Plumber's wrenches: how to choose the right pipe wrench

To tighten or loosen pipes and fittings in a water system you need a pipe wrench, chosen according to the pipe diameter and the space you are working in. In the collection the lengths range from 340 to 700 mm and the maximum opening from 38 to 100 mm: the wrench must open wider than the outside diameter of the pipe, and the longer it is, the more leverage you have. For general use the American-pattern pipe wrench is fine; in tight spots the version with a 45° or 90° head is better. For gas cylinders and traps there are dedicated wrenches.

The types

• 45° pipe wrench: the jaw is angled at 45° to the handle, useful when the pipe runs close to a wall and you have no room to swing the wrench. One example is the 440 mm 45° pipe wrench; the series goes up to 700 mm.
• 90° pipe wrench: jaw at a right angle to the handle, available in lengths from 440 to 700 mm such as the 580 mm model. It is used when you have to grip the pipe from the side.
• American-pattern pipe wrench: the classic adjustable-jaw model for general use on pipes and fittings, such as the 600 mm American-pattern pipe wrench.
• Swedish-pattern pipe wrench, also in the T/Swedish and heavy-duty versions: a different construction from the American pattern. The heavy-duty version is designed for more intensive use; always check the gripping capacity on the data sheet.
• Adaptable pipe wrench: for example the Milwaukee Cheater wrench, which adapts to different pipe sizes.
• Fixed wrenches and wrenches for cylinders and traps: shaped for a single type of fitting, they grip well without damaging it.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Length (mm): in the collection it ranges from 340 to 700 mm. Length gives leverage, but also bulk and weight: in a tight space a wrench that is too long is no use at all.
• Maximum opening (mm): the values range from 38 to 100 mm. It is the largest diameter the jaw can embrace. Choose a wrench that opens wider than the biggest pipe you work with, not one at its limit.
• Weight: from the lightest pipe wrench (about 0.7 kg) to the largest models, the gross weight reaches about 4 kg. If you use it all day, the weight tells.
• Material: steel, in some models chrome-vanadium, which gives resistance to torsion and wear.
• Standard: some models quote DIN 5234, a construction reference for this type of wrench.
• Article code: note it down, so you can reorder the same model if the wrench is damaged or lost.

Common mistakes

• Extending the handle with a pipe. The wrench bends or the pipework twists. If you need more leverage, take a longer wrench.
• Not holding still the part that must not turn. With a second wrench you hold the neighbouring fitting, so that you do not twist the pipe.
• Using a pipe wrench on finished nuts or fittings. The teeth mark the surfaces: on parts that must not be damaged you need a fixed or adjustable spanner.
• Choosing a wrench at the limit of its opening. The grip is unstable and the jaws slip.
• Working on a gas system without closing the valve. Work with the valve closed, away from flames, and at the end of the job check for leaks with soapy water.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a pipe wrench and an adjustable spanner?

The pipe wrench has a toothed jaw made to grip the round surfaces of pipes and tightens by itself when the force is applied in the right direction. The adjustable spanner has flat jaws for nuts and bolts.

How do I seat the wrench properly on the pipe?

Adjust the jaw so that it grips fully, without play, and turn in the direction in which the jaws bite. If the wrench slips, open it and reseat it.

Can I use a pipe wrench on gas cylinders?

A wrench designed for cylinders is better. In any case, work with the valve closed and away from flames.

What length do I need?

Look at the maximum opening on the data sheet and compare it with the biggest pipe you come across. Then choose the length according to the space: longer if you need leverage, shorter if you work in a narrow recess.

You will find all the models in the Plumber's Wrenches collection; if you are not sure about the size, ask for a quote or advice from the AMES technicians.