The best wrenches in the UK 2023

The adjustable wrench is the tool of choice for plumbers. Practical and versatile, it is different from an ordinary wrench that can only accommodate a specific size of hex nut. It can be adjusted to fit a variety of nuts and bolts. Given its usefulness, we have put together a guide to the most popular wrenches of the moment.

Facom 113A.10T 1
9/10

Best value for your money

Facom 113A.10T

The best wrench in 2021

This 10-inch model honors Facom's reputation in tooling. We particularly like the millimetre graduations to adjust the opening.

18,18 £ on Cdiscount

Facom tools is one of the references when it comes to wrenches. Its 10-inch model 113A.10T is a perfect example of this manufacturer's know-how. Entirely made of phosphate, with finely ground head faces, it is impeccable both in terms of finish and ergonomics. You will appreciate the millimeter graduation that allows you to preset the opening of the spouts.

Facom has full confidence in this model, as it comes with a lifetime warranty. In addition, it is very well protected by bubble wrap upon delivery, even if this is futile in view of its sturdiness.

Stanley 0-90-948 maxSteel 2
7/10

Best value for your money

Stanley 0-90-948 maxSteel

The best entry-level wrench

Robust, practical and ergonomic, this wrench designed by Stanley is ISO and DIN compliant. It is perfect for plumbing.

11,92 £ on Amazon

The Stanley 0-90-948 MaxSteel is a high performance wrench that provides exceptional clamping power. Its serrated adjustment wheel ensures high precision. You'll enjoy the graduated opening and the MaxSteel bimaterial handle that is resistant to impact, abrasion and chemicals.

Sturdy, it is made of hardened steel and finished with chrome and vanadium. Light and compact, it is easy to store. This tool conforms to ISO 6787 and DIN 3117 standards and is guaranteed for one year by the manufacturer.

Brüder Mannesmann M19873 3
9/10

Best value for your money

Brüder Mannesmann M19873

The best high-end wrench

With a length of 12 inches and a maximum measuring range of 35 mm, this wrench has all the features needed to work on nuts and bolts of all sizes.

18,79 £ on Manomano

Plumbing, woodworking or mechanical work, you can go with this wrench. Made of mild, yet sturdy steel, it has a multi-layer chrome finish. It is equipped with special hardened and milled jaws with a precise and hardened wheel. The wrench measures 30 cm in total, or 12 inches.

Apart from the robustness and multi-functionality of this tool, it also stands out thanks to its silver design enhanced by the green of the handle. This one is made with thermoplastic known for its anti-skid properties.

Clé à molette grande ouverture ECLIPSE ADJW10WJ 4
9/10

Excellent

Clé à molette grande ouverture ECLIPSE ADJW10WJ

A great alternative

Eclipse, the Sheffield-based company known for its steel production, has come up with a sturdy wrench with a great grip. This tool fits perfectly in a toolbox.

See price
Buying guide • November 2023

Best wrench

Any specific needs?

The best wrench in 2021

The best entry-level wrench

The best high-end wrench

A great alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best wrenches

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Facom 113A.10T 5
9/10
Stanley 0-90-948 maxSteel 6
7/10
Brüder Mannesmann M19873 7
9/10
Clé à molette grande ouverture ECLIPSE ADJW10WJ 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Facom 113A.10T
Stanley 0-90-948 maxSteel
Brüder Mannesmann M19873
Clé à molette grande ouverture ECLIPSE ADJW10WJ
This 10-inch model honors Facom's reputation in tooling. We particularly like the millimetre graduations to adjust the opening.
Robust, practical and ergonomic, this wrench designed by Stanley is ISO and DIN compliant. It is perfect for plumbing.
With a length of 12 inches and a maximum measuring range of 35 mm, this wrench has all the features needed to work on nuts and bolts of all sizes.
Eclipse, the Sheffield-based company known for its steel production, has come up with a sturdy wrench with a great grip. This tool fits perfectly in a toolbox.
Light for its size (480 g)
Firm, comfortable grip
Made of mild steel
Polished chrome finish
Non-protruding movable jaw
Exceptional clamping power
Multi-layer chrome finish
Very good grip
Spout opening adjustment
Compact, lightweight design
Thermoplastic non-slip handle
Not too big and light

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How to choose your wrench

Wrenches are a great addition to any toolbox. So here are all the important criteria you should consider before buying one.

#1 - Its manufacturing material

It is more than obvious that the material affects the quality of a wrench. For this, you need to choose one that is both durable and strong. Wrenches made of chrome plated carbon steel or chrome plated steel are of the best quality and can last a lifetime.

In fact, these are the most suitable materials for DIY or professional use. By using a carbon steel wrench, you won't have to worry about it coming loose while you're tightening or loosening a bolt.

#2 - The thickness and width of its head

Width and thickness determine how much torque and leverage you can get from a tool. So the thicker and wider the head of a wrench, the stronger it is.

This gives the wrench more strength and ensures better contact with a nut or bolt, which means they will turn easily and the possibility of them being damaged in the process is reduced. However, keep in mind that wide wrench heads do not fit into small spaces.

#3 - The length of its handle

Choose a wrench with a handle that is long enough to allow for an excellent grip. The length of the handle determines whether you will be able to get a good grip on the tool.

It also makes a huge difference in the force applied to a fastener. A longer wrench has the ability to create more torque, meaning it has more turning force, and therefore is more suitable for larger or stiffer nuts.

Also, a wrench with a long handle is less likely to slip.

#4 - Its use

You also need to consider the use of the wrench to know the proper size. There are actually wrenches designed for specific applications. This will help you get the job done right.

  • For a pipe or non-motorized vehicle repair, you'll want to consider a wrench that is 200 mm long with a 42 mm opening.
  • For work that involves large nuts and fasteners, a wrench with wide jaws will be perfect. This extra wide capacity should be enough to handle even the largest bolts.

#5 - Additional functions

It is always good to have wrenches that have extra features for better results. If you are working on automotive repairs, for example, you can opt for a tool that has an insulated coating.

There are also wrench sets that have sockets and ratchets. The ergonomics of this tool is also an added feature, as it allows for excellent bolting conditions.

Therefore, you should choose a model that has a handle that provides a comfortable and firm grip.

How to use a wrench?


An indispensable tool for DIY activities, the adjustable wrench allows you to tighten and retighten screws and nuts of different sizes. It is very easy to use, as long as you understand how it works.

The first step is to open the wrench using the turning screw mechanism. Make sure the opening is as far apart as possible to avoid collisions between the wrench and the nut or screw being tightened.

The next step is to move the wrench closer to the nut or screw. At this point, you will need to make sure that the flat edges of the object to be tightened are between the jaws of the wrench. You must adjust the wrench so that the jaws effectively grip the head of the nut. This means applying enough pressure.

When the pressure has reached its limit, what you need to do is turn the wrench around the nut to tighten it clockwise. Please note that when using a wrench, you must proceed firmly and slowly. Also, do not overtighten the bolts as this may damage them. Only stop turning when the bolt head or nut has reached its limit.

It is also very important to adjust the knob and make sure that the jaws fit the bolts very well. Finally, one thing to know about the wrench is that it is easier to use on square-headed bolts than on hexagonal-headed ones.

Wrench or pipe wrench?

Wrench

Often used for tightening or loosening nuts or bolts, the wrench has an adjustable size. It is suitable for use in a home garage or workshop. Easy to handle, you simply adjust the small metal spiral on the head with your thumb. Once the jaws are spread, you have to turn them the other way to close them. As far as maintenance is concerned, frequent application of oil is recommended so that it does not get stuck and thus avoid rust.

A wrench offers many advantages for doing small jobs. When you don't have a good sized tool, having this wrench is the solution. In fact, it can replace almost any type of open-end wrench. However, it may break before the nut is loosened if the handle is pressed hard. Moreover, an adjustable wrench cannot loosen very strong hexagonal heads. In this situation, it is better to get a fixed wrench or a pipe wrench.

Pipe wrench

It is a wrench suitable for gripping round fittings and flexible metal pipes. The pipe wrench is a must-have for all jobs and especially for long car trips. To use it, you just need to place the wrench correctly on the pipe so that it points in the direction you want the pipe to go. The pipe wrench is also handy for making firm locks.

The pipe wrench can reach hard-to-reach places that other types of wrenches cannot. However, you may see some limitations to this type of wrench. Getting the perfect size pipe wrench can be difficult, as there are several models to choose from. This makes you spend more time to choose it. Also, it can rust quickly if you use it less frequently.

Verdict

The choice between these 2 types of wrenches will depend on your needs and expectations. A pipe wrench is always necessary to easily reach a nut on hard to reach places. If you are an occasional user, choose the adjustable wrench for its versatility.

Why buy a wrench?

It is adjustable

Yes, indeed, you don't have to buy a whole set of metric and standard wrenches if you have a wrench in the house because it is adjustable. It is very convenient and can be used to tighten or loosen a screw, bolt or nut. It is the most powerful wrench for heavy-duty tightening because it has only 2 sides.

It is durable

A good quality set of different sizes of crescent wrenches can last a lifetime and would be very useful. Note, however, that the tool can also be potentially damaging.

It can be used in many situations

If used properly, this versatile adjustable tool can be used in many situations and is a great substitute for having dozens of wrenches in your toolbox.

It is very economical

Adjustable wrenches can be great tools, especially for people who aren't really used to using wrenches in general. Since they can be quickly adjusted to any size, you don't need to get more. This saves you money and time by eliminating the need to constantly change the tool to more appropriately sized wrenches.

It's versatile

Another advantage of a wrench is its versatility. You don't need to use multiple wrenches, just one, and that's enough to help you perform multiple tasks. This is amazing, then, because you can do everything using one tool for the entire process; there's no need to change tools or carry around a lot of them every time you have a job to do.

Tips

Maintain your wrench properly

It is important to properly maintain your wrench in order to prolong its life. This maintenance consists in getting rid of rust, the main enemy of the tool. To do this, immerse your wrench in a basin containing 1 L of cider vinegar. After leaving it for 24 hours, brush the wrench with an iron straw and rinse it with clean water. Then dry it with a dry cloth.

Store it in a proper place

Don't leave your wrench lying around anywhere. It should be carefully stored in a place free of moisture (ideally the toolbox). Also, make sure the tool is out of the reach of children, who could get hurt with it.

Never use your wrench as a hammer

Sometimes, do-it-yourselfers tend to use anything they can get their hands on as a hammer. However, it is strongly discouraged to use your wrench in this way, as it may damage it. Hit with the wrong tool, the nail could also be thrown out and injure you.

Keep your feet at a distance

When you work with the wrench, there is a risk that it will slip out of your hand and fall on your feet. So to avoid the most unbearable pain, remember to keep your feet as far away from the wrench as possible. You can also cobble together some sort of wrist strap to secure the tool to your wrist.

Be careful with your hands when using a wrench

Never forget to wear non-slip gloves for a better grip on the tool. However, every time you use it, always remember to check the correct gap for the size of the screws. This step is crucial to avoid damaging the nut. Indeed, if the gap is too small, the wrench will not be able to pass over it. Otherwise, it may slip out of your hand, even if it means scratching your skin.

FAQ

What is the purpose of a wrench?

A wrench also called an adjustable crescent is a tool that can be used to loosen or tighten a nut or bolt. It has a jaw, the part where the nuts or bolts fit, that is adjustable in size. The adjustable wrench works by turning a screw, which is usually located at the bottom of the head.

Who uses a wrench?

Wrenches are mostly used for plumbing. Plumbers all over the world use a w rench when fitting different thicknesses of piping. A sink, for example, will have a thicker hex bolt fitting than a toilet or bathtub. Wrenches also come in handy when working with your car or bike.

What size wrench should you buy?

They come in a variety of sizes, but it's best to go with a 6-inch, 8-inch or 10-inch. These sizes fit most standard equipment and allow you to access the tight corner and hard-to-reach spaces. So, you won't have to worry about the size of a wrench, as you can surely find the size that is going to suit your expectations in the market.

Is there a wrong way to use a wrench?

Of course, this only happens when you use the wrench in the wrong direction. To avoid this problem, make sure you turn the wrench towards the adjustable jaw. Each time you reposition the jaws, turn the wrench so that the jaws fit snugly in at least three places.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. https://bestreviews.com/best-adjustable-wrenches, bestreviews.com
  2. https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-adjustable-wrench/, thewirecutter.com
  3. https://smptools.com/7-tips-safe-use-wrenches/, smptools.com
  4. https://www.thespruce.com/best-torque-wrenches-4242612, thespruce.com
  5. http://homefixated.com/, homefixated.com
  6. http://toolguyd.com/, toolguyd.com
  7. http://toolguyd.com/channellocks-wide-adjustable-wrenches/, toolguyd.com
  8. http://toolguyd.com/your-go-to-adjustable-wrench/, toolguyd.com
  9. http://toolguyd.com/ultimate-tool-gift-guide/, toolguyd.com
  10. http://toolguyd.com/knipex-pliers-wrench/, toolguyd.com
  11. Rolling wrench | Leroy Merlin, leroymerlin.fr
  12. Rolling wrenches | Amazon.co.uk, amazon.co.uk
  13. Rolling wrench - ManoMano, manomano.fr
  14. Rolling wrench | Hand tools | Castorama.fr, castorama.fr
  15. Rolling wrench - TIGHTENING - Wilmart, virax.com
  16. Amazon.co.uk : adjustable wrench, wilmart.fr
  17. Facom adjustable wrench - manomano.fr, amazon.co.uk
  18. Catalogue | The adjustable wrench, manomano.fr
  19. Alloy wrench or monkey wrench, choose well - Bricolage Facile, lacleamolette.fr
  20. NOVIPRO - 12" adjustable wrench - 300 mm | Point.P, bricolage-facile.net
  21. Wrench (tool) - Wikipedia, pointp.fr
  22. Large adjustable wrench - Cdiscount, fr.wikipedia.org
  23. Wrench - Manutan.fr, cdiscount.com
  24. Adjustable wrench for Professionals - WÜRTH, manutan.fr
  25. Wrench - Berner Deutschland, eshop.wurth.fr
  26. Wrenches - Mechanic's tools | RONA, shop.berner.eu
  27. Wrenches - Manutan.fr, rona.ca
  28. Wrench - Buy DIY equipment | Black Friday fnac, manutan.fr
  29. A man in Marseille was beaten with a wrench - tbs-international.fr, fnac.com
  30. , midilibre.fr
  31. , tbs-international.fr
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Facom 113A.10T 9
Facom 113A.10T
Stanley 0-90-948 maxSteel 10
Stanley 0-90-948 maxSteel
Brüder Mannesmann M19873 11
Brüder Mannesmann M19873
Clé à molette grande ouverture ECLIPSE ADJW10WJ 12
Clé à molette grande ouverture ECLIPSE ADJW10WJ

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