Designed to turn threaded pipes, pipe-wrench jaws have serrated teeth for greater
gripping power.
Using a Pipe Wrench
The upper jaw of a pipe wrench is movable and the lower one fixed. Adjust the upper
jaw by turning the knurled knob. When using the wrench, position it so that you apply
pressure to the movable jaw, which is spring loaded and angled slightly. This allows
the firmest grip on the pipe.
Use a pair of pipe wrenches to loosen frozen pipe joints. Put one wrench on the nut, the
other on the pipe. Pull the handles toward each other. To tighten a joint, hold the pipe
stationary with one wrench while turning the fitting with the other wrench. Always turn
in the direction of the lower jaw.
If you grip a polished surface, such as chrome-plated pipe, with a pipe wrench, tape the
tool's jaws or wrap rags, corrugated cardboard, or a leather strap around the pipe surface
to prevent teeth marks. Don't use a pipe wrench on thin pipe, because it could crush the
pipe.
A pipe wrench is also handy for loosening flat-sided nuts or bolts that have become
rounded by slipping wrenches or pliers.
Purchasing
Pipe wrenches are available in steel and heavy-duty aluminum, in lengths ranging from 8
to 48 inches. For general use, 8- and 10-inch wrenches are usually satisfactory. In some
models, the jaws are set at an angle to the handle.
Other Names
Stillson wrench
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