Gas wrench: dimensions by numbers, description, tool functionality

Introduction

Many have heard, perhaps even seen, a gas wrench, however, still not everyone knows what it is and why the tool is needed. Around the subject, there are several stories of word formation and the development of functionality, which sometimes even the most experienced craftsmen are not aware of.

Let's take a look and find out what a gas wrench is, dimensions by numbers. Let's find out the main pros and cons of the tool, the average cost and how to determine quality.

Types of gas keys

A pipe wrench can undoubtedly be called a universal assistant, because it can be used in a wide variety of areas where pipes are present. The shapes of gas wrenches come in different shapes: straight jaws on the wrench allow you to fix the part in two places, but if there are S-shaped lips on the surface of the key, fixing the part is possible at three points, the classification will be considered in more detail - gas wrench, sizes by numbers.

There will no doubt be those who will say that the claims that such a key is indispensable are just fiction, but in reality this is not the case. Such a false assumption can only be made by those who do not know anything about the features and areas of its possible application.

An important note in this case is the possibility of crimping the entire part with a gas wrench, which makes it not only practical, but also unique among the analogue inventions of mankind.

Pipe wrenches without special edges on the surface are divided into:

• Chain;
• key with grip;
• core;
• lever (also Swedish);
• adjustable

Lever wrenches are considered popular. Such a gas wrench consists of levers fastened together (using hinges), and one key regulates the gripping circumference, and the second, in turn, is stationary.

The lips on such a wrench, as mentioned earlier, can be straight or S-shaped, and the latter are a more reliable system for gripping any pipe. It is also worth immediately noting that the jaws on such wrenches are replaceable, so it can be called a durable assistant in working with pipes (and not only with gas ones).

History of origin

To catch the moment of creation of the first prototype, you need to go back to the end of the 15th century, to Sweden. At that time, the tool was called a wrench because of its purpose. It was rarely used, its development took a long time. The only company involved in production and distribution was Mauser.

The production was small and was not successful for a long time. The improvement of the tool was progressing in small steps; different people were working on this issue, practically throughout Europe.

Only 50 years later, Swedish engineers made the next breakthrough, after which they began to call them Swedish. After the breakthrough, more and more hardware and engineering firms began to engage in this industry.

At the time of the production boom, various analogues began to appear on the market. They differed in shape, size, type, and number. Everything went on for a long time until the world calmed down and two common measurement systems were officially approved, namely, inch and metric.

Coincidentally, the gas industry began to develop. To set up and install equipment, they began to use Swedish keys, which even then were popularly called Swedish keys. Soon, gas industry workers received a completely new model, which had not teeth, but jaws.

The new item was almost immediately painted red, because it was the most important tool in the work, and there was a need to find it among the other tools at any time. Almost immediately it was dubbed gas. In turn, plumbers called it either Swedish or pipe.

Types of gas keys

Throughout its difficult history, an incalculable number of different variations, modifications, and so on have been created. Only the laziest did not contribute to the development and did not create their own unique look.

When the wild popularity of the instrument passed, only the best incarnations began to enter the market, and some models were produced and used only in a certain country. They had their own names and divisions by size, but we will discuss this later. Currently the following types are used in the world:

• chain;

• with gripping or self-capturing;

• core or drill;

• Swedish, gas or lever;

• pipe, plumbing or adjustable;

• tongue and groove

If we talk about popularity, then in the European Union the lever gas model, which was created here, was and still is the most popular. In the New World, the most commonly used type was the adjustable pipe.

And only some countries, like Russia, Belarus, Portugal, and so on, used both options. The rest were already narrow-profile, they were used only in certain situations and for special work, which is why they did not become so popular.

If we talk about the external difference, it lies in the design and principle of operation. If we take a lever, then it consists of two separate levers, which are flexible at the ends, and are connected by a hinge system.

It operates on the principle of spreading the handles and bringing the jaws under the part. And if you take an adjustable one, then it’s much simpler: one handle with one jaw, and the second jaw is attached to a special thread. It works by unwinding the mechanism and adjusting the distance between the jaws to the part.

Video: About the varieties of Swedes

Types and numbering of pipe lever wrenches

The main purpose of a gas (pipe) wrench is to grab or jam parts with smooth surfaces and not let go during operation. Pipe wrenches of several designs cope with this task; they are classified according to the types of structures:

• lever with a pair handle;

• caps;

• chain;

• self-tightening.

The strength of the grip largely depends on the selected functionality of the clamping jaws. Depending on the configuration, there are lever pipe wrenches with ordinary L-shaped clamping jaws and S-shaped non-slip jaws.

The tool, which is ordinary in design, resembles pliers and compresses the part at two points; it is more suitable for flat objects.

S-shaped keys are smaller in width and are fixed at three points, providing a “dead grip” on the clamped product and reducing the likelihood of the object slipping during operation. They are indispensable when working with pipe fittings and round workpieces.

Different models of gas wrenches may also differ in the angle of inclination of the jaws to the lever; it can be 45° or 90°.

To make it easier to select a wrench for the diameter/dimensions of the pipe or part it can work with, there is a numbering of pipe wrench sizes. It takes into account the diameter of the throat and the total length of the instrument. The division by number groups of pipe wrenches is given in the following table:

Key sizes by numbers

So we come to the essence of the article, where the meaning of the words “gas key dimensions by numbers” is explained. The fact is that, both before and now, there are different sizes, but no longer in such a chaotic order, but in a clear and adjustable one.

Now there is a classification of sizes by numbers, which determines its size according to how long the tool is and what range of capabilities it has, relative to the diameter of the part. The sizes are listed in a single table, this is what it looks like:

Advantages and disadvantages

Based on the above, we can say that this tool is not just good, but very good. The same is said by the masters who use this universal key every day in their work.

And such a long history of creating the instrument was not in vain, because it has a number of undeniable advantages. Here is a list of these positive functional features:

• Versatility, namely, the ability to use it for different parts, fasteners, tasks and jobs;

• Easy to use and design, you do not need to have special skills to work with this tool;

• Since it consists of constituent components, damaged parts can be replaced and repaired;

• The shape and principle of operation will allow it to be used in different conditions, even the most inconvenient;

• During use, the thread and the part are fixed, which allows you to carry out work without much effort.

With such a list of advantages, one can call it almost ideal. And this is almost due to its two small shortcomings, which also occur. The fact is that if you choose the wrong size and apply excessive force to a part, pipe, or fastener, then this object may become deformed.

Most adjustable and lever wrenches are very large and will not fit into a general tool case. But these disadvantages pale in comparison to the number of positive aspects of a divorce assistant. In addition, they can be easily resolved: a clear selection of the key size, special belt fasteners and tool cases.

Adjustable wrench - 120 photos and tips for choosing the optimal model

Currently, there are a large number of tools, some of which help to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts. In the plumbing industry, the adjustable wrench is becoming increasingly popular and widespread. It replaces a large number of other tools in this area.

Deciding on the model of adjustable wrenches

Many people who want to buy a tool are interested in the question of which adjustable wrench is better. Size is one of the parameters for choosing the necessary tools for plumbing work. The ability to unscrew and tighten nuts and bolts depends on the size of the wrench, which can be small, medium and large.

The smallest in size is an adjustable wrench marked KR-19. A distinctive feature of this model is the adjustable range of movement of the jaws to the sides, ranging from 0 to 19 mm.

With a similar tool you can easily unscrew small nuts up to 19 mm in size. Convenience and ease of operation are distinguished by such a device.

Medium models are made with the marking KR-30, in which the jaws can be spread to 30 mm. This device helps you do all the housework. The most optimal model for installation of mixers.

To perform work with large dimensions, the optimal model is the one with the index KS-46. But in comparison with the first two modifications of the device, this model is used only occasionally.

Typically, an adjustable wrench also has another name - an open-end wrench. This name is given to the device because the ends of the instrument are similar to horns.

The device is purchased at various prices. They depend on parametric data and manufacturing features.

The adjustable ratchet wrench is equipped with markings in the form of a digital scale located on the body. It helps the device instantly determine which nut can be tightened with which sponge. A distinctive feature of such a device is the presence of a small allowance.

If a 30 mm key is selected, the jaws are moved apart by another 2 mm. Therefore, unscrewing and tightening nuts of 32 mm size is possible using a wrench model KR-30.

Price and quality of adjustable wrench models

Many craftsmen begin choosing a model with who is the manufacturer of this or that device. Depending on the manufacturer, models differ in quality, price and warranty.

Domestic manufacturers Intertool and Mastertool are the most famous among craftsmen. They have excellent quality at an economical price.

Now all adjustable wrenches can be purchased at various price categories:

• budget devices have a price ranging from 130 to 300 rubles;
• the average price ranges from 400 to 1500 rubles;
• There are tools that have additional capabilities, at a price of one and a half thousand rubles.

It is most optimal and profitable to purchase adjustable wrenches in a set. The price of the device is economical. Among other things, the technician needs to choose the wrench that is needed in this particular situation in order to unscrew or tighten nuts of any size.

It is worth paying special attention to whether there is rust on the instruments. It negatively affects the functionality of the device. When using such devices, it is impossible to adjust the wrench to the nut of the required size, so it is difficult to unscrew the elements with loose jaws.

It is difficult to unscrew nuts of different sizes in the absence of rubberized handles. When purchasing tools, it is worth paying attention to the functionality, visual appeal of adjustable wrenches, quality and price.

Photo of an adjustable wrench

Source: https://zdesinstrument.ru/razvodnoj-klyuch/

Prices and quality of gas keys

After the strengths and weaknesses of the assistant have been sorted out, it’s time to talk about the most important thing, namely the price. And here the scatter can be even greater than the varieties. It can cost either 500 rubles or more than ten thousand. The fact is that the price is influenced by a number of indicators, namely:

• Tool material;

• Popularity of the brand;

• Build quality;

• Country of manufacture.

The main selection criterion for any person, both beginner and master, will be the frequency of use. The rest will depend on the meaning. If a tool is needed to solve several problems every six months, then there is no point in considering it more expensive than a thousand rubles.

And if you need it for professional and permanent work, then you need to take a more serious approach to choosing an assistant, because a cheap model will not last long, and repairing it will be problematic. In order not to make a mistake with quality, it is better to purchase tools in branded stores of popular manufacturers, where the best materials are used and warranty service is available.