Plumbing is not only a profession but also a passion for a few people. Whether you’re a plumber or not, having knowledge of different plumbing wrenches is invaluable.
So what are the types of plumbing wrenches?
There are numerous plumbing wrenches with various applications. Common plumbing tools include
- Torque wrenches
- Adjustable wrenches
- Pipe wrenches
- Fauces wrenches
- Open-end wrenches.
Each can work for a specific job with their unique expertise. Some wrenches only include a single tool, like an adjustable wrench. However, some tools come with a set, such as an Allen wrench.
We will discuss each wrench’s actual size and price range in addition to its common name.
What Types of Plumbing Wrenches Are There?
Here are the details about various types of plumbing wrenches and their characteristics along with price ranges.
1. Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench is also known as a crescent wrench, it has a movable jaw that allows it to fit different sizes of nuts and bolts. It is versatile and can be used for a variety of plumbing tasks and home maintenance. Without the need for different wrench sizes, its adjustable nature allows you to work on a variety of fasteners.
Comes in different sizes from 4 inches to 18 inches or more. The price range is $10 to $40.
2. Slip joint pliers
To handle varying sizes of nuts, bolts, and pipe slip joints, pliers are suitable tools. Slip joint pliers have an adjustable jaw that can be set to accept various jointers. They are often employed in plumbing activities for grasping, rotating, and holding things.
This tool’s typical length ranges from 6 to 12 inches. The regular price ranges from $10 to $30.
3. Pipe Wrench
For gripping and rotating pipes, a Pipe Wrench is a tool specifically made for the job. It can securely grasp pipes of all sizes because of its serrated jaws. Different lengths of pipe wrenches are available to fit various pipe diameters.
Jaw capacities of at least 6 inches and up to 10 inches. Regular prices range from $20 to $100, depending on the size and brand.
4. Faucet Wrench
Working on faucets requires a special type of wrench called a faucet wrench. To make it simpler to tighten or remove the nuts and bolts on a faucet assembly, it has a long handle.
Additionally, it also has a unique jaw that fits over the hardware. We primarily use it to replace washers and O-rings, remove and install faucets, and perform other related tasks.
It is a small tool that typically measures between 1 and 2 inches. This tool typically costs between $10 and $30.
5. Compression Sleeve Puller
Compression sleeves are removed from pipes or fittings using a compression sleeve puller tool. It can be pulled out without harming the pipe because it has a tapered end that fits into the sleeve. It also aids in sealing off two pieces of pipe so that they are watertight.
Small pipe in comparison .5 inch to 1 inch, with a regular price of $25 to $50 or more.
6. Socket wrench
A particular kind of wrench called a socket wrench uses sockets that fit over nuts and bolts to offer a better grip. In order to speed up the process of tightening or loosening nuts and bolts, socket wrenches come in a variety of sizes.
Socket wrenches typically range in size from 1/4 inch to 1 inch or larger. The price range is $20 to at least $200.
7. Open-end wrench
A wrench with two open-ended jaws is known as an open-end wrench and is used to hold nuts and bolts. Open-end wrenches come in a range of sizes and are frequently employed for multipurpose tasks.
It comes in a range of sizes, usually between 1/4 inch and 2 inches or bigger. The price range is $5 to $25 depending on the size.
8. Torque wrench
One common wrench for measuring and applying a certain amount of torque to a nut or bolt is the torque wrench. The amount of force required to turn a nut or bolt is referred to as torque.
For the purpose of protecting equipment from damage, torque wrenches are used to make sure that nuts and bolts are tightened according to the right specifications.
Typically, sizes range from 1/4 inch to 1 inch or more. This wrench costs between $30 and $300, so it is somewhat expensive.
9. Common Ring Spanners
Common ring spanners are also referred to as combination wrenches. These wrenches are flexible instruments used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. It has standard hexagonal-shaped fasteners with a closed loop on one end. On the opposite, a jaw with an open end for larger or rounded fasteners. They come in different sizes and are frequently offered in sets.
Sizes range from 4 to 18 inches or more. A set of common ring spanners will cost you between $20 and $50.
10. Basin Wrench
A basin wrench is a specialized plumbing tool that is used to access and tighten nuts located beneath sinks or basins. It has a long handle with an adjustable jaw at one end that can pivot to fit into small spaces. In difficult-to-reach places, the pivoting jaw makes maneuvering simple. The installation and maintenance of faucets and other plumbing fixtures frequently involve the use of basin wrenches.
It is available in sizes between 10 and 16 inches. A basin wrench will typically cost you between $10 and $30.
FAQs
Learn about a few questions and their answers related to different types of plumbing wrenches. This enlightens you more regarding plumbing wrenches.
Stillson wrenches and monkey wrenches are the two primary categories of pipe wrenches.
While monkey wrenches have a moveable jaw, Stillson wrenches have a fixed jaw. Stillson wrenches are frequently used for heavier-duty work, whereas monkey wrenches are more adaptable and can be used for a wider variety of tasks.
The following safety precautions must be observed when using a plumbing wrench:
1. Wear safety glasses at all times.
2. Nuts and bolts shouldn’t be overtightened to prevent equipment damage.
3. Never use a wrench that has been damaged or that does not properly fit the nut or bolt.
Plumbing wrenches are a useful tool that, with proper care, can last for many years. Here are some pointers for caring for your plumbing wrench:
1. Clean the wrench with a mild soap and water mixture after each use.
2. Apply a clean cloth to the wrench and completely dry it.
3. Put a thin layer of oil on the wrench’s moving parts.
Final Words
There are numerous types of plumbing wrenches around the words. Plumbing wrenches are a multipurpose and necessary tool for any plumber or do-it-yourselfer. Thus, plumbing wrenches come in a wide variety, each with special characteristics and applications.
But if you try to search, you’ll notice that only a few wrenches are extremely common, and the rest are subsets of those wrenches. This implies that they’re somehow related to the common wrenches. In the plumbing industry, common names for wrenches include adjustable, slip joint, pipe, and face wrenches.