Crescent wrenches or adjustable spanners

[Glenn]

Which is the proper way to use a Crescent wrench or adjustable spanner?

Let us say you are trying to tighten a nut. That means you are turning the nut clockwise. This would mean that you are pulling with your right hand.

Is the fixed jaw away from you as you pull, or is the fixed jaw toward you as you pull? Which is proper for the BEST operation of the wrench and the stress that is put upon it?


* Fixed Jaw away
or
* Fixed Jaw toward

[HWooldridge]

I was always told to put the force vector toward the movable jaw so it would be facing the operator as he pulls the wrench. My dad worked in a petroleum refinery and he was formally trained that way. However, I don't really know why it would make a difference.

I also tend to rock the wrench back and forth as I tighten the jaw so it will be as tight as possible. Many people (including me) prefer box ends where possible but I have a large 30" Craftsman crescent that is an extremely tight wrench and doesn't spring any appreciable degree - even with me bouncing on it with my full weight.

[easilyconfused]

While I haven't been formally trained, I did grow up on a farm where cresent wrenches were the only one's you could consistently fine. I found that having the fixed end trailing the rotation so the fixed end would be away in this scenario, reduces the amount of slipping and stripping the nuts. Of course these were with cheaper wrenches so the movable piece has some play and seem to be able to spring out when used they are sustaining the force of the pull.

[pete46]

Fixed Jaw Away ,the Moveable Jaw Is The Weak Point!!!!!!!!!!!

[jayco]

Fixed jaw away.
In fact, I think it's the same for channelocks, vise-grips, or for any wrench with an angled head.
I guess there's just more pressure put on the 'fixed-jaw' or outside of the tool.
The 'outside' of even my box end wrenches are a little heavier than the inside of the jaws.
I've got a set of angled 'line' wrenches ( for loosening/tightening brake lines and other hydraulic lines.
I hadn't noticed before........but even they are beefier on the outside!

[m_brothers]

A wrench likes this: Wrench

[jayco]

Yep, M Brothers.........that's the classic 'crescent wrench'. Some of the guys around here also call them 'adjustable' wrenches, but yes that's it.

[sstreckfuss]

I agree with the above, the moveable side should be towards you in your scenario, although we all know that sometimes you just have to use it backwards to overcome clearance issues.

BTW a 'Crescent' (adjustable) wrench is a brand name, as is an 'Allen' wrench (hex key), or 'channel lock' (slip jont) pliers, I am sure there are more out there but can't think of any off the top of my head.

[the_sandy_creek_forge]

Originally Posted by sstreckfuss

BTW a 'Crescent' (adjustable) wrench is a brand name, as is an 'Allen' wrench (hex key), or 'channel lock' (slip jont) pliers, I am sure there are more out there but can't think of any off the top of my head.

"Vise-Grips" is a big one. It's amazing how many genericized trademarks are out there. My day job is captioning and keywording stock photography, and we have a huge list that we gotta make sure not to use in certain instances. My personal favorites are Popsicle (frozen treats/ice pops) and Hula Hoop (plastic hoop toy).

Back on topic: I've always been told the same as everyones stated above. Something about the fulcrum and the movable jaw being weaker.

-Aaron @ the SCF

[Finnr]

Always ! Fixed jaw away. Can't tell you how Dad would give you a chewing if he saw any different
Finnr