A fixed basin tap wrench is typically made from a single piece of solid cast iron or steel. Cast iron and steel are used because they are strong, durable and unlikely to deform under pressure. Steel is the preferred choice because it is less likely to rust or become deformed after use.
Cast iron
Cast iron is a ferrous alloy that has been heated until it liquefies and then poured into a mould to solidify.
Steel
Steel is a metal alloy made by combining iron with carbon.
Adjustable basin wrenches
An adjustable basin wrench is made up of several parts:
1. Jaws
2. Shaft
3. T-bar handle
4. Pivot pins
Jaws
The jaws of an adjustable basin wrench are typically made from forged carbon steel.
Forging
Forging is a manufacturing process whereby steel is deformed (usually whilst hot) into desired shapes by compressive force such as hammering. Shaping the steel whilst hot allows you to make very intricate designs, and depending on how quickly or slowly it is cooled, it can be given various levels of hardness.
Carbon steel
Carbon steel is a steel alloy that has a slightly higher carbon content which gives it the properties of hardness, tensile strength and the ability to withstand wear.
Shaft
The shaft of an adjustable basin wrench is made from stainless steel.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is steel that has been mixed with chromium which gives it tarnish and rust resistive properties.
T-bar handle
The T-bar handle is a simple metal rod, typically made from stainless steel.
Pivot pins
The pivot pins on an adjustable basin wrench are typically made from carbon steel or stainless steel.
Box spanner basin wrenches
The box spanner basin wrench and T-bar handle are made entirely from steel, though some models may be given an external coating to protect them from wear, tear and corrosion.
Box spanner basin wrench with chrome finish
There are other types of box spanners for removing tap back nuts such as these which also have a T-bar handle.
This model has been given a chrome finish to increase corrosion resistance.
Chrome finish
Chromium (or more commonly “chrome”) is a metallic element used in many manufacturing processes.
Many products are given a thin outer coating of chrome. This may be for purely decorative reasons, to increase corrosion resistance, ease cleaning procedures, or to increase surface hardness.
Box spanner basin wrench with zinc coating
This model of box spanner basin wrench is made from steel with a zinc coating for added corrosion and wear resistance.
Zinc
Zinc is a silvery white metal element used in metal alloys. Many products are given a zinc coating due to its reactive properties.
Zinc will react with oxygen and tarnish. This tarnishing forms a protective outer layer and seals the metal from further corrosion.