An adjustable spanner is a key tool for any tradesman. While you might think that it's just plumbers that use spanners on the site. However, they are an extremely useful piece of kit for any tradesman to have. Therefore you might be asking if you don't have one currently. What kind of spanners are the best and which kind do I need? It is a tool that does several purposes which is why it is such a prize tool for professionals.
Using an electrician as an example, if you are doing extensive work on the site every day we would always recommend bringing another gland spanner, but if you are just doing regular work it would always be best to bring an adjustable spanner as well. Now, we shall find which one is the best for your toolbox.
What is an adjustable spanner?
An adjustable spanner is an open-ended wrench with a movable jaw. Its function is very similar to any regular spanner, which is to grip fasteners, such as nuts and bolts. However, only adjustable spanners can grip all sizes. All of that is thanks to their very movable jaw to makes it easy to use.
An adjustable spanner is very handy, erasing the need for multiple-sized tools. This tool will fit most sizes of fasteners, quickly replacing all other spanners in your kit. No need to carry around a full, heavy set of spanners in your tool bag. You no longer need to find the correct size spanner. To know more, here is the type of it!
OX Pro 6-inch Adjustable Spanner
The Ox adjustable spanner is a good size and colour that makes it easy to see in the toolbox. The blue rubberised handle gives a good grip to ensure you don't slip when using it. Having a good adjustment and an extra wide feature making the jaws go to 34mm. Making it more versatile than others.
The smooth jaws provide a good grip on lug nuts and SWA but could be improved as they give a semi-loose grip due to the smoothness. This means the smooth jaws won't be prone to damage as easily when they are biting on something. Thus, many users have said after years of use, the adjustable spanner jaws are still in good condition. However, the handle is vulnerable to damage. The rubber at the base cracks after use and shows significant damage, which designers could improve in later versions.
Monument Wide Jaw 6-inch Adjustable Spanner
The monument is one of the oldest powerhouses in the tool industry. It has over 75 years of experience and produced one of the best 6-inch adjustable spanners. The slim line spanner has a different grip from others in the market, making it have a certain shape for holding. However, it does have the same extra wide jaws that the Ox Pro has, which provides maximum adjustment.
The monument adjustable spanner is quite small making it perfect for tight spaces. However, due to their slim design, it tends to not give a good grip when handling hard lugs and more causing it to slip. Due to its smooth jaws and a lot of similarity to the OX it presented with a lot of the same issue. Thus, it should be in your consideration if you are choosing to buy this one.
Bahco Ergo Wide Jaw 6-inch Adjustable Spanner
Bahco designed its adjustable spanner as a small, slim-line tool specifically for domestic work around the house rather than professional use. They have the same smooth jaws as the others, the Ox and Monument. What made it different was the second gripping jaw. The jaw can be reversed creating a gripping surface. Just in case if you have something tight where you need grip you can use this feature to get a better grip on it. The dual purpose of this spanner is to have a clear size indication alongside the jaws.
User reviews indicate the handle is more durable, with a hardened steel end instead of rubber, unlike the Monument. This small spanner is great for common housework from conduit and pipe work. It is quite strong as well. The durable build means it will last and won't give up under constant use. There is no slipping off with this adjustable spanner, thanks to the grip option professionals have made. It does make the job easier because it can switch the jaws around and get a good firm grip on it.
Channellock 8WCB WideAzz 8 inch
This is a general adjustable spanner that is available in quite a range of stores if those above are not available. If you are not looking to spend a lot of money and want a spanner that just works without any bells or whistles, then do the basics well. The Channellock 8WCB is a manageable 8-inch one of them, which means that it is a basic spanner without any advanced features. It has the jaw capacity of a much larger spanner, so it can do everything from precision work to a big job like piping.
With the jaws being narrow and coming to a point, it can work in tight spaces. Thus, making it better than other spanners. With a smooth thumb turn, the lower jaw has a little wobble making it uncomfortable. Although the padded grip offers a good grip it can wear out quickly with constant use.
Milwaukee 48-22-7508 8-inch
Just in case another adjustable spanner is not available. The Milwaukee 48-22-7508 8-inch is another good choice. It is the same length and width as the Channellock, however, the jaws are quite big. Thus, making it harder to work in tight spaces. However, they don't come as narrow of a point as the others. With no padding, it can be hard to grip.
While some people might think that the all-metal build is more comfortable it can be hard to use. Specifically, with the sweat and other fluids that might come into contact with the adjustable spanner, making it slippery. Most people would prefer the added hand protection of a grip or even a slight wrap to make it easier to use.
Irwin Vise-Grip 2078608 8-inch
If you’re not looking to invest much and just want a spanner that can handle the basics, the Irwin Vise-Grip 2078608 8-inch adjustable spanner is a good option. It opens to about 1 1⁄8 inches, so it can’t fit around larger plumbing connections or even a garden hose which can be quite limiting.
Its comfortable handle and solid build quality make it a nice choice for general around-the-house tasks. Such as assembling furniture or attaching training wheels to a bike. Thus making this a great budget pick. However, it might not be suitable for professional use due to the lack of professional features that tradesmen might need. The opening of the jaw is quite small as well making it hard to be used in a work site. Thus it can be very limiting when using it in professional settings.
Which one is the best?
In first place for the best adjustable spanner is the Bahco, due to its dual purpose and complete adjustability for the job at hand. Making it such a good spanner to have on the site or at home. The build of the spanner is the most durable with all the all-metal builds, making it having a longer-lasting life than the others.
Second place in this review is the Monument because like the Ox. It is not dual purpose but it is still better than the Ox at doing its job. They build the handle sturdier than those of similar products by using an exposed steel end instead of just rubber, which makes it last significantly longer.
Ox takes third place because it is an overall good adjustable spanner that will handle the task at hand well. It has an overall amazing build with one issue, which is the handle tends to quickly become damaged reducing its use life. It lacks versatility, making the OX take third place in our ranking.
Join us at CCM!
Now that you're well aware of which is the best adjustable spanner, it's also important to get the right training. This approach ensures that your projects, whether personal or professional, are completed to the highest quality. The CCM is an excellent choice for anyone looking to advance their skills. The courses met the evolving demands of the construction industry, ensuring that you gain practical knowledge.
The College of Contract Management offers top-notch courses to enhance your skills and knowledge. Whether you're learning about plumbing or pursuing advanced construction techniques, our programmes are designed to help you succeed. Start your journey today and take your career to new heights.
