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wrench

A wrench or spanner is a tool used to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque to turn objects—usually rotary fasteners, such as nuts and bolts—or keep them from turning.
In the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand spanner is the standard term. The most common shapes are called open-ended spanner and ring spanner. The term wrench is generally used for tools that turn non-fastening devices (e.g. tap wrench and pipe wrench), or may be used for a monkey wrench—an adjustable pipe wrench.In North American English, wrench is the standard term. The most common shapes are called open-end wrench and box-end wrench. In American English, spanner refers to a specialized wrench with a series of pins or tabs around the circumference. (These pins or tabs fit into the holes or notches cut into the object to be turned.) In American commerce, such a wrench may be called a spanner wrench to distinguish it from the British sense of spanner.
Higher quality wrenches are typically made from chromium-vanadium alloy tool steels and are often drop-forged. They are frequently chrome-plated to resist corrosion and for ease of cleaning.
Hinged tools, such as pliers or tongs, are not generally considered wrenches in English, but exceptions are the plumber wrench (pipe wrench in British English) and Mole wrench (sometimes Mole grips in British English).
The word can also be used in slang to describe an unexpected obstacle, for example, "He threw a spanner in the works" (in U.S. English, "monkey wrench").

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Recent contents Top users
  1. R

    Reviving a Tap: Stubborn Tap Head

    Hi I have trouble with reviving a leaky tap. the tap head just wouldn't come off with an adjustable wrench. (It slips off the wrench.) Would a Ring Spanner be of more help?? What are the other things I can try? Cheers Ray
  2. A

    good quality basin wrench?

    Hey guys, anyone have any recommendations? cost is not really an issue because if you buy cheap you buy twice etc... i got to in mind... either the monument one or a set of bear hugs? theres around a tenner difference but doesnt really matter to me.. also does anyone here use telescopic ones...
  3. P

    fat max ratchet wrench

    any 1 else using stanley ratchet wrenches.. they probably seem very gimmicky to time served plumbers, but i think they work really well, but cant help thinking that there gona stop working because of the spring mechanism, any1 had any break. merry christmas men
  4. P

    Basin wrenches

    Ok, so I have used a standard basin wrench on tap connectors, but I find them to be awkward and sometimes dont even fit the nuts. I have heard someone talking about the 'King D1ck' spanner for this sort of thing, but have never seen one. Anyone got experience of these? Thanks.
  5. S

    bearhug wrench wanted

    As above please email me on [email protected] Thanks
  6. D

    jaw dropping spanner

    If anyone has trouble removing taps get yourself a jaw dropping spanner. I got mine from Screwfix for £50. It sounds like a lot of money but the time it saves you swearing at them its well worth it.
  7. T

    have a look

    Pipe wrench coffee table plumbing tools | eBay UK
  8. cr0ft

    Basin Wrench Design, Honest Feedback Needed

    Hi all, I've designed this basin wrench which has a patent pending on the idea (that means if it's great then no copying it :) ). Before I approach manufacturers etc I would really appreciate some honest feedback along the following lines. 1.) Would you buy the tool when you next need...
  9. C

    Pipe Wrench

    Hello Can anyone advise be on what pipe wrench to buy, I have decided on Rigid but cannot determine what model to go for. Heavy Duty or Aluminium, what do you guys think/recommend? 18". Link> Wrenches - RIDGID Professional Tools
    • ConorM8350
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    • Forum: Plumbing Jobs | The Job-board
  10. R

    basin wrench, size? style?

    Hi, could do with some advise on which basin wrench, Im not a plumber but do alot of stuf at home and also others.. anyway im looking to buy a basin wrench whats the best, the more traditional Crows foot? or the newer Adjustable/ changable jaw type? also whats the most common size? 1/2 -3/4inch...
  11. J

    Tap wrench

    Just wondering if it's worth spending the £45-£50 on some jaw droppers. I just don't seem to be able to get the back nuts up tight enough with my normal basin spanner. Does anyone here use them and are they better. They get good reviews on screwfix.
  12. M

    Tap wrench

    Hello I am currently studying Product design at university and have chosen to design a tap wrench for my final year design as many of my friends (who are plumbers) constantly moan about how annoying tap nuts are and how the crow foot wrenches are useless. I was wondering if anyone would be...
    • MMdesigns
    • Thread
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    • Replies: 13
    • Forum: Plumbing Jobs | The Job-board
  13. C

    Bearhug Tap wrench kit?

    I was just wondering peeps if anyone has used or had experience with these type of tools? Are they any good? they saved your life on any occasion you know the im glad I had these with me other wise i'd be there till next week scenario :D lately i've had to change a fair few basin, bath and...
    • Carl86
    • Thread
    • bar basin bath combi compare connect connections damage difficult diy kitchen pipe plumber plumbing problem remove sink store supply tap taps tools trade washer wide work wrench
    • Replies: 37
    • Forum: Plumbing Jobs | The Job-board
  14. B

    Fixed basin wrench vs adjustables

    When installing a new set of taps on to an existing basin which tool do you use for the job? Fixed basin wrench or adjustable basin wrench?? I use adjustables, but this is mainly because in all my years I have never found a fixed basin wrench that actually fits, or isnt too bulky to fit. Im...
    • bbb
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    • Replies: 13
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