Which tool can be used to keep nuts and bolts stationary while working with them?

The tool used to keep nuts and bolts stationary while working with them is a wrench. A wrench provides a firm grip on the nut or bolt, allowing for effective torque application without allowing movement of the fastener. By fitting the wrench over the nut or bolt head, it stabilizes the fastener while you tighten or loosen it, ensuring that it does not rotate unnecessarily, which could lead to stripping or damage.

In contrast, while hammers, pliers, and chisels have their specific uses—such as driving in nails, gripping and twisting, or cutting, respectively—they do not provide the same level of stability or grip required for effectively working with nuts and bolts. A hammer is primarily for impact applications, pliers are versatile but may slip on bolts without the proper grip, and chisels are designed for cutting and shaping rather than securing fasteners. Thus, the wrench stands out as the specialized tool for this task.