Pipe wrenches are useful tools for a number of tasks, primarily related to plumbing and mechanical work. They are used to loosen or tighten threaded pipes and pipe fittings due to their unique serrated jaw configuration and heavy duty construction.
The jaws of a pipe wrench are specially designed with slightly curved teeth to grip both the internal or external wall of pipe. Pipe wrenches are also used to grip other tools or objects which have a cylindrical shape, such as ratchets, bolt cutters, or hose clamps.
Pipe wrenches are generally made from cast iron, steel, or aluminum and designed in one of two styles: the Stillson wrench, which is more ideal for gripping pipes and fittings, and the monkey wrench, which is better suited for gripping round objects.
What material is a pipe wrench made of?
Most pipe wrenches are made from some type of steel or iron, although there are also aluminum options available for lighter work. Traditional styles of pipe wrenches are often made from malleable iron, as malleable iron is strong and lightweight.
However, modern pipe wrenches are usually made using heat-treated alloy steels which contain chromium and nickel and feature either a black oxide or chrome finish. The handles of pipe wrenches are usually made from reinforced steel, die-cast, or plastic and are designed to provide extra durability.
What type of wrench do plumbers use?
Plumbers often use a variety of wrenches depending on the job they are doing. Pipe wrenches are likely the most recognizable type of wrench used by plumbers. These come in several sizes and styles and are used to tighten or loosen pipes that are made of iron or steel.
Other specialty wrenches are also used by plumbers depending on the type of work they are doing, such as basin wrenches, strap wrenches, offset wrenches, and adjustable wrenches. Standard wrenches, such as Allen wrenches or box wrenches, may also be used.
Therefore, it all depends on the job they are doing and the type of wrench that fits best.
What are the three basic types of pipe wrenches?
The three basic types of pipe wrenches are the tongue-and-groove wrench, the hook jaw wrench, and the chain wrench. The tongue-and-groove wrench is most commonly used and is best suited for use on soft metals such as aluminum and copper.
It features interlocking serrated teeth that are designed to bite into soft metals without slipping or damaging them.
The hook jaw wrench is ideal for use on threaded pipes, valves, and couplings, and is designed with a specially curved hook on one end for gripping and a straight, adjustable jaw on the other for controlling the pressure.
The chain wrench is the ideal tool for working on irregularly shaped pipes since it features a chain with teeth that bite into the target material in order to gain leverage and provide a firm grip. It is also ideal for use in tight spaces where other pipe wrenches cannot fit.
Why do they call a pipe wrench a monkey wrench?
The term “monkey wrench” is thought to be derived from an earlier tool known as the Stillson wrench. This tool was named after its inventor, Daniel C. Stillson, and was first patented in the United States in 1869.
It was widely used by plumbers and other mechanics for loosening and tightening pipes. The Stillson wrench’s unique design featured an adjustable jaw and a flat portion on the end of its handle that allowed it to easily fit into tight spaces.
As the Stillson wrench grew in popularity, its name became a generic term for any adjustable wrench, much like the term “Kleenex” has become synonymous with facial tissue. Over the years, some people began to refer to the Stillson wrench as a monkey wrench due to its physical resemblance to the grip of a monkey.
Eventually the term “monkey wrench” came to be used as an alternate name for an adjustable wrench, such as a pipe wrench.
Is a monkey wrench a pipe wrench?
No, a monkey wrench is not the same as a pipe wrench. A monkey wrench is an adjustable wrench with an attached pivot handle, while a pipe wrench is a tough wrench consisting of two adjustable, serrated jaws that are designed to secure onto pipes or other cylindrical items.
The monkey wrench is designed for wide flat surfaces, such as the head of a bolt or nut, and is adjustable in size for a perfect fit. The pipe wrench is designed for use on pipes, as the name suggests, and is ideal for creating a secure grip on plumbing pieces.
What can I use instead of a pipe wrench?
If you don’t have access to a pipe wrench, a couple of various other tools may be used to loosen or tighten pipes. For example, a wrench such as an adjustable, open-end, combination, or box-end wrench (with the right size end) can be used to grip the pipe.
The same tool can also be used to grip the nut of the pipe fitting and turn it.
Another tool that can be used is a pliers-type tool known as a tongue-and-groove pliers. These have serrated jaws and are useful for gripping and twisting pipes. The pliers also have a pivoting joint which helps to reduce fatigue when turning.
Finally, a vice or a V-shaped clamp can also be used for gripping pipes and fittings to twist and tighten them. These are tightly clamped over the pipe or fitting, allowing the user to twist the object without the need for an additional tool.
Do mechanics use pipe wrenches?
Yes, mechanics do use pipe wrenches. Pipe wrenches are incredibly useful for a variety of tasks that mechanics are likely to come across. They are designed with special teeth making them ideal for clamping and turning metal pipes and fittings, safely and efficiently.
Pipe wrenches can be used to quickly disconnect or secure various pipes or fittings, and are often made of metal for added strength and durability. Additionally, pipe wrenches are also great for tightening nuts and bolts, as well as assisting in the installation and removal of various components, such as engine parts.
As a result, pipe wrenches are an essential tool for any mechanic, as they can save them time and effort.
What is the OD of 10 inch pipe in MM?
The outer diameter (OD) of 10 inch pipe in millimeters is 254mm. This is determined by dividing the nominal pipe size (10 inches) by the nominal pipe size system conversion factor. 10 inches divided by 0.
03937008 = 254.00mm, which is equivalent to the OD of 10 inch pipe in millimeters.
What are the measurements on a torque wrench?
The measurements of a torque wrench vary based on the model, however, most of them measure torque from 0 to 100/200/300/500/600/800/1000/1200/1600 inch-pounds (depending on the model). Additionally, some torque wrenches come with an available range of 0-100 or 0-200 Newton-meters.
It’s important to know the correct scale of your torque wrench before beginning any work. When setting the desired torque value, look at the calibration scale marked on the worm assembly and adjust the desired torque value with the calibrated scales.
Some torque wrenches will have an adjustable dial that can be used to set the desired torque level. Before operating your torque wrench, make sure the scale is set to zero. Doing this will ensure accurate torque measurements when used.
What is the difference between Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 pipe?
The main difference between Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 pipe is the wall thickness and pressure rating. Schedule 10 pipes are thinner and have a lower pressure rating than Schedule 40 pipes. The outer diameter and inner diameter of a pipe is not altered by the schedule, so a 10″ Schedule 10 pipe and a 10″ Schedule 40 pipe will have the same outer and inner diameter.
Schedule 10 pipe is typically used in low pressure applications such as drainage or venting, while Schedule 40 pipe is used for pressure applications such as water or gas lines. Schedule 10 pipe is thinner than Schedule 40 pipe and is less expensive, but has a lower pressure rating.
Schedule 10 pipe is made from a variety of materials, including PVC, polyethylene, steel, brass, and cast iron. Schedule 40 pipe is more commonly used and is made from thicker materials such as steel and iron.
Both types of pipe are widely available and can be used for a variety of applications.
What is the difference between a monkey wrench and a pipe wrench?
A monkey wrench and a pipe wrench are two different types of wrenches that are used for different types of jobs. A monkey wrench is an adjustable wrench that has a long, flat curved jaw with teeth on one side and a flat anvil on the other side.
The teeth are designed to grip a variety of shapes and sizes, including nuts and bolts. Monkey wrenches can usually be adjusted by turning a nut that is located in the middle of the wrench.
A pipe wrench is a wrench that has a gripping jaw like a pair of tongs. It has curved teeth on one side and a flat anvil on the other side which are designed to grip pipes and other cylindrical objects tightly.
Pipe wrenches don’t have an adjustable size like a monkey wrench does, so they are best used for gripping and holding a specific size of pipe. The serrated teeth on the jaw also provides extra grip and stability when gripping round objects.
How do you loosen tight plumbing fittings?
To loosen plumbing fittings that have become tight, you will need to first identify what type of fitting it is. Common types of plumbing fittings include compression fittings, rubber gaskets, and flares.
Depending on the type of fitting you have, the techniques used to loosen them will vary.
For compression fittings, you can release the tension by simply turning the nut clockwise until it becomes loose. You may need to use a wrench to apply additional torque. For rubber gaskets, it’s best to use a pair of pliers to grab hold of the fitting and turn it counterclockwise until it can be removed.
Finally, to loosen flares you will need a special tool called a flare wrench. Place the flare wrench over the fitting, then turn it counterclockwise to release the tension.
Once you have loosened the fitting, be sure to check for any signs of wear or damage. If any damage is found, it’s best to replace the fitting entirely.
How do you unscrew a smooth pipe?
It can be difficult to unscrew a smooth pipe, as there is nothing for you to grip onto to help loosen it. Depending on how the pipe is installed and how large it is, the best approach for unscrewing the pipe will vary.
Here are some tips for unscrewing a smooth pipe:
1. If the pipe is installed with a threaded connection, use a pipe wrench to grip and twist the pipe back and forth until it is loose enough to unscrew by turning it by hand.
2. If the pipe is sealed with a rubber gasket, you can use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry up the end of the pipe. This may cause the rubber gasket to get damaged, so you’ll need to replace it with a new gasket after the pipe is unscrewed.
3. If you don’t have the right tools to safely grip the pipe, you can fill the pipe with hot water. As the pipe heats up, the metal may contract and loosen the seal just enough to unscrew it.
4. If the pipe is very large or difficult to reach, you might need to use a power tool, such as a hacksaw or angle grinder, to cut through the pipe. This is an extreme measure, however, and you should avoid doing this if at all possible.
These tips can help you in unscrewing a smooth pipe. Always make sure to use the right tools for the job, and practice caution when using power tools.
How do you make a homemade strap wrench?
Making a homemade strap wrench is fairly simple, but there are a few steps and materials needed. First, you will need a strong, flexible yet durable material such as webbing or canvas. You will also need a sturdy buckle or clip to use as a handle.
Cut the material into two pieces, with one piece at least twice as long as the other. Make sure to leave enough material so that it can wrap around objects up to the size of the larger piece of the material.
Once you have your two pieces of material, thread the buckle or clip in the material of the longer piece close to one end. Then thread the two pieces together at both ends, making sure the material is taut.
Make sure the buckle or clip is secure and not likely to come undone. Now your homemade strap wrench is ready to use! Simply use the buckle or clip as a handle and wrap the remaining material around the object you are trying to loosen, and then turn the handle to loosen it.