Spanners are essential tools for various mechanical and DIY tasks. These versatile tools come in different shapes and sizes, allowing you to tackle a wide range of fasteners. From adjustable spanners that adapt to different sizes, to open-ended spanners for nuts and bolts, and combination spanners offering flexibility, there is a spanner for every job. Whether you need to reach tight spaces or require a more secure grip, there is a spanner designed to meet your needs. Spanners are also known as wrenches. With their functionality and reliability, spanners are a must-have tool for any handy individual or professional.
Let’s dive into the world of spanners, understanding types of spanners with their Advantages, and Disadvantages. There are many types of spanners available in the market but there are several often-used spanners highlighted in this blog.
11 Types Of Spanners
1. Combination Spanner
The combination spanner is a versatile tool that features an open end on one side or both sides. Its design allows for both quick turning with the open-end and higher torque application with the closed-end. The advantages of a combination spanner include its flexibility, compactness, and ability to handle different sizes of nuts and bolts. However, it may not provide as much leverage as other specialized spanners.
Advantages:
- Versatile tool with both open-ended and ring ends
- Ideal for tightening or loosening bolts and nuts in various sizes
- Compact and easy to carry
Disadvantages:
- Limited leverage compared to other spanners
- May not fit in tight spaces due to its shape
2. Double Ring Spanner
As the name suggests, the double-ring spanner has two closed ends (rings) of different sizes. This design allows for a better grip on nuts and bolts, reducing the chances of slipping. The double-ring spanner offers increased torque and is suitable for heavy-duty applications. Its disadvantage lies in limited versatility due to the fixed ring sizes.
Advantages:
- Offers a better grip and increased torque compared to a single-ring spanner
- Suitable for working on nuts and bolts with different sizes on both ends
- Provides stability and prevents slipping
Disadvantages:
- Limited usability in confined spaces due to its size
- May not be as versatile as a combination spanner
3. Gas Spanner
The gas spanner is specifically designed for use with gas cylinders. Its unique shape and size allow for easy fitting and removal of gas cylinder valves. The gas spanner is lightweight, compact, and provides a secure grip. However, it may not be suitable for other applications due to its specialized design.
Advantages:
- Specifically designed for gas fittings, ensuring a secure and tight connection
- Provides a firm grip on gas valves
- Prevents damage to gas fittings during installation or repair
Disadvantages:
- Limited application, primarily used for gas-related tasks
- May not be suitable for other general-purpose tasks
4. Single Open End Spanner
The single open-end spanner features a single open end, allowing for quick turning of nuts and bolts. It is lightweight, easy to handle, and suitable for tight spaces. However, it may not provide as much torque as spanners with closed ends.
Advantages:
- Slim design allows access to tight spaces
- Ideal for tasks that require a single-sided grip
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Disadvantages:
- Limited torque due to the single-sided grip
- Not suitable for tasks that require tightening or loosening both sides simultaneously
5. Tubular Box Spanner
The tubular box spanner is a hollow, cylindrical tool with a closed-end (box) on one side and an open end on the other. It is commonly used in plumbing and automotive applications. The tubular box spanner provides a snug fit on nuts and bolts, minimizing the risk of rounding off corners. Its disadvantage lies in limited accessibility due to its design.
Advantages:
- Designed for accessing nuts or bolts in narrow spaces
- Offers extended reach and leverage
- Multiple sizes available in a single tool
Disadvantages:
- Limited application, primarily used for specific tasks
- May not fit larger-sized nuts or bolts
6. Torex Wrench Spanner
The torex wrench spanner is specifically designed for torex screws, which have a star-shaped recess. It provides a secure grip and allows for efficient torque transfer. The torex wrench spanner is suitable for various applications, including electronics and automotive repairs. However, it may not be as versatile as other spanners due to its specialized purpose.
Advantages:
- Specifically designed for torex screws, providing a secure grip
- Prevents damage to torx screws during installation or removal
- Available in various sizes for different torx screw types
Disadvantages:
- Limited application, primarily used for torex screws
- May not be suitable for other types of fasteners
7. Flare Nut Wrench
The flare nut wrench, also known as a line wrench, is designed for use with hydraulic fittings and brake line connections. Its unique shape allows for a tight fit on nuts, reducing the chances of rounding off corners. The flare nut wrench provides excellent leverage and is suitable for delicate applications. However, it may have limited use outside of specific industries.
Advantages:
- Designed for gripping and tightening flare nuts in plumbing or automotive applications
- Prevents damage to flare nuts during installation or removal
- Offers a secure grip on rounded or soft nuts
Disadvantages:
- Limited usability compared to other spanners
- May not be suitable for general-purpose tasks
8. Ring Slugging Wrench
The ring slugging wrench is a heavy-duty spanner designed for high-torque applications. It features a thick, solid ring with a handle, providing a secure grip and increased leverage. The ring slugging wrench is commonly used in construction and maintenance work. Its disadvantage lies in its bulkiness and limited versatility.
Advantages:
- Specifically designed for heavy-duty tasks and high-torque applications
- Offers a secure grip on large-sized nuts or bolts
- Durable and long-lasting
Disadvantages:
- Bulky design, limiting its use in confined spaces
- Limited versatility compared to other spanners
9. Pipe Wrench
The pipe wrench is a specialized spanner designed for gripping and turning pipes and other cylindrical objects. Its adjustable jaws provide a secure grip, making it suitable for plumbing and construction work. However, the pipe wrench may leave marks on the surface of the pipe and is not suitable for use on fragile materials.
Advantages:
- Designed for gripping and turning pipes or rounded objects
- Provides a strong grip and leverage
- The adjustable jaw allows for use on different pipe sizes
Disadvantages:
- Heavy and bulky, making it less portable
- May leave marks or damage on the surface of the pipe
10. Open-Ended Slugging Wrench
The open-ended slugging wrench is a heavy-duty spanner with two open ends of different sizes. It offers excellent leverage and is commonly used in industrial applications. The open-ended slugging wrench provides versatility and the ability to handle a wide range of nut and bolt sizes. However, it may not provide as secure a grip as spanners with closed ends.
Advantages:
- Specifically designed for heavy-duty tasks and high-torque applications
- Provides a secure grip on large-sized nuts or bolts
- Durable and long-lasting
Disadvantages:
- Limited usability compared to other spanners
- May not fit in tight spaces due to its size
11. Adjustable Pipe Wrench
The adjustable pipe wrench is a versatile and indispensable tool commonly used in plumbing and construction work. Its primary function is to grip and turn pipes and other cylindrical objects securely. The distinguishing feature of the adjustable pipe wrench is its adjustable jaw capacity, allowing it to accommodate pipes of various sizes.
Advantages:
- The adjustable jaw allows for use on different pipe sizes
- Provides a strong grip and leverage
- A versatile tool for various plumbing or mechanical tasks
Disadvantages:
- Heavy and bulky, making it less portable
- May leave marks or damage on the surface of the pipe if not used carefully
Conclusion
Selecting the right spanner is an art that depends on the specific task. Armed with the knowledge of each spanner type’s advantages and disadvantages, you can curate a toolbox that meets the diverse challenges of your projects. Understanding the characteristics of these versatile tools empowers you to handle various tasks efficiently and with precision.
