Pipe Wrenches

About Pipe Wrenches

Pipe wrenches are essential heavy-duty tools designed for gripping and turning pipes, fittings, and cylindrical objects during plumbing and pipefitting work. Featuring serrated jaws that grip tighter as pressure increases, these adjustable wrenches provide the leverage needed to loosen or tighten threaded pipe connections. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of pipe wrenches from leading professional brands including Ridgid, Bahco, Facom, and Draper, suitable for both trade professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts.

Available in various patterns including Stillson, Swedish, and American designs, pipe wrenches come in sizes ranging from compact 200mm models to heavy-duty 900mm+ versions. Specialist variants include offset pipe wrenches for confined spaces, corner pipe wrenches with 45-degree and 90-degree jaws for sanitary work, and lightweight aluminium alloy options that reduce fatigue during extended use.

Applications

Pipe wrenches are indispensable tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Plumbers - installing and removing threaded pipe, water supply lines, and waste pipes
• Gas fitters - working with gas supply pipes and fittings
• Heating engineers - connecting radiators, boilers, and central heating pipework
• Maintenance technicians - general pipe repairs and industrial maintenance
• Automotive mechanics - exhaust systems and hydraulic lines
• Construction trades - roughing-in plumbing on new builds and renovations
• DIY enthusiasts - household plumbing repairs and installations

Choosing The Right Pipe Wrenches

When selecting pipe wrenches from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these important factors:

• Jaw capacity - choose a wrench that opens wide enough for your pipe diameter; typical sizes handle 10mm to 150mm pipes
• Handle length - longer handles provide greater leverage but require more working space; 300-600mm suits most general work
• Jaw pattern - Stillson pattern for general use, Swedish pattern (45-degree) for confined spaces, 90-degree corner wrenches for sanitary and basin work
• Material construction - cast iron for durability and value, forged steel for professional strength, aluminium alloy for reduced weight
• Brand quality - professional brands like Ridgid, Bahco, and Facom offer superior jaw teeth and spring mechanisms for reliable, long-term performance
• Specialist requirements - offset patterns for close-to-wall work, track rod wrenches for specific automotive applications

Safety Information

Always pull rather than push pipe wrenches to maintain control and prevent injury if the wrench slips. Ensure jaws are properly adjusted and firmly gripping before applying force. Wear safety glasses to protect against debris, and use gloves to improve grip and protect hands. Never extend handle length with pipes or other tools, as this can cause jaw failure. Inspect jaws regularly for wear and replace damaged components promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size pipe wrench do I need?

A 350mm (14-inch) pipe wrench handles pipes up to approximately 50mm diameter and suits most domestic plumbing work. Professional plumbers typically keep 300mm, 450mm, and 600mm wrenches to cover the full range of pipe sizes encountered on site.

What's the difference between Stillson and Swedish pattern pipe wrenches?

Stillson pattern wrenches have straight jaws perpendicular to the handle, ideal for general use. Swedish pattern wrenches feature 45-degree angled jaws, providing better access in tight spaces and when working close to walls or floors.

Can pipe wrenches be used on chrome or finished fittings?

The serrated jaws of pipe wrenches will mark and damage decorative finishes. For chrome taps, compression fittings, and finished fixtures, use adjustable spanners or dedicated basin wrenches instead to prevent cosmetic damage.