Spanner Sets

Spanner sets contain a collection of hand tools designed to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque to turn nuts, bolts and other fasteners. Each spanner in a set typically features an open-ended jaw, a ring end or both, with a specific size opening precisely manufactured to fit corresponding fastener heads. These sets are indispensable for a wide range of tasks, from furniture assembly and automotive maintenance to machinery adjustments and intricate industrial fabrication.

The utility of a spanner set lies in its provision of various sizes, ensuring that the user has the correct tool for nearly any common fastener they encounter. There are different sets to cater to specific needs, including ratchet spanner sets, gearwrench spanner sets and combination spanner sets for particular applications.

Types of Spanner Sets

Spanner sets come in various configurations, each designed to address specific needs and challenges when working with fasteners.

Ratchet Spanner Sets

Ratchet spanners incorporate a ratcheting mechanism, usually within the ring end, that allows the user to turn a fastener without having to remove and reposition the spanner after each swing. They are invaluable in confined spaces where there isn't enough clearance for a full 360-degree rotation of a standard spanner.

Ring Spanner Sets

Ring spanners feature a closed or circular head that completely encloses the nut or bolt. This design provides a full 360-degree grip on the fastener, contacting all its faces (typically 6 or 12 points of contact). Offering a more secure grip than open-ended spanners, ring spanners are preferred for applications requiring high torque or where there's a risk of rounding off the fastener.

Crows Foot Spanner Sets

Crow's foot spanners are distinctive for their lack of a traditional handle. They have an open or ringed head that resembles a crow's foot, with a square drive opening designed to attach to a ratchet, extension bar or torque wrench. This unique design allows them to be used in conjunction with other drive tools, essentially acting as interchangeable heads that can be attached to a standard socket wrench system.

Features to Consider When Choosing Spanner Sets

Choosing the right spanner set is crucial for the efficiency, safety and longevity of both your tools and the fasteners you work with. These are the factors to consider when choosing your next spanner set in NZ:

• Type: The type of spanner dictates its primary function and how it engages with fasteners. For instance, combination spanners are most versatile for general use, offering quick engagement with the open end and a secure grip with the ring end. Flare nut spanners are designed for soft metal fittings, gripping multiple faces to prevent rounding
• Size and range: Consider the number of spanners in the set and the span of fastener sizes they cover. A comprehensive set will cover a wide range of common fastener sizes, from small to large. Some cheaper sets might skip less common sizes, while professional sets typically include all consecutive common sizes.
• Material: Chrome Vanadium Steel (Cr-V) is the most common and widely regarded material for its strength, durability, corrosion resistance and good torque transfer. Chrome Molybdenum Steel (Cr-Mo) is often used in heavy-duty applications as it’s tougher and more resistant to fatigue than Cr-V. When corrosion resistance is paramount, such as in a sterile medical setting, stainless steel is the best choice.
• Drive compatibility: This is particularly relevant for ratchet and crow's foot spanners, which interface with other tools. You will need to ensure that the spanner set's drive type is compatible with your existing ratchets, extension bars, torque wrenches and other drive tools.

Applications of Spanner Sets

The ability of spanner sets to precisely grip and apply torque to fasteners makes them indispensable for the assembly, disassembly, adjustment and maintenance tasks across various industries.

• Automotive: Spanners are crucial for accessing and manipulating nuts and bolts on engine components such as cylinder heads, manifolds, belts and spark plugs. Ratchet spanners are particularly useful in the often-cramped engine bay. Various spanners are needed to work on suspension components, steering linkages and alignment adjustments.
• Mechanical: Spanner sets are core tools for assembling and disassembling all types of machinery, from consumer appliances to industrial equipment. They are used to fasten components, adjust alignments and ensure secure connections. In particular, crow's foot spanners and flare nut spanners are vital for working on the fittings and connections of hydraulic and pneumatic lines.
• Industrial maintenance: Routine inspections and adjustments of industrial machinery, conveyor systems, pumps, motors and other equipment frequently involve tightening or loosening fasteners. When breakdowns occur, spanners are essential for disassembling faulty components, replacing parts and reassembling machinery.

Shop Reliable Spanner Sets at RS NZ

Are you shopping for high-quality spanner sets for various applications in NZ? If so, you have come to the right place. At RS NZ, we stock products from reliable brands such as Facom, SAM and GearWrench.

RS NZ is also a reliable distributor for a wide range of sockets, spanners and wrenches. You can also shop for other hand tools including breaker bars and torque wrenches, Buy your Bahco spanner sets, mini spanner sets and other accessories online today. To understand more on our ordering process, delivery services and delivery fees, please refer to our delivery page.