Different Types of Spanners and Their Uses
Last Updated on November 11, 2024
What is a Spanner?
To tighten or loosen nuts and bolts, one can use a hand tool called a spanner. It is small and available in different sizes and is utilised for precision work with its different types of ends. A spanner has a fixed, U-shaped jaw or ring end; therefore, it cannot be adjusted like a wrench head. Spanners are commonly used in plumbing, construction, automotive, and assembly applications for maintenance and repair work. A common question is how many types of spanners are available in the market, so here is a detailed list of spanner types and their applications.
12 Types of Spanners
Here is a list of 12 types of spanners that are available in the market. We have described them in detail to make your choice easy.
- Combination Spanner
- Double Ring Spanner
- Gas Spanner
- Single Open-End Spanner
- Tubular Box Spanner
- Torx Wrench Spanner
- Double Ended Spanner
- Crow Foot Spanner
- Ratchet Spanner
- Slogging Spanner
- T Socket Spanner
- Allen Key Spanner
1. Combination Spanner
It has two ends: one is open-ended, and the other is a ring end. It is available in different sizes, from 2mm to 80mm. Combination spanners are a great addition to any tool kit because you can work with multiple objects with a single tool set. A combination spanner is used in mechanical work and automatic repairs.
2. Double Ring Spanner
It has ring-shaped heads on both ends of the spanner. It helps to provide grip while holding nuts and bolts firmly, reducing the chance of error. Double-ring spanners are ideal for heavy-duty applications where more torque is required. It is used in automotive and industrial applications.
3. Gas Spanner
It is used to tighten nuts and bolts fixed in gas pipes. It has an adjustable head, which allows it to handle varied sizes of nuts & bolts. It is a versatile tool for gas fitting, installation and maintenance. It may not be ideal for small-size nuts.
4. Single Open-End Spanner
It is the most basic or simplest type of spanner. It has a U-shaped open-ed designed to provide grip on parallel sides of nuts and bolts. It is suitable for loosening and tightening nuts where full rotation is impossible. It is a handy, easy-to-use tool for home repairs and basic mechanical work.
5. Tubular Box Spanner
It has a long tubular body with multiple holes in the tube. A tubular box spanner is a type of spanner used in areas where accessibility is limited. It is sometimes used with a tommy bar for extra leverage. It is suitable for plumbing and deep-set nuts applications.
6. Torx Wrench Spanner
It is used to work with Torx screws. The Torex wrench spanner has a star-shaped head to loosen or tighten Torx screws. It is used in electronics, industrial assembly and automotive applications.
7. Double Ended Spanner
It features a design like a single-end spanner but has two open-ended heads of different sizes. A double-ended spanner is a versatile tool used to work with different sizes of nuts with a single tool. It is used in general-purpose mechanical and automotive applications.
8. Crow Foot Spanner
It is designed to fit tight spaces where full-sized spanners can’t fit. It has an open end with no handle. Crowfoot spanners are typically used with a ratchet or torque wrench. It is suitable for automotive and aerospace applications.
9. Ratchet Spanner
It has a ratcheting mechanism that allows you to turn the fastener in one direction. These spanners are more expensive than standard ones and used for automotive and mechanical applications.
10. Slogging Spanner
These spanners are used for heavy-duty applications. Slogging spanners apply high torque to large nuts and bolts. It is used for industrial maintenance, shipbuilding, and heavy machinery work.
11. T Socket Spanner
It features a T-shaped handle to provide better control and torque. It is suitable for working with nuts and bolts fitted in deep or hard-to-reach places such as vehicle engines. T socket spanners are used in automotive repairs and electrical applications.
12. Allen Key Spanner
It is a L-shaped hand tool used for driving bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets. They come in various sizes and are frequently used in furniture assembly and machine repairs.
Conclusion
There are a wide range of spanners that are available for multipurpose use. Spanners are a must-have for any maintenance or repair work. The different types of spanners include crow foot spanners, ratchet spanners, slogging spanners, T socket spanners, Allen key spanners, combination spanners, and single open-end spanners. You can find applications of spanners in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, furniture making, gas pipe fitting, and plumbing.
FAQ’s
A combination spanner is the most common type of spanner. Its one end is open-ended, and the other end is ring end, offering a varied range of applications.
Spanners are hand tools used for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts. They are essential tools designed for automotive repairs, construction, plumbing and general maintenance.
A spanner size ranges from 10 mm to up to 17mm. You must choose the one that fits your business needs.
There are several spanners, each with a unique design and application. The different types of spanners include combination spanners, double-ring spanners, gas spanners, single open-end spanners, and tubular box spanners among others.
