How to Recognize A Good Adjustable Tap Wrench?

Adjustable tap wrenches are used to clamp and operate tools with a square handle. It is called adjustable or adjustable because the movable jaws can be adjusted to the specific size of the square by turning the handle. The length of the handle creates a leverage effect that minimizes the effort required to actuate.

Thus, the basic principle of this clamping tool has been adequately described.

Assessing the quality of the tool

It is best to compare a good clamping tool with a not-so-good clamping tool to clarify the criteria.

The most important point is the jaws. When closed, the jaws must be at right angles to each other and form a clean square. The right angles must be clean and without any curves. The jaws should be stiff enough. The connection between the handle and jaws should be stable throughout the range of adjustment.

The connection between the handle and the jaws is achieved by using an inexpensive clamping tool with a combination of left and right threads. This causes the threaded part to unscrew more and more from the jaws when putting them together. The result: oscillating jaws and low grip.

It is better to attach the cheek plate to the handle by means of a cotter pin so that it can be steered steadily over the entire adjustment range. This process is also strongly influenced by the handling and type of threads. Fine threads allow for more precise feeds.

Another quality criterion is the material and design of the substrate. For tools made of zinc die casting, care must be taken to ensure that the material is free of air inclusions (so-called porosity). These air pockets significantly reduce the load limit of the capstan iron and in the worst case can cause the entire body to fracture. This is especially true if the air pockets are present where they are subjected to the highest loads.

Unfortunately, the quality of the die casting cannot be seen from the outside. However, if you find small holes or unclean areas on the body, it may indicate a bad casting. What you can see, however, is the geometry of the substrate.

Finally, we would also like to draw attention to an increasingly important point: it has to do with environmental protection and therefore with the materials used. Today, Hammerblow lacquer and chrome-plated handles can be found on almost all tools. You don't have to be a chemist to realize that these processes pollute the environment. There are also more environmentally friendly products on the market without them.

Conclusion

Here again, all important criteria are outlined.

Adjustable baking of the reamer iron

Material of the substrate and plugs

Geometry of the substrate

Environmentally friendly production

Please contact GSR if you need any help, we welcome your inquiries.