How to Use a Pipe Wrench

How does a pipe wrench work? Demonstration of how to correctly use a pipe wrench to grip a soft iron pipe or round fittings.
Learn how to properly grip a pipe using a pipe wrench. If a pipe wrench, also sometimes called a Stillson wrench or a stillson's, is used on hard pipe, the wrench's ridged jaws can not bite into the pipe and the wrench could slip. The proper size pipe wrench must be used for different sizes of pipe.
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[@Know-How-Now]

Link to other Know How Now plumbing videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLvce66kQTjJTz0cqcI_HDnaLbNLDONCVP There are hundreds of videos at Know How Now, subscribe so you can always find the channel…. It’s free. I always respect your time and do my best to keep the videos brief, but informative. Check out the channel with this link: www.youtube.com/@Know-How-Now/videos

[@bruceczar880]

Excellent instructional. Articulate, clear & concise, minus the stupid extraneous ramblings of so many other how-to KZbin's.

[@Know-How-Now]

I try to keep the videos direct, short and informative. Thanks for confirming that I've met my goal!

[@eddiecollins6258]

That tip to release the wrench from the pipe was gold! Excellent video, thank you!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Eddie!

[@robbie1212]

Wow, never knew that, very interesting

[@marshallgoggins5450]

@@Know-How-Now Can u pls explain why the wrench must have a titled jaw. And what are the essential point one must notice when design a wrench? The mechanism in pipe wrench is hard to understand, I designed one myself, but it doesn’t work smoothly as the bought one. The one I designed can only grab the pipe when it’s close enough to the pipe, a little distance will cause the failure, I don’t know where went wrong.

[@Know-How-Now]

Hi Jason, That's impressive you are designing your own wrench. I don't have any experience with design, your question is beyond my knowledge and experience.

[@marshallgoggins5450]

@@Know-How-Now okay, thanks for your reply, if u know anyone who is familiar with the mechanism, could you pls note me a little bit? I’m working on an automatic wrench system, but the mechanism seems like the only part that won’t work with me, I can really use some help. Just sayin, if it’s not too much to ask, thanks anyway.🙏🙏🙏

[@fractuured1]

Couldn't get my wrench off the pipe, and, lo and behold, all I had to do was push in on the bottom leg of the upper jaw. Thanks for the instructions before I resorted to throwing the thing in the river!! (And it's always a bonus when we can learn from some of the helpful comments, as well.)

[@Know-How-Now]

It's my pleasure, Crystal. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Good to hear your wrench didn't end up in the river. lol.

[@omnilife691]

After 30 years I never knew the tip to release the pipe, thank you!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome!

[@gitfunfel9849]

this is the best movie! perfectly explained, clearly, concisely and lucidly. thank you.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@silverestore]

To prevent bite marks on threads, try wrapping a piece of leather around the threads then applying the jaws.

[@TheLboogie330]

Or just stay off of them ?

[@legendarypillow1450]

They don’t matter

[@gial8862]

@@TheLboogie330 3:50. hes talking about fittings with threads.

[@trueindianbharat4657]

So useful ! Loaded with tons of practical knowledge in a crisp video.

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment, it's always great to hear the video has been helpful.

[@joejeffery8581]

Thanks for the clear, efficient explanation

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the feed back and compliment. I was aiming for clear and efficient.

[@GeoMatRay]

Very clear and well-done tutorial, presented articulately, no rambling to needlessly elongate the video... Liked and subscribed!

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliments and for supporting the channel and subscribing. Your support is greatly appreciated.

[@belletebellete8473]

Straight forward and to the point. Thank you.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, thanks for commenting.

[@whoisprep4386]

Best video I’ve seen so far on how to actually use this tool. Thanks for being so thorough.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching the video and taking the time to comment.

[@xpmark1]

Thanks, very good job explaining.Very clear and concise in a pleasing relaxing tone of voice,inspires learning.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. Thank you for the compliment. I do my best to make quality videos.

[@orchishgrunt7888]

Wow... Nicely constructed! The only thing I'd appreciate more are some hints and tips, but there are a few in the comments and honestly I really enjoyed how informative this video was describing these essential details about how to properly and safely use a pipe wrench :) I had no idea that they had a basic ratchet-style feature built in by default!

[@tomnkathiedoran3471]

been using these most of my life, but wasn't getting results today & decided to look for a Yute Toot, feeling silly doing so. But I learned some stuff here. Thanks. I like that this was ZERO frills. I have ZERO patience for drawn out musical intros, or so called "background" music that drowns out the speaker. excellent vid.

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment, Tom. I keep the videos as short as possible, but informative. We are all busy people. Sadly, the algorithms often reward the long winded explanation. Please consider clicking on the channel name and checking out the rest of the videos and subscribing... it's free.

[@susanpolanski4528]

Brilliant! Thank you so much for the clear, easy to understand information. I did learn something new. :)

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Susan. Happy New Year!

[@susanpolanski4528]

@@Know-How-Now I was able to fix my tub spout and replace the short pipe without having to hire a plumber. Love it.

[@invisiblerevolution]

THANK YOU!!!!! Priceless information 😊

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome!

[@BusinessVoid]

I'm doing some under the table work. I asked what tools to expect to use, i haven't had any experience with some of the tools. Now I can go in not looking completely like an idiot.

[@carlrabe4384]

Holy Snarkies!!!! after watching 4 "review" videos that were just table-top crap... I see your video... I'm no pro... My jaw was literally down the whole time. Sooooo much info!!! Thank You! Great stuff!!!! Big things for me were the "jaw spacing" and then the thumb release.

[@Know-How-Now]

Hi Carl, thanks for the compliment. I try my best to make the videos helpful. There are now over 200 how to/repair videos, organized by playlist on the channel. If you have a few moments, check out the channel. You can easily find the videos by subscribing (free).

[@ChainsawDNA]

Great video. Helped me with my pipe problem.

[@RagTimeJack]

Thanks for this video! I'm in the middle of making some furniture using iron pipes and after doing an intital fit up some of my fitting are jammed in place and I now know exactly what tool I need to get the job done. Off to the hardware store!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. That sounds interesting, furniture made from iron pipes.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Very helpful video, thanks!! These wrenches proved to be very useful yesterday. BTW, I think I have that exact older wrench you show in your video. I must have gotten it from my dad. 👍🏻

[@Know-How-Now]

My wrench came from my dad too.

[@arvindm1946]

excellent review . thank you :)

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, thanks for the compliment.

[@user-re9zd7nf8u]

Super helpful🎉

[@brettkelley5583]

Awesome video. Great info. Thanks!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Brett.

[@sonnie6302]

Thanks, I learnt something new from this video. When it comes to pipe wrenches, nobody can beat Ridgid. - from a Ridgid fan 😀

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Sonnie.

[@byzanttine]

Just what i wanted to know. Very well explained.

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment. I do my best to make quality videos.

[@kh2945]

Useful video!

[@theappaffair]

Nicely explained 😊👍

[@HollywoodHornet]

Thanks for the video. Since I plan to destroy the thing I'm turning and removing I reckon your technique will work. Pipe wrench FTW!

[@onlythetruthfull]

yes, there are two thoughts on this matter as Stilson invented the design with the use of 3 points of contact then it is obvious that is the one to go with three points of contact also ensures an equal straight grip, plus if you have had to undo very tight pipes then the proof is in the use, Rigid make pipe wrenches but on use, they still distort the pipe/tube on very tite threads using only two points of contact. It still stands with all makes you do not ratchet back to get a new grip that will destroy the teeth the pipe and the fitting. For all the doubting Thomases out there then either you have not come across distorted pipes/tubes or you do not have experience in these tools. Like I said a very good video but slightly wrong but still extremely useful to let people know the use of tools, after all, I did not bother to put any video up. So again well done for taking the time and care to help people. which is obviously appreciated judging by your likes and feedback

[@Know-How-Now]

Thank you for your thoughtful and respectful comment. Comments like yours are always welcomed on this channel. I am not offended if someone disagrees with me and like to hear other people's thoughts. Do you have any thoughts why Ridgid would recommend only two points of contact? I am not asking in a way meant to disagree with you or be disrespectful of your opinion. It's a head scratcher that a major tool manufacturer would instruct their wrenches to be used incorrectly. Any chance that if someone used the wrong size wrench it could oval a pipe? One more question if you don't mind, have you ever experimented and tried to oval a pipe using the two point method? Here is Ridgid's instructions that advice to use to points of contact: cdn2.ridgid.com/resources/media?key=32efff83-321f-4065-a5c4-04b77a67bc2b&languageCode=en&type=document

[@robmolin4288]

Great, concise and to the point.

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment, Rob. I aim to keep the videos short and to the point.

[@CS-bh4ur]

Thank you so much!!!! This videos was so helpful

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, it's my pleasure to help.

[@sekhar9722]

Excellent explanation👌. Thank you so much🙏

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@markstevens4264]

Now THIS is why the Internet was invented! Nice job. Answered a lot of my questions. Thank you. (Just in case this isn't the exception to your videos, I subscribed too!)

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment and for subscribing. I'm still sticking to my principles of, not selling anything, don't waste anyone's time and good quality content. Have a great day.

[@svenoxtoby4756]

Superb, clear, efficient video. Subscribed.

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for subscribing. Welcome to Know How Now.

[@kryzondaan1855]

I now know everything about the pipe wrench and I'll go and order one :-D

[@roofdogblues7400]

I've gouged the heck out of one of my pipes, and was looking for tips to keep that from happening, hopefully using your tips will do the job, I was definitely resting the hook jaw on the pipe.

[@fhmmst]

Very helpful & Thank you.👍

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome!

[@Jagracoki]

Many thanks! I could not figure out how to use my 24" Trimo. It kept slipping and was whacking my walls causing more damage than good. Now maybe I can remove the pipe without knocking down my walls. This is a very good video; really like the size chart and demo.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, it's my pleasure to help. Have a great day.

[@jakel.1724]

Great job very nicely explained. Keep it going bud

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment Jake.

[@TheYella2000]

Very informative

[@oscarvillalobos2453]

If im screwing a 2 Inch pipe do I just put the jaw where it says 2 inch or how do the fractions work?

[@nowthenad3286]

That was an excellent video. Thank you. I have subscribed.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. Welcome to the Know How Now channel.

[@rustyzi345]

I did find this video helpful. Thank you.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@PBS-nm1uu]

great presentation thanks for the info..

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. Thank you for taking the time to comment. As many others have done, please consider supporting the channel and subscribe. It's free and you will always be able to find over 200 videos on the channel (If you don't want to subscribe, check out the videos by clicking on the channel name). They are organized by playlist.

[@oriiion8]

Wow. Learned allot. Thank you.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Samuel.

[@petercolbourne7344]

Really useful, thank you!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Peter!

[@seanmcow]

Very interesting!

[@quitefranklybb]

Great video!

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment!

[@jamesvertrees5857]

I do believe this is the best How to video I have ever seen. Good Job and thank you. I was struggling.

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment. I do my best to make good quality videos.

[@IntrepidArcher]

Good video. Thanks!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome!

[@ardeet]

Exactly what I was after (I’m a pipe wrench newbie). Thanks 👍

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@jaihagusto272]

Is there a way to a hieve airtightness, under high temp 350c , without tape? The pipe tapes degrade around 300c? But the end needs to be removable

[@allumungte1734]

Helpful ☺️

[@jefflips8189]

Like and subscribed! Great video

[@Know-How-Now]

Welcome to Know How Now, Jeff! Thanks for watching the video, commenting and subscribing.

[@andreazecchi812]

Excellent explaination! Thanks so much!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Andrea!

[@andreazecchi812]

@@Know-How-Now greetings form Rome, in Italy🖐😊

[@Know-How-Now]

I lived in Germany for three years, I loved to visit Italy on the sunny side of the Alps. I did get to visit Rome, though there is so much to see in your beautiful city. I wish I had more time to explore it.

[@JP-kg6wn]

Thank you very informative. 👍

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@OthmanAlikhan]

Thanks for the video =)

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@peterbenavides4391]

Thanks that explains alot

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Peter.

[@dimz1a]

شُكْراً عَلَى جَمِيعِ المَعْلُومَاتِ الجَمِيلَة Thanks for the good information

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@PatRick-fe7jr]

Thanks, very helpful. Was looking for tips on how to fix my shower using the pipe wrench, thanks

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Pat. Best wishes for the shower repair.

[@king0vdarkness]

1:57 you can't rest the hook jaw against the pipe as then it can't rock back, is that correct? Also, the rocking motion of the top jaw clamps harder as you press down on the handle as it's pushing back following the law of equal and opposite action is that right?

[@gogaton]

great video thanks

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Jes. Thanks for the compliment.

[@gauravpoudel7288]

Great explanation

[@Know-How-Now]

Thanks for the compliment.

[@mosiondz7997]

Simple vid, but rly useful.

[@user-bf9qx4qj7m]

뭔가 끝까지 보게 되네; Excellent video, thank you!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome!

[@sirchdreams1221]

thank you so much!!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome!

[@latestbuzz5066]

Thanks man ❤️

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@arabgamesandtech2272]

Thank you so muuuch

[@Know-How-Now]

You're welcome

[@johnjacobkenny]

I had bought a wrench to help me remove my old shower head. Once I received it, I tried to use it without much thought, just like anyone would pick up any tool. It did not work. I thought either the wrench is broken, or I am dumb. Today I watched your video and it all clicked. 10 mins later, the shower head is replaced! Thank you ❤️

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Kenny. Thank you for taking the time to comment, I enjoy hearing from people who watch the video.

[@JSin5]

Did Jodi Foster narrate this?

[@Know-How-Now]

No, I'm not Jodi Foster, lol, though you are not the first person to ask the question. Thanks for watching the video.

[@sethnotes]

@@Know-How-Now Jodie Foster is from the Delaware Valley? Who knew?

[@abdel-hadikaddour8400]

Thanks very mache

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@tracylokstadt4294]

Great information for green recruits to the trade. This breaks it down to small bits of information making the information more easily absorbed. Thank you. #TrainBuildSuccceed

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, it's my pleasure to help.

[@SheepDogNumber6]

Thanks!

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome!

[@tonyswhirl]

Stone smooth - thanks

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@dishan9644]

Thank you...

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@geehadarillo1]

How do you adjust it if it gets stuck

[@king0vdarkness]

4:11 To remove the bite marks you can wrap the nipple joint in a cloth?

[@gwjuggernaut]

Good

[@commonerIndian]

nice thanks

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@king0vdarkness]

any chance you can do some more videos on tools like: how different pliers/torque wrenches/sockets/rachets work/are used?

[@Know-How-Now]

I have a video on how to use a Harbor Freight torque wrench. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqKpd4R4qL99rKc

[@abdel-hadikaddourn2bricola725]

Tenk you. Félicitations madame

[@Know-How-Now]

Je vous en prie.

[@asusraziel5754]

Hi what is the job of the spring assembly? The pipe wrench can work without it?

[@Know-How-Now]

I've never tried to use a pipe wrench without a spring. Rigid sells replacement parts for their wrenches. www.ridgid.com/us/en/wrench-parts

[@kool8800]

What is that thing you have the pipe on that’s on the table?

[@Know-How-Now]

I've reviewed the video and I don't understand "the thing?. What is the time on the video your are referencing?

[@elonmusk8667]

Thank you, I always thought the wrench was broken because it was so loose, ha.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome Sealteam7.

[@debjones9538]

Ok, now I know the tool I need. NOT the one my husband was using before his meltdown.

[@TealCheetah]

Here after helping dad get pipe wrenches on a vertical pipe

[@Julius-yf1hp]

For the home what size do you recommend 10" or 12"?

[@Know-How-Now]

I have a 10" & 14". You might want to look at the chart on page 3 of this link to make the best choice for your plumbing: cdn2.ridgid.com/resources/media?key=32efff83-321f-4065-a5c4-04b77a67bc2b&languageCode=en&type=document

[@abdel-hadikaddour8400]

Bonjour madame Svp esq un jour vous pouvez nous produire une vidéo pour parler d'un autre modèle de clé a griffes (( model diagonale)) dit aussi (( clé a griffes d'extrémité)) en acier matrice pour usage intensif, j'ai impressions que ce modèle ce le plus solide au monde, merci bon continuation madame

[@karolynsanford7857]

Thank you! I feel better about using my new pipe wrench now. I've been trying to open my sewer cleanout with a pipe wrench, but I'm hearing from the video that that is the wrong tool for the job. What is the right tool, and how do I use it to open the sewer cleanout?

[@Know-How-Now]

You might try something like this: www.homedepot.com/p/Camco-RhinoFLEX-6-in-1-Sewer-Cleanout-Plug-Wrench-39755/207160401

[@karolynsanford7857]

@@Know-How-Now Thank you!

[@pradolover]

These are called Stilsons in England, I always wondered where the name comes from! Thank you.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Stuart. Thanks for watching the videos.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome.

[@kyarimaresuki]

Thanks! I'll be getting my first pipe wrench later, I didn't want to look like an idiot fumbling in my front yard! XD

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome. No one wants to stand in the front yard and look like an idiot, you can practice indoors first! LOL!

[@vijaysidana3217]

thanks for the video . mam, please make a video on pipe vice.

[@Know-How-Now]

You are welcome, Vijay. Thanks for the suggestion for a video.

[@Kelkschiz]

It seems such a brute thing, but listing to you, I've found out it's really pretty elegantly designed :) Thanks

[@Know-How-Now]

It's my pleasure to help. Happy Plumbing.. lol.

[@Kelkschiz]

@@Know-How-Now Bicycle maintenance. One of these bad boys was exactly what I needed to remove my unmoveable seat post. It's all about levers ^^

[@Know-How-Now]

That's a great idea. I had a seat post that was not moved for about 30 years. I treated it with PB Plaster penetrating oil and gave the seat a few whacks with a rubber a mallet. It took doing this once a day for 3 days to get it worked loose, the pipe wrench would have been gentler than whacking the seat with a mallet.

[@coldiceEVO]

How to gibs a headcrab?

[@schlast8311]

i don't get it. How can pipe wrench grip anything? The teeth direction is wrong. It is perpendicular to the grooves' direction. How can they grip?

[@oscarvillalobos2453]

What are the fractions on the pipe wrench for?

[@Know-How-Now]

The numbers on the hook jaw correspond to schedule 40 pipe sizes.

[@sweeperzero1125]

Ah yes The Adrian Shephard's Favorite Weapon

[@josefcartelet8624]

also, it's Jack's melee weapon used as Last resort... or else, we have Plasmids & eve!