Think you know how to use a wrench? Think again: this universal tool hides traps that can ruin your nuts and equipment. Discover the most common mistakes and simple gestures to work with precision, without damaging your parts.
Present in almost all boxes, the wrench is often used in haste. However, a wrong move is enough to damage a bolt, a nut, or even the tool itself. You think you’re doing everything right? You may be surprised. Here are the most common mistakes and tips for exploiting this tool as a true professional.
Master the wrench: the 7 mistakes that spoil your repairs (and how to avoid them)
1. Confusing it with a fixed key: a frequent mistake
It is often imagined that a wrench can replace any flat key. A serious mistake. Unlike a fixed key, it never offers a perfect fit, which can damage the screw heads and the tool itself. Too much-pressed tightening also risks deforming the parts. The parade? Carefully adjust the opening to minimize play, and avoid using it for tightenings that require a significant torque.
2. A poorly adjusted jaw: beware of damaged nuts
A wrench with a poorly fitted knob can quickly round the nuts, making them impossible to unscrew afterwards. The right gesture: take the time to tighten the adjusting screw tightly so that the jaw perfectly matches the faces of the nut. A simple millimeter of play is enough to slide it and damage the room.
Master the wrench: the 7 mistakes that spoil your repairs (and how to avoid them)
3. Use it on screws that are too small
If you have ever tried to tighten a tiny screw with a wrench, you may have noticed a lack of grip. Why? The design of the tool does not allow an optimal grip on very fine elements. The solution: for these cases, prefer a flat key or a suitable socket.
4. Orienting it on the wrong side
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