ohhh and I forgot to mention, make sure the the bolt/nut is seated all the way into the wrench

I honestly thought using an adjustable wrench the proper way was common knowledge for the longest time, until I witnessed quite a few of my employees over the years (engineers and technicians) use them the wrong way. I figured the shape of the tool/position of the jaws made it intuitive.

I'm surprised how many people don't know this. My great-grandma taught me that many years ago. That woman was a wealth of knowledge and spry until the day she decided to die. She smoked 2 to 3 packs of unfiltered Camels and drank a couple fingers of whiskey every day, lived to be 107. She just said one day that all her friends and the love of her life were gone, that nobody needed her anymore, and the next day she was gone too. She still worked her farm, including fixing the machines, right up until the end. She taught me how to change a tire on a motorcycle when I was like 4. Hell of a woman.

Guess what I’ve learned mostly by reading all the posts is that everyone has a dad, a mother, a grandmother, a friend, who was an expert on tools. Thanks for showing us this.

Yes!!! I knew how to use a pair of channel locks and an adjustable end wrenches very early in life. When using channel locks, you can easily feel the difference when you are using them incorrectly.

I was taught this at a young age, I've taught my daughter this too!

This is one of my favorite things about KZfaq, it keeps this old timer knowledge alive

This same principle is true when using pipe wrenches. But with a pipe wrench, if you put it the wrong side you get zero torque and you know instantly you have to reverst it. Once I understood the good direction to use a pipe wrench (very easy to remember indeed), I never used a adjustable wrench or a channel lock wrench in reverse. Using them the right way gives you much more grip. They can work in reverse, but then they give very limited grip.

I had known that the stationary jaw of the wrench was the strongest as opposed to the adjustable jaw but I did not know how using the wrench incorrectly was the source of causing the adjustment wheel to jam up against the interior teeth. Now I am that much better informed as well as knowing how make use of that hidden aspect of a pair of vice grips. You are two for two teaching me facts I never knew. Thanks.

Believe it or not, I have ALWAYS wondered about this. I think about it almost every time I use one. But I never could figure out whether pushing or pulling puts more stress on a side. As soon as I saw you holding one in the thumbnail, I knew exactly where you were going to be going. I hope every man has thought about this, when looking at that tool. You could have made this video with only one word, as I just sat here and watched and waited to see if you would say "push" or "pull." Haha, and so as soon as you said "pull" my mind said "caCHING..." new knowledge in the bank! You just solved a 30 or 40 year old mystery for me. Thanks Hoss!

Thats a great tip I didnt know about. I threw all mine in the spare tool bin and only use the Knipex ratcheting adjustable wrench. They are a cross between channel locks and an adjustable wrench. Once you use them you will never go back to a standard adjustable wrench. Thanks for sharing!

I figured that out by myself when I was a kid. When the video started I figured this was what you were talking about. I do the same thing with adjustable pliers too. This also applies to open end wrenches.

Never ever a bad thing to be learning how to use a tool the right way

My dad showed me this and explained why. So it's always made sense to me. i waa astonished when I first saw someone doing it backward and felt grateful to my dad.

I'm 70 years old, have used these wrenches and vice grips nearly all of my life, and seeing your videos, realize I was using them incorrectly. Just subscribed to this channel--who knows what ELSE I didn't know?

In the past I've actually contemplated whether or not there was a specific way to use an adjustable wrench. Now I know! Thanks

Wrenching 101. Thanks Clint, this is good info for newbies and DYI persons. I've seen a lot of dis'ing of adjustable wrenches, they are useful tools for a multitude of uses. I learned tool use at age 12 at my father's farm equipment sales & service business, and found adjustable wrenches had their purpose, when properly used. Every good mechanic (heavy equipt., automotive) I've known had a couple of adjustables for use when needed. They also work great for bending metal when fabricating.

I knew there was a direction but, frankly, I was unaware which direction. That said, most of the time I do not put inordinate amounts of pressure on my wrenches and the overriding priority is reaching the nut or bolt. I use the wrench in whatever direction fits. I often need to change direction to reach the flats and continue turning when resetting my wrench.

I have worked on several home projects over the years but never knew these tips about the vise grips, channel locks, and adjustable wrench, Thank you!!!

I actually knew this thanks to my grandfather who saw me using one one day and got really excited/mad about how I was using it and quickly explained to me how to properly use one. I am super grateful for that as it will save you money in the long run.

This has always been one of my pet peeves when people use adjustable or plumbers wrenches! Arg!! Good video. In regards to the vise grips, only one out of the dozens I own have the set screw type adjuster. All the rest are just knurled knobs for adjustment.

Great video thanks for sharing. As a young apprentice mechanic 40 odd years ago we were always encouraged to use the correct tool for the correct job so even though I know how to correctly use them and own several crescent wrenches/shifting spanners of varying sizes or for Aussies playing along the portable lathes mine don’t get very much use in fact all must be at least 20 years old and still look brand new and still work.

I did know this, in fact I did a video on it myself a while back. I even had somebody in the comment section disagreed with me and then came back and apologized and agreed that I was correct. Great video by the way.

To be honest, each time I use an adjustable wrench (the wrong way) I would get the feeling that I'm doing something wrong, then I'd just flip the wrench around and hope that nobody was watching me... Thank you for clarifying that for me. With the pipe wrench though, that for me, is a revelation. Thanks a lot!!!

I thought this also as common knowledge. It was proven wrong by many videos testing strength both ways and it did not matter. Either way is fine, it's just as strong the " wrong way "

Basic kinematics and strength of materials. Sometimes being a mechanical engineer comes in handy. Good tutorial!!

I’m vet, Navy, once I pasted boot I went to A school/ AIT in Pensacola Florida to learn to be a Aviation Machinist Mate= AD, jet mechanic for helicopters. Our instructor gave us a 3 day class and hands on trying on how to properly use basic tools. The adjustable wrench and safety wire tying was the only things I didn’t know, just like most people I thought it didn’t matter. I took that class in 1998 and been telling anyone who listens or I teach how to do maintenance on there gear. I’ve only bout 3, so far but they are different sizes and here is a tip never leave them closed completely. A small gap of 1/8 is good and use graphite to keep it turning smoothly. Others used oil, as in the one for A.C units The swamp cooler types.

My dad taught me this when I first started picking up a wrench. The tip you shared IRT vice grips, never heard before, and yes- I ran out to my garage to look at my vice grips and I'll be damned- there's the lil' allen socket right on the end! I learnt something yesterday!

First off, you got a mighty nice car and house there, Clint, so congratulations to you on that! Guess this KZfaq gig is finally paying off real naice like! As for using adjustable wrenches and pliers, I found out in my teenage years that going one way had a better hand "feel" and gripping power (or less slippage) instead of the other way. It never crossed my mind that there was a "wrong" way to use them. So I did not even know that I was, and have been, using them correctly! 😆 For the times I would use these tools backward is if accessibility was an issue. Kinda like how you would have to flip a normal wrench over and over for nuts and bolts in tight places. Thanks for the video, guess I can sleep soundly now knowing that I have been doing at least something right all these years! 🐺🔧

They keep breaking because many just don't know how to use them correctly! The same principal is supposed to be used with fixed jaw open end wrenches. But I see people rotate them the wrong way all the time. Thanks for trying to educate those that were never shown the correct way to use a wrench. Unfortunately some, like that Vance guy at VCG Construction, will continue using some tools the wrong way! 🤣😂💥👊🏻

I didn't know the required technique to use the adjustable wrench...thanks for taking the time to do the video.

You don't know about those little details until you watch these videos, 👍

Thank you for pointing out the brand name !!! I wish that you would also point out that Allen ( as used to describe hex keys ) is also a brand name ! Thanks for all of your hard work and creativity on your videos ! Please keep it up !!

One way to think of this is to apply the load on the adjustable jaw closest the mechanism. That reduces the "moment" that the threads have to resist.

Why you did not tell me this 20 years ago. Better late then never. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from the Netherlands

I did not know this. I now feel blessed by your powerful intelligence.

I've never broken a wrench because I had a dad that taught me stuff but I have broken many ratchets 😂

Wow, I was impressed with the vice grip video but am also impressed with this video too. I am guilty of messing up a few adjustable wrenches over the years and took a file to the adjustment screw to reshape it. Now I know better, Thanks!

I was taught this but never knew why I needed to do this. Thanks for the info.

Thanks for helping a senior know more. Makes sense with your explanation. Have never had a problem like you described with either my adjustable or channel lock wrenches, but now less chance of any problems.

Another thing learnt. This day keeps getting better! Thanks

I did not know this, but, thankfully, I have never messed up any of my adjustable wrenches.

The video host and most commenters are misunderstanding how the forces apply on this style wrench. Regardless of which way the work is being turned, the fixed jaw is not applying more or less torque to the work then the movable jaw. Think of it like the work is "camming" the two jaws apart. The camming action presses the two jaws apart with equal force, like Sampson standing between two pillars and pressing outwards on both of them. The thing that changes along with direction of turn is the position of the two spots on the jaw faces that the cam lobes press on. Put one of these wrenches on a bolt head (slightly loose) and apply clockwise, then counterclockwise torque. Notice how as the bolt head rocks from one direction to the other, that the points of contact between the bolt head and the jaw face changes position. The cam lobe pressing against the tip of the movable jaw will have more mechanical advantage over the crescent mechanism then when the cam lobe is pressing against the base of the movable jaw. This is one of those concepts that's easier to explain with drawings then it is through text.

WHUH.., 😲!!! All these years and I was clueless! BUT this makes sense! Absolute sense. Thanx for doing this video!!

That's awesome. I've used them incorrectly for over 40 years now. Thank you for setting me straight.

As a mechanic I was using the Channellocks correctly but never gave any thought to the adjustable wrench being in design the same! Thanks for showing this! New subscriber! 👍

Never thought of it but makes sense. I havent broken any but i rarely use them as i typically jus use the proper size dedicated wrench. Good info thanks

I always wondered if there was a proper way to use the adjustable wrench; now I know!

I truly had no idea and i understand why I got few broken one now. Thanks

I knew that about the adjustable wrench, but never thought of applying it to channel locks, so yes and no. Thanks.

Yes I knew that about both the wrenches you described. Learned this at A/P for aircraft maintenance school when I was just out of high school in the late 60’s. Great video.

Remember read about that in Popular Mechanic few years ago. But the way you explained it makes a lot more sense.

Did not know, but makes perfect sense. Thank you.

Thanks for the info. I didn’t know that either. It confuses me to think of pushing or pulling. I understand the concept. For me it’s easier to think the meatier side is on the leading edge in the direction you are going.

I did not know that about adjustable wrenches 😮. Thank you!

I am 65, retired, Journeyman Wireman Electrician, also a Certified Professional Locksmith and Certified Safe Technician, yes I honestly did know this. I am glad you made this video, I can't tell you how many people I have tried to show this, but a lot of them don't care and won't change.

Good to know that I've been doing it right for many many years. Actually had a little argument with my brother years ago.

I've always used my wrenches this way. I just assumed it was the correct way but it's nice to have some confirmation. Thanks!

I appreciate the lesson. It made a lot of sense. Thank you.

My father taught me this when I was a youngster. A few years ago, I picked up a Crescent brand adjustable wrench at a yard sale that has directional arrows on the handle.

I did not know this, thanks. I think you should make a WHOLE SERIES of these videos - be the dad I never had and show me the right way to use all the tools and perhaps what they are best at and why.

The next video should be about which side of a flat screwdriver should be used to tighten or loosen a screw or maybe which end of a framing hammer is best for driving nails.

You just took me to school. When I first started working on cars someone explained the pressure should go to the point nearest the screw. This video shows I have been doing it wrong for 30 years.

I've explained this a few times, and I'll try to explain it again. The proper way to use an adjustable wrench is they way you first showed as "wrong". This becomes evident only after you take ALL of the forces into account, AND their magnitudes. The overwhelming majority of the force involved is applied to the edges of the TWO flats involved. One against the fixed jaw, and one against the movable jaw. It is true that, when used in the correct orientation, the fixed jaw carries the huge force previously described PLUS the TINY force from your hand pulling on the wrench, so it is that tiny amount more. BUT it is right up CLOSE to where the jaw is held in to the wrench body. When the wrench is used incorrectly, that force is applied further AWAY from this point, putting a LOT more strain on the movable jaw and it's mounting point. I've been using wrenches correctly (the opposite of internet lore) for years, and never had one fail. Diagram ALL of the forces, AND their magnitudes, and it'll become clear.

Wrenching for 55 years didn't know this.. thanks

I could always feel there was a difference but didn’t know why exactly, thanks again for clearing that up.

I 57 years old and have been working on cars my whole life and never knew that or the vice grip one. Great videos keep up the great work!!

Nope, never knew this, so thanks-I like my tools and don’t want to mess them up.

I gave that much thought at 10 and i felt the stresses would be less on the wrench if used the way you showed. Thanks!

I did not know sir i have learned a lot today from your video. God bless you. 🙌

Thanks , this video is very informative. I learned how use the Vicegrip the correct way .and the wrench .keep up the good work .once more Thank you.

Hi Clint, I seen that in every tool box I’ve ever come in contact with in my life,

My super fancy-like brands actually have an arrow on the handle telling you the correct way to turn them.

I had no clue about this. Thank you.

Kinda neat that someone made a video on this topic. I think the Old-Timers knew this and it just got lost in the mix over the years. I learned it from experience decades ago when my "Go-To" was a adjustable and a small sledgehammer. I would break my wrench if I struck it one way but not the other... So even with clamp hand wrenches (2 handles come together) you feel a more solid strike when you hit in the direction moving the thicker side. Making the smaller side the secondary receiver of force (once the energy has gone into the nut, the other side only takes the torque left over from your grip :)... Kinda funny; huh? Some cases; a wood shim on the smaller jaw works wonders !!!

Did not know and it totally makes sense. Thank you!

Learned it many years ago working as a mechanic/welder in a power plant. Same holds true with any tool with an adjustable jaw like vise grips, pipe wrenches, etc., you always pull against the fixed jaw.

Well, you learn something new every day. Well done, your Tuesday tips are great. I wonder how many people wouldn't admit to this. All the way from Australia

My friends always tell me that I am putting in threaded screws the wrong way too, until I tell them to listen for or feel the click and then turn the screw the right way. I learned that in firefighting class in Navy bootcamp. Brass fire hose fittings are soft and you don't want to cross thread them. They are after all what is going to save you in a ship board fire. I do this with all types of threaded bolts and screws, jar lids etc...

My very first construction job was with a traveling electrician and he taught me this about the wrenches and channel locks he was cool as hell i regret not being more responsible when i was young and traveling with him and learning more

Thanks, I learned something I didn’t know. Never to old to learn something new.

again... WHO'D'A thunked THAT TOO?!? (? I WONDER IF ME CALLING IT A CRESCENT WRENCH ALL THESE YEARS HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT JAMMING ON ME ALL THESE YEARS-- I AM GOING TO STOP CALLING IT A CRESCENT WRENCH AND SEE IF THAT HELPS!) [You are just a wealth of new information for me tonight...TANKS YOU LOTS!]

Never heard about this trick. Thanks.

Makes a lot of sense, I was not aware of that, thanx for that special info

I didnt know this, thanks for sharing!

This is what I thought I heard, for real; "it's not the wrench's fault, it's arse." Brilliant and true.

Man I did not know that and I didn't know about the vice grips either. Thanks man that was really helpful.

I have to say, yes indeed I was fully aware on both counts. Good on you for sharing.

Well sh*t...late thirties and I'm still learning new things lol..I don't use them much but I'll definitely have to be more mindful about how I'm holding them from now on...got new lesson for my kids tomorrow lol...thanks Clint 👍🏻

Hi Dave from Paramaribo, these are cool tips.This way the variable part of the tool doesn't get worn out fast. The solide part handels all the stress and hardwork. Thanks

The first thing I purchased as an Apprentice Toolmaker and learnt to use properly was a BAHCO [Swedish manufactured] shifter I engraved it as I do with all my tools with my name and date of purchase it still works as intended dated 14th Sept 1964 [ 14-9-64] nearly 60 years ago. . Cheers from Australia.

I never knew this until I saw your video today. Thank you so much..

Had no dad growing up. I've hated this tool all my life. Kinda pissed at myself for not seeing this. Thanks man!!! You're gettin a sub from me!

My dad taught me how to use them correctly about 40 years ago. I have adjustable wrenches that i inherited from him that are around 100 years old. They all work great.

65 yrs old … didn’t know that. But I do now! Thanks SN !!

Never taught this. Good to know. Thanks.

Did not know this. Thanks for the info.

Useful video. That explains the swears using old method. Another applause mentioning the joint pliers, been using my manly might to get things done with lots of pain. I find it's way flexible but hardly any car shop in my place would use adjustable spanners (wrench) & they love to over torque everything.

I always do it this way because I felt like the bigger arm that's fixed kind of hugs the outside of it and then the adjustable part of the wrench kind of closes in on it like a mouth and then you know I guess pull down towards the side of the fixed arm. I mean it's pretty much what you just explained but I say all that mumbo jumbo because I have been in fact using them correctly. I'm so glad that I get to show off where it really matters today. I was hoping that you were going to have a video about these things tightening around nuts like you've never seen before but not today. I love your videos man You're funny

Good topic. Thanks for reviewing. I’ve know this for a while. The same holds true for open-end wrenches, where one jaw is beefier than the other.