How the pipe wrench works. Part 1

This one is an explanation of how the pipe wrench works. This video is part of the heating and cooling series of training videos made to accompany my websites: www.graycoolingman.com and www.grayfurnaceman.com to pass on what I have learned in many years of service and repair. If you have suggestions or comments they are welcome.
If you are a homeowner looking to repair your own appliance, understand that the voltages can be lethal, the fuels are highly flammable and high pressures are used. Know your limits.

[@Gigabomber]

Never thought I'd be so thankful for a video about wrenches

[@grayfurnaceman]

It is kind of odd when you think about it. GFM

[@elizabethleegstra3744]

Wonderful basics for those of us who live alone and need to learn! Thanks!

[@DOLRED]

Bought 3 different sizes in 1972 and still use them. Just used the largest one (Carefully) last winter to slightly close an old style cast hot water valve to slow the water flow down--balance a zone. The valve was a "screwdriver blade" type valve--very tough to turn. You need to have 2 pipe wrenches. Many cases needing #2 to hold the pipe which you are putting the fitting onto. Or else the primary wrench may turn the pipe as well. Especially if you are removing a fitting from an existing pipe. This you already learned long ago, I'm sure. Thanks for the video!

[@grayfurnaceman]

+DOLRED Yes, I did, but it is not bad to say it again. GFM

[@desertdispatch]

the more I see the swiss style pipe wrench the more I like it

[@Volusiaev]

Same principle as a Crescent Wrench! How idiots still don't see the similarity of this is beyond me! Great video!

[@chriswroads]

they also work great for those condenser fan blades that wont budge on the shaft.

[@amtpdb1]

If you get a chance, it would be nice to see a unit working correctly, restrict the air in the condenser and see the temp and pressure change, and then have it running correctly and restrict the airflow at the evaporator. If you have already done this, could you tell me the video name? Thanks

[@Iblis999]

You saved me from getting roasted

[@punchydrunk]

The most versatile style wrench ever created. Especially after aluminum were being offered, largely cutting weight. I have about 18 various lengths and styles. They are definitely my main tools in the maintenance field. Don't let the name fool you. Not just for pipes. In fact, that probably just 10% of what i use them on. Get off these Channel locks (tongue and groove pliers) people! They are inferior for the tasks y'all are using them on, and put more work on me, down the road with rounded fasteners. Of course this is my opinion. What is not an opinion, it's actually fact, PLIERS ARE NOT A WRENCH!!!

[@grayfurnaceman]

I have to agree. GFM

[@ShinKyuubi]

I got an old one from my grandpa, I was working around with it (it's rather rusted at the nut) and as the main part came out..a rusted spring flew out of the wrench from I don't know where. The spring is old, rusted, and bent at an angle I'm not sure makes it work..now that the spring is gone though it's much looser and doesn't lock up as much as it did. Still works but I don't know if it'll work as well as it did..especially since I don't know WHERE the dang spring came from to put it back in case it's needed.

[@grayfurnaceman]

You were lucky you still had the spring. Most of them flew out decades ago. No great loss. GFM

[@Dyntithius]

ty sir

[@grayfurnaceman]

+Dyntithius Welcome GFM

[@patrickamazed1356]

I once used this on a fucked up bike axle. It did the job.

[@oscarvillalobos2453]

What are the fractions on the wrench used for?

[@grayfurnaceman]

The size of the pipe. GFM

[@oscarvillalobos2453]

@@grayfurnaceman so let's say if I'm going to tighten a 2 Inch pipe I'll just adjust the number to 2?

[@oscarvillalobos2453]

@@grayfurnaceman and if I'm going to tighten a 2 Inch 90 I'll just have to calculate the width which is about 3 1/4 . Since it just goes 1 1/2 2 1/2 3 3/12 and so forth

[@grayfurnaceman]

@@oscarvillalobos2453 I never use the numbers on the wrench. I want the fitting to fit farthest into the jaws without contacting the throat of the jaw. GFM

[@idahodad1]

If So where can you get the teeth replacements for Rigid pipe wrenches?

[@thegreatjellydoughnu]

+Tim Fergel you can get them directly from Rigid there is a parts list available on there site and then you can swap them your self or go to a Rigid Service Center if there available in your area. hope this helps you keep turning the same wrench.

[@stephenfergel6309]

+The Great Jelly Doughnut Thank you, I have an aluminum Rigid that is in desperate need of a new set of jaws. Thanks again.

[@idahodad1]

+The Great Jelly Doughnut I was on my sons side of KZbin when I answered you. Thank you for the info.

[@thegreatjellydoughnu]

+Tim Fergel happy i could help

[@neeloychitan2604]

:) Jam rinch x

[@heavydiesel]

We call them Stillsons here.

[@grayfurnaceman]

+heavydiesel I have heard that. What does the name mean, if anything. GFM

[@heavydiesel]

+grayfurnaceman I think its the inventors name, i have an 18" one made by Record (Irwin) for adjusting legs on milk tanks, I remember saving up to buy it when i first started out, was nearly a weeks wages as an apprentice!

[@farmeryaeg]

+grayfurnaceman en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Chapman_Stillson

[@linandy1]

Is this sometimes called a monkey wrench?

[@grayfurnaceman]

No, the monkey wrench has 2 parallel jaws made for square head fittings. GFM