Wrenches vs. Ratchets and Sockets
Wrenches perform the same function as ratchets and sockets — tightening and loosening fasteners — but there are differences and situations that call for one over the other.
For example, a box-end wrench is a good option for loosening stuck fasteners because you can apply more torque without risking damage to a ratchet mechanism.
A wrench with an open end fits around a fastener instead of over it, so you can slip it into an area where there isn't room for a socket.
Always make sure the tool you use is suited for the work you're doing. To learn more about ratchets and sockets, take a look at our socket and ratchet guide.
Types of Wrenches
Wrenches are available in a variety of styles for different applications. Some are designed to work with standard (Society of Automotive Engineers or SAE) fasteners, and types of wrenches are for metric applications. Look for color-coded wrenches to help you quickly identify SAE or metric. Here are some of the more common wrench types and their uses.
Adjustable Wrench
- Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts
- Works with both metric and standard fasteners
- Creates a tight fit around fasteners with a movable lower jaw that’s operated by turning a threaded barrel
- Available in different sizes to work with a wide range of fastener sizes
Combination Wrench
- Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts
- Metric and standard sizes
- One open end and one box end (usually the same size) to allow the best fit to the fastener whether you’re working in a tight or open area
Open End Wrench
- Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts
- Metric and standard sizes
- Two open ends (usually different sizes)
- Jointed or flex-head models let you work at different angles
Ratchet Wrench
- Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts
- Metric and standard sizes
- Has a ratchet end to tighten or loosen fasteners without removing the tool
- May have a pivoting ratchet end for use in tight spaces
Short-Body or Stubby Wrench
- Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts
- Metric and standard sizes
- Has a combination wrench design with both open and box ends
- Compact handle for a wide range of motion in tight spaces such as a car or truck engine compartment
Crowfoot Wrench
- Tightens/loosens nuts and bolts
- Metric and standard sizes
- Has no handle
- Square socket fits to a ratchet handle or torque wrench
- Designed to work in tight spaces
Basin Wrench
- Used in plumbing jobs such as removing or installing a faucet
- Spring-loaded head clamps around nuts and couplings of different sizes
- Has a long handle to reach fasteners under a sink or vanity top.
- Pivoting head to tighten or loosen fasteners in the confined space using the T-bar at the end
Pipe Wrench
- Used primarily in plumbing applications with threaded pipe and couplings
- Turns metal pipes and fittings
- Long, sturdy handle provides good leverage
- Has a moveable jaw to allow the wrench head to fit different size components.
Hex Key/Allen Wrench
- Tightens/loosens with Allen-drive or hex sockets
- Metric and standard sizes
- Available as separate wrenches or in sets where the wrenches fold up into a handle
- Available with handles for improved grip and leverage
Star-Head Key/Torx Key
- Tightens/loosens six-point socket or star-head drive screws and bolts
- Metric and standard sizes
- Available as separate wrenches or in sets where the wrenches fold up into a handle
- Available with handles and as ratchet attachments for better leverage
Strap Wrench
- Tightens, loosens and turns a variety of items (such as container lids and plumbing fittings) that don't have flat faces for a standard wrench to grip
- Adjustable strap fits a wide range of sizes and shapes
- Available in different sizes for an even wider range of uses
Other Wrench Types
You may see several other types of wrench, often designed for one specific use.
- Socket Wrench: This is a common name for a ratchet and socket. This tool uses different sized sockets that fit over a nut or bolt to install or remove it.
- Torque Wrench: A torque wrench uses sockets like a ratchet and socket but allows you to set a fastener to a specific tightness.
- Impact Wrench: Available as a cordless power tool or a pneumatic tool, an impact wrench uses an impact force to install or remove nuts and bolts. These tools work with sockets specifically designed to handle the impact force from the tool.
- Spark Plug Wrench: A basic spark plug wrench is simply a hex-shaped barrel that fits over a spark plug. A handle insert allows you to turn the wrench to remove and install the plug.
- Oil Filter Wrench: This tool is designed specifically for removing and tightening oil filters on an engine. It’s available in two designs, one with a metal band that tightens around the filter and one that fits over the top of the filter and works with a ratchet.
- Garbage Disposal Wrench: An S-shaped rod designed specifically to fit to the disposal and loosen jams.
- Chain Wrench: This plumbing tool is similar to a strap wrench but uses a metal chain rather than a rubber strap to turn pipes and fittings.
- Flare Nut Wrench: A type of open-end wrench, flare nut wrenches (also known as brake wrenches) have rounded heads designed to fit around five surfaces of a hex-head fastener for a more secure fit and less risk of damaging fasteners made of soft material.
Tips on How to Use a Wrench
As with all tools, it’s important to use them properly. Doing so will reduce the chance of injury to yourself or damage to the parts you are working on.
- Wear protective gloves and safety glasses when using wrenches or other tools.
- Always keep your wrenches in good condition. Clean them with a rag and make sure they are dry before storing them away. Always check for any damage after use.
- Make sure you have chosen the best type of wrench for the task at hand.
- When using wrenches, try using minimal pressure at first. Once the nut starts to turn you can press with greater force.
- When using adjustable wrenches, improve your power by positioning yourself so that you are turning the fastener toward your body.
It’s easy to find the wrenches best suited for the tasks you do most around the house. Lowe's has complete sets so that you'll have different sizes, assortments, and collections to choose from.
Wrench Sets and Mechanics Tool Sets
- Wrench sets keep a variety of sizes in one handy collection
- Mechanics tool sets (image to the right) often provide a variety of wrenches as well as other tools such as pliers and socket/ratchet sets
- Options range from smaller three-piece wrench sets to mechanics tool collections with 100+ pieces
Household Tool Sets
- Allow you to quickly build a tool collection with the most common hand tools that a homeowner or beginning do-it-yourselfer would need
- Often include a hammer, adjustable wrench, pliers, a multi-tip screwdriver and a case as a basic set
- Also available with a larger range of tools, including multiple wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers and other tools such as a tape measure, utility knife, a ratchet and socket set and more.
Socket Lengths and Features
Even if you have the right size socket, it may not work for every type of job. Working in tight spaces or on difficult tasks, you may need a special socket length or type to get the job done efficiently. Ratchets and sockets also have special features that can make work easier.
Socket Lengths
- Standard length sockets: Best for basic projects.
- Deep sockets: Helps you reach bolts that are far down on a vehicle or machinery. Also, they are often needed when the bolt extends from the nut, or the fastener is recessed.
- Low-profile sockets: Best for tight spaces that can be difficult to maneuver in.
- Mid-length or intermediate sockets: Useful for projects in tighter spaces that require additional reach.
Special Features and Additional Tools
- Socket extensions: Extensions go between the socket and ratchet to reach parts that are unreachable with a regular socket. Locking extensions help keep your socket secure to the ratchet.
- Socket adapters: Socket adapters let you use a socket with a ratchet of a different drive size.
- Breaker bars: A breaker bar is designed to provide extra leverage to help break free a stuck or difficult nut or bolt.
Ratchet and socket sets, along with specialty tools like breaker bars, are especially helpful for all sorts of vehicle repairs, construction tasks, and electronic and machinery maintenance. A set that has both SAE and metric sockets is ideal for most tasks.