What is a choke tube wrench? If you’ve ever wondered what these small choke tools are and what they do, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll discuss the types of choke tube wrenches and how they work.
A choke wrench is a tool that is used to quickly install or remove a choke tube from the barrel of a shotgun. Choke wrenches can be inserted into a choke tube and twisted counterclockwise to remove them from the barrel.
The two types of choke wrenches are universal and brand specific. Universal wrenches can be used with all types of chokes, while brand specific wrenches are designed to work only with certain brands of chokes.
What is a choke tube wrench used for?
Choke tube wrenches are used to quickly remove and install choke tubes from the barrel of a shotgun. Choke wrenches are designed with an easy grip handle that allows more torque to be applied to unscrew a choke.
Choke wrenches are inserted into the end of the barrel and by turning counterclockwise, will back out the choke, while clockwise will tighten it. A choke wrench is designed to remove choke tubes easily without the barrel or choke being scratched or damaged.
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What does a choke wrench do?
Choke wrenches grasp the choke tube and lock into place so that enough force can be applied to unthread a choke. Choke tubes threads that must be completely flush with the barrel to prevent gaps.
Speed wrenches help accelerate the removal of choke tubes by allowing you to rapidly spin the choke free. They feature a lever mechanism that can be spun more quickly than other methods.
Types of Choke Tube Wrenches
Several universal choke tube wrenches are available from Briley and Carlson’s. The speed wrench works with all 12 gauge chokes and is inserted inside the choke tube. The wrench knob is then tightened so that it expands against and grips the inner walls of the choke. It can then be unscrewed quickly with the rotating speed handle.
The Carlson’s speed wrench can be operated one handed and makes removing and installing choke tubes effortless. The total removal time is in seconds and is a must have for sporting clays.
SUMMARY
Choke wrenches are tools that grasp the choke tube securely so that force can be applied to either remove or install the choke quickly and correctly.
Universal Choke Wrenches (friction)
The two types of universal choke wrenches either rely on friction inside the choke tube or they fit inside the top groves of the choke to break it free. Most choke tubes already have notches on top that allow for a wrench to be placed in them which can then be used to unscrew it from the barrel.
Wrenches that fit inside the choke are more versatile since they will work with any choke tube. The universal wrenches that use the upper notches can be hit or miss depending on the wrench. They usually work for most popular brands.
Brand Specific Choke Wrenches
The grooves on the top of a choke tube do not have the same spacing depending on the brand of shotgun. For example, Browning choke wrenches will not work with Remington.
Shotguns purchased new usually come with a choke wrench made specifically for it, but if you own several different brands, you will need to keep track of many different choke wrenches. This is what makes a universal choke wrench so desirable.
SUMMARY
Not all choke wrench brands use the same groove pattern. Different shotgun gauges will also require specific choke wrench sizes. Universal wrenches bypass the grooves on the muzzle end of the wrench and instead expand inside the choke.
Choke Wrench Limitations
Stuck choke tubes are one of the biggest limitations that universal choke wrenches have. Friction choke tubes struggle to apply enough force to break it free. A more specialized choke wrench is often needed for stubborn choke tubes or even an extractor bit for the worst cases.
The best application for universal choke tubes is repeated use where the choke is removed often, and the threads are lubricated to prevent it seizing up. This prevents corrosion from occurring in the first place.
Bottom Line
Not all choke wrenches are universal, but there are several universal options available. Both Briley and Carlson’s produce a speed wrench that works universally. It is inserted into the choke and applies pressure to the inside walls to back it out.
Many choke tube wrenches are brand specific and will not work in all shotguns. Having a universal choke wrench in your bag insures you will always be able to change your choke tube in just a matter of seconds.
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Last update on 2025-10-08 / Affiliate links / Product Images from Amazon Product Advertising API