All about the cranks

Many motorists know firsthand that any long trips over fairly long distances are often accompanied by the occurrence of certain breakdowns in the internal components of the car. Undesirable situations often arise in places where it is impossible to get a professional repair from a workshop worker. In this case, specialized knobs can come to the rescue.

Collars are multifunctional and highly specialized hand-held products that are used to rotate or clamp certain types of cutting tools. This equipment is also used for sockets and dies, which allows you to hold such structural elements or fix them in the desired position.

The vast majority of wrenches are made in the form of a metal handle, which contains a special tooling called a landing square. With its help, the action of the hinge-end mechanism is carried out. A similar element has found application in a variety of areas - from construction, finishing or repair work to automotive diagnostics. In some cases, it is impossible to do without a crank, especially for hard-to-reach places or elements that differ in production and design features.

Regardless of which company is engaged in the production of the tool, the wrenches are conventionally classified into several varieties. The versatility and functionality directly depends on the type of device.

The main types of equipment.

• Articulated. The main design feature of the product is the presence of an internal hinge mechanism, with which the knob can be conveniently rotated 360 °. This nuance greatly enhances the versatility.

• L-shaped. A distinctive advantage of this type is a high torque, which makes it possible to use the equipment in narrow systems: for a screw pile or for a cylinder wrench.

• T-shaped. The design of the product is distinguished by the so-called slider - a narrowly directed landing part with dynamic change. Mechanical movement is carried out by means of a lever mechanism, which allows achieving high power characteristics.

• Telescopic. A sliding type device that is most often used for repair work with fragile elements or fasteners. The use of this type allows you to quickly carry out the necessary work without the use of super-efforts.

• Screwdriver collars. A relatively modern and technological type of devices that are often used in the case of heavy, narrowly focused work, for example, for a well. Versatility is also a hallmark.

The actual sizes of multifunctional devices can be completely different, which allows you to choose the optimal equipment for certain needs. You should always pay special attention to this indicator. Otherwise, further operation of the unsuitable product will be impossible.

When it comes to size, most often we mean the size of the connecting square. In practice, there are several types of such according to GOST:

• ½;

• ¼;

• ¾;

• 3/8.

The most common square size is ½ inch. And also in practice, you can find models with a size of 1 inch. Such a device is highly specialized and not suitable for universal operation.

In addition to the above indicator, special attention should be paid to the size of the handle and additional elements.

The best quality manufacturers produce multifunctional equipment with a bend of 105 ° or 90 °. The design and functional features of the product directly depend on the correct choice of the company and brand. It is not recommended to purchase a device from an unknown company due to the high chance of running into low-quality materials.

Rating of the best crank manufacturers.

• JTC. A popular Taiwanese company that creates quality automotive products. It gained great popularity due to the presence in the range of multifunctional and universal devices that can be used even in the most difficult to access objects. The presence of a special shape and a comfortable handle allows you to work with nuts and bolts of any size. The production material is characterized by increased resistance to mechanical damage and corrosion. Among the advantages are also the build quality, durability, low cost and practicality. The only drawback is the lack of dialectic type deposition.

• ROCKFORCE. The company is engaged in the production of high-quality and multifunctional equipment that is suitable for almost all existing types of fasteners. A characteristic feature of the model range is the presence of elongated structures, with the help of which it is very convenient to carry out any actions in hard-to-reach and narrow places. For production, chrome-plated steel is used, which is distinguished by high operational and mechanical characteristics. No less important advantages of such products are a wide variety of varieties, a high-quality handle and a lower cost than the market average. No significant deficiencies were identified by users.

• AV Steel. European manufacturer of multicomponent and highly specialized devices that has been on the market for over 60 years. The devices have a 1-inch landing square, which allows them to be used together with additional products and adapters. The chrome-plated steel used for the production of wrenches has a good effect on the performance characteristics, which is why all models of the company are resistant to corrosion and mechanical damage. In current models, dialectic spraying without a hinge mechanism is used. Despite the fact that the manufacturer is located in Europe, the products are manufactured in Chinese production facilities, which is a definite disadvantage.

• "Bison". Domestic manufacturer ordering its own products in China. The advantages of the equipment are the lowest cost and good quality. No less important advantages are the low weight (33 g) and the size of the landing head 25 cm.In contrast to similar solutions, the company adds a hinge mechanism to its devices, which allows for greater versatility and convenience.

• "Stankoimport". A Russian company that produces high-quality and cheap products that fall under a highly specialized product category. These devices are characterized by high ergonomics, anti-slip handle and hinge mechanism. The range includes tools of various shapes and sizes. Among the advantages, it should also be noted compactness, versatility, long-term operation and much more.

• Jonnesway. Wrenches are usually produced by this manufacturer with a convenient ¾ inch fit. For ease of use, the company has added a flexible handle to most of its devices. The overwhelming majority of models are distinguished by their considerable length (more than 50 cm) and the use of high-quality and durable composite materials.

• Thorvik. A modern company supplying multifunctional devices of various types. The range is made of high-strength steel construction, which practically does not rust and does not deform. A distinctive feature of the manufacturer is the ability to change the length of the lever element depending on the complexity of certain works. Users note light weight, compactness and excellent value for money.

In addition to single devices, the above-described manufacturers supply gates in specialized cases, where, in addition to the equipment itself, you can find additional structural elements that greatly simplify use.

The practical application of specialized socket heads involves the use of additional devices that greatly simplify and speed up the process.

Manufacturers offer the following structural elements to complement the wrench.

1. Adapter. It is recommended to purchase a specialized attachment in the case when you need to frequently change the equipment of the equipment. This composite part increases the efficiency.

2. Extension. A highly specialized device that acts as a lever. Such products are used to unwind excessively tightened fastening structures, which cannot be dealt with with a conventional tool.

3. Ratchet. It is an additional element with which the knob receives the reverse function. The use of this product makes it possible not to reinstall the tool when unscrewing or twisting. The process of tightening or loosening the structure is much faster.

Additional ratchet devices are conventionally classified into two types: caps and keys. The first type is used for mounting directly on the main head. It can be used to quickly tighten other components for extension cords.

As for the keys, this type is used to quickly and efficiently detach fasteners. With their help, the user can fix the head with any tail spray.

The market is overflowing with numerous companies that manufacture specialized tools. The available models differ in functional and performance characteristics, design features and performance.

Experts strongly recommend paying attention to the following features.

1. Manufacturing material. For the production of multifunctional devices, steel or chrome with vanadium is usually used. These materials make it possible to achieve high resistance to negative processes, improve operational characteristics and do not allow the product to deform in the event of high or intense loads. Any other types of materials are not recommended for purchase.

2. The number of faces. Most of the popular models are presented in the form of 6 or 12-sided devices. If the first type shows high efficiency and convenience when working with oversized bolts, the second are more practical and versatile. The main disadvantage of 6-sided devices is the inability to use the crank in hard-to-reach places. The angle between the inner edges is usually around 30 °.

3. Appointment. The purchase of equipment for its intended purpose directly depends on the classification. While some options are great for automotive sensors, others will work well for more complex structural elements.

4. Weight, length and height. Manufacturing companies produce both elongated and classic versions of products. The choice of these criteria directly depends on the purpose of the device.

5. Handle. Experts point out that the space for the product's coverage should be larger than the tooling itself. Otherwise, the user will face various inconveniences during operation. Particular attention should also be paid to the presence of knurling, with the help of which the product can be used when hands are in oil.

Despite the fact that you can order equipment using online stores, it is recommended to purchase a multifunctional device at regular retail outlets. Thus, the user will be able to better determine the crank, evaluate the design features and quality of production materials.

In addition to the factors described above, special attention must be paid to the manufacturer. The use of substandard components significantly affects the performance, mechanical and functional characteristics of the equipment.