Open-ended spanners have various uses, including in the automotive and construction sectors, industrial maintenance, and home repairs. As such, they can often be found in any car garage.
Read on to find out the different types of spanners, the functionality of each one, and the best options for your garage.
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What is an Open ended Wrench?
An open-ended wrench is a hand tool used to tighten nuts and bolts.
This type of spanner generally has two ends, each with a U-shaped opening of a specific size. The nuts or bolts of the corresponding sizes fit into these openings.
Spanners are simple but effective steel tools and are available in various sizes to meet different working needs.
What are Wrench for?
Open-ended wrench are primarily used to tighten or relieve the tension on nuts and bolts. As such, this type of wrench makes the process of assembling or disassembling objects easier and more precise.
It also ensures that the connections between nuts and bolts are secure, contributing to the structural integrity and correct functioning of equipment and structures.
What Types of Spanners are There?
Various types of open-ended spanners are available to meet different needs.
The main types of open-ended spanner include:
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Open-Ended Wrench
Open-ended spanners are the simplest and most common type on the market and can generally either be purchased separately or as a kit.
These spanners have a different sized opening at each end, which differ in size by as little as 1 millimetre.
Click on the image below to learn more about our open-ended wrench, which are available in various sizes.
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Combinated Spanner
Combinated Spanner are wrenches with two ends – one that encloses the nut on one end, and the other of which is open.
The main functionality of a box wrench is to allow for a tight grip to be gained on the nut, with no possibility for slippage.
Click on the image to find out more about our combinated spanner, which is available in various sizes.
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Ratchet Wrench
The ratcheting box-end wrench is the most recent development of the wrench.
In fact, this tool eliminates the requirement to remove the wrench with each rotation of the screw when the ratchet is inside.
This wrench brings together the best of both worlds: a box end, and a ratchet, with one on each end.
Click on the image to find out more about our Ratchet Wrench, available in various sizes.
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Adjustable open-ended Wrench
Also known as an adjustable spanner, this tool has an adjustable opening that can be adapted to different sizes of nuts or bolts.
This tool is versatile but can be less accurate than a fixed opening wrench.
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Allen wrench
This type of wrench is used for nuts and bolts with hexagonal heads – heads with six sides.
Adjustable and Fixed Wrenches: What is the Difference?
Adjustable and fixed wrenches are hand tools used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. The main difference between them is their versatility and design.
Adjustable wrenches adapt to different sizes of nuts and bolts, making them versatile, though they are less precise and robust.
In contrast, fixed wrenches have specific openings that only fit into a single size, providing increased precision, durability, and strength.
While adjustable wrenches are useful for general applications, fixed wrenches are preferable for tasks that require high precision and strength.
Adjustable wrenches: Are They a Good Choice for a Car Garage?
Wrenches are versatile tools that can be useful in car garages as they:
- Adapt to a variety of nut and bolt sizes;
- Save space on a workbench;
- They are affordable and available in many tool shops.
However, they may have some disadvantages, as they may be less accurate and only a limited force can be applied.
How do you Store Open-ended Spanners?
To store open-ended spanners safely, safeguarding their effectiveness and durability, follow a few simple steps, such as:
- Clean them regularly to remove dirt and debris that may impair performance;
- Check the ends for wear and replace any damaged wrenches;
- Lubricate the joints with the appropriate oil to ensure normal operation;
- Store wrenches in a dry location to prevent corrosion, such as a tool box.
By following these steps, you will extend the lifespan of your open-end spanners, ensuring they remain safe and operational.
Which characteristics should you consider when buying an Open-ended Spanner?
When choosing a wrench or spanner, consider the size of the opening to ensure it matches the sizes of nuts and bolts you use most often.
Also consider the accuracy of the wrench or spanner, and the ease with which size markings can be read, ensuring it is easier to use while you’re working.
Which Wrenches are Available in the KROFtools catalogue?
If you are looking for wrenches, find out some of the kits available in the KROFtools catalogue.
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Double Open Ended Wrench Set 06-32mm 12 PCS
It’s always worth buying a kit of wrenches or spanners, as they provide for a wide range of sizes and for a more affordable price than buying wrenches individually. As such, not only do you have the practicality of everything in one kit but buying a kit can also save you some money.
This set provides several sizes of wrenches of sizes between 6 and 32mm.
Click on the image to find out more about our Double Open Ended Spanner Set 06-32mm 12PCS (Ref. 100012).
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Combination Ratcheting Spanner Set 12PCS
This 12-Piece Set includes various sizes of wrenches ranging from 8 to 19mm.
Click on the image to find out more about our Combination Ratcheting Spanner Set 12PCS (Ref. 120200).
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Ratchet Combination Spanner and 1/4″ Bits Module
In addition to the open-ended spanner with a ratchet with dimensions ranging from 8mm to 22mm, this set has:
- Unbrako L-wrenches with dimensions ranging from 1.5 mm to 10mm;
- Drive sockets with a torx bit, Phillips Bit, Pozidriv Bit, Slotted Bit and Hex Bit.
Click on the image to find out more about our Ratchet Combination Spanner and 1/4″ Bits Module (Ref. 8569).
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Flexible Ratchet Combination Wrench Set 8PCS
Made of chrome-vanadium steel, this set of 72-tooth ratchet combination wrenches is ideal for working in reduced spaces.
Click on the image to find out more about our Flexible Ratchet Combination Wrench Set 8PCS (Ref. 8597).
How much do Wrenches Cost?
Wrenches can cost upwards of three euros, with their price reaching hundreds of euros, depending on the type of wrench or spanner (for example, whether it is a set or a single wrench), brand and material.
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