If you are a DIYer or often engaged in automotive repairs around your house, a wrench set should be a must. It is an important part of the mechanic tool set. However, certain jobs can be done using a screwdriver or sometimes a hammer. But, for more involved work, the whole wrench set is essential as part of your arsenal. Every project seems much harder without the presence of wrench sets. Along with the great socket wrench and parallel ratchet wrench set, these products are the backbone of the toolbox. The right wrench can assist you in fitting into close and tight spaces and accomplishing work for which you might rely on a mechanic.
What To Look For Before Buying A Wrench Set?
The three major things to look at before buying the Wrench Set are:
Type Of Wrenches
Wrenches are different; some are for general purposes, and some have specific uses. Here are the major types of wrenches that are usually used by DIYers or people who indulge in repair work around their houses or their cars.
Open-End Wrenches
These wrenches fit both sides of a nut with a U-shaped end. Usually, its end is moderately offset to make it simpler to utilize without your hand coming in the way. Open wrenches are available in various sizes in the market and are one of the basic kinds of this tool.
Box-End Wrenches
These are ring spanners with a “boxed” or closed-end that slides over the loose or tightened nut. The box consists of about 6 or 12 points on the inside that help in holding the nut.
Combination Wrenches
These wrenches usually have a box end and an open end.
Ratcheting Box Wrenches
These wrenches have a system of ratchet within the closed or boxed end that allows you to spin the nut without repositioning and lifting the wrench.
Adjustable Wrenches
These wrenches, also called crescent wrenches, have a fixed and adjustable jaw that glides open or closed by rotating a knurled screw. These are the basic wrenches for household use.
Flare-Nut Wrenches
The end of these wrenches are less open in comparison to open-end wrenches but not fully enclosed like the box-end wrench. These are usually used for some plumbing work and automotive restoration. Like Flare-Nut Pipe wrenches, Pipe wrenches are also used for plumbing uses.
Hex keys
These wrenches, also called Allen wrenches, are hard, L-shaped metallic wrenches in a hexagonal shape. Like other wrenches, these wrenches don’t fit around a nut. They are formulated to be placed inside a hex nut, so it is necessary for the hex key to be the same size as the nuts because it is loose or tightened. These wrenches are utilized for furniture assembly as well as bicycle repair and insertion of various household items.
Torque Wrenches
These wrenches are special tools that let the user spin a fastener to the correct level of tightness. They are majorly used for automotive or huge equipment repair.
Socket Wrenches
These wrenches are basically utilized in the automotive industry. They have an open cylinder that is placed above the nut being turned. Generally, these are sold as sockets set in a field of sizes, with a single-handle ratchet that can be utilized with all of them.
Impact Wrenches
These are power tools with enormous torque. They are basically used while working on huge equipment or in the automotive industry.
Short Or Stubby Wrenches
These are mainly compound wrenches that are smaller than the usual combination wrench. They are formulated for use in dense spaces, like while working on a car’s engine.
Figure Of Pieces
Buying wrenches in a set is very beneficial for you as it comes with different wrenches for various projects. The number of tools that come in the wrench set is referred to as the figure of pieces. Small wrench sets can include at least two tools in the pack. On the other hand, large wrench sets can exceed up to 100 pieces; however, some might be basic accessories and not entire wrenches.
Before buying a wrench set, take out your time to go through the details first, where the number and the list of tools are noted.
Size
Size is the major factor of consideration before buying any tool because it can tell you whether it will fit or not. A wrench can be measured both ways by length and size. Length is the most important because, in some cases, the long wrench is of no use, while in some, the long wrench can only come in use reaching the bolt, nut, or fitting.
The fitting of wrenches is measured in inches or millimeters. If the wrench is in inches, it follows the method of SAE standard measurement, while the wrench size is in millimeters and is used in the metric system. That is why an SAE wrench cannot work on a metric fitting, and in the same way, a metric wrench is not used for SAE fitting.
Packaging
Many sets of Wrenches come with useful storage cases. These cases help the products to keep in a systematic order in your toolbox. Also, they make it simpler to see the figure on them as they are put orderly at a slight angle, so you can know what wrench size you’re looking for. And it is very important to place the right wrench back in its fitting slot after use.
Prices
There are different wrench sets available in the market at various prices. You can get the most basic wrench set at the very cheapest of prices, but it won’t be that useful and accurate for you in the long term. On the other hand, buying a costly wrench set will support you with all your projects in the long run. The tools will be of high quality and versatile.
Also Read:- Shop The Best Adjustable Wrench | Safety Hardware Store
Best Wrench Sets To Invest In
Whether you need a basic set to work for wheel maintenance or you are thinking of starting an automotive-repair business, a wrench set is practical for everyone. That is why here is a selection of some of the top wrenches you can buy.
Tuff Stuff 55292 6 Pc. Metric Combination Wrench Set
These Combination wrenches have an open-end jaw wrench at one end and a box end of a similar size at the other. It comes with metric-size wrenches. These wrenches’ open ends are 15 degrees angle, making it easy to access isolated fasteners. The boxed ends are formulated to hold the nuts/bolts side to decrease the inconvenience while applying torque. They are long-lasting parts of your mechanic’s tool set.
| Item Dimensions | 8mm – 17mm |
| Number Of Pieces | 6 |
| Type | Metric |
Channellock 38040 6 Piece Sae Ratcheting Wrench Set
These low-profile design wrenches are used for tight spaces and are reliable and strong. It is a form of polished high-carbon steel. Its 72-gear teeth require only 5° to turn a fastener. It follows the ANSI standards. It comes in a useful storage rack.
| Item Dimensions | 2 x 5 x 10.75 inches |
| Number Of Pieces | 6 |
| Metal | Carbon Steel |
Tuff Stuff 55193 (ttpt-0014) 5 Pc. Sae Combination Ratcheting Wrench Set
These sets of SAE combination Ratcheting Wrenches merge the ratchet’s speed with the control and access of a wrench. The end head pattern of the small ratcheting box allows access to dense or tight spots where a ratchet will not fit. Its open end permits simpler access to difficult-to-reach spots, making jobs go easier and faster.
| Metal | Steel |
| Number Of Pieces | 5 |
| Type | Ratcheting Wrench |
Hb Smith Tools 5 Piece. Combination Wrench Set
These Combination wrenches have a box-end wrench at one end and an open-end jaw of a similar size at the other. These sets are long-lasting tools suitable for tight spaces. In many cases, one or the other wrench type won’t work; only combination wrenches can be useful. The closed end is used to lose solid nuts, and the crescent-shaped opening is to unscrew them quickly.
| Item Dimensions | 8 mm – 24 mm |
| Number Of Pieces | 5 |
| Metal | vanadium steel |
What Are General Safety Tips To Follow When Using Wrenches?
- Choose the correct wrench for the job – pipe wrenches for plumbing fittings and basic wrenches for nuts/ bolts.
- Drop the impaired wrenches (e.g., boxes wrenched with damage or broken points or open-ended wrenches with widened jaws).
- Choose the right jaw size to avoid slippage.
- Put on a face shield or safety glasses where there is a hazard of falling debris or flying particles.
- Your body’s posture should be in a way that will help you in balancing and save you from hurting yourself if in case the wrench slips or something (e.g., a bolt) promptly breaks.
- Use a socket or box wrench with a linear handle rather than an offset handle, if possible.
- Ensure that the open-ended wrench’s jaw is in a flat position and not slant with the nut/bolt before applying force.
- The turn’S direction should be towards the permanent jaw while turning with an adjustable wrench.
- Make sure that the pipe wrench’s teeth are sharp and oil and debris free. Also, the fitting or pipe is clean to stop possible injuries and sudden slippage.
- Initially, apply a little pressure to a ratchet wrench to ensure the ratchet wheel is occupied with the pawl for the direction you are applying force.
- Support the ratchet wrench’s head when socket extensions are used.
- Pull a wrench slowly and steadily. Do not use fast and shaky movements.
- Stand away when wrenches are overhead for any project work.
- Ensure adjustable wrenches do not “glide” open while using.
- Clean and place wrenches and tools in a toolbox or belt after use.
- Timely maintenance of tools (oiled and cleaned).
Conclusion
Now you know why a wrench is essential to any toolbox. Wrenches in Wrench sets are useful for different purposes, like leveling equipment, driving lag screws, and making adjustments to appliances and fixtures. Safety Hardware Store is a great place to buy wrenches as they have the best multipurpose wrench sets for your home projects. To avail of our services, feel free to call us at 212-860-2219 or mail us at [email protected].
