Short Answer:

A spanner is a hand tool used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. It has jaws or openings that grip the sides of a fastener and allows the user to apply force. Spanners are very common in mechanical workshops, automotive repair, and construction work. They help in assembling or dismantling mechanical parts with proper torque and grip.

There are different types of spanners depending on their shape, size, and usage. Common types include open-end spanner, ring spanner, combination spanner, adjustable spanner, socket spanner, and box spanner. Each type is designed for specific tasks, allowing better access and control in different working conditions.

Detailed Explanation:

Spanner and its types

A spanner is a simple but very important tool in mechanical engineering and repair work. Its main job is to grip and turn fasteners such as nuts and bolts. Spanners provide the mechanical advantage needed to apply force without slipping or damaging the fastener. Choosing the correct type of spanner is important to avoid injury and ensure safe and proper fitting or removal of parts.

Spanners are made of hardened steel or chrome-vanadium alloy for strength and durability. They come in various sizes to match standard fastener sizes like metric (millimeters) or imperial (inches). Some are fixed in size, while others are adjustable for different nuts.

Types of Spanners

Let’s explore the most commonly used types of spanners in mechanical workshops:

1. Open-end Spanner

• Shape: It has U-shaped open jaws at both ends.
• Use: Used for quick tightening or loosening in open spaces. Each end fits a different nut size.

2. Ring Spanner

• Shape: Closed-loop ends with inner grooves to grip nut from all sides.
• Use: Provides better grip and is used where more torque is required.

3. Combination Spanner

• Shape: One end is open and the other is a ring.
• Use: Offers both quick access (open end) and strong grip (ring end) in one tool.

4. Adjustable Spanner (Crescent Wrench)

• Shape: Has movable jaws to adjust the opening width.
• Use: Suitable for different sizes of nuts. Handy when exact size spanner is not available.

5. Socket Spanner

• Shape: Comes with detachable sockets and a handle.
• Use: Best for tight spaces and allows fast turning without repositioning.

6. Box Spanner

• Shape: Long, tubular body with hexagonal or square ends.
• Use: Used for nuts in deep or narrow spaces. Turned with a T-bar handle.

7. Torque Spanner (Torque Wrench)

• Shape: Looks like a normal spanner but with torque setting mechanism.
• Use: Used when a specific amount of torque is required, like in engine or aircraft work.

8. Allen Spanner (Hex Key)

• Shape: L-shaped rod with hexagonal cross-section.
• Use: Used for tightening or loosening socket head screws, especially in machinery and bikes.

9. Hook Spanner

• Shape: Has a curved hook-like end.
• Use: Used to turn round nuts with side holes or notches, mostly in bearings or locknuts.

10. Flare Nut Spanner

• Shape: Similar to a ring spanner but with an opening to slip over pipes.
• Use: Used in plumbing or automotive brake lines where pipes are fixed.

Safety Tips While Using Spanners

• Always use the right size spanner to prevent slipping.
• Do not hammer a spanner to force a nut; use a proper torque tool.
• Keep spanners clean and rust-free for long life.
• Apply force slowly and steadily to avoid damaging the nut or the tool.
• Do not use spanners with cracked or worn-out jaws.

Conclusion

A spanner is a simple tool but plays a very important role in mechanical work. It helps to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts safely and easily. There are many types of spanners like open-end, ring, combination, adjustable, and socket spanners, each made for specific tasks. Knowing their uses and differences helps in choosing the right tool for each job, which improves safety, speed, and quality in mechanical operations.