An adjustable spanner is a useful hand tool for tightening and loosening nuts, bolts and fittings of different sizes. Instead of carrying several fixed-size spanners, the adjustable jaw can be opened or closed to fit the fastener you are working with.
Also known as an adjustable wrench or shifting spanner, this tool is commonly used for DIY, plumbing, maintenance, construction, automotive work and general repairs.
In this guide, we explain the main types of adjustable spanners, common sizes, what they are used for, and how to choose the right adjustable spanner for the job.
Adjustable Spanner vs Adjustable Wrench: Is There a Difference?
In most cases, adjustable spanner and adjustable wrench refer to the same type of tool. Both describe a hand tool with an adjustable jaw that can be opened or closed to fit different sizes of nuts, bolts and fittings.
The difference is mostly wording. Adjustable spanner is the more common term in the UK, while adjustable wrench is used more often in the US, but both terms are used interchangeably.
For this guide, we use adjustable spanner as the main term, but also include adjustable wrench because both phrases are commonly used when searching for this type of tool.
Types of Adjustable Spanners and Wrenches
There are several types of adjustable spanners and wrenches, each suited to different jobs. Some are designed for general fastening, while others are better for plumbing, pipework, tight spaces or larger nuts and bolts.
