What Is a Double-Ended Ring Wrench?
A double-ended ring wrench is a tool for tightening and loosening hexagonal bolts and nuts.
Unlike a wrench with an open end, the wrench has a closed end so that it can grip the entire circumference of the hexagonal part of the object. Most wrenches have a dodecagonal inner diameter. The size is determined according to the opposite side dimensions of the hexagonal part to be gripped, and is available in millimeter and inch sizes.
Usage of Double-Ended Ring Wrenches
A double-ended ring wrench is used in a wide range of applications, from general DIY to professional job sites. A double-ended ring wrench is mainly used for tightening and loosening hexagonal bolts and nuts. They are indispensable tools in all situations, including machinery and equipment, precision instruments, vehicles, engines, construction, furniture, and DIY.
A double-ended ring wrench can apply more torque than a wrench with two points because it contacts the bolt or nut at six points and applies force. Since it is inserted over the bolt or nut, it requires space over the bolt or nut. For bolts and nuts in areas where a double-ended ring wrench cannot fit, use another tool such as a wrench.
The angle from the double-ended ring wrench to the handle is called the offset. The use of a wrench with the appropriate offset for the area to be wrenched improves the workability of the wrench.
Principle of Double-Ended Ring Wrenches
A double-ended ring wrench uses the “leverage principle” to produce a large force with a small force to tighten or loosen a bolt or nut. The fulcrum is the center of the bolt or nut, the force point is where the hand holds the double-ended ring wrench, and the action point is the six corners where the bolt or nut meets the mouth of the double-ended ring wrench. A double-ended ring wrench can be easily tightened or loosened by holding and turning the end of the wrench.
A double-ended ring wrench can also apply more torque than a wrench with two points of contact because the force is applied to the bolt or nut with six points of contact.
Types of Double-Ended Ring Wrenches
The part that clamps the bolt or nut is called the mouth part, and the ring-shaped part size is called the two-face width.
1. Offset Type
A double-ended ring wrench with the mouths of both ends angled up and down from the handle. There are three offset angles: 15°, 45° and 60°.
2. Short Type
A double-ended ring wrench with shorter handles than the offset type. It is used for bolts and nuts in tight spaces.
3. Straight Type
A double-ended ring wrench with the handle and mouth not offset. This type is used for bolts and nuts located in deep places that other types cannot reach.
4. Half-Moon Wrench
A double-ended ring wrench with the handle bent in a semicircle shape. Used for bolts and nuts that are inaccessible with regular wrenches. The bend differs depending on the manufacturer.
5. Double-Ended Ring Wrench
A double-ended ring wrench has the mouth of the wrench on one side and a conical-shaped stopper on the other side.
6. Single-Ended Ring Wrench
A double-ended ring wrench with the mouth only on one side of the handle. The angle of the mouth is convenient for some places.
7. Curved Double-Ended Ring Wrench
Also called S-Gata double-ended ring wrench. The mouth is angled at an angle of 45 degrees from the handle, not up and down, but left and right.
8. Double-Ended Ring Wrench
A double-ended ring wrench is made to withstand blows and can tighten bolts and nuts with great force or loosen rusted bolts and nuts. A double-ended ring wrench is not durable enough to withstand blows from a hammer.
How to Select Double-Ended Ring Wrenches
A double-ended ring wrench is very important in terms of work efficiency, safety, and accuracy of finish by using the appropriate double-ended ring wrench for the purpose of work.
1. Size
The part that clamps the bolt or nut is fixed, so select a wrench that matches the size of the bolt or nut. The size is not the diameter or radius, but the distance between the “width of two sides” where the double-ended ring wrench fits into the bolt or nut.
The size is marked numerically on the handle. Basically, the size is marked in meters, but be aware that some are rarely in inches.
2. Set
A double-ended ring wrench is used frequently, so it is convenient to have several sizes of double-ended ring wrench in a set.
3. Similar Products
There are wrenches with an open bore. They can be pinched into bolts and nuts from the side. They are used for bolts and nuts in tight places where a double-ended ring wrench cannot fit, or in the middle of long threads.
Other Information on Double- Ended Ring Wrenches
How to Use a Double-Ended Ring Wrench
- First, turn and tighten the bolt or nut by hand.
- Place the bolt or nut so that it is firmly seated in the innermost part of the mouth. The mouth should be parallel to the bolt and nut.
- Place the double-ended ring wrench over the bolt and tighten the bolt or nut. It is more efficient to hold the end of the handle to turn the wrench.
In tight spaces where the angle of wrench turning is limited, the number of degrees (°) you can swing the wrench per turn will affect the workability. Double-ended ring wrenches are usually made with a 12-point angle.
Therefore, you can work to change the angle by 30 degrees, so if you can swing 30 degrees + α, you can work continuously. When you want to loosen a bolt or nut that is stuck in a hard and tight position, you can oil it and leave it for a while before turning it.