When I first delved into the world of tools, I was intrigued by the terms ‘wrench’ and ‘spanner’.
To many, they’re interchangeable, but did you know their differences stem more from geography and language than function, although there are nuances.
Difference Between Wrench and Spanner
The main difference between a wrench and a spanner is more in terms of linguistics than functional difference. That’s because Americans tend to use the term wrench differently compared to the English or those who live or formally lived in countries that are part of the United Kingdom. This includes Australia and many other Commonwealth nations.
However, those who speak UK English typically call fixed-profile tools ‘spanners’ while the adjustable jaw tools are referred to as wrenches.
Functionally, both wrenches and spanners serve a primary purpose: to grip and turn bolts, nuts, and other threaded objects, providing leverage for tightening or loosening
To grasp the nuances of these terms, let’s explore how different regions interpret ‘wrench’ and ‘spanner’.
United Kingdom, Australia, and Other Commonwealth Nations
In the UK, ‘wrench‘ typically refers to adjustable tools. In other words, a movable lower jaw that allows it to be adjusted to different sizes. While a spanner refers to a fixed wrench, one that cannot be adjusted.
Examples of Spanners:
- Open-End spanner
- Box spanner or Ring spanner
- Combination spanner
Examples of Wrenches:
- Adjustable wrench
- Pipe wrench
- Monkey wrench
- Strap wrench
If you can adjust it, then it is a wrench. If you cannot adjust it, it is a spanner.
United States: Wrenches
In the US, both fixed and adjustable tools are commonly called ‘wrenches’.
For North Americans, a spanner, which is sometimes called a spanner-wrench is a specific type of wrench that has a series of tabs or pins around its circumference.
So, the main difference in the US is that spanner refers to a single type of wrench. While wrench is a general term that refers to all wrenches both fixed and adjustable.
Exceptions
There are exceptions, like the Torx and hexagonal Allen wrenches are often called Torx key and Allen key respectively.
In certain regions, like India, what many know as an adjustable wrench is commonly called an adjustable spanner.
Furthermore, the nomenclature for the same hand tool can vary. For example, what’s known as a box wrench in the US is termed a ring spanner in the UK.
Historical Background
The term wrench is older than spanner and believed to have been generated from the Anglo-Saxon era before the Norman Conquest of 1066. The term wrench may have come form the Old English word, “wrencan” which means “twist” in modern English.
In contrast, the term spanner is believed to originate in the German language, denoting a twisting motion. This term possibly found its way to England through German emigrants working in local industries.
In the US, the term wrench came from the Old English which came across the ocean with the first settlers. The term ‘spanner’ established itself in England too late to gain the same traction in America.
In conclusion, while ‘wrench’ and ‘spanner’ often describe similar tools, their usage varies predominantly due to regional linguistic differences. Whether you’re using a wrench or a spanner, the key is to choose the right tool for the job.