What Is a Pipe Wrench? Types, Sizes & How to Use One
Ask any plumber, pipefitter, or maintenance technician what tool they can't live without, and the pipe wrench will be near the top of the list. Built to grip and turn threaded pipe and pipe fittings, this heavy-duty tool is a staple in commercial plumbing, industrial maintenance, and oil and gas applications. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know: what a pipe wrench is, the different types available, what sizes to use, how to use one correctly, and how it compares to other wrenches.
What Is a Pipe Wrench?
A pipe wrench is an adjustable wrench specifically designed to grip and rotate cylindrical objects—primarily threaded metal pipe and pipe fittings. Unlike standard wrenches, pipe wrenches use two serrated, hardened steel jaws: a fixed heel jaw and a spring-loaded hook jaw that tightens automatically under load. This self-tightening action is what makes pipe wrenches so effective—the harder you pull, the harder the jaws grip the pipe.
Pipe wrenches are typically made from ductile iron or aluminum and are sized by the length of their handle, which ranges from 6 inches (for small-diameter work) up to 60 inches (for large industrial pipe). The jaw opening corresponds to the handle length—longer handles accommodate larger diameter pipe and deliver more torque.
Types of Pipe Wrenches
Pipe wrenches come in several configurations, each engineered for a specific situation. Knowing which type to reach for saves time and prevents damage to pipe and fittings.
Straight Pipe Wrench
The most common type—a standard pipe wrench with the jaw oriented in line with the handle. Used for general-purpose pipe turning in open areas where you have plenty of room to swing the handle. Ridgid's straight pipe wrenches are the industry benchmark, built with drop-forged, heat-treated steel jaws that maintain their bite even after years of heavy use.
Offset Pipe Wrench
The jaw is angled at roughly 45 degrees to the handle, allowing you to work in tight spaces where a straight wrench would hit an obstruction. Essential for close-quarter plumbing work—near walls, in cabinets, or between parallel runs of pipe.
End Pipe Wrench
The jaws are positioned at a 90-degree angle to the handle, allowing you to grip pipe in extremely tight spaces—like right against a wall or floor. Ideal for close nipple work where other wrenches simply won't fit.
Chain Pipe Wrench
Uses a hardened chain loop instead of jaw teeth to grip pipe. Chain wrenches can turn in either direction and work on pipes too large for jaw-type wrenches—as well as on plastic pipe, which jaw wrenches can damage. A good choice for large-diameter pipe and specialty materials.
Strap Wrench
Uses a rubber or fabric strap instead of serrated jaws, making it ideal for chrome-plated pipe, PVC, or any finished surface you don't want to mar. Does not provide the same grip strength as a jaw wrench—intended for lighter-duty applications and delicate surfaces.
Compound Leverage Pipe Wrench
A mechanical advantage wrench with a compound action that multiplies the force applied—used in situations where a standard pipe wrench can't generate enough torque to break a tight or corroded fitting. Popular in heavy industrial and oil field applications.
What Is a Pipe Wrench Used For?
Pipe wrenches are the go-to tool anywhere threaded pipe or pipe fittings need to be installed, tightened, or removed. Common applications include:
- Installing and removing threaded iron or steel pipe in plumbing and HVAC systems
- Tightening and loosening pipe fittings—elbows, couplings, unions, and nipples
- Commercial and industrial plumbing installations and repairs
- Oil and gas field work—making up and breaking out drill pipe and tubing connections
- Fire protection systems—installing threaded sprinkler pipe
- Industrial maintenance on process piping and hydraulic lines
- Utility work—gas lines, water mains, and irrigation systems
- Mechanical work where other wrenches can't get traction on a round object
Pipe wrenches are not suitable for hex nuts, bolts, or flats—use a box end or torque wrench for those applications. Using a pipe wrench on hex fasteners will damage the corners of the nut or bolt head.
How to Use a Pipe Wrench
Using a pipe wrench correctly protects both the tool and the pipe—and keeps your knuckles intact.
Step 1: Select the Right Size
Match the wrench size to the pipe diameter. A general rule: the wrench should be roughly the same length as the pipe you're working on. For example, a 14-inch wrench works well on 1-inch pipe, and an 18-inch wrench on 1½-inch pipe. Using an oversized wrench increases the risk of damaging the pipe or over-torquing fittings.
Step 2: Adjust the Jaw Opening
Turn the adjustment nut (the knurled ring behind the hook jaw) to open the jaws slightly wider than the pipe diameter. The pipe should slip in easily, and the jaws should grip when tension is applied—not before.
Step 3: Position the Wrench Correctly
Place the wrench so the heel jaw contacts the pipe on the side you're pushing toward. The hook jaw should be positioned so that when you apply force, both jaws bite into the pipe simultaneously. The wrench should grip harder as you pull—if it's slipping or spinning, reposition so the load direction pulls the hook jaw into the pipe, not away from it.
Step 4: Use Two Wrenches When Needed
When tightening or loosening pipe fittings, always use a second pipe wrench as a backup—one wrench to hold the pipe stationary and one to turn the fitting. This prevents twisting the pipe and protects the rest of the system from stress. This is called "backing up" the joint.
Step 5: Work in Short Strokes
Pipe wrenches only grip in one direction. Reposition the wrench (it will release when you reverse direction) and take short, controlled strokes rather than long swings. Apply steady pressure rather than jerking—this is easier on the pipe, the fittings, and you.
Pipe Wrench vs. Adjustable Wrench
Both are adjustable, but they're built for very different tasks. Here's how they compare:
| Pipe Wrench | Adjustable Wrench (Crescent) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Round, threaded pipe and fittings | Hex nuts, bolts, and flat-sided fasteners |
| Jaw Type | Serrated, self-tightening jaws | Smooth parallel jaws |
| Grip Direction | One direction only (self-tightens under load) | Both directions |
| Surface Damage | Leaves jaw marks on pipe (acceptable on threaded iron) | Minimal marking with proper use |
| Torque Capacity | Very high—designed for high-torque pipe work | Moderate—limited by jaw design |
| Use on Hex Fasteners | Not recommended—damages corners | Yes—designed for hex |
The bottom line: use a pipe wrench for pipe, and an adjustable wrench (or box end wrench) for nuts and bolts. Mixing them up leads to damaged fasteners and frustration on the job.
Pipe Wrench FAQs
As a general guideline, the wrench length should roughly match the pipe diameter you're working on. A 10-inch wrench handles pipe up to ¾ inch, a 14-inch handles up to 1 inch, an 18-inch handles 1½-inch pipe, and a 24-inch handles up to 2-inch pipe. For larger-diameter industrial pipe, 36-inch and 48-inch wrenches are common. Most professional plumbers carry an 18-inch and a 24-inch as their primary pair.
A standard pipe wrench with serrated jaws will crush and damage PVC pipe—the teeth are designed for hardened steel, not plastic. For PVC, use a strap wrench, which grips with a rubber or nylon strap that distributes force without puncturing the surface. Chain wrenches are also gentler on plastic pipe than jaw wrenches, though strap wrenches are the safest choice for PVC.
When making up or breaking apart a pipe joint, you need one wrench to hold the existing pipe stationary (the backup wrench) and a second to turn the fitting or new section. Without a backup wrench, torque transmits through the entire pipe run—potentially twisting or damaging joints further back in the system. It's a fundamental technique every plumber and pipefitter uses on every joint.
A monkey wrench has flat, smooth, parallel jaws—similar to an adjustable wrench—and is designed for flat-sided nuts, bolts, and square or hexagonal fittings. A pipe wrench has angled, serrated jaws that self-tighten on round pipe. Both are adjustable, but their jaw geometry and intended application are completely different. The monkey wrench is largely obsolete in modern plumbing, replaced by adjustable and combination wrenches.
Aluminum pipe wrenches are significantly lighter—often 40–50% lighter than iron—making them a popular choice for plumbers who carry tools all day. The jaws and heel are still hardened steel, so grip performance is comparable. Ductile iron wrenches are heavier but extremely durable and less expensive. For industrial applications where the wrench stays on a cart or work stand, iron is fine. For field work where you're carrying tools up and down ladders all day, aluminum is worth the investment.
Pipe wrenches are low-maintenance tools, but a few steps keep them in top condition: clean the jaws after use (thread compound and pipe scale build up over time), lightly oil the adjustment nut and spring mechanism, and inspect the heel and hook jaws for worn or broken teeth. Ridgid and other quality brands sell replacement jaw sets, so you can restore a worn wrench rather than replace the whole tool. Store wrenches hanging or flat—don't pile them where the jaws can be damaged.
Shop Pipe Wrenches at Midland Tool Supply
Midland Tool Supply has been equipping Michigan's industrial, commercial, and mechanical contractors since 1962. We carry a full line of wrenches and hand tools from industry-leading brands including Ridgid—the gold standard in pipe wrenches—along with Greenlee, Hougen, and more. Whether you need a single 14-inch straight wrench or a complete set for a large-diameter piping project, we've got you covered. Looking for more tool guidance? Check out our posts on tap and die sets and hydraulic tools. For industry standards on piping work, the ASME B31.3 Process Piping standard is the authoritative reference. Contact us or use our on-site services for your next project—and ask about our StockUp program to keep critical tools on hand when you need them.
