Combination Spanners

About Combination Spanners

Combination spanners are essential hand tools featuring a ring spanner on one end and an open-ended spanner on the other, both sized to fit the same nut or bolt. This dual-purpose design makes them incredibly versatile for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts tackling fastening tasks. The ring end provides a secure grip and even force distribution, ideal for loosening tight fixings or applying final torque, whilst the open end offers quick access in confined spaces or for rapid spinning on longer threads.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of combination spanners including individual pieces and complete sets from trusted brands such as Bahco, Draper, BlueSpot, and Bosch Professional. Whether you need metric or imperial sizing, standard length or extra-long reach, traditional fixed-head designs or modern ratchet mechanisms, you'll find quality options to suit your requirements. Sets range from compact 5-piece collections for basic maintenance through to professional 25-piece sets covering virtually every standard fixing size.

Applications

Combination spanners are fundamental tools across virtually every trade and industry:

• Motor Mechanics and Vehicle Technicians – Essential for automotive repair, servicing and engine rebuilds
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers – Required for pipework connections, radiator valves and compression fittings
• Plant and Machinery Fitters – Critical for assembling and maintaining industrial equipment
• Electricians – Useful for cable gland assembly, busbar connections and electrical panel installation
• HVAC Technicians – Necessary for ductwork, ventilation systems and air conditioning units
• Agricultural Engineers – Indispensable for farm machinery maintenance in outdoor environments
• Bicycle Mechanics – Smaller sizes perfect for cycle maintenance and assembly
• Maintenance Engineers – Used across all sectors for equipment servicing and facility upkeep
• DIY Enthusiasts – Fundamental for home maintenance, furniture assembly and general repairs

Choosing The Right Combination Spanners

Set vs Individual Spanners: For tradespeople and serious DIYers, a comprehensive set offers better value and ensures you have the right size for most jobs. Popular configurations include 8-piece, 12-piece and 25-piece sets covering all common metric or imperial sizes.

Measurement System: UK and European machinery typically uses metric fasteners (measured in millimetres), whilst older equipment may use imperial AF sizes. Common metric sizes range from 6mm to 32mm, with 8mm to 19mm being most frequently used.

Standard vs Ratchet Design: Traditional fixed combination spanners are reliable and affordable. Ratchet combination spanners cost more but dramatically increase productivity on repetitive fastening tasks, eliminating constant repositioning and reducing hand fatigue.

Material Quality: Chrome vanadium steel represents the professional standard, offering excellent strength, durability and corrosion resistance. Quality spanners from brands available at MyToolShed.co.uk feature precisely machined jaws that fit fixings accurately, reducing rounding and damage.

Safety Information

Pull, Don't Push: Where possible, pull the spanner handle towards you rather than pushing away for better control and reduced injury risk if the spanner slips.

Correct Size Selection: Always use the correctly-sized spanner for the fastening. Oversized spanners damage fixings and are more likely to slip, potentially causing injury.

Inspect Before Use: Check spanners regularly for signs of wear, damage or cracking, particularly around the ring end and jaw areas. Damaged tools should be withdrawn from service immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between metric and AF spanners?

Metric spanners are sized in millimetres (6mm, 8mm, 10mm, etc.) whilst AF (Across Flats) or imperial spanners use fractional inches (1/4", 5/16", 3/8", etc.). UK and European equipment predominantly uses metric, whilst older machinery may require AF sizes. The two systems are not interchangeable.

Are ratchet combination spanners worth the extra cost?

For professional tradespeople undertaking repetitive fastening work, ratchet combination spanners significantly increase productivity and reduce hand fatigue. Whilst they cost more than traditional spanners, the time savings quickly justify the investment for regular users. DIY enthusiasts with occasional use may find standard spanners adequate.

What sizes should I include in a basic toolkit?

For general DIY and household maintenance, an 8-piece to 12-piece metric set covering 8mm to 19mm handles most common tasks. The most frequently used sizes are typically 10mm, 13mm, 17mm and 19mm. Professional tradespeople benefit from more comprehensive 14-piece or 25-piece sets.