Over the years, the quality of the wrench that comes with acetyline torches has gone down. They are mass produced, and they are often quite a bit larger than the valve on top of acetyline tanks these days. They are also often very thin. This can lead to situations, especially on very tight tank valves where one can strip the valve.

Dick found that the best solution to this was to obtain two of the wrenches and tape them together. This provided a surface on the inside of the wrench that was less likely to strip your valve. Notice also that he has them roped to his tank. This makes them harder to lose, and also easily within reach if you need to shut off the gas quickly.

Crescent wrenches can be used also, but the chance of stripping is higher here as well.

Definately don't use a pair of pliers, as you most likely will end up damaging the top.

Don says that if you are a real silversmith, you don't need wrenches. You can just use your fingers...

...Or your teeth.