Turning Tools
Wrenches
Wrenches grip onto fasteners on two or more sides to apply turning force. Different styles of wrench are specialized for specific kinds of grip, torque, and access.
| Tool | Used for |
|---|---|
| Open-end wrench | Tightening and loosening bolts on plumbing fittings, drain pipes, and automotive components. It grips two sides of a fastener, making it ideal for tight spaces where a full rotation is not possible. |
| Box-end wrench | Machine assembly and applications where the entire bolt head is accessible. It fully surrounds the fastener, providing greater grip and torque. |
| Adjustable wrench | General-purpose repairs and situations where multiple bolt sizes are encountered. It has an adjustable jaw that fits a variety of fastener sizes, reducing the number of tools needed. |
| Combination wrench | Automotive repair, machinery maintenance, and general mechanical work. It has one open end and a box end, combining versatility with increased torque. |
Sockets
Sockets are used to tighten or loosen bolts on flat or recessed fasteners where a standard wrench cannot easily reach.
| Tool | Used for |
|---|---|
| 6-point socket | Tightening and loosening stubborn or high-torque bolts while reducing the chance of rounding the fastener. It is a six-sided socket that provides maximum contact with the fastener. |
| 12-point socket | Working in tight spaces and speeding up fastener installation or removal where frequent repositioning is needed. It is a twelve-sided socket that allows the tool to engage the fastener from more positions. |
| Pneumatic air impact wrench | Removing and installing large bolts on heavy equipment, aircraft, ships, and industrial machinery. It is a power tool that uses compressed air to rapidly tighten or loosen fasteners with high torque. |
Screwdrivers
A tool that uses a twisting force to turn a screw. The more points of contact the screwdriver has, the less likely it will slip or strip the screw. You also get more torque with less force.
When a screwdriver slips out of the head of a screw, it is called cam-out.
| Tool | Used for |
|---|---|
| Flat-tip screwdriver | Driving and removing standard flat-head screws in general-purpose applications. The flat blade is designed for slotted screw heads. |
| Phillips screwdriver | Driving and removing Phillips-head screws commonly found in electronics, appliances, and construction. The cross-shaped tip provides greater grip and torque than a flat-tip screwdriver. |
| Star screwdriver | Driving and removing star-shape screws while reducing the chance of slipping. The star-shaped tip provides increased contact with the screw head for improved torque. |
| Robertson screwdriver | Driving Robertson screws with reduced cam out and improved control. The square-tip resists slipping and holds screws securely during installation. |
| Torx screwdriver | Driving Torx screws where high torque and minimal cam out are required, such as in automotive and machinery applications. The inverted star-shaped tip provides maximum contact with the screw head. |
Nuts & bolts
A nut secures a bolt in place. A bolt is externally threaded, while a nut is internally threaded. The dimensions must match so that they lock properly.
| Tool | Used for |
|---|---|
| Hex nut | General fastening applications in construction, machinery, and everyday assembly. This is the standard six-sided nut used with threaded bolts and fasteners. |
| Wingnut | Applications that require frequent adjustment or removal without applying excessive force. The two wing-like tabs can be tightened or loosened by hand without tools. |
| Castellated nut | Automotive suspensions, wheel hubs, steering components, and other safety-critical assemblies. The slotted design allows the nut to be secured with a cotter pin, preventing it from loosening under vibration. |
| Locknut | Motors, machinery, and other equipment exposed to constant vibration. Its nylon insert resists loosening caused by vibration. |
| Cap nut | Protecting exposed bolt ends, improving appearance, and preventing accidental contact with sharp threads. The closed end covers the exposed threads of a bolt. |
| Hex bolt | Holding heavy materials together. They are similar to a screw, but are flat at the end instead of sharp. This is because they pass through pre-drilled holes instead of creating the holes themselves, as screws need to do. |