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spanner

A wrench or spanner is a tool used to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque to turn objects—usually rotary fasteners, such as nuts and bolts—or keep them from turning.
In the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand spanner is the standard term. The most common shapes are called open-ended spanner and ring spanner. The term wrench is generally used for tools that turn non-fastening devices (e.g. tap wrench and pipe wrench), or may be used for a monkey wrench—an adjustable pipe wrench.In North American English, wrench is the standard term. The most common shapes are called open-end wrench and box-end wrench. In American English, spanner refers to a specialized wrench with a series of pins or tabs around the circumference. (These pins or tabs fit into the holes or notches cut into the object to be turned.) In American commerce, such a wrench may be called a spanner wrench to distinguish it from the British sense of spanner.
Higher quality wrenches are typically made from chromium-vanadium alloy tool steels and are often drop-forged. They are frequently chrome-plated to resist corrosion and for ease of cleaning.
Hinged tools, such as pliers or tongs, are not generally considered wrenches in English, but exceptions are the plumber wrench (pipe wrench in British English) and Mole wrench (sometimes Mole grips in British English).
The word can also be used in slang to describe an unexpected obstacle, for example, "He threw a spanner in the works" (in U.S. English, "monkey wrench").

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  1. T

    Monobloc kitchen mixer 32mm back nut - spanner

    Anyone coming across these tap fixing components. I'm struggling to find a box spanner to fit. The nut is about 33-34 mm between flats. New install and as far as I can see nothing apart from a box spanner will tighten this. Unless you have the opportunity fit before installing sink.
    • toucan
    • Thread
    • america kitchen mixer monobloc nut spanner usa
    • Replies: 6
    • Forum: USA
  2. D

    Can anyone recommend a good tap spanner?

    currently an apprentice and just changed over some basin taps my tap spanner isn’t great and slips off a lot, can anyone recommend anything decent and not too expensive? thank you
  3. M

    Where can I buy a box spanner for a 1.5inch BSP immersion heater? (2" across flats)

    I need such a spanner to remove a failed IH, and to install a replacement; in a domestic hot water cylinder made by Opus (Cyprus). I am aware that in general the distance across the flats may vary somewhat from brand to brand, despite all having 1.5" BSP threads. In my case, both old and new IH...
    • MikeH
    • Thread
    • across bsp buy flats heater immersion immersion heater spanner where
    • Replies: 5
    • Forum: Plumbing Tools
  4. R

    Question on plumbing spanner

    Been plumbing a while now using Footprint Grips and a selection of spanners. Is there a spanner available that will easily hold a Tee compression fitting while tightening centre nut ?
  5. K

    HELP - Identify Flow Cartridge ?

    Hi PF - Can anyone help identify Manufacturer of this Flow Cartridge - spindle is 71mm long, taken out using 23mm box spanner ... didn't get rest of the dims from my plumber before they put faulty part back into the wall ... have tried all usual suspects ... shower doctor, national shower spares...
  6. velorucion

    "Open" Backnut Spanner

    Hi there! We've got a kitchen tap with a big backnut that keeps on getting loose. As it is already installed, our plumber had the tool in the pictures to tighten it. He said it came with a tap that he'd ordered. Anyone would know where to find such a tool? Dropbox - WhatsApp Image 2018-11-28...
  7. J

    What's the best tap spanner for individual taps...?

    I've an old 'Shetack' spanner which I've never used for years, also got a 1/2 & 3/4 Monument 'hook' jaw spanner which is badly worn and slips. According to Monument you can't get replacement 'hooks'. I've also got a Rothenberger telescopic version which I've found useless except being spring...
  8. M

    Expandable angled crow spanner

    Hi, Has anyone got any experience of these tools? I have a kitchen tap that has a 30mm nut underneath which I cannot get to as it is so tight. I was looking for a 30mm box spanner but came across the above. This would make more sense to buy but some reviews say the gears slip. Cheers Lee
  9. C

    1/2 rad tail for rad spanner

    I am wanting to fit a TRV but the radiator tail that come with all the TRVs I can find have the spanner flats on the outside not the inside. The problem is they need a greater distance between rad and pipe. I thought if I could replace the tail piece with a shorter one that still fits on the...
  10. quality

    alternative reference

    Most folk have heard of of shifters and adjustables etc but I was working with a lad last week and he jokingly referred to a it as Swedish key. I was crying with laughter
  11. D

    USA Looking for correct size tool, box spanner or similar

    Would like a box spanner or similar to help tighten the locking nuts on a replacement sink tap ( has one vertical lock nut over a central cylinder plus for a click clack waste locking nut. I realise these aren't meant to be hardened down, just saves my fingers and will allow me to nip it up...
  12. C

    Spanners......and a couple of other questions.....

    Hi all So I am part way through my Level 2 at College and have been offered a job as an Apprentice working on Site. I need to bring with me my own basic tool kit. I have a already got a couple of bits but hadn't yet bought the majority of the stuff needed. The work I've been doing previously...
  13. I

    Best adjustable spanner

    Some low life nabbed my tool bag out the van while apprentice left it unlocked while tidyin up at a job had 2 old bahco spanners the ones that where made Sweden in the bag heard bahcos arnt the quality as the used to be so anyone any recomendations ?
  14. S

    Tightening back nut

    I've fitted a new mixer tap to the bathroom wash basin. I was maybe a bit too gentle tightening the back nut and now having plumbed it all, I find the mixer can turn. Didn't want to take apart again, so bought an adjustable basin wrench. whilst it reaches, because of the moulded recess...
  15. R

    New pump and immersion spanners

    Just seen these in this month's HVP magazine. Look great and with a lifetime guarantee! Anyone used them? Sponners From Darlo
  16. A

    Kitchen mixer back nut. What spanner, not one of the little ones.

    Hi got sent to change some taps the other day, normal looking kitchen mixer except for the back nut. I know it's not something that is really unusual but what size is it, need to get a back nut spanner for it.
  17. S

    Special Socket for Tap Cartridge?

    I have a tap cartridge I need to replace - Its a 1/4 turn tap and I have the correct replacement part Manufactured by San Marco/SMR from the official spares supplier BUT a normal socket won't fit as the cartridge has just 2 flats rather than being hexagonal and I can't get a spanner across the...
  18. P

    Stuck immersion heater element in HW cylinder

    Hi I have a broken immersion heater element which goes directly into the side of a hot water tank (at the bottom) I have used an immersion spanner with an extension but I still cannot unscrew the immersion heater. I have tapped it with a spanner but an worried about using too much force and...
  19. A

    Can you recommend me a set of ratchet swivel head spanners and where to get.

    As title says. Hoping to pick up today so if anyone knows somewhere that sells a decent set for a reasonable price that would be great. Thanks
  20. A

    Tap back nut spanner

    Does anyone know if the metal handle/pole that comes with the back spanner has a name if so what is it called and where can you get one from?
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