Wide-Jaw Adjustable Wrench: Why the Bahco 8031 Does More Than a Standard 8in

The adjustable wrench (活動士巴拿) is one of the most useful tools you can own, and Bahco is the company that patented it. The limited-edition Bahco 8031 marks 130 years since that patent, and it has one feature that makes it more than a collector's item: a wide jaw.

Why jaw opening matters

A standard 8in (200mm) adjustable wrench opens to about 27mm. The Bahco 8031 is the same 200mm length but opens to 38mm. That extra 11mm means one compact wrench can handle:

• Larger nuts and bolts
• Tap and pipe fittings under sinks and basins
• Shower hose and water heater connections
• Fittings that would normally need a 10in or 12in wrench

A shorter wrench fits better in the tight spaces under a Hong Kong kitchen sink or behind a toilet, where a long wrench can't swing.

Using an adjustable wrench properly

1. Close the jaws snugly onto the nut so there is no play. A loose fit rounds off the corners.
2. Pull the handle so the force goes towards the fixed jaw, not the moving jaw.
3. Pull rather than push, so your hand doesn't hit anything if the wrench slips.
4. For chrome or soft fittings, wrap the fitting with a cloth to avoid scratches.

A wrench and a pair of pliers

For plumbing jobs, pair the wrench with water pump pliers such as the ENGINEER PZ-63, which grip pipe up to 41mm and also remove stripped tap screws.

The Bahco 8031 comes in a black 130th anniversary finish and a commemorative box, so it also makes a good gift. See more in our wrenches and clamps collection.