Up until recently, the spud wrench was used by construction companies on steel structures of buildings for the purpose of tightening and loosening bolts. In the 1920’s, Thomas Maddock created the ‘Maddock Spud wrench’. At the time toilets used metal pipes called spuds, the wrench he made had a long thin handle and a versatile clamp.
It allowed plumbers to make repairs easily and until today, this iconic tool is in every plumber’s toolbox because of not only its usefulness and simplicity but also for its durability.
However, over the years, this tool has changed to incorporate more function, but the name remains the same. Here is the list of the best spud wrench in the market now.
Cal Hawk BAWS 16″ Adjustable Iron-Workers Spud-Wrench
This tool is solid and durable; the heat treated chrome vanadium steel used ensures that it will stand the test of time without worry of rust or corrosion. TheCal Hawk BAWS 16″ Adjustable Iron-Workers-Spud Wrench is a multipurpose tool that is especially useful in aligning bolt holes drilled at drill point.
It is a tool that is quickly finding its way into every handyman and sheet metal worker’s toolbox. This tool easily works with bolts, nuts (the tapered end to loosen and fasten when need be) and shackle pins to lock and unlock large turnbuckles.
For the price, you may expect a tool of inferior or poor quality, but you will be delightfully surprised by the design and functionality.
Adjustable Wrench, 10-Inch Spud Wrench for Up to 1-5/16-Inch Nuts and Bolts, with Tether Hole Klein Tools 3227
This tool is on the list because of many reasons, one of which is, since 1857 ‘Klein Tools’ has constantly been in production of one of the world’s finest hand tools. Today, Klein Tools is the handyman’s top choice of tools.
Not only are these tools designed to work well they come with warranties, Klein Tools warranty covers any defects in quality or workmanship of their products, meaning if you get a faulty one, but it will also be replaced.
This spike can be used for larger sized holes and flange alignments. The jaws of the tool open wider than 10 inches, and it has a well-designed feel in hand. If you have shackles or a busted tied knot, this tool can get it loose.
83260 Jmk IIT 15-inch Adjustable Spud-Wrench
If the klein Tools 3227 10-Inch Adjustable Spud-Wrench, the 11-Inch price is getting you down, don’t be bothered because this is a good tool for you. It cost considerably less than the klien and will work almost as good. The tool works well with larger bolts and will fit perfectly in both your hand and toolbox.
It is adjustable so it will be able to do the work of many fixed wrenches and leave more space in your toolbox for other tools. It weighs the same as the Cal Hawk Baws 16, and with the black industrial finish it is corrosion-resistant, the tapered handle will allow you align holes and it opens as wide as 15 inches.
Drixet Heavy Duty-Adjustable Construction Spud-Wrench – Iron Workers Tapered-Socket Wrench Great for Plumbers (12″)
This tool is lighter than the Cal Hawk Baws, and the 83260 Jmk IIT, the material it was manufactured from has made it very easy to wipe clean of oil and dirt. It is typically used for assembly and disassembly of flush valves, align bolts or holes and most plumbing work. The Spike Handle is a straight continuous taper leads up to the adjustable wrench for bolt alignment.
The Jaws are good for accuracy; the wrench will clamping down without rounding the corners of old rusted nuts and bolts. With the Drixet in your toolkit, you don’t need to fill your toolbox with many wrenches with fixed sizes; the Drixet Adjustable-Head Wrench is all you will need.
The Knurl Knob will twist easily for smooth and functional operation. The Industrial black finish makes this tool corrosion resistant rust free.
Cal Hawk Tools BEW104 1-1/4″ Iron Worker Spud Wrench
This is a tool made of heat treated vanadium steel with phosphate finish; it is easy to clean and rust resistant. It does not have adjustable jaws, but it has a long tapered handle that is used for aligning bolts and holes.
It weighs more than the other tools listed above. It fits an A325 nut and bolt head on a 3/4″ structural bolt. The tool is strong and durable for use by ironworkers, plumbers, etc. With this, the tool you have no fear of the Knurl loosening when tightening or loosening bolts.
Buying Guide For Best Spud Wrench
When you are thinking about buying a wench, you have to look at a few things: price, occupation, durability, size and knurl staying in place. There are many wrenches out there; however, the goal is to buy the wrench that fits your purpose the most.
Price:
How much are you willing to spend on the wench? The more you pay, the better the quality, though this rule is not always true. Picking a price range will help you narrow down your choices, of which is more suited for you. If a person buys a poor quality tool, it could not only fail them, it could also snap and constitute a safety hazard.
Occupation:
Occupation matters in your decision because if you are not going to be in constant need of a wrench, coughing up so much for one would not seem favorable to you. Luckily, there are cheaper ones available that still get the job done safely.
Occupation is also a deciding because of the type of wrench you need. The bolts seen on your job, are they large or small? Is it just the one size? Depending on these any of the wrenches on the list above could be helpful to you.
Durability:
Will it bend easily? Will it rust? Is it easy to clean? Will it be able to loosen old bolts without rounding off the head? These are a few questions you have to ask yourself before making a decision. The wrenches on the list above are all easy to clean and have been protected against corrosion and rust.
Some have the adjustable head that will help in keeping your toolbox light as well as serve their function. The wrenches are made of tough materials and will be able to loosen the tightest bolts without bending.
Size:
What size of bolts will you be working on? Bolts come in different sizes, so it is advisable you buy a wrench that will be able to loosen the bolt size. For instance, getting a wrench that is too small to loosen larger bolts or getting a wrench too big to easily maneuver smaller bolts would make the tool harder to use.
You have to know the range of bolts and nuts you will be working on before making a decision. Another thought should be if the wrench will fit in your toolbox.
Knurl staying in place:
Some people opt for the traditional wenches because of the fear of the knurl becoming lose and being unable to keep the wrench tight for loosening or tightening of bolts or nuts. Reading reviews on wrenches with adjustable jaws is a good way to not fall prey to a bad wrench, you would be able to see the issues (if any) other users had with the wrench.
Conclusion:
Investing in the best spud wrench will not only save you from injury, wasted time and money, but it also gives you peace of mind when you don’t have to worry about the knurl staying in place or if the wrench would snap or bend. It allows you focus on the job at hand and work efficiently.
You have to make certain that the wrench you buy will be able to stand the test of time and be durable.
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