Værktøjsnøgler

Værktøjsnøgler, often referred to as wrenches in English, are fundamental hand tools used to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque to turn objects, usually rotary fasteners such as nuts and bolts, or to hold them to prevent unintended rotation. They work by engaging with the sides of a fastener's head, offering a more secure grip than pliers, which tend to round off fastener heads due to their clamping action on the corners.

There are many types of værktøjsnøgler, each designed for specific applications. Open-ended wrenches have U-shaped jaws that grip two opposite sides of a fastener. Box-end wrenches, also known as ring spanners, feature a closed loop that encircles the fastener head, providing a more secure grip and reducing the risk of slippage. Combination wrenches offer both an open end and a box end of the same size on opposite ends of the tool. Adjustable wrenches, such as the common monkey wrench or crescent wrench, have a movable jaw that allows them to fit a range of fastener sizes, making them versatile but potentially less secure than fixed-size wrenches. Socket wrenches consist of a handle (ratchet or breaker bar) and a socket, which is a cylindrical piece that fits over the fastener head. Pipe wrenches are designed with serrated jaws to grip round objects like pipes, primarily used in plumbing. Torque wrenches are specialized wrenches that indicate or limit the amount of torque applied to a fastener, crucial for applications where precise tightening is required.

The material used for most værktøjsnøgler is hardened steel, often alloyed with chromium and vanadium for increased strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. They are indispensable tools in mechanical, automotive, construction, and household repair contexts.