The 6 Best Spanner Wrenches
This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in June of 2019. A spanner wrench is a specialty tool that is designed specifically to apply high torque to spanner head screws, bearings, and to shaft collars that are found in modern suspension components. They may come with pins on the inside or end hooks to catch the edges of shaft fasteners. Our picks cover some of the best available that will provide dependable performance. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Martin SHW5K
2. Armstrong 34-376
3. Williams WS-474
Editor's Notes
June 28, 2019:
Spanner wrenches are a great tool to have and they perform a wide range of jobs. Many prefer them over pipe wrenches because they are often lighter and provide the same leverage in confined sink areas to tighten or loosen old pipe nuts and collars.
There are many great options for spanner wrenches available for purchase. The Armstrong 34-376, the Williams WS-474, and the Martin SHW5K represent the best available sets. They not only use high strength materials and finishes but they also make their tools a lot more usable by adding girth to their handles. This is where tools like the 1320 Performance 4PC-COR, and the JEGS 81802 fell short. They are both well-built for the jobs they are meant to perform but they would be much better if their handles were dipped in rubber. Part of the reason why they have such a thin profile is because they appear to be laser cut, which makes it impossible to give a proper profile. Again, a simple rubber dip would have been acceptable.
Working with spanner wrenches normally involves manipulating high pressure systems like coil-overs or fluid conduits like piping. Any work on these systems should only be performed by trained professionals to avoid personal injury or damage to property.
4. Proto JC494
5. Jegs 81802
6. 1320 Performance 4PC-COR
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.