In pipe fitting work, which of the following statements is true regarding the use of a strap wrench?

The statement that a strap wrench is ideal for polished surfaces is accurate because a strap wrench is designed to grip and turn pipes without causing surface damage. The flexible strap conforms to the contours of the pipe, distributing pressure evenly and reducing the risk of marring or scratching polished or delicate surfaces. This is particularly important in situations where maintaining the integrity of the pipe's finish is crucial, such as in polished stainless steel or other upscale materials.

In contrast, a strap wrench is not classified as heavy-duty, making it less suitable for tasks that require considerable force or for very large pipe diameters. Additionally, while a strap wrench is generally safe to use on finished surfaces, improper usage or selecting the wrong type of tool for a specific job could lead to potential surface damage. The misconception about it being lightweight and easily breakable largely overlooks the fact that strap wrenches are primarily designed for practical, effective use in pipe fitting without significant risk to the work surface. Thus, recognizing the strap wrench's strengths in handling polished surfaces reinforces its ideal application in pipe fitting tasks.