WRENCHES

Wrenches are the most used hand tool by service techs. Most are constructed of forged alloy, usually chrome-vanadium steel.

The wrench is formed, hardened, tempered to reduce brittleness, and then chrome plated. There are several types of wrenches.

A forged wrench after it has been forged but before the flashing, extra material around the wrench has been removed.

Open-End Wrench  An open-end wrench is used for bolts or nuts that do not require a lot of torque. It can be easily placed on

a bolt or nut with an angle of 15 degrees.

The disadvantage of an open-end wrench is lack of torque that

can be applied, as the open jaws of the wrench only contact two flat surfaces of the fastener.

An open-end wrench has two different sizes; one at each end.

A typical open-end wrench. The size is different on each end and notice that the

head is angled 15 degrees at each end.

Box-End Wrench  A box-end wrench, is also called a close-end wrench, has two different sizes; one at each end. It is placed over the top of, and grips the points of the fastener.

A box-end wrench should be used to loosen or to tighten fasteners.

Most service technicians purchase combination wrenches, which are open at one end and have the same size box on the other end.

A combination wrench allows the tech to loosen or tighten a fastener using the box end of the wrench, and turn it around to

use the open end to increase the speed of rotating the fastener