- What a spanner is – and how it’s different from a ‘wrench”
- How a socket wrench works – and why it’s NOT the same thing as a torque wrench
- Something to remember when buying new sockets
- A useful tip to avoid rounding down nuts or bolts
What is a Spanner?

In terms of tools, a spanner is one of the most basic yet also one of the most common tools you’ll use.
Spanners vs. wrenches

If you roll this wheel, you’ll adjust the width of the wrench’s grip.
In other words, you can’t adjust this grip.
For this reason, spanners are often sold in sets of 5-20.

But it has one key difference – the socket wrench has a ratchet mechanism so you can turn the bolt or nut without adjusting your grip.
For this reason, a socket wrench is sometimes known as a “ratchet wrench.”
Aside from that, socket wrenches also use detachable sockets, typically sold in sets.
Socket wrench vs. Torque wrench
Many people think that a socket wrench is the same thing as a torque wrench – this is false, however.
Yes, they’re both used to tighten down bolts and nuts, but a torque wrench (pictured below) is used for one purpose only – to tighten down nuts and bolts to the correct tension – also known as “torque.”
So if you have a torque wrench, don’t use it as a regular socket wrench.
How to attach and remove a socket
To remove a socket, press the button on the back of the socket wrench’s head.
Buying new sockets? Something to keep in mind
Socket wrenches come in all shapes – typically in the following sizes:
- 1/4″
- 1/2″
- 3/8″
These sizes refer to the rectangular end of the socket wrench that you attach the sockets onto.

How to Use a Spanner or Socket Wrench Properly
Why? Because if you use a socket or spanner that is too big, you could damage the edges of the bolt or nut.
This is sometimes known as “rounding down,” – and it’s terrible news.
The bolt or nut will be harder to remove if you round down the edges.
So how can you determine whether the spanner or socket is the correct size?
Simple – take the spanner or socket and slide it across the edges or bolt head and wiggle it gently back and forth.
There should be next to no wiggle room when you do this – if there’s too much of it, switch to a smaller size.