How to Loosen a Stuck Wrench

An adjsutable wrench can have a stuck adjustment wheel.

A wrench can become stuck on a nut that is being removed or, in the case of an adjustable wrench, the adjustment wheel can become stuck. In either case the stuck wrench is unstuck by following a straightforward procedure. To accomplish this task also requires the use of the proper fluid to aid in achieving the desired result. Unsticking a wrench takes only a few minutes to complete.

Things You'll Need

• Penetrating oil (such as PB Blaster)
• Slip-joint pliers

Instructions

1. Grasp the wrench that is stuck on a nut with a pair of slip-joint pliers. Try to turn the wrench with the pliers until it comes loose. Grasp the adjustment wheel of an adjustable wrench that is stuck and try to turn the wheel with the pliers.

2. Spray the wrench with a penetrating oil such as PB Blaster. Soak the wrench and the nut with the penetrating oil. On an adjustable wrench, spray the adjustment wheel. Let the penetrating oil soak in for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Hold the wrench with a pair of slip-joint pliers and twist it back and forth. On an adjustable wrench, grab the adjustment wheel with the pliers and try to turn it. Keep spraying the wrench and the nut with the penetrating oil while you use the pliers to free the wrench from the nut or turn the adjustment wheel. Eventually it will loosen.