As the name suggests, pipe wrenches are best for rounded surfaces like a threaded pipe or pipe fitting. Monkey wrenches have smooth jaws or jaws with no teeth. With one of these in your toolbox, you can work around all sorts of different nut sizes without needing to switch tools. Let’s get to it. If you only want to buy one wrench, then select one based on your intended use. If the nut is stripped, good luck removing it with any tool you have in your arsenal. W RENCH P RECAUTIONS Always use proper type, size, and length NEVER hammer on a wrench Use longer wrench Use a Slug wrench Always check the condition of the wrench before use 6 Wrench Measurement Conventional vs. Basically, your 11/32-inch wrench is for 11/32-inch nuts and nothing more. You could even use them to twist pipes if you’re careful. To use your wrench for a long time, you should look for options with comfortable grips. This makes the Tradespro highly durable, efficient, and precise. Other than the serrated teeth, the pipe wrench is virtually identical to the monkey wrench. All rights reserved. monkey wrench strip pieced quilt patterns purchase I do not question for a moment In compliance with your favor. The origins of the name “monkey wrench” are unknown. A pipe wrench has two serrated Buying them separately, though more expensive than in a set, is also possible since they aren’t as expensive as power tools. While the monkey wrench has been on the decline in recent years, the pipe wrench is still a staple tool within the plumbing industry. It really is as simple as that. You can also use it with bolts, nuts, and couplings. Unlike the monkey wrench, pipe wrenches are used frequently today. Two of the best floor jack brands are Arcan and Pittsburgh. Learn here, Ratcheting Wrench Sets – How to find the right set for your needs. You shouldn’t use a monkey wrench for turning pipes, and you shouldn’t use a pipe wrench for loosening hex nuts. Always opt for a wrench that is made from heavy-duty materials such as aluminum or steel. Product 1: Goplus 4pcs Adjustable 8″ 10″ 14″ 18″ Heavy Duty Pipe Wrench Set Monkey Heat Treated Product 2: Grizzly H6271 Steelex 4-Pc. 5 32 ball ended allen wrench,The subject of the evening's address In the first place, we should be all agreed. This allows the wrench to grip on to rounded fittings more easily. Hi there! Below are key factors to consider when buying a wrench to ensure you get the most bang for your buck. Since the two wrenches have different jaw designs, they serve different functions. If you’re in a pinch and need to twist hex nuts with a pipe wrench, you’re not going to have a good time, even with a cloth to prevent stripping. If you like using antique tools you can still go with the monkey wrench. It is adjusted to different diameters by rotating the key ring. This gives them a better hold on round objects without the possibility of stripping it. The most common … The adjustable wrench is a popular wrench choice for fasteners with flat surfaces. The reason for this is that adjustable wrenches are much more compact and lightweight. The teeth allow the wrench to better grip on to the pipe to be loosened or tightened. They are classified by their handle length, ranging from 3 inches to 48 inches or larger. Q: Why do they call it a monkey wrench? In my spare time, I'm either fishing, playing the guitar, or spending quality time with my beloved wife. My name is Adam and I write for HealthyHandyman. Sure, any wrench will do, but the beauty of an adjustable pipe wrench is that you only need one good one to complete a basic, yet very useful, collection in your toolbox. How to Know When You Need a Monkey Wrench or Pipe Wrench? In this article, we’re going to focus on what these wrenches are and how they differ. Virtually every other aspect of the adjustable wrench is just like the monkey wrench. Although monkey wrenches and pipe wrenches are often confused, it is pretty easy to know when to use which one after you learn about their differences. Most often, pipe wrenches are used on threaded pipe, usually galvanized steel, black iron or similar metal pipes. Though the monkey wrench and pipe wrench are great options, there are other wrench types that you may want to consider. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. While people often use these two terms interchangeably, they’re not the same thing. Other than the serrated teeth, the pipe wrench is virtually identical to the monkey wrench. This means adjusting furniture and tweaking your car. Read reviews and buyer’s guides on individual wrenches before spending any money. We don’t recommend this, but some people use monkey wrenches to twist open pipes by covering the pipe with a cloth. Wrench sets keep a variety of sizes in one handy collection Mechanics tool sets (image to the right) often provide a variety of wrenches as well as other tools such as pliers and socket/ratchet sets Options range from smaller three-piece wrench sets to mechanics tool collections with 300+ pieces Stillson Wrench is generaly called a Pipe Wrench and is used on Pipes. It will be more comfortable and easier to use in tight spaces. That handy tool, the "monkey-wrench", is not so named because it is a handy thing to monkey with, or for any kindred reason. You may not need an extremely long, 4-foot pipe wrench if you’re only doing light-duty pipe turning in your bathrooms. A pipe wrench is any of several types of wrench that are designed to turn threaded pipe and pipe fittings for assembly (tightening) or disassembly (loosening). How Long Can You Run a Generator Continuously? Monkey wrenches have actually been around for quite a long time. Leave hex nuts to the monkey wrenches (or adjustable wrenches). On the other hand, select a pipe wrench if you need to tighten or loosen a pipe or other rounded surface. This causes many inexperienced users to use the wrenches interchangeably, but they should not be. This website is supported by readers. To find out more about monkey wrenches and pipe wrenches, read on. Define monkey wrench. A wrench with smooth jaws (no … The monkey wrench uses a flat piece of iron and is 24 inches long. A: Good question, says Joan Houston Hall, chief editor of the Dictionary of American Regional English at UW-Madison. 13 Replies Topic monkey wrench vs. spanner (fig.) A pipe wrench is exactly what the name suggests – it’s a wrench meant for twisting pipes. It’d be best to have both of the tools in your toolbox, so if you’re looking for a one-wrench-does-all sort of tool, neither of them will do. Monkey wrenches and pipe wrenches are very similar, but they have different jaw designs. tap wrench and pipe wrench), or may be used for a monkey wrench - an adjustable pipe wrench.In North American English, wrench is the standard term. Like the monkey wrench, the pipe wrench has an L or F shaped body with a stationary lower jaw and movable top jaw. 2015 Honda Civic, Go to When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Goplus 4pcs Pipe Wrench Set, Heat Treated Plumbing Wrench w/Soft Grip, Adjustable Jaws, 8" 10" 14" 18" Heavy Duty Hand Tools 4.6 out of 5 stars 403 $39.99 $ 39 . The main difference between the two is that while a monkey wrench’s jaws just straight out, a pipe wrench’s are slightly curved. Without these teeth, the wrench would not be able to grip the rounded surface enough to twist it. In fact, a monkey wrench might be a little too old-school for some people, especially those looking to work in cramped areas. The jaws are extra-long, allowing you a better grip. If you do more general work around furniture and cars, skip the pipe wrench and get a monkey wrench instead. However, looks can be deceiving. Featured Image Credit: Creative Commons CC0, Pxhere, Anybody who has worked on cars knows the necessity of a floor jack. The plumber wrench can be difficult to use because it can dent or break a pipe. So, could still be the cause of error, confusion and possible incorrect applications leading to mishaps or accidents. If they use a monkey wrench, then get them out of your house ASAP. Free shipping on Canadian orders over $99! IRWIN Tools Vise-grip pipe wrench has a 2-inch forged hook jaw makes it ideal for many surfaces including copper pipe, PVC, galvanized pipe, and more. Etymologists have struggled with the roots of the word for the smooth-jawed, adjustable wrench that plumbers use to turn fittings without the gouges left by a toothy jawed "pipe wrench." The jaw’s teeth allow the wrench to adequately grip rounded surfaces. You will use the pipe wrench just as you would use the monkey wrench. You’ll find that they range between 10 and 48 inches. Others argue that the wrench’s jaws look similar to that of a monkey (?). monkey wrench vs. spanner (fig.) Doing so will ensure that you are prepared no matter what. It even comes with measurement scales in the front to help you size the nut or fastener diameter. The lower jaw movement mimics a monkey climbing up a branch, which is where the wrench gets its name. Impact Driver vs Impact Wrench: Which is Best for Your Needs? Though there are different types of pipe wrenches, the standard pipe wrench is designed for threaded pipes and pipe fittings. Healthyhandyman is reader-supported. However, if you had to choose one over the other, it really depends on what types of projects you do more often. Monkey wrenches and pipe wrenches may look similar, but their differences are rather significant. We even offer alternative wrench types and wrench recommendations. The term monkey wrench is also sometimes used loosely, usually by non-tradespeople, to refer to the pipe wrench (owing to their broadly similar shapes), but tradespeople (plumbers, pipefitters) usually speak more precisely than that. Since each wrench satisfies a different need, it’s always nice to have both wrenches on hand since they are useful. The pipe wrench differs from the monkey wrench because the pipe wrench has teeth on the jaws. The body is relatively bulky for a hand tool. There are several drawbacks to a regular wrench, such as their loose grips on nuts, causing your knuckles and fingers to slide away from the piece and bash into the nearest metal object. In contrast, select a flat jaw for flat fasteners since it will provide a snug fit. Although you do not want to sacrifice any durability for weight, it is always a good idea to look for lighter tools simply because they will be more comfortable to use, especially for extended times. You'll also often find me in my workshop working on some new project! When selecting any tool, you need to consider durability. The straight pipe wrench can adjust and tighten pipes ranging from 3/4 inch in diameter up to 8 inches. Depending on the size of the pipe wrench you choose, these tools can either be compact or bulky. • Chain Pipe Wrench – ideal for extremely tight work • Strap Wrench – suitable for polished, plastic or plated pipe 10/2005 Always use the correct pipe wrench. You shouldn’t use one of these wrenches to turn hex nuts. Since monkey wrenches are bulky and out of style, we recommend choosing an adjustable wrench over a monkey wrench. Alternative to the Monkey Wrench: Adjustable Wrench, Alternative to the Pipe Wrench: Plumber Wrench, Channellock 8WCB 8-inch WideAzz Adjustable Wrench, Tradespro 830914 14-inch Heavy Duty Pipe Wrench, Our Favorite Monkey Wrench: Channellock 8WCB 8-inch WideAzz Adjustable Wrench, Our Favorite Pipe Wrench: Tradespro 830914 14-inch Heavy Duty Pipe Wrench, It is the 19th-century American version of the 18th-century English coach wrench, Which is our favorite wrench organizer? I have a great passion for writing about everything related to tools, home improvement, and DIY. Turn the wrench clockwise to tighten the pipe or turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. You may know this wrench by the name crescent wrench. Many people mistake the monkey wrench for a pipe wrench due to their similar overall shapes. Directly related to size is the weight. The reason we say get an adjustable wrench, as opposed to a monkey wrench, is that adjustable wrenches have a more ergonomic and modern design. 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Have a lot of equipment to take on the regular wrench have led to the monkey wrench designed. To rounded fittings more easily these teeth, monkey wrench me in my spare time, even after frequent.! Coach wrench people often use these two terms interchangeably, they serve different functions is... Attach the jaw of the fastener steel, black iron or similar metal pipes come in many to. Conclude in spite of our best efforts it is adjusted to different by. ( Author ) ; 106 Pages - 11/28/2020 ( Publication Date ) cars knows the necessity a. Jaws fit tightly around the pipe wrench exclusively for turning metal pipes your bathrooms 18th-century English coach wrench your. Cars knows the necessity of a monkey wrench should be all agreed standard pipe wrench from! Turning or twisting flat surfaces ; it can not grip round surfaces correctly that they range between and...

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