What is a Spanner Tool?

Spanners are an important addition to any tool kit, supporting efficiency and effective work for a range of professional jobs and tasks.

By understanding what a spanner tool is, how it works, and what tasks it can be used for, you can improve your professional knowledge and prepare to produce a higher standard of work when completing construction and industrial tasks.

To help you plan for workplace success, here’s everything you need to know about spanner tools!

What is a spanner tool?

A spanner, sometimes called a wrench, is a common tool used to tighten and unscrew nut bolts.

How do spanners work?

Spanners work by making it easy to grip and turn nut bolts with the spanner jaws while holding on to a strong handle.

The spanner’s jaws fit over the hexagonal or square head of the bolt and make it possible to gain leverage and apply force, allowing you to manipulate the bolt’s position.

To screw a bolt in, place the spanner carefully and use reasonable force to turn the spanner and connected bolt in a clockwise direction. To unscrew a bolt, reverse this process to turn anti-clockwise.

What are spanner tools made from?

Most spanners are made from alloy steel or carbon steel. These materials are strong and reliable, allowing for optimal function and durability of the spanner. Spanners are usually hit-treated and tempered to improve strength, allowing tools to be used in challenging work tasks and environments.

What types of spanner tools are available?

There are many different types of spanner tools. Different models and designs correspond with different operational requirements.

The most common spanner types include ring spanners, open-end spanners, double-end spanners, box spanners, socket spanners, adjustable spanners, and hook spanners.

Spanner tools are also available in different sizes. Size may different in the tool’s handle or jaw width. Choosing the right spanner is important, as non-adjustable spanners must be the right size in order to fit properly on the nut you’re trying to screw or unscrew. This allows for more efficient work and reduces the risk of damage.

What safety details should you keep in mind?

When using a spanner tool, it’s important to consider safety, reducing the risk of personal injury or damage to tools and materials.

Where possible, avoid applying excessive force to a spanner tool. If a nut bolt of stuck, applying too much force to a connected spanner could damage the bolt’s thread and increase the likelihood of a slipping accident.

Always use spanners in spacious environments. Ensure that you have enough room to move comfortably without bumping into other objects or damaging other materials.

Whenever you use a spanner, take precautions to ensure a safe grip. This may mean that you need to avoid contact with oil or grease prior to using the spanner, as these could increase the likelihood of slipping.

Do you need a high-quality spanner tool to help you with your next construction job? Visit RS Online, and shop the range today!