screw-wrench

A mechanic uses a screw-wrench to tighten a bolt on a car engine.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tool for turning screws or bolts: A "screw-wrench" is a hand tool used to grip and turn screws, bolts, or other threaded fasteners. It typically has adjustable jaws or a fixed design to apply torque.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The mechanic used a screw-wrench to tighten the loose bolt on the engine. (A tool for turning threaded fasteners.)
  • I need a screw-wrench with a longer handle to reach that tight space. (A specific type of wrench for screws.)

Advanced Usage

• "to apply a screw-wrench": to use this tool to adjust or secure a fastener.

  • He applied the screw-wrench carefully to avoid stripping the screw head. (He used the tool with precision.)

• "screw-wrench adjustment": the act of changing the setting or position of a fastener using this tool.

  • The screw-wrench adjustment was necessary to align the cabinet door. (Turning the screw with the wrench to correct alignment.)

Variants and Related Words

• Wrench (n): a general tool for gripping and turning nuts, bolts, or pipes.

  • She grabbed a wrench from the toolbox to fix the leak. (A broader category of turning tools.)

• Screwdriver (n): a tool specifically for turning screws with a slotted or cross-shaped head.

  • A screwdriver is different from a screw-wrench because it fits into the screw head. (A related but distinct tool.)

Synonyms

• Spanner: a British English term for a wrench, often used interchangeably with "screw-wrench" in some contexts.
• Adjustable wrench: a wrench with movable jaws, similar to a screw-wrench.

Phrasal Verbs

• Wrench off: to remove a fastener by turning it with force using a wrench.

  • He had to wrench off the rusty bolt with the screw-wrench. (To forcibly unscrew something.)

• Wrench tight: to secure a fastener by turning it firmly with a wrench.

  • Make sure to wrench tight the nuts with the screw-wrench. (To tighten completely.)

Related Idioms

• Throw a wrench in the works: to cause a problem or delay in a plan or process.

  • The broken screw-wrench threw a wrench in the works of the repair project. (The tool failure caused a setback.)

• Wrench of the heart: a feeling of emotional pain or distress.

  • Saying goodbye was a wrench of the heart, but not related to the tool. (A metaphorical use of "wrench.")