A wrench, also known as a spanner, got its name from the Old English word “spannan,” which means to grasp or to grip. It is commonly used for turning objects, particularly nuts and bolts. It’s believed that the word was created during the Middle Ages when a person would have to grapple with mechanisms or bolts to turn them.
This tool has been around for centuries, making it one of the oldest in human history. Initially, the spanner was a crude tool made from wood or metal, and it was used to turn objects. Inventors throughout history have designed their own versions of the spanner, leading to improved versions that are now used in both domestic and industrial settings.
The modern day spanner has come a long way, and the different types are designed to fit different sizes of nuts and bolts. With the combination of different types of wrenches a person can easily grip and tighten or loosen nuts and bolts.
Do I need a spanner or a wrench?
It depends on what you are trying to do and the type of wrench or spanner you have. Generally, a spanner is used for loosening and tightening fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, while a wrench is used to turn round objects, such as pipes.
A spanner has a non-adjustable, often semi-circular design which fits nuts and bolts with a variety of sizes. Wrenches come in many sizes and are adjustable, meaning that depending on the size of the nut or bolt, you can use the same wrench to turn it.
If the nut or bolt you are trying to turn is of odd size or has a unique design, a spanner is more likely to fit than a wrench. Conversely, if it is a fixed, round object such as a pipe, then a wrench is better suited.
Why do British people say spanner?
In British English, a spanner is a tool used to tighten or loosen screws and bolts by turning them. It is equivalent to a wrench in American English. The word originates from the old French word “espandeur,” which means “to expand.
” This is because the tool was used to expand or tighten certain items or parts. Originally this tool was called a “span,” hence the phrase “spanner. ” Over time, the phrase was shortened to “spanner,” which is the term commonly used today in Britain.
Can you call someone a spanner?
No, it is not appropriate to call someone a spanner. A spanner is a tool used to tighten and loosen bolts, so to call someone a spanner would be to insult them. In British English, however, “spanner” can be used as slang to refer to someone who is clumsy, inept, or ineffectual.
In this case, it would still be an insult and should not be used.
Do British say lift or elevator?
In Britain, the word “lift” is used far more often than “elevator” to refer to a vertical transport system inside a building. Generally speaking, the word “lift” is used to refer to a device that is used to transport people and objects between different levels within a building, while the word “elevator” is more typically used to refer to a device that is used to transport people or objects between different levels in a building across a height which cannot be safely traversed by stairs.
Thus, when referring to a vertical transport system inside a building, the term “lift” is most commonly used in the UK. However, it is possible for both of these words to be used interchangeably in Britain.
Is wrench American or British?
The origin of the word “wrench” is uncertain. It is believed that the term was originally used in America in the nineteenth century, but it is also possible that it was first used in Britain. The earliest known formal use of the term was in 1814, when an American inventor patented a wrench for use in a workshop.
The inventor was Charles Moncky of Pennsylvania, who patented a wrench for use in a repair shop. The American spelling of the word “wrench” is still used in the US today. In the UK, the term “spanner” is more commonly used, although the word “wrench” is still occasionally used in British English.
What is the purpose of an adjustable spanner?
An adjustable spanner is a versatile hand tool used for many different tasks, such as loosening and tightening nuts and bolts of various sizes. It is also sometimes referred to as an adjustable wrench, as it can be either operated by hand or with a ratchet, depending on the type of job it’s being used for.
The adjustable spanner is designed with a fixed jaw and a moveable jaw, and can be quickly adjusted by rotating a knurled nut at the end of the handle. This allows the tool to be adjusted to fit a wide range of nut or bolt heads.
The adjustable spanner is especially useful when you need to work with a range of different nuts and bolts of varying sizes. This makes it a go-to tool for most DIY or home repair projects, as it eliminates the need to carry a set of multiple-sized wrenches.
It is also considered a very safe tool, as it helps prevent over-tightening, and increases the accuracy of the tightness of the fastener.
What does an adjustable wrench look like?
An adjustable wrench is a tool used to hold and tighten nuts and bolts. It looks like a large pair of pliers with one adjustable jaw on one side and a fixed jaw on the other side. The adjustable jaw is designed to be adjusted with a knurled knob to fit different sizes of nuts or bolts.
It is usually made from drop-forged steel and is usually single-ended, though double-ended adjustable wrenches also exist. The most common design is a C-shaped handle with a knurled knob at one end to adjust the wrench’s opening size.
The adjustable jaw is usually slightly tapered to allow for the nuts or bolts to fit into the opening. The fixed jaw is designed to be used for loosening or tightening the nut or bolt by applying pressure to the side of the non-moving part.
Who invented adjustable spanner?
The adjustable spanner, also known as a crescent wrench or shifting spanner, was invented in the late 19th century, most likely in the early 1890s, by P. L. Zimmermann of New Britain, Connecticut. Zimmermann was an engineer and one of the founders of the Plomb Tool Company.
The adjustable spanner was similar to a wrench, but it had an adjustable jaw that allowed it to fit various sizes of nuts and bolts. This was a great improvement over traditional wrenches, which could only fit one size.
The adjustable spanner was patented in America on April 28, 1893 and became a popular tool, especially among mechanics and those who worked on cars. Its popularity eventually led to the creation of many adjustable spanner varieties, including locking crescent and monkey wrench variations, which are common to this day.
How do you make an adjustable spanner wrench?
There are a few steps you need to follow to make an adjustable spanner wrench.
First, you will need an adjustable spanner wrench, which can be found at most hardware stores. It should come with a set of two adjustable jaws, a handle, and a locking mechanism.
Next, you need to measure the size of the nuts and bolts that you plan to use it on. This will let you know what size of adjustable spanner wrench you should buy.
Once you have the right size of adjustable spanner wrench, you can use it to adjust the size of the nut or bolt you are working with. To do this, you will have to use the adjustable jaws of the spanner wrench.
First, you will have to loosen the jaws by turning the handle of the spanner wrench counterclockwise. Then, you can adjust the size of the jaws by moving them up or down depending on the size of the nut or bolt.
When you have the jaw sizes adjusted correctly, you can tighten the handle of the spanner wrench to secure the jaws in the desired position. This will ensure that the adjustable spanner wrench is able to fit the nut or bolt correctly.
Finally, you should check the adjustable spanner wrench is working correctly by turning the nut or bolt opposite to the way it was tightened originally. If the spanner wrench fits tightly, then the adjustable spanner is ready to use.
What can I use if I dont have a spanner?
If you do not have a spanner, you may be able to find an alternative tool that can serve the same purpose. Depending on the size, shape, and material of the bolt or nut you are attempting to loosen, different items can be used.
Pliers, adjustable wrenches, or vice grips are often used in place of a spanner. If you have a socket set, you may be able to use a socket – though it may be difficult to find the right size for your particular bolt or nut.
Pliers can usually be used as a substitute for a spanner as long as you have a firm grip and use gentle force. Similarly, an adjustable wrench can fit a variety of sizes, but may be difficult to locate exactly the right size.
Lastly, vice grips may provide enough force to loosen a stubborn bolt or nut, but they cannot be adjusted to fit a variety of sizes.
In the end, any of these alternatives may work depending upon the size and shape of the bolt or nut you are attempting to loosen. If none of these options seem to fit, consider taking it to a professional who is better equipped to handle your situation.
Is a socket wrench the same as a spanner?
No, a socket wrench is not the same as a spanner. A socket wrench has a hexagonal, usually six pointed, shape for tightening and loosening hexagonal nuts and bolts. A spanner, on the other hand, is a more general device that is used for turning almost any type of fastener or adjusting mechanism.
It can have a variety of different shapes such as a cylinder, a ring, or a combination of the two. The ends of a spanner are usually slotted, allowing them to engage many different types of fasteners such as screws and nuts.
They can also have different sized jaws for working on different sizes of fasteners. So, while a socket wrench is used to tighten and loosen hexagonal nuts and bolts, a spanner is a more general device with a variety of uses.
How do you use a spanner and socket?
Using a spanner and socket together is a great way to efficiently complete a variety of tasks. To begin, decide what size of spanner and socket you need to get the job done. If you need to loosen a fastener, such as a nut or bolt, then you will most likely need a socket.
If you need to tighten a fastener, such as a nut or bolt, then you will most likely need a spanner. It’s also important to ensure that you select the proper size and type of tools for the job; using incorrect size tools can strip or damage the fastener.
Once you have the correct size tools, use the socket to drive the fastener. Place the socket on the fastener, making sure the fastener is centered in the socket. Use the spanner to tighten the fastener, holding the socket steady with one hand and turning the spanner with the other.
Many sockets also have a rubber insert, which holds the socket in place when using the spanner. Some sockets also have a swivel head, which allows you to easily reach hard-to-access fasteners.
When finished, use the spanner to loosen the fastener. Place the spanner on the fastener and hold the socket steady with one hand while turning the spanner with the other. Once the fastener is loosened, you can remove the socket and spanner from the fastener.
Overall, using a spanner and socket is a great way to complete a variety of tasks quickly and efficiently. Just make sure to select the correct size tools for the job and follow the steps outlined above.
When would you use a spanner wrench?
A spanner wrench is a versatile hand tool that can be used for a variety of purposes. It has adjustable jaws for gripping objects or adjusting their position, and is the go-to tool for jobs that require multiple wrench sizes.
Generally speaking, it is used when a standard wrench is not sufficient. It is most often used in situations where the head is particularly recessed or engaged in an awkward position. It’s also used in situations where the bolt’s head shape requires a uniquely shaped tool to provide a satisfactory grip, as a standard wrench may not be able to properly get the grip needed to properly turn the nut.
It can also be used in tight spaces where a standard wrench won’t fit. In addition, it is often used around the home for plumbing and carpentry water and gas line repairs, faucets, door handles, clamps, and other fittings.
How do you loosen a nut without a wrench?
If you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have a wrench to loosen a nut, there are still some alternatives you can try. One is to use a wooden dowel or a rubber mallet to help loosen the nut.
To do this, simply use the dowel or mallet to strike the nut in a circular motion. This can help loosen the nut fairly quickly. You can also try using two pairs of pliers. Place one pair around the nut you are trying to loosen, and the other around the bolt.
This can cause enough vibration to break the friction between the nut and bolt. Finally, you can also try using a heated object to help loosen the nut. Use a blowtorch, hot nail, or even a lighter to heat the nut until it starts to turn.
Heating the nut causes it to become slightly softer, so use caution when heating the nut to make sure you don’t burn yourself or cause any other damage to the nut or bolt.
Whats a spanner in the UK?
In the UK, a spanner is a type of tool used for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts. It may also be called a wrench, depending on location and type. Spanners come in a variety of sizes and shapes, such as combination spanners, adjustable spanners, open-ended spanners and box spanners, each suited for different types of nuts and bolts.
When using a spanner, it’s important to make sure the spanner fits correctly on the nut or bolt so that it doesn’t slip and cause damage to the fastener or the tool itself. Spanners are an essential tool in any mechanic’s tool box, as they are needed for tightening and loosening parts and fixing things around the home.