A wrench is a tool that is used to tighten or unscrew any type of connector (nuts, bolts, couplings). Despite the fact that the wrench has a simple design, it is widely used in almost all areas of technology for assembling and disassembling mechanisms of various levels of complexity. There are types of wrenches that are even used on the International Space Station.
If you have a wide range of wrenches in your home, then you will never be faced with the problem of choosing the right wrench for this or that screw connection. As a rule, wrenches are divided into several types: adjustable, monolithic, composite, as well as wrenches with a specific profile and special wrenches.
Today, the most popular are monolithic keys, which, in turn, are double-arm, combined, cap, end and hook.
In the modern world, there are a huge number of different wrenches. Of course, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
As a rule, most people give their preference to monkey wrenches. After all, such keys are used with a different, even non-standard, size of fasteners. But this wrench will not be able to firmly grip the hexagon, which is why you need to be very careful when working with such a tool so as not to accidentally damage the small fastening parts.
It turns out that, from this point of view, it is best to choose a set of keys of different sizes. If the size of the key does not match the size of the hexagon, then you can easily pick up the required key from the kit. In this case, the work will be done not only quickly, but also efficiently.
Particular attention should be paid to the open-end wrench, because such a wrench makes it possible to capture the entire assembly: in some cases this can be very useful.
Combination wrenches are widely used at the moment. Such tools differ from others in that at one end there is an open-end wrench itself, and on the opposite side there is a ring spanner of the required size.
Socket wrenches are equally popular. Such tools are used to twist or unscrew parts that are in hard-to-reach and specific attachment points. They are used when the use of other types of keys is impossible (for example, in the recesses of the wheels of cars).
If we talk about special wrenches, then we must say about the lug wrench. Such a wrench is designed to work with bolts and nuts of non-standard sizes, it is very often used in order to prevent theft of car wheels.
There are also can keys, which are typically used to open very large cans or cisterns.
Another representative of special wrenches is a tuning wrench. Often, such keys are used by tuners to adjust the tension strings of musical instruments.
For household chores, during which you need to firmly grip a small-sized part, double-lever adjustable keys are ideal, they are also simply called “tick”. Such a tool is similar to sliding pliers, as its jaws move apart and can grip a small part. In some situations, this wrench can even replace an adjustable wrench. After all, with the help of the “tick”, you will be able to grab a small nut that is inaccessible for an adjustable wrench.
The highest consumption of tick sponges is about 60-70 millimeters. Such wrenches are produced by many foreign construction firms, but abroad our “ticks” are called “universal wrenches”. Many believe that only professionals need different types of wrenches. But, as practice shows, such products are more and more often bought for home and household needs.
Today, more and more allen wrenches are being manufactured. New models of keys appear with varying degrees of performance and comfort when using them. A striking example of this is the so-called “hook wrench”. It clamps the hex of the nut with a hook. You can get the type of wrench you want from almost any store or supermarket. Those people who are busy at work can easily order wrenches through the Internet shop. Such an order will come literally within a few days.
Thus, when choosing a wrench, you should pay attention not only to the price, but also to the quality of the steel from which it is made. If you are looking for a high quality tool, then you should ask for a wrench made of chrome vanadium steel. Often, wrenches are made using a special alloy of chromium and vanadium, or using tool steel.