Wrenches You Need: Basic Hand Tools for Mechanics

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, upgrades, or fabrication, having the appropriate wrenches will make all the difference.

Wrenches are one of the most crucial instruments for any mechanic. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, recognizing the many types of wrenches and their applications is critical. In this quick guide, we’ll go over the basic hand wrenches that every mechanic should have in their toolbox.

1. Combination Wrenches (Metric & SAE)

Combination wrenches are a staple in every mechanic’s toolkit. They feature an open-end wrench on one side and a box-end wrench on the other, making them versatile for various applications.

Main Uses:

• Tightening and loosening nuts and bolts (and you can use these to pry, hammer, and tighten screwdrivers, but they aren’t designed for that).
• Ideal for working in tight spaces, you can get these in various lengths for different use cases
• Available in both metric and SAE (inch-based) sizes, covering a wide range of nuts and bolts you may come across.

Invest in a high-quality set that includes both metric and SAE sizes to ensure compatibility with different vehicles. Like most things, you get what you pay for; if you rely on these tools for your job, then having something robust with a strong warranty and quick replacement will be important. Brands like Snap-on, MAC, and Cornwell will be common among professionals. An example of these combination wrenches can be found here.

2. Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench, often called a crescent wrench, is a multi-purpose tool with a jaw that can be widened or narrowed to fit different bolt sizes. These can come in a very wide range of sizes and materials for different uses.

Main Uses:

• Ideal for working on a variety of fasteners without needing multiple wrench sizes.
• Great for emergency repairs when a specific size wrench isn’t available.
• Long wrenches can provide significant leverage on tight or corroded fasteners

Choose an adjustable wrench with a comfortable grip and a smooth adjustment mechanism for easier use. Getting a variety of sizes will be useful; I recommend getting a small, medium, and large adjustable wrench from a reputable manufacturer with a strong warranty. An example of these adjustable wrenches can be found here.

3. Box-End Wrenches

Box-end wrenches have a closed-loop design that provides a strong grip on nuts and bolts. They are commonly used for applying high leverage. These can be had with offsets and angles, as well as 6 and 12 point variants for different purposes.

Main Uses:

• Perfect for breaking loose stubborn bolts without slipping off
• Reduces the risk of rounding off fasteners as it sits more square on the fastener
• Works well in confined spaces due to its slim profile; different offsets can allow angles unable to be accessed with straight wrenches

Look for offset box-end wrenches that provide better clearance when working in tight spots. Assembling a collection of straight, angled, and offset wrenches will pay dividends over time. An example of these box-end wrenches can be found here.

4. Open-End Wrenches

Unlike box-end wrenches, open-end wrenches have U-shaped openings on both ends, allowing easy access to nuts and bolts in tight spaces. These are some of the most commonly used tools you will handle while working on your car or equipment. It will pay off to get high-quality tools here, as the design is prone to breaking weaker-made tools.

Main Uses:

• Best for making quick adjustments and fast removal of fasteners.
• Ideal for working on large fittings or in areas where a box-end wrench won’t fit, can even get these in a thin style.
• Great for the painful, tight areas where you may get a 1/4 turn every time and can only access the bolt from the side.

A double-ended open wrench with different sizes on each side can provide extra versatility in your toolbox. Different lengths and offsets can help access difficult fasteners easier and with more leverage. As mentioned, the U-shape design can break easier on stubborn bolts, so focus on a strong quality manufacturer with a good warranty. An example of these open-end wrenches can be found here.

5. Ratcheting Wrenches

Ratcheting wrenches combine the functionality of a box-end wrench with a ratcheting mechanism, allowing for continuous motion without needing to remove and reposition the wrench. These are not technically necessary, but the quality of life they provide to mechanics makes me recommend these in even a basic wrench set.

Main Uses:

• Speeds up work by eliminating the need to reposition after each turn.
• Ideal for hard-to-reach bolts where a ratchet and socket may not fit.
• Allows you to use one hand to hold the wrench square on the bolt to remove faster without slipping

Look for reversible ratcheting wrenches that can switch directions easily, making your job even more efficient. Additionally, flex-head and offset versions make these incredible tools to have in your toolbox. An example of these open-end wrenches can be found here.

6. Flare Nut Wrenches (For Brake Lines & Fuel Lines)

Flare nut wrenches, also known as brake line wrenches, have a partially enclosed opening designed specifically for gripping soft metal fittings found on brake and fuel lines.

Main Uses:

• Prevents rounding off soft metal fittings in tight areas
• Essential for working on brake, fuel, and hydraulic lines, we discuss these in our brake line tool article as well
• Provides a better grip than standard open-end wrenches with more torque and less slipping

Always use flare nut wrenches instead of standard open-end wrenches when working with soft metal fittings to prevent damage. These can also be used on sensors such as O2 sensors that are hard to reach at awkward angles and have wires to sleeve over. Just as with the open-end wrenches, the design is prone to breaking, so high-quality manufacturers are worth paying for on these. An example of these ratcheting wrenches can be found here.

Final Thoughts

A full toolbox with the right wrenches is essential for every mechanic, whether you’re working on basic projects or more advanced repairs. Investing in high-quality tools almost always pays off and will not only make your job easier but also ensure longevity and precision without damaging your parts or hardware (and your knuckles too)!

Weekend warriors and hobbyists can definitely use the high-end brands like Snap-On, MAC, and Cornwell professional options, but there are many tool lines directed at the do-it-yourself mechanics, such as Craftsman, Tekton, and Husky. To make the most of your room and stay organized, we recommend these wrench organizers as well.

Whatever brands you decide on, if you focus on a complete/lifetime warranty and accessibility for replacements, you will be good to go. As you break tools (which you will), you may choose to upgrade over time if you start to break the same things multiple times.

For learning what other tools you need to setup your garage, we discuss a lot of the garage and tool essentials here. By equipping yourself with these basic tools early on, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any mechanical job with confidence and build your foundation as you grow your skills and tool collection.