two-sided. The single-sided variation includes tools ranging in size from 30 to 55 mm. Flaw slip-on type consists in the need for open access to the threaded connection. If the nut is only a few millimeters away from the obstacle, then it will not be possible to fix the key on it.

Tortsevoy

The working part of such a tool is a tube with an internal notch for fixing the edges. The wrench is used to loosen deep seated bolts and nuts. The reliability of fixation corresponds to the slip-on type. Depending on the shape, there are tubular, “T” and “G” shaped. The first ones are a straight tube, with ends adjusted to the edges and a small through hole in the center, which are used to thread a pin through to facilitate turning. Such keys are called spark plugs because they are used to change spark plugs in internal combustion engines. "T" and "G" shaped keys have 6 or 12 edges. Their curved shape is tailored to specific working conditions.

Combined

This double-sided tool has an open-end wrench and a spanner on each end. Available in sizes from 5 to 32 mm. The option of the same or different sizes of open-end and ring wrenches is possible. Such a tool is often included in standard kits for servicing motorcycles and other small equipment.

Adjustable type

An adjustable wrench is more advanced, but not as reliable design like a monolith. It can change the size of the girth of the working part, so it is suitable for a wide range of nuts and bolts. There are several subtypes of adjustable tools:

Divorceable.
Pipe.
Repositionable.
French.

Adjustable

The adjustable one resembles the carob one, but is more massive. Its special feature is its sliding jaws. This tool is universal. It allows you to work with non-standard nut sizes. Changing the working width is done with a simple worm-type adjuster. Such a tool fixes only two edges, so it can lick off the nuts. It should not be hit with a hammer as the worm adjuster may jam and bend, making further attempts to adjust the width impossible.

Pipe

Pipe wrench refers to universal tool. It comes in 5 sizes, with a coverage range from 0 to 120 mm. Adjustment is made using a clamping nut on one of the handles. The edges are grabbed by two jaws like a lever. The tighter you press it, the more secure the fixation will be. There are several options for lip shapes. There are flat and rounded. The former work with regular nuts, while the latter can grip round joints.

Perestavnaya

The adjustable wrench also provides grip via a lever system. To work with it, you need to use strong force, since its design is more primitive than a pipe one. The surface of the adjustable mechanism is serrated, which ensures tighter contact between the two handles. There is also a notch on the lips. It increases the reliability of the contact of the horns to the surface of the edges.

French

The French wrench is very old design. Despite this, it can be found in the tool kit of many car enthusiasts and mechanics. The French design was invented back in the 18th century. Since that time, the principle of adjusting the tool has changed slightly. It should be noted that such keys suffer from the presence of backlashes, which complicates the reliable fixation of the jaws. They do not tolerate impacts, so if the nut does not budge, it is best to use a tube to increase leverage.

Composite type

The compound type is socket heads. On one side they have 6 or 12 edges for fixing the nuts, and on the second 4 edges for holding the wrench. When assembled, the composite key repeats the design of a conventional socket type. The advantage of the heads is that they are fitted to one driver. Thus, a whole set of end caps and one handle can fit in a small box. At the same time, it will present all the popular sizes that are required for work.

Handles of several designs can be used for heads:

Articulated.
With a ratchet.
L-shaped.
With screwdriver handle.

The disadvantage of the heads is that they do not fit everywhere. For hard to reach places they are often unusable. This is due to the thick walls of the nest. In addition, when working with dirty and rusty connections, there are times when the head fits tightly onto a nut or bolt, after which it is difficult to remove. With force, the driver simply comes out of the mounting hole, while the nozzle remains in place.

Keys with special profile

Keys with a special profile are a male tool that is inserted into special holes on the bolts, rather than gripping their head. There are hex and star keys. They have a small diameter and are mainly used for securing furniture joints. They are also used for assembling and disassembling household appliances.

The hex key is a regular L-shaped rod, machined into 6 sides. It is the one that is used for conformation when assembling and repairing furniture. Keys are available with diameters from 1.5 to 24 mm. You can often find an even variation of the key in the form of bits for .

A star wrench is an L-shaped rod with a shaped sharpening at the end, reminiscent of a screwdriver. It is used to work with small bolts in household appliances and elements of the car interior. Small keys are used for disassembly mobile phones and tablets. Often, a special screwdriver is used instead of a torx type.

Open-end wrenches

There are quite a few types of wrenches, since they are needed for different nuts and bolts and are used in different situations. In some places it is more convenient to use one type, in others another, it all depends on the size of the nut, how it is located, and how to approach it. Let's consider all the main types of keys, their sizes, shapes, advantages relative to each other. There are many manufacturers in this market, therefore prices vary greatly. We can say that there are no high-quality and cheap keys. A good thing is not cheap, and this also applies to them.

Double-sided open-end wrenches(in 1 photo). This is probably the most commonly used type. It is called so because its ends resemble horns. Sold both in sets and individually.
These keys have two different sizes on the ends. For example, 8*10, 10*12, 13*15 and so on. The size range is quite wide, ranging from 4mm to 55mm.

Single-sided open-end wrenches.

They are used mainly in production; it is unlikely to be useful in everyday life. Sizes start from 36mm, maximum 95mm. You can work with force by putting the key on one side metal pipe, which greatly increases the tightening force.

Spanners bilateral.

They have two different sizes at the ends, for example, 17*19, 19mm*22mm and so on. Sizes from 6mm to 55mm. Unlike open-end ones, the ends are in the form of a ring, which allows you to twist the nut without breaking off, without constantly moving the wrench, and it will not break off.

Single-sided spanner.

It has a ring on one side only; for greater tightening force it can be used in conjunction with a pipe. Sizes from 30mm to 50mm.

Impact wrench.

Has one ring. Unlike simple ones, drums are noticeably thicker. There is a special place for hitting with a sledgehammer or hammer; they are used mainly for powerful tightening. Available in sizes from 27mm to 105mm.

These have a ring on one side and the shape of a regular open-end wrench on the other. The dimensions are the same on both sides. For example, 10*10, 12*12, etc. Combines the advantages of an open-end and ring wrench.
Minimum size 5mm, maximum 32mm.

Socket wrenches(tubular).

They are good in cases where the nut is located deep in the part, and it is simply impossible to get through with other keys.
Typically available in two sizes to different parties. They are simply in the form of a tube, this one can be twisted with a simple screwdriver, there is a special hole for this, there are L-shaped ones, the shape resembles the Latin letter L, it can be twisted without the help of foreign objects, just by hand, since the shape allows it.
This also includes spark plug wrenches, which are also made in the form of tubes, especially for spark plugs.

Adjustable wrenches.

Its main advantage is that it adapts to many sizes and has sliding jaws. There are several types, small and large, up to 19mm, up to 30mm, up to 35mm, up to 46mm. Often the nut has custom size, or the necessary key was not at hand, then an adjustable key will completely solve the problem.

They are universal, the jaws are expandable, so they cover several diameters at once. Dimensions - from the smallest number zero, capable of clamping a maximum diameter of 28mm, to the largest number 5, this one will grip a 120mm pipe.
According to foreign nomenclature, sizes are marked in inches. For example, a key of 1 inch, 1.5, 2, 3 inches.
The shape of the sponges is L-shaped (straight) and S-shaped (rounded jaws). To capture round blank The S-shaped lip shape is better suited, since there are three points of contact; if the workpiece is flat, the L-shaped lip shape is better suited.

Star keys(Torx).

They come in the form of to make tightening faster, and there are also simple ones for manual use. Typically, these are used to repair household appliances, cars, and cell phones.
Available in sizes T5 to T50. The smallest ones (T5, T6) are sold only in sets for cell phones.

Hex keys.

Suitable for repairing equipment, assembling furniture (4mm key for confirmation - furniture screw). They come in sets and individually. Sizes from 1.5mm to 24mm.

Non-sparking keys.

Very specific. For use only in explosive industries. They do not produce a spark when hitting metal or falling; if the work involves gas, then these are the ones used. They are easy to recognize by their color. It can be yellow, or the color of copper is reddish.

5.00/5 (1 ratings)

Wrenches are very diverse in type and can differ both in appearance and in the material used (brand and type of metal or alloy).

A wrench is a tool that is used to tighten bolts, nuts or elements that have edges. Each type of wrench has its own pros and cons.

First of all, wrenches differ in the shape of the working part - open-end, open-end, cap, adjustable, socket.

The most recognizable and common type. With these wrenches, the part is captured by elements shaped like horns. Open-end wrenches have two working parts of different sizes located at the ends of one handle. This is convenient because it reduces the number of keys required size at work.

Due to their versatility, open-end wrenches are very popular despite some disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is the small contact zone, at only two points; if the force is large, then the key tends to deform the edges of the part in the contact zone; if the horns of the key are thin, then this probability increases.

Spanners

These keys have a working part that is shaped like a ring with edges on inside. Its design is more reliable than that of open-end wrenches, since the part is covered over the entire surface (that is, in at least six places), which virtually eliminates deformation of the corners. Spanners exist with two types of internal profile - with a 6-sided profile and a 12-sided profile. It is more convenient to work with a profile with 12 edges in a limited space, since it only requires a 30-degree turn; a key with a 6-sided profile requires 60 degrees of rotation.

More common are keys with an inclined head, when the working part is at a slight angle to the handle. Box wrenches come in different sizes, just like open-end wrenches.

Open-end spanners (combined wrenches)

This type of key combines an open-end working part on one side of the handle, and a cap working part on the other side. This combination eliminates the shortcomings of each (both carob and cap) separately. Combination keys are produced with the same size of the working part on both sides (for example 13*13 mm).

Adjustable wrenches

They are an open-end wrench with a variable size between the clamps. Such keys are quite popular in everyday life because they replace almost all sizes of used keys.

But this type of keys also has its disadvantages:

The working part is large, which can be a problem when working in tight spaces.
During the process and over time, sliding mechanism wears out, which leads to significant play, that is, to the inability to tightly cover the edges of the part.
The need to frequently adjust the position of the grip to the size of the nuts, which is not always convenient.

Socket wrenches

This type of key is a hollow tube or cylinder with indentations at both ends. There are two types of socket wrenches:

L-shaped socket wrenches

They are the same size on both edges of the working parts. This is done with the expectation that the nut (or bolt) may be deep from the surface and then the long part of the wrench is used, but more effort must be applied (due to the small lever). If the part is shallow, then the short part of the wrench is used, and accordingly, due to the greater leverage, less effort is applied.

I-wrenches

This type of wrench is L-shaped and is used to work with bolts (screws, screws) that have internal rather than external edges. They are mainly used in assembling furniture, repairing household appliances and similar work.

TORX star key

These keys have the same shape as hex keys with the only difference that the end of the key is made in the form of an asterisk (the area of application varies from repairing electronics to repairing cars and some household appliances).

Depending on the type of metal, keys should be purchased from a chrome-vanadium alloy or a chrome-molybdenum alloy; all other types of metals or alloys do not show such good results during operation, no matter how attractive they look.

With all the variety of types of keys, everyone can choose what they need in this moment, or purchase a set. But it is worth paying attention to the fact that it is better to purchase quality products to avoid disappointment in the future.

In the category |

Hi all,

Truly, human imagination is limitless, so many instruments have passed through me, but no, no, you’ll be surprised. So this time a very unusual adjustable wrench came to me for review, at least I haven’t “caught” one like it yet.

We are all familiar with open-end wrenches, socket wrenches and adjustable wrenches, let’s not forget about “ratchets” for miter heads, gas, etc.:

The key that arrived is a “cross” of the above, a kind of unknown animal, but quite functional.
But in order.
The packaging is unremarkable, I would even say mediocre:

The key itself:

Size:

Weight:

The key is made, although somewhat roughly, but firmly - all working parts are made of thick metal.
It fits comfortably and “weightily” in the hand, the handle is comfortable with rubber inserts:

All "controls" are concentrated on the back side of the top of the key:

Switching the direction of rotation (Right/Lleft) is taken from the “ratchet”, and from adjustable wrench- a lamb (similar to a gear), which is responsible for bringing the jaws of the key together:

We turn the thumb down (in the direction of the inscription “OPEN”) the lips unclench (Hussars be silent! :)

Turn up (CLOSE) - the lips shrink:

A short video

By the way, for the fact that there are “OPEN/CLOSE” inscriptions, I’m ready to erect a monument to the developers, because in a regular adjustable wrench - I regularly confuse the direction of rotation of the pedals (I think I’m not the only one).
Mixing, as you can see, is something else, but in this case it does not play a special role, because when placed on the object of application of force, a nut or bolt, the tool, as it were, self-centers due to the angles on the object being screwed.
Mechanism for transmitting rotation to the shaft along which the clamping parts of the key move:

There is no need to worry that you can unscrew the screw in the OPEN direction so much that the jaws fall out of the key, because there is a blockage.
Depth 20mm:

In the product description, the size is 6-22mm
Here the M6 nut is inserted ( outer size 10mm):

and there is still a reserve for information.
Nut M12:

1/2" adapter (this is the maximum size for a key):

The half-inch tap no longer fits:

Now about the application. There was just a task where the key, unexpectedly, came in handy. I came across a pressure reducer with a pressure gauge installed on it, which quietly began to leak and gradually flood the neighbors:

It was decided to get rid of the pressure gauge completely, putting a plug in its place. But bad luck, the gearbox is very inconveniently located, on the right fan pipe, on the left are distribution pipes and the most unpleasant thing is a shut-off valve that does not allow the key handle to move. Adjustable wrench with right size sponges, well, I didn’t get into this small space, I used the gas:

After 20 minutes of twisting centimeter by centimeter, constantly turning the key over, with the danger of it falling and being remembered kind words builders, I remembered about the survey :), which fit this specific task perfectly (pay attention to the shavings - the result of “working” with a gas wrench):

The key fit tightly onto the plug (fully extended) and completed the job without any problems, in the shortest possible time. The return “ratchet” in this case turned out to be extremely useful:

Conclusion

In general, in my purely personal opinion, the key is quite good. Can be used instead of cap and carob. Of course, it will in no way completely replace an adjustable wrench if you work not only with bolts and nuts, because... you can only put it on from above (or else, for example, use it to screw on an adapter from 3/8 to 1/2 - this is necessary when connecting water to Bulgarian toilets :), but at certain moments it can be very useful and versatile, because .To. The size is more compact than that of a similar adjustable wrench, and the “ratchet” will come in handy. Moreover, IMHO, this wrench is better fixed on the nut than an adjustable one, due to the fact that it is put on the corners of the edges and their “licking”, as often happens with an adjustable one, with great force, does not happen here. Compared to a ratchet wrench with heads, the advantage is that you don’t have to carry them with you and select the right one.
The bag, the keeper of the keys, purrs contentedly :)

That's all.
All the best!

The product was provided for writing a review by the store. The review was published in accordance with clause 18 of the Site Rules.

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