Wrenches, Wrenches Sets
(730)A spanner, wrench or key is a tool for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. Open-ended spanners, adjustable spanners, socket wrenches and ring spanners are suitable for hexagonal bolts. Allen and Torx keys (also known as hex and star keys) are designed for bolts with a round head, a hexagonal hole or a hexagonal star. Spanners, wrenches and keys are manufactured in metric or inch sizes. In the metric system, the distance between the jaws or the parallel sides of the hexagonal end corresponds to the size (number) of the spanner in millimetres. In the imperial system, this distance is given in inches or fractions of an inch. Spanners may be equipped with a sort of clutch which allows to set the bolt tightening torque. Such spanners are called torque spanners and are used primarily for equipment that is manufactured and operated according to specific standards. However, certain applications occasionally require special types of spanners. These may be flexible shaft spanners, hook spanners or spanners for special applications such as control cabinets, for example. Often, these tools are highly specialised and may feature several arms designed for loosening/tightening special bolts or opening/closing locks.
Spanner set – why is it better to buy a set of spanners?
Spanner sets include various types of spanners, as well as wrenches and keys, selected for a particular application or for different types of bolts. They are packed in neat cases for easy transport. What is also important, a set of spanners is usually cheaper than individual spanners bought separately. It also saves the time necessary for searching for individual spanners and purchasing them one by one.
Spanner set – what may it include?
The spanner must be matched to the head of the bolt. If the spanner does not fit properly and the bolt is made of soft material, it can be easily damaged. It is also important to choose a spanner that is suitable for the area of application. In hard-to-reach places, ratchet spanners are a must, while ring spanners are suitable for high-torque applications. In exceptional situations, it is necessary to use a torque spanner, which allows you to tighten a bolt with the required torque, without damaging its thread.
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Open-ended spanners are suitable for screws with hexagonal heads. They are convenient to use when the bolt is fitted in an easily accessible location.
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Combination spanners have two different ends. On one side there is an open-ended spanner and on the other side there is a ring spanner. Both spanners have the same size (number). The end fitted with a ring offers a better grip on the head or nut of a bolt, making it harder to damage and easier to hold. Combination ratchet spanners are indispensable in hard-to-reach places.
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Flare nut spanners are characterized by their specific design. One end comes with a hexagonal ring and the other one with a 12-point ring. This makes them well-suited for installation work that involves tightening bolts with considerable force.
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Socket wrenches have a socket with a 6-point hole for the bolt head. Depending on your needs, sockets can vary in shape and construction.
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Torque spanners may have a built-in torque meter or adjustable friction clutch. They are useful for precision assembly, carried out according to specific standards, e.g. tightening the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine with a sufficient force.
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Ratchet spanners got their name from the sound they make when loosening/tightening a bolt. The handle of the spanner is able to engage a one-way or two-way locking mechanism during operation. The spanner is indispensable when working in hard-to-reach places.
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Allen keys have a hexagonal end that fits into a hole in the head of the bolt. The end can be a regular hexagon, a 6-pointed star or have a triangular shape. Usually, Allen keys are L-shaped. They are an excellent alternative to screwdrivers if a bolt or a screw needs to be round-headed or countersunk and needs to be tightened with considerable force.
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Tube spanners have 6-pointed holes of different sizes (numbers) on both sides. The tubular body has a hole into which you can insert a rod that will be used as a knob. Tube spanners are ideal for handling bolts located in deep bores.
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Bent spanners resemble a single- or double-sided smoking pipe. They have one or two bolt slots. They are characterised by high durability and are ideal for tightening bolts/nuts with high force.
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Hook spanners are fitted with a movable upper part of the jaw that is equipped with a hook to facilitate gripping and tightening of pipes of different diameters. In addition, the toothed jaws are suitable for bolts with rounded edges.
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Adjustable spanners make it possible to tighten/loosen bolts of different sizes. The distance between the jaws of the spanner can be adjusted, in most cases thanks to the worm screw.
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A Swedish wrench (or plumber’s wrench) is a type of adjustable spanner that is well suited for gripping cylindrical surfaces. Unfortunately, due to its size, it is not suitable for use in hard-to-reach places.
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A French key is a type of adjustable spanner which resembles a hammer. The distance between the jaws is adjusted by means of a rotating handle.
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