In the May 2008 issue of KITPLANES I included a photo of a mystery wrench and asked folks to write in with identification. The response was a bit surprising in that this introduction-to-machining series of articles is being read by a lot of tool and die maker experts.
I’m flattered!
Some of the responses are shared below.
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The tool in question is a “hook spanner” or just “spanner wrench.” I ran a saw & tool grinding shop for 33 years. Nearly all our upright grinders (West German) used a “spanner wrench” to loosen/tighten the “ring” nut that held the grinding wheels to the spindle. They were marked in mm (millimeters) relevant to the outside diameter of the spanner nut. Yes, there were adjustable spanners, hinged mid point, so they could “span” several different sized nuts.
Roger M
Yuma, AZ
Please inform Bob the name he is looking for is ‘spanner’ as in hook-spanner, pin spanner, etc. When in doubt or looking for corroboration in tool naming conventions, I typically look at MSC and Snap-On. [Snap-On you know, MSC is a mega-supplier of all things industrial – Bob F.]
Hal P
I was born in
I have a tool very similar to the one on page 53. The handle is cast with the following information.
471 3/4-2IN. ADJUSTABLE SPANNER on the other.
It is painted in black enamel. I have had this tool for at least 60 years. My tool is as yours except that the pivot pin is flush with the handle.
Frank W
Thanks for the great input.
Bob Fritz – The Home Machinist
