Adjustable Spanners

About Adjustable Spanners

Adjustable spanners, also known as shifting spanners or adjustable wrenches, are versatile hand tools featuring a moveable jaw that adjusts to grip nuts and bolts of various sizes. Unlike fixed spanners, these tools eliminate the need to carry extensive spanner sets, making them essential for plumbers, mechanics, heating engineers, and maintenance professionals who encounter different fastener sizes throughout their workday. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade adjustable spanners from leading manufacturers including Bahco, Knipex, Facom, and Draper, available in sizes from compact 150mm models to heavy-duty 600mm versions.

Modern adjustable spanners feature precision-machined jaws, chrome vanadium construction for durability, and ergonomic handles to reduce hand fatigue during extended use. Specialist designs include wide jaw models for plumbing compression fittings, slim jaw variants for restricted spaces, reversible jaw options for enhanced versatility, and extra-long handle versions providing increased leverage. Whether you're installing radiator valves, servicing vehicles, or maintaining industrial machinery, MyToolShed offers quality adjustable spanners engineered for reliable professional performance.

Applications

• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Working with compression fittings, radiator valves, tap installations, and pipe connections
• Automotive Mechanics: Vehicle maintenance, engine repairs, and servicing tasks requiring multiple fastener sizes
• General Builders: Scaffolding assembly, formwork adjustment, and general construction site work
• Maintenance Engineers: Machinery servicing, equipment adjustments, and industrial maintenance tasks
• Electricians: Cable gland installation, trunking assembly, and electrical fitting work
• HVAC Technicians: Air conditioning installations, ductwork connections, and refrigeration pipework
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home repairs, furniture assembly, bicycle maintenance, and household projects
• Agricultural Workers: Farm equipment repairs and maintenance in field conditions

Choosing The Right Adjustable Spanners

Size and Jaw Capacity: Select based on typical fastener sizes you'll encounter. A 250mm spanner with 30mm jaw capacity suits most general applications, whilst 150mm models work well in confined spaces. Professional tradespeople benefit from three-piece sets covering comprehensive size ranges. MyToolShed.co.uk offers value sets from Bahco and Facom providing complete coverage.

Build Quality: Professional-grade spanners from Bahco, Knipex, and Facom feature precision-machined components with minimal jaw play, ensuring secure gripping without slippage. Chrome vanadium construction provides longevity, whilst cheaper alternatives may round fasteners under high torque loads.

Jaw Type: Standard jaws suit general work, wide jaw models are essential for plumbing compression fittings, slim jaw designs access confined spaces, and reversible jaw options provide versatility for awkward angles. Consider your typical applications when selecting specialist features.

Handle Design: Ergonomic handles with rubberised grips significantly reduce hand fatigue. The Bahco 90 Series Ergo range exemplifies modern ergonomic design, offering superior comfort during extended use without compromising strength.

Safety Information

Always pull rather than push adjustable spanners when applying force to reduce injury risk if slippage occurs. Position the fixed jaw to bear the primary load as it's structurally stronger than the moveable jaw. Ensure the spanner is properly tightened onto the fastener before applying significant force, and never use pipes or extensions to increase leverage as this can exceed the tool's design limits. Inspect regularly for worn jaws or excessive play in the adjustment mechanism, replacing worn tools to maintain safe working practices. Wear appropriate PPE including safety glasses when applying significant force, particularly when removing seized fixings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size adjustable spanner do I need?

A 250mm adjustable spanner with approximately 30mm jaw capacity covers most general applications including automotive work and light plumbing tasks. Professional tradespeople typically carry 150mm, 250mm, and 300mm spanners for comprehensive coverage. Consider a three-piece set from Bahco or Draper available at MyToolShed for excellent value and versatility.

Why do adjustable spanners slip on fasteners?

Slippage occurs when the moveable jaw isn't tightened sufficiently, when worn jaws have excessive play, or when incorrectly positioned. Always ensure jaws grip tightly before applying force and position the fixed jaw to bear the load direction. Quality spanners from Knipex, Facom, or Bahco feature precision-machined components minimising this issue through accurate jaw alignment.

What's the difference between wide jaw and standard adjustable spanners?

Wide jaw adjustable spanners open significantly wider than standard models, specifically for gripping large diameter pipes, compression fittings, and oversized nuts common in plumbing work. They're essential for heating engineers and plumbers working with radiator valves, tap installations, and compression fittings up to 54mm diameter.