QA

What Is A Pipe Wrench

What do you use a pipe wrench for?

Most often, pipe wrenches are used on threaded pipe, usually galvanized steel, black iron or similar metal pipes. A pipe wrench has two serrated jaws that are tightened and dig into the pipe for grip. The top serrated jaw adjusts up and down to fit different size pipes.

What can I use instead of a pipe wrench?

While the pipe wrench is still used for steel and iron pipe, it has mostly been replaced by tongue-and-groove pliers, also known as channel-type, slip-joint, or Channellock pliers (a brand name that has become a generic term).

Why is it called a pipe wrench?

The pipe wrench, also known as a plumber’s wrench, dates back to 1869. Daniel C. Stillson invented the pipe wrench as a tool plumbers could use to attach two pipes together or separate them. This heavy duty wrench has an adjustable hook and jaw so a plumber can close it around pipes of different types.

Do you need a pipe wrench?

You’ll need a medium-size adjustable pipe wrench to tighten and loosen pipes and other plumbing connections. The jaws of a basin wrench not only adjust to accommodate nuts of different sizes, but they also flip over to the opposite side so you can keep turning without removing the wrench.

Is a pipe wrench a good weapon?

The Pipe Wrench is a powerful melee weapon that deals more damage than the Combat Knife or the Crowbar. The secondary fire will have Shephard lift the wrench over his head and bring it down with considerable force, an attack which becomes even stronger as the button is held down.

How do you open a pipe without a wrench?

What to Use if You Don’t Have a Wrench Duck tape. Duct tape is useful in almost any situation but you may be surprised to learn that you can use it to loosen bolts. Two coins. Who would think that money can be used as a makeshift tool? Zip-tie. Another nut and bolt.

What is a pipe wrench without teeth?

The lower jaw moves up and down through the wrenches screw mechanism. The lower jaw movement mimics a monkey climbing up a branch, which is where the wrench gets its name. A monkey wrench is different than a pipe wrench, however, based on the jaw design. Monkey wrenches have smooth jaws or jaws with no teeth.

Which pipe wrench is best?

Top 7 Best Pipe Wrench Reviews #1 Tradespro 830914 14-Inch Heavy Duty Pipe Wrench. #2 RIDGID 31100 Model 818 18-in Aluminum Straight Pipe Wrench. #3 Ridgid 31000 6″ Pipe Wrench. #4 Crescent 9″ Automotive Wrench. #5 MAXPOWER 2-Piece Heavy Duty Wide Open Adjustable Wrench Set.

How do you measure a pipe wrench?

Instead, most adjustable wrenches are measured by the length of the handle. So, an 8-inch adjustable wrench has a handle that’s 8 inches long, and a 12-inch adjustable wrench has a handle that’s 12 inches long.

What is the most common size pipe wrench?

Many homeowners typically use a 14-inch and 12-inch model, but models can also be found up to 36-inches best suited for working on a threaded pipe. They have angle head wrenches as well as strap/chain wrenches. Despite having many sizes, they rarely need anything that is over 18-inches in a normal house.

What are the three types of ratchets?

Ratchets generally come in three different lengths: stubby, standard and long. There are also extra-long ratchets for those who really need the added oomph to take something apart but don’t have the space to step up to a bigger drive size or use a power tool.

Which two sizes of pipe wrench should you keep in your toolkit?

Start with a 10-inch and a 14-inch wrench. These should be fine for most home repairs. Later on, you can add an 18-inch if necessary. But bear in mind that if you have a job requiring a larger pipe wrench, you might be better off calling a plumber.

Why are monkey wrenches called monkey wrenches?

Charles Moncky, a Baltimore mechanic, invented the monkey wrench around 1858. Moncky’s wrench was named using a purposeful misspelling of his name. Stillson, a steamboat firefighter, received a patented on September 13, 1870 for an invention later known as the Stillson pipe wrench.

Which way do you turn to loosen plumbing?

Turning to the left loosens the plumbing fitting; turning to the right tightens it. Remembering this simple rhyme can prevent a bad seal and stripped fittings. It’s also handy in a pinch if you need to shut off the water supply quickly.

Is there a way to take apart PVC pipe?

Cutting back the PVC pipe to a new point is actually the best way to separate PVC pipes and remove the glue. Professional plumbers usually will cut away PVC pipe rather than try to separate it. PVC pipe is soft and easy to cut. Use a hacksaw or a PVC pipe cutter to cut off the section you would like to separate.

How do you loosen a stuck metal trap?

Grab the nut holding the end of the P-trap to the house drain, using a pipe wrench. Hold the P-trap pipe steady with a second pipe wrench. Turn the nut counterclockwise until it turns by hand. Pull the nut away from the house drain.

How do you open a clogged kitchen sink?

Pour one cup of fresh baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Place a rubber stopper or other sink hole cover over the drain opening. Wait 15 minutes to allow the vinegar and baking soda to unclog your drain, Then take out the drain cover and run hot tap water down the drain to clear the clog.

What is the best penetrating oil for rusted bolts?

8 Best Penetrating Oils for Rusted Bolts 1) Kano Aerokroil Penetrating Oil. 2) B’laster Penetrating Catalyst. 3) Liquid Wrench Penetrating Oil. 4) Gasoila Free All Rust Eater. 5) CRC Knock-Er Loose Penetrating Solvent. ​6) Castle Thrust Penetrating Oil. 7) WD-40 Specialist Penetrant. 8) 3-IN-ONE Multi-Purpose Oil.

Which way tightens a screw?

Typical nuts, screws, bolts, bottle caps, and jar lids are tightened (moved away from the observer) clockwise and loosened (moved towards the observer) counterclockwise in accordance with the right-hand rule.

What tool do you use to loosen bolts?

Wrenches are essential tools used to tighten and loosen fasteners, like nuts and bolts. Generally made from a chrome-plated steel alloy, wrenches are both durable and easy to clean.