9 Best Spanner Wrenches

For a simple, essential tool, a spanner wrench generates a fair amount of controversy, because there’s no consensus about what it actually is.

For some, only the familiar open-ended wrench (adjustable or not) that fits snugly onto square and hexagonal fasteners qualifies as a spanner wrench. Some people consider a box wrench, which fits entirely around the head, to be a type of spanner; they call it a ring spanner. Others consider pipe wrenches and basin wrenches to be types of adjustable spanner wrenches.

When shopping for spanner wrenches, keep a broad definition in mind to be sure you find a tool that does what you want it to do.

Buying a Spanner Wrench

If you need to turn a pipe or pipe fitting, you need a pipe wrench. If it’s a nut or bolt, a non-adjustable open- or closed-ended wrench that fits exactly will do it best.

However, if you want one tool that can do the job of a whole collection of these fitted wrenches, go for an adjustable spanner. A high-quality one, made with vanadium steel, is almost as reliable, and it’s a lot more convenient.

Ring spanners, AKA box wrenches, work better than open-ended wrenches because they grip more tightly and are easier to manipulate in tight places, like car engines. Combination spanners have an open-ended spanner on one end and a ring spanner on the other.

No adjustable spanner can match a ring spanner’s grip, so for maximum flexibility and torquing power, nothing beats a complete set of combination spanners. Add ratcheting action for the ultimate in usability.

When shopping for spanners, look for these characteristics:

• Material: If you’re doing auto repair or anything heavy-duty, walk right on past the steel alloy tools with chrome coatings. They often fit sloppily, and the steel tends to compress and slip when you torque down on a stuck fastener. Choose a tool made of chrome vanadium or titanium.
• Cushion grip: If you’re looking for an adjustable spanner, get one with a rubber grip. It’s easier to hold and safer to use in situations where electrical connections are involved.
• Size: Utility non-adjustable spanners often come in sets that include only the most-used widths, but many fasteners are non-standard sizes. The more wrenches in a set, the more likely it has the size you need. If you’re shopping for an adjustable spanner, make sure the jaws open wide enough for your purposes.
• Adjustability: Make sure the adjustment screw is easy to turn and the jaws respond immediately. There can be a lot of play in lower quality models that makes it difficult to lock the wrench tightly onto a fastener.