Hand Tools
Pipe Wrenches
A pipe wrench is a tool for gripping and turning pipes and fittings with a circular cross-section. It has two serrated jaws that are adjustable using a threaded knob at the end of the handle. The jaws are angled to provide a secure grip on the pipe, and the teeth are designed to bite into the surface of the pipe without damaging it.Pipe wrenches come in various sizes, ranging from small ones that can fit in a toolbox to large ones that are several feet long and are used for heavy-duty industrial applications. They are commonly used in plumbing, heating, and gas fitting applications, as well as in construction and maintenance work.
There are several types of pipe wrenches available, including:
- Standard Pipe Wrench: This is the most common type of pipe wrench, with a long handle and adjustable serrated jaws. It’s used for gripping and turning pipes and fittings with a circular cross-section.
- Strap Wrench: This type of wrench has a flexible strap wrapped around the pipe or fitting to provide a secure grip. It’s used when a standard pipe wrench may damage the surface of the pipe.
- Chain Wrench: This wrench has a chain wrapped around the pipe or fitting, which is tightened by turning a handle. It’s used when a strap wrench won’t provide enough grip.
- Basin Wrench: This wrench has a long, thin handle with a pivoting jaw. It’s used to reach tight spaces, such as under sinks, to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts.
- Tongue and Groove Pliers: These are not technically pipe wrenches, but they can be used for many of the same tasks. They have adjustable jaws that can be set to grip pipes or fittings of different sizes.
Pipe wrenches come in various sizes, from small wrenches a few inches long to large wrenches several feet long. The most common sizes of pipe wrenches range from 10 inches to 24 inches in length.
Here are some standard pipe wrench sizes and their typical uses:
- 10-inch pipe wrench: This size is suitable for use in tight spaces, such as under sinks or in small plumbing fixtures.
- 14-inch pipe wrench: This size is suitable for general plumbing work, such as tightening fittings or removing pipes.
- 18-inch pipe wrench: This size is suitable for heavier-duty plumbing work, such as working on larger pipes or fittings.
- 24-inch pipe wrench: This size is suitable for heavy-duty industrial work, such as working on large pipes or fittings in industrial settings.
Choosing the right pipe wrench size for the job is essential to ensure that you have enough leverage to turn the pipe or fitting without damaging it.
Pipe wrenches are used in a variety of industries, including:
- Plumbing: Pipe wrenches are commonly used by plumbers to install and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): HVAC technicians use pipe wrenches to install and repair pipes, fittings, and ductwork in residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC systems.
- Construction: Pipe wrenches are used by construction workers to install and connect pipes and fittings in buildings, bridges, and other structures.
- Oil and Gas: Pipe wrenches are used in the oil and gas industry to install and repair pipelines, valves, and other equipment for producing and transporting oil and gas.
- Manufacturing: Pipe wrenches are used in manufacturing settings to assemble and disassemble pipes and fittings in various types of equipment.
Overall, pipe wrenches are essential for anyone who works with pipes and fittings. They are used in many different industries and applications.
Contact Abolox for Your Pipe Wrench If you work at or manage an oil and gas refinery, visit Abolox for the personal protective equipment you need to protect yourself and your workers. If you don’t see what you need, call the store, and we’ll source it for you.