Buy Chain & Strap Wrenches Online in Australia
Chain + Strap Wrench Selection — Quick Reference
Chain + strap wrenches = grip what normal wrenches CAN'T — pipes + filter housings + rounded fasteners + irregular shapes. Wrap around workpiece + bite without scratching or marking. Plumbing + automotive + maintenance applications.
| Wrench Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Chain Wrench (Toothed) | Heavy pipe + filter + drum — aggressive grip |
| Strap Wrench (Rubber) | Non-marking — polished + chromed surfaces |
| Strap Wrench (Nylon Webbing) | Heavy-duty non-marking |
| Oil Filter Wrench (Specific) | Engine oil filter removal |
| Adjustable to Diameter | Range — 50mm to 200mm typical |
| Long Handle | Maximum leverage |
Critical: Chain wrenches BITE workpiece — accept marking on workpiece. Strap wrenches NON-MARKING but lower grip. Match diameter range to job. Don't use as pipe wrench substitute for high torque continuous turning. Brands: Ridgid, Sutton Tools. Companion: plumbing tools, hand tools, spanners.
Chain & Strap Wrenches: Grip What Normal Wrenches Can't
Pipes, filter housings, rounded fasteners, and irregular shapes? That's where chain wrenches and strap wrenches earn their place. Unlike fixed-jaw spanners, these tools wrap around the object and distribute grip across a wider surface—no marring, no slipping, no stripped bolt heads.
Chain Wrenches
- Steel roller chain: Bites into pipes and cylindrical objects
- Adjustable jaw capacity: Same wrench fits multiple sizes
- Lever handle: Mechanical advantage for stubborn fasteners
- Common uses: Plumbing (unions, couplings), automotive (filter removal), industrial (pipe assembly)
Strap Wrenches
- Nylon or rubber strap: Gentle on finished surfaces, won't mark plastic or stainless
- Non-slip grip: Even pressure, no skidding
- Good for: Hot-water cylinders, filter bowls, polished pipe, delicate fittings
- Size range: Small diameter to large tank connections
Why Not Just Use a Spanner?
Because corners and bolt heads get damaged, rounded surfaces slip, and you risk flooding your site (or workshop). Chain and strap wrenches protect the work and get the job done safely.
AIMS Industrial: Australian business since 1988. contact our team for chain and strap wrench advice.
People Also Ask — Chain & Strap Wrenches
Q: Why is a strap wrench a safer choice than a chain wrench on a polished chrome or stainless pipe?
Strap wrenches are non-marking and gentle on finished surfaces, won't mark plastic or stainless, while chain wrenches bite into the workpiece and accept marking.
Q: Why shouldn't a chain wrench be used as a substitute for a pipe wrench on high-torque continuous turning?
Chain and strap wrenches are designed to grip pipes, filter housings, and irregular shapes without slipping, not for high-torque continuous turning like a pipe wrench.
Q: What diameter range do adjustable chain and strap wrenches typically cover?
Typically 50mm to 200mm.
Q: Why use a chain or strap wrench instead of a spanner on a rounded fastener?
A spanner risks damaging corners and bolt heads and can slip on rounded surfaces, while chain and strap wrenches wrap around the object and distribute grip across a wider surface without marring or slipping.
Q: What's a strap wrench commonly used for around the home or workshop?
Hot-water cylinders, filter bowls, polished pipe, and delicate fittings.
Q: What gives a chain wrench its aggressive grip on pipes and cylindrical objects?
Its steel roller chain bites into pipes and cylindrical objects.