USE/CARE OF HANDTOOLS & MEASURING TOOLS - OD1621 - LESSON 2/TASK 1
nut when it comes to the limit of its swing, and place it in a new position
which will permit it to be swung again. Since a box wrench cannot slip off
a nut, it is ideal for loosening tight nuts and bolts, and for setting them
up.
To set up means to give already tight nuts or bolts their final
tightening. After a nut is started, it can usually be worked more quickly
with an open-end wrench than with a box wrench.
For this reason,
combination box and open-end wrenches are very popular and more convenient;
the box end to break loose or set up, and the open-end to do the actual
turning.
(3) Socket Wrenches.
To use a socket wrench, select the size of
socket that fits the nut or bolt to be turned and push it onto the handle
which is best suited to the job.
If there is room to swing it, use the
ratchet handle.
The handle lay be made to ratchet in one direction for
tightening, and in the other direction for loosening work. It is necessary
only to swing the handle back and forth in order to turn the nut in the
desired direction. The socket need not be raised from the nut at the end of
each swing. A nut spinner handle (figure 18 on page 35) also saves time.
When a tight nut is to be loosened or a nut is to be set up, the handle can
be swung at right angles to the socket to provide the most leverage. At the
point where the nut turns easily, the handle can be swung to a vertical
position and twisted rapidly between the fingers in the same manner as a
screwdriver. A universal joint socket wrench (figure 17 on page 34) makes
it possible to turn nuts where a straight wrench could not be used unless
some part of the machine or equipment is removed.
(4) Key (Allen) Setscrew Wrenches. Select the proper type and size
that fits the recess of the screw being worked on.
The short end of the
wrench is used to give a final tightening or break loose tight screws. The
long end of the wrench is used to turn the screw rapidly when very little
leverage is needed.
(5) Adjustable Open-End Wrench. Always place the wrench on a nut or
bolt so that the force used to turn it is applied to the stationary jaw side
of the wrench, as shown in figure 26 on the following page. After placing
the wrench in position, straighten the knurled adjusting nut until the
wrench fits the nut or bolt head as tightly as
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