Project Plans Workshop and Jig Plans Jigs and Fixtures Tough wing nut? Put away those pliers By WOOD Magazine Staff WOOD Magazine Staff Launched in 1984, WOOD® magazine is the world's most trusted woodworking resource — a distinction we've earned by guaranteeing our readers' success in their woodworking shops. It is the mission of our staff to inspire and inform woodworkers at every stage of their journey by providing reliable and accurate project plans, woodworking techniques, and product reviews. WOOD magazine's Editorial Process Updated on April 10, 2024 Many jigs and fixtures have wing nuts for making adjustments without wrenches. But in my efforts to keep them secure, I often tighten them to the point where I can't loosen them. And over the years, I've broken a lot of wings off using pliers. So I designed the "palm wrench," (Click on the link below to view), to give me more leverage. I slip the wrench over a stubborn wing nut or thumbscrew, rotate it until the wings catch in the grooves, and break the rascal loose. The center hole accommodates a bolt that may protrude through the wing nut and also makes a handy hole for hanging the palm wrench on perforated hardboard. —Manny Davis, Sherman Oaks, Calif. If you like this project, please check out more than 1,000 shop-proven paper and downloadable woodworking project plans in the WOOD Store. Related Content Download Wing nut full size Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit