is it a WRENCH or a SPANNER

[RivennHewn]

I've always thought a spanner is a wrench, but a wrench isn't necessarily a spanner.

Spanners are a type of wrench.

In doing a google search to correct my misguided definitions, I found a scaffolding spanner that I'd find useful at work. Never seen one quite like this before:
http://www.scaffolding-direct.co.uk/scaffolding-spanner-ratchet-podger-19mm-21mm-zinc-plated-.aspx

 

[bushmechanic]

There's a little bit more to this.

The term "spanner" has been in use for specific types of "wrenches" for a very, very long time. The crank handle for a wheel lock firearm is properly called a spanner; when it could easily be called a square-drive, box end breaker bar.

That's not an isolated scenario.

There are things that are certainly called spanners. In this regard, it's similar to magazine versus clip. Both exist, but they aren't interchangeable until you run into oddball items.

 

[dutchgray]

I've always thought a spanner is a wrench, but a wrench isn't necessarily a spanner.

Spanners are a type of wrench.

In doing a google search to correct my misguided definitions, I found a scaffolding spanner that I'd find useful at work. Never seen one quite like this before:
http://www.scaffolding-direct.co.uk/scaffolding-spanner-ratchet-podger-19mm-21mm-zinc-plated-.aspx

Podger spanner in english, spud wrench in american.

 

[Road_runner]

[Charles (in GA) states: "I found the English term of Stilson Wrench or Stilsons to denote a Pipe wrench to be odd. Indeed there is a Stilson Wrench, and indeed it is a pipe wrench, but it is a specific brand or design of pipe wrench, one that is a genuine Stilson, or made based on the Stilson patents. Kinda like calling a photocopy machine a Xerox copier."

In the UK, it is quite normal to start using brand names to denote everyday items i.e.

Photocopiers called "xerox machines";

Vacuum cleaners called "hoovers";

Construction machinery referred to as "a JCB"; and

A pipe wrench called "a Stilson wrench".

Mind you, it can depend on the age of the individual and the particlular geographic region of the UK.

Some other US/UK gotchas: -

Hood = bonnet
Trunk = boot
Fender = bumper
Lug nuts = wheel nuts

At the end of the day, all a bit of fun!

 

[mmason7764]

Once we get past the "which term is correct" or "which word is better" basis, I find these discussions can be useful in a couple of ways:

1.). Awareness. It's good to know that the words spanner and wrench have different meanings in different locals. Hopefully, being aware that there is a difference in usage can prevent misunderstandings.

2.). Explination of origin. Knowing why word usage differes with geography can help us understand the reasons and hopefully prevent some of the negative thoughts associated with assuming that one group are "uneducated", "improper", "sloppy", or what not.

In the case of terms that came into use after about 1800, mostly regarding industrialization, words were selected or coined locally. Using the parts of an automobile as an example, the english vocabulary brought across the ocean by imigrants did not contain the word-to-meaning associations to describe all of these parts as automobiles did not exist at the time of the majority of this immigration. Since the english language has no standardization body it relies on popular useage to develop, a kind of evolution. An evolution that can be quite different in geographically seperate populations.

So, for me, I expect these differences as natural and avoid the right/wrong labeling. Well, I try most of the time.

Mark

 

[jeejay]

Spanntastic

 

[dffay]

And across the pond it's a bonnet not a hood.

 

[mbushnell]

As mentioned earlier, in the U.S. a certain type of wrench is called a "spanner wrench". What is this tool called in the U.K.?

 

[dutchgray]

As mentioned earlier, in the U.S. a certain type of wrench is called a "spanner wrench". What is this tool called in the U.K.?

Pin wrench, hook wrench or spanner.

 

[Seagoon]

Pin wrench, hook wrench or spanner.

In Lincs/Notts/Yorks it's often called a "C" spanner - in fact I was about 45 before I heard a different name.

 

[Fretters]

C spanner is how I refer to those too, but have heard them called pin spanner/wrench also.