How To Use A Rubber Strap Wrench
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Those who do whatever sort of plumbing repairs already know how hard information technology tin be to remove twist-on connectors that have corroded or are otherwise stuck. Tongue-and-groove plumbers' pliers unremarkably get the connectors unstuck, but they tin can besides damage the connector past bending, breaking, or marring its surface.
The best solution for hard-to-remove connectors is a strap wrench, and this tool is so good at what it does, professional plumbers normally conduct one or two with them at all times. This blazon of wrench gives y'all all the torque (twisting power) y'all need to twist connectors without dissentious them.
Go along reading for tips on selecting the right tool and to find out why these are among the best strap wrench options for everyday plumbing situations.
- All-time OVERALL: Reed Tool five-Inch Strap Wrench
- BEST Upkeep: Titan 21315 12-Inch Strap Wrench
- All-time FOR LARGE PIPES: Boa Constrictor Aluminum Strap Wrench
- BEST FOR POLISHED PIPES: Ridgid 5-Inch Strap Wrench
- BEST FOR TIGHT SPOTS: Craftsman Rubber Strap Wrench
- HONORABLE MENTION: Ridgid 42478 STRAPLOCK Pipe Handle iii-inch to 8-inch
Photo: depositphotos.com
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Strap Wrench
Strap wrenches are not complex tools—merely a few key features make some better than others for specific situations. The differences are relatively subtle and include attributes such equally size, type, and how the strap allows the user to gain leverage. However, all types of strap wrenches work in a similar fashion.
Size
The nigh crucial factor to consider when shopping for a strap wrench is to ensure information technology's the correct size for the connections that need loosening. Strap wrenches are labeled as to the minimum and maximum diameter of the unlike types of pipes they will fit. Most are versatile and volition fit a variety of sizes. These measurements are ofttimes found in the tool'southward clarification and tin also be found printed on the strap.
The maximum piping diameter the strap wrench will accommodate may be listed as its "chapters," such as "five-inch capacity." In the detailed listing, the minimum bore may also appear (but not ever), indicating the smallest pipe diameter the wrench can grip securely.
Handle
The handle on a strap wrench should be comfortable to grip and should not slip when the user exerts torque force per unit area. The materials used for strap wrench handles include metal (often aluminum), molded plastic, and sometimes forest. Some of the newer strap wrench handles come with an ergonomic blueprint and a padded, non-slip grip, but many are but direct bar handles, intended for gripping by a user wearing gloves.
In general, a longer handle allows the user to exert more than force with less effort, merely when working in tight spots, such every bit nether a sink, a shorter handle may be required. Strap wrenches come up with handles that vary in length from effectually 4 inches up to 15 inches or longer.
Strap Material
The strap on the wrench is available in various textile options, including steel, aluminum, safe, or plastic.
- Safety is among the best materials for mechanics who want to get a firm grip on oil filters, merely it's often not suitable for repetitive plumbing situations. Rubber strap wrenches will non mar polished surfaces.
- Steel and aluminum straps are more durable and normally cost a bit more. These are favorites of professional plumbers.
- Plastic straps are inexpensive simply may not last for more a few uses, making them well-suited for DIYers who don't tackle plumbing repairs on a regular basis.
- Flexible new strap materials, such as steel covered with urethane, offer durability and superior gripping force.
- Nylon: Resembling a nylon strap on a duffle bag, the benefit of this strap material lies in its length. Nylon strap wrenches are adjustable, and some straps are every bit long every bit fifty inches and tin be used for multiple purposes, such as picking upwardly a garbage can.
Weight
For those who will exist using a strap wrench overhead, a lightweight tool is desirable. Typically, strap wrenches average in weight from a couple of ounces to a few pounds, depending on the tool'southward intended use.
A strap wrench that weighs 1 pound or less will be the least likely to result in arm and hand fatigue for most users when performing around-the-house plumbing repairs. Strap wrenches that weigh more than ii pounds are usually relegated to industrial use, where a worker needs to remove a sizeable threaded pipe or connector. For those who are undecided on the best weight, err on the side of circumspection and go with a lighter-weight strap wrench.
Maintenance
Most strap wrenches require very fiddling if whatsoever maintenance, but if the tool features metallic parts, there's a run a risk it could rust or corrode if left exterior or used in damp situations. Most strap wrenches tin can be cleaned with soap and water then stale with a soft clean cloth before storing. Avert using a chemical cleaner on strap wrenches with soft padded grips, which could degrade from contact with the chemicals.
When possible, store strap wrenches with steel or aluminum straps in an upright position, rather than tossing them in a drawer or toolbox to continue the straps from becoming aptitude or warped.
Some higher-quality strap wrenches come up with the ability to change out an old strap with a new one. The replacement straps can be found in habitation improvement stores or online from the manufacturer'due south website.
Our Height Picks
To authorize as a top choice for this lineup, a strap wrench must exist durable, easy to grip and use, and suitable for the desired chore. The following strap wrenches are fabricated from quality materials, and while they are designed for different applications, each is a standout in its course.
Photo: amazon.com
With the ability to securely grasp pipes upwards to 5 inches in diameter, the Reed Tool 5-Inch Strap Wrench rises to the spot of our best overall pick. Information technology comes with a flexible polyurethane-coated strap and a strong, ductile iron handle and is suitable for apply on all pipe materials, including PVC and chrome. Weighing in at 1.7 pounds, the Reed strap wrench is heavier than some strap wrenches just not then heavy it will cause manus and arm fatigue when used overhead.
With the 12-inch handle, the user can exert forcefulness while twisting without scratching or damaging the pipe or connectors. The strap wrench comes with instructions that prove how to thread the strap through the handle and how to position it on the pipe or connector for the best results.
Product Specs
- Weight: i.seven pounds
- Handle length: 12 inches
- Capacity: 1/8-inch to five inches
Pros
- Polyurethane-coated nylon strap
- Grips cylindrical and irregular shapes
- Up to five-inch chapters
Cons
- On the heavy side at 1.7 pounds
Photo: amazon.com
Those looking for immovability and versatility in a strap wrench need look no further than the Titan Strap Wrench, which features a robust 12-inch handle that will extend the user'southward accomplish. The handle is made from polished aluminum for immovability, yet it weighs but 0.vii pounds, and so it won't lead to excessive arm and hand fatigue.
The strap is fabricated from double-woven polypropylene for strength and to keep information technology from slipping. Its smooth surface won't scratch or mar the finish on polished pipes or cylinders. The Titan strap wrench offers a wide capacity range and can exist used on pipes equally small as 1.05 inches in diameter upward to those measuring 9 inches in diameter.
Product Specs
- Weight: 0.seven pounds
- Handle length: 12 inches
- Chapters: one.05 inches to nine inches
Pros
- Accommodates large, ix-inch pipes
- Lightweight aluminum handle
- Double-woven polypropylene strap
Cons
- As well large for tight spots
Photo: amazon.com
Firmly grasp big pipes and other cylinders up to 12 inches in diameter with the Boa Constrictor Aluminum Strap Wrench. The Boa's industrial-forcefulness condom strap won't slip on any cylindrical surface, including plastic, metallic, chrome, or even glass.
The 12-inch heavy-duty alloy handle features a non-skid PVC coating for a comfortable hand feel, and the strap wrench comes with a thumbscrew for making the strap snug before applying twisting pressure to the pipage or other object. Weighing in at simply 4 ounces, the Boa strap wrench rests easily in a tool bag or chugalug until you demand it.
Product Specs
- Weight: 4 ounces
- Handle length: 12 inches
- Chapters: 1 inch to 12 inches
Pros
- Non-slip rubber strap
- Fits upward to a 12-inch diameter
- Very lightweight aluminum alloy
- Coated handle grip
Cons
- Handle too large for tight spots
Photo: walmart.com
The polyurethane-coated, woven nylon strap on the Ridgid v-inch Strap Wrench won't skid or mar polished piping, such every bit the mirror terminate found on high-end, stainless steel exhaust pipes. With an oversized eighteen-inch bandage-iron handle, users won't take any trouble generating plenty leverage for twisting loose or tightening pipes and connectors up to 5 inches in diameter. The wrench comes with a strap-threading guide and instructions on how to use the tool.
The extra-long, eighteen-inch handle on the Ridgid strap wrench gives the user added attain when working in situations where it's challenging to get close enough to the pipe or filter to grip it tightly. This bad boy is on the hefty side, however, weighing in at a beefy 2 pounds.
Product Specs
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Handle length: xviii inches
- Capacity: 1 inch to 5 inches
Pros
- Non-sideslip polyurethane-coated nylon for gripping power
- Won't scratch or scuff polished chrome
- Longer handle for greater reach
Cons
- On the heavy side at 2 pounds
- Too long for tight spaces
Photo: amazon.com
With a handle length of merely 3.v inches, these two Craftsman Rubber Strap Wrenches is just the right size for reaching into tight spots where a larger strap wrench simply won't fit. The Craftsman wrench comes with a cushioned plastic handle to reduce hand fatigue, and it features a reinforced prophylactic strap that offers a not-slip grip on pipes and other cylinders upwards to 4.v inches in bore. The larger strap wrench comes with a 5-inch handle and accommodates cylinders up to six.5 inches in diameter.
The small strap wrench volition hands fit into a tool pouch or a kitchen utility drawer. Though both strap wrenches are made for twisting connectors on pipes, the little one can besides lend a hand the side by side fourth dimension a family member needs a little help opening an extra-tight jar chapeau.
Product Specs
- Weight: 15.ii ounces (for both)
- Handle length: 3.v inches and 5 inches
- Chapters: 4.five inches and 6.5 inches maximum
Pros
- Small plenty for tight spots
- Non-sideslip rubber straps
- Cushioned handles
Cons
- Minimum capacity is not listed
- Plastic handles
Photo: amazon.com
While many strap wrenches come with adjustable straps, the Ridgid Straplock Strap Wrench features a heavy-duty, molded plastic handle that has a contoured brace that fits along the curved side of the pipage to stabilize the wrench for twisting or fifty-fifty lifting. The wrench comes with a thick, durable strap that won't slip and won't scratch or mar pipe surfaces.
Ridgid strap wrenches are designed to offer added stability. Users only position the strap effectually the piping and then feed the end of the strap through the handle to tighten—the wrench accommodates pipes as modest as three inches in diameter and a large as eight inches in diameter. Once the strap is drawn, a locking mechanism on the handle secures it and keeps it from slipping.
Product Specs
- Weight: 15.2 ounces
- Handle length: 7 inches
- Capacity: 3 inches to 8 inches
Pros
- Concave holding caryatid
- Adjustable locking strap
- Power to lift and move the object
Cons
- Non suitable for pipes less than 3 inches in diameter
Our Verdict
While plumbers and DIYers tin can observe a broad diversity of strap wrenches on the market today, not all are built to last. Among the best options bachelor are the Reed Tool strap wrench, which came in as the acme choice of the lineup, and the Titan strap wrench, offering impressive torque pressure in a budget tool.
How We Chose the All-time Strap Wrenches
Dozens of strap wrenches were extensively researched while gathering the best models for this lineup. While strap wrenches are simple manus tools, they serve as valuable aids for increasing the twisting pressure necessary to loosen tight pipes and other fittings.
In add-on to brand reputation, durability, and overall effectiveness, the wrenches were analyzed based on the range of pipe sizes they would accommodate and the handle'south length. Both the wrench handle and the material used for the strap had to be tough and able to stand to the intense pressure created during utilize. The weight of the wrenches also came into play considering heavy strap wrenches are more likely to atomic number 82 to mitt and wrist fatigue with repeated utilise.
FAQs
Q: What is a strap wrench used for in plumbing?
Plumbers ofttimes carry i or more than strap wrenches in their toolboxes for loosening and tightening pipe fittings. The wrenches feature a flexible strap that fits around a pipe or cylindrical connector—gripping it tightly—so the plumber tin can twist it loose using a handle.
Q: How small can a strap wrench go?
Minimum piping size varies from tool to tool, but some strap wrenches can exist used on pipes as pocket-size as one inch in diameter.
Q: How exercise you lot use a strap wrench?
Wrap the strap around the pipe, connector, or cylinder yous want to twist loose, and and then exert pressure on the wrench's handle to rotate the item. Only screw-type connectors tin be loosened with a strap wrench—welded connections require cutting to remove.
Q: How do I keep my strap wrench from slipping?
Use just a strap wrench that's suitable for the size of pipe you're trying to twist and tighten the strap snugly before attempting to plough the pipe.
Q: What are the about essential plumbing tools for DIY projects?
When it comes to plumbing, in add-on to a strap wrench, essential tools include a pipe wrench, basin wrench, natural language-and-groove pliers, plumbers tape, plunger, and a torch (for welding copper connections).
How To Use A Rubber Strap Wrench,
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