Spud Wrench vs Pipe Wrench: Choosing the Right Wrench for Your Job

Just Pro Tools Expert Team
May 13, 2023 5:46 AM

We at JustProTools understand the importance of selecting the right wrench for the job, which is why we're here to provide you with a comprehensive guide on the differences between spud wrenches and pipe wrenches. In this guide, we will highlight the key features of each wrench and provide you with tips on how to select the right one for your needs.

A spud wrench and a pipe wrench are two different types of tools used for gripping and turning objects such as pipes, rods, and fittings.. Image source: Amazon.com

Spud Wrenches

Spud wrenches are commonly used in the construction industry for aligning bolt holes in beams and girders. They have an adjustable or standard box wrench on one end and a tapered spike on the other end, which can be used for lining up bolt holes when installing pipe fittings or doing automotive work. Spud wrenches are available in three different types, including ironworker's spud wrenches, plumber's spud wrenches, and radiator valve spud wrenches. The following are the key features of spud wrenches:

Smooth jaw: The smooth jaw of the spud wrench allows it to grip nuts and bolts effectively.
Offset handle: Some spud wrenches have an offset handle that provides better leverage and access to tight spaces.

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Pipe Wrenches

Pipe wrenches are commonly used by plumbers for turning and holding pipes. They have a gripping hook jaw and weight that makes them a better fastener than spud wrenches. Pipe wrenches come in various sizes and lengths, including straight and offset handles. The following are the key features of pipe wrenches:

Hook jaw: The hook jaw of the pipe wrench provides a better grip on pipes than spud wrenches.
Adjustable nut: The adjustable nut of the pipe wrench allows you to adjust the size of the jaw opening to fit different pipe sizes.

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How to Choose the Right Wrench

Choosing the right wrench for the job can make a significant difference in the quality of work you produce. The following are some factors to consider when selecting the right wrench:

Job type: Consider the type of job you're doing and the size of the pipes or bolts you need to work with.
Material: Consider the material of the pipes or bolts you're working with. For example, if you're working with fragile pipes, a spud wrench with a smooth jaw may be a better option.
Comfort: Consider the comfort of the wrench handle. A comfortable handle can reduce the risk of hand fatigue and improve your overall work quality.

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Top Ideas

No	Product	Score	Check
1	*Crescent 10&quot; Adjustable Black Oxide Construction Wrench*	9.9	Check Price
2	*Titan 223 3-Piece Adjustable Construction Spud Wrench Set*	9.8	Check Price
3	*Klein Tools 3239 Adjustable Spud Wrench*	9.7	Check Price
4	*Klein Tools 3227 Extra Wide Adjustable Wrench*	9.5	Check Price
5	*Lichamp 16-Inch Adjustable Construction Spud Wrench*	9.2	Check Price

Crescent 10&quot; Adjustable Black Oxide Construction Wrench

Model: Crescent AT210SPUD
Color: Black
Dimensions: 2.9 x 13.2 x 0.7 Inches
Warranty: Standard Limited Lifetime

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The Crescent AT210SPUD 10" Adjustable Black Oxide Construction Wrench is an essential tool for any professional or amateur handyman. Constructed with black oxide for extended durability, its unique design allows for a wide range of fastening applications. It features a slim profile for accessibility in tight areas, and its adjustable 10" jaw provides a wide range of fastening capabilities. The AT210SPUD is designed to provide precise ratcheting action and a secure grip on fasteners. With its easy-to-use design, this adjustable wrench is perfect for a variety of tasks, including automotive repairs, plumbing, and electrical work. The Crescent AT210SPUD is a reliable and convenient tool for any toolbox.

Titan 223 3-Piece Adjustable Construction Spud Wrench Set

Model: Titan 223
Color: Factory
Dimensions: 1.7 x 17.2 x 3.8 Inches
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

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is a must-have tool in any handyman's tool kit. The set is ideal for tightening and loosening nuts, bolts, and other fasteners in tight spaces. Each wrench features a heat-treated, carbon steel head for increased durability and strength. The adjustable design allows you to customize the size and fit of the wrench to the job at hand. The ergonomically designed handle provides a comfortable grip for added control. The Titan 223 is the perfect tool for any job that requires precision and strength.

Klein Tools 3239 Adjustable Spud Wrench

Model: Klein Tools 3239
Color: Black
Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 10 Inches

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Capable. The Klein Tools 3239 Adjustable Spud Wrench is a great choice for anyone needing to fit heavy nuts and bolts up to 1-inch in size. It has a 16-inch length for increased leverage and the adjustable jaw allows for an even tighter fit. The wrench opening is 1-5/8 and is tethering capable for increased safety and security. This tool is perfect for any job needing to fit heavy nuts and bolts. It is durable and reliable, making it an ideal choice for any toolbox.

Klein Tools 3227 Extra Wide Adjustable Wrench

Model: Klein Tools 3227
Color: Black

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. The Klein Tools 3227 Extra Wide Adjustable Wrench is the perfect tool for all of your construction needs. This extra wide wrench is adjustable up to 1-7/16-inch nuts and bolts, giving you maximum leverage and torque when you need it the most. The 10-inch long body provides extra reach and the tether hole allows you to keep it securely tethered to your work belt so you always have it close by. This construction spud wrench is a must-have for any handyman or DIYer.

Lichamp 16-Inch Adjustable Construction Spud Wrench

Color: Black

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The Lichamp 16-Inch Adjustable Construction Spud Wrench is a must-have tool for any construction job. This heavy-duty wrench is adjustable from 16-inch to 24-inch, perfect for reaching into tight spaces. Its steel construction ensures maximum strength and durability, and the ergonomic handle provides comfort and a secure grip. The precision-ground teeth provide a snug and secure fit when fastening nuts and bolts. This tool is ideal for all types of construction projects and is sure to get the job done right.

Klein Tools 3212 Spud Wrench 3/4-Inch Bolt

Model: Klein Tools 3212
Color: Black
Dimensions: 1 x 16.62 x 2.5 Inches

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Forged in the USA from select US alloy steel to withstand high-leverage and heavy loads
Extra heavy-duty head area gives maximum strength and durability more

DURATECH 3-Piece Adjustable Construction Spud Wrench Set

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【Laser Marking With High Precision】SAE & Metric are engraved by laser marking, high accurate scale, allow for exact fastener fit. Mirror polish for the head of wrench, make the surface scale clearer, convenient to work.
【A Wrench For Two Uses】Used as a wrench to tighten or remove nuts.Continuous tapered handle, which helpful for aligning bolts, save your time. It can also be used as a small crowbar for prying things, tying iron wires, and adjusting the position of nuts or screws in deeper spaces. more

Lichamp 3pcs Spud Wrench Set

Model: Lichamp ASW-S103BK
Color: Black

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Dual Socket - 11.8 inches long with 3/4-inch and 7/8-inch 12 point socket
Dual Drive - 12.4 inches long with 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch square drive more

MAXPOWER 2PCs Adjustable Spud Wrench Set

Model: MAXPOWER UY-EIA3-E532
Dimensions: 1.968503935 x 19.68503935 x 4.330708657 Inches

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A durable and useful heavy duty wide open adjustable wrench set, highly recommend for ironworker, construction and plumbers
These wrenches set come with a Roll Up Bag, with dual SAE and Metric Scales for clear reading more

Lichamp 3-Pack Adjustable Construction Spud Wrench Set 10 12 16

Color: Black

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2 ) Drop forged durable heavy duty Alloy steel construction with industrial black oxide finish to resist corrosion
4 ) Overall Length: 10.2 in./26cm (S), 12.2 in./31cm (M), 16 in./40.5cm (L); Jaw Capacity: 1-3/16 in. (S), 1-3/8 in. (M), 1-1/2 in. (L) Imperial and metric scales. more

DURATECH 3-Piece Heavy Duty Aluminum Straight Pipe Wrench Set

Color: Multicolor

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Ergonomic handle form has been designed for maximum comfort and won’t dig into the palms. Through hardened jaws deliver increased grip. Standard handle lengths with wide gripping surface for increased comfort and one hand operation.
Plumbing wrench has a non-stick knurled adjustment nut, and self-cleaning threads with easily replaceable hook jaw, heel jaw, and spring assembly. 18 inch pipe wrench overbite jaws provide maximum gripping surface. more

Performance Tool W1133-10B 10-Inch Pipe Wrench

Model: Performance Tool W1133-10B
Color: Silver
Dimensions: 3 x 6 x 1 Inches
Warranty: LIMITED WARRANTY

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Precision milled jaws
Jaw Capacity: 1-3/4" more

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Pipe Wrench

Model: IRWIN 274103
Color: Multi
Dimensions: 1.6 x 15.4 x 6.4 Inches

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Unique "hammer head" design provides a flat surface for hammering.
The I-beam handle's wide design provides excellent weight distribution. more

KOTTO Heavy Duty Adjustable Pipe Wrench Set

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EASY STORAGE : For your convenience, we have included a carrying bag for more secure storage, improved organization and portability. You can now safely secure your tools in-between uses without worrying about losing them.
EASY ADJUSTMENT : Full floating forged hook jaw for fast jaw grip and release, allowing you to easily make quick adjustments. Wide I-beam handle design provides better weight distribution, saves labor and improves working efficiency for a job well done. more

MAXPOWER 18-inch Pipe Wrench

Model: MAXPOWER M37092
Dimensions: 1.574803148 x 16.535433054 x 3.7401574765 Inches

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I-beam handle with full floating forged and scaled hook jaw for superior gripping and quick adjustments
Plumbing wrench has a non-stick adjustment nut, and self-cleaning threads with easily replaceable hook jaw, heel jaw, and spring assembly more

DURATECH 14-inch Heavy Duty Aluminum Offset Pipe Wrench

Model: DURATECH DTOAPW14
Color: Multicolor

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45° Offset Pipe Wrench: The offset pipe wrench head allows you to better access tight spaces and is especially ideal for overhead applications.14 inch pipe wrench overbite jaws provide maximum gripping surface.
Widely Application: Suitable for all pipe related home improvement repairs that need a tight grip, such as gas tank repair or household plumbing. For home improvement workshops, a hole is located at the base of the handle allowing operators to hang on hooks or on a peg board for quick access. more

MAXPOWER 2PCs Adjustable Spud Wrench Set

Model: MAXPOWER UY-EIA3-E532
Dimensions: 1.968503935 x 19.68503935 x 4.330708657 Inches

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A durable and useful heavy duty wide open adjustable wrench set, highly recommend for ironworker, construction and plumbers
16-Inch Spud Wrench: UP to 1-5/8 inch (41mm) Wide jaw opening, Reversible jaw reversible to work as pipe wrench. Enhanced head to work as hammer more

Goplus 4pcs Pipe Wrench Set

Model: Goplus 5
Dimensions: 3.5 x 16.3 x 3.5 Inches

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【Widely Application】Suitable for all pipe related home improvement repairs that need a tight grip, such as gas tank repair, household plumbing, vehicle maintenance. The deep grooved teeth of each straight pipe wrench lock in place to provide a confident grip around smooth, round surfaces like showerheads or bathroom sinks and drains. This pipe wrench kit is versatile enough for professional plumb.
【Precision Machine Teeth】High carbon steel forged and then quenched, the upper and lower hard teeth have large torsion force. The teeth are sharp, non- breaking, non-coiling, high hardness and wear resistance. For the exquisite manufacture, the teeth of the wrench is precise. It can grip pipes securely and tightly. more

Amazon Basics Heavy-Duty Adjustable Straight Pipe Wrench

Model: Amazon Basics PAW016
Color: Black
Dimensions: 1.18 x 10.43 x 2.56 Inches

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10 inch Heavy duty adjustable straight pipe wrench for maintenance, plumbing, and other mechanical work
Dimensions: 10.43x 2.56 x 1.18 inches (LxWxH) more

Edward Tools Pipe Wrench

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Forged hook monkey wrench hook jaw for greater grip strength
Quick size adjustment with non stick nut more

HORUSDY 4 Pack Heavy Duty Pipe Wrench Set

Color: Multi-color
Dimensions: 2.2 x 17 x 7 Inches

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It is suitable for all home decoration maintenance related to pipeline, such as tank maintenance, domestic water pipe, vehicle maintenance, etc. Each straight pipe wrench has deep grooved teeth locked in place to provide confident grip on a smooth, circular surface around, such as shower heads or bathroom sinks and gutters.
Wrench sizes include: 8 ", 10", 12 "and 14", as well as handbags. more

DURATECH 8-Inch Heavy Duty Pipe Wrench

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Plumbing wrench has a non-stick knurled adjustment nut, and self-cleaning threads with easily replaceable hook jaw, heel jaw, and spring assembly. Design particularly suitable for working in confined or restricted areas and at the most difficult angles.
Drop forged and heat treated jaws in high quality steel resist distortion or breakage, offer professional enhanced durability and maximum torque. The teeth are sharp, high hardness and wear resistance. For the exquisite manufacture, the teeth of the wrench is precise. It can grip pipes securely and tightly. more

RIDGID 31400 Spud Wrench

Model: RIDGID 12"
Color: Red
Dimensions: 1.25 x 11 x 3 Inches

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is designed to provide maximum strength and durability. It features a heavy duty cast iron body with a wide range of adjustments and a hook jaw with a serrated edge for improved gripping power. The spring loaded handle provides smooth and easy operation, while the adjustable hook jaw ensures a secure grip on the workpiece. The RIDGID 31400 Spud Wrench is perfect for any job requiring a secure grip and heavy duty performance.

MAXPOWER 2PCs Adjustable Spud Wrench Set

Model: MAXPOWER UY-EIA3-E532
Dimensions: 1.968503935 x 19.68503935 x 4.330708657 Inches

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This MAXPOWER UY-EIA3-E532 adjustable spud wrench set comes with two wrenches; a 12-inch spud wrench and a 16-inch reversible jaw adjustable wrench with a hammer head and pipe wrench function. The adjustable wrench has a wide range of applications and its reversible jaw design allows you to easily switch between tasks. The 12-inch spud wrench has a comfortable handle and a wide gripping jaw that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of bolts and nuts. The hammer head feature on the adjustable wrench provides extra leverage that helps to loosen stubborn bolts and nuts. This durable set is perfect for any handyman or do-it-yourselfer.

GETUHAND 9-1/2-inch Hex Offset Wrench

Dimensions: 1.2 x 10.6 x 4 Inches

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The GETUHAND 9-1/2-inch Hex Offset Wrench, Model E-110 Hex Pipe Wrench is an ideal tool for any professional or DIYer. This heavy-duty wrench is designed to handle the toughest jobs with ease. It is made of forged steel and has an offset design that allows it to reach deep into tight spaces. The 1-1/8" to 2 5/8" capacity makes it perfect for use on a variety of pipe sizes. The ergonomic handle provides a secure and comfortable grip for maximum leverage. This hex pipe wrench is perfect for any plumbing, automotive, or industrial job. With a lifetime warranty, you can trust that your GETUHAND 9-1/2-inch Hex Offset Wrench, Model E-110 Hex Pipe Wrench will last for years to come.

DURATECH 10-Inch Adjustable Construction Spud Wrench

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The DURATECH 10-Inch Adjustable Construction Spud Wrench is the perfect tool for any construction job. With its black oxide finish, CR-V Steel construction, and SAE & Metric scale markings, this wrench is designed to hold up in even the toughest jobsites. The wrench features alignment holes and a tail crowbar for added leverage and convenience. The smooth handle and adjustable jaw provide a comfortable and secure grip, making it easy to get the job done quickly and accurately. Whether you're working on plumbing, electrical, or general construction projects, the DURATECH 10-Inch Adjustable Construction Spud Wrench is the perfect tool for the job.

DURATECH 14-inch Heavy Duty Aluminum Offset Pipe Wrench

Color: Multicolor

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Widely Application: Suitable for all pipe related home improvement repairs that need a tight grip, such as gas tank repair or household plumbing. For home improvement workshops, a hole is located at the base of the handle allowing operators to hang on hooks or on a peg board for quick access.
Large Jaw Capacity: Ideal for 3/4” to 2” Pipe. Ergonomic handle form has been designed for maximum comfort and won’t dig into the palms. Through hardened jaws deliver increased grip. Standard handle lengths with wide gripping surface for increased comfort and one hand operation. more

Lichamp 10-Inch Adjustable Construction Spud Wrench

Color: Black

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3 ) The long handle of a structural or spud wrench allows for greater leverage and torque.
1 ) Adjustable Spud Wrench is great for iron work, Tapered end of wrench helps with aligning holes more

DURATECH 9-1/2 inch Hex Offset Wrench

Dimensions: 1.26 x 11.3 x 4.65 Inches

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The offset and thin jaws can slide into even the tightest and most restricted spaces effortlessly. The CRV jaws provide greater capacity than adjustable wrenches.
The 9-1/2'' offset pipe wrench fits easily around pipes with a capacity of 1-1/8" (29 mm) to 2-5/8" (67 mm). Ideal for all pipe-related home improvement repairs that need a tight grip, such as gas tank repair or household plumbing. more

HAUTMEC Internal Pipe Wrench Set

Model: HAUTMEC PL0031
Dimensions: 2 x 3.75 x 0.75 Inches

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Cam Design: Expandable knurled cams for an easy internal grip on the broken pipes and delivers excellent performance in catching pipe fragments
Damage-less Use: Suitable for easy removal of broken pipe ends, plugs and fittings without marring, scratching or denting on pipe surface or threads and installation of short nipples with exposed threads more

Last update on 2023-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Common Answers

A spud wrench and a pipe wrench are two common types of wrenches used in plumbing and construction. Image source: Amazon.com

What are the main differences between a spud wrench and a pipe wrench?

A spud wrench is used to tighten or loosen large nuts and bolts, whereas a pipe wrench is used to tighten and loosen pipes and fittings. Spud wrenches have a claw-like jaw that can be adjusted to fit different sizes of nuts and bolts, while pipe wrenches have serrated teeth that can grip onto pipes and fittings. Spud wrenches also have a flat surface along the handle that can be used to tap the bolt into place. Pipe wrenches are typically made from cast iron or steel and have an adjustable jaw.

When would it be most beneficial to use a spud wrench instead of a pipe wrench?

A spud wrench is best used when tightening or loosening a large nut or bolt that is surrounded by a pipe or other cylindrical surface. A spud wrench is designed to fit in the tight space between these two objects and provide a better grip than a pipe wrench.

What types of tasks are best suited for a spud wrench?

A spud wrench is best suited for tasks that involve removing or tightening nuts and bolts, especially in hard-to-reach places. It is also useful for tightening or fastening plumbing or pipe fittings.

Is a spud wrench more cost effective than a pipe wrench?

In most cases, a spud wrench is more cost effective than a pipe wrench. Spud wrenches are typically more lightweight and easier to use, and they are typically less expensive than pipe wrenches.

Conclusion

A spud wrench and pipe wrench are both tools used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. Image source: Amazon.com

In conclusion, spud wrenches and pipe wrenches have distinct features that make them suitable for different types of jobs. Understanding the key differences between the two types of wrenches can help you choose the right wrench for your needs. When selecting a wrench, consider factors such as the job type, material, and comfort of the handle. With the right wrench, you can improve your work quality and productivity.

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