Cross Spanners

Cross spanner, spanner, or simply a wrench is a tool that provides grip and certain mechanical benefits by applying torque to turn objects. It is usually helpful in rotary fasteners like bolts, nuts and keeping them from turning. 

The term cross spanner is commonly used in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland. Other parts of the world still name it as a wrench. Both terms refer to a tool that turns non-fastening devices, used for monkey wrench or adjustable pipe wrench. High-quality cross spanners are usually made from chromium-vanadium allow tool steels. They are also drop forged and frequently chrome-plated to fight back corrosion and offer easy cleaning. Considering different types of nuts, bolts, and their uses, wrenches come in various types.  

Types of spanners available in market 

Wrenches are among those everyday tools that we overlook until they are needed. Generally, we grab the nearest wrench we can find to deal with any project. But there are quite different types of wrenches available in the market. Many of these spanners, like lug nut wrench or tire wrench, are specially designed to deal with specific tasks. In addition, wrenches will either be male or female. Here the male is inserted like the head of a screwdriver. In contrast, the female wrenches have sockets that fit over or around the object while we turn it. You can also find a combination of the two. Both male and female wrenches are used to tighten or loosen the bolts, nuts, mechanical caps, or screws. Here are some common types that you can buy online.  

Open-ended and ring spanners 

Open-ended spanners feature one or two U-shaped profiles and are available in different sizes. They are ideal for passing over nuts on threaded rods that are otherwise difficult to access with other types of wrenches. They are usually available in sets of different sizes. They are a common tool in car mechanics and plumbing. On the other hand, the ring spanner applies force to all six sides of a fastener. Some advanced versions are also equipped with a ratcheting mechanism that makes them faster and more convenient to use.  

Combination and adjustable spanners 

A spanner combination features an open-ended profile at one end and a ring profile on the other side. You can use the open end for starting to fasten and shift to another side for tightening. At the same time, adjustable spanners are shaped like open-ended spanners with other moveable jaws. This jaw contains worm screws that are used to adjust the spanner on different fastener sizes. These spanners are hard to work on and are typically used for heavy-duty work. But they are versatile and can work on a range of bolts and nut sizes.  

L-Shapes socket wrenches 

These wrenches fit over fasteners and socket wrenches, but their heads are at a right angle to handle it throughout the process. At times they also feature longer handles that offer better leverage. The pass-through socket wrenches provide an opening in the socket head to pass longer threaded bolts. So, if you choose to pick a pass-through model, they will work just as well as other types of spanners. Therefore, it is always recommended to keep one handy in your collection for tough times.  

Box spanner and Allen key  

Box spanners are ideal for long threaded rods. They are either angled or straight. Here the spark plug is the most commonly used type. The straight box spanner features many holes that allow you to attach a T-bar for adding torque. You can also fit them with a screwdriver handle when needed. An Allen or hex key, on the other hand, comes with a hexagonal cross-section. They are best for assembling furniture and are also used in mechanics. They have an L-shape that give easy access to hidden or recessed screws while allowing tighter fastening.