How to Use a Strap Wrench: Beginner’s Guide

You probably know the pipe wrench, the adjustable wrench, the socket wrench, the Allen wrench, and even the combination wrench. But you probably don’t know about the strap wrench.

Don’t worry, though. We’re going to teach you what it is, the different types available, their benefits, and how to use a strap wrench correctly.

You will learn enough to get started right away with the strap wrench. On top of that, it will help you to be prepared for any of the different jobs that require the strap wrench.

What Is a Strap Wrench?

The strap wrench is one of the most unconventional tools you’ll find. Yet it is still one of the most useful and affordable. The adjustability, the strength, the ease of use, the softness of its grip, and the overall practicality they offer, there’s simply no competitor for them.

Strap wrenches are special types of wrenches designed to release tight connections of odd shapes. On one end of the wrench there are nonmarring straps that can be adjusted to strap around various objects.

As the user pulls on the handle, the straps grip the cylindrical part of objects such as an automobile oil filter, so you can turn the oil filter to remove them. That’s why some people refer to this tool as an oil filter wrench.

There are various types to consider, though. So you will need to learn not only how it works, but what the different available models offer before you use your strap wrench.

Types of Strap Wrenches

If you want to get the most out of strap wrenches, you’ll have to know which type of wrench you have. For that, consider these strap wrenches:

Rubber Strap Wrench

As its name says, this type of wrench uses straps made of rubber. Rubber is a pretty sturdy and reliable option that ensures maximum grip as well.

Rubber straps work really well with wet objects. Rubber straps have an excellent grip that prevents sliding and makes the job easy in the long run.

While the rubber straps might seem flimsy, they’re more robust than they seem. However, they tend wear out and stretch over time.

Woven Nylon Strap Wrench

In case you want something that is more water-resistant and capable of holding up the wear over time, then use a woven nylon strap wrench.

The straps on these types of wrenches are thicker, which makes them stronger. And sure enough, they provide exceptional grip so you can use the wrench securely every time.

On top of all that, most woven nylon strap wrenches are super torque-oriented, so they provide superb strength when loosening or tightening objects.

Finally, you often get a buckle instead of a handle – so they can be slightly more challenging to use – but way more practical than others.

Metal Band Wrench

For those who want to go the extra mile and get the sturdiest type of wrench, then the metal band version will come like a gem.

A metal band wrench works similarly to a ratchet, using a locking system that keeps it tight. In some cases, you will get this locking feature with a swivel capacity – making it even easier to crank & torque the wrench.

These are super sturdy and long-lasting. The strength they offer is unbeatable. However, they don’t provide the same versatility as other types of wrenches.

When to Use a Strap Wrench

After learning about the different types available, don’t rush to get one. First, determine the best scenarios to use a strap wrench.

It is tricky to know the best scenario to use your strap wrench, though. You will have so many tools available to use around the house, that maybe it goes unnoticed. Let’s talk about a few instances in which this wrench can even replace other types of wrenches altogether:

• General plumbing tasks: loosening and tightening pipes and fixtures, connections, for example.
• Doors: you can use this type of wrench on knobs, internal locks, and cylindrical items on doors.
• Kitchen Chores: opening jars and bottles that seem impossible to open. Or working with objects that are too fragile to use metal on.

Benefits of Using a Strap Wrench

So, if the uses for a strap wrench are so similar to other types of wrenches, why is it such a great tool?

Well, here we’ll tell you how a strap wrench becomes an excellent tool to have in your gearbox – and how you can get the most out of it. These are some of the advantages of using a strap wrench:

Superb Strength

Loosening and tightening things up by hand seems like too much of a hassle sometimes. In fact, you may even find it impossible in some cases.

Luckily, a strap wrench can always help you out. Despite not being totally made of metal, you can wrap one of these on a nut, pipe, or lid and enjoy maximum support without damaging the surface.

Safety

Most strap wrenches are designed with a locking mechanism that keeps them in place when using. It’s pretty difficult for the straps to loosen up once you have the object tightened with it.

By only surrounding the piece you want to tight or loose and then locking it up – you can expect nothing to ever loosen it up. And that’s something that not any wrench can offer.

Ease of Use

Despite the exceptional strength you can achieve and their safety level – it’s really easy to use a strap wrench.

You won’t have to be an expert or a knowledgeable user to use a strap wrench. By directly using a strap wrench on the object you want to work with and then securing it – you’re ready to loosen or tight as needed.

A strap wrench is also problem-free. Even after a long time, they keep working as efficiently, which makes these even more reliable than other wrenches, yet super straightforward to use.

Versatility

No need to look for extra tools when this wrench can do it almost all. You can fix bathroom problems such as fixtures and showers. If a kitchen faucet is not working well, you can loosen it and tighten it with a strap wrench as well. And there’s still a lot more you can do with one.

With the strength they offer along with the safety and overall ease of use – you can use a strap wrench for almost anything. They are probably the most versatile type of wrench you can get.

How to Use a Strap Wrench: Step-by-Step Guide

It’s now time to get into the good stuff. Let’s now learn how to get a strap wrench working like an expert – and get the most out of it in the process.

Even though you may have figured out already how they work – here are a few steps you can follow:

1. Cover the Item

First and foremost, cover the item you want to tighten or loosen up. Use the straps for covering it – no matter the type of strap wrench you’re using.

Remember to follow the indicators on the strap wrench. They will let you know how to set the straps the right way as needed.

Then, you can find the ideal angle accordingly. This will provide the perfect grip so you can achieve maximum torque or pressure in the process.

2. Tightening the Straps

Once you have the straps covering the item at the right angle and direction, then you’re ready for tightening it up.

The strap should fit firmly into the item. You should follow the instructions on the strap wrench to make this happen. Strap wrenches usually come with directions so you can make this possible quicker.

Typically, tightening the strap is just about pulling hard, and that’s it. But some models can differ. Use the ridges on the straps (if any) to your advantage.

3. Start Twisting

After tightening the strap on the item, then you’re ready to start twisting and loosening or tightening it up.

If the strap wrench you have comes with a handle, then use it. Grab the handle firmly and turn it to the desired side – whether you want to tight or loosen the piece.

This should start getting the piece moving. But remember that despite being a strong tool, it is still not enough if you don’t use your own strength. So make sure to use enough strength until it loosens or tightens as needed.

4. Tight or Loosen Up

In case you can’t achieve your purpose when you use a strap wrench alone, then you can make it possible by using some grease or lubricant. Only do this is the piece you’re working with does not corrode or gets damaged with it.

This should get the job done at last. If it doesn’t, you may need to use something stronger or call someone else to do the job for you. But if it works, then you’ve successfully learned how to use a strap wrench like an expert.

Use a Strap Wrench Now!

As you can see, strap wrenches are totally a piece of cake to work with. And they make most of these jobs look easier when compared to using other means. Don’t hesitate and get one if you need it. We’re totally confident that it will surpass your expectations.