Right wrench for the job

If you're the type of person who substitutes a pair of pliers for an entire set of wrenches, you may want to consider adding a few of the proper wrenches to your toolbox. Wrenches are relatively inexpensive and the good ones last a lifetime -- and you'll probably be surprised at how much the proper tool can simplify your project.

Here are a few wrenches to consider:

Open- and box-end wrenches: Open-end wrenches have an opening on one end to allow them to be placed on a nut or bolt head from the side. Box-end wrenches are open on the top and bottom but not on the side, and while they grip more securely than an open-end wrench, they also require enough access to slip over the bolt from above. Open-end and box-end wrenches are rated by size, and are available in both SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers, which are the standard bolt sizes in the United States) and metric dimensions.

Adjustable wrench: As the name implies, an adjustable wrench will open and close to accommodate various sizes of nuts and bolt heads. Also commonly called a Crescent wrench after the name of one of the better manufacturers of these tools, adjustable wrenches are sized by their overall length, such as 10-inch, 14-inch, etc. Adjustable wrenches have basically the same applications as open-end wrenches, but the disadvantage is that they do not grip the bolt head as securely. A set of three is perfect for the average toolbox, and allows you a lot of versatility.

Socket wrench set: A socket wrench set typically consists of a ratchet handle and several sockets, sometimes with other accessories such as extensions and adapters. The ratchet handle has a square drive fitting on one end that's at right angles to the handle itself, and the interchangeable sockets have a matching square hole that snaps onto the drive fitting. Sockets are rated by size in both SAE and metric dimensions.

Sockets and ratchets are also known by the drive size, which is the size of the square drive fitting. Common sizes include 1/4-inch drive, for small sockets; 3/8-inch drive, the most common for everyday use; and 1/2-inch drive for larger sockets and heavier applications. Some sets include a 3/8-inch-by-1/4-inch adapter, which allows you to use 1/4-inch sockets with a 3/8-inch ratchet. ...CONTINUED

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