Wrenches and pliers are an important part of any toolbox, whether you use them for DIY home maintenance or auto repair. Pliers are designed to grip and rotate objects of any size, while wrenches are made to twist nuts, bolts, and other fasteners.
One tool combines the functionality of both the plier and the wrench: the plier wrench. This multi-functional tool has the secure hold and grip of pliers, as well as the jaws of an adjustable wrench — letting you grip fasteners of almost any size with precision and strength.
Learn how the plier wrench works and why it could be a much-needed asset in your toolbox.
What Are Plier Wrenches?
A plier wrench is exactly what the name suggests — a combination of a plier and a wrench in a single tool.
If you’re not familiar with the plier wrench, it looks similar to a tongue-and-groove plier. However, the jaws of a plier wrench are flat, smooth, and parallel to each other — unlike the round, serrated jaws of a plier. It also has an adjustable spanner to grab fasteners of any size.
While they’re great at handling fasteners, it’s important to note that wrench pliers still have limitations. Just like any other adjustable wrench, they can only be used on flat surfaces. They aren’t able to grip any kind of curved surface, like a pipe.
The Benefits of a Plier Wrench
A plier wrench is a powerful tool that any mechanic can benefit from. With so many different pliers, wrenches, and multi-functional tools on the market, why invest in this specific type of wrench?
Here are some of the reasons plier wrenches add value to your toolbox.
Powerful Grip
Compared to a standard wrench, plier wrenches have far superior gripping power. Thanks to the compound leverage jaw mechanism, the plier wrench can create a strong and secure hold, giving you the powerful leverage you need to get even the most demanding jobs done.
Damage-Free Results
They may have a powerful grip, but plier wrenches are also known for being gentle on fasteners. Unlike a tongue-and-groove plier, the plier wrench has smooth, non-serrated parallel jaws to avoid damaging nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. That means it can grab softer and more delicate materials without marring the surface.
Self-Adjusting Jaw
The self-adjusting jaw also makes the plier wrench easier and faster to operate. The jaw adjusts automatically as you work, letting you continuously turn without the need to adjust over and over again. This not only lets you finish jobs faster but can also make the tool more comfortable to use and reduce the strain on your hand and arm muscles.
Wide Jaw Capacity
Plier wrenches are some of the most versatile tools in a mechanic’s kit. Their wide jaw capacity — up to two inches — lets you tackle some of the most commonly used fasteners. This eliminates the need to keep a full set of wrenches in different sizes when on the job.
Why Not Use Regular Pliers?
If you already have similar tools in your workshop, you might be wondering why you would not just use the pliers you already own.
For certain jobs, standard pliers could cause serious damage. The serrated edges of a regular pair of tongue-and-groove pliers can damage more delicate surfaces. They don’t provide the same even pressure as wrench pliers. One slip of the jaws could make your nuts and bolts unusable.
A pair of regular pliers also may not have the firm and secure grip needed to achieve the results you want, so it can take a lot longer to get the job done. Without that grip, they aren’t as easy to use with one hand and it can take longer to readjust with each twist of the tool.
What To Look For in Plier Wrenches
As with all tools, not all plier wrenches are created equal. There are certain features to look out for if you want to buy a pair of high-quality plier wrenches that will deliver the performance and longevity you’re looking for.
Slim Build
Many pliers have wide jaws that make it hard to work in small spaces, which is often a necessity in automotive repair. That’s why a good pair of plier wrenches should have a slender build to help you work in these hard-to-reach spaces.
High-Quality Material
A good plier wrench should also be made from high-quality materials. The better the material, the more heavy-duty work they can handle. This can also extend the lifespan of your tool. To ensure the most durable build, look for tools made from premium steel.
Self-Ratcheting Action
Self-ratcheting action, or a self-adjusting jaw, is what makes this tool so easy to use. The best wrench plier is one that makes it easy to perform repetitive movements without constantly repositioning the tool on the fastener.
Comfortable Grip
While the self-adjusting jaw goes a long way toward making the tool more comfortable to use, it’s also important to have a comfortable, padded grip. A great plier wrench will have an easy-to-grip ergonomic handle for comfortable, long-term use.
The Best Plier Wrench for Any Job
As a multi-functional combo of both a plier and a wrench, the plier wrench can be an essential tool in any mechanic’s workshop. Narrow enough to fit into small spaces and with the grip strength to move any size fastener, there are so many ways this tool can come in handy. And, unlike other pliers, the smooth jaws won’t damage your fasteners.
For gripping, holding, bending, and pressing your fasteners, there’s no better tool than the plier wrench. Be sure to invest in a high-quality plier wrench if you want to see its full potential in your toolbox. Thankfully, the top-quality tools you need are just a click away. At Capri Tools, you can find all the garage essentials you need, including a plier wrench set with a lifetime warranty.