A pipe wrench, or, as it is sometimes called, a gas wrench, is perhaps the most common tool among plumbers. Its difference from all other types of keys is that it is able to hold round objects, without edges. This is made possible thanks to the structural features. The key itself works in two stages: first, it is brought to the desired size, and then clamping and putting into motion a screwed or twisted pipe.
The pipe wrench for a long time remained in almost the same configuration, differing only in size. Today in construction stores you can find several varieties of this tool. The differences are in the capture method, the very execution of the working part and the handle. Sponges can be located at different angles - depending on the purpose of the key and the convenience of its use in a particular area.
How does a pipe wrench hold a smooth pipe? There are slots on the jaw lips, due to which small nicks are created on metal or plastic during compression of the handles, this further prevents the key from slipping. The design also depends on the application and purpose of the tool. For example, to fix or hold the workpiece, a key with a fixed position of the handles is suitable. In this case, it does not have to be made of heavy high-strength steel. At the same time, in order to unscrew the rusted pipe, it is necessary to make great efforts. In this case, a powerful pipe wrench with long handles and a reliable grip is simply irreplaceable.
The pipe wrench (popularly called "key-ass") is in the arsenal of almost any master. Despite its initial application to pipe products, for which it got its name, this tool is used in the repair and construction, in auto repair shops. Thanks to reliable fixation and withstanding heavy loads with such a wrench, even a nut with torn edges can be unscrewed when it is no longer possible to do this
with an ordinary
wrench . This simple and reliable tool will help out at a time when it seems that there is no way out.
Pipe wrenches also differ in the shape of the sponges, for example, they are S-shaped or L-shaped. The difference is that in the S-shaped, capture is carried out at three points, while in the L-shaped - only in two points.
Key labeling of this type depends on the country of manufacture. Domestic instruments are assigned a serial number from 0 to 5, depending on the
diameter of the pipe that it is capable of capturing. Each number corresponds to a diameter in millimeters. Imported samples have their own nomenclature, in which each number corresponds to the diameter of the clamped pipe in inches.
In addition to the above, there are also strap and chain keys. They are designed to work with large diameter workpieces, but are limited in tightening force. A striking example of such a tool is a special key for unscrewing the oil filter of a car.
When choosing a key, special attention should be paid to the quality of the product; there should be no cracks or defects on it that could lead to tool breakage. The sponges of the key must be strictly parallel, even a slight displacement can cause weak fixation and, as a consequence, slipping of the key.