Things you need to know about a pipe wrench

Bikram Paul
3 min readNov 23, 2021

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A pipe wrench is made up of two jaws, upper and lower. The jaws have small groves or teeth like structure to hold the object properly for doing the job. Pipe wrench can be of different sizes depending on the kind of work it needs to perform. The three types that are normally available are:

Straight wrench: This is the most common pipe wrench used by professionals. These wrenches can be measured by its handle’s length. This type can go from 9 inches to 60 inches depending on its use.

Offset wrench: This type of wrench has a narrow head and is used in small areas where there is no room to move around the handle of the wrench. They are of great use for objects that are at awkward angles.

End pipe wrench: These are used for overhead pipes or pipes that are closer to a wall. This tool also work wonders in close places.

Each of these types of wrenches has different usage with their specifications. The type of wrench you need would depend on the diameter of the pipe.

While looking for the best pipe wrench for your DIY projects at home, there are certain things you look to consider. Before buying do make sure to check the quality. Go to the shop and look for the different variety available. Ask the sales person to tell you the difference in quality based on the product. Also don’t forget to keep the budget in place. The rate may differ from one shop to another. Look for at least 3–4 shops before making your final purchase. You can also look for pipe wrenches online. In online you might get some discounts or offers that you might not get from a nearby shop in your neighborhood.

Look out for the varieties available and then settle for the best one. It must be easy to use with a premium quality purchase. Also ensure that the size you choose is right for the project you intend to buy for. For example a thicker or heavier object would re1quire a stronger wrench that something which is light and thin. Whenever in doubt, ask the sales person for advice.

For home purposes, the wrenches that are used are generally of 12 inches to 14 inches. They are best suited to complete the work that you can do on your own. Plumbers and contractors use different types of wrenches and they are generally from 36 inches to 60 inches. Their requirement is different and they work with different objects in their daily projects.

What are the different parts of a pipe wrench?

  • Hook Jaw
  • Nut
  • Body
  • Pin
  • Heel Jaw
  • Spring Assembly

How to use a pipe wrench?

  • Place the jaws of the wrench in such a way that its mouth is facing the direction you want to turn the pipe.
  • Make sure your pipe is placed firmly into the wrench
  • You can adjust the jaws by turning the nut so that the wrench holds the pipe firmly
  • While the wrench is a safe tool but you must ensure your safety before using one. Wear good quality gloves while working with a wrench.

The quality of the pipe wrench will depend on the strength it can endure, the sharpness of the jaws and its smooth adjustment. Check out for all the possible options before buying your pipe wrench.

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