Wrenches turn up in nearly every business. Whether you need a wrench for personal business purposes, industrial, construction, commercial or retail a market exists. The variety of wrenches continues to expand in material composition, ergonomic shapes and applications.

Common types of wrenches include adjustable, chain, pipe, box, open and impact wrenches. Adjustable provides a moveable jaw to accommodate several widths. Chain wrenches make turning odd shaped objects easier. A pipe wrench remains the standard for pipes. The open wrench ranks high in kits and impact wrenches provide quicker job completion. When looking for wrenches consider the following:

1. Buy from wrench manufacturers with time proven products.

2. Know the applications for these tools.

3. Select industrial wrenches by type, style, size and material.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find wrench manufacturers

These reputable companies continue to manufacture quality products. Choose different metals, lengths, types or ergonomic designs.

I recommend: Get quality Channel Lock adjustable wrenches, made since 1886, in an assortment of sizes at Channellock Inc. Go to J.W. Winco, Inc., and choose from the list that includes steel single open-ended, socket T-handle, offset and hook wrenches. Follow these short instructions to arrive at the catalog: Click “ONLINE CATALOGS” then “Tool Catalog” then “Wrenches” for open-end, ratcheting, socket, torque and specialty products from Klein Tools, Inc., in business since 1857. See the nice selection that includes socket, hydrant, strap, pipe and adjustable wrench, among others at Reed Manufacturing Co., in business since 1896.

Locate wrench suppliers

These suppliers carry combinations, open end, box end, crowfoot, adjustable, standard and many other types of wrenches.

I recommend: Scroll down to select a ratchet wrench set from the list in fractional or metric sizes at mytoolstore.com. If you need a gear wrench, wrench set or special metric and fractional wrenches select from the list at National Tool Warehouse. Go to Northern Tool + Equipment Catalog Co., then select from a wide range of wrench hand tools. Find adjustable crescent wrenches at Pemro Distribution LLC.

Order industrial wrenches

Some of these heavy duty wrenches offer long offset handles for more leverage. Others provide a narrow profile to help get into tight locations.

I recommend: Select an industrial Spanner, Structural or Spud handle wrench at The Stanley Works. Choose an industrial open end wrench or set with various lengths at Whatools.com LLC.

Get a torque wrench for circular force

Torque wrenches come in kits and individually for many applications.

I recommend: Choose by brand, type, drive size and torque or click “View products” to see 1/4 to 3/4 inch drives at Enco. Select beam, micro adjustable, dial or electronic torque wrenches at Wright Tool Co. Go to BossTools for a nice 3/8 inch drive kit.

Find electric and pneumatic impact wrenches

Impact wrenches run off AC/DC or from an air compressor. These tools lessen both work and time.

I recommend: Choose from the list a 7.5 amp AC/DC heavy duty impact wrench at DeWALT Industrial Tool Co. Go to Harbor Freight Tools for a nice selection of pneumatic wrenches. Find heavy duty air impacts at Deere & Company.

Choose a pipe wrench from many sizes

Pipe wrenches typically range from 1 1/2 to 6 inch jaw capacities with lengths up to 48 inches.

I recommend: For a quick adjusting, cast iron or cast aluminum heavy duty wrench select the type with lengths up to 48 inches at IRWIN Industrial Tool Co. Go to URREA Professional Tools for an aluminum or heavy duty steel pipe wrench. For a durable forge wrench with forged carbon steel head, see the nice selection at Aubuchon Hardware, in business since 1908.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You get what you pay for when it comes to tool kits containing wrenches. The more expensive brand names typically offer superior quality due to the manufacturing process, like drop forged steel. They also provide nice warranties.