The Basic Toolkit: Selecting a Wrench

A wrench is another tool that is used often enough to be included in your toolkit.  Whether it be a plumbing project or furniture assembly, the wrench is a key player.

 

I remember the good old adjustable crescent wrench.  They were everywhere when I was growing up.  I think we had three of four different sized crescent wrenches.  Fast forward to the present.  I don't even own a crescent wrench.  I have other tools in my toolkit that perform the function of a crescent wrench and have added versatility.

 

In my post on choosing the right pliers, I mention that I carry tongue and groove pliers and locking pliers in my toolkit.  I think that those are pretty capable alternatives to the crescent wrench.

 

More importantly, I also carry a socket wrench set in my toolkit.  This set is comes in handy for a variety of home improvement projects.  I can even use it to remove the lug nuts on my car.  In fact, the only time you can't use the socket wrench is if the nut is larger than your largest socket of if the screw is so long that the socket will not reach the nut.  In these cases, the tongue and groove pliers work like a charm.

 

So there you have it, a socket wrench set used in conjunction with your pliers will satisfy 99% of your home improvement needs.

 

Jon

Comments

No comments yet.

Leave a comment

Name (required)

E-mail (required)

URI

Your Comment