How do pipe wrenches work

The jaws of a basin wrench not only adjust to accommodate nuts of different sizes, but they also flip over to the opposite side so you can keep turning without removing the wrench.

A socket wrench set is useful for removing recessed packing nuts and for use on tub and shower fixtures as well as other do-it-yourself household repairs.

For changing a toilet seat, you'll need a wrench, or perhaps a deep socket wrench. If you need to remove a toilet for replacement or repair, you may need a spud wrench. Older toilets frequently have a large pipe -- called a spud -- that connects the tank to the bowl.

The spud is held to the bowl and tank by extra-large hexagonal slip nuts. A spud wrench is designed to remove these slip nuts. The adjustable type of spud wrench is far more versatile than the nonadjustable type, which has a fixed opening at each end. Prefer to leave your plumbing projects to the pros? Schedule Online How To Use A Pipe Wrench The wrenches are designed like a clamp with a stable lower jaw and an adjustable upper jaw for gripping hardware. What Not To Use A Pipe Wrench For It is not recommended that you use a pipe wrench on hard pipes or fittings because the teeth on wrench may not grip it properly.

When is it Time to Replace My Pipes? Close Font Resize. Keyboard navigation. While there are a number of variations of the pipe wrench more on that later , all pipe wrenches are generally used to tighten or loosen pipe joints. The first issue to using a pipe wrench properly is to use the right type of pipe wrench for your job. There are six main types of pipe wrenches. The straight pipe wrench the basic one can be used on all types of pipe work.

An end pipe wrench has a head at a bit of angle and is designed to be used on pipes close to the wall or parallel work. An offset pipe wrench is used to grab onto pipes at awkward angles or in tight spots. A compound leverage pipe wrench is used for seized joints and provides extra leverage. Today's Top Stories. Philip Friedman. Roy Berendsohn Senior Home Editor Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment.