What Is Spanner Wrench? | Types of Spanner | Types of Wrench

All About Spanner Wrench

What Is Spanner Wrench?

What Is Spanner Wrench?

Wrenches are tools that provide a grip for tightening or loosening a fastener, such as a nut or a bolt. The term spanner wrench is redundant; Americans refer to such a tool as wrenches, while the British refer to this tool as spanners. While there are many types of wrenches, Americans refer to the type of wrench that has pins or tabs around its circumference as a spanner wrench.

This wrench is made of steel for strength & is often chrome-plated to protect against corrosion. There are several types of spanner wrenches, each with a uniquely shaped hook. In addition, some spanners are multi-tool with double-sided hooks.

The most common type of spanner wrenches is the C spanners. Its head is open in shapes of the letters C, & its jaws correspond to walnuts of similar size. The obstacle spanner is similar to the C spanner, except that the jaws are tilted more sharply so that you can reach the nuts in confined spaces. Ring spanners, on the other hand, have a completely enclosed ring that fits snugly on a hexagon or square bolt.

While it can take some time to place the ring spanner correctly, it provides much stronger leverages than open spanners. Make sure your spanner wrenches are the correct size & are properly seated around the nut before mounting.

Otherwise, it could slip off the wrench and damage the tool or injure your hand. Spanner wrenches are often used in plumbing to help repair leaky pipes or faucets. They are smaller and lighter than pipes wrenches, allowing flexibility to work in inaccessible areas.

In addition, they provide sufficient turning force to open pipe connections that have remained untouched for many years. Similarly, spanners wrench are commonly using in gas repairs to open gas pipes.

Also, Read: What Is a Rivet? | How Is Riveting Done? | Riveting Definition | Types of Rivet

Types of Spanner:

Types of Spanner

#1. Stubby Spanner

Stubby Spanner

Referred to in polite circles as a short body spanner, it is a smaller version of a combination spanner, which allows it to be fitted in more confined spaces. Some newer versions also have a hinge with the handle so that either end can be angled for even more precise use.

#2. Adjustable Spanner

Adjustable Spanner

Commonly known as crescent spanner, these are some of the most popular spanners available. They have an open end with spirals screws that opens or close the crescent as you rotate it. You can adjust the jaw width by turning a built-in screw at the base of the head.

For these reasons, it can perform the same basic function as a combination or a complete set of open-ended spanners, although it requires more space due to its thicker size.

#3. Allen Spanner

Allen Spanner

Also knowns as a hex key, this hexagonal piece of metal can be either L-shaped or T-shaped, with the different organs acting as a handle. Sometimes referred to as a hex key because of the shape, male ends slot into holes on screws and similar fasteners. For this reason, Allen spanners often find themselves mixed with screwdrivers when stored.

What makes the hex screw so useful is that kids can’t just grab a penny and remove furniture when you’re not looking. Another advantage is L-shape. You can insert the long end, wrap a finger around the short end, and use it for a handle when working with deep screws.

Conversely, you can inserts the shorts end into the slot and bend the long end, which gives you better torque for those extra tight screws. Allen spanners come in either SAE or metric sizes, so when you’re working with an SAE fastener and an Imperial key or vice versa, there’s little to guess what size will work.

#4. Ring Spanner

Ring Spanner

The ring spanner has an attached loop at either end. The ring head fits into either hexagonal or square bolt heads and can provide enough torque to loosen even tougher bolts.

Each end has a differently shaped box, and the boxes are probably offset along with the handle or vertically to give more turning clearance. While better suited for their increased torque, ring spanners require the bolt head to be cleared vertically each time it reaches the turn arc.

These spanners have a closed-loop at both ends, sometimes slightly higher or lower than the handle, so that they can hold the recessed nuts without rounding the edges. The closed ends are designed to fit hexagonal or square bolts and vary in size. Ring-ended spanners are often sold in sets.

#5. Combination Spanner

Combination Spanner

If box-ended spanners and open-ended spanners have children, a combination spanner will be the result. One side is a closed-loop for hexagonal or square nuts, while the other end is an open U-shape.

Often used for harder nuts, the closed-end loosens the nut so that the open end can be used to open it quickly. Like sockets, combination spanners are typically sold in sets with a variety of spanner sizes.

Also, Read: What Is a Rivet? | How Is Riveting Done? | Riveting Definition | Types of Rivet

#6. Crowfoot Spanner

Crowfoot Spanner

These curious, open-ended spanners have no handles. Instead, the single head is designed to be attached to a ratchet handle & socket extensions, allowing it to fit into very tight spaces.

They work great for handling bolts that are deeply located on the body of the machine when you don’t have to remove the surrounding parts first.

#7. Impact Spanner

Impact Spanner

More closely related to a cordless drill in appearance, air impact spanners use an air compressor while cordless impact spanners use a rechargeable battery. The former is sometimes called air spanners or air guns. Part of the socket family, this spanner can apply high torques to remove stubborn nuts or bolts.

They are great choices for handling multiple nuts, such as when mounting a wheel on a car, although they are poor choices for any job that requires precision.

#8. Open-Ended Spanner

Open-Ended Spanner

The most commons types of Spanners found in toolboxes, open-ended Spanners, have two U-shaped ends, one slightly larger than the other. They are uses for hard-to-reach nuts and bolts, & the open designs make it possible to attach them vertically or horizontally to target fittings.

The downsides are that they are more likely to round off the sides of the nut than box-ended Spanners.

#9. Ratcheting Spanner

Ratcheting Spanner

This particular combination spanner has a ratcheting mechanism in at least one end. Most commonly, there is a box and an open end, but there can also be two box ends. Having ratchets eliminates the need to remove this tool when completing the arc, as you can simply rotate it back to starting point & continues.

Note that this tool is not the same as the similarly named ratchet spanner. This allows you to turn the spanner to tighten or tighten without removing and adjusting the position if the spanner handle hits an obstacle after each turn. This makes it very easy to work in tight areas.

#10. Spanner Spanner

Spanner Spanner

Spanner is a highly specialized class of spanner tool that has a curved end that may resemble either a hook or a C-shape. These have pins that allow them to be used on a wide variety of items, from spanner head screws to retainer rings.

Also, Read: What Is a Clamp Used? | How Does a Clamp Work? | 38 Different Types of Clamps

#11. Spark Plug Spanner

Spark Plug Spanner

This characteristic double-ended socket is used to remove spark plugs. This typically requires a T-bar handle but can also be included as part of a socket set.

Despite their limited use, these tools can be found at any location related to engine repair. Many socket sets these days to include 1-2 spark plug sockets, so check your socket before buying a standalone spanner.

#12. Hammer Spanner

Hammer Spanner

A striking spanner is also known as a hammer spanner or slugging spanner. They are thick, short, and stocky spanners with the block end of the handle designed to be hammered to effect an over-tightening or twisting force on the fastener.

Also known as a striking spanner, a hammer spanner is a short, thick spanner with a box end or open end that has the end of a block that is used to strike with a hammer or sledgehammer to transmits a highs amounts of force.

It is commonly used to help tighten large flange fittings and fasteners. Hammer spanners can also be used to help release frayed or rusted nuts and bolts through high strength. This heavy-duty spanner is used for some metal, plumbing, or electrical work.

#13. Flare Nut Spanner

Flare Nut Spanner

A flare-nut spanner is similar to a box-end spanner. It’s essentially a box-end spanner, but instead of a fully enclosed opening, it has a narrow slit that allows it to slide over the tubes.

It is designed to hold the nut on the end of the tubes, and unlike the typical box-end spanners, it has thicker jaws to increase the contact area with the nut.

Sometimes referred to as a line spanner, this is another hybrid of the box- and open-ended designs, with the opening wide enough to fit around a tube, but it’s still like a box end. These spanners are especially useful on soft metals that are prone to damage from open-ended spanners, such as those used in plumbing.

#14. Alligator Spanner

Alligator Spanner

 

Once the big daddy of the spanner, the alligator spanner was named because of the way it held its nuts. The upper part of the jaw is serrated, while the lower part is smooth. This spanner is not used very often. It gets its name from how it rips through nuts which are usually not what you want.

They are usually only seen in movies today because it is designed to handle square nuts and bolts, which are increasingly rare nowadays. The handle looks more like a pointed knuckle than its more modern cousin, the pipe spanner. Since these were primarily designed to handle square-shaped ends, they have become rare to see outside of movies.

#15. Cone Spanner

Cone Spanner

A shank spanner is a very flat open-ended spanner. It works very; similarly, except designed for many wider nuts & bolts. It is commonly used on cycles, although some random appliances such as washing machines require these spanners. It is sometimes employed for very gentles projects where a simple spanner can be too rough.

These wide, flat spanners are used on the conical portion of the cup and cone hub. It is mostly used to adjust the flat feet of bicycles or washing machines but is sometimes employed on other gentle projects where typicals open-ended spanner is too thick.

Also, Read: What Are Tin Snips? | Different Types | Types of Tin Snips

#16. Pedal Spanner

Pedal Spanner

This spanner usually has one or two U-shaped recesses on the side of the head. They are commonly used for repairs that involve pedals, surprisingly. Often, you’ll see them used on a bicycle, but they may be necessary for other repairs as well.

Some festival and fairground rides require this spanner. As the name implies, spanners are used to repair pedals. Thus it is often used in bicycle repair shops or for riding fairgrounds such as pedal boats.

#17. Fan Clutch Spanner

Fan Clutch Spanner

This spanner is designed to remove fan clutches on cars. The flat spanner has a U-shaped opening at one end. They are specifically designed to remove fan clutches on cars. Some also have a square opening on the other end, which allows them to double as a clutch holding tool, while a second spanner is used to turn a hex nut.

#18. Spud Spanner

Spud Spanner

This tool was used to make holes in the pipes. Another tool that has fallen out of common use was a spike on the opposite end of this open-ended spanner used to line up holes on pipes. However, plumber’s spanners are mostly used today, so they are not used much by plumbers today.

With that said, it can still be found in some toolboxes. It is mostly matters of your personal preferences. Some orders plumbers still use them because that is what they’ve learned to use.

#19. Cross Wheel Spanner

Cross Wheel Spanner

This aptly named tool is either an “L” shape with a single socket opening at the end or a larger, “X” shaped design, also called a spider spanner with four sockets of different sizes. They are used to tighten or loosen the nuts on cars, giving them the nickname wheel brace.

#20. Socket Spanner

Socket Spanner

There is a ratcheting mechanism inside the socket spanner. This allows you to quickly tighten or untighten nuts and bolts without having to replace the spanner on a regular basis. Socket spanner is found in the form of round sockets at one end, forming square holes, while socket spanners are provided with grooves at the other end with respect to the size of nuts and bolts as per the choice of a spanner. Tommy bar is fixed inside the square hole, whose shape is also square. These are available in sixes in all kinds of sets.

Also, Read: How Do Bolt Cutters Work? | Intended Use of Bolt Cutters | Handles of Bolt Cutters | The Adjustability of Bolt Cutters

Types of Wrench:

Types of Wrench

#1. Pipe Wrench

Pipe Wrench

A pipe wrench is a large, sturdy adjustable wrench. They are commonly used by plumbers to hold metal pipes and fittings together. Primarily used by plumbers on metal pipes and fittings, the serrated jaws of this heavy tool can easily leave behind scratch marks.

It is similar in design to a monkey wrench but has rigid serrated adjustable jaws that have self-tightening properties that allow the user to securely grip, bend or hold soft iron pipes and pipe fittings with it.

#2. Oil Filter Wrench

Oil Filter Wrench

Another tool primarily used in the automotive industry, the oil filter wrench, is actually in four different styles and often has to match the brand of the car. The chain strap & metal strap styles use a loop to wrap around the filter is the casing, while the more recognizable claw wrenches function similarly to an adjustable wrench.

Lastly, socket-style filter wrenches resemble a cup with a slit edge. These fit under a filter cap and are used with a ratchet handle.

#3. Torque Wrench

Torque Wrench

This wrench is designed to provide a specific amount of torque. You can vary the amount of torque produced by the wrench, making it suitable for many different projects. Various types are also available, including manual and digital. Socket wrenches are designed to deliver a specific amount of torque without over-tightening. This amount can be calibrated, and there are various types available, including manual, digital and other variations.

It is commonly used for automotive work, such as tightening wheel lug nuts. The torque stick can be fast but not as accurate. A torque wrench may also be used on bicycles, farming equipment, or any instance where it is required to tighten a nut or bolt to a specific torque specification, usually set by the manufacturer.

#4. Armorer’s Wrench

Armorer’s Wrench

These single-piece wrenches have a C-shaped, serrated head and may include a square slot and/or a hole for attaching a ratchet handle. Wrenches are used for specific models of guns, hence the name. It consists of a head and a serrated head and includes several different square slots.

Typically, you’ll only use these if you’re working on guns. Used for gun repair & maintenances, they are available in a variety of designs and are generally suitable for a specific type or model of gun.

#5. Chain Wrench

Chain Wrench

Chain wrenches are used to fasten or dismantle pipe or round jobs, which are mostly of large diameter. Whenever the job is put in the wrench, it turns easily. Making a chain wrench involves a plate that has a cut in its mouth and is then installed and attached to a rivet. Chain drip is used to make the work very strong.

Also, Read: What Are Impact Sockets | Reviews of Impact Socket | Accessories of Impact Socket

#6. Basin Wrench

Basin Wrench

This wrench sounds very strange. Many people might not even guess that this is a wrench. It has long, T-shaped handles with a curved jaw that resembles the top of an “S.” It is used to works on fixtures under sinks and toilets, hence also called a faucet wrench.

Its primary functions are to loosen or tighten fixtures under sinks and toilets, resulting in what is also known as a faucet wrench.

#7. Bionic Wrench

Bionic Wrench

This is a special wrench with a round opening and two handles similar to pliers. When the target is placed around the head, the two handles can be squeezed, tightening the hole and holding the head firmly, making it an adjustable box-ended wrench. It holds a wrench and a pair of pliers together. So, when you squeeze handles together, holes tighten up. It works similar to an adjustable wrench because of this.

#8. Bung Wrench

Bung Wrench

A drum bung wrenches are sockets-style. It is designed to remove the plastic, metal caps from barrels or drums, hence the name. A drum bang wrench, also called a drum plug wrench, is a socket-style wrench. It was specifically designed to remove the plastic or metal bung (cap) on drums or barrels. Special sparkless versions are available when handling flammable materials.

#9. Die Stock Holder Wrench

Die Stock Holder Wrench

This is another weird wrench. They are available in few different varieties, which can look very different from each other. They are used to create threads on nuts and female-style dies, this two-handed wrench using screws to secure it to the middle of the die. These dies are used to make threads on nuts & bolts. They are the basis of any tap & die set.

#10. Dog Bone Wrench

Dog Bone Wrench

This wrench is sometimes called a dumb-bell wrench. The two box-shaped ends have a different socket shape on each side. These are used almost exclusively for bike maintenances, although their ability to fit into smaller spaces has sometimes made them useful elsewhere.

They are typically used for bike maintenance, so you only need one if you plan on working on your bike. However, they also fit easily into tight spaces, which can make them suitable for some projects.

Also, Read: How Does a Wood Plane? | Parts of the Wood Plane | Types of Wood Planes

#11. Fire Hydrant Wrench

Fire Hydrant Wrench

This large box-ended wrench has a pentagon shape that was designed for use on fire hydrants only. As a result, only one hydrant can be opened using one of these tools. Unless you need to access fire hydrants, you probably do not need wrenches like this. They are very high. The end is usually very adjustable & has a long handle to allow a lot of torque to be applied.

#12. Garbage Disposal Wrench

Garbage Disposal Wrench

There are actually two different types of wrenches used for closed garbage disposal. There are few different varieties available, and many plumbers will often have a few different types to access the different places in the garbage disposal. If you’re the average homeowner, you’ll want one if you experience a blockage. The latter can also be used to remove clogs in the cutter heads, just like the Allen version.

#13. Monkey Wrench

Monkey Wrench

This is the type of wrench that is referred to when speaking of sabotage, i.e., “throwing a wrench/spanner in the works.” This is an older form of an adjustable wrench, similar to an alligator wrench but with smoother jaws and a rounded handle. Its association with sabotage pioneers from its former role as a standard tool in most industrial branches.

#14. Pliers Wrench

Pliers Wrench

The names may not sound familiar, but you must have used them at some points in your life. The flat-edged jaws are at an angle, & each is attached to a handle, which is connected by a bolt. They are a mix between pairs of pliers & a wrench. They are somewhat adjustable and have bolts that connect the handle and head.

They can be uses on a variety of different ends because they are adjustable. However, there are usually other betters, flexible options available, so they are not used very often. The name comes from the way these tools are held, which is similar to a pair of pliers.

#15. Plumber’s Wrench

Plumber’s Wrench

These pliers are similar to wrenches. However, they can also be used on various pipes and incisions. Because of this, when they are used, they are often used by plumbers. However, they are quite rare. You probably wouldn’t use one unless you’re a professional plumber.

Jaws are shaped to fit hexagonal nuts. Jaws are adjustable to fits varieties of pipe fittings. It is used especially in plumbing for working on pipes and fixtures.

Also, Read: Crankshaft Materials | Crankshaft Heat Treating | Forged Crankshafts of Materials | Crankshaft Manufacturing Processes

#16. Spoke Wrench

Spoke Wrench

It doesn’t really look like a wrench. It is used to maintain the spokes on wire wheels like bicycle wheels. There are small holes all around the wrench that fit around each wire on the spoke. They can be turned around without having to remove and adjust the wrench. One end has slots that fit around the spokes, while the other end has a driver’s head that fits around the nipple nut.

This wrench can be turned in a complete circle without removing it. The most common place to find these tools is a bike repair shop. Some variations resemble more than a small open-ended wrench, while others look like a piece of curved, flat metal.

#17. Strap Wrench

Strap Wrench

These wrenches are used on bolts and nuts that are too slippery for a normal wrench. In practice, thises usually means that they are uses during an oil change. These consist of rubber, cloth, or metal band or chain looped by a handle. This self-tightening tool works bests on round objects that are too greasy or oily for normals wrenches to hold.

#18. Tap Wrench

Tap Wrench

It is used to cut the female threads, which are usually found inside the nut. They are only used in special circumstances, which is why you probably haven’t seen one. Square drive tap, used for cutting female threads such as the inside of a nut. The shape of these wrenches can be either T-shaped or a double-handle bar with an attachment socket in the middle.

#19. Tension Wrench

Tension Wrench

A tension wrench is notoriously used to unscrew a lock, but it can be used for other uses. They can be rigid or flexibles depending on the variety. If you’ve ever seen someone lift a lock in a movie or video game and wondered why they only move one of the two devices, the constant is a tension wrench.

#20. Torx Key

Torx Key

These tools look very similar to Allens wrenches. However, stars-headed, which allows it to fit into the star-shaped indents of special bolts and screws. Because these bolts & screws are relatively rare, however, the Torx key is also rare.

While they can be purchase in the same L-shapes as the averages Allen, you can also buy them in a set that more closely resembles a Swiss army knife than a wrench set.

#21. Drum Key

Drum Key

The drum has a T-shaped wrench with flattened handles. They are used only for tightening and tightening percussion instruments. So, unless you have a drum, you probably won’t see one. This is a few varieties available – sometimes, it depends on the type of drum you have.

A socket wrench, a drum key, has a T-shape with a flattened handle. The name suggests; it is used to tunes various percussions instruments, such as drums. Drums keys with longer handles allow you to apply more torque than those with shorter handles.

Also, Read: Keyless Remote Battery Is Low | When Does Key Fob Battery Replacing Replacing? | How to Replace a Keyless Remote Battery


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is a Spanner Wrench?

A spanner wrench is a tool that provides a grip for tightening or loosening a fastener containing pins or tabs around its circumference.

What Is a Spanner Tool?

wrench, also called spanner, tool, usually operated by hand, for tightening bolts and nuts.

Types of Spanner

  1. Stubby Spanner
  2. Adjustable Spanner
  3. Allen Spanner
  4. Ring Spanner
  5. Combination Spanner
  6. Crowfoot Spanner
  7. Impact Spanner
  8. Open-Ended Spanner
  9. Ratcheting Spanner
  10. Spanner Spanner
  11. Spark Plug Spanner
  12. Hammer Spanner
  13. Flare Nut Spanner
  14. Alligator Spanner
  15. Cone Spanner
  16. Pedal Spanner
  17. Fan Clutch Spanner
  18. Spud Spanner
  19. Cross Wheel Spanner
  20. Socket Spanner

Types of Wrench

  1. Pipe Wrench
  2. Oil Filter Wrench
  3. Torque Wrench
  4. Armorer’s Wrench
  5. Chain Wrench
  6. Basin Wrench
  7. Bionic Wrench
  8. Bung Wrench
  9. Die Stock Holder Wrench
  10. Dog Bone Wrench
  11. Fire Hydrant Wrench
  12. Garbage Disposal Wrench
  13. Monkey Wrench
  14. Pliers Wrench
  15. Plumber’s Wrench
  16. Spoke Wrench
  17. Strap Wrench
  18. Tap Wrench
  19. Tension Wrench
  20. Torx Key
  21. Drum Key

Adjustable Wrench Types

Types and Sizes of Adjustable Wrenches

  • Crescent Wrench.
  • Plumber’s Wrench.
  • Pipe Wrench.
  • Multi-Angle Pipe Wrench.
  • Self-Adjusting Pipe Wrench.
  • Swedish Pipe Wrench.
  • Monkey Wrench.
  • Basin Wrench.

Plumbers Spanner Wrench

A spanner is a tool used to provide grip and leverage in applying torque to turn nuts and bolts or keep them from turning. The most common shapes of spanners are called open-ended spanners and ring spanners.

Difference Between Wrench and Spanner

In North American English, the wrench is the standard term. The most common shapes are called open-end wrench and box-end wrench. In American English, a spanner refers to a specialized wrench with a series of pins or tabs around the circumference.

Spanners for Plumbing

These top-quality sets of plumbing spanners, tap, and waste tools are all key items to have in your toolbox.

Spanners – Plumbing Tools

  • Manhole Keys.
  • Pipe Freezing Kit.
  • Pipe Bender.
  • Pipe Detector.
  • Pipe Threader.
  • Water Pressure Gauge.
  • Water Pump & Adjustable Wrenches.

What Is a Spanner Used for?

Firstly, the spanner is a hand-held tool used to provide grip and tighten or loosen fasteners. It gives a mechanical advantage in applying torque to turn objects. The tool is used in turning rotary fasteners like nuts and bolts. Spanners are made of a metal shaft with a profile opening on one end.

What Is a Spanner Wrench Used For?

wrench, also called spanner, tool, usually operated by hand, for tightening bolts and nuts.

What Is a Spanner Wrench Used for in Firefighting?

Simple tasks on the fireground become difficult if fire fighters are unprepared in their skills. The spanner wrench is a simple tool, commonly found on the fireground. It is capable of performing may essential functions such as prying open doors and windows and opening and closing gas meter valves.

Spanner Types

  • Open-ended and double-ended spanners.
  • Sockets and nut spinners.
  • Ratchet ring spanners.
  • Monkey wrench, English model.
  • Monkey wrench, French model.
  • Pliers wrenches.
  • Box spanners.

Spanner Vs Wrench

A spanner is a type of adjustable wrench. Outside of North America, spanner is just another word for “wrench.” If Americans want to ruin something, they “throw a wrench into it.” British people “throw a spanner in the works.”

Wrench Spanner

A wrench and a spanner are both tools used for tightening or loosening nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. The terms “wrench” and “spanner” are often used interchangeably in various regions, but they can have slightly different connotations depending on the location.

Wrench Vs Spanner

In the US, both fixed and adjustable tools are known as a wrench. However, in the UK, the fixed tool, which is size specific, is known as a spanner, and the adjustable type of tool is known as a wrench.

Plumbing Wrench Types

  1. Adjustable Wrench: Also known as a crescent wrench, it has a movable jaw that can be adjusted to fit different sizes of nuts and bolts. It is versatile and widely used in plumbing tasks.
  2. Pipe Wrench: This type of wrench is specifically designed for working with pipes and fittings. It has serrated jaws that grip the pipe tightly. Pipe wrenches come in different sizes, and their long handles provide leverage for turning and tightening pipes.
  3. Basin Wrench: It is a specialized wrench used for reaching and tightening nuts on faucets and other plumbing fixtures in tight spaces. The basin wrench has a long handle with a swivel jaw at one end that can be adjusted to different angles.
  4. Strap Wrench: This type of wrench has a strap made of strong nylon or rubber that wraps around an object for gripping. It is commonly used for turning and loosening smooth, cylindrical objects such as pipes, filters, or connectors without damaging their surfaces.
  5. Adjustable Slip Joint Pliers: Although not technically a wrench, slip joint pliers are commonly used in plumbing. They have adjustable jaws that can be used to grip and turn nuts, pipes, and fittings.

What Is Spanner Used For?

A wrench or spanner is a tool used to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque to turn objects—usually rotary fasteners, such as nuts and bolts—or keep them from turning.

How to Use a Spanner Wrench?

  1. Identify the Fastener: Determine the type of fastener you need to work with. Spanner wrenches are typically used for objects with holes or slots, such as locknuts or retaining rings.
  2. Select the Correct Spanner Wrench: Spanner wrenches come in different sizes and designs to fit specific fasteners. Choose a spanner wrench that matches the size and shape of the fastener you are working with.
  3. Position the Spanner Wrench: Insert the pins or hooks of the spanner wrench into the holes or slots of the fastener. Make sure they engage securely to prevent slipping.
  4. Apply Pressure: Hold the spanner wrench handle and apply rotational force in the desired direction. Use the leverage provided by the handle to turn the fastener either clockwise (tightening) or counterclockwise (loosening).
  5. Maintain Grip: Ensure that the spanner wrench remains securely engaged with the fastener as you apply pressure. Check periodically to make sure it hasn’t slipped or disengaged.
  6. Continue Turning: Keep rotating the spanner wrench until you achieve the desired level of tightness or looseness on the fastener.
  7. Remove the Spanner Wrench: Once you have finished working with the fastener, release the pressure and carefully remove the spanner wrench from the holes or slots.

Types of Spanners and Their Uses

  1. Open-Ended Spanner: This spanner has U-shaped jaws with a flat contact surface on both ends. It is used for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts. Open-ended spanners come in various sizes, typically with one size on each end.
  2. Box-Ended Spanner: Similar to open-ended spanners, box-ended spanners have enclosed U-shaped jaws that completely surround the fastener. They provide better grip and are less likely to slip off the fastener. Box-ended spanners usually have one size on each end.
  3. Combination Spanner: Combination spanners have an open-ended jaw on one end and a box-ended jaw on the other end. This versatile design allows them to be used for different types of fasteners. Combination spanners are commonly found in toolkits.
  4. Adjustable Spanner (Adjustable Wrench): This type of spanner has a movable jaw, allowing it to be adjusted to fit different sizes of nuts and bolts. It is a versatile tool for various applications and is commonly used in plumbing work.
  5. Ring Spanner (Ring Wrench): A ring spanner has a circular ring-shaped jaw at the end. It provides a more secure grip on the fastener and is useful in situations where an open-ended or box-ended spanner may not fit. Ring spanners are often used in automotive and machinery maintenance.
  6. Socket Wrench: Socket wrenches consist of a handle and interchangeable sockets that fit different sizes of fasteners. They provide a ratcheting mechanism, allowing for quick and continuous rotation without needing to lift and reposition the wrench. Socket wrenches are commonly used in automotive repairs and mechanical work.
  7. Hook Spanner (Pin Spanner): Hook spanners, also known as pin spanners, have two or three curved hooks or pins that fit into holes or slots on certain types of fasteners, such as round nuts or collars. They are used to tighten or loosen these specialized fasteners.

Spanner Types and Uses

The common types of spanners are open-end or single-end spanners, double-end spanners, ring spanners, socket spanners, box spanners, combination spanners, hook spanners, adjustable spanners, and T socket spanners, Magneto spanners, Allen key, and pin face adjustable spanner.

Types of Spanner in Mechanical

1) Single Open End Spanner. When establishing a spanner’s size, the distance between the two jaws is measured.
2) Double Ended Spanner. The double ended spanner has two open-end heads, one at each end, and is the most commonly used spanner available.
3) Box Spanners.
4) Combination Spanners.


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