The difference between a spanner and a wrench is a discussion that takes the front seat while discussing hand tools. Spanners and wrenches have similar uses for tightening or loosening nuts, bolts, etc. Both tools are essential in almost every industry, including construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and repair. Even though both hand tools are somewhat similar, here are some key differences you must consider while buying a spanner or a wrench for your business or home needs.
Before we dive into the detailed debate of spanner vs wrench, let’s have a look at their key differences.
Features | Spanner | Wrench |
Tool Grip | It has a fixed grip for specific sizes | It has an adjustable grip for multiple sizes |
Shape of Jaw | It has a fixed U-shaped opening | It has an adjustable jaw |
Size & Weight | It is generally lighter and smaller | It is bulkier and heavier due to the adjustable parts |
Usage Versatility | It is limited to specific sizes | It is highly versatile; one wrench can replace multiple spanners |
Application | It is ideal for small or precise assembly tasks | It is suitable for heavy-duty and complex assemblies |
Cost | It is typically cheaper when purchased individually | It is more expensive but offers greater utility |
A spanner is a hand tool used for fastening or loosening nuts and bolts. It is compact and comes in various sizes. Its fixed jaw is used for precision work. The jaw of a spanner is u-shaped and fixed. It is not adjustable, making it suitable for jobs requiring accuracy and precision. Spanners are used for maintenance and repair work in automobile, construction, assembling, and plumbing applications.
There are different types of spanners that fit various sizes and shapes of nuts and bolts. The spanners available in the market are:
A wrench is another versatile hand tool for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts of different sizes. However, the jaw of a wrench is adjustable and can be set to different measurements for use. Wrenches are a part of almost every tool kit used in various applications, such as maintenance, repair, manufacturing, and construction.
The various types of wrenches available in the market are:
By now, you know the basic function of a wrench or a spanner: to work as a fastener. However, there are several differences between them that you should know about before buying one for your business. Here are some parameters that make them stand apart.
A spanner’s design features a fixed-size jaw, while a wrench’s jaw can be adjusted to a specific size, making it versatile for varied applications. If you are working with numerous nuts, you should choose a wrench or a set of different-sized spanners.
The grip of a spanner is fixed and rigid making it suitable for high-precision work. Meanwhile, wrenches have adjustable grips that can be manipulated for flexibility.
Spanners are great to work with when it comes to specific types of nuts with a single size. Wrenches offer more versatility due to their ability to adjust to different nuts and bolt sizes.
Spanners are more cost-effective than wrenches. However, buying a wrench will allow you to work with different sizes of fasteners for which you will require numerous spanners.
The main difference between a spanner and a wrench is its jaw. The jaw of a spanner is fixed, while a wrench’s jaw can be adjusted for varied needs.
Although spanners and wrenches have similar applications, they differ in design, grip and application.
Yes, there are different types of spanners and wrenches, each with a different usage. The types include combination spanners, torque wrenches, open-end spanners, adjustable wrenches, and pipe wrenches.
You can buy spanners and wrenches from Industrybuying. We offer a wide variety of hand tools from top brands. You can also get up to 28% GST discount and bulk order benefits.