12 Types Of Spanners And Their Uses

Types Of Spanners

More than any other tool, spanners are used to tighten and loosen different tasks. They are usually made of forged steel or carbon steel. These are manufactured in different shapes and sizes, depending on the requirements.

Before use, verify that the adjustable spanner wrenches are the correct size and positioned correctly around the nut. Otherwise, it may come loose from the wrench, injure your hand, or damage the tool. To help repair leaking pipes or faucets, a wrench is often used in plumbing. Most important is your safety so you have to make sure you are using any type of spanners or tools that are provided by trusted hand tools manufacturers and suppliers.

Apart from this, screwdrivers are also used to tighten and loosen any task or screw. The following types of spanners are usually used in workshops.

You can also consult our guide on the different types of hammers used in the workshop.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of spanners and their uses.

Types of Spanners

Following are the different types of spanners:

1. Open-end or single-end spanner
2. Double-ended spanner
3. Ring spanner
4. Socket spanner
5. Box spanner
6. Combination spanner
7. Hook spanner
8. Adjustable spanner
9. “T” Socket spanner
10. Magneto spanner
11. Allen key
12. Pin face adjustable spanner

#1 Open End Spanner

In this category of spanners, only one end is open, providing a point for gripping the nut or bolt head, either loosely or tightly. Also referred to as single-end spanners, their size is determined by the distance between their jaws. Consequently, the choice of a spanner is based on the span between the opposing sides of the nut or bolt.

Advantages:

• Open-ended spanners prove effective in small spaces.
• There are many different sizes of open-end wrenches that can fit different types of nuts and bolts.

Disadvantages:

• open-ended spanners can grip only flat surfaces of the nut or bolt
• In comparison to other spanner types, they typically exhibit a lower torque rating.

#2 Double-End Spanner

Within this category of spanners, both ends feature open sections designed to secure nuts or bolt heads. These open ends are positioned at angles ranging from 15 to 30 degrees relative to the central body. These double-end spanners are widely favored for their versatility.

Advantages:

• The dual ends accommodate various nuts and bolts of different sizes.
• They enhance grip, minimizing the risk of slipping or rounding for a secure hold.

Disadvantages:

• The straight design of these spanners may limit their accessibility to nuts and bolts in confined spaces.
• Despite the availability of diverse sizes, not all nuts and bolts may be compatible with double-ended spanners.

Also Read: The 5 Most Essential Hand Tools You Need

#3 Ring Spanner

In this class of spanners, one or both ends are fashioned as circular rings to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. These rings are bent in opposite directions.

Within these rings, protruding teeth are incorporated to effortlessly grip six-sided nut bolts. The comprehensive grip on all sides prevents slippage. Some ring spanners may have straight ends without bending.

Advantages:

• Using a ring spanner makes it easier to tighten or loosen difficult fasteners because its closed end fits snugly over the nut or bolt.
• This spanner can reach any section and loosen fasteners at any angle, unlike conventional wrenches.

Disadvantages:

Ring spanners are less suitable for hard-to-reach fasteners, tight spaces, union nuts, and line connections.

#4 Socket Spanner

These spanners take the form of a circular socket. One end features a square hole, while the other has grooves cut externally in sizes comparable to a ring spanner.

A square-shaped Tommy bar is fixed into the square hole. These spanners prove invaluable in situations where ring spanners are impractical due to limited space. Additionally, they find application when tightening nut bolts requires measurement with a torque wrench.

Available in sets of varying sizes, these spanners come with accompanying accessories like Tommy bars, Universal Tommies, and Ratchet Tommies. Together, they facilitate the tightening or loosening of nut bolts in angled, straight, or confined spaces.

Advantages:

• Commonly used for tightening and loosening standard fasteners.
• Facilitates torque application with reduced effort and fatigue.

Disadvantages:

• Limited torque handling capacity; excessive force can damage the socket or fastener.
• Incorrect positioning may cause slipping, potentially causing harm to the fastener or the tool.

#5 Box Spanner

Constructed from either thick or thin pipes, box spanners feature six-sided ends on one or both sides to easily grip nut bolts with six phases. Holes across the rod, on one or both ends, allow for the insertion of a rod to serve as a handle. This design proves advantageous in deeper spaces.

Advantages:

• Box spanners fit nuts and bolts in locations where other spanners may be ineffective.
• The closed end of a complete box spanner entirely encases the nut or bolt, protecting it from debris or unintended impacts.

Disadvantages:

• The primary drawback of box wrenches is the need to slide them over the end of the nut or bolt for use.
• Box wrenches may have a higher cost compared to open-ended wrenches, and being non-adjustable, a complete set purchase is necessary.

#6 Combination Spanner

A combination spanner has an open-end on one side and a ring spanner on the other, both of the same size.

Advantages:

• Combines versatility with an open and closed end for various tasks.
• Can reach nuts and bolts in places where other spanners might struggle.

Disadvantages:

• Comes in different sizes, but not all nuts and bolts may be compatible.
• Recommended for use on straightforward, easily accessible nuts and bolts.

#7 Hook Spanner

These spanners are designed for nuts with holes on their edges, lacking flat surfaces. The spanner’s pin fits into the hole, allowing for rotation to open or tighten.

Advantages:

• Suited for fasteners with slots or holes, providing a secure grip.
• The C-shaped end of hook spanners fits into slots or holes for added grip.

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for fasteners without slots or holes.
• May not match the torque capabilities of box spanners or socket spanners.

#8 Adjustable Spanner

Adjustable spanners, also known as screw wrenches, are unique spanner types. Their jaws can be widened or narrowed to tighten or loosen nut bolts, particularly for nuts where other spanners may not fit well.

Advantages:

• The opening width of an adjustable spanner can be customized to fit any fastener size.
• These spanners are highly useful as they eliminate the need for multiple-size tools.

Disadvantages:

• The drawback of adjustable spanners lies in their lesser stability compared to fixed-size wrenches, posing a risk of self-injury or harm to the fastener.

#9 “T” Socket Spanner

These spanners resemble box spanners but feature a fixed handle on top and a socket at the bottom, available in various sizes. They are designed for use in deep spaces.

Advantages:

• The tool’s comfortable height ensures the most ergonomic use for the operator.
• Made from specially forged, galvanized steel, offering increased durability.

Disadvantages:

• The bulky design of T socket spanners may pose challenges in confined spaces or areas with limited room for positioning.

#10 Magneto Spanner

The magneto spanner is a set of small-sized single-end spanners, tied together to tighten or open small nut bolts.

Advantages:

• Magneto spanners, with their magnetic tip, can safely install and remove spark plugs.
• They are user-friendly and require minimal knowledge or experience.

Disadvantages:

• Limited to removing and installing spark plugs; not suitable for other automotive or mechanical tasks.

#11 Allen Key

Allen keys are slender steel rods with six faces bent at 90° angles from one end, featuring a hole on the upper side. Designed for tightening bolts while maintaining an even surface, they come in various sizes and sets.

Advantages:

• Prevents unintentional fastener stripping.
• Provides a better grip on hexagonal fasteners compared to standard screwdrivers and wrenches.

Disadvantages:

• Available in different sizes, but may not fit every bolt or screw.
• Challenging to grip when working with small or tight bolts or screws.

#12 Pin Face Adjustable Spanner

This spanner type consists of two legs joined by a rivet, each leg fitted with a pin at the end. Used on round nuts with holes in the periphery, the distance between the legs can be adjusted to accommodate various nuts.

Advantages:

• Pin spanners grasp the fastener’s sides, not its corners or edges.
• Compact and lightweight, they are convenient for use in confined spaces or on the go.

Disadvantages:

• Limited torque may hinder efficiency for tasks requiring significant force.
• Challenging to use in confined or challenging locations, especially if the fastener is at an odd angle.

Spanner Sizes

All types of spanners are designed for disassembling or tightening nuts and bolts of specific sizes. Spanners are measured in millimeters (mm) and inches. Millimeter spanners come in variations of 7mm.

For those seeking high-quality spanners, look no further than JCBL Hand Tools, a leading Spanners Manufacturer in India. Our commitment to excellence ensures that our spanners meet the highest industry standards, providing durability and reliability in every use.

Similarly, inch spanners are available in sizes like 1/16 and double-ended, while ring spanners typically come in sets of 6, 8, 12, and 36. In a set of 6 inch spanners, the double-ended and ring spanners have the following sizes: 1 x 15/16 inch, 7/16 x 13/16 inch, 3/4 x 11/6 inch, 5/8 x 19/32 inch, 1/2 x 9/16 inch, and 3/8 x 7/16 inch.

Millimeter spanners are labeled with numbers. In double-ended and ring spanners, one side shows a number, and on the other side, a slightly larger number is written. Socket spanners are available in various sizes.

Conclusion

In summary, a spanner is a tool that offers a mechanical grip and an advantage in applying torque for turning nuts and bolts.

We hope this information has clarified any uncertainties you had about spanners. If you still have questions regarding the “Types of Spanners,” feel free to contact us or ask in the comments.