How to Use a Wrench

Always choose the right tool for the job. Using your wrench as a hammer may not only damage the tool and the work surface, but it could cause you injury.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wrenches

1. Use good quality tools and inspect them for defects before using them. Replace worn or defective tools.

2. Maintain your tools. Make sure that the teeth of a pipe wrench are clean and that the teeth are sharp. Worn or greasy jaws are more likely to slip.

3. Check the pipe or fitting. Are they clean and oil-free? Slippage can cause you serious injury.

4. Always keep your wrist straight when using a wrench.

5. Be sure that the opening of the wrench is in full contact with the bolt or nut before you apply pressure.

6. Pull, don't push, and use a slow, steady motion.

7. Don't stick a piece of pipe on the end of the wrench to improve leverage.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your tools away from extreme heat, which can expand the metal and cause dangerous structural problems.
• Protect yourself from losing your balance if the wrench slips or a bolt breaks. Stand on a solid surface with both feet planted firmly on the floor and don't lean into the work.
• Never use a wrench on moving machinery.