Odd Spanner

[RichardNParticipant @richardn]

Random question- anyone come across a spanner like this before?

Actually it is effective, and varies from 10-22mm. I assume continental origin based on the spelling and metric nature, and was found in a gutter years ago.

Surprisingly useful, but never seen similar for sale? The irregular hexagonal ends rotate on the pins, in case that’s not obvious!

[RichardNParticipant @richardn]

‘Adjustable’ 10-22mm

[Clive FosterParticipant @clivefoster55965]

There are several variants of this design floating around. I've handled two and seen at least three more illustrated / pictured.

As you say they are effective but can be a pain to get on the nut or bolt head. Hopeless with the modern tapered all ways integrated bolt head & washer systems but can be very good on damaged heads.

I din't particularly miss mine when it disappeared on loan.

Clive

[David Hill 5Participant @davidhill5]

I have a set of three to cover quite a size range. No idea where I bought them, might have been in Germany as I lived there for 15 years a couple of decades ago. Actually, can't ever remember using them as my first choice is always a proper spanner or socket!

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

I think I've seen them in Aldi, some time ago. I've certainly seen them before

[Bo’sunParticipant @bosun58570]

Looks like an "Ideal Home Show" special. Bought because it looked good at the time, but then just languishes in a drawer somewhere, because a regular spanner is more convenient.

[Rod RenshawParticipant @rodrenshaw28584]

+1 for the Ideal Home Exhibition special. Worked OK for a time but snapped when it met a tight nut, and not really missed as it had a tendency to chew up the nuts.

Rod

[Jeff DaymanParticipant @jeffdayman43397]

The slang in German for that wrench type, at least in Augsburg area, is "mutternwracke". Translated to English, it is "nut-ruiner" (for good reason).

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Not the exact one, but I have one or two in one of my toolboxes… Rarely used.

[peak4Participant @peak4]

I do have a couple of those somewhere, but never been that impressed with them.

Cromna ones however, whilst no longer made, really do work well; they grip rusty and rounded fasteners, as well as round bar if used carefully. Available in sizes 1-4.

I've not reproduced the photos here to save clogging up the forum storage, but there's a few either side of that photo in my flickr album.
There's also a few extra ones in my Facebook album if you have access to that particular social media.

Bill

[Dr. MC BlackParticipant @dr-mcblack73214]

I have one.

i think I bought it from Radiospares around 40 years ago.

i think I know where it is too!

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Have number of this sort of spanner, almost all unused, but seemed "A good idea at the time"

If the worst comes to the worst, a "footprint", Stilson or Mole wrench usually do the trick,, but at the expense of the the appearance of the piece being rotated.

Howard

[Grindstone CowboyParticipant @grindstonecowboy]

Have a very cheaply made version (no idea where from, I certainly didn't pay for it) that twists out of shape when used for anything even slightly tight.

I think the basic idea is good, if properly made. I prefer my Adjust-a-Box wrench though.

Rob

[Peter G. ShawParticipant @peterg-shaw75338]

I have one as in the photo at the top. On one side it says "#A210 Taiwan 3/8-13/16"" (yes one set of double apostrophes from the spanner, and one from me).

On the other side it says " (Strange symbol I can't reproduce) 15-22 MASTER9-14 N".

The heads are chromium plated, and coming off, whilst the main handle looks as if it might be chrome-vanadium.

Peter G. Shaw

[Tim StevensParticipant @timstevens64731]

There are many variations of self adjusting spanners around – in general it seems true to say 'They fit every nut equally badly'. But still, 100% better than stillsons – unless you have no regard for the skin on your fingers.

And in case anyone has forgotten, the double apostrophe after a number often means inches. Or it did in the good old days.

Cheers, Tim

[Peter G. ShawParticipant @peterg-shaw75338]

No Tim, I hadn't – I just wanted to be clear that it wasn't a typing error.

Peter G. Shaw

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