Feb. 1, 2023
Today on Weekly Boiler Tips, Jude shares some common boiler maintenance situations and the right wrench to use for each.
Picking the right wrench can be harder than it seems. Every task in the boiler room is unique and making sure you have the correct tools for the job is incredibly important to keeping your boiler working properly. Jude shares some common boiler maintenance situations and the right wrench to use for each.
Weekly Boiler Tips are compiled by the knowledgeable and remarkably prolific content creators at WARE, a family owned, third-generation, 69-year-old commercial and industrial boiler rental and service firm based in Louisville KY. You can learn all about this and more at WARE’s Boiler University.
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Whether you’re a professional or a DIY enthusiast, having the right tools for the job is essential for achieving the best results. This couldn’t be truer when it comes to a wrench — with an array of sizes and shapes available, there’s one to fit almost any mechanical application.
The most common type of wrench is an adjustable wrench, also known as a crescent wrench. This consists of a thin head with a thin, movable jaw that can be adjusted to accommodate different sized nuts and bolts. Although it’s a convenient go-to, adjustable wrenches can’t achieve the same level of torque as other types of wrenches, so must be used with caution for larger tasks.
For small jobs, a socket wrench — also known as a ratchet — is ideal. It’s designed to fit into the head of a nut or bolt and provides greater leverage than an adjustable wrench, making it great for tighter spaces. There are a range of sizes available, but its efficiency is in the details. For instance, SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) sockets feature U.S. Standard sizes that use English measurements, while Metric sockets are typically used in countries outside the United States.
Allen wrenches, or hex keys, are another type of tool specifically designed to work with hexagonal bolts and nuts. This is a preferred choice in engineering, as it’s precise, providing greater torque and more control than other wrenches.
Finally, a spanner wrench is best for light to medium duty tasks. It has a wide range of shapes and is used to fasten and hold things in place without damaging the bolt or nut.
In conclusion, when tackling any mechanical application, having the right wrench for the job is a must. With an array of options available — from adjustable wrenches to socket wrenches and spanner wrenches — it’s important to use the correct tool for the task at hand to ensure the best outcome.
