by Trevor Woods |
Last Updated: January 1, 2021 No toolbox is complete without a quality pipe wrench. It’s on my nine most important plumbing tools list. A good pipe wrench is an investment for your home or job site. Day in and day out the best pipe wrenches can be relied on for many years of use and sometimes abuse (snipe *couch cough).
The biggest problem is that a lesser made pipe wrench looks identical to a reliable tool. I’ll give you my recommendations to save you from buyer’s remorse and keep you happily turning wrenches.
Before we talk about what pipe wrenches made the cut, I’ll go over the basics of pipe wrenches and what to look for when determining which is best for you.
Pipe Wrench 101
First off, pipe wrenches (or Stillson Wrenches) are typically used on threaded pipe and fittings. Made of steel or aluminum they have an
This tension allows you to apply lots of torque on the wrench to tighten and loses pipes and fittings. But it can also ruin the finish on some more delicate plumbing pieces. So please don’t use a pipe wrench on chrome, brass, or stainless steel pipes as it can mar and ruin the decorative finish.
The direction of the toughened teeth combined with springs underneath the knurled adjustment knob allows for quick operation in a single direction. Because each wrench can only rotate in one direction, most work is done using two pipe wrenches. One to turn the fitting or pipe and one to “back up” the threaded connection and keep it stable.
Pipe wrenches are classified by length of the handle. I’d recommend shopping around for a 12″ or 14″ model. This size should give you enough grunt for most jobs around the house but won’t be too big or cumbersome for tighter spaces.
Also, stick to straight or standard models. Offset wrenches are great for awkward plumbing scenarios but most of the time they are not necessary. Enough with my two cents, let’s get down to the showdown! Here are the Top 5 pipe wrenches with a Bonus – “Worst Wrench Award” at the end.
5 Best Pipe Wrenches – Reviews 2020:
1. RIDGID Aluminum Straight Pipe Wrench 12-inch – BEST OVERALL
Professional strength, lightweight aluminum wrench is nearly 40% lighter than a same-size RIDGID heavy-duty model with the same durability and ease of use.
It should be no shock that Ridgid was named the Best Overall wrench. I’m a serious proponent and stick to Ridgid pipe wrenches exclusively. Some may consider it a bias that I LOVE Ridgid wrenches but if it’s ranked the best pipe wrench, can you really blame me?
RIDGID makes outstanding plumbing tools, and this wrench certainly lives up to its reputation. If you are going to be carrying a pipe wrench daily, you’ll want something light and easy to tote around. Splurge for the aluminum kind! Over the course of a day, ounces = pounds, and pounds = pain. Your back and shoulders will thank me later.
This wrench is priced higher than its cast-iron counterparts but if you are a professional and earn a living with your tools, you will get what you pay for with this one.
RIDGID covers its products with a lifetime warranty against defects in material or workmanship for the life of the tool. Plus replacement parts are readily available and easy to find. When investing in a high-quality tool once can be more economical than buying a wrench repeatedly.
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Easy to adjust/clean/maintain
Cons
- More expensive than comparable cast-iron options
2. RIDGID Heavy-Duty Straight Pipe Wrench 12-inch – BEST VALUE
Built to stand the test of time, RIDGID Heavy-Duty Straight Pipe Wrenches are sturdy plumbing wrenches constructed with ductile-iron housings and I-beam handles for superior strength and longevity.
Contemplating if you need the BEST pipe wrench around but the sticker shock of aluminum pipe wrenches scares you? Or maybe your wrench lives in a toolbox in the garage and only gets used once in a while? This is the tool for you! All of the quality you’d expect from Ridgid but at a fraction of the price.
Everything you’d come to expect from a Ridgid wrench; rugged, durable, easy to operate, and repairable to get you back to work fast. The only downside is with a body made of iron it is suspectable to rust. So don’t work this wrench hard and put it away wet.
Give this wrench a wipe down before throwing it in your toolbox and you’ll be fine. Or be prepared to repaint this wrench every once in a while. Not a deal-breaker in my mind and is standard wear and tear for most iron pipe wrenches.
Maybe for you, weight isn’t an issue. The added weight compared to aluminum isn’t a problem and you like the challenge of putting a little more muscle into your repair projects. Flex your muscles and not your wallet!
Pros
- Same features as the aluminum version
- Durable
- Adjustable/cleanable/versatile
Cons
- Heavy
- Subject to rust over time
3. Tradespro 14-Inch Heavy Duty Pipe Wrench – BUDGET BUY
Trades Pro Heavy-Duty 14-Inch Pipe Wrench is constructed with drop-forged steel with heat treatment and I-beam handles for superior strength and durability.
Don’t pass by this wrench because it isn’t a “brand name”. Tradespro is owned by Alltrade Tools LLC which is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of tools and shop equipment.
They are the company behind CAT, Kawasaki Tools, Vaughn, and Wagner. So they are far from a “nobody” and have been in business since 1979. Founded in Long Beach, California Alltrade strives to meet and exceed expectations of quality, service, and value.
This extremely affordable wrench is tested for durability and made using the highest quality standards. If you are only using a pipe wrench once in a while, this might be the best choice for you. Save your money for things that matter! But if you spend hours at the end of a pipe wrench, this won’t be as precise or nimble as you’d expect.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons
- Poorly threaded adjustment knob
- Clunky and bulky to use
4. Milwaukee CHEATER Adaptable Pipe Wrench – BEST VERSATILITY
Milwaukee cheater adaptable pipe wrench features a New-To-World 3 length design, which delivers maximum productivity to the professional Plumber.
The cheater has two interchangeable threaded handles Offering the versatility of 10" Length when used with no handle for tight spaces, 18" Length with the small handle for general Purpose, and 24" Length with the long handle for maximum leverage and reach.
This pipe wrench is the wildcard of the bunch. It takes the basic design of a pipe wrench a takes it to a whole new level. The Milwaukee CHEATER Adaptable Pipe Wrench features a new-to-world 3 length design, which delivers maximum productivity to the professional plumber.
The CHEATER has two interchangeable threaded handles offering the versatility of 10″ length when used with no handle for tight spaces, 18″ length with the small handle for general purpose, and 24″ length with the long handle for maximum leverage and reach.
It’s essentially a pipe wrench with built-in snipes to increase your torque and power without risking breaking the wrench. Why didn’t I think of that?
The CHEATER also features an overbite jaw design offering the largest grip surface and dual coil springs for maximum durability and tool life. Tether-ready handle loops make the CHEATER Adaptable Pipe Wrench ready for the Jobsite. I won’t lie, even though I am a Ridgid pipe wrench purist, I do own one of these wrenches and it has come in handy many times!
Pros
- Versatile – 3 wrenches in one
- Very durable
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Very heavy
- Expensive
5. Wideskall 3 Pieces Heavy Duty Soft Grip Pipe Wrench Set – BEST SET
Heavy-duty, heat-treated with soft grip pipe wrench set.
10", 12", and 14" pipe wrench set.
Are you starting out in the plumbing trade and can’t afford big brand name tools right now? Or are you only going to use a pipe wrench once in a blue moon and can’t stand the thought of an expensive wrench sitting collecting dust? Then this is the set for you!
There are lots of the same features you’d expect from other wrench manufacturers like cast iron housings with I-beam handles, hardened jaws, and soft-grip coating but it won’t cost you an arm or a leg to get it. In fact, if you are the type of wrench slinger that abuses and loses tools constantly this set might be your best bet. You won’t feel bad if you put a snipe on one of these or forget one on a Jobsite in the mud.
The affordability and versatility of this set of three wrenches does come with a share of drawbacks. I can’t say that these are great tools, the threading on the jaws is on the loose side resulting in a “clunky” user experience. This set wouldn’t be my choice to earn a living with but my tool snobbery aside, for a casual user this is an affordable option to stock their toolbox.
Pros
- 3 Wrench Set
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor threading
- Loose jaws
BONUS: WORST WRENCH – Vise Grip 11-Inch Aluminum Quick Adjust Pipe Wrench
The Quick Adjusting Pipe Wrench is built with convenience and durability in mind.
One-handed operation enhances the user's speed and convenience.
Ratchets quickly to the work surface. Smooth release upon job completion.
You’ve waited this long to see my most hated wrench. Before I get into my rant, please know that I have nothing against Irwin or Vise-Grip tools. I own many Vise-Grip plyers and wouldn’t trade them for anything. But their take on a pipe wrench has left a bad taste in my mouth and I’ll tell you why.
Irwin’s high-tech looking wrench boasts a lot of features like an ergonomic handle. But they don’t mention that it’s a hunk of plastic riveted to wrench. Without a palm-swell or handle loop, I found this wrench to be hard to use at full extension or using overhead.
My biggest gripe is with the quick-adjusting jaw that allows for one-handed operation, which is exactly what you’ll be doing when this wrench slips and you bust a knuckle, you’ll be operating with one hand for the rest of the day. OUCH! If you didn’t draw blood you’ll be at least fuming mad at this point.
On closer inspection, you will see the
By creating a wrench that has such a large jaw capacity (2 1/4″) it will leave you underpowered for pipes of this size. Unless you are Heman strong, using an 11″ wrench when an 18″ wrench would be standard will leave you grunting and turning red with your lack of leverage. Sorry, it’s simply a matter of less mechanical advantage. It’s like bringing a knife to a gunfight, you are just under-wrenched for the job.
Pros
- Looks futuristic
- Can be used as a hammer
Cons
- Slips constantly
- Loose jaws
I have purchased two of these wrenches over the years hoping that they would have made improvements over time. But unfortunately, the new wrench was as abysmal as the last. For these reasons, the Vise-Grip pipe wrench receives my “WORST WRENCH” award.
Conclusion
Time to finalize your buying decision. I hope my Top 5 list has helped make the choice easier for you. Buying tools can be challenging but shouldn’t be as hard as the work you will do with them. I have purchased these wrenches and sometimes multiples of them to take the guesswork out of purchasing your next pipe wrench. Yep, I have TWO pipe wrenches that won my “Worst Wrench” award. I bought the duds so you don’t have to.
From the professional plumber to the weekend warrior there is a wrench for you on this list. If you are still uncertain about which wrench is right for you, I’d always recommend investing in a quality Ridgid wrench. You can’t go wrong with one of these! It’s a wrench that you can pass down or keep in the company forever. Buy nice or buy twice, as I always say!
Happy Plumbing!
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