Can I use a wrench instead of a spanner?
Spanners Vs Wrenches: What's The Difference?
Now is a good time to start planning any home improvement projects you wish to complete during the spring and summer months. Gaining an understanding of the different hand tools you should acquire for your toolbox can be confusing. For example, what is the difference between a spanner and a wrench?
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A spanner and a wrench serve the same purpose; both are designed to loosen and tighten nuts and bolts. However, they each have specific uses.
After reading this blog, you will understand the uses of a spanner and a wrench, as well as whether you need one for a particular task.
What Is The Difference Between Spanners and Wrenches?
Confusion surrounding spanners and wrenches mainly arises from regional terminology. In the US and UK, the names are used differently, often interchangeably and incorrectly.
In the US, both fixed and adjustable tools are referred to as wrenches. In contrast, in the UK, the fixed tool, which is size-specific, is called a spanner, while the adjustable tool is known as a wrench.
What Is A Spanner?
A spanner (often referred to as a fixed tool) is used to turn nuts and bolts, loosening or tightening them as needed. Spanners are preferred for jobs requiring precision or when working in confined spaces.
Common types of spanners include:
- Open-ended spanners - These have U-shaped ends and can be referred to as double-ended spanners. The Stahlwille 10mm & 13mm Double Open Ended Spanner from Heamar is a strong yet lightweight choice for prolonged tasks.
- Box spanners - Suitable for hard-to-reach areas, box spanners (also known as tubular spanners) are designed for turning hex fasteners using a Tommy Bar.
- Combination spanners - These tools have one end open-ended and the other shaped like a ring, allowing them to serve two functions.
What Is A Wrench?
A wrench (an adjustable tool) usually features a movable lower jaw, allowing you to adjust it to the size of various nuts or bolts. Due to their adjustable design, wrenches tend to be bulkier compared to spanners.
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Different types of wrenches include:
How Are Spanners And Wrenches Used?
As mentioned earlier, wrenches are relatively bulky, making them awkward to use in narrow or confined spaces. However, their adjustable features allow them to cater to various tasks that require different-sized nuts and bolts.
If your job requires precision, a spanner is the appropriate tool. Spanners have slimmer heads than wrenches, making them easier to fit into tight spaces.
Furthermore, spanners are size-specific, which reduces the risk of rounding fasteners. They are ideal for home improvements and other jobs demanding accuracy, such as in the automotive industry.
We hope this guide clarifies the differences between spanners and wrenches as well as what you will need for specific jobs.
If you seek tools to enhance your toolbox, Heamar offers a range of hand tools, including screwdrivers and other essential tools.
What's the difference between a wrench and a spanner?
Wrenches and spanners are ultimately designed to perform the same task: tightening or loosening nuts and bolts. While this similarity can create confusion, they are, in fact, two distinct tools with specific characteristics and uses.
Defining a wrench
In English, a wrench generally refers to adjustable wrenches equipped with a moveable lower jaw to accommodate different-sized nuts and bolts. They are versatile, covering a range of fastenings in both metric and imperial measurements, although there are minimum and maximum sizes to consider.
However, wrenches are typically bulkier, particularly around the jaws, which makes them difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces or for precise work—this is especially relevant in automotive applications. Their non-size-specific nature increases the risk of rounding fasteners, leading to frustration and replacement costs.
Defining a spanner
Spanners are size-specific tools. The most common type is the combination spanner, which has a closed ('box') end and an open end for different access points. Various types exist, including double box and offset spanners.
The slimmer head makes it easier to work in confined spaces, and their size-specific nature reduces the risk of rounding. When you know the required size, you can complete the job more quickly without needing to adjust the tool, providing satisfaction from using the 'right tool for the job.'
So why the confusion?
Confusion arises partly due to the similar purposes of these tools and the differing terminology in UK and American English. American speakers often use 'wrench' as a blanket term for both tools, while UK speakers distinguish between wrenches and spanners.
Our recommendation
We recommend using spanners for automotive work as they are the ideal tool. However, adjustable wrenches can be useful in certain situations, which is why we offer both tool types in our modular tray sets.
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