Manual wrench - a powerful wrench, which is used today to unscrew and twist various joints. However, unlike the traditional key, this device can significantly increase the torque, which facilitates the process of dismantling, for example, the same wheels on trucks. This tool can save drivers in situations where it is urgent to unscrew powerful connections.
Types and types of devices
Truck Wrench is a tool for narrow application. However, the amount of work that can be done with it is quite impressive. There are several types of this equipment. So, according to the principle of action, they distinguish:
- pneumatic;
- hydraulic;
- electric;
- mechanical devices.
Pneumatic equipment has the most compact dimensions, as well as an average level of speed and accuracy.
These models are indispensable in workshops and service stations.
Hydraulic tools have the highest efficiency, do not vibrate during operation, have a huge resource and high wear resistance. It is rather stationary equipment, which is to some extent their drawback. The sheer size makes this fixture a purely professional tool.
Electric models are high-speed, highly accurate, vibration-free. Distinguish between network devices and battery. All this equipment is very effective, but if you need to change the wheel on the road on a huge truck, then, alas, mobile electric models can not do it.
Tool for trucks
For problems on the road, the mechanical system is most suitable. Drivers call it a "meat grinder." This tool is nicknamed for its resemblance to a well-known kitchen tool.
With the help of this wrench, even the most complex fasteners are easily unscrewed. With all the advantages of power tools, a mechanical solution has become the most popular.
Purpose of the mechanical device
Any truck driver knows that the process of loosening the wheel nuts that secure the wheel to the hub is much more complicated and harder than twisting. The wheel can be installed very quickly and easily. A simple balloon key will be enough for this. If it is necessary to remove it, then to unscrew the wheel nuts, you need to use a long length of pipe and the weight of the driver, since the nut often almost tightly clings to the stud.
The reason for this lies in the corrosion processes and in the design features of the connection, and more precisely, in the thread profile. A small groove forms between the nut and the bolt, into which moisture penetrates freely.
Often, attempts to remove the disc and unscrew the non-conforming wheel nuts lead only to damage to the studs and the need for more serious repair measures than was planned. Trucks are particularly affected by this.
Fasteners sour much faster, and these nuts on the wheels are much larger. And to facilitate the process of removing and mounting disks on trucks, it is worth using a mechanical wrench.
This tool has long been appreciated in the engineering industry, on the railroad, various construction works, but only recently began to be used for car repairs. In a very short time this device was able to gain great popularity among drivers. And since it can be purchased at an affordable price, many drivers who drive along the roads of the country use it.
How is the "meat grinder" for nuts
The basis of this device is a special mechanism - a multiplier. It is designed to convert torque.
What is a multiplier? This is a planetary gearbox. It converts a fast rotation, with little or no effort on the part of a person, into a slow, but many times stronger. The mechanism is actuated with the help of a special handle - and indeed, a “meat grinder” wrench is not called in vain.
There is nothing complicated in the design of the instrument.
It is based on a cylindrical housing made of steel, in which a planetary gearbox is enclosed. On one part of the housing there is a drive shaft with a square on the end for installing the handle, on the other hand there is an output shaft - heads are installed on it for working with fasteners. In addition, the design has a persistent lever - it helps prevent rotation during use.
Materials
Since in the process of unscrewing the wheel elements, a manual wrench experiences severe loads, each part is made of high-quality alloyed steel alloys. In addition, some components are made of hardened steels. This explains the large mass of the tool - in fully assembled form, its weight can be from 5 to 10 kg or more.
Equipment
Wrench "meat grinder" can be purchased as a set. The kits come in convenient plastic cases. The kit may include the tool itself, a removable type handle, two or more heads, an adapter. You can also separately purchase various sets of heads that do not come with the tool.
Benefits of Mechanical Wrenches
Since the main part of this assistant truckers is the gearbox, this gives this solution several serious advantages. Any nut will loosen more smoothly.
The main reason why studs and mounting bolts break is the uneven force when loosening. A little jerk is enough to break a bolt. A manual wrench for trucks allows you to rotate it with uniform force, at low speeds, without sharp jerks and powerful shocks. With this device, you can forget about the problem of broken studs.
The driver will be less tired if he uses this equipment. In addition, you can save a lot of time, and therefore reduce costs. The main disadvantage is weight, but many people put up with it. Better to use heavy equipment that facilitates work than ineffective and traumatic balloon keys, various pipe sections and other improvised tools.
Specifications
The main characteristic by which a "meat grinder" wrench is selected is the gear ratios of the multiplier, as well as the torque that a particular model can produce. On sale there are models with a ratio of 1:56 and 1:58.
As for the torque, it is 2800 or 3500 Nm.
As already mentioned, the described auto-tool is equipped with two heads for the most popular nuts - 30, 32 or 32 and 33 mm. But there are other options - for example, 24 and 27, 32 and 38 mm. In general, the models are designed for use with heads from 24 to 60 mm.
Design differences
Depending on the design features, all wrenches are divided into several types. So, the thrust lever can be movable or stationary. In the latter case, it will move along the body, but at the same time it can be fixed in the desired position using a special mechanism.
According to the device of the multiplier, a cargo wrench is distinguished with a bearing or with a sleeve. Instruments equipped with the first elements have the index “P” in their name. The price of these devices is higher, but at the same time they are characterized by a high level of reliability, durability and comfort during operation.
Models with bushings are simpler in design, not the same durability as a meat grinder equipped with a bearing. The price is also low. You can buy a tool from 2500 rubles. Also, models differ in the number of speeds. Devices with a ratio of 1:56 or 1:58 have one or two speeds. There is a reduced gear ratio of 1: 3.
Two Speed Wrench
High torque is needed only to rip the nut off the bolt or stud. Further use of the "meat grinder" is already unprofitable - the process is moving slowly. If the nut succumbs, it is much easier to use a wrench.
Models that have two speeds are convenient in that the device can be retuned to high speeds and the nut will unscrew several times faster. This can significantly save time.
Usage Tricks
Working with wrenches is simple - everything is very intuitive and understandable even to those who come across this for the first time.
But there is one small subtlety that you have to get used to. The handle rotates in one direction and the head in the other. If you turn the knob clockwise, the head will rotate counterclockwise - this must be taken into account during operation.
To get started, you need four simple steps:
- Gather equipment.
- Put the head on the nut.
- The stop lever is installed closer to the nut.
- Rotate the handle, and when the nut was able to break, you can reconfigure the mechanism to a lower gear ratio.
There is nothing innovative in this tool, but it can greatly facilitate the replacement of the wheel on the road, save time, while not breaking the thread and not damaging part of the hub.
So we found out what a manual wrench for trucks is and how it is used.