How To Use A Strap Wrench
Figure 1: A light-duty strap wrench
A strap wrench is a hand tool featuring a rubber or polyester strap that provides a high-friction grip on rounded or irregularly shaped objects, commonly used in plumbing, oil filters, and other applications where a traditional wrench cannot make contact. This article delves into the mechanics of using a strap wrench, illustrating the correct technique for wrapping, and turning the tool to avoid slippage or damage.
Check out Tameson's selection of strap wrenches
What is a strap wrench?
The strap wrench is a wrench that holds objects by tightening straps. They prevent objects from slipping by using friction. Most strap wrenches come with handles so that you have a firm grip while using the wrench. If they dont have a handle, it is designed to be used with the square drive found on ratchet wrenches. Since rubber belts are used in strap wrenches, whatever you are working with is unlikely to suffer damage or wear. The belts can be adjusted to fit a variety of objects.
When to use a strap wrench?
A strap wrench may not seem like an essential tool. With so many tools in your toolbox, this tool often goes unnoticed. Yet, it can help you get out of difficult situations. A strap wrench is handy for most household projects. You can use it for knobs, pipes, and anything cylindrical. Most often, however, you will use it to remove or loosen items. You can even use your strap wrench to remove lids from jars. You dont have to apply much force to it, which makes it extra handy.
How to use a strap wrench?
- Take the object that you want to use the wrench on and loop the straps around the object that you want to loosen/tighten.
- Depending on if you want to tighten or loosen, there are arrows on the strap wrench to indicate which way the face should be for turning.
- Tighten the strap around the object until it is tight.
- Take hold of the handle. Make sure you have a firm grip and turn it so that the object rotates in the desired direction to loosen/tighten the object.
- Apply oil or grease to the area you are using the strap wrench on if it isnt loosening. By doing so, you will be able to twist it off more easily.
- If the straps happens to come loose while doing this, you can very quickly place the strap back and continue.
To learn more about wrenches, have a look at our wrench buying guide.
