View source for Wrench

{{Short description|Tool used to provide grip and mechanical advantage}}
{{Redirect|Spanner|other uses|Wrench (disambiguation)|and|Spanner (disambiguation)}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}

[[File:Gedore No. 7 combination wrenches 6–19 mm.jpg|thumb|250px|A set of metric spanners or wrenches, open at one end and box/ring at the other. These are commonly known as “combination” spanners.]]

A '''wrench''' or '''spanner'''  is a [[tool]] used to provide grip and [[mechanical advantage]] in applying [[torque]] to turn objects—usually rotary [[fastener]]s, such as [[Nut (hardware)|nuts]] and [[screw|bolts]]—or keep them from turning.

In the [[United Kingdom|UK]], [[Ireland]], [[Australia]], and [[New Zealand]] ''spanner'' is the standard term. The most common shapes are called ''open-ended spanner'' and ''ring spanner''. The term ''wrench'' is generally used for tools that turn non-fastening devices (e.g. tap wrench and pipe wrench), or may be used for a [[monkey wrench]]—an adjustable [[pipe wrench]].<ref>{{cite web|title=AskOxford|url=http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/wrench?view=uk|access-date=2010-04-20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041018170204/http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/wrench?view=uk|archive-date=2004-10-18}}</ref>

In [[North American English]], ''wrench'' is the standard term. The most common shapes are called ''open-end wrench'' and ''box-end wrench''. In [[American English]], ''spanner'' refers to a specialized wrench with a series of pins or tabs around the circumference. (These pins or tabs fit into the holes or notches cut into the object to be turned). In American commerce, such a wrench may be called a ''spanner wrench'' to distinguish it from the British sense of ''spanner''.

Higher quality wrenches are typically made from [[chromium]]-[[vanadium]] alloy [[tool steel]]s and are often [[Forging#Processes|drop-forged]]. They are frequently [[Chrome plating|chrome-plated]] to resist [[corrosion]] and for ease of cleaning.

Hinged tools, such as [[pliers]] or [[tongs]], are not generally considered wrenches in English, but exceptions are the [[plumber wrench]] (pipe wrench in [[British English]]) and [[Locking pliers|Mole wrench]] (sometimes Mole grips in British English).

The word can also be used in slang to describe an unexpected obstacle, for example, "He threw a spanner in the works" (in U.S. English, "monkey wrench").

==Etymology==
[[file:Monogramist HLF Wheel-lock gun 13.jpg|thumb|[[Wheel-lock]] gun of [[Sigismund III Vasa]]: The original spanner had a square hole for turning the shaft (r.) of the wheel, which tensioned the mainspring. ''See also [[#External links|§ External links]]''.]]
'Wrench' is derived from [[Middle English]] ''wrench'', from [[Old English]] ''wrenċ'', from [[Proto-Germanic]] ''*wrankiz'' ("a turning, twisting"). The oldest recorded use dates to 1794.<ref name=etymonline_wrench>{{Cite web|title=wrench &#124; Etymology, origin and meaning of wrench by etymonline|url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/wrench|access-date=2023-02-07|website=[[Online Etymology Dictionary]]|language=en}}</ref>

'Spanner' came into use in the 1630s, referring to the tool for winding the spring of a [[wheel-lock]] firearm. From [[German (language)|German]] ''Spanner'' (n.), from ''spannen'' (v.) ("to join, fasten, extend, connect"), from [[Proto-Germanic]] ''*spannan'', from [[PIE]] root ''*(s)pen-'' ("to draw, stretch, spin").<ref name=etymonline_spanner >{{cite web |title=spanner (n.) |website=Online Etymology Dictionary |url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/spanner |access-date=17 November 2019 |archive-date=17 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117015049/https://www.etymonline.com/word/spanner |url-status=live }}</ref> <!-- [http://www.horstheld.com/0-wheel-lock.htm  Nuremberg hunting wheel-lock pistol with matching powder flask and built-in key / spanner] (half-way down page) -->

==History==
Wrenches and applications using wrenches or devices that needed wrenches, such as pipe clamps and suits of armor, have been noted by historians as far back as the 15th century.<ref>Henry C. Mercer, Ancient Carpenters' Tools: Illustrated and Explained, Together with the Implements of the Lumberman, Joiner and Cabinet-Maker, 1928, reprint Courier Corporation - 2013, pages 271-272</ref> Adjustable coach wrenches for the odd-sized nuts of wagon wheels were manufactured in England and exported to North America in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The mid 19th century began to see patented wrenches that used a screw for narrowing and widening the jaws, including patented [[monkey wrench]]es.

Most box end wrenches are sold as '12-point' because 12-point wrenches fit over both 12-point and 6-point bolts. 12-point wrenches also offer a higher number of engagement points over six-point. However, 12-point wrenches have been known to cause round-off damage to 6-point bolts as they provide less contact space.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://rtstools.com/undoing-stripped-nuts-with-6-point-wrenches/|title=Undoing stripped nuts with 6 point wrenches {{!}}|website=rtstools.com|date=22 September 2017|language=en-US|access-date=2017-09-30|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930131127/http://rtstools.com/undoing-stripped-nuts-with-6-point-wrenches/|archive-date=2017-09-30}}</ref>

==Types==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! class="unsortable" | Image !!style="width: 140px" | American name  !!style="width: 140px" | British name !! class="unsortable" | Description !! Group
|-
| [[File:Clé plate.jpg|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|open-end wrench}} || open-ended spanner || A one-piece wrench with a U-shaped opening that grips two opposite faces of the bolt or nut. This wrench is often double-ended, with a different-sized opening at each end. The ends are generally oriented at an angle of around 15 degrees to the axis of the handle; it allows a greater range of movement in enclosed spaces by flipping the wrench. || common
|-
| [[File:Kluc ockovy vysunuty.jpg|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|box-end wrench}} || ring spanner || A one-piece wrench with an enclosed opening that grips the faces of the bolt or nut. The recess is generally a six-point or twelve-point opening for use with nuts or bolt heads with a hexagonal shape. The twelve-point fits onto the fastening at twice as many angles, an advantage where swing is limited. Eight-point wrenches are also made for square-shaped nuts and bolt heads. Ring spanners are often double-ended and usually with offset handles to improve access to the nut or bolt. || common
|-
| [[File:Kluc ockoplochy.jpg|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|combination wrench}} || combination spanner<br />open-ring spanner || A double-ended tool with one end being like an open-end wrench or open-ended spanner, and the other end being like a box-end wrench or ring spanner. Both ends generally fit the same size of bolt. || common
|-
| [[File:Bremsleitungsschluessel.JPG|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|flare-nut wrench}}<br />tube wrench<br />line wrench || flare spanner<br />flare nut spanner<br />brake spanner<br />crow's-foot spanner || A wrench that is used for gripping the nuts on the ends of tubes. It is similar to a box-end wrench but, instead of encircling the nut completely, it has a narrow opening just wide enough to allow the wrench to fit over the tube, and thick jaws to increase the contact area with the nut. It allows for maximum contact on plumbing nuts, which are typically softer metals and therefore more prone to damage from open-ended wrenches. || common
|-
| [[File:Point tailed ratchet spanner.jpg|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|ratcheting box wrench}} || ratcheting ring spanner || A type of ring spanner, or box wrench, whose end section [[Ratchet (device)|ratchet]]s.  Ratcheting can be reversed by flipping over the wrench, or by activating a reversing lever on the wrench.  This type of wrench combines the compact design of a box wrench, with the utility and quickness of use of a ratchet wrench. A variety of ratcheting mechanisms are used, from simple pawls to more complex captured rollers, with the latter being more compact and smoother, but also more expensive to manufacture. The one pictured also features a [[drift pin]] on the tail.|| common
|-
| [[File:Craftsman Saltus wrenches.jpg|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|flex-head socket wrench}}<br />Saltus wrench<!-- Is there a non-proprietary name for this tool? --> || swivel head spanner || Similar in concept to a socket wrench. A Saltus wrench features a socket permanently affixed to a handle.  Sockets are not interchangeable as with a socket wrench. The socket often rotates around the handle to allow the user to access a fastener from a variety of angles. Commonly a Saltus wrench is part of a double-ended wrench, with an open-end type head on the opposite side from the socket head. || common
|-
| [[File:Spanner wrenches various kinds from Colvin and Stanley 1910 p64.png|150px]] || {{visible anchor|spanner wrench}} ''or simply'' spanner [referring to any of these]; [when specifying pin vs hook vs C, the same terms are used as in British English] || {{visible anchor|pin spanner}} <br /> hook spanner <br /> C spanner <br /> pin face spanner || A wrench with one or several pins or hooks, designed to drive [[spanner (screw drive)|spanner]] head screws, threaded collars and retainer rings, shafts, and so on. Note the difference in the American and British senses of the word "spanner". In American English, "spanners" are a subset of the class of tools called "wrenches". || common
|-
| [[File:Kluc vidlicovy uderovy.jpg|150px]] || striking face box wrench<br />slammer wrench<br />slugger wrench<br />hammer wrench || slogging spanner<br />flogging spanner || A specialized thick, short, stocky wrench with a block end to the handle specifically designed for use with a hammer, enabling one to impart great force.  Used commonly with large fasteners, especially a nut and stud which both have index marks: the nut is screwed hand-tight, then further tightened with the striking wrench a known number of index marks calculated from the elasticity of the bolt or stud, thus giving precise torque ([[Preload (engineering)|preload]]).  Striking wrenches also provide shock and high force used to release large and/or stuck nuts and bolts; and when space does not allow room for a large wrench. || common
|-
| [[File:AdjustableWrenchWhiteBackground.jpg|150px]] || [[adjustable wrench]]<br />adjustable end wrench<br /> Crescent wrench || [[adjustable spanner]]<br />shifting spanner<br />wrench ||The most common type of adjustable wrench in use today.  The adjustable end wrench differs from the monkey wrench in that the gripping faces of the jaws are displaced to a (typically) 15 degree angle relative to the tool's handle, a design feature that facilitates the wrench's use in close quarters.  The modern adjustable end wrench was invented by [[Johan Petter Johansson]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bahco.com/en/about/ |title=Who is Bahco? &#124; Bahco International |access-date=2016-11-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105173640/http://www.bahco.com/en/about/ |archive-date=2016-11-05 }}</ref> of [[Bahco]]. The common use of "Crescent wrench" to describe this design is derived from the [[Crescent (tools)|Crescent]] brand, owned by Apex Brands, Inc. [[Apex Tool Group]], LLC.|| adjustable
|-
| [[File:Self-adjusting wrench.jpg|Self-adjusting wrench|150px]] || [[self-adjusting wrench]]||self-adjusting spanner|| With a serrated jaw which is self-tightening.|| adjustable
|-
| [[File:Monkey wrench derivative from Rogers 1903 p172.png|150px]] || [[monkey wrench]] || gas grips<br />King Dick || An old type of adjustable wrench with a straight handle and smooth jaws whose gripping faces are perpendicular to the handle. || historical
|-
| [[File:Trimo pattern Aluminum Pipe Wrenches.jpg|150px]]|| [[pipe wrench]]<br />monkey wrench||Stillson wrench<br />Stillsons<br />Pipe wrench || A tool that is similar in design and appearance to a monkey wrench, but with self-tightening properties and hardened, serrated jaws that securely grip soft iron pipe and pipe fittings. Sometimes known by the original patent holder's brand name as a "Stillson wrench". || adjustable
|-

| [[File:2023 Szczypce zaciskowe Morse'a.jpg|150px]]|| [[Locking pliers]]<br />Vise-Grips||Mole grip<br />Mole wrench<br />|| A tool that is similar in purpose to a monkey wrench but with adjustable quick release jaws in many styles such as needle-nose pliers, wrenches, clamps and various shapes that can also be used to hold workpieces in place for welding or drilling. In British English known generically by its brand name ''Mole Wrench'' || adjustable
|-

| [[File:Kluc gola.jpg|150px]] || [[socket wrench]] || [[socket wrench]]<br />socket spanner || A closed cylinder that fits over one end of a nut or bolt head.  It may include a handle, if it does not then it is often just referred to as a socket and is usually used with various drive tools to make it a wrench or spanner such as a ratchet handle, a tee bar (sliding tommy bar) bar or a knuckle bar (single axis pivot). It generally has a six-point, eight-point or twelve-point recess, may be shallow or deep, and may have a built-in [[universal joint]].|| socket
|-
|[[File:A clamp ratchet wrench.jpg|150x150px]]
|[[clamp ratchet wrench]]
|clamp ratchet spanner
|An open-ended multi-size ratchet wrench. The [[Ratchet (device)|ratcheting]] mechanism allows the nut to be clamped on or loosened with a reciprocating motion; flip the wrench to change the direction of the drive. The wrench takes the advantage of the clamp action to allow multiple sizes in both [[SAE International|SAE]] and metric standards. Each wrench typically will allow up to 3 non-metric sizes and 3 metric sizes.
|adjustable
|-
| [[File:Breaker bar.jpg|150px]]
|| [[breaker bar]]<br />break-over handle<!-- not sure if it's Am or Br --> || knuckle bar<br />jointed nut spinner<br />flex head nut spinner<br />Power Bar || This tool is a long non-ratcheting bar that allows the user to impart considerable [[torque]] to fasteners, especially in cases where [[corrosion]] has resulted in a difficult-to-loosen part. || socket
|-
| [[File:Crow's foot wrench.jpg|150px]] || crowfoot wrench<br />{{Visible anchor|crow's-foot wrench}} || crow's foot || A type of wrench designed to use the same drive sizes as socket wrenches, but non-cylindrical in shape. The ends are the same as those found on the open-end, box-end, or the flare-nut wrenches. These wrenches are used when torque must be measured, or when the application precludes the use of a regular socket or wrench. Also used in place of conventional open/box wrenches where the wrenches are large, usually at a lower cost, or for when space and weight restrictions are critical. || socket
|-
| [[File:Socket wrench and sockets.JPG|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|ratchet wrench}} || ratchet handle || It contains a one-way mechanism that allows the socket to be turned without removing it from the nut or bolt simply by cycling the handle backward and forward. (The photo shows both ratchet and sockets.) || socket
|-
| [[File:Speed wrench.jpg|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|speed handle}}<br />{{Visible anchor|speed wrench}} || speed handle<br />crank handle<br />speed brace<br />leg winder (in the context of caravans) || A crank-shaped handle that drives a socket. The socket-driving analog of [[brace (tool)|the brace used to drive a drill bit]]. Used instead of a ratchet in a few contexts when it can save substantial time and effort—that is, when there is a lot of turning to be done (many fasteners), ample room to swing the handle, ample access to the fastener heads, etc.  Has less leverage than a conventional ratchet wrench. Used occasionally in automotive repair or job shop work. || socket
|-
| [[File:Dinamometrica digital.jpg|150px]] || [[torque wrench]] || [[torque wrench]] || A socket wrench drive tool that is employed to impart a precise amount of torque to a fastener, essential in many cases during the assembly of precision mechanisms. || socket
|-
| [[File:Allen wrench and screw (PSF).png|150px]] || [[Allen wrench]]<br />Allen key<br />hex key<br />L wrench || Allen key || A wrench used to turn screw or bolt heads designed with a hexagonal socket (recess) to receive the wrench. The wrenches come in two common forms: L-shaped and T-handles. The L-shaped wrenches are formed from hexagonal wire stock, while the T-handles are the same hex wire stock with a metal or plastic handle attached to the end. There are also indexable-driver-bits that can be used in indexable screwdrivers. || keys
|-
| [[File:Screw Head - Bristol.svg|40px]] || [[Bristol wrench]]<br />Bristol spline wrench || ? || Another wrench designed for internal socket-head screws and bolts. The cross-section resembles a square-toothed gear. Not a common design, it is chiefly used on small [[set screw]]s. || keys
|-
| [[File:Torx 01 KMJ.jpg|150px]] || [[Torx wrench]] || Torx key || An internal socket-head screw design. The cross-section resembles a star. Commonly used in automobiles, automated equipment, and computer components as it is resistant to wrench [[cam-out]] and so suitable for use in the types of powered tools used in production-line assembly.|| keys
|-
| [[File:Alligator wrench 002.png|150px]] || alligator wrench || ? || A formerly common type of wrench that was popular with mechanics, factory workers, and farmers for [[maintenance, repair and operations]] tasks in the days when fasteners often had square rather than hex heads. The wrench's shape suggests the open mouth of an alligator. || historical
|-
| [[File:ConeWrenches.jpg|150px]] || [[cone wrench]] || cone spanner || A thin open-end wrench used to fit narrow wrench flats of adjustable bearing [[bicycle wheel|bicycle hubs]].  Called a "cone" wrench because it fits wrench flats of the cone section of a "cup and cone" hub, this tool is also used with some other adjustable hub bearings.  The wrench is very thin so has little strength; to compensate, cone wrenches typically have a large head.  Most bicycle front hubs use a 13&nbsp;mm; most rears use 15&nbsp;mm. Similar designs are used for bicycle pedals|| specialty
|-
| [[File:Die wrench handle holding a die, plus a second die..jpg|150px]] || die-stock<br>die wrench<ref>{{cite web|title=McMaster-Carr Catalog|url=http://www.mcmaster.com/#die-wrenches/=14jc40s|website=www.mcmaster.com|publisher=McMaster-Carr|access-date=October 10, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009163801/http://www.mcmaster.com/#die-wrenches/=14jc40s|archive-date=October 9, 2016}}</ref> || die stock<br />die holder || A double-handled wrench for turning the [[Taps and Dies|dies]] used in threading operations (cutting the male threads such as on a bolt). || specialty
|-
| [[File:CleBatterieRock.JPG|150px]] || [[drum key]] <br /> lug wrench <br /> drum wrench || drum key || A small, square-head socket wrench used on drum (percussion musical instrument) tuning lugs and fasteners. This key is often interchangeable with radiator bleed keys. || specialty
|-
| [[File:Rohrschluessel.jpg|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|tube wrench}} || shower valve socket wrench<br />tubular box wrench<br />box spanner <br /> || A tube with six-sided sockets on both ends, turned with a short length of rod (tommy bar or T bar) inserted through two holes in the middle of the tube. The length of the tube can accommodate long shafts such as with tap/faucet fixings. Double-ended versions (pictured left) are most common, catering for two hex sizes. Spark plug spanners are often of this type. || common
|-
| || [[drum wrench]] <br /> {{Visible anchor|bung wrench}} || ? || A tool commonly used to open bungs on large [[55-gallon drum]]s (cylindrical containers). || specialty
|-
| || {{Visible anchor|fire hydrant wrench}} (hose connection) || ? || The hose connection has a threaded collar with a protruding pin. From the handle of the wrench an arc has at its end a loop to engage the pin.|| specialty
|-
| [[File:FireHydrantKey.jpg|150px|Fire Hydrant Key]] || fire hydrant wrench (valve operator) || ? || A pentagonal (five-sided) box wrench. The unusual shape of the lug makes the valve [[tamper resistance|tamper-resistant]]: with the opposite faces nonparallel, unauthorized opening of the hydrant is more difficult without a suitable tool. || specialty
|-
| [[File:Curb key.jpg|150px|Curb key]] || {{Visible anchor|curb key}} || Toby key || A wrench for opening and closing valves on municipal water pipes (often at the curb [kerb], hence the name). The valve usually has a rectangular lug and is set deep into the ground, requiring the key. || specialty
|-
| || golf shoe spike wrench || ? || A T-handle wrench with two pins and clearance for the spike—allows removal and insertion of spikes in shoes.|| specialty
|-
| || head nut wrench || ? || A flat wrench with a circular hole and two inward protruding pins to engage slots in the nut. This type of nut is used on bicycles to secure the front fork pivot bearing to the headpiece of the frame. || specialty
|-
| [[File:Kreuzschlüssel.jpg|150px]] || 4-way [[lug wrench]] <br /> wheel lug cross wrench <br /> cross rim wrench <br /> spider wrench|| wheel brace <br /> tyre spanner || A socket wrench used to turn lug nuts on [[automobile]] [[wheel]]s. || specialty
|-
| [[File:Plumber key.jpg|150px]] || [[plumber wrench]] ||multigrips <br /> multigrip pliers  || A tool to screw (rotate with force) various [[Threaded pipe|pipes]] during [[plumbing]]. || specialty
|-
| [[File:Rigger-jigger.jpg|150px]] || rigger-jigger || rigger-jigger || An offset 10mm/13mm spanner used in attaching riggers to [[rowing (sport)|rowing]] boats to allow users to keep grip when flush with boat, originally designed by Henri Tengvall for [[Sons of the Thames|Sons of the Thames Rowing Club]] in 1991. || specialty
|-
| [[File:BasinWrench.jpg|150px]] || [[basin wrench]]<br />sink wrench || basin wrench || A self-tightening wrench mounted at the end of a shaft with a transverse handle at the opposite end. Used to tighten or loosen fasteners located in recesses. || specialty
|-
| [[File:Tiengaatssleutel.jpg|150px]] || dogbone wrench || dumbbell spanner || A compact spanner for multiple sizes, historically used as a cheap DIY tool for bicycles when they used nuts or bolts, rather than the more modern allen bolt fittings || specialty
|-
| [[File:Fahrrad-Speichenschlüssel 1792.JPG|150px]] || [[spoke wrench]]|| nipple wrench <br /> spoke key || A wrench with a clearance slot for a wire wheel spoke such as on a bicycle wheel and a drive head for the adjustment nipple nut.  The handle is offset to make the wrench more convenient to grip, and the handle is short to fit between spokes, allowing the wrench to turn 360 degrees without being removed. || specialty
|-
| [[File:Spud wrench aka construction wrench from Colvin and Stanley 1910 p65.png|150px]] || {{visible anchor|spud wrench}} || podging spanner<br />podger || A steel erecting tool which consists of a normal wrench at one end and a  tapered [[drift pin]] at the other, used for lining up bolt holes, typically when mating two [[structural steel]] beams, or the [[Flange#ASME standards (U.S.)|flanges]] on two segments of steel pipe. || specialty
|-
| [[File:Chain whip tool.jpg|150px]] || [[Chain whip (bicycle tool)|chain whip]] || chain whip || A self-tightening wrench that engages the teeth of a chain drive sprocket, and used typically to remove bicycle [[cogset]]s.  Similar to a [[strap wrench]], but uses positive engagement rather than friction, and so needs to grab only one end of the chain. || specialty
|-
| [[File:Oil-filter-wrench.jpg|150px]]<br />[[File:Oil filter wrench 001B.jpg|150px]] || [[strap wrench]]<br />[[oil-filter wrench]]<br />chain wrench || [[strap wrench]]<br>oil filter wrench <br /> chain wrench || A self-tightening wrench with either a chain or strap of metal, leather, or rubber attached to a handle, used to grip and turn smooth cylindrical objects (such as automotive oil filters). It relies entirely on friction between the strap or chain and the object to be manipulated.  Similar to a [[pipe wrench]], but uses a chain similar to a [[drive chain]] or strap, instead of an adjustable jaw. The links of the chain have extended pegs which fit into grooves in the front of the handle, with one end of the chain attached permanently to the handle. It is used in situations where pipe wrenches cannot maintain a proper grip on an object such as a wet or oily pipe.  Larger versions of chain wrenches are sometimes known as "bull tongs" and are used with large diameter pipe such as is used deep wells. || specialty
|-
| [[File:WrenchTapBarT.jpg|150px]] || [[tap wrench]]<br />tap handle<br />T-handle || [[tap wrench]] || A double-handled wrench for turning the square drive on [[Taps and Dies|taps]] used in threading operations (cutting the female threads such as within a nut) or a precision [[reamer]]. || specialty
|-
| || tappet wrench || ? || A spanner of small to moderate size constructed similarly to an open-ended wrench, but with a thinner cross-section.  Its purpose is to apply torque to the fasteners found on the valve trains of older engines, especially automobile engines, where the valve train required adjustment of the tappets (also known as lifters).  Tappets, push rods, rocker arms and similar adjustable pieces are often equipped with locknuts which are thinner than standard nuts, due to space limitations.  Frequently, the hex section of the adjustment is contiguous to the lock nut, thus requiring a thinner "tappet wrench" to be used. || specialty
|-
| [[File:TuningWrench.jpg|150px]] || [[tuning wrench]] || tuning "T" hammer <br /> piano tuning lever || A socket wrench used to tune some stringed musical instruments. Similar, and in some cases identical to drum tuning keys, but often provide greater torque due to the higher tension of strings. || specialty
|-
| || wing nut wrench || || A tool specifically for use with wing nuts, allowing the application of greater torque than is possible by hand.  It is generally advised{{by whom|date=July 2012}} not to use such spanners for tightening the wing nut, but rather only for loosening. It is a "hand saver" more than anything else. || specialty
|-
| || graduated wrench{{Citation needed|date=October 2010}} || ? || An adjustable wrench with a small number (usually 2–4) of discrete sizes. It is sometimes used as an inexpensive substitute for a monkey wrench.||
|-
| || [[power wrench]] || ? || A broad type of wrenches that use electricity or compressed air to power the wrench. || power
|-
| [[File:Impact wrench 01.jpg|150px]] || [[impact wrench]] <br /> impact driver ||garage air gun<br />pneumatic spanner<br />windy spanner<br />rattle gun<br />impact driver
Windy gun
|| A powered wrench that delivers quick, repeated impulses of torque.  Typically powered by air, but can also be electric.  Like other wrenches which deliver a large amount of torque, impact wrenches can be useful for loosening stubborn, difficult-to-remove nuts and bolts. Misuse, however, can over-torque and damage the threads on lug nuts and wheel studs. This risk is one of the reasons they are often found in professional auto repair shops, but not among do-it-yourselfers’ tools. They are closely associated with auto repair shops, as the source of the iconic “rap-rap-rap” sound often heard there. || power
|}

==Other types of keys==
These types of keys are not [[emic and etic|emically]] classified as wrenches by English speakers, but they are etically similar in function to wrenches.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! class="unsortable" | !!style="width: 120px" | American name  !!style="width: 120px" | British name !! class="unsortable" | Description !! Group
|-
| [[File:Chuck keys various 003.png|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|chuck key}} || chuck key || A key used to tighten or loosen a [[chuck (engineering)|chuck]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Tool-Holding/Drill-Chucks-Holders-Accessories/Drill-Chucks-Accessories/Drill-Chuck-Keys-Keyleashes?navid=12108654|title=Drill Chuck Keys & Keyleashes|access-date=13 April 2016|archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124104800/https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Tool-Holding/Drill-Chucks-Holders-Accessories/Drill-Chucks-Accessories/Drill-Chuck-Keys-Keyleashes?navid=12108654|url-status=live}}</ref> || household/industrial
|- id="church key"
| [[File:Churchkey01B.png|150px]] || [[church key]], church key bottle opener || church key, bottle opener || A key used to remove bottle caps or to pierce can lids.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-chu2.htm|title=World Wide Words: Church key|work=World Wide Words|access-date=13 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829072155/http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-chu2.htm|archive-date=29 August 2018}}</ref> || household
|-
| [[File:Paint can key 001.jpg|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|paint can key}} || paint can opener || A key used to open the lids of paint cans. Its upturned edge helps to apply a levering motion to the crimped lip of the can lid. || household
|-
| [[File:Sillcock key 001.jpg|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|sillcock key}} || sillcock key, loose key, tap key || A key used to open or close [[sillcock]] valves. Many are designed the same way as a [[:File:Kreuzschlüssel.jpg|spider-type lug wrench]], with four common sizes (one on each end) built into one portable tool. || household
|-
| [[File:Window crank 001.jpg|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|window crank}} || window crank || A socket-like key slipped over the splined shaft that operates the opening and closing of some types of window. || household
|-
| [[File:Corned beef-can opener.jpg|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|sardine can key}} || [[sardine]] tin key || A key used in opening the lids of canned fish or canned meat. A tab on the metal lid fits into the slot in the shaft of the key and the lid is wound onto the key, tearing it away from the can. || household
|-
| [[File:Dentalkeyusage.jpg|150px]] || {{Visible anchor|dental key}} || [[dental key]] || A key formerly used in [[dentistry]] for leverage in [[dental extraction|pulling teeth]] || historical
|-
|}

==See also==
* [[List of screw drives]]
* [[Width across flats]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Wiktionary inline|wrench}}
* {{Wiktionary inline|spanner}}
* {{Commons inline}}
* [http://www.horstheld.com/0-wheel-lock.htm  Spanner for Nuremberg hunting wheel-lock pistol c1610 with matching powder flask and built-in key] (half-way down page)
* [http://www.sat.dundee.ac.uk/~psc/spanner_jaw.html Spanner Jaw Sizes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111144302/http://www.sat.dundee.ac.uk/~psc/spanner_jaw.html |date=11 January 2010 }} Additional background information and spanner jaw size table.
* [http://www.baconsdozen.co.uk/tools/conversion%20charts.htm Conversion chart Whitworth/BSF/AF and metric spanner and thread sizes]
* [https://toolsmach.com/en/content/41-er-type-hook-wrenches ER Type Hook Wrenches]

{{Hand tools}}
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[[Category:Metalworking hand tools]]
[[Category:Woodworking hand tools]]
[[Category:Wrenches| ]]
[[Category:Metallic objects]]