Now is a good time to start planning for any home improvement projects you wish to complete during the spring and summer months. However, gaining an understanding of the different hand tools you should acquire to complete your toolbox can be confusing. For example, what is the difference between a spanner and a wrench?
First, a spanner and a wrench have the same purpose. Both of these tools are designed to loosen and tighten nuts and bolts. However, each also has its specific uses.
After reading this blog, you will understand what the uses of a spanner and a wrench are and whether you need a spanner or wrench to carry out a particular task.
What Is The Difference Between Spanners and Wrenches?
Confusion around spanners and wrenches can occur, primarily, because of where you are in the world when referring to the tool.
To put it simply, the US and the UK use the two tool names differently, which means that they are used interchangeably and, often, wrongly.
In the US, both fixed and adjustable tools are known as a wrench.
However, in the UK, the fixed tool, which is size specific, is known as a spanner, and the adjustable type of tool is known as a wrench.
What Is A Spanner?
A spanner (which can be referred to as a fixed tool) is used to turn nuts and bolts, either loosening or tightening them. Spanners are often used for jobs where precision is required or in areas where space is constrained.
There are three common types of spanners, which include:
- Open-ended spanners - These are open-ended tools with ‘U’ shapes at either end. An open-ended spanner can also be referred to as a double-ended spanner. Heamar offers the Stahlwille 40031013 10mm & 13mm Double Open Ended Spanner, a strong yet lightweight choice if your task requires you to work for a long time.
- Box spanners - Ideal for hard-to-reach places, box spanners (also known as ‘tubular spanners’) are designed to turn hex fasteners (a fastener with a six-sided head), with the help of a Tommy Bar.
- Combination spanners - These are double-ended tools with one end being open-ended and the other being shaped like a ring. This design helps it to serve the function of two spanners.
What Is A Wrench?
A wrench (also known as an adjustable tool) generally has a moveable lower jaw, which enables you to adjust the tool according to the size of the bolt or nut. Because of their adjustable nature, wrenches are much bulkier tools compared to spanners.
There are different types of wrenches, some of which are the:
- Pipe wrench - This tool is designed to turn pipes or circular bars. Heamar offers the Stahlwille 65490315 35mm Pipe Wrench, which is perfect to be used for plumbing work. This pipe wrench is available in a variety of sizes, starting from 35mm and going up to 78mm.
- Pin-hook wrench - This type of wrench is designed to remove rings, collars and lock nuts. The Bahco 40B-19-50 19mm - 50mm Adjustable Pin-Hook Wrench, offered by Heamar, comes in a variety of sizes, starting from 22-35mm and going up to 115-165mm.
- Torque wrench - This type of tool is often used by mechanics for specific jobs, such as tyre changing, and it is normally paired with a socket. Heamar offers the Gedore TSN 25 D 1/4" Preset Torque Wrench, which is EPA compliant for use in electrostatically sensitive areas. Also, Heamar’s adjustable torque wrenches can have their torque value adjusted quickly by hand.
How Are Spanners And Wrenches Used?
As previously mentioned, wrenches are quite bulky tools, which makes them difficult to use in a narrow or confined space. However, the adjustable qualities of wrenches enable them to be used for a diverse range of jobs that require a variety of different-sized nuts and bolts.
If you plan to do a job that requires precision, then a spanner will be the right tool to have. The head of a spanner tends to be slimmer than a wrench, making it easier to fit into narrow spaces.
Additionally, since spanners are size specific (meaning you can pick the right size spanner for the job) then there is less chance of rounding.
A spanner is not only ideal for home improvements but any other jobs that require accuracy, particularly if the space is limited. For example, spanners are often used in the automotive industry.
We hope that you understand the differences between spanners and wrenches as well as what you will require when you carry out a particular job.
If you are looking for tools to add to your toolbox, then Heamar has a range of hand tools, such as screwdrivers, in addition to other commonly-used tools.
