A spanner, also known as wrench, is a tool used to provide grip while applying torque to turn rotary fasteners like nuts and bolts.There are different spanners available in the market, but only some would know their actual function. Apart from the different price range, spanner sets also vary in the kind of functions they offer. So, if you are someone who is involved in any repair or construction task, you must know the different uses of spanners. Here are some of the most common types of spanners and their uses that will help you get a better idea:
An open-ended spanner, as the name suggests, has an opening at both the ends. The ends of the spanners are U-shaped and are available in different sizes so that one can bolt/unbolt different sized nuts. These types of spannerscan prove to be quite useful if you are dealing with nuts and bolts that are difficult to access.Open-ended spanners can be found in almost any spanner set as they are one of the most used spanners.
Box-ended spanners are the complete opposite of open-ended spanners. They have loop-like structures at both their ends. The loops of a box-ended spanner are narrow on the sides that make it easier for you to rotate nuts that cannot be rotated with the help of an open-ended spanner. These loops are designed to fit hexagonal or square-shaped nuts. Loops on each end are of different sizes to ensure that you can use one spanner to bolt/unbolt two different sized bolts. Like open-ended spanners, box-ended spanners also come in various sizes to fit specific bolt sizes.
Both open-ended and box-ended spanners have their own benefits. And if you are someone who would require both kinds of spanners, a combination spanner would fit your needs perfectly. As the name suggests, a combination of the spanner is a mix of both open-ended a box-ended spanner. Thus, a combination spanner features an open-end and a box-end on either side. While one side can be used to tighten/loosen nuts and bolts, the other side can be used to separate them. Both the ends of a combination spanner are of the same size as these spanners are usually used for same-sized nuts and bolts. However, they are available in a wide range of sizes.
Spanners are one of the most common types of tools and are used for almost any repair or construction purposes. This makes it extremely important for an individual who is involved in such tasks to have proper knowledge of his/her tools and equipment pieces in order to execute the given task smoothly. We hope that this information will help you get a better idea of the different kinds of spanners available in the marketplace and will also help you come across the one that fits your requirements perfectly.