5 Tips on Selecting Spanners

Spanners are an essential part of any tradesperson’s arsenal. As a trade business owner, it’s important to invest in high-quality spanners that’ll boost productivity, reduce the chances of damage, and help your employees get their jobs done well.

This article will walk you through five tips for selecting spanners. With this information in tow, you’ll have no issue making a smart investment for your construction, plumbing, or automotive business.

• Understand the different spanner types

There are several distinct types of spanners designed for various jobs. Some of the most popular options include:

• Adjustable spanner wrench
• Combination spanner
• Open-ended spanner
• Ratcheting spanner
• Ring spanner

The type of spanner you choose will depend on several factors, including the type of job your employees will be working on, whether they’ll need to reach tight or awkward angles, and how much torque they’ll need to apply.

• Make sure the tool is right for the job

Now you’re aware of the different spanners available, it’s time to choose the right tool for the job.

Adjustable spanners allow you to adjust their jaw size, making them especially versatile. They’re a great option if your employees need to work with nuts, bolts, and fittings of various sizes, but they’re usually not as strong as a non-adjustable spanner.

Combination spanners are double-ended, combining two popular spanner types into a single tool. One side is C-shaped and open-ended, while the end is a looped, ‘ring’ head. They’re another great choice for projects with multiple bolt and nut sizes.

Open-ended spanners are one of the most popular spanner types. They have a wide turning arc and offer a tight grip, but you’ll need to make sure you purchase the right size. Ring spanners are similar, but their end is looped instead of open, offering better torque.

Finally, ratcheting spanners have—as you’d probably guess—a ratcheting mechanism. They turn one way, so there’s no need to continually adjust the grip. This saves time, but the grip isn’t as strong as fixed tools.

• Look at your budget

The spanner you choose will also depend on your business’s budget. Basic, open-ended spanners are cheaper than specialised options such as socket wrenches and ratcheting spanners.

• Choose the right size

You’ll also need to choose the right spanner size for the job at hand. Sizes normally range from 1mm to 120mm, which indicates the distance between two surfaces on a screw or bolt’s head. Select a spanner size that matches the size of the fastener.

• Consider a spanner set

Investing in a spanner set is a smart choice if you’re looking to cover all angles. These kits come with a selection of spanners ranging from small to large, suitable for a broad range of applications.

Invest in high-quality, purpose-made spanners for trade business success

Choosing the right type of spanner for your business will help your employees do better work at a faster pace. High-quality spanners are also less likely to become damaged or degrade over time, saving your business from excessive repair and replacement costs in the long term.

Need quality spanners for your next project build? Visit RS Online, and start shopping online!