Adjustable spanner

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Definition and History of Adjustable Spanner
– An adjustable spanner is a versatile hand tool used for gripping and turning objects.
– It is also known as a crescent wrench or an adjustable wrench.
– The adjustable spanner was invented by Johan Petter Johansson in 1892.
– It revolutionized the tool industry by allowing a single tool to fit various sizes of nuts and bolts.
– The design of the adjustable spanner has undergone improvements over the years, but the basic concept remains the same.

Types and Sizes of Adjustable Spanners
– Adjustable spanners come in various sizes, ranging from small handheld ones to larger industrial-grade versions.
– The size of an adjustable spanner refers to the maximum width of the jaws when fully opened.
– Some common sizes include 6 inches, 8 inches, and 10 inches.
– Adjustable spanners can have different types of jaws, such as straight jaws or curved jaws.
– Some adjustable spanners also have additional features, like a built-in scale for measuring the size of nuts and bolts.

Applications and Uses of Adjustable Spanners
– Adjustable spanners are widely used in mechanical and plumbing work.
– They are essential tools for tightening or loosening nuts, bolts, and other fasteners.
– Adjustable spanners are commonly used in automotive repairs and maintenance.
– They are also useful for assembling and disassembling furniture or appliances.
– In construction work, adjustable spanners are used for various tasks, such as tightening scaffolding bolts.

Advantages and Limitations of Adjustable Spanners
– One advantage of adjustable spanners is their versatility, as they can fit a wide range of nut and bolt sizes.
– Adjustable spanners are relatively easy to use, making them suitable for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
– They are compact and portable, making them convenient to carry in toolboxes or pockets.
– However, adjustable spanners may not provide as secure a grip as fixed-size spanners for high-torque applications.
– The moving parts of adjustable spanners may wear out over time, leading to reduced accuracy and precision.

Maintenance and Safety Tips for Adjustable Spanners
– Regularly clean adjustable spanners to remove dirt, grease, and debris.
– Lubricate the moving parts with a suitable lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
– Store adjustable spanners in a dry place to prevent rust or corrosion.
– Avoid using adjustable spanners on rounded or damaged nuts and bolts, as they may slip and cause injury.
– Always use adjustable spanners within their recommended maximum capacity to prevent damage or accidents. Source:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adjustable_spanner

Adjustable spanner (Wikipedia)

An adjustable spanner (UK and most other English-speaking countries), shifting spanner (Australia and New Zealand) or adjustable wrench (US and Canada) is any of various styles of spanner (wrench) with a movable jaw, allowing it to be used with different sizes of fastener head (nut, bolt, etc.) rather than just one fastener size, as with a conventional fixed spanner.

From the bottom:
  1. The first BAHCO-improvement adjustable wrench from 1892 (Enköping Mekaniska Verkstad)
  2. Adjustable wrench from 1910 with an improved handle (BAHCO)
  3. Adjustable wrench from 1915 with a slightly rounder handle (BAHCO)
  4. Adjustable wrench from 1954 with improved handle and new jaw angle of 15 degrees (BAHCO)
  5. Adjustable wrench from 1984 and the first with ERGO handle (BAHCO)
  6. Today's version of the adjustable wrench from 1992 with ERGO (BAHCO)
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