Pipe Wrenches

Key features of ORBIS Pipe Wrenches

Pipe Wrenches in the ORBIS range follow Swedish-type construction, with two toothed jaws that clamp round pipe surfaces. Teeth receive additional induction hardening, which sharpens the cutting edges and improves grip under high torque. Nominal capacities cover 1/2 inch through 4 inch. Handle lengths run from 265 mm to 750 mm, so the leverage available scales with the pipe diameter being turned during installation or disassembly work.

The collection separates into three jaw patterns labelled A, B and C. Type A uses jaws set at 90 degrees, type B sets the jaws at 45 degrees, and type C forms an S-shaped jaw profile. Each geometry changes the direction of the bite and the working posture required. Technicians reading a tool rack can identify the pattern quickly, then match it to the pipe position in front of them.

Classification by jaw angle

Jaw angle governs both gripping direction and reach into confined spaces. Choosing the right pattern shortens setup time on pipework that sits close to walls, ceilings or equipment frames. The three groups below share the same size ladder, so a fitter can standardise on one pattern across several diameters. Handle length rises with nominal size in every group, keeping the leverage-to-capacity relationship consistent throughout the range.

90-degree jaws, type A

Type A jaws apply clamping force perpendicular to the pipe axis. The pattern suits open working positions where the wrench can swing freely around the pipe. Five sizes cover the range. Smaller diameters are handled by 98-1100-2700 at 1 inch and 325 mm, together with 98-1200-2700 at 1½ inch and 415 mm for tighter service lines.

Larger pipework calls for longer handles. The 2 inch size arrives with 98-1300-2700 at 540 mm, while 3 inch work uses 98-1400-2700 at 685 mm. At the top of the group, 98-1500-2700 covers 4 inch with a 750 mm handle. That length gives the reach needed for heavy threaded joints on industrial mains.

45-degree jaws, type B

Type B jaws sit at 45 degrees, which lets the tool approach a pipe from an angled position. The offset helps when a wall, bracket or adjacent run blocks a straight swing. Compact work starts with 98-2100-2700, rated 1/2 inch with a 265 mm handle. Next comes 98-2200-2700 at 1 inch and 335 mm for small service connections.

Mid and large sizes continue the same 45-degree geometry. The 1½ inch position belongs to 98-2300-2700 with a 430 mm handle, and 2 inch pipe is served by 98-2400-2700 at 555 mm. For 3 inch joints, 98-2500-2700 offers a 700 mm handle. Those lengths give the swing arc needed when overhead or floor-level clearance is limited.

S-shaped jaws, type C

Type C jaws form an S profile that creates bite points in several directions around the pipe. The shape wraps more of the circumference, which spreads the contact across the round surface. Smaller lines use 98-3100-2700, sized 1/2 inch with a 270 mm handle. The 1 inch position is filled by 98-3200-2700, which measures 335 mm overall.

Heavier assemblies stay within the same jaw family. For 1½ inch pipe, 98-3300-2700 carries a 430 mm handle. The 2 inch size uses 98-3400-2700 at 555 mm. Large-diameter turning is covered by 98-3500-2700, rated 3 inch with a 700 mm handle. All three jaw families use induction-hardened teeth for consistent grip.

How to choose the right size

Start from the nominal pipe diameter to be turned. The range steps through 1/2 inch, 1 inch, 1½ inch, 2 inch, 3 inch and 4 inch, so match the wrench rating to the line. Handle length follows the size, running from 265 mm on the smallest models to 750 mm on the 4 inch type A. Longer handles supply more leverage for large threaded connections on industrial pipework.

Next, consider the working position. Open runs allow the perpendicular clamping of the 90-degree pattern. Angled or partly blocked positions favour the 45-degree jaws, which approach the pipe from the side. Where the tool must bite from several directions around the circumference, the S-shaped jaws answer that need. Many maintenance crews carry one wrench from each pattern in two or three overlapping sizes.

Kit building is straightforward because the three patterns share the same size ladder. A plumbing van might hold the 1 inch and 1½ inch models in two patterns, covering most service lines. A plant workshop adds 2 inch, 3 inch and the 4 inch type A for larger mains. Overlapping capacities let a technician swap patterns without changing the diameter being worked.

Common applications

These wrenches grip and rotate metal pipes during industrial pipeline installation. They also serve water supply and drainage system maintenance, where joints must be loosened and retightened during servicing. On construction sites, the same tools assist assembly of tubular steel structures. The size range from 1/2 inch to 4 inch spans small service branches through to larger mains found in commercial and industrial facilities.

Typical users include pipe fitters, construction mechanics and factory maintenance crews. Tasks cover new installation, planned disassembly and routine servicing of metal pipework. The Swedish-type A, B and C classification keeps identification simple when tools are stored together in a rack or a site kit. Choosing the pattern before the job begins reduces repeated trips back to the toolbox during pipe alignment and threading work.

Care and handling notes

Keep the toothed jaws clean so the induction-hardened edges can bite the pipe surface properly. Debris, thread compound and scale packed between the teeth reduce contact. Wipe the jaw faces after work on dirty lines. Store the wrenches dry, and keep each pattern grouped by size so the correct capacity is picked at the start of a task rather than mid-way through it.

Use the wrench within its stated nominal size. A 1 inch model is built around 1 inch pipe, and a 4 inch model around 4 inch pipe. Matching the tool to the diameter keeps the jaw contact correct and the handle leverage appropriate. Apply force along the handle in the intended turning direction, and check that the jaws are seated on the pipe before loading the joint.

Next steps

Identify the pipe diameter and working position first, then pick the jaw pattern that matches. Open each model page above to confirm the nominal size and handle length before ordering. For multi-size kits, contact OrbisWill with the diameters on your project and the patterns you prefer.