Which wrench for which job? A guide to the six common types
Hardware shops sell many kinds of wrench, and each suits different work. Pick the wrong one and the job is awkward, and you can round off the nut. This guide covers the wrench types in the WYNNTOOLS catalogue, which one fits which job, and where to start.
Six common wrench types
Adjustable wrench: one tool, many sizes
Turn the worm to set the jaw width, so one wrench fits many nut sizes. It suits a toolbag or general jobs around the house. The jaw always has a little play, so on a very tight nut it can slip and round the corners. Close the jaw snugly on the nut every time before you pull.
Combination wrench: the everyday workhorse
One end is open, the other a ring of the same size. Use the open end to run a nut on quickly, then the ring to break it loose or tighten it, because the ring grips the whole nut. The WYNNTOOLS combination wrenches are CR-V steel with the ring end offset at 15°.
Double ring wrench: for real force
A ring at each end in two sizes, such as 8x10 mm. A ring holds all six corners, so it slips far less than an open end, which makes it the one for seized nuts or worn heads. The catalogue's double ring wrenches have both rings offset at 75° for easier use.
Ratchet wrench: keep turning without lifting off
The ring end has a ratchet, so you keep turning without taking the wrench off the nut. It saves a lot of time on long threads or in tight spots. The catalogue has 72-tooth ratchet rings and double-ended 12-point flex-head ratchet wrenches.
Sockets and handles: the kit for cars and workshops
Swap the socket to match the nut and drive it with a ratchet handle. The socket's drive size must match the handle, for example 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch. The catalogue's 1/2-inch ratchet handles have a 24-tooth gear, a compact head and left-right switching.
Hex and Torx keys: for socket-head screws
For screws with a hexagon or star-shaped socket in the head, common in flat-pack furniture, bicycles and machinery. Ball-end keys can enter the screw at an angle; one ball-end set in the catalogue works at up to 25°, which helps where you can't get in straight.
Pick by the job
| Job | Best pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| General fixes at home | One adjustable wrench and a hex key set | One adjustable covers many sizes, and the hex keys handle flat-pack furniture. |
| Cars and motorbikes | Sockets with a ratchet handle, plus a combination wrench set | One job has many nut sizes, and sockets on a ratchet are quick and continuous. |
| Seized nuts or worn heads | A double ring wrench, or the ring end of a combination wrench | A ring holds every corner and slips less than an open end or an adjustable. |
| Long threads or tight spots | A ratchet wrench | You keep turning without lifting the wrench off the nut. |
| Plumbing and round work | A pipe wrench, or the adjustable with a reversible pipe jaw | Toothed jaws bite on round pipe where ordinary wrenches slip. |
| Taps and bathroom fittings | The short sanitary adjustable wrench WNS200J | The catalogue lists it for bathroom fittings, without marking finished surfaces such as gold-coated nuts. |
Building a first kit
If you own no wrenches yet, start with three things: a mid-size adjustable wrench, a set of combination wrenches and a hex key set. That covers most jobs around the house. Adjustable wrenches are sized by length, for example 8 inches or 200 mm.
The catalogue has combination wrench sets from 6 to 14 pieces, plus phosphated adjustable wrenches under our own M.T.T. brand. If you work on vehicles too, add sockets and a ratchet handle later.
For shops buying to resell
The catalogue tables have a "per carton" column. For example, 6/60 means 6 pieces per pack and 60 per carton. Retail and wholesale prices aren't listed on the site, so send us the item codes on LINE and we'll quote.
Common questions
What's the difference between an adjustable wrench and an open-end wrench?
An adjustable wrench changes size, so one tool fits many nuts, but the jaw has some play. An open-end wrench is a fixed size, so you need a set, but it holds the nut more firmly.
Ring or open end: which is better?
A ring holds the whole nut and rarely slips, so use it when you need force. An open end goes on and off faster and fits where a ring can't be slipped over from above. That's why a combination wrench has one of each.
What does CR-V mean?
Chromium-vanadium steel. It's widely used for wrenches and sockets because it is strong and resists wear.
What size is a 4-hun socket?
Four hun is a 1/2-inch square drive, used with a 1/2-inch handle; three hun is 3/8 inch. The socket and the handle must have the same drive size.
How much are WYNNTOOLS wrenches?
Prices aren't listed on the site. Send the item code or a photo on LINE and we'll quote retail and wholesale.
Read next
Can't find the wrench you need? Ask on LINE
Tell us the job or the nut size and our Sampheng team will suggest a model and quote.