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Wrench
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<p>A wrench or spanner is a <a href="/facts/Tool/KhhEHz1I">tool</a> used to provide grip and <a href="/facts/Mechanical_advantage/tWX3c82Q">mechanical advantage</a> in applying <a href="/facts/Torque/KcrcvNtV">torque</a> to turn objects—usually rotary <a href="/facts/Fastener/earBwoS6">fasteners</a>, such as <a href="/facts/Nut_(hardware)/RvmcvYH8">nuts</a> and <a href="/facts/Screw/Rr0k38TC">bolts</a>—or keep them from turning. </p><p>In the <a href="/facts/United_Kingdom/kuPAILt2">UK</a>, <a href="/facts/Ireland/35vYxXdP">Ireland</a>, <a href="/facts/Australia/qLHpbppq">Australia</a>, and <a href="/facts/New_Zealand/4mpSlJdg">New Zealand</a> <i>spanner</i> is the standard term. The most common shapes are called <i>open-ended spanner</i> and <i>ring spanner</i>. The term <i>wrench</i> is generally used for tools that turn non-fastening devices (e.g. tap wrench and pipe wrench), or may be used for a <a href="/facts/Monkey_wrench/jfKCqQjr">monkey wrench</a>—an adjustable <a href="/facts/Pipe_wrench/AoGEXjnq">pipe wrench</a>. </p><p>In <a href="/facts/North_American_English/vX9W1Xz1">North American English</a>, <i>wrench</i> is the standard term. The most common shapes are called <i>open-end wrench</i> and <i>box-end wrench</i>. In <a href="/facts/American_English/sdAfgPgM">American English</a>, <i>spanner</i> refers to a specialized wrench with a series of pins or tabs around the circumference. (These pins or tabs fit into the holes or notches cut into the object to be turned). In American commerce, such a wrench may be called a <i>spanner wrench</i> to distinguish it from the British sense of <i>spanner</i>. </p><p>Higher quality wrenches are typically made from <a href="/facts/Chromium/6sVk6Uu7">chromium</a>-<a href="/facts/Vanadium/UvKkKTSm">vanadium</a> alloy <a href="/facts/Tool_steel/CwCoRyqj">tool steels</a> and are often <a href="/facts/Forging/SYFomJNp">drop-forged</a>. They are frequently <a href="/facts/Chrome_plating/gM9SIhsr">chrome-plated</a> to resist <a href="/facts/Corrosion/lIC7H4we">corrosion</a> and for ease of cleaning. </p><p>Hinged tools, such as <a href="/facts/Pliers/LsKthwk2">pliers</a> or <a href="/facts/Tongs/65fDlTky">tongs</a>, are not generally considered wrenches in English, but exceptions are the <a href="/facts/Plumber_wrench/6H1DD8X3">plumber wrench</a> (pipe wrench in <a href="/facts/British_English/ymJR5Rnd">British English</a>) and <a href="/facts/Locking_pliers/sYQhqo3R">Mole wrench</a> (sometimes Mole grips in British English). </p><p>The word can also be used in slang to describe an unexpected obstacle, for example, "He threw a spanner in the works" (in U.S. English, "monkey wrench"). </p>