Spanners (commonly known as wrenches in the North USA) are hand-operated tools that help adjust, loosen, or tighten hexagonal-shaped nuts and bolts. These hand tools usually have an opening or jaws that allow higher torque to turn a nut or bolt. A spanner is typically made from highly durable and solid materials with an extended service life. Wrenches come in various sizes (metric and imperial), mechanisms, and shapes to meet the multiple application needs and match the fasteners' sizes. Furthermore, they come in various types with fixed and adjustable spanners that allow increasing/decreasing size choices. Additionally, a popular ratchet spanner facilitates easy tightening and loosening of multiple compatible fasteners with minimal effort and torque.
Why are Spanners Important?
Spanners are a crucial addition to any toolkit or toolboxes–widely used in many industries. These versatile tools feature an extended life span and can be used for everything from small nuts and bolts to larger ones on big machines. These cost-effective tools operate excellently with robust precision and safety and ensure reliable fastening applications in various settings.
Spanner Sets
A spanner set is a collection of hand-operated solid spanner tools designed for turning compatible nuts and bolts. These sets include wrenches of various sizes and types to accommodate different bolt and nut sizes and shapes. Spanner sets come with a carrying case or tool roll for organised storage and convenient transportation and to prevent the contents from getting lost or damaged. The quality and quantity of a spanner set varies depending on the intended use, materials, and brands.
Materials for Spanners Include
- Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Chrome Molybdenum Steel
- Chrome Vanadium
- Chrome Vanadium Steel
- Vanadium Steel
- Alloy Steel
- Aluminium Bronze
- Hardened Steel.
Most Popular Types of Spanners
Spanners come in various sizes and shapes–to choose from multiple options. Some of the most common spanner types include:
- Open-end or single-end spanner
- Double-ended spanner
- Ring spanner
- Socket spanner
- Box spanner
- Combination spanner
- Hook spanner
- Ratchet Spanner
- Adjustable spanner
- "T" Socket spanner
- Magneto spanner
- Allen key
- Pin face adjustable spanner.
Typical Environments/Applications of Spanners
Spanners or wrenches are must-have devices for technicians, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and DIYers with different applications in multiple settings, such as:
- Garages
- Workshops
- Warehouses
- Homes
- Automotive Industry
- Construction Industry
- Aerospace
- Manufacturing Industry.
