There are many different types of pipe wrenches, but what does a pipe wrench look like? The pipe wrench, also known as a monkey wrench, is one of the most common tools in the shop. It’s used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts on pipes or other cylindrical objects.

A pipe wrench can be used for plumbing work, automotive repairs, or any job requiring quick tightening or loosening nuts and bolts.

What Does a Pipe Wrench Look Like: The Parts of a Pipe Wrench

Here are the components of a pipe wrench:

Handle

The handle has two heads. One head is fixed, and the other rotates around it in its own socket. It can rotate 360 degrees if you want to give that particular wrench a try.

The fixed head is flat, and its primary use is to tighten or loosen nuts. The rotating part of the handle has an adjustable jaw that can be adjusted by turning a screw with your fingers. This setup allows you to quickly adjust the wrench while keeping it very sturdy on whatever nut you are trying to turn.

Jaws

One end of the pipe wrench’s jaws ends in two teeth that dig into surfaces for added grip strength when needed, but they also make sure not to cause any damage like stripping what you’re tightening down onto (or loosening).

These teeth allow for smooth rotation if all goes well but will stick before causing any damage. They don’t get stuck too often, though! Just enough where I’m confident things will stay secure.

Nut

The nut is located on the opposite end of your pipe wrench and is where you tighten or loosen whatever nut it is attached to.

The jaws are adjustable to fit around odd shapes if need be (like tree roots) and tightly secure round objects like pipes. The nut is made of steel, and it is very strong, but the adjustable jaw makes sure not to damage what you’re working on.

How to Use a Pipe Wrench

Here are some simple steps that you can take to use a pipe wrench:

Step One

Put the wrench on your object of choice. Make sure that you are using the appropriate size so it fits well without slipping while also fitting over what you’re trying to work on comfortably.

Step Two

Tighten down the jaw until it is secure around whatever nut or pipe you need tightened or loosened (or if working with a tree root, make sure that everything feels very tight).

If turning something like a bolt, turn in whichever direction has teeth digging into things better; either clockwise for tightening and counter-clockwise for loosening. I’ve found this information out through trial and error!

Step Three

Once completely turned in one way or another (in my case, usually only halfway), use your other hand to hold onto the jaw that is staying put while continuing to turn the wrench in its socket with your other hand (or vice versa if it’s loose).

Step Four

Continue until whatever you are tightening or loosening feels secure. If using on a pipe, continue turning just enough where things are not too tight but aren’t slipping either.

We also suggest practicing on some old pipes before working on anything important so that one knows how tightly to tighten without damaging what they’re trying to fix.

Why You Need a Pipe Wrench

A pipe wrench is a tool that is used to tighten, loosen or grip cylindrical objects. This can include plumbing pipes as well as other types of piping equipment.

Having a pipe wrench is important for anyone who works on pipes, especially those that are found in homes and commercial buildings. A pipe wrench can make plumbing tasks easier to complete, which is why it’s important for anyone who works on pipes or piping equipment to have one.

Where to Buy One for Yourself?

There are many ways to buy a pipe wrench. You can go to a hardware store and have them order it for you, or you can just purchase one online from an e-commerce website that sells tools.

If you’re going to be using your new pipe wrench on commercial buildings, then having one ordered specifically with the building’s name is recommended by professionals who work in this field.

In addition, buying a professional-grade tool will ensure that you get high-quality equipment. These are often made of alloy steel so they won’t break easily even after being used multiple times.

If you are interested, you can also see our post on how to sell copper pipes in tight places and move a toilet over a few inches.