Definition of a Spud Wrench

A spud wrench is a special purpose device for gripping and turning or holding a spud nut. The spud nut is a wide, narrow nut in a sink drainpipe system that holds the spud washer in place.

Types

There are a wide variety of spud wrenches available, from highly adjustable tools which may serve functions other than holding the spud nut, to very simple stamped metal examples that usually have stepped sections, allowing it to fit a couple of different sizes of spud nuts.

Function

The spud wrench offers a solid grip on the spud nut while turning the drain pipe. Often, the spud wrench will have a hooked tail, which offers an alternative way to grip the nut if it is placed in such a way as not to allow the main wrench section to grip it securely.

Benefits

The spud wrench fits the spud nut perfectly, and holds it securely.

Considerations

The spud wrench is a single purpose tool. In many cases, its function may be served by a more versatile tool such as channel-lock pliers.

Disambiguation

This fact sheet refers to the US plumbers' tool called a spud wrench. Outside the United States, other tools are referred to as spud wrenches.