What is a cross wrench called?

What is a cross wrench

A cross wrench, also known as a lug wrench or wheel wrench, is a tool designed for installing and removing lug nuts on automotive wheels. The word "cross" in the name comes from the cross-shaped configuration of the tool. It usually has four handles, each of which extends radially from a center point to form a cross-like shape. It is equipped with 4 different types of sockets to remove different types of nuts.

High-quality cross wrench sockets are generally made of high-carbon steel or alloy steel. The high-carbon steel blade has a higher hardness and can withstand large torques without being easily deformed.

The cross wrench handle is generally made of metal, and the metal handle is relatively strong and durable, and is generally used in industrial environments or occasions where high torque is required.

Operating skills for tightening screws with a cross wrench:

1.Correct holding posture

One-handed holding: For smaller screws or when the required torque is not large, you can hold the cross wrench with one hand. Hold the front end of the wrench handle with your thumb and index finger, and the rest of the fingers naturally hold the rest of the handle. This holding method can achieve relatively accurate small-amplitude rotation, which is convenient for use in small spaces or situations with high precision requirements, such as tightening tiny cross-slot screws in electronic equipment assembly.

Two-handed holding: When the screw is large or requires a large torque to tighten, two-handed holding is a better choice. Place one hand at the end of the wrench handle and the other hand near the blade, and rotate the handle with both hands. This can provide greater power, while also better controlling the direction and strength of rotation, and preventing the wrench from shaking or slipping out of the screw slot due to excessive force.

2.Initial tightening stage

Light force start: When you start tightening the screw, first use a small force to fit the wrench blade tightly to the screw, and then gently rotate the wrench to make the screw start to enter the fixed object. At this stage, pay special attention to whether the screw enters vertically to avoid tilting the screw, otherwise it will damage the screw or the fixed part. If you feel that the screw is a little stuck, do not force it to rotate. You should check whether the screw and the wrench blade match or whether there is any debris in the screw hole.

Small rotation: When the screw just starts to enter, the amplitude of each rotation of the wrench should not be too large, and it is appropriate to rotate 1/4 to 1/2 turn each time. This can more accurately control the direction of the screw's entry and ensure that the screw can be screwed in smoothly. It is especially suitable for tightening screws on soft materials (such as wood) or delicate parts (such as electronic equipment motherboards) to prevent the screw from damaging surrounding materials due to excessive rotation.

3.Intermediate tightening stage

Gradually increase the torque: As the screw goes deeper, the force of rotating the wrench can be gradually increased according to the size of the screw and the requirements of the fixed part. The force can be adjusted by feeling the resistance of the screw tightening. If the resistance of the screw tightening increases evenly, it means that the screw is tightening normally; if you suddenly feel that the resistance is too large or there is an abnormal jam, it may be that the screw hits an obstacle or there is a problem with the thread, and you need to stop tightening and check.

Maintain a vertical angle: During the entire tightening process, always maintain a vertical angle between the cross wrench and the screw. If the wrench is tilted, it will cause uneven force on the screw, which may make the screw not tightened firmly on the one hand, and may damage the cross slot of the screw or the screw hole of the fixed part on the other hand. You can judge whether it is vertical by observing the parallel relationship between the wrench handle and the surface of the fixed object.

4.Final tightening stage

Appropriate force: When the screw is close to being fully tightened, pay attention to controlling the force. Overtightening may cause the screw to strip, deform or break the fixed part. Generally speaking, when you feel that the screw is difficult to rotate, just apply a little more force. For some situations that require precise torque control, such as screws on automotive engine parts or precision instruments, you may need to use a torque wrench to ensure that the tightening degree meets the requirements.

Check the tightening degree: After tightening the screws, you can gently shake the fixed parts to check whether the screws are tightened firmly. If the parts show signs of looseness, you may need to tighten the screws again, but be careful to avoid excessive force. At the same time, you can also observe whether there are any abnormal deformations or signs of damage around the screws, such as whether the material around the screw head is bulging or cracked.