Wrench
A
wrench is a tool used to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque to turn objects—usually rotary fasteners, such as nuts and bolts—or keep them from turning. In British English,
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, or may be used for a monkey wrench - an adjustable spanner. In 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. 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 steels and are often drop-forged. They are frequently chrome-plated to resist corrosion and ease cleaning.