When using a wrench, what is an important guideline to follow?

The guideline of always pulling, never pushing, is rooted in the principle of maintaining better control and stability during the operation of a wrench. When you pull a wrench towards yourself, it allows you to leverage your body weight and ensures that you are less likely to slip or lose grip on the tool. This method also helps to protect your knuckles from potential injury, as pushing can sometimes lead to contact with adjacent surfaces.

Using this technique can enhance safety and effectiveness when applying torque to fasteners, reducing the likelihood of damage to both the tool and the fastener itself. Additionally, pulling generally provides a more natural range of motion for the user, promoting better ergonomics and minimizing strain.

Other options suggest practices that may not be as safe, effective, or necessary in typical situations. For instance, using additional devices to gain leverage could introduce instability, while using the wrench at a maximum angle may limit the effectiveness and could lead to stripping or damaging fasteners. Applying heat prior to use could risk damaging the wrench or surrounding materials, depending on the context, and may not always be appropriate. Therefore, the guideline of pulling rather than pushing is the most prudent approach when using a wrench.