Tool basics
Wrenches & sockets
Browse the tool types in this family. Open an available guide or see what is coming next.
Generic family illustration
Available guides
Adjustable Wrench
Understand adjustable-jaw fit, working access, and the limits of a convenient general-purpose wrench for suitable fasteners.
Read the basicsBox-end wrench Guide
Understand the purpose, selection considerations and limits of a box-end wrench.
Read the basicsCombination wrench Guide
Understand the purpose, selection considerations and limits of a combination wrench.
Read the basicsHex Key Guide
Understand the purpose, selection considerations and limits of a hex key.
Read the basicsNut driver Guide
Understand the purpose, selection considerations and limits of a nut driver.
Read the basicsOpen-end wrench Guide
Understand the purpose, selection considerations and limits of a open-end wrench.
Read the basicsPipe wrench Guide
Understand the purpose, selection considerations and limits of a pipe wrench.
Read the basicsSocket wrench Guide
Understand the purpose, selection considerations and limits of a socket wrench.
Read the basicsMore tool types
Guides in preparation
- Ratcheting wrenchGuide in preparation
- Torque wrenchGuide in preparation
- Pliers wrenchGuide in preparation
- Basin wrenchGuide in preparation
- Strap wrenchGuide in preparation
- Torx keyGuide in preparation
- Breaker barGuide in preparation
Illustrations are schematic, unbranded depictions; designs and variants differ. Tool basics explain the type of tool. For a particular model, check its instructions and specifications. About our guides.