In all likelihood, everyone has held a spanner in their hand at some time. But not all spanners are the same – there are many types for a wide range of different applications. Below we would like to explain what you need to know to make sense of the topic.
What types of spanners are there?
Classic spanners are designed for a fixed spanner width ("width across flats") which is given as an embossed figure on the handle. In addition, there are adjustable spanners that can be used to grip fasteners (nuts and bolt heads) of different widths. All in all, a distinction is made between seven widely used types of spanner-like tools:
Since in European countries the metric system prevails, the drive size of the fastener head and the width across flats of the spanner are given in millimetres. In the USA and a few other Anglo-Saxon countries, the imperial system is used; here, spanner sizes are measured in inches. STAHLWILLE offers both metric and imperial spanners.
Combination spanners
The open-ended spanner is probably the most common type of spanner. It is available in versions for hexagonal and square headed fasteners. The jaws of a spanner are angled at about 15° on most models, and the handle, or shaft, is slim or flat.
Ring spanners
While open-ended spanners, monkey wrenches and adjustable spanners only grip the fastener on two of its flats, ring spanners grip the entire fastener head. The ring can be ergonomically designed, for example angled, offset or deeply offset.
Ratchet ring spanners
Ratchet ring spanners are ring spanners that have an integrated ratchet, which enables them to be moved back in the opposite direction without removing them from the fastener head.
Adjustable open-jaw spanners
A distinction is made between two adjustable open-ended spanners: there is the "English" and the "French" type. Both are very similar and are not designed for one particular size of fastener. Instead, the spanner width can be infinitely adjusted. They are named after their respective regions of origin.
The "English" type
With this tool, the distance between the two clamping jaws can be infinitely adjusted.
The "French" type
In contrast to the English type, the French type has two jaws and a finer thread.
Pliers wrenches
The pliers wrench is a kind of self-grip spanner. The jaws of the pliers wrench are aligned approximately parallel to ensure a secure grip on the fastener head.
Box spanners
Box spanners are made from metal tubing. They usually have two profiles, one at each end. They are referred to in DIN 896 as "tubular double head tee wrenches, type B". One hexagonal end is placed over the nut or bolt head. The rotary momentum is applied with the help of a tommy bar inserted through the spanner perpendicular to the axis.
Other types of spanners:
Hook spanners
The hook spanner is a special tool for tightening or loosening slotted locknuts. The size of the tool depends on the outer diameter of the locknut. These spanners are available in various sub-versions and as articulated hook spanners.
Pin spanners
Pin spanners are often also called flange spanners and are used when tightening two-hole nuts. Their pins can be firmly fitted to the nut so that it can be effectively loosened or tightened.
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