What Is a Cross Wrench?
A Cross Wrench is a tool that is shaped like a cross. Two wrenches, each with a different size socket, are fixed in a crossed position, allowing the user to apply force with both hands when using the tool.
Since both hands can be used to work with this tool, it can apply more force than an ordinary wrench. It is a tool often used to change car tires.
There are various types of wrenches, such as a cross wrenches with fixed sockets of different sizes on each end, and cross wrenches with a rotating grip that allows fast turning when removing a bolt or nut.
The size of the socket size should be selected according to the purpose, as each wrench has a different socket size that fits the bolt or nut to be used.
Usage of Cross Wrenches
Cross Wrenches are used to close or loosen a wrench. Their method of usage is very simple. First, insert the correct size socket into the bolt/nut. Next, the user grips both ends of the cross wrench and turns it by hand to apply force to tighten or loosen the bolt or nut.
Cross Wrench sockets come in two types: standard sockets and thin sockets. The usage is the same for quick-turn wrenches that have a rotating grip.
By grasping the tip of the wrench that is crossed with the grip and rotating the grip, the bolt/nut can be tightened or loosened. If you have a lot of work to do and it takes a lot of time, you can use a quick-turn wrench to make your work more efficient.
Features of Cross Wrenches
1. Cross Wrench Socket Shape
The shape of the socket is hexagonal or decagonal depending on the product. Hexagonal sockets have a larger contact area with the bolt or nut, making it easier to apply force when tightening or loosening the bolt or nut.
The dodecagonal type is easier to fit into a bolt or nut when inserted, so it is convenient to use when working space is limited. However, while it is easy to insert, the contact area with the bolt or nut is reduced.
When tightening or loosening, more force is required than with the hexagonal type, so care should be taken not to damage the bolt or nut.
2. Cross Wrench Socket Thickness
There are different thicknesses of sockets. There are two types of sockets, called standard and thin, but there are no specific dimensions or other definite values for the thickness.
Some wheels have a narrower clearance at the bolt/nut fastening point as a result of prioritizing design and functionality, and a wrench may not be able to be inserted unless a thin-neck socket is used.
The only difference between a standard and a thin-necked socket is in terms of strength, such as the fact that the thickness of the socket makes the socket itself stronger and less likely to break, etc. Therefore, preparing a thin-necked one in advance will make it more versatile and easier to use.
How to Select a Cross Wrench
1. Socket Size
Each end of a cross wrench is often equipped with a different size socket.
Note that some quick-turn wrenches require a separate hexagonal socket for the insertion angle instead of a fixed socket.
2. Shape of the Socket
If the space around the bolt/nut is narrow, the standard shape socket may not fit and the bolt/nut may not be able to be turned. The narrower outer width of the thin-necked sockets allows them to be used even in tight spaces.
3. Number of Uses
The quick-turn type with a rotating grip, in which the handle is not fixed, can be used to tighten and loosen bolts and nuts more quickly than the standard cross wrench. Therefore, if you change tires frequently or if you have many bolts/nuts to turn on a truck, etc., selecting a quick-turn type wrench will lead to improved work efficiency.