Do-it-yourself job and auto maintenance are jobs that require you to have wrenches around
. Availing wrenches in stores may look as if it is an easy task not until you realized that wrenches sizes and types differ depending on the chore to do. Tightening and loosening of bolts and nuts can be a frustrating task if you do not have the right tool for the job.
Here are some basic wrenches that you should have:
The Open-end wrench or spanner - This kind of wrench permits you to grip two differing bolts and nuts. It is a single-piece with U-opening. Open-end spanner is a two-ended tool with two different wrench sizes on the ends. Each of the ends aligns at a 15 degrees angle that is longitudinal to the handle. You can a wider range of motion in this design by just flipping the tool over.
Box end spanner - This is a one-pieced wrench with an encircled opening that is why it is also called ring wrench. This feature allows you to grip sides of the nut or bolt's head. It is usually used to turn hexagonal shaped head of bolts and nuts. Spanners that are 8-point to 12-point recess are used with bolts that have square shape. Its two ends and offset handles give you an easier task.
Combination spanner/wrench - This wrench is a two-ended tool with each ends different from the other. One end contains an open-end wrench while the other end is a box-end spanner. Each end of this type of spanners fits the same size of bolts and nuts.
Crowsfoot spanner/wrench - This type of wrench is used on tube's end to hold the nut. A typical wrench may encircle a nut but not this kind of wrench. This type has a narrow opening just to fit over a tube. To avoid further damage with nuts that are delicate, this type of wrench is used and not the typical ones.
The adjustable wrench or spanner - This wrench is also called shifting spanner. This wrench is with a movable jaw to handle nuts and bolts of different sizes. It is like your having multiple spanners with different wrench sizes in one.