A pipe wrench is a tool that is used to grip to pipes and turn them. Choosing an correct size of pipe wrench is necesary, as using a wrong sized pipe wrench can lead to the pipe wrench slipping on the pipe or damaging the pipe. The pipe wrench use a design known as the Stillson pattern, which features a floating hook jaw and a heel jaw.
The hook jaw is located at the top of the pipe wrench, and the hook jaw features a pivot point that allows the pipe wrench to grip on the metal of the pipe. The heel jaw is located at the bottom of the pipe wrench, and the teeth of the heel jaw are angled in a way that allows the pipe wrench to increase the grip on the pipe if the knurled nut of the pipe wrench is tight. By rotating the knurled nut of the pipe wrench, the user can make the jaws of the pipe wrench have a small amount of slack between the jaws and the teeth of the pipe wrench; this allows the teeth of the pipe wrench to “bite” into the metal of the pipe that is being held.
How to Choose and Use a Pipe Wrench
If the knurled nut is tightened too much, however, the pipe wrench will not bite into the pipe, and the pipe wrench will slip on the pipe. The length of a pipe wrench will determine the leverage that can be applied to the pipe using the pipe wrench. The length of the pipe wrench should be chosen to meet the requirements of the specific job.
Small pipe wrenches, such as 6-inch pipe wrenches, can be helpful in tight spaces, but the 6-inch pipe wrenches doesnt provide much leverage. Medium-sized pipe wrenches, such as 10-inch and 12-inch pipe wrenches, are common in homes for plumbing jobs, and 10-inch and 12-inch pipe wrenches are easy to carry in a toolbox. 14-inch pipe wrenches are common among plumbing professionals for residential plumbing jobs.
18-inch pipe wrenches can be helpful for jobs involving larger main lines of water or other liquids. The largest pipe wrenches, such as 24-inch pipe wrenches, can provide the most leverage for commercial plumbing jobs. 24-inch pipe wrenches can be helpful in instances in which a worker doesnt have enough muscle strength to turn the pipe.
Pipe wrenches can be made of steel or aluminum. Steel pipe wrenches will be heavy and durable, while aluminum pipe wrenches will be more lighter and easier for a worker to handle if they is working on a ladder. The material that the pipe is made of can also impact the type of pipe wrench that should be used.
Pipe wrenches have teeth that can grip onto metal pipes, such as galvanized steel pipes or black iron pipes. However, the teeth of the pipe wrench can crush the thin and soft metal of copper pipes and PVC pipes. If copper pipes or PVC pipes are being worked on, a strap wrench should be used instead of a pipe wrench.
Strap wrenches feature a rubber loop that allows the tool to grip onto the pipes, and the rubber loop distributes the force that is placed onto the pipes so as to avoid creating mark upon the pipe. The shape of the handle of a pipe wrench can also impact in what types of environments a pipe wrench can be used. Pipe wrenches with straight handles are used in open spaces.
Off-set jaw pipe wrenches have a set of offset joints that allow those tools to be used for pipes that are near the walls. Off-set jaw pipe wrenches allow for the knuckles of the worker to clear the wall when gripping the pipe. End-pattern pipe wrenches have a handle that end at the same point as the jaws of the tool.
These types of pipe wrenches are used in trenches. Compound-linkage pipe wrenches have a set of linkages that allow for more force to be applied to a rusted pipe joint. Pipe wrenches should always be pulled toward the side of the tool that features the open jaw.
Pulling the tool in this direction will allow the teeth of the tool to dig into the metal of the pipe. If the pipe wrench is pulled in the opposite direction, the teeth of the tool will release the pipe. Maintenance of the pipe wrench will ensure that the pipe wrench continues to function correctly.
Pipe wrenches need to be cleaned and lubricated. Use a wire brush to remove any debris that may be caught between the teeth of the pipe wrench. Use grease to lubricate the threads of the knurled nut.
If the teeth of the pipe wrench become dull over time, the inserts for the teeth need to be replace. Store pipe wrenches by hanging them in an upward position (handle-up). Pipe wrenches should not be stored in a group with the jaws of the pipe wrench in contact with other tools; this could damage the teeth of the pipe wrench.
Using a clean and well-maintained pipe wrench will ensure that it grips the pipe that is being turn. For complex jobs, specialized plumbing tools may be required. However, a pipe wrench is a tool that will perform the necesary function for most plumbing jobs.
