10 Types of Spanners And How to Use Them

What is Spanner?

A wrench known as a spanner in many parts of the world is a hand tool designed to provide grip and leverage when applying torque to turn rotary fasteners, like nuts and bolts, or to hold them steady so they don’t move.

When it comes to quality, spanners made from chromium, vanadium alloy tool steels are generally more durable.

These tools are usually drop forged, a manufacturing process that increases their strength, and they often feature a chrome plated finish. This not only makes them more resistant to corrosion but also makes cleaning easier.

Now, while tools like pliers or tongs are also hinged, they’re not usually classified as wrenches in standard English. That said, there are a few exceptions like plumber spanners (which are referred to as pipe wrenches in British English) and Mole spanners (commonly called Mole grips in the UK).

Interestingly, the term “spanner” pops up in informal English too. You might hear someone say, “He threw a spanner in the works,” which basically means something unexpected happened that disrupted plans or caused complications.

How to Use Spanners Properly?

It’s nearly impossible to imagine a toolkit without a spanner. With the wide range of spanners available today whether it’s a double-end spanner or an adjustable one each type serves a specific purpose.

These tools are primarily used for tightening or loosening fasteners like nuts and bolts. In some regions, they’re more commonly referred to as wrenches.

Spanners are generally designed to grip and turn mechanical components. Most of them are manually operated, and their effectiveness often depends on the task at hand. For instance, slide-style spanners are better suited for quick, repetitive motions due to their ease of adjustment.

Given the range of options and uses, it’s important for anyone who owns or uses tools to understand exactly what kind of spanner they’re working with and how best to use it.

Using the correct tool properly is essential for both safety and efficiency. Below are some practical tips for working with a few of the most commonly used types of spanners.

#1. Adjustable Spanner.

This particular type of spanner is notably user-friendly and offers a wide range of practical applications. To operate it in a forward direction, one simply places their thumb on the gear mechanism.

Doing so causes the adjustable jaw to widen, increasing the distance between the two jaws. This expanded grip allows for a secure hold on the fastener and enables multiple rotations with ease.

For optimal use, it’s essential to first position the fixed jaw firmly around the fastener. From there, the gear should be turned toward the handle until the jaws are tightly secured.

Designed specifically for versatility, this tool proves highly effective across various machinery tasks. Because of its adaptability, it remains a go-to choice in garages and automotive repair work.

#2. Slide Spanner.

Operating a slide-adjustable spanner isn’t particularly difficult. To begin, gently move the adjustable thumb knob toward the handle—this action increases the width of the jaws, allowing it to fit around various fasteners.

Once adjusted, position the spanner securely around the nut or bolt. Fine-tune the knob if needed to ensure a snug fit. To loosen a fastener, rotate the spanner in an anticlockwise direction. Conversely, turn it clockwise when tightening.

To remove the spanner after use, slide the thumb knob near the jaw to release the grip by opening the jaws. This type of spanner is quite versatile and can accommodate a wide range of fastener sizes and shapes. Because of this adaptability, it has become a common tool for general household maintenance and repair tasks.

#3. Automatic Adjustable Spanner.

This type of spanner is designed for versatile, large-scale use across various applications. To adjust the jaw width, simply press the button integrated into the handle. The jaws, which operate through a battery-powered mechanism, will automatically expand to their maximum opening.

Once the jaws are positioned around the fastener, pressing the button again will prompt them to close securely around it. The tool then functions just like a traditional spanner rotating it clockwise will tighten the fastener, while turning it counterclockwise will loosen it.

Such spanners are particularly favored by plumbers, especially for tasks involving pipe fittings, due to their efficiency and ease of use.

Types of Spanners

Following are the different types of spanners:

• Open-end or single-end spanner
• Double-ended spanner
• Ring spanner
• Socket spanner
• Box spanner
• Combination spanner
• Hook spanner
• Adjustable spanner
• “T” Socket spanner
• Magneto spanner
• Allen key
• Pin face adjustable spanner

1. Open End Spanner

An open-end spanner, as the name implies, features an open jaw at one end that fits around the heads of nuts or bolts. This design allows the user to grip and turn the fastener, whether to tighten or loosen it.

Often referred to as a single-end spanner, its size is typically defined by the distance between the jaws. Choosing the right spanner depends primarily on the size of the nut or bolt it’s intended for, ensuring a secure and effective grip during use.

2. Double-End Spanner

Double-end spanners are designed with open jaws at both ends, allowing them to grip and turn bolts and nuts efficiently. What makes these spanners particularly practical is that each end is typically set at an angle usually between 15 to 30 degrees relative to the handle.

This angled design offers better accessibility in tight or awkward spaces. Due to their versatility and ease of use, double-end spanners are among the most commonly used types in mechanical and maintenance work.

3. Ring Spanner

In this type of spanner, one or both ends feature circular, ring-shaped heads designed specifically to grip nuts and bolts securely whether for tightening or loosening them. These rings are typically angled in opposite directions, making them more versatile in tight or awkward spaces.

Within each ring, there are internal teeth designed to match the shape of standard six-sided (hexagonal) nuts and bolts. Because the ring makes contact on all sides of the fastener, it provides a firm, non-slip grip during use.

This makes it especially useful in situations where precision and control are important. It’s also worth noting that not all ring spanners have angled ends; some versions come with straight heads, depending on their intended application.

4. Socket Spanner

Socket spanners are designed in a cylindrical, socket-like form, with one end featuring a square aperture and the other shaped with external grooves tailored to accommodate various sizes of nuts and bolts—similar in function to a ring spanner.

A square Tommy bar is inserted into the square opening to serve as a handle. This setup is particularly advantageous in confined or hard-to-reach spaces where a traditional ring spanner might not be practical.

Moreover, socket spanners are frequently employed in tasks that require precise torque application, especially when used alongside a torque wrench.

These tools are generally available in both compact and larger formats and are often packaged as part of a complete set. Such sets typically include not only the standard Tommy bar but also variants like the Universal Tommy and the Ratchet Tommy, each offering additional flexibility.

What makes socket spanners especially practical is their versatility. Whether you’re aligning directly with the bolt, working at an angle, or maneuvering within a restricted area, these tools offer a reliable and efficient way to tighten or loosen fasteners.

5. Box Spanner

Box spanners, which are most often constructed from steel tubing, are commonly used for tasks like removing spark plugs. These tools usually have a six-sided, ring-style head that matches the shape of the nut it’s designed to fit.

This head is typically formed by pressing it out from the steel tube during production. To operate a box spanner, a T-bar is inserted through two holes located midway along the tube, allowing the user to turn the tool with better leverage and control.

6. Combination Spanner

A combination spanner is a versatile, double-ended tool designed to serve dual functions. One end features an open-ended spanner, while the other end incorporates a ring—or closed-loop—spanner. Importantly, both ends are sized equally to fit the same nuts or bolts, which adds to the tool’s practicality.

What makes this design particularly useful is the angle of the heads. Typically, both ends are set at a 15-degree angle relative to the shaft. This thoughtful design allows for easier access in tight or awkward spaces, improving grip and maneuverability.

In essence, a combination spanner brings together the benefits of two separate tools into one, making it a go-to option for mechanics, engineers, and DIY enthusiasts alike.

7. Hook Spanner

These spanners are specifically designed for use with nuts that lack external faces or peripheral holes. In such cases, conventional tools cannot grip the nut effectively.

Instead, the spanner features a pin that fits securely into a designated hole on the nut. This pin allows the user to rotate the nut as needed, either to loosen or tighten it.

8. Adjustable Spanner

Adjustable spanners offer a practical solution for working with a variety of screw and bolt sizes, eliminating the need to carry a full set of spanners in different dimensions.

Their versatility makes them a valuable addition to any toolbox. However, they do come with a minor limitation: achieving a secure grip on nuts or bolts can sometimes be difficult, as the jaws may not always lock tightly in place.

Despite this slight inconvenience, adjustable spanners remain incredibly useful. In many situations, especially when only one spanner of a specific size is available, they serve an important role.

For instance, they can be used to hold a bolt head steady while a fixed-size spanner is used to tighten or loosen the corresponding nut. This makes them an essential backup tool in day-to-day mechanical or DIY tasks.

9. “T “Socket Spanner

This type of spanner closely resembles a box spanner, but with a notable difference it features a fixed handle at the top and a socket at the bottom.

The sockets come in various sizes, allowing them to fit different fasteners. These spanners are particularly useful when working in deep or hard-to-reach spaces, where standard tools might not be effective.

10. Magneto Spanner

This is a collection of compact, single-ended spanners, each varying slightly in size. They are typically bundled together and used for tightening or loosening small nuts and bolts, depending on the required fit.

11. Allen Key

These components are slender steel rods featuring a hexagonal cross-section, each bent at a 90-degree angle from one end. The upper side includes a six-faced recess or socket.

Primarily, these bolts are designed to provide secure fastening while maintaining an even surface on the workpiece. They are typically available in a variety of sizes and come in individual units or organized sets to accommodate different application needs.

12. Pin Face Adjustable Spanner

This type of spanner consists of two legs connected by a rivet, allowing for adjustable movement. Each leg is equipped with a pin at its end, designed to fit into the holes located around the edge of round nuts. The spacing between the legs can be widened or narrowed as needed, making the tool suitable for a variety of nut sizes and types.

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