Important uses of a pipe wrench.
Why Do I Need A Pipe Wrench?
Picking out plumbing tools is important for doing a great job, especially for professionals. While you may not use the tool mentioned in this article, you need to know what it does and check if your plumber has it. You must stay informed on various tools in a plumber’s toolbox, especially a pipe wrench—the biggest one there. You can get one on Amazon!
A pipe wrench is a tool that is perfect for fixing pipes. It appears to be a normal wrench but when you look closer it has a flexible jaw. Its sharp teeth combined with a small metal plate are reinforced with hardened steel.
Quite clearly, its main purpose is to have a firm grip on a pipe fixture, constructed with metal that other wrench or pliers can’t handle. They come in numerous sizes, with the number etched on the wrench handle. These wrenches are often adjustable for versatility and include guidelines on how to use them for different types of diameters.
It is an essential tool for each plumber because of its adjustable jaw, which works on faucets and taps of varying sizes, and because of its 15-degree handle offset that is perfect for working in smaller spaces.
They are designed to take a lot of force and practicality. Here are some uses of a pipe wrench.
A pipe wrench is often used to grip a pipe and then apply force to the end of the pipe with a sledgehammer to loosen it. In fact, loosening a pipe to replace it or get it fixed is one of its main functions. Remember to always have a tight grip around the handle so that the wrench doesn’t slip from your fingers. If you don’t use a pipe wrench it would be nearly impossible to loosen the pipes.
Another important use for it is using it to remove pipe plugs lodged within your water tanks or radiators. It becomes far easier to reach the pipe plug and remove it with the wrench as you can adjust its claws to the appropriate length.
Not only for pipes but the wrench is also useful in general for taking out rods, thick metal, or other projects with soft metal. Just remember to apply a little less force as you don’t want the pipe wrench to cause damage.
How To Use It?
While you might not be using a pipe wrench yourself, it’s still useful to know what a plumber might do in this situation. In case you do use it yourself, take all precautions and wear safety gear such as a helmet and safety glasses.
- Always make sure to keep the upper and lower jaw at the center of the pipe, ensuring that the pipe doesn’t touch the back of the upper jaw.
- When the pipe is properly centered, make the upper jaw tight until you feel that a firm grip has taken hold.
- Ensure that the grip is solid and that there’s no chance of slipping. The handle is usually adjusted to 15 degrees, making it easier to work in smaller spaces.
- Now, tighten or loosen the pipe as needed.
Ways you shouldn’t use a pipe wrench
While it is a versatile tool, there are some situations where you shouldn’t use them.
- Don’t use them for hard pipes as the grip of the wrench’s teeth won’t be enough. The wrench could slip without warning, leading to a dangerous situation.
- Also, it’s not advisable to use them on large hex bolts or nuts. Due to an uneven grip your pipe wrench teeth might break or deteriorate. It could also damage fittings. A plumber should know the best times to use the wrench.
Remember!
Hiring an expert is the smartest way forward instead of attempting to use a pipe wrench on your own. They are licensed and trained on how to use a pipe wrench and would do it safely. We urge you to close your You tube videos and reach out to Octopus! Our professional handymen will fix your plumbing woes.
For further inquiries, call our toll-free number, 800 3993.
