You may have heard the words spanner and wrench used interchangeably, either at work, at the store, or online. But what is ACTUALLY the difference between the two tools? Is there a difference? Oz General Store has the definitive answer to this question, so don’t stress!
Generally, the term “spanner” is the standard term in Australia, as well as New Zealand, Ireland and the UK. However, in North America/USA, they use the term “wrench” as standard.
In Australia and the rest of the “spanner” countries, the term “wrench” is used for tools with an adjustable profile size such as the pipe wrench, tap wrench, and monkey wrench – tools that are used to turn non-fastening implements. Conversely, as the US uses “wrench” as standard, the term “spanner” is used for a specialised form of spanner/wrench that feature adjustable hook/s as the head – this tool is often referred to as the “spanner wrench” in American markets.
The confusion often comes from the fact that people in Australia and the Commonwealth often end up using the terms spanner and wrench interchangeably anyway; this is a result of American imports and the US market blurring the lines between the two terms.
This distinction is why there are two forms of the same saying – in the UK, people often say “throw a spanner in the works” to refer to something being ruined or something going wrong. However, in the US you’re more likely to hear the term “throw a wrench into it”. In Australia, you’re more likely to hear the UK version, but not always. Same meaning, different wording.