Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench is a hand tool used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts of different sizes. It has a fixed jaw and a movable jaw that shifts when a threaded wheel is turned. This allows the opening to match the fastener, so one wrench can handle a range of sizes.

The jaws are usually flat and nearly parallel, allowing them to grip the sides of a nut or bolt head. Most adjustable wrenches are made from steel or strong alloys. Length affects both the range of sizes and the leverage available. Although versatile, an adjustable wrench does not always replace a fixed wrench of the correct size, which often fits the fastener more precisely.

To use it, open the movable jaw slightly wider than the nut or bolt head. Place the jaws around the fastener, then turn the wheel until they press firmly against its flat sides. Keep the wrench square with the fastener rather than resting on its corners. Apply force in a controlled way and keep the jaws aligned.

If they are loose or poorly positioned, the wrench may slip and damage the fastener. Adjustable wrenches are useful for household repairs, plumbing, bicycle maintenance and other jobs where several sizes may be needed. Their main advantage is convenience: a single tool can cover a range of fastener sizes.