The Ultimate Guide to Bending Wrenches for Tight Spaces
Working in tight spaces can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to using tools. This is where bending wrenches come into play. A bending wrench is a tool that has a bent shaft, allowing you to reach nuts and bolts that are difficult to access with straight wrenches. In this ultimate guide, we will cover everything you need to know about bending wrenches for tight spaces, including what they are, how to use them, and the different types available.
What is Bending Wrenches?
A bending wrench, also known as a crowfoot wrench or a flare nut wrench, is a tool used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts in tight spaces. It has a bent shaft, which allows it to access bolts that a straight wrench cannot reach. Bending wrenches are available in different sizes and shapes, and they can be used with different types of fasteners, including hex, square, and even torx.
Types of Bending Wrenches
Crowfoot Wrenches
A crowfoot wrench is a type of bending wrench that resembles a crow’s foot. It has an open end that can fit onto nuts and bolts that are too large for a standard wrench. Crowfoot wrenches come in different sizes and are designed to fit different bolt heads.
Flare Nut Wrenches
Flare nut wrenches are also known as line wrenches. They have a six-sided opening and are designed to fit onto nuts and bolts that are used in hydraulic lines, fuel lines, and brake lines. Flare nut wrenches have a unique design that allows them to grip the nut or bolt on the sides, which reduces the chances of rounding off the corners.
Crowsfoot Flare Nut Wrenches
A crows foot flare nut wrench is a combination of a crowfoot wrench and a flare nut wrench. It has a six-sided opening like a flare nut wrench, but instead of having a closed-end, it has an open end that resembles a crowfoot wrench. Crowsfoot flare nut wrenches are designed to fit onto nuts and bolts that are used in hydraulic lines, fuel lines, and brake lines.
How to Use Bending Wrenches.
Choose the Right Size
Before using a bending wrench, you need to choose the right size. Using the wrong size wrench can damage the bolt or nut and make it difficult to remove. To choose the right size, you can use a socket wrench to measure the bolt or nut’s size and then select a bending wrench that matches the size.
Position the Wrench
Once you have chosen the right size wrench, you need to position it on the nut or bolt. If you are using a crowfoot wrench, you can position it on the side of the nut or bolt. If you are using a flare nut wrench or a crow’s foot flare nut wrench, you need to slide it onto the nut or bolt from the side.
Apply Pressure
Once the wrench is in position, you need to apply pressure to turn the nut or bolt. You can use a ratchet wrench or a breaker bar to turn the bending wrench. If you are working with a torque-sensitive fastener, you can use a torque wrench to ensure that you do not over-tighten the fastener.
Release the Wrench
After you have tightened or loosened the nut or bolt, you need to release the wrench from the fastener. To do this, you need to reverse the direction of the wrench and slide it off the fastener.
Tips for Using Bending Wrenches
Use a Breaker Bar
A breaker bar is a long-handled wrench that provides extra leverage to help you turn bolts and nuts. Using a breaker bar with a bending wrench can help you apply more force to the nut or bolt, making it easier to loosen or tighten. When using a breaker bar, it is important to remember not to over-tighten the fastener, as this can damage the threads or cause the bolt to break.
Use a Torque Wrench
If you are working with torque-sensitive fasteners, it is essential to use a torque wrench. A torque wrench measures the amount of force applied to a fastener, ensuring that you do not over-tighten or under-tighten the nut or bolt. Over-tightening can cause the fastener to break or damage the threads while under-tightening can result in a loose connection.
Lubricate the Fastener
Lubricating the fastener can make it easier to loosen or tighten. It can also help protect the threads and prevent rust from forming. Before applying the bending wrench, you can apply a lubricant to the nut or bolt to make it easier to turn.
Use the Right Type of Bending Wrench
Using the right type of bending wrench for the job can make a big difference. For example, if you are working with hydraulic lines or brake lines, you will need a flare nut wrench. If you are working with larger nuts or bolts, a crowfoot wrench may be the best option. Using the right type of bending wrench can make the job easier and help prevent damage to the fastener.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bending wrenches are essential tools for anyone working in tight spaces. They allow you to reach nuts and bolts that a straight wrench cannot reach, making it easier to tighten or loosen connections. When using bending wrenches, it is important to choose the right size and type of wrench for the job and to use a breaker bar or torque wrench when necessary. By following these tips, you can use bending wrenches safely and effectively, making your job easier and more efficient.
