WHAT’S IMPORTANT?

VERSATILITY: Most pipe wrench jaws will open incredibly wide, but these tools only work effectively when the object being gripped fits squarely between the jaws – jaw openings that exceed the jaws’ widths are seldom successful. That said, the bigger an object a tool can handle effectively, the more useful it is. Another issue with jaws is their bulk, particularly in tight automotive applications. Compact headed tools are an advantage, in this respect. Our final versatility factor is the tool’s strength. Pipe wrenches are normally used to shift incredibly tight, and often large, nuts and bolts, so they need to be incredibly tough. COMFORT: Thanks to the combination of rough cast metal, and applying a lot of pressure onto it with your hands, using pipe wrenches can be uncomfortable. Soft grip handles, or a machined finish, are definitely bonuses. The tool’s weight can be a problem in some cases too, especially if you’re having to wield one above your head. Providing strength isn’t compromised, lower weight tools are definitely preferable. ADJUSTMENT: Pipe wrenches work best when their jaws are tight around the object being gripped, before any leverage is applied. But this is only possible if the adjusting mechanism makes it easy to clamp the jaws securely. Most traditional tools sport the same form of collarstyle adjuster, but that doesn’t mean they all work as well as each other. Poorly machined threads, for instance, have a tendency to be notchy, which can make adjustment difficult – especially with oily fingers. GRIP: One of the biggest complaints about pipe wrenches is that they have to be turned a fair few degrees before they grip at all. And, mostly, this is because the jaws haven’t been adjusted up tightly enough. Sometimes, though, even perfectly set tools still don’t grip straight away, whilst others tend to bite immediately regardless of how little care was taken setting the jaws. In the tight confines around most automotive components, there isn’t always the luxury of being able to swing a tool more than a few degrees in total. So tools that grip instantly are certainly the most desirable.