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The two wrench trick

jeejay

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Jun 20, 2016
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465
It's literally the same concept as the EZ Red I linked
You actually linked another Garagejournal thread lol. A nut and a bolt are generally free and frequently found around a mechanical shop, many times in the trash. I dont know why anyone would buy this kit. :dunno:
It includes magnets, doesn't require two sets of wrenches the same size, and is said to double as a hex wrench itself. If I wanted a more complete kit though, I'd still have to go with nuts and bolts for the rest, because even the master hex socket sets will skip sizes. I thought using some longer coupling nuts alone might be simplest, except those are limited in size selection also. Perhaps hex steel stock would offer more sizes for a one piece connector.

Things like steel stock or a nut and bolt might also prevent a wrench from breaking. Well, if something had to give, then not using the highest grade steel would practically ensure it was the coupler that rounded, before anything broke (but hardware should also hold up, unless the wrench is approaching its breaking point, because much less torque is required at the end of another handle than the working end). I'd guess the primary reason wrenches break there is between nothing else giving out, and the uneven amount of pressure being put on it, from a poor fit where two wrenches alone are coupled.
 
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kblee27

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Aug 27, 2015
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Singapore
I decided to simply buy a longer wrench.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B001EQ8GLO/
51Gsh6m%2B4JL._AC_UL115_.jpg
 

jeejay

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Jun 20, 2016
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465
I think the striking wrenches that are made to be hammered on are typically shorter and thicker than the equivalent combination wrench, and used on fasteners larger than an inch in diameter. Although there are some smaller adjustables with striking surfaces, close to the jaws (maybe that's only meant to be a hammer, making it a multi tool, or why pound on it there).

I see the combo wrench as a relatively fragile tool, because it is lower profile and lighter weight, so the last thing I'd do is pound on one. The purpose in extending it would be for reach, not leverage. If a great deal more leverage is necessary, get a drive handle that matches the thickness of the drive at least (I'm thinking that's common sense, but I guess people can find a way to break anything, which is usually the quickest way to do something).

To me, the trick would be in extending a wrench without breaking it, not hooking two together in the worst way and pushing the envelope on top of that. Books on the subject say you have to develop a feel for torque, and I guess that's beyond many of those who reviewed the long serpentine crowfoot handle, for instance. They can't seem to understand that it was made longer for reach, not leverage, but I don't have a problem feeling when a fastener reaches the same tightness with a handle that's three or four times longer than a standard combination wrench, and it doesn't come any closer to breaking in that case. It can easily be broken otherwise, or so I've heard (maybe they pounded on it too).
 
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fatfillup

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Jan 17, 2009
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Finksburg, Md
I only performed the two-wrench trick once. I did it because I was impatient and in a hurry. Something just felt very wrong about it to me while trying to turn that get-up. Never did it again. Now I just get a breaker bar.

IF you are in your shop you have that luxury. If you are on the road and have to get a machine fixed, you do what is necessary to get the job done. That said, I have done it in my shop many times and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Haven't broken a wrench yet doing that and truly can't remember ever breaking a wrench in any fashion.
 

claymont

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Oct 26, 2010
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CLAYMONT, DE
I was a millwright in a steemill for over eleven years. I don't remember using that method of torque multiplication:pimpflash When I went to a refinery, one of the first things you pick up on is the wrench on wrench method. I used that successfully for the next twenty four years I was a mechanic at that facility. When you're blanking and de-blanking equipment in the process units and pipelines, this use of wrenches is extremely useful and efficient. Most of the bolting was between 1/2 - 1 1/4", so it was, in most cases, easy enough to carry the required equipment in your tool bag or hoist it up by hand to the job.
 

JohnDeere1

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Jun 21, 2017
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Location
Kentucky
I own high performance wrenches Snap on in sae and Mac in metric and I've never used them as they are just too long if I'm under a car they hit the ground. I thought they would be handy but maybe for someone with a lift or in the engine bay which I haven't needed a wrench in more than my snap on combo wrenches. The 2 wrench trick I'm sure is fine as long as you don't over torque I've even beat on 2 wrenches like that with a hammer same with extending a ratchet with a deep well and extension.
 

RedneckWelder

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Nov 12, 2013
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The Ghetto Kingdom of Methlandia
I don't like doing it but I do when I have to...a breaker bar or long ratchet will not fit in plenty of cases

I also use a hammer on wrenches too...commonly on hydraulic lines. .

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Aberdale

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Mar 13, 2009
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1,380
Location
Ohio
I've double wrenched on occasion. After reading this thread, I'm rethinking whether I should continue. The few times I've done it is because I was either in too big of a hurry, or too lazy, to get the right tool out of the box.

I think I'll try to improve my working habits.
 

M35A2

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Jun 4, 2014
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833
Location
Coos Bay, Oregon
I have double wrenched a few time with no ill effects to the wrenches. I did see this on another forum and will make one when I have the need for one again.
 

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crf450x

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Apr 20, 2017
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Fall Branch, TN
I do it all the time. Rear brake caliper bolts on gm medium duty trucks leave you no choice. I also tend to do it a lot working on powerstrokes since they cram everything so close together. A lot of other situations too.
 
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Tonyuk

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Jun 9, 2017
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Scotland
Tried it a few times but never felt that safe when really putting a bit of pressure on. I'd much rather use either a longer spanner, breaker bar/ratchet or a proper cheater bar on it.
 

wkndwarrior29

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Jan 19, 2015
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719
Location
NorthEast
I use a wrench power bar
image.jpg

only double spanner when a total must, done it a lot in younger years before long flexi ratchets and extending ratchets and never had slightest issue, particularly fussy on quality wrenches though from an early age .
safety squints and some light gloves would be good though .

I ran into a situation a while ago while working on my beater car where I couldn't quite work a double wrench because of clearances and my ez-red wrench couplers weren't working either. I was set on buying a mueller kueps extender for this once-in-a-blue-moon situation but after reading some negative reviews about the finish and the tool breaking I decided to look for other options. I used the picture in Mr_B 's post to find this tool and decided to take a chance on it. Anyway, I am not looking to start any more debates about "is it worth it", because to me - if I get stuck while tinkering on my vehicle and pull this out once to use - then it was worth it. I just wanted to post information so others can make an informed decision if they decide to go this route.

This is a Laser 6745 Spanner Extension Wrench. Cost was 22.85 pounds from the tool academy. Shipping was 15 pounds to the US, because the shipping quote remained the same I ordered a second one as a gift for my father (a mechanic) for christmas... so the total cost for two shipped to PA was $78 (cheaper per piece than the mueller by any deal I could find). The order took 13 days to arrive despite being placed on a weekend.

I've attached some pictures to demonstrate size and show the connection end, I'm posting these because I had a hard time finding good pictures when I was looking for the tool. I couldn't find a country of origin, but based on the "chrome vanadium" lettering being similar to some HF tools I have I will assume China or Taiwan. The finish is excellent with the exception of one spot in the handle groove as shown.

I doubt I'll have a need for this anytime soon, maybe my father will be able to provide some OE down the road considering he'll probably use his first (once I give it to him).

What I like about it:
- The finish, and the handle is comfortable.
- The handle is shaped so I can slip a longer cheater bar on it if needed.
- It fits my jumbo wrenches right up to 1 1/2 - although that wrench is what I would consider super-jumbo.
- You can slide it up on the wrench if you need to shorten the extension.
- It keeps the stress on the wrench beam. (standard size wrenches)
- You can use it on either end of a combination wrench.

What I don't like about it:
- It's loose on the small wrenches - although this is expected since it is one-size fits all. I'm sure if I get into a tough situation a piece of rubber around the wrench would keep it in place.
- It's loose on my low-profile dewalt ratcheting wrenches, I'm not sure how they would hold up using an extender anyway so that would be a worst case scenerio.
- It will still put force on the wrench end for Jumbo's as shown.

Feel free to post any questions if I missed anything - just sharing to expand community knowledge.
Who knows, maybe I'll buy a mueller for comparison - or if I find a distributor for this variation of the mueller: http://www.welzhwerkzeug.com/products/product_view.php?product_id=1743
 

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wkndwarrior29

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Additional Pictures:
 

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cliftonbros89

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Jun 2, 2015
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3,009
Location
Missouri
I made a cheater. This way you can use it when you need the open end of the wrench too.80cd45587e38562e79e8abdac3abdefb.jpg
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It was a broken 18” Craftsman breaker bar. It comes in handy to break things loose. Never had any problems with it bending or breaking a wrench. I keep one in my shop box and one in my truck box. I’ve even used it on a pair of vise-grips more than once.
 

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Gmonkee

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May 9, 2010
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2,838
I love that there are factory made tools for a method of using wrenches considered highly hack.

That said when need be it can happen near my jobs. I have a 18mm wrench that does it for me now. A 13mm combo for the wee ones.

Some of those are quite nice and some quite costly.

Do they make one that fits my Bionic Wrench yet? Lol!
 

Olafur

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Jun 2, 2011
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Location
Iceland
I do this a lot for comfort and safety. (yes, I am not joking!)
The wrong way is to do this for ultimate torque on those hopelessly stuck fasteners.

I try to avoid using more of my body strength than I am comfortable with on wrenches (tools in general actually) - because I want to be in control and maintain balance so I don't bust knuckles or fall when the fastener breaks loose or whatever happens.

So when I start feeling uncomfortable with the situation pulling on a wrench I just reach right away for another wrench and link them. Usually what happens next is the fastener breaks loose with relative ease - everything under control and no busted knuckles. Happens most weeks, sometimes many times in a single hour.

The same mental process is obviously in charge when using linked wrenches, cheater pipes and so forth. Stop when you feel you are loosing control and balance.
 

dutchgray

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Sep 28, 2014
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6,468
Location
Dorset. England.
Those extenders have got to be better than beating on the wrench with a large hammer and good wrenches are plenty strong enough to take it, just look at the super long flat DBE and how thin they are in the rings, I know those do tend break if used hard enough, but many good combination wrenches have greater ring thickness. When you cant use a socket and breaker bar or impact wrench you got to get it done somehow.
I have double wrenched to get hydraulic hoses off, when I didn't have crows feet with me.
 

kb1982

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Mar 8, 2017
Messages
590
Location
Kentucky
I found this wrench in the garage today. The box end was on a leaf spring bolt And being double wrenched when it popped.6f56d882e27579dcbaf3967291d8fd87.jpg

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