Tubular key - a tool that can not be dispensed with

The pipe key, or, as it is sometimes called,gas key - perhaps the most common tool for plumbers. Its difference from all other types of keys is that it is capable of holding round objects, without faces. This is made possible by the characteristics of the structure. The key itself works in two stages: first it is pushed to the desired size, and then clamped and propelled by a twist or twist tube.

Pipe key for a long time remained almost inone configuration, differing only in size. Today in building stores, you can find several varieties of this tool. Differences consist in the way of gripping, the very performance of the working part and handle. Sponges can be located at different angles - depending on the purpose of the key and the ease with which it is applied in one area or another.

How does the key retain a smooth keypipe? On the gripping jaws there are splines, due to which on the metal or plastic small jags are created when compressing the handles, in the future this prevents the key from slipping. The design also depends on the application and purpose of the instrument. For example, to fix or hold the workpiece, a key with a fixed position of the handles will fit. In this case, it does not need to be made of heavy high-strength steel. At the same time, in order to unscrew the rusted pipe, it is necessary to make great efforts. In this case, a powerful pipe wrench with long handles and reliable grip is simply indispensable.

The pipe key (in the people "key-ass"), is inthe arsenal of almost any master. Despite its initial application to pipe products, for which it received its name, this tool is used in repair and construction, in auto repair shops. Thanks to reliable fixation and withstanding of heavy loads with such a key it is possible to unscrew even a nut with torn edges, when it is already impossible to do this with a conventional spanner. This simple and reliable tool will help at a time when it seems that there is no way out.

Tube keys are also different in shape of the sponges, toFor example, they are S-shaped or L-shaped. The difference is that in S-shaped capture is carried out at three points, whereas in L-shaped - only in two.

The marking of keys of this type depends oncountry of origin. Domestic instruments are assigned a serial number from 0 to 5, depending on the diameter of the pipe that it can capture. Each number corresponds to a diameter in millimeters. The imported samples have their own nomenclature, in which each number corresponds to the diameter of the clamped pipe in inches.

In addition to the above, there are alsostrap and chain keys. They are designed to work with large diameter billets, but are limited in the tightening force. A vivid example of such a tool is a special key for unscrewing the oil filter of a car.

When choosing a key, special attention should be given toquality of the product, it should not have cracks or defects that could lead to tool breakage. Sponges of the key must be strictly parallel, even a small offset can cause a weak fixation and, as a consequence, slippage of the key.