Wrenches are some of the easiest tools to modify. 

Back in the day, this is what mechanics routinely did. And although manufacturers now make wrenches in all types and sizes – sometimes you’re on a jobsite and discover you need something specific but because you don’t have time to drive all the way to the city just to get it. 

So you are left to get creative with the tools you already have. Let’s take a look at how you can modify your wrenches when the right tool for the job isn’t available.

For instance, if you have a long wrench (7/8 wrenches) and need to use a short one. You could simply cut it off at the middle or from any point to get your desired length. 

Weld to join the two pieces, sharpen the edges, and voila! You have a short wrench.

You can also make long wrenches by using two stubbies. Simply cut the ends, weld, and join the two pieces.

You can also modify a wrench to help in those times when you are not able to reach a bolt. This happens a lot with electrical-type repairs when you need to access hard-to-reach places – like when we had to troubleshoot wipers on a Komatsu excavator.

Simply heat up a 9/16 wrench to make it malleable, then bend it a little bit.