2022 Wrench Buying Guide

Wrenches are one of the most common tools. There are a variety of wrenches available on the market today, and it is important to know the different types of wrenches so you have the right one for your next project.The right wrench makes the job easier. Learn what to look for and how to choose the best wrench for your needs.

Adjustable wrench

Adjustable wrench, also known as crescent wrench, is one of the most commonly used wrenches. Its opening width can be adjusted within a certain range and it is a tool used to tighten and start loosening nuts and bolts of different sizes. The open end with the screw can be turned to open and close the crescent, which allows them to be used for different sizes of fasteners. 

●Tighten/loosen nuts and bolts

● Removable jaws allow for wrench size adjustment

●Suitable for standard and metric fasteners

Combination wrench

Combination wrenches with a closed ring for hex or square nuts on one side (box end) and an open U-shape on the other end (open end) Combination wrenches have a combination of an open end wrench and a socket wrench. These wrenches are usually used for nuts that are difficult to loosen. The closed end loosens the nut, while the open end is used to completely unscrew it.

●Tightening/loosening nuts and bolts

●Metric and standard sizes

●An open end and a box end (usually the same size)

Socket wrench

A socket wrench (or allen wrench) is a wrench that uses a closed socket form rather than the typical open-end wrench/wrench to turn fasteners, usually in the form of nuts or bolts. The socket wrench has a closed ring at each end, sometimes slightly above or below the handle, to hold a recessed nut without rounding the tip. The closed end is suitable for hexagonal or square bolts and is available in different diameters. Socket wrenches are mainly sold in sets, although it is possible to buy individual replacement sleeves if you lose them. Depending on the brand, your set may also come with one or more extensions - for easy access to nuts and bolts in tight places.

●Tightening/loosening nuts and bolts in tight spaces

●Metric and standard sizes

●Allows for greater torque control and less accidental fastener slippage

Ratchet Wrench

While ratcheting wrenches are very similar to socket wrenches with one or two closed heads, their function is quite different. Once slid over the nut or bolt, the ratchet (grab-and-slip) assembly in the head tightens the nut as the wrench handle is pulled in one direction instead of the other, so you can loosen or tighten the nut by simply moving the ratchet handle back and forth-no need to reposition it after each turn. Use the ratchet mechanism to quickly and easily tighten or loosen nuts and bolts without having to pick up or lift the wrench from the fastener. This allows for tightening/loosening in tight confined spaces. Socket wrenches usually have a square drive that can be attached to different sized sleeves. The sockets are then resized according to the fastener you are using. Ratchet wrenches are a great tool to get the job done quickly! Ratchet wrenches can be used in any situation where a socket wrench might be used. If you have a lot of nuts or bolts to tighten, a ratchet wrench will greatly reduce the tightening time.

●Tightening/loosening nuts and bolts

●Metric and standard sizes

●The ratcheting action at one end moves freely in one direction and engages the fastener in the other to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts without removing the tool

●Some are rotatable ratchet ends for use in tight spaces