Everything You Should Know About A Pipe Wrench

A pipe wrench is known as a wrench that can be easily adjusted according to the requirements of a person. As the name speaks for itself, it is used on pipes. Generally, a pipe wrench is used to thread pipes; it can often be black iron, galvanized steel, or various metal pipes. A pipe wrench presents itself with two separate serrated jaws that are tightened after which they are dug into a pipe to provide additional grip. The serrated jaw present on the top adjusts both ways, either it is up or down, to effectively fir different sizes of pipes.

One of the unique features of a pipe wrench is that the teeth present on it are only known to grip when the wrench is turned in a particular direction. It simply acts similar to a ratchet wrench.

What are the parts of a Pipe Wrench?  

The basic parts included in a pipe wrench are:

• Hook jaw
• Body
• Heel jaw
• Nut
• Pin
• Spring assembly

Although there are rare, certain types of pipe wrenches possess a separate head assembly capable of being attached to the body. A pipe wrench is at times known as a monkey wrench and is used by drillers, plumbers, and in other trades that are considered to be working with threaded piping.

How can you use a pipe wrench? 

The basics you should know about to effectively operate a pipe wrench are:

• Start by placing the wrench on the pipe in such a way that the mouth of the wrench’s jaw faces the direction in which you wish to turn the pipe.
• Make sure that the pipe used by you is centered in the mouth of the jaws.
• You can now adjust the jaw to snugly fit the pipe by turning the nut.
• Push or pull the wrench in the direction you wish to turn the pipe in.

Differences between various types of pipe wrenches 

• A pipe wrench is known to come in various sizes and varieties. It can be as small in length as around or about six inches or can be over four feet as well. Every size can be used on a particular pipe.
• Pipe wrenches are mostly made of aluminum or iron. Although aluminum is comparatively lighter when compared to iron, but is not capable of handling as much torque as a pipe wrench made up of iron can.
• The most common positions of the hook jaw are parallel and perpendicular.
• The mechanism behind loosening and tightening might vary in various models.

Conclusion 

While you are choosing a pipe wrench for yourself, apart from the points mentioned above, remember to ensure that while choosing a good wrench, you go for something that has smooth adjustments, a strong body, and sharp serrated jaws.