Turning Tools

Wrench

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.

Open-end wrench

Used for: 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

Used for: Machine assembly and applications where the entire bolt head is accessible. It fully surrounds the fastener, providing greater grip and torque.

Adjustable wrench

Used for: 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

Used for: 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.

6-point socket

Used for: 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

Used for: 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

Used for: 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.

Flat-tip screwdriver

Used for: Driving and removing standard flat-head screws in general-purpose applications. The flat blade is designed for slotted screw heads.

Phillips screwdriver

Used for: 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

Used for: 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

Used for: Driving Robertson screws with reduced cam out and improved control. The square-tip resists slipping and holds screws securely during installation.

Torx screwdriver

Used for: 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.

Hex nut

Used for: General fastening applications in construction, machinery, and everyday assembly. This is the standard six-sided nut used with threaded bolts and fasteners.

Wingnut

Used for: 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

Used for: 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

Used for: Motors, machinery, and other equipment exposed to constant vibration. It’s nylon insert resists loosening caused by vibration.

Cap nut

Used for: Protecting exposed bolt ends, improving appearance, and preventing accidental contact with sharp threads. The closed end covers the exposed threads of a bolt.

Bolt

Used for: 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.