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Adjustable Wrench vs Pipe Wrench: The Differences You Must Know

By Admin | April 14th, 2025

In the vast world of hand tools, the wrench stands as a symbol of precision and utility. Among them, the adjustable wrench and the pipe wrench are two of the most commonly used. Though the basic working principle of both these wrenches is similar, they have different uses.

So, in this blog post, we will take into account the difference between these two wrenches and their uses. Want to buy high-quality pipe wrenches at a low cost? Look no further and contact the gauge block set supplier in Dubai, UAE.

The Basics of Pipe Wrenches

As the name indicates, this wrench is ideal for pipes. A pipe wrench has two jaws with serrated surfaces for a better grip. The top jaw adjusts utilising a screw to fix it into the shape of a pipe. Despite the serrated surface of the jaws, this wrench can grip only in one direction. This unique design ensures a more rigid grip, preventing slipping, especially in the opposite direction.

The Ways to Use a Pipe Wrench

The first step of using a pipe wrench is to open its mouth until it is wider than the object you are going to work on.
Ideally, you must center the pipe within the jaws before tightening them.
The next step is to turn the thumb screw. This step ensures the proper tightening of the jaws until they fit tightly around the pipes.
Once in place, you can pull or push the pipe wrench in the direction you wish the pipe to go. This can mean either loosening or tightening the pipe fitting. Contact a renowned chisels and punches supplier in Dubai UAE to buy top-grade adjustable wrenches with exciting discounts.

Don’t forget to wear the proper safety equipment, like gloves, while using a pipe wrench. This will protect your hands from possible cuts caused by the serrated jaws and offer a better grip. Using the proper safety wear mitigate the threats associated with high torque and any sharp edges or burrs on the pipe. Pipe wrenches hold essential positions in construction, plumbing, and many more. But their versatility doesn’t stop here.

The Basics of an Adjustable Wrench

Similar to a pipe wrench, an adjustable wrench is also one of the most common wrenches you may have come across. An adjustable wrench is an open-ended wrench that functions on the same principle as a pipe wrench.

However, the opening and closing of the jaws are parallel to the handle. Adjustable spanners or wrenches are available in a myriad range of sizes. From smaller tasks like tightening or loosening bolts, these wrenches are suitable for more significant tasks, too.

The Ways to Use an Adjustable Wrench

The adjustable wrench functions in the same way as a pipe wrench. Are you looking forward to buying high-end wrenches for your desired usage? Contact a reputable strap wrench supplier in Dubai, UAE, now.

First, open the jaws wide enough to fit around the bolt.
Then move the adjustable jaw using the thumbscrew.
Once the jaws grip the bolt head tightly, you can either loosen or tighten the object or the bolt.

With its wide open mouth, you can adjust this wrench to fit objects as wide as the jaws enable. If you want a firm grip on the bolt, adjust the jaws until they fit tightly on the bolt first. Then, remove and tighten them just a little more before returning to the bolt.

The Key Differences in Jaw Designs

The jaws of both pipe wrenches and adjustable wrenches are different from each other. The jaws of an adjustable wrench are parallel to each other. This makes them ideal to grip flat surfaces on opposite sides. On the other hand, the jaws of a pipe wrench have a slight angle position. This design is perfect for gripping rounded surfaces like pipes effectively.

There are differences in the jaw designs of both adjustable and pipe wrenches. Pipe wrenches have toothed or serrated jaws to offer a better grip on rounded objects. Adjustable wrenches have smooth jaws designed to prevent damage to the surfaces of nuts, bolts, and other fixtures. Get in touch with a strap wrench supplier in Dubai, UAE, to buy the tools you might require for your job.

When to Use a Pipe Wrench vs an Adjustable Wrench

Pipe Wrench: Pipe wrench is perfect for larger objects such as drains or pipes. The leverage gained can offer more strength to loosen or tighten pipe fittings. Pipe wrenches are not suitable for pipes in tight spaces or delicate components.
Adjustable Wrench: An Adjustable wrench is perfect for any small bolt. These wrenches are ideal to turn smaller screws or bolts so the user can quickly tighten or loosen them. You can use these wrenches on a wide variety of things, like small fittings or pipes.

The Bottom Lines

We hope this article will help you understand the key differences between adjustable wrenches and pipe wrenches. To buy high-quality industrial-grade wrenches, get in touch with Abasco Tools, one of the best strap wrench suppliers in Dubai, UAE. We at Abasco Tools aim to deliver only the best quality tools to our clients. Having passed through rigorous quality tests, our tools can help you run a smooth business like never before. Call us before it’s too late.