Handle Extenders for Pipe Wrenches

Howell Tools has developed a handle extension for pipe wrenches in order to lower the amount of force required for wrenching. This is done by extending the length of the wrench which increases the moment arm so the same about of torque can be supplied by using less force.  Using less force can help reduce injuries associated with wrenching. For example, you only have to use about half the force to create the same amount of torque using a 24-inch wrench instead of a 14-inch wrench. How is the Howell Tools Pipe Wrench Extender not just a cheater bar? Cheaters Handle Extenders Unknown material Known material Unknown length Known length Unknown wall thickness Known wall thickness Not secured Secured (pinned) No anti-slip grip area Anti-slip grip area No testing performed Testing performed Yield strength unknown Yield known Yield before wrench yields. Visibly bends before wrench yields Gas utilities are using three sizes of Handle Extenders for three sizes of pipe wrench: 14”, 18” and 24”. The handle extender increases the length of the handle of the wrench so that you can apply less force to achieve the same amount of torque. Pipe Wrench Handle Extender Information Chart Extender fits this size wrench Length of extender Weight (approximate) Lbs. 14” 24” 2 18” 30” 3 24” 45” 5 36” 60” 7 48” 80” 13 Howell Tools came up with these extenders to design a safer cheater bar to help reduce wrenching injuries. The idea is being broadly adopted because they reduce the forces on the body which reduces injury and fatigue. It should be noted that using any mechanical assist such as hitting the wrench with a hammer or using a cheater bar will void the warranty on the wrench. Ameren did the design work and testing for 14" 18" and 24" aluminum pipe wrenches but did not do the calculations for a 36" or 48" aluminum pipe wrench (they did it for steel wrenches). Two fabricators designed the 36" and 48" and they have been tested over 500 lbs. bending force with no permanent deformation of wrench or extender using high quality American made aluminum pipe wrenches.  The pipe wrench handle extenders are a series of five aluminum pipes that are sized to fit 14", 18", 24", 36" and 48" aluminum pipe wrenches. They work with steel wrenches too. They have a pin to keep the wrench from falling out, and the pipe is made of aluminum so it will visibly bend when you're pulling too hard. The aluminum also makes them light weight. Finally, they have either a knurled or machine textured grip, so your hands don't slip. The grip won't wear out, doesn't add to the diameter of the grip, and works well when you have wet muddy gloves. The 48-inch pipe wrench extender is only 12 lbs. and comes in two parts so it's easy to ship and store on your truck. There is a reasonable diameter for your grip, and then a big enough pipe for the wrench end. To fit the wrench snugly, the end of the extender is shaped, similar to what was done with the 36".