Wrenches are an essential type of hand tool that should be found in any home’s toolbox. Their main purpose is to help turn nuts, bolts, and other threaded fasteners by force, usually by the user's hand, to fasten objects in place. Shop Ace for a selection of wrenches and wrench sets today.
Common Kinds of Wrenches
Wrenches are available in several basic types, all suitable for slightly different tasks and situations. Some of the most common ones you'll find in a well-equipped tool set include:
- Torque wrenches: Used when a specific force is needed to open or close a fastener, torque wrenches report the level of turning force that's applied using a dial, readout or clicking noise so that the correct amount can be used for the task.
- Flat wrenches: Also known as open-end wrenches, flat wrenches are very common and consist of a fixed pair of jaws that fit around a bolt or fastener. They're also available in full wrench sets of different sizes to suit a range of standard nut and bolt sizes.
- Box-end or socket wrenches: Made with a circular toothed design that fits completely around the nut or bolt, socket wrenches, also known as box-end wrenches, give a firmer grip while also reducing the risk of damaging the fastener. However, they can only be used on an end nut or head, where the wrench can be slid completely over the fastener.
- Combination wrench: With open jaws at one end and a box end at the other, combination wrenches often have both ends fitting the same size of nut or bolt.
- Adjustable wrenches: Allowing you to open or close the jaw depending on the fastener you are trying to tighten; adjustable wrenches are also great for use in tight spaces. They are also known as crescent wrenches and can be used on both square and hexagonal nuts.
- Pipe wrenches: A pipe wrench can be self-tightened and has serrated jaws to grip pipe and pipe fittings more securely. Most pipe wrenches have an adjustable upper jaw to make them fit a wide range of pipe sizes.
- Ratchet wrenches: A ratchet wrench is a hand tool that combines the turning power of a wrench with a mechanism that lets you tighten or loosen nuts and bolts without repeatedly taking the wrench off the fastener.
Wrench Sets for Versatile Convenience
A single adjustable wrench can cover a lot of ground, but for full versatility, buying a wrench set makes a lot of sense. A good imperial or metric wrench set will include open and socket wrenches covering all the important standard fastener sizes, and many will also include other options such as ratcheting wrenches, adjustable wrenches, combination wrench sets and more.
Shop Torque Wrenches, Socket Wrenches, Full Wrench Sets and More at Ace
Complete your tool collection with essential wrenches and wrench sets at your nearest Ace, covering all the major types in both standard imperial and metric sizes. Whether you're looking to replace old wrenches or buy your first set, Ace has some great options from brands like Crescent, Milwaukee, Craftsman and more. We also stock an excellent selection of work tools, like screwdriver sets, individual screwdrivers and plier sets.
