Glenn Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easilyconfused Posted February 6, 2008 Share Posted February 6, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete46 Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Fixed Jaw Away ,the Moveable Jaw Is The Weak Point!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayco Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Martin Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 A wrench likes this: Wrench Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayco Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sstreckfuss Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_sandy_creek_forge Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnr Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 Always ! Fixed jaw away. Can't tell you how Dad would give you a chewing if he saw any different Finnr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skunkriv Posted February 7, 2008 Share Posted February 7, 2008 The wrench should always be oriented so the 3' cheater you are jumping on has some room to swing Fixed jaw away. The reason why is easy to remember and see if you picture a loosely adjusted wrench. Each jaw is only making contact with the hex in one spot. With fixed jaw away the force is being exerted at the base of the movable jaw, exerting less leverage against the jaw (and its corresponding groove in the handle) than if the direction was reversed and the force is being exerted at the outer end of the movable jaw. The above also applies to metric crescent wrenches and fit-alls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welder19 Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 Fixed jaw away is proper but mostly it isn't that critical, unless your using a cheaper quality tool that is prone to break or spread when any amount of force is applied. I can't believe someone payed $176 for that wrench on ebay, I payed less than that for my 24" Snap-on right from the dealer. welder19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ice Czar Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 you just have to use it backwards to overcome clearance issues.TANSTAAFL or utility entropy (the utility of adjustment offset by the tools inability to do useful work without constantly flipping it over ) I dislike Cresent wrenches, for that reason and the constant readjustment to avoid rounding a nut :rolleyes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Patrick Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 1)Pick up crescent wrench. 2)Open scrap bin lid. 3)Deposit said wrench into scrap bin. 4)Take scrap bin to recycle yard, sell scrap. 5)Take money from scrap, go to reputable tool vendor. 6)Buy proper wrench for job. 7)Go home/shop, finish job. I hate adjustable wrenches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daryl Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 I have only one adjustable wrench in my collection, it is a 24" model, and I rarely use it for anything other than prying when I can't find my prybar. Phil is dead-on right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fat pete Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 huh I didnt know that cresent wrench was a brand name i thought there were 3, crescent or open end (non adjustable), adjustable, and a box wrench...cool u learn something every day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irnsrgn Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 An adjustable wrench is a necessity now a days with all the Muttrick Junk on the Market. The movable jaw is always away from you. Take a good look at the weak area of the movable jaw on the left. Now look at point "A" this is the load or stress point if its away from you. Now look at point "B" this is the load or stress point if its toward you. Simple COMMON SENSE should tell you which way puts more stress on the movable jaw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 Adjustable spanner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Wouldn't you know it, the Wiki says both - 1. Movable jaw leads the direction of force (I was overly verbose in my earlier note but this agrees with what I've always been told.) 2. Fixed jaw leads rotation (which is what I think Irnsrgn stated). Sounds like nobody knows for sure. Buy a set of box ends and forget about it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irnsrgn Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 know you know why so many adjustable jaws get broken, and some people get injured, lack of common sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irnsrgn Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 My standard plier pocket compliment for many years was, a pair of slipjoint pliers, a 6 inch crescent, a pair of small vicegrips(used to make my own before vicegrip came out with the small ones), and a straight bladed screwdriver. I even have a set of miniatures that I keep in a pocket when dressed up. 4 inch models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted February 8, 2008 Author Share Posted February 8, 2008 You forget the piece of bailing wire (grin). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irnsrgn Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 nope keep the wire in the tool boxes in the van and suburban. some people dropped their car keys down a storm grate once, yup baling wire to the rescue, lock keys in car, BW to the rescue. tail pipe or muffler brkt rusts thru, BW to the rescue. will even repair a V fan belt if you know what to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irnsrgn Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 when some gang types harass you, if you can get there attention elsewhere for a few minutes a couple of pieces of baling wire wrapped around their steering arm and into the fancy chrome spoked wheels will stop them from following you for awhile. LOL Or some wire from each side steering arm up to a convient place on the underframe makes for nice crashes when they try to turn corners. where there's a will there's a way. and them tiny fancy steering wheels don't give much leveage LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sstreckfuss Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 TANSTAAFL or utility entropy (the utility of adjustment offset by the tools inability to do useful work without constantly flipping it over ) I never heard of the acronym, but have the phrase. I learned something! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 when some gang types harass you, if you can get there attention elsewhere for a few minutes a couple of pieces of baling wire wrapped around their steering arm and into the fancy chrome spoked wheels will stop them from following you for awhile. LOL Or some wire from each side steering arm up to a convient place on the underframe makes for nice crashes when they try to turn corners. where there's a will there's a way. and them tiny fancy steering wheels don't give much leveage LOL Now, how do you know all that? Sounds like personal experience...;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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