Wrenches

Busted knuckles, strained backs and falls happen when a wrench slips. A properly sized wrench and a pulling motion prevent most of these injuries.

• Construction
• General Industry

Using wrenches safely

• Use the right size. A loose fit rounds off nuts and slips.
• Pull, don’t push. If you must push, use an open palm so your knuckles aren’t in the way.
• Brace yourself in case the wrench slips or the fastener breaks loose suddenly. Watch your balance on ladders and platforms.
• Use box-end or socket wrenches on tight fasteners; open-end wrenches slip more easily.
• Adjustable wrenches: set the jaws snug, and pull so the force goes toward the fixed jaw.
• Pipe wrenches: keep the jaws clean and sharp; leave a small gap between the pipe and the back of the hook jaw.
• Use penetrating oil on rusted fasteners.

• Don’t use a cheater pipe to extend a wrench handle. Use a larger wrench or breaker bar.
• Don’t hammer on a wrench unless it’s a striking wrench made for it.
• Don’t use a wrench with sprung, cracked or worn jaws.
• Don’t use a wrench as a hammer.

Last updated: October 1, 2026