Our Maintenance crew once got some instruction from a safety engineer about the safe use of handtools. We were told that, when using tongue and groove piers, we should always adjust the handles such that we have the minimal spread between them that still gets a grip on the fastener. To use them with the grips spread too far apart, as you did when demonstrating them, can cause damage to the tendons and ligaments in the palm. He also recommended that, when forced to PUSH on an open end wrench, pipe wrench, or adjustable Cresent-style wrench, it is best to do it with an open palm. If the wrench slips or the fastener suddenly breaks free you are less likely to bust your knuckles if you aren't wrapping your fingers around the wrench's handle. It is also preferred to PULL on a wrench when possible because the bicep will be doing the work and your whole body won't go flying backwards if the wrench slips, for instance. Shoving on a wrench sort of requires leaning your whole body weight into it and you can tumble forward if the wrench slips. These aren't hard and fast "rules" for using the tools, just the things that we were asked to keep in mind when we worked.
looking at the comments it's actually 5 mistakes "we" make 😂😂 it's refreshing to see that when someone points out something that you could have improved on you're able to thank them, you deserve praise for your humility ! so many you tubers lack that !!
Very informative, but the same applies to the Crescent wrench, (adjustable wrench) that you used in the beginning. You put the force against the movable jaw in the wrong direction, and you should be pulling towards the movable jaw.
Every time I post a video I learn something new from viewers like you. I must have completely missed that and didn't even think about it on the adjustable wrench, so thank you!
I came to post the same thing. In the demonstrated use, forces push outward on the moving jaw creating a risk for slipping off &/or rounding the fastener, when used the correct way that jaw is pushed downward, into the handle of the tool, locking it firmly in place.
that's incorrect. when you turn the nut with an adjustable wrench, the force should be applied as close to the base of the moveable jaw as possible, to minimize leverage against the slide mechanism.
@@kenbrown2808 youtu[dot]be/I9BAPAfVSyE?feature=shared&t=119 youtu[dot]be/qsHomDTTRXo?feature=shared youtu[dot]be/r1yGfwyFsh4?feature=shared each video discusses the proper way to use an adjustable wrench, and the forces at play for why it's the correct way.
looking at the comments it's actually 5 mistakes "we" make it's refreshing to see that when someone points out something that you could have improved on you're able to thank them, you deserve praise for your humility ! so many you tubers lack that !!
I would argue that the slip joint pliers should have been opened one more slot :) They should be adjusted so that the handles are as close to parallel as possible.
@@poa2.0surface77 if you are using knipex cobra pliers it is impossible to get pinched between handles. Maybe its time for you to upgrade to a quality plier.
As I watched, I was thinking, "This is nothing I don't already know"' until you got to the part about the 3 points of contact and pipe wrench release trick. Never too old to learn.
Thank you so much for this video - I couldn’t remove the hoses from my washing machine - watched your video and - what a difference!- easily loosened just like you said! The 3 point contact was especially helpful!!!
Thank you for the video. I knew about the first and second mistake, and about the hidden mistake you made at 1:16 (and by the way, even standard non adjustable wrenches have a good and bad direction of rotation; the angle in the wrench must be "wrapping" when applying force, just as with adjustable wrenches) But I never knew about the 3 points contacts in pipe wrench or channel lock. Thank you so much for this explanation 🙂😉
Good information about these two tools. I see many people use the slip joint pliers backwards and not have 3 points of contact with both of these tools. BTW - It should be noted that, while using the adjustable wrench on the fitting, you used them backwards ... another common mistake many people make. They should also be used in the same direction of handle pull to jaws as the pipe wrench to keep the force of use from opening the jaws.
Thank you Nils. I _knew_ there was a reason for the wobble but as I'd inherited from Grandpa, I just thought that it was relaxing into its old age. Now I'll have to dig it out and go round the house looking for excuses to use it! Many thanks from over yonder in London.
I realize that the nut you were loosening was only hand-tight. Been there. Done that. Being picky but I was taught that the moveable jaw needs to be pointed in the direction of rotation. This puts the force against the fixed jaw while the adjustable jaw keeps the wrench on the flats. Using it the other way puts all the force on the the moveable jaw and may damage it. I was also taught to only use an adjustable wrench when a proper sized wrench was not available. Adjustables have a tendency to slip off and damage the flats as well as the users knuckles. Many years ago, I was on my first job and the old timer I was with gave me an adjustable and told me to remove a filter from it's canister. I looked at the wrenches sitting there and her told me to use the adjustable. Later, he told me that he did that to see if I used the adjustable correctly. I had and he had passed that along to my new boss.
you were taught incorrectly. the force will always be split between the fixed and movable jaw. just like with a pipe wrench, you want the movable jaw to be pulling on the nut with the base, rather than pushing on the nut with the tip.an adjustable wrench will always be more likely to roll off if the force is toward the tip of the movable jaw.
You WERE taught correctly! I think @kenbrown just misunderstood you, so disregard his comment. Everyone on here commented about how he was using them the wrong way, so don't worry...you were taught the right way
@@purdyboi8078 multiple people being wrong doesn't make them right. with a Crescent style wrench, it works best when it is oriented so the force is against the BASE of the movable jaw, instead of against the TIP. if your wrench is a cheap knockoff, applying the pressure at the tip of the jaw will cause it to roll off the nut.
Thanks for this. These tools are so different than woodworking tools but if you love tools, it comes in handy to know the basics on how to properly use them in the many home diy maintenance situations.
Good video. We all hate adjustable wrenches , but we all have therm and we all use them when we know we shouldn't. I worked in a mill once where they actually took them away and outlawed them.. (Too many rounded nuts) I didn't know about using the pivot slop in the pipe wrench. Been using them all my life.
I have 5 pipe wrenches. None of them purchased. Two are antique monsters to me. A 20" and a 24". Both received as part payment for jobs i did. Two are Rigid aluminum that i found in a cardboard box at the landfill, brand new. The 5th is an 60 year old Japanese 6 inch that comes in very handy. I inherited that one from my Dad.😊
Gotta disagree on the three points of contact on the pipe wrench. In a perfect world maybe, but if you are working in a hole, or tight space having the pipe all the way back in the throat could cause slippage. Also can lovk the wrench on to the pipe making it impossible to ratchet and remove the wrench. When working with metal pipes, alot of jobs involve old rusted, froze up pipes and the last concern is crushing it. Just getting a good grip, half way on the jaws and so the jaws are parallel is the way to go. And properly sized wrench as well. Bonus tip, they make offset pipe wrenches and pipe wrenches oriented like a Cresent (adjustable) wrench too that are so much better to work with in most cases...
Might be worth adding the “strap wrench” to this list as well. Literally an adjustable rubber lasso that tightens through a handle and had ridges to lock onto a surface you don’t want to mar or crush. Only caveat is how strong you are. For example it can be used to tighten a bathtub faucet perfectly and doesn’t damage the finish in the spout whatsoever.
Good job on the video. The adjustable wrench you used is designed with directional use also. You used the wrench backwards when you loosened the nut. You have maximum turning and force applied when turning.
I work these these tools almost daily with a large crew of guys and it shocks me how many people don't use channel locks correctly. Even an adjustable wrench is only meant to turn one direction.
Another great video Nils. I wish I had known these methods two decades ago, would have saved me a lot of time and money (and extra trips to the hardware store).
Channellock makes tongue/groove (parallel) pliers with a smooth jaw (no teeth) to prevent leaving teeth marks on metal fittings > Channellock 415 10-Inch Smooth Jaw Tongue.
Another important reason for the three points of contact is to reduce the risk of distorting the shape or roundness of the pipe. One thing I am not clear on is if a crescent wrench should only be used in one direction. I see you used it in the opposite direction I have been educated to use it for.
@LRN2DIY Your first mistake was also using the adjustable Crescent BACKWARDS at 1:13 in video. If you use the crescent wrench the way you did you put stress on the weakest part of the tool the adjustable section instead of the stronger part the solid part made directly to the handle.
I prefer to use my Knipex. Leave my Channellocks for wire cutting. As others have said, Channellock is a brand name that makes lots of different tools. Also, again, as others have said, use smooth jaw pump pliers for finished material. Otherwise, this is a very informative video. 👍
Not technically true they are called tongue and groove pliers too. It's kind of like crescent with crescent wrenches aka adjustable wrenches or adjustable spanners. They get called this because channel lock invented the tongue groove pliers and I know crescent invented the adjustable wrench. I will say this the guy who invented tongue and groove pliers(Howard Manning) actually did patent the name channellock for them so it isn't technically incorrect to call them channellock pliers because that's what the patent says. It's like when people argue about silencers and suppressors saying you're calling the wrong thing if you call him a silencer which is incorrect because the patent for the design was actually called a silencer but it is appropriate to call them suppressors as well because that's what they actually do.
As a 38 year veteran of the fire sprinkler trade (We use wrenches!) I wanted to critique your show but... I got bored. So I'll just comment on your shirt. MY motto was always: "Measure twice, cut three times!" 😎
A plumber friend said that slip joint pliers have a locking feature that he never demonstrated. The only time they ever locked for me was when the cheap ones popped out of their own groove under pressure.
Good information, well presented. Am sure you've been told many times, you are a doppelgänger for Damien Lewis that portrayed Major Richard Winters in "Band of Brothers" (HBO, 2001)
Same application...except if you don't want to leave any marring on the finish of whatever you're using it on. They're called smooth-jawed water pump pliers
So many things to point out here. Mostly that if people don't know the proper way to use a wrench then they probably shouldn't be attempting home repairs. Diy people need to enroll in an apprenticeship program not run to the nearest home center to gain advice from people that don't know their names without looking at their name tags!
I would argue that the slip joint pliers should have been opened one more slot :) They should be adjusted so that the handles are as close to parallel as possible.
3 point contact, well, maybe. Gettin the jaws on straight is more important. Because you were working in a vice, there was no need to mention the most important rule: Pipe wrench’s and Channelocks are best used in pairs. One wrench to hold the rest of the piping still and the other to tighten or loosen the nipple or fitting being worked.
Great tip on gow to properly orient pipe wrenches and slip joint pliers, then you used an adjustable wrench backwards. The same thing applies to them as well. The way you used itt applies all the force on the weaker adjustable jaw rather than the stronger fixed jaw.
you are incorrect. both directions will apply force to the adjustable jaw, but the direction he turned it applies the force to the strong base of the jaw, where the adjusting mechanism can withstand it best, rather than the tip where leverage can cause it to flex. set a Crescent (tm) wrench on top of a pipe wrench with the movable jaw in the same orientation. that might illustrate the point. (the handles will be offset by 90 degrees)
@@kenbrown2808 with a crescent wrench in your hand like you are shaking hands with it the fixed jaw should be on top and the adjustable jaw on the bottom same as water pump pliers or a pipe wrench and you push the handle down
@@kellybell9235 so you are saying he should have rotated the wrench 120 degrees around the pipe but kept the jaws in the same orientation? that is acceptable, but really pulling or pushing on the handle only affects the angle of approach to the nut. it is the orientation of the jaws that is important, and he had the jaws oriented correctly.
You put the adjustable wrench on the nut backwards. When using it the way you did, If you have to use a lot of force it tends to push the jaws apart and increases the chance of rounding off the nut. The handle is at an angle to the jaws for a reason. Wrong about the pipe wrench as well. You want two points of contact to take advantage of the leverage to improve the grip. Take the jaw out of the wrench and you will find a little spring inside the wrench. Put your thinking cap on and tell us why they did that. For a quick lesson in leverage try to use the channel locks backwards.
Why does it seem to me that everyone in these comments has never used a wrench? A simple wrench is angled. In a tight space with few degrees of rotation available the way the wrench faces matters because it will sit differently on the work. Also, adjustable wrenches shouldn't be adjustable by the work itself. Yours may be busted. -EDCs 4'' adjustable wrench and knipex raptor pliers.. Just go use one for yourself. I'm wrong 😂
Just as I was about to tell you the pipe wrench wasn’t opened enough….. One thing important is that quality like rigid brand is best ,also years ago when we ran galvanized we could,knock out the pin and put a new lower jaw on the wrench.
@@purdyboi8078 okay. nope. put the force at the BASE of the movable jaw, not the TIP, so the jaw has more leverage to hold its shape, just like with the pipe wrench. just like anything else that you want to avoid bending or breaking. put the force at the SHORT end of the lever, instead of the LONG end.
Old timers called pipe wrenches “Stilsons” because they were manufactured by a company by that name. Stilton was printed on the handle in large letters.
Guy giving advice on how to use tools demonstrates using an adjustable spanner backwards within the first section of the video. The springs will let a pipe wrench release to rotate backwards it doesn't get any more self explanatory than that. Gravity is a horrible assistant when plumbing. 3 points of contact is also wrong. Also the pump pliers needed to be open one more notch.
Wrong on slip joint pliers. Your fingers are too far apart making your grip too weak. Move to the next slot so your fingers are closer together amd you can put more pressure on the jaws. Jaw pressure is more important than throat contact.
putting a boxed end wrench on a fitting to hold the valve from turning is not the right approach, using an open end or adjustable wrench on the back side of the valve is the right way if you notice the valve is shaped to hold to hold a wrench. if that valve was on really tight, you could break the smaller fitting off. he does have some info to follow but some not so good.
I’m sorry, as a master plumber with 52 years of experience, 3-points of contact is ridiculous. This will insure more slippage. You want the pipe in the back of the jaws, but not touching the back. It’s about the geometry that force is applied with the jaws of the wrench, not 3-points of contact. Just think about it, if you needed that extra point of contact, manufacturers would have given you a dedicated flat or toothed surface for this contact. Also throw away your Channel Lock or other grooved pliers and buy yourself a good set of “water pump” pliers. They are easier to adjust, and stand up to water and mud much better
It's important to always give your wrench 1/4 turn backwards in order to engage the super secret locking mode those fat cats in Washington don't want you to know about.
Tip 1.. Do NOT EVER use the outlet of a valve for leverage. It is the thinnest and weakest part. The body of the valve is made to accept a standard wrench so people don't breaks it like you just advised . How's about getting some actual wrenches before giving such worthless and dangerous advice??!!??!!. Tip 2. A pipe wrench will only work one way which makes it impossible to make a "mistake" .. Was Tip 3 just a list the names commonly used for Water-Pump pliers?? SO, there was only 1 tip and if followed, will result in a broken valve.... This is a little embarrassing...
These” and “those” are for more than one. The word one means only one. So, it is completely wrong to say these ones. You should not say “I like these ones.” Or “I like those ones.” It is okay to say, “I like this one.” and “I like the red ones.” Use an adjective to describe the object.💥
Nobody needs to show anybody if you do it backwards, you won’t have any grip. If you do it forward you’ll have a grip it’s self-explanatory and if someone isn’t smart enough to figure that out, you’re not gonna be able to explain it to him.
I’ve literally never seen anyone ever use a pipe wrench backwards… at least outside of these videos inventing issues that don’t occur. lol maybe someone…
The municipality contracted with a non union plumbing shop to change the meters in homes and i had the pleasure of watching the "plumber" that came to my house completely chew up the old meter, then promptly chew up the new meter upon installation, the "plumber" as most scab shops had never completed a full certified apprenticeship, never been taught how to use correctly his cast iron Harbor freight pipe wrenches, but hey! they were the low bidder.😂🤣
![Largest Pipe Wrench I've Ever Seen [Restoration]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MQ9AvvrXhaQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![Largest Pipe Wrench I've Ever Seen [Restoration]](/img/tr.png)
Our Maintenance crew once got some instruction from a safety engineer about the safe use of handtools. We were told that, when using tongue and groove piers, we should always adjust the handles such that we have the minimal spread between them that still gets a grip on the fastener. To use them with the grips spread too far apart, as you did when demonstrating them, can cause damage to the tendons and ligaments in the palm. He also recommended that, when forced to PUSH on an open end wrench, pipe wrench, or adjustable Cresent-style wrench, it is best to do it with an open palm. If the wrench slips or the fastener suddenly breaks free you are less likely to bust your knuckles if you aren't wrapping your fingers around the wrench's handle. It is also preferred to PULL on a wrench when possible because the bicep will be doing the work and your whole body won't go flying backwards if the wrench slips, for instance. Shoving on a wrench sort of requires leaning your whole body weight into it and you can tumble forward if the wrench slips. These aren't hard and fast "rules" for using the tools, just the things that we were asked to keep in mind when we worked.
looking at the comments it's actually 5 mistakes "we" make 😂😂 it's refreshing to see that when someone points out something that you could have improved on you're able to thank them, you deserve praise for your humility ! so many you tubers lack that !!
Very informative, but the same applies to the Crescent wrench, (adjustable wrench) that you used in the beginning. You put the force against the movable jaw in the wrong direction, and you should be pulling towards the movable jaw.
Every time I post a video I learn something new from viewers like you. I must have completely missed that and didn't even think about it on the adjustable wrench, so thank you!
I came to post the same thing. In the demonstrated use, forces push outward on the moving jaw creating a risk for slipping off &/or rounding the fastener, when used the correct way that jaw is pushed downward, into the handle of the tool, locking it firmly in place.
Came to say the same. I always remember it (for all these tools) as pushing/pulling TOWARD the open end of the mouth.
that's incorrect. when you turn the nut with an adjustable wrench, the force should be applied as close to the base of the moveable jaw as possible, to minimize leverage against the slide mechanism.
@@kenbrown2808 youtu[dot]be/I9BAPAfVSyE?feature=shared&t=119
youtu[dot]be/qsHomDTTRXo?feature=shared
youtu[dot]be/r1yGfwyFsh4?feature=shared
each video discusses the proper way to use an adjustable wrench, and the forces at play for why it's the correct way.
looking at the comments it's actually 5 mistakes "we" make it's refreshing to see that when someone points out something that you could have improved on you're able to thank them, you deserve praise for your humility ! so many you tubers lack that !!
I would argue that the slip joint pliers should have been opened one more slot :) They should be adjusted so that the handles are as close to parallel as possible.
Excellent point! I always learn from the comments section so thanks for sharing. I'll have to pay closer attention to that.
@@LRN2DIY you are correct the handles were to far apart
@@poa2.0surface77 if you are using knipex cobra pliers it is impossible to get pinched between handles. Maybe its time for you to upgrade to a quality plier.
As I watched, I was thinking, "This is nothing I don't already know"' until you got to the part about the 3 points of contact and pipe wrench release trick. Never too old to learn.
Great Video with history of the tool inventor for the pipe wrench! Dig this video!!!
The most perfect video on this topic. I can't thank you enough for this informative video.
Thank you so much for this video - I couldn’t remove the hoses from my washing machine - watched your video and - what a difference!- easily loosened just like you said! The 3 point contact was especially helpful!!!
Thank you for the video. I knew about the first and second mistake, and about the hidden mistake you made at 1:16 (and by the way, even standard non adjustable wrenches have a good and bad direction of rotation; the angle in the wrench must be "wrapping" when applying force, just as with adjustable wrenches)
But I never knew about the 3 points contacts in pipe wrench or channel lock. Thank you so much for this explanation 🙂😉
Good information about these two tools. I see many people use the slip joint pliers backwards and not have 3 points of contact with both of these tools. BTW - It should be noted that, while using the adjustable wrench on the fitting, you used them backwards ... another common mistake many people make. They should also be used in the same direction of handle pull to jaws as the pipe wrench to keep the force of use from opening the jaws.
Thank you Nils.
I _knew_ there was a reason for the wobble but as I'd inherited from Grandpa, I just thought that it was relaxing into its old age.
Now I'll have to dig it out and go round the house looking for excuses to use it!
Many thanks from over yonder in London.
That's funny cause yonder is very common in the Southern American dialect
I realize that the nut you were loosening was only hand-tight. Been there. Done that. Being picky but I was taught that the moveable jaw needs to be pointed in the direction of rotation. This puts the force against the fixed jaw while the adjustable jaw keeps the wrench on the flats. Using it the other way puts all the force on the the moveable jaw and may damage it. I was also taught to only use an adjustable wrench when a proper sized wrench was not available. Adjustables have a tendency to slip off and damage the flats as well as the users knuckles. Many years ago, I was on my first job and the old timer I was with gave me an adjustable and told me to remove a filter from it's canister. I looked at the wrenches sitting there and her told me to use the adjustable. Later, he told me that he did that to see if I used the adjustable correctly. I had and he had passed that along to my new boss.
you were taught incorrectly. the force will always be split between the fixed and movable jaw. just like with a pipe wrench, you want the movable jaw to be pulling on the nut with the base, rather than pushing on the nut with the tip.an adjustable wrench will always be more likely to roll off if the force is toward the tip of the movable jaw.
You WERE taught correctly! I think @kenbrown just misunderstood you, so disregard his comment. Everyone on here commented about how he was using them the wrong way, so don't worry...you were taught the right way
@@purdyboi8078 multiple people being wrong doesn't make them right. with a Crescent style wrench, it works best when it is oriented so the force is against the BASE of the movable jaw, instead of against the TIP. if your wrench is a cheap knockoff, applying the pressure at the tip of the jaw will cause it to roll off the nut.
Glad to see you added the section about the 3 point contact. Because that has always been my rule of thumb, though 3 points form a square.
Thanks, Jeff. Helps to not crush the pipe and to prevent slippage too. Hope you're doing well, brother!
Thanks for this. These tools are so different than woodworking tools but if you love tools, it comes in handy to know the basics on how to properly use them in the many home diy maintenance situations.
Good video. We all hate adjustable wrenches , but we all have therm and we all use them when we know we shouldn't. I worked in a mill once where they actually took them away and outlawed them.. (Too many rounded nuts) I didn't know about using the pivot slop in the pipe wrench. Been using them all my life.
I have 5 pipe wrenches. None of them purchased. Two are antique monsters to me. A 20" and a 24". Both received as part payment for jobs i did. Two are Rigid aluminum that i found in a cardboard box at the landfill, brand new. The 5th is an 60 year old Japanese 6 inch that comes in very handy. I inherited that one from my Dad.😊
That's awesome. I think I have three and I only purchased one. Two are from my late father-in-law since those things will outlive us all!
Gotta disagree on the three points of contact on the pipe wrench. In a perfect world maybe, but if you are working in a hole, or tight space having the pipe all the way back in the throat could cause slippage. Also can lovk the wrench on to the pipe making it impossible to ratchet and remove the wrench.
When working with metal pipes, alot of jobs involve old rusted, froze up pipes and the last concern is crushing it. Just getting a good grip, half way on the jaws and so the jaws are parallel is the way to go. And properly sized wrench as well. Bonus tip, they make offset pipe wrenches and pipe wrenches oriented like a Cresent (adjustable) wrench too that are so much better to work with in most cases...
Might be worth adding the “strap wrench” to this list as well. Literally an adjustable rubber lasso that tightens through a handle and had ridges to lock onto a surface you don’t want to mar or crush.
Only caveat is how strong you are. For example it can be used to tighten a bathtub faucet perfectly and doesn’t damage the finish in the spout whatsoever.
Great point, James. Those are pretty awesome in a lot of cases.
Good job on the video. The adjustable wrench you used is designed with directional use also.
You used the wrench backwards when you loosened the nut. You have maximum turning and force applied when turning.
Yeah, am surprised that to see that he made that mistake in a tutorial of proper way to use wenches.
I work these these tools almost daily with a large crew of guys and it shocks me how many people don't use channel locks correctly. Even an adjustable wrench is only meant to turn one direction.
Another great video Nils. I wish I had known these methods two decades ago, would have saved me a lot of time and money (and extra trips to the hardware store).
Thanks, Mitch! We need some sort of a "how to use tools" class in high school, right?
The three point contact is important, it prevents crushing the pipe.
Very helpful. Thank you very much.
Very informative video.
Thanks LRN2DIY. I never had anyone to teach me any of this growing up! And I learned today from you!
Have been born and raised in the town where your pipe wrench was made, I learned these lessons at an early age.
Haha got me Nils! It was driving me nuts watching you loosen and tighten the pipe until you showed #3 😂
Great info! Never really thought about three points of contact.
Hmm, @5:15 all these years, I never pressed down to release the jaws. Go figure.
Simple and clear. I actually learned something too, bonus.
Channellock makes tongue/groove (parallel) pliers with a smooth jaw (no teeth) to prevent leaving teeth marks on metal fittings > Channellock 415 10-Inch Smooth Jaw Tongue.
Thx! Immediately helped
No offense, but at 1:13 aren't using the adjustable wrench upside down?
Great informative video as always Nills!
Thanks, Shawn!
Another important reason for the three points of contact is to reduce the risk of distorting the shape or roundness of the pipe. One thing I am not clear on is if a crescent wrench should only be used in one direction. I see you used it in the opposite direction I have been educated to use it for.
You are correct. He was wrong.
@LRN2DIY Your first mistake was also using the adjustable Crescent BACKWARDS at 1:13 in video. If you use the crescent wrench the way you did you put stress on the weakest part of the tool the adjustable section instead of the stronger part the solid part made directly to the handle.
Very helpful
Great info, thanks.
For non-marring, you can also use a smooth jaw pipe wrench. Great for very tight finish fittings.
That's called a monkey wrench and yes they are nice for not marring fixtures.
Good job, 👍👍
Most adjustable wrenches also have a direction for gripping.
As a retired, professional remodeler, my master plumber (of 40 years) called the adjustable wrench "parrot-nose pliers"😄
3 points of contact is so far down the things of importance. Great video about the other 2!
I prefer to use my Knipex. Leave my Channellocks for wire cutting. As others have said, Channellock is a brand name that makes lots of different tools. Also, again, as others have said, use smooth jaw pump pliers for finished material. Otherwise, this is a very informative video. 👍
Not technically true they are called tongue and groove pliers too. It's kind of like crescent with crescent wrenches aka adjustable wrenches or adjustable spanners. They get called this because channel lock invented the tongue groove pliers and I know crescent invented the adjustable wrench. I will say this the guy who invented tongue and groove pliers(Howard Manning) actually did patent the name channellock for them so it isn't technically incorrect to call them channellock pliers because that's what the patent says. It's like when people argue about silencers and suppressors saying you're calling the wrong thing if you call him a silencer which is incorrect because the patent for the design was actually called a silencer but it is appropriate to call them suppressors as well because that's what they actually do.
The Chanellock #410 is made to grab onto pipe, round, rounded, … items. I’m a semiretired HVAC&R tech
As a 38 year veteran of the fire sprinkler trade (We use wrenches!) I wanted to critique your show but... I got bored. So I'll just comment on your shirt. MY motto was always: "Measure twice, cut three times!" 😎
I see most plumbers on you tube constantly using Channellock's backwards for some reason my dad would yell at us if we used it backwards LOL
A plumber friend said that slip joint pliers have a locking feature that he never demonstrated. The only time they ever locked for me was when the cheap ones popped out of their own groove under pressure.
I love how in the first example of using an adjustable wrench to loosen a nut, he uses it in the wrong direction.
Good information, well presented.
Am sure you've been told many times, you are a doppelgänger for Damien Lewis that portrayed Major Richard Winters in "Band of Brothers" (HBO, 2001)
Thx that was informative
Another common name for the pipe wrench is a Stillson Wrench -- also a brand name.
Take care and God Bless.
I have channels locks that have no teeth. In fact, they are completely smooth. What would those be used for? Thanks for all this info.
Same application...except if you don't want to leave any marring on the finish of whatever you're using it on. They're called smooth-jawed water pump pliers
So many things to point out here. Mostly that if people don't know the proper way to use a wrench then they probably shouldn't be attempting home repairs. Diy people need to enroll in an apprenticeship program not run to the nearest home center to gain advice from people that don't know their names without looking at their name tags!
1:17 was this the way the adjustable wrench should be used, shouldn't the short/small head be pointing in the direction of the turn, I'm just asking?
Yes!
I would argue that the slip joint pliers should have been opened one more slot :) They should be adjusted so that the handles are as close to parallel as possible.
Thanks.
Nice t-shirt.
Things I don't, and need, to know, including the additional comments below. Thanks, Nils & all!
3 point contact, well, maybe. Gettin the jaws on straight is more important. Because you were working in a vice, there was no need to mention the most important rule:
Pipe wrench’s and Channelocks are best used in pairs. One wrench to hold the rest of the piping still and the other to tighten or loosen the nipple or fitting being worked.
Great tip on gow to properly orient pipe wrenches and slip joint pliers, then you used an adjustable wrench backwards. The same thing applies to them as well. The way you used itt applies all the force on the weaker adjustable jaw rather than the stronger fixed jaw.
you are incorrect. both directions will apply force to the adjustable jaw, but the direction he turned it applies the force to the strong base of the jaw, where the adjusting mechanism can withstand it best, rather than the tip where leverage can cause it to flex. set a Crescent (tm) wrench on top of a pipe wrench with the movable jaw in the same orientation. that might illustrate the point. (the handles will be offset by 90 degrees)
@@kenbrown2808 with a crescent wrench in your hand like you are shaking hands with it the fixed jaw should be on top and the adjustable jaw on the bottom same as water pump pliers or a pipe wrench and you push the handle down
@@kellybell9235 so you are saying he should have rotated the wrench 120 degrees around the pipe but kept the jaws in the same orientation? that is acceptable, but really pulling or pushing on the handle only affects the angle of approach to the nut. it is the orientation of the jaws that is important, and he had the jaws oriented correctly.
@@kenbrown2808 what I’m saying is he should have flipped the adjustable wrench over to turn the nut the direction he was turning it
Let's call this one for beginners only!
Do one on Vice-grips!
Even the crescent wrench works the same way.
You put the adjustable wrench on the nut backwards. When using it the way you did, If you have to use a lot of force it tends to push the jaws apart and increases the chance of rounding off the nut. The handle is at an angle to the jaws for a reason. Wrong about the pipe wrench as well. You want two points of contact to take advantage of the leverage to improve the grip. Take the jaw out of the wrench and you will find a little spring inside the wrench. Put your thinking cap on and tell us why they did that. For a quick lesson in leverage try to use the channel locks backwards.
Why does it seem to me that everyone in these comments has never used a wrench? A simple wrench is angled. In a tight space with few degrees of rotation available the way the wrench faces matters because it will sit differently on the work. Also, adjustable wrenches shouldn't be adjustable by the work itself. Yours may be busted.
-EDCs 4'' adjustable wrench and knipex raptor pliers..
Just go use one for yourself. I'm wrong 😂
Anybody who can't figure this out by themselves should not own wrenches.
1:15 I would never grip the compression fitting to hold that in place. Put another wrench on the body of the valve.
Just as I was about to tell you the pipe wrench wasn’t opened enough….. One thing important is that quality like rigid brand is best ,also years ago when we ran galvanized we could,knock out the pin and put a new lower jaw on the wrench.
At 1:15 The adjustable wrench should be on the other way.
nope. put the force at the base of the movable jaw, not the tip, just like with the pipe wrench.
@@kenbrown2808 Which he did not do. I can't post the link to show you.
@@kenbrown2808 Nope, you're wrong. Try again ken.
@@purdyboi8078 okay.
nope. put the force at the BASE of the movable jaw, not the TIP, so the jaw has more leverage to hold its shape, just like with the pipe wrench. just like anything else that you want to avoid bending or breaking. put the force at the SHORT end of the lever, instead of the LONG end.
Yeah he's an adjustable wrench The thing that rounds off more nuts than anything that's a good second choice to the pipe wrench
Old timers called pipe wrenches “Stilsons” because they were manufactured by a company by that name. Stilton was printed on the handle in large letters.
Guy giving advice on how to use tools demonstrates using an adjustable spanner backwards within the first section of the video. The springs will let a pipe wrench release to rotate backwards it doesn't get any more self explanatory than that. Gravity is a horrible assistant when plumbing. 3 points of contact is also wrong. Also the pump pliers needed to be open one more notch.
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Wrong on slip joint pliers.
Your fingers are too far apart making your grip too weak. Move to the next slot so your fingers are closer together amd you can put more pressure on the jaws.
Jaw pressure is more important than throat contact.
It's almost impossible to use a pipe wrench in the wrong direction. An adjustable can brake if used in the wrong direction or strip the nut.
1:14 ...really? In a video intended to show the correct direction to use a tool you turn the adjustable wrench the wrong direction. FAIL
I came to be informed and the very first thing you did was use the adjustable wrench the wrong way, how can I trust anything else?
putting a boxed end wrench on a fitting to hold the valve from turning is not the right approach, using an open end or adjustable wrench on the back side of the valve is the right way if you notice the valve is shaped to hold to hold a wrench. if that valve was on really tight, you could break the smaller fitting off. he does have some info to follow but some not so good.
You need to go into how to properly hold the wrenches.
Or a vacum cleaner a Hoover
👍🏼
I’m sorry, as a master plumber with 52 years of experience, 3-points of contact is ridiculous. This will insure more slippage. You want the pipe in the back of the jaws, but not touching the back. It’s about the geometry that force is applied with the jaws of the wrench, not 3-points of contact. Just think about it, if you needed that extra point of contact, manufacturers would have given you a dedicated flat or toothed surface for this contact. Also throw away your Channel Lock or other grooved pliers and buy yourself a good set of “water pump” pliers. They are easier to adjust, and stand up to water and mud much better
You are correct in your assertion but the word you wanted was ‘ensure’, not ‘insure’…
It's important to always give your wrench 1/4 turn backwards in order to engage the super secret locking mode those fat cats in Washington don't want you to know about.
I’ll I got to say is Knipex.
Wish I had a father that taught me the basics🤣 UA-cam is my father
Tip 1.. Do NOT EVER use the outlet of a valve for leverage. It is the thinnest and weakest part. The body of the valve is made to accept a standard wrench so people don't breaks it like you just advised . How's about getting some actual wrenches before giving such worthless and dangerous advice??!!??!!. Tip 2. A pipe wrench will only work one way which makes it impossible to make a "mistake" .. Was Tip 3 just a list the names commonly used for Water-Pump pliers?? SO, there was only 1 tip and if followed, will result in a broken valve.... This is a little embarrassing...
These” and “those” are for more than one. The word one means only one. So, it is completely wrong to say these ones. You should not say “I like these ones.” Or “I like those ones.” It is okay to say, “I like this one.” and “I like the red ones.” Use an adjective to describe the object.💥
That is not a slip joint plier.
Everything thing was correct except the crescent wrench, you had it backwards 😢
Locking Pliers. Channel Lock is a brand name.
The piece making contact with the back of the hook jaw is actually incorrect per Ridgid tool company. All else is legit though.
There's no such thing as channellocks. They're called adjustable pliers, and besides the name is called Channellock.
Yes, Channellock is a brand name, not a type.
Nobody needs to show anybody if you do it backwards, you won’t have any grip. If you do it forward you’ll have a grip it’s self-explanatory and if someone isn’t smart enough to figure that out, you’re not gonna be able to explain it to him.
This is just like a kindergarten class
And he used the Crescent wrench the wrong way. Lol
I’ve literally never seen anyone ever use a pipe wrench backwards… at least outside of these videos inventing issues that don’t occur. lol maybe someone…
FYI stopped watching at1:22 you're using the adjustable wrench backward
The municipality contracted with a non union plumbing shop to change the meters in homes and i had the pleasure of watching the "plumber" that came to my house completely chew up the old meter, then promptly chew up the new meter upon installation, the "plumber" as most scab shops had never completed a full certified apprenticeship, never been taught how to use correctly his cast iron Harbor freight pipe wrenches, but hey! they were the low bidder.😂🤣