What type of tool is used primarily for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts?

A wrench is specifically designed for gripping, fastening, turning, tightening, and loosening nuts and bolts. It provides the necessary leverage to apply the required torque to these fasteners, making it an essential tool in countless mechanical and construction tasks. Wrenches come in various forms, such as adjustable, socket, and box-end, allowing for versatile application depending on the size and type of the nut or bolt being worked on.

Other tools like a screwdriver are primarily used for driving screws, while pliers are often used for gripping or cutting rather than specifically for nuts and bolts. A drill, on the other hand, is used mainly for creating holes or driving screws, not for directly working with nuts and bolts. Thus, the functionality of a wrench makes it the most appropriate choice for this task.