Despite the many advances in technology over the last few decades, classic handheld tools still find use in many industries and applications. One such timeless tool is the wrench, a metal tool for tightening and loosening fasteners. Wrenches may have open ends, box ends, or both. While sockets, ratchets, and other tools are available for similar purposes, wrenches are wise choices for situations that require high torque endurance, and they make a useful addition to any toolbox. Depending on your specific needs, the best wrench style fit for your application will vary. As such, we will explore classic wrench designs in the following blog for your better knowledge.
The two major categories of wrench heads include the aforementioned open-end wrenches and box-end wrenches. While open-end wrenches are designed to slip around a fastener head, box-end wrenches are designed to fit over the fastener, surrounding it from all sides. Box-end wrenches work well in place of ratchets because the user can apply a lot of torque to a wrench without risking damage. On the other hand, open-end fasteners are good for applications where the area of the workpiece does not leave enough room for a socket. Given the popularity of both designs, it may be useful to procure a combination wrench with both end types on opposite sides of the wrench. Typically, the two heads of this design are of the same size, but special combination wrenches are also available.
In addition to the three common designs listed above, adjustable wrenches are also popular, as they have an adjustable lower jaw that may be positioned to an ideal wrench size. An often overlooked benefit of this specific wrench design is its compatibility with both standard and metric fastener parts. Ratchet wrenches are another popular design, similar to box-end wrenches in their closed-end design; however, the closed end of a ratchet wrench comprises a part designed to mimic ratchet actions by moving freely in one direction while engaging the fastener in the other direction.
Other less common but still popular designs are available and useful for more specific applications, such as short-body wrenches. These are ideal for working within small spaces because their body is reduced in length compared to typical wrench designs. Crowfoot wrenches have no body at all and are intended for use with other tools, while pipe wrenches and basin wrenches are designed to work specifically with their namesake materials.
Still other popular options include allen-keys for hex-head fasteners, star-head keys for star head fasteners, and strap wrenches for working with materials that do not have flat faces like jar lids. With so many wrench designs available for procurement, it is wise to consider your needs before making any purchases. Whether you need a single short-body wrench or an entire wrench tool set, begin procuring the items you need today from ASAP Integrated.
Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, ASAP Integrated is a leading supplier of wrenches and other tools for your various applications. Working with quality at the cornerstone of our operations, we source all items in our ever-expanding inventory from trusted manufacturers around the globe. As such, you can rest assured that all orders placed through our website will be vetted for fit and function before arriving at your doorstep alongside their applicable manufacturer trace documents. With over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find items readily available for purchase, simply submit a Request for Quote (RFQ) form through our website to kick off the procurement process today. To learn more, you may contact us via phone or email at any time; we are available around-the-clock, 24/7x365.
![]() |
“We Proudly Support Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund that serves United States Military Personal experiencing the Invisible Wounds of War : Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). Please visit website (www.fallenheroesfund.org) and help in their valiant effort”. |
We Hope that You Will Visit Us Again the Next Time You Need NSN Parts and Make Us Your Strategic Purchasing Partner.
Request for Quote