33 Types of Wrenches And How to Use Them

When it comes to choosing a wrench for a particular task, size is only part of the equation. The type of wrench you use can significantly affect how efficiently and safely you complete the job.

While wrenches, ratchets, and sockets all serve the basic purpose of tightening or loosening fasteners, each tool has distinct advantages depending on the situation. For instance, a box wrench can be especially effective for loosening fasteners that are stuck or corroded.

Its design allows for greater torque without risking damage to the kind of internal mechanism you’d find in a ratcheting wrench.

On the other hand, an open end wrench fits around the fastener rather than over it. This makes it particularly useful in tight or confined spaces where a socket simply wouldn’t fit.

Ultimately, using the right tool for the job isn’t just about convenience it’s about ensuring the task is done correctly and efficiently. So before you start, take a moment to consider whether the wrench you’re using is truly the best match for the work at hand.

Types of Wrenches

Here are 33 Different types of wrenches base on styles and functions:

1. Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable spanner, also known as an adjustable wrench, is a type of open end wrench designed with a movable jaw. This feature allows the tool to adapt to various sizes of fastener heads such as nuts or bolts rather than being limited to a single size, as is the case with traditional fixed spanners.

Often referred to as a crescent wrench in everyday use, this tool is among the most commonly used wrenches. Its design includes an open end with a built in spiral screw mechanism that adjusts the width of the jaw as it is turned, enabling it to grip fasteners of different sizes.

Because of this versatility, an adjustable wrench can essentially replace a full set of combination or open-ended wrenches. However, it’s worth noting that its broader size means it typically requires more working space than its fixed counterparts.

• Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts
• Moveable lower jaw to adjust wrench size
• Works with both standard and metric fasteners

2. Combination Wrench

A combination wrench essentially merges the features of both box-ended and open ended wrenches. One end features a closed loop, designed to grip hexagonal or square shaped nuts securely, while the opposite end is shaped like an open U, allowing for quicker adjustments.

This tool is particularly useful when dealing with stubborn or hard to reach nuts the closed end is typically used first to break the resistance, followed by the open end for faster removal.

Much like socket sets, combination wrenches are commonly available in sets that include a range of sizes to accommodate different needs.

• Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts
• Metric and standard sizes
• One open end and one box end (usually the same size)

3. Open-End Wrench

Among the most frequently used tools in a standard toolbox, the open ended wrench features two U-shaped jaws at either end typically with each end sized differently.

This design allows for versatility, especially in situations where nuts and bolts are located in tight or awkward spaces. Thanks to the open structure, users can position the wrench either horizontally or vertically, depending on what the situation calls for.

However, one limitation of open ended wrenches is their tendency to slip, which can lead to rounding off the edges of fasteners more easily than with box ended wrenches:

• Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts
• Metric and standard sizes
• Two open ends (usually different sizes)
• Jointed or flex-head models let you work at different angles

4. Ratchet Wrench

Much like open ended, box ended, and combination wrenches, ratcheting wrenches feature at least one end equipped with an internal ratcheting mechanism.

This design allows for continuous tightening or loosening of fasteners without the need to remove and reposition the tool after each turn especially helpful when the handle comes up against an obstacle.

As a result, ratcheting wrenches are particularly convenient for working in confined or hard-to-reach spaces.

• Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts
• Metric and standard sizes
• Ratchet action on one end moves freely in one direction and engages the fastener in the other direction to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts without removing the tool
• Some have pivoting ratchet ends for use in tight spaces

5. Short Body or Stubby Wrench

Often called a short body wrench in professional settings, this tool is essentially a more compact version of the standard combination wrench. Its reduced length makes it especially useful when working in tight or hard to reach areas where a full sized wrench might not fit.

Some modern designs have taken things a step further by incorporating a hinge in the handle. This added flexibility allows users to angle either end of the wrench, offering even greater precision and control in tricky spaces.

• Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts in tight spaces
• Metric and standard sizes

6. Crowfoot Wrench

This particular open wrench doesn’t come with a traditional handle. Instead, it’s designed with a single head that connects directly to a ratchet handle or socket extension. That setup makes it especially useful for reaching into tight or confined spaces where a regular wrench just wouldn’t fit.

It really comes in handy when you’re trying to access bolts buried deep within a machine’s body especially if you want to avoid the hassle of disassembling surrounding components first. With this tool, you can get the job done without tearing everything apart.

• Tightens/loosens bolts
• Standard and metric sizes
• Has no handle
• Operates with a ratchet handle/socket extension combination
• Designed to work in tight spaces

7. Basin Wrench

This specialized tool is primarily used for tightening or loosening nuts and hose couplings located beneath sinks and lavatories.

Commonly referred to as a faucet wrench, it features a distinctive design: a long, T-shaped handle connected to a curved, serrated jaw. This configuration allows it to reach and maneuver in tight, awkward spaces, especially those found under sinks and around toilets.

8. Pipe Wrench

As the name suggests, a pipe wrench is specifically designed for tightening or loosening pipes and their fittings. The jaws of this tool are typically constructed from forged high strength steel to ensure durability and toughness. The movable jaw features flat-cut threads, while the fixed jaw is equipped with a metal plate containing a groove.

Within this groove, a knurled round nut is installed. Rotating this nut causes the movable jaw to adjust either increasing or decreasing its opening by shifting up or down.

A spring positioned between the fixed and movable jaws enhances grip stability, allowing the wrench to securely hold the pipe during use. Pipe wrenches are commonly available in sizes such as 6-inch, 9-inch, and 18-inch, catering to a range of applications.

• Turns metal pipes and fittings
• Moveable upper jaw to adjust wrench size

9. Hex Key/Allen Wrench

Perhaps the most famous key wrench, an Allen wrench is a hexagonal bar bent into an L-shape. Sometimes referred to as a hex key due to the shape, the male ends slot into holes on screws and similar fasteners. For this reason, Allen wrenches often find themselves mixed in with the screwdrivers when stored.

What makes hex screws so darn useful is the fact that children can’t just grab a penny and unscrew the furniture when you’re not looking. Another advantage is the L-shape. You can insert the long end, wrap a finger around the shorter end, and use it for a handle when working with deeper screws.

Conversely, you can insert the short end into the slot and turn the long end, giving you superior torque for those extra tight screws. Allen wrenches come in either SAE or metric sizes, so there’s less guesswork on which size will function when you’re working with an SAE fastener and Imperial key (or vice versa).

• Tightens/loosens hex head screws and bolts
• Standard and metric sizes
• Available as separate wrenches or in sets where the wrenches fold up into a handle
• Available with T-handles for improved leverage

10. Star-Head Key/Torx Key

Commonly known as a star headed key, this tool closely related to the hex key wrench is specifically designed to engage with the star shaped heads found on certain screws and bolts.

Although it is available in the familiar L-shaped form like a standard Allen key, it can also be found in compact, housed sets that resemble a Swiss army knife more than a traditional wrench collection.

These alternative designs offer added convenience and portability, particularly for users who need multiple sizes on hand.

• Tightens/loosens six-point, star head screws and bolts
• Standard and metric sizes
• Available as separate wrenches or in sets where the wrenches fold up into a handle

11. Strap Wrench

This tool is designed to tighten, loosen, or turn various objects that lack flat surfaces such as container lids or plumbing fittings where a traditional wrench wouldn’t be effective.

It’s most often used when changing oil filters. The design typically includes a rubber, fabric, or metal band or sometimes a chain that wraps around the object and threads through a handle.

As you apply force, the tool tightens around the item, making it especially useful for handling round surfaces that are slippery with oil or grease, where standard wrenches would just slip off.

12. Chain wrench

A chain wrench is typically used when working with pipes or cylindrical objects that have a larger diameter, either to tighten or loosen them. The tool operates by gripping the object securely with a chain, which wraps tightly around the surface.

Once the object is firmly held in place, it can be rotated as needed. The wrench features a plate at the mouth that contains specific cutouts and is connected using a rivet. This design allows the chain to grip the object with substantial force, ensuring a stable and reliable hold during operation.

13. Socket Wrench

A socket wrench, often referred to as a ratchet, is designed with a ratcheting mechanism that makes it easier and faster to tighten or loosen bolts and nuts. The key advantage here is that you don’t need to remove the wrench from the fastener after each turn just keep turning in one direction, and the ratchet does the work for you.

These wrenches come in different drive sizes, typically 1/4″, 3/8″ (which is the most commonly used), 1/2″, and even 1″. You simply attach the appropriate size socket to the top of the drive, depending on the specific bolt or nut you’re working with.

14. Torque wrench

A torque wrench is a specialized tool engineered to apply a precise level of torque to fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, ensuring they are neither too loose nor overtightened.

This torque setting is adjustable, allowing the user to calibrate it according to specific requirements. Torque wrenches come in various forms, including manual types, digital models, and other configurations tailored to different tasks.

In practice, these tools are most often used in automotive maintenance tightening wheel lug nuts being a typical example. While torque sticks might offer faster operation in some cases, they tend to fall short in terms of accuracy compared to a properly calibrated torque wrench.

Beyond car repairs, torque wrenches also find use in bicycle assembly, agricultural machinery, and essentially any mechanical context where a manufacturer specifies a required torque value. Following these specifications is crucial for both safety and performance, making the torque wrench an essential tool in many technical fields.

15. Oil Filter Wrench

Oil filter wrenches, commonly used in the automotive industry, come in four distinct types, and selecting the right one often depends on the specific make or model of the vehicle.

The chain strap and metal strap varieties work by wrapping a loop around the filter housing to provide grip for removal. On the other hand, the claw style wrench perhaps the most familiar to many operates in a way similar to an adjustable wrench, adapting to different sizes through movable arms.

Then there’s the socket style wrench, which looks a bit like a shallow cup with cutouts along the sides. This type fits snugly onto the bottom of an oil filter cap and is typically used in combination with a ratchet handle for efficient removal or tightening.

16. Impact Wrench

While they may resemble cordless drills at first glance, air impact wrenches operate quite differently, relying on an air compressor for power. In contrast, cordless impact wrenches run on rechargeable batteries. You might also hear air impact wrenches referred to as “air guns” or simply “air wrenches” in some settings.

These tools fall under the broader socket wrench family and are particularly known for delivering high torque, making them ideal for loosening tough or rusted bolts and nuts.

They’re especially useful when you need to tackle several fasteners at once like when installing or removing car wheels. That said, they’re not the best option when a task calls for fine control or precision work.

17. Pedal Wrench

The pedal wrench is primarily used for bicycle repairs. Its design especially the U-shaped recesses and the slim, angled profile is specifically intended to fit the narrow space between the pedal and crank arm on a bicycle.

While the name might suggest broader use for anything with pedals, such as pedal boats or fairground rides, in reality, pedal wrenches are a staple tool in bicycle repair shops, not in marine or amusement equipment maintenance.

Pedal boats and similar machines often use different types of bolts or attachments that require other tools (like standard spanners or socket wrenches), so a pedal wrench wouldn’t typically be used there.

18. Monkeywrench

This particular type of wrench is the one commonly referenced in the phrase “throwing a wrench (or spanner) into the works,” often used to describe an act of deliberate disruption or sabotage. It’s an older variation of the adjustable wrench closely related to the alligator wrench but is distinguishable by its smooth jaws and a rounded handle.

The reason this tool became linked with sabotage lies in its widespread use during the industrial era. At the time, it was a standard fixture in toolkits across various trades and manufacturing sectors, making it a likely candidate for causing mechanical interference if misused.

19. Pliers Wrench

You might not recognize the name right away, but chances are you’ve used one of these tools before. It features flat edged jaws set at an angle, each one attached to a handle. These handles are joined together with a bolt, which is key to how the tool works.

That bolt isn’t fixed in place it can slide between a few different positions on the upper jaw. This adjustability lets the wrench fit various sizes of fastener heads. Interestingly, the tool gets its name from how it’s held; the grip is quite similar to the way you’d hold a pair of pliers.

20. Plumber’s Wrench

The tool resembles pliers in design, but its jaws are specifically shaped to grip hexagonal nuts. These jaws can be adjusted, allowing the tool to accommodate different sizes of pipe fittings. It’s primarily used in plumbing, where it serves the specific purpose of working with pipes and various fixtures.

21. Tap Wrench

This type of key is specifically designed to fit the square drive of taps, which are tools commonly used for cutting internal threads, such as those found within a nut.

Tap wrenches typically come in two main forms: a T-shaped design, or a double handled bar with a central socket for holding the tap. Each configuration provides the user with the necessary leverage and control for precise threading operations.

22. Spud Wrench

One lesser known tool that has largely fallen out of regular use is the open ended wrench featuring a spike on the opposite end. This spike was traditionally used to align holes on pipes during installation or maintenance.

Although this tool has been mostly replaced by the more versatile plumber’s wrench, it hasn’t disappeared entirely some professionals still keep one tucked away in their toolbox, especially for specific or older fittings.

23. Alligator Wrench

The alligator wrench is characterized by its distinctive jaw design: the upper jaw features serrated edges for grip, while the lower portion remains smooth. Its name stems from the way it clamps onto nuts, reminiscent of an alligator’s bite.

Unlike the modern pipe wrench, the handle of the alligator wrench has a more tapered, fang-like appearance. Originally designed for use on square-headed fasteners, this type of wrench has become increasingly uncommon and is now most often seen as a historical tool or in period films.

24. Basin Wrench

This type of wrench features a long, T-shaped handle attached to a curved, serrated jaw. It is primarily used for tightening or loosening fasteners located beneath sinks or toilets, which is why it is commonly referred to as a faucet wrench.

25. Armorer’s Wrench

This type of armorer’s wrench also known as a single-piece wrench is typically designed with a C-shaped, serrated head. It usually includes either a square slot or a hole, allowing it to be attached to a ratchet handle for added leverage.

These wrenches come in a variety of designs, often tailored to fit specific firearm models or sizes. They’re primarily used for tasks related to gun repair and regular maintenance, making them an essential tool for anyone working with firearms.

26. Dog Bone Wrench

The dog bone wrench, also referred to as a dumb-bell wrench due to its distinct bone like shape, features two box shaped ends on each side, each designed with a different socket size.

While its compact design allows it to access tight or confined spaces with relative ease, this type of wrench is primarily intended for bicycle maintenance.

In some variations, dog bone wrenches are equipped with swivel heads, which provide additional flexibility and ease of use in awkward angles or hard to reach areas.

27. Drum Key

A drum key, also known as a square head socket wrench, is typically designed in a T-shape with a flattened handle for ease of use.

As the name implies, it’s mainly used to adjust the tension rods on various percussion instruments, especially drums. One practical detail worth noting is that drum keys with longer handles allow for greater torque, making it easier to tighten or loosen the rods compared to those with shorter handles.

28. Bung Wrench

A drum wrench, often referred to as a drum plug wrench, is a specialized socket style tool designed for opening and closing the caps or plugs on drums and barrels.

These wrenches come in various styles to accommodate different drum types and plug designs. Their primary purpose is to safely and efficiently remove or secure plastic or metal bungs, reducing the risk of damage to the drum or injury to the user.

29. Fan Clutch Wrench

These flat clutch wrenches feature a U-shaped opening at one end, specifically engineered for the removal of fan clutches in automobiles. What makes this type of wrench particularly useful is the square opening at the opposite end.

This allows it to function not only as a standard wrench but also as a clutch holding tool. In practice, one wrench is used to secure the clutch in place, while a second is employed to rotate the hex nut during removal or installation.

30. Hammer Wrench

A hammer wrench, often referred to as a striking wrench, is a compact and robust tool characterized by its thick design and a solid block-shaped end.

This block end is specifically engineered to be struck with a hammer, allowing the user to apply significantly more force than a standard hand tool typically permits.

This type of wrench is particularly effective for tightening large flange fittings and heavy-duty fasteners that require considerable torque.

Additionally, it’s commonly employed to loosen nuts and bolts that have become seized or rusted over time, making it a valuable tool in situations where high impact force is necessary.

Due to its strength and reliability, the hammer wrench finds frequent use in industrial settings such as metalworking, plumbing, and certain electrical installations.

31. Cone Wrench

Picture an open ended wrench that’s been flattened almost like it got stepped on by an elephant and you’ve got a cone wrench. These tools are characteristically thin and flat, specifically designed to fit the narrow cone section of cup and cone hubs.

Cone wrenches are most commonly found in bicycle maintenance, especially for adjusting hub bearings. They’re also handy for fine tuning things like the leveling feet on washing machines. While their use is somewhat specialized, they come in clutch for tasks where a standard open ended wrench is simply too bulky to fit.

32. Tension Wrench

You’ve probably come across a tension wrench before though you might not have known what it was called. Despite often flying under the radar, this tool plays a crucial role in the lockpicking process.

Essentially, it serves as the “key” to manipulating the lock’s internal mechanisms. Tension wrenches come in various shapes and styles some are rigid, others offer a bit more flexibility but they all serve the same core function: applying just the right amount of pressure to the lock cylinder while the pick does the intricate work.

If you’ve ever watched a scene in a movie or video game where someone picks a lock and noticed that only one of the two tools seems to be moving, the other one the one that stays still is the tension wrench. It’s quietly doing the heavy lifting, maintaining tension so the pins can be set properly.

33. Spoke Wrench

These compact wrenches are specifically crafted for adjusting and maintaining the spokes on wire wheels. One end is slotted to fit snugly around a spoke, while the opposite end is shaped to engage with the nipple nut, allowing for precise adjustments.

Thanks to their small size and ergonomic design, the wrench can typically be rotated a full 360 degrees without needing to lift it off the spoke, making the task both efficient and straightforward.

You’ll most often come across this kind of tool in bicycle repair shops. While the basic function remains the same, the design can vary some versions resemble miniature open-ended wrenches, while others are more like flat, curved strips of metal.

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