What to look for when buying an adjustable wrench
Ok, so you're in the market for an adjustable spanner. Here's what you should look for when choosing. First, remember that a good adjustable spanner replaces several different types of wrench.
Look for an industrial grade alloy spanner.
Make sure the spanner has a comfortable, non-slip plastic handle
The scales should be clearly marked and easy to see so that you can quickly set the appropriate size of nut
Make sure it is easy to adjust
the spanner should have a hole in the handle so you can hang it up
Even though you are a professional, a resourceful shopping guide can certainly help you know the known and unknown facts about each tool. And if you are a novice, you must keep in mind the specifications of the tool for better workability. Let's get to know each other.
Comfort grip
Unlike favourites, comfort grip is the feature that depends on your comfort especially on your personal preferences. But no matter what type of spanner you buy, make sure the handle of the tool is grooved so that it doesn't slip out of your hand while you're working on a lug nut.
A metal handle adds durability, while the comfort grip is comfortable to use for a long time. If your hand is wet or you sweat more, you cannot work with the metal handle. On the other hand, a light but bulky handle affects the actual capacity of the spanner. We recommend the latter.
Tinder
If you are looking for a spanner, you will notice that some spanners have scales etched on the jaws. The scales that can be found are on metric and SAE or inch systems. Some spanners have both types of scales, some have one of these and some have none at all.
The scales are supplied so that you can quickly measure the dimensions of the fasteners for better workability or for other purposes. Therefore, it is better to buy an adjustable wrench that has both scales etched on the jaws.
Spanner kit
In this story of pursuit, there are many adjustable spanners for sale. You will see that some manufacturers offer spanners in different sizes, but you will have to buy them separately. However, some manufacturers offer a spanner kit or set that gives you two or more spanners at the same time for a cheaper price than buying all the spanners separately.
For better workability, you should opt for one of the spanner sets, as you will often need to use this tool with many types of fasteners.
Jaw capacity
The jaw capacity indicates how large the fastener is that the spanner can hold. The larger the jaw capacity, the larger fasteners can be held and measured. Both horizontal and vertical surfaces play a fundamental role.
Jaw capacity varies from spanner to spanner, and can range from as little as ½ inch to 3 inches or more. Whatever your choice, make sure the length and weight of the spanner are well proportioned. Otherwise, the spanner will break or become so hard to work with.
Material
Product quality is the most important feature no matter what you buy. And the quality mainly depends on the material from which the product is made. When it comes to roller spanners, always prefer a spanner made of high-quality steel, because only a durable tool is worth your money.
On the market you will find spanners made of alloy steel, they are robust and extremely hard to break. But spanners made of chrome vanadium are even stronger. You should also remember that the coating materials make the tools more durable. Without the coating, your steel cannot prevent rust and corrosion. For lifelong corrosion resistance, a chrome or nickel coating is best.
Weight
Since loosening and tightening fasteners such as nuts and bolts is the main purpose of an adjustable spanner, it must be a portable tool. Although portability depends on the weight of the item, a heavy portable tool is not as convenient as a light tool.
A lighter tool is really easy to use, but you cannot just choose the lightest tool. The lighter weight of a spanner means that it has less metal mass than a heavy one. And that won't give you much workability.
Length
The lengths of spanners usually vary from 4 inches to 24 inches in today's market. You should always choose a spanner with the right length you need for your job, as torque and workability of spanners depend on the length of the tool. The longer a spanner is, the more torque it will produce. Consider buying a longer spanner every time for heavier work. Longer handles will also help you reach far away places. But for small and tight areas, smaller spanners are the compatible ones.
Instruction
Since the purpose of instruction is to tell you how to install and use a tool, you can call it a manual. You might think that you don't need instructions for a simple tool like an adjustable spanner.
Your assumption is correct, but you must remember that not all suppliers offer the same tools and to improve workability, they modify their spanners accordingly. Also, if you do not know the correct use of a spanner, you may damage the equipment you are working on.
For this reason, it is better to keep the instructions handy. It may help your child or someone who does not know how to use the spanner.
Warranty
Not all manufacturers on the market will give you a warranty, nor is the warranty period the same. Some suppliers offer a warranty for every item they sell, others only for specific items, while others offer no warranty at all. At the same time, the warranty period varies from supplier to supplier.
Above all, it is better to go for the product with the lifetime warranty. It proves their confidence in the spanner they provide.