Aluminum Pipe Wrench | Straight Type

The aluminum pipe wrench, also known as an aluminum-handle pipe wrench, is a specialized type of pipe wrench that offers unique advantages in terms of light weight and ease of operation.

Structure Design& Light Weight

The structure of the straight-type aluminum pipe wrench is similar to that of a heavy-duty straight pipe wrench which has a steel or iron handle, but its handle is made of aluminum alloy, weighing only one-third of the weight of steel (iron) handles. This reduces the overall weight of the wrench by about 40%. This lightweight design makes the aluminum pipe wrench easy to carry and operate, effectively reducing the labor intensity for the operator. As illustrated in Figure-1, the aluminum pipe wrench consists of 1 – hook jaw, 2 – heel jaw (fixed to the handle), 3 – flat spring, 4 – cylindrical spring, 5 – adjustment nut, 6 – handle (which is cast integrally with the housing head to accommodate parts 3, 4, and 5).

The technical drawing of a straight type aluminum pipe wrench.

The term “straight type” refers to the design and structure of the wrench where the handle and the jaw are aligned in a straight line. This alignment allows for a direct application of force, making it easier to grip and turn cylindrical objects such as pipes and bolts. Straight type pipe wrenches are known for their simplicity and effectiveness in applications where space is not a constraint, providing a straightforward and efficient way to apply leverage and torque to fasteners and pipes. The aluminum pipe wrench also features the adjustable design, in which the adjustment nut serves to control the opening width of the wrench’s jaws, allowing it to securely grip pipes or cylindrical objects of varying sizes. It enables the user to adjust the wrench to the appropriate diameter, ensuring a firm and precise hold during twisting or turning operations.

Material & Manufacturer

A straight aluminum pipe wrench used in pluming, gripping a steel tube.

The straight-type aluminum pipe wrench shall be manufactured in accordance with the light-industry standard of the People’s Republic of China, QB/T 2508-2016. The material used to manufacture the handle of the pipe wrench is typically ZL104 aluminum alloy, equivalent to that specified in GB/T 1173 and ASTM UNS A13600. To enhance the strength of the aluminum alloy handle, materials superior to ZL104 may apply, with the manufacture method of die casting. Both the heel jaw and the hook jaw shall be made from high carbon steel or Cr-V alloy steel which exhibiting high strength, hardness and excellent wear resistance. The adjustment nut is usually made from 35# steel. The springs shall be made of 65Mn according to GB/T 1222.

Specifications and Precautions:

The straight-type aluminum pipe wrench series with series number of MT-57-Al-9

The specifications of straight-type aluminum pipe wrenches supplied by SJZ Metalsin are presented in the table below.

When using an aluminum pipe wrench, the following points should be noted: Avoid excessive force to prevent damage to the wrench teeth; be mindful of the load torque when using an extension bar to avoid overloading; do not clamp workpieces with a temperature higher than 300°C; and do not use the aluminum pipe wrench as a hammerhead or to strike steel workpieces.