Wrenches and screwdrivers

Which size and type you need

For heavy bolts and nuts, choose a slogging open-ended spanner or a slogging ring spanner. The open-end spanner grips quickly and works in tight spaces. The ring spanner surrounds the nut completely and prevents slipping. Both are available in metric and inch. Check the size of the bolt or nut before you order.

Where ordering goes wrong

Many mechanics order a set and then find the sizes do not match their work. Always measure the nut or bolt, not the socket or spanner you already have. Slogging open-ended spanners and ring spanners come in sizes from 8 to 60 millimetres. Choose the right size and you avoid damaging the bolt.

Why DIN 133 and DIN 7444 matter

These standards guarantee the spanner can withstand the blows of an impact wrench. DIN 133 applies to the open-end spanner, DIN 7444 to the ring spanner. If you use a cheap spanner without a standard, it can break. That costs time and can cause injury. Always choose a spanner that meets the standard.

This is part of tools and sits within hand tools. Tighten your bolts with a torque wrench from torque tools, put your socket on a ratchet from ratchets and extensions and use sockets when the bolt sits in an awkward spot. Screws that no spanner will take are best handled with bit sockets and bits.