What does a spanner remove?
A spanner removes nuts and bolts—the fasteners that hold components together in cars, machines, plumbing, and more. In British English, spanner is the standard name for what Americans call a wrench.
Beyond the basic function, spanners come in many shapes and sizes, and the right tool depends on the fastener head, its size, and the space around it. This article explains what a spanner removes, the common fasteners it works with, and the main types you’ll encounter in workshops and households.
What a spanner removes
The following list covers the fasteners a typical hand spanner is designed to loosen or remove when you need to disassemble parts or perform maintenance.
- Nuts, including hex nuts, lock nuts, and flange nuts
- Bolt heads that take a matching spanner size (including hex bolts and shoulder bolts)
- Threaded studs and studs with nuts on both ends
- Hex fittings and adapters on some pipes and machinery that present hex flats for turning
Use the correct size to avoid rounding the corners of the head, and ensure the force is applied evenly to prevent damage to the fastener or surrounding parts.
Types of spanners and related tools
Spanners come in several formats, each suited to different kinds of fasteners and spaces. The examples below describe typical uses and how they help you remove fasteners efficiently.
Open-ended spanner
Two flat prongs grip two opposite faces of a hex nut or bolt head. They’re quick to set up and useful in tight spaces where a ring spanner won’t fit.
Ring (box-end) spanner
Completely encloses the fastener head, distributing force around all sides to minimize slipping and reduce the risk of rounding. Best for stubborn or tight fasteners.
Combination spanner
Combines an open-ended end and a ring end on the same tool, offering flexibility when space is limited and you need to switch between grip styles without changing tools.
Adjustable spanner
Features a movable jaw that can fit a range of sizes. Useful for adjusting to different fasteners, but may apply uneven force if not kept square to the fastener.
Socket spanner / ratchet wrench
Uses detachable sockets and a ratcheting mechanism to turn fasteners smoothly with less hand movement. It’s efficient for repetitive removal tasks or awkward angles.
Other specialized variants exist for very large, unusually shaped, or pipe-related fasteners, but the core function remains removing nuts and bolts using the appropriate head size and grip type.
Safety and best practices when removing fasteners
Always use the right size tool for the fastener, apply steady, even pressure, and consider using penetrating oil on stubborn threads. For stubborn fasteners, avoid using too much force, which can strip the head or damage surrounding parts. If a fastener is corroded or rounded, seek professional help or use locking pliers or a breaker bar for extra leverage.
Summary
In essence, a spanner is a hand tool designed to remove nuts and bolts and other hex-headed fasteners by turning them. Its various formats—open-ended, ring, combination, adjustable, and socket wrenches—address different spaces and fastener types, helping users disassemble equipment, service machinery, or perform plumbing tasks safely and effectively.
