Righty tighty, left loosey may be the most important thing to know when using any type of wrench, but there are a few other things that may come in handy also.

• Choose the right wrench for the job. Avoid damage to the nut or bolt by selecting a wrench that fits firmly on the head. Six-point box end wrenches and sockets will slip less than their 12-point counterparts.

• Always pull the wrench toward you. Do not push a wrench or strike it with a hammer.

• Keep the wrench level, with the head fully seated against the nut or bolt.

• When using open end or adjustable wrenches, position the smaller jaw closer to you to allow the bulk of the pressure to be placed on the larger fixed jaw at the top of the wrench head.

• To assure a snug fit, rock the handle back and forth slightly when tightening the jaw of an adjustable wrench.

• One side of an adjustable wrench head is typically slanted to provide a better angle in tight spaces. Choosing the right side to be face down while the wrench is in use could make a big difference to your knuckles, among other things.

• Pipe wrenches are for pipes and pipe fittings only. Their rough jaws will damage most surfaces. When using a pipe wrench, tighten the upper jaw down onto the pipe, leaving a half inch of space between the pipe and the back of the wrench. This will allow the top and bottom jaws to pinch together when the handle of the wrench is pulled toward you.

• Spray stubborn nuts and bolts with a good penetrating oil such as PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench. Allow the oil to soak in for a few minutes before trying the wrench again.

• Do not use a cheater bar to gain extra torque. You risk damage to the wrench, the nut or to yourself. If the nut won’t budge, get a bigger wrench instead.

• Two wrenches are better than one, especially when using pipe wrenches. Use one wrench to hold the pipe and the other to turn the fitting. Be sure to position the jaws of the wrench properly so the pressure is on the fixed jaw rather than the adjustable jaw.

— Questions? Linda Cottin can be reached at hardware@sunflower.com.