Chain Wrenches

About Chain Wrenches

Chain wrenches are essential hand tools designed to grip and turn cylindrical objects that standard spanners and pipe wrenches cannot accommodate. Featuring heavy-duty chain that wraps securely around pipes, filters, oil drums and other round objects, these tools deliver exceptional holding power whilst protecting delicate surfaces from damage. The chain design distributes pressure evenly around the workpiece circumference, making them invaluable for large diameter pipes, polished fittings and chrome-plated components where toothed jaw wrenches would cause scratching.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade chain wrenches from trusted manufacturers including RIDGID, Bahco, Facom, Record and Sealey. Available in light-duty models for occasional use on pipes up to 100mm diameter through to heavy-duty versions handling 300mm+ industrial applications, our range includes specialised variants such as strap wrenches with protective fabric chains and purpose-built designs like HGV air dryer cartridge wrenches for commercial vehicle maintenance.

Applications

Chain wrenches are indispensable tools across numerous trades and industries:

• Plumbers and heating engineers working with large diameter waste pipes, soil stacks and industrial pipework installations
• Automotive mechanics removing oil filters and cylindrical components in restricted engine bays
• HGV and commercial vehicle technicians servicing air brake systems and air dryer cartridges
• Plant fitters maintaining industrial equipment with large threaded housings
• Marine engineers handling boat propulsion systems and through-hull fittings
• Facilities maintenance teams servicing commercial heating systems and water treatment equipment
• Oil and gas industry technicians working with pipeline connections and wellhead equipment
• DIY enthusiasts tackling home plumbing projects and radiator installations

Choosing The Right Chain Wrenches

Start by assessing the diameter range of objects you'll typically handle. Light-duty chain wrenches suit occasional domestic use on pipes up to 100mm, whilst professional tradespeople require heavy-duty models for regular work on larger industrial components. Consider the material and finish of your workpieces—standard steel chain wrenches handle general pipework effectively, but chrome-plated pipes and polished fittings demand strap wrenches with protective materials to prevent surface marking.

Handle design significantly impacts efficiency and comfort. Longer handles provide greater leverage for stubborn fittings but may prove impractical in confined spaces beneath sinks or behind boilers. Compact handiwrench designs like the Record 240 offer excellent portability whilst maintaining adequate grip for many applications. For specialised work, purpose-built tools such as the Sealey HGV air dryer cartridge wrench deliver superior performance compared to general-purpose alternatives.

MyToolShed.co.uk recommends inspecting chain pitch—finer pitch provides better grip on smaller diameters whilst coarser pitch suits larger applications. Verify the working diameter range matches your typical requirements, allowing comfortable capacity for your most frequent tasks.

Safety Information

Always ensure the chain wrench is properly seated and tensioned before applying turning force. Insufficient grip can cause sudden slippage, risking trapped fingers or skinned knuckles. Inspect chains regularly for stretched links or damage, replacing worn components immediately as compromised chains may fail under load. Before working on filters or pipework, confirm systems are depressurised and drained following HSE guidelines. Position yourself carefully to avoid injury if fittings release suddenly, maintaining stable footing and avoiding overreaching, particularly when working at height.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between chain wrenches and strap wrenches?

Chain wrenches use metal chain links for robust gripping on general applications, whilst strap wrenches employ fabric or rubber straps that provide gentler contact, preventing scratches on polished pipes and chrome fittings. Strap wrenches trade some gripping power for superior surface protection on delicate components.

What size chain wrench do I need for domestic plumbing?

For typical domestic installations including bathroom and kitchen work, a light to medium-duty chain wrench with working range up to 100-150mm diameter handles most requirements, covering 15mm to 40mm pipe diameters. Professional plumbers working on commercial projects should invest in heavy-duty models with extended capacity available from MyToolShed.co.uk.

How do I prevent slippage on oily components?

Clean surfaces thoroughly with degreaser before use, allowing them to dry completely. If cleaning isn't practical, wrap the component with abrasive cloth or apply rosin powder to increase friction. Ensure proper chain tensioning before applying turning force to maximise grip on contaminated surfaces.