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Bike repair, furniture assembly, a leaking faucet…there’s always something that you’ve been putting off fixing, building, or maintaining for a while now. Agood wrench can (literally) fix these problems, and is something that should be in everyone’s toolbox.
While most wrenches are pretty all-purpose for a variety of different tasks, you’ll see a ton of options available online, from different handle lengths to sizes. Think about what you’ll be mostly using the wrench for, and how often. Maintaining a scooter may require a wrench with entirely different sizes and features than one used to tighten loose bolts around the house.
What to Look For When Buying An Adjustable Wrench
Material: Chrome alloy, forged alloy steel, chrome vanadium steel – there are a ton of different and varied mostly-steel materials that make up a wrench’s body. All are strong, but some are better at resisting the effects of time — think oxidation and corrosion — than others.
Fit and Grip: Cheaply-made wrenches can still wiggle even when tightened to their fullest. A solid grip is a must-have feature, and leaves fewer rounded bolts when trying to tighten or remove them.
Measurements: Make sure it has your preferred system of measurement etched in before buying. Having to convert from Metric measurements to the US Customary System (or vice versa) every time you work on a project can not only be annoying, but lead to errors as well.
Handle: A padded handle isn’t just for extra comfort (though it does really help prevent cramped hands), it’s also important for grip too. A sweaty palm and a hot, slippery steel handle don’t mix well on a summer day.
Storage and Convenience: Hanging hooks are a nice bonus to keep things organized around your bench. A “worm” (the fusilli-shaped screw which tightens or loosens the head) that slides smoothly and lets you set the sizes with your thumb is extremely convenient too.
It’s hard to go really wrong with a wrench when using it for general purposes, but it’s still worth a little research before buying. We’ve picked out three to get you started no matter what your next hobby or home improvement project calls for.
