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One of the most commonly used tool, wrench is mainly to provide torque to tighten or loosen a nut or bolt (fastener). Which wrench should be selected, not only depends upon the design and size of the fastener, but also depends on the space available around the fastener.
Most of the times, high quality wrenches are made from chromium-vanadium alloy tool steels and are often drop-forged. They are frequently chrome-plated to resist corrosion. These are available in standard (SAE) and metric measurement standards. You can find many different wrench types, each designed for a particular purpose, use and operation.
- Box End Wrench is used where there is room to place the wrench mouth around the fastener. They are available in 6 and 12 point versions to match the number of sides on the fastener.
- Open End Wrench is used for turning fasteners in locations where a box end wrench cannot encompass the fastener.
- Combination Wrench has ends that perform specific tasks. One end may be open and the other closed, one may be offset and the other straight or the two ends might be of fractionally different sizes.
- Adjustable Wrench can be used on a variety of fastener sizes. The only disadvantage is that it is less stable than a fixed-size wrench and can easily damage the fastener. It should be used only if the correct size wrench is not available.
- Socket Wrench fits over the fastener, making removal easier and safer than with other wrenches. It comes in standard and extended depth; extensions are available to make removing fasteners easier. They are often purchased in sets by drive size.
- Allen Wrench is used on fasteners with a hexagonal hole in the head. It is available with L- or T-shape handles.
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