Open-end wrench sets: overview and tips for choosing

One of the most important locksmith tools is the wrench. It is irreplaceable when carrying out repair work in the house and in various buildings. Required wherever there is a need to tighten or unscrew the nut. It's good to have a set of open-end wrenches at hand that fit any bolts and nuts.

It includes open-end, union, combined units, each of which performs the work of unscrewing the nuts, even in hard-to-reach places.

One type of wrench is the open-end wrench. It is a model with jaws or horns at the tips to grip the nuts on multiple sides. For easier use of the tool in an inaccessible place, the operating head is tilted to the handle by 15-30 degrees. Kits consisting of them are widely known and widespread due to their simple and convenient use. But at the same time, such keys have their own disadvantages, the main of which is considered to be the low parameters of the torque applied to the fastening part, because the open mouth of the open-end wrench comes into contact with two even levels of the fastening connection. The set of open-end wrenches is presented in 13 pieces, ranging in size from 17 to 55 mm.

In appearance, they are similar to the previous view, but the head has a round shape. When using such a tool, the nut is seized from all sides, and the force that is applied when screwing or untwisting is evenly distributed. The active segment can be on the same rod with the handle, move several degrees, or be bent. Keys are produced with one or two grippers of various sizes.

For example, there is a need to unscrew an old bolt, which is already all rusty. If you use an open-end wrench, there is a possibility of damage to the head of the bolt. And then you have to use other tools. And the use of a spanner key will avoid unnecessary problems. Tool profiles hold the bolt firmly on all sides and avoid damage to the bolt.

But this key also has a drawback, which lies in the need for unhindered accessibility to the threaded connection. The spanner wrench set includes 11 items ranging in size from 8 to 27 mm.

They are presented as a combination of the two previous types and are in great demand, since they do not include the negative sides that open-end and spanner keys have. The set of products is represented by 17 items 6-24 mm in size.

Outwardly, they are shaped like the letter "G". There are small indentations in the edges. During the process of operation, the head is thrown over the head of the bolt or nut, and the rest of the key is used as a lever. The torque will be greater with a longer arm. Ratchet wrenches are one type of set. This is a more modern option, which makes it possible to keep the tool from the fastener in the process of activity.

The wrench includes two parts: a handle and a head with a special mechanism that unscrews the fasteners without removing the tool. If the mechanism rotates in only one direction - it is one-sided, in two - two-sided. In order to change the direction of rotation, special switches are used: flag and disk. Rotation is provided by a gear with a number of teeth. With more of them, the product works smoothly. The sets of such keys are quite large, they consist of 17 items, 8-55 mm in size.

Such a tool is a type of wrench with a built-in dynamometer. It is used to tighten the connections more tightly with a specified torque.

Features of working with this kind of tools.

1. At the initial stage, you need to study the annotation for using the device. Choose a wrench so that the required tightening torque is in the center of the tool area.
2. Store instruments of this kind with the optimum minimum on the scale.
3. The frame of the product must not be deformed and damaged, otherwise this will lead to a failure in the definitions of information.

All torque wrenches can be of two types:

• limiting type (breaking, snap);
• indicator type (tape, with a scale or electronic type).

For a person starting to engage in plumbing, the main thing is not only to distinguish between the types of keys and the scope of their use, but also the subtleties of their selection. There are many approaches to solving the problems that arise. The main principles that are applied when choosing are the number and type of tools. Most wrenches are measured in millimeters, which corresponds to a system of measures.

If the hardware is made in accordance with current US regulations, it is best to use inch wrenches. The smallest set contains 6 keys of 8-19 mm. A more extensive set includes 12 items or more, their sizes vary from 6 to 32 mm. If you need tools from time to time, then you do not need to buy a large set, the basic one will be enough.

The best option is steel, which includes molybdenum, chromium and vanadium. Material quality information is located on the product itself.

In the modern market space, you can find products of both domestic production and imported. You can focus on positive reviews on the network. Sets from China are versatile, but they cannot boast of durability. The best products are from the manufacturers ARSENAL, Ombra, Makita.

It also plays an important role. Nice and high quality key sets are provided in a metal case with an automated lock and carrying handle. Cheaper sets are presented in plastic or fabric covers. You don't need to buy a set with a variety of keys right away. It will not pay off for a long time, because the entire set will not be used constantly. A better option would be to use combination or open-end wrenches, often of the required types.

A variety of multi-gripping tools that can handle a variety of nut sizes are rarely used and are usually just lying around. Many people want the appearance of the tool to be beautiful, so tools from chrome alloys are chosen. Such a coating looks very good at first, but then chrome pieces can begin to fall off, while chrome increases the size of the throat and distorts the transmitted torque. And the key, which has a matte surface, retains its appearance for a long time and does not slip out of hands.

Of course, it is tempting to buy a large set of keys. But storage space is difficult for a large case, and may only need to use a few keys from the set.

As great as the key is, it still needs help. If oil or other grease is splashed on a nut or thread, then after a short time, it will not be necessary to expend much effort. Even the most stubborn nut can be easily unscrewed. In order to subsequently untwist the connection well, it is necessary to add Movil when tightening, this substance is used to protect against destruction of the thresholds of the car. It helps seal the threads. It will be useful to lubricate the threads with a small amount of graphite and graphite grease. And lithol is not used here, because it does not protect from moisture, but burns over time.

For an overview of the Hitachi open-end wrench set, see the video below.