Villáskulcs

Villáskulcs is a Hungarian term that translates to "fork wrench" or "open-end wrench" in English. It refers to a common type of hand tool used for turning nuts and bolts. The defining characteristic of a villáskulcs is its U-shaped or open jaw, which allows it to be slipped onto a fastener from the side. This design is in contrast to a sokkuluscs, or socket wrench, which fits over the entire fastener.

Villáskulcsok are typically made of forged steel, often chrome-vanadium steel for added strength and durability. They come in a wide variety of sizes, with the opening of the jaws usually measured in millimeters or inches, depending on the region and the fasteners they are intended to fit. Many villáskulcsok are double-ended, featuring different sized openings on each end of the tool. This dual-sizing increases their versatility and reduces the number of tools a user needs to carry.

The primary advantage of a villáskulcs is its accessibility. It can be used in situations where a socket wrench might not fit due to space constraints. However, its open design means it engages fewer sides of the fastener compared to a socket wrench, which can sometimes lead to slipping or rounding off the corners of a damaged or overtightened nut or bolt. Despite this limitation, the villáskulcs remains an indispensable tool in many mechanical, automotive, and general repair applications due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use in confined spaces.