A wrench or spanner is a tool used to turn bolts or other hard-to-turn items. There are many types of wrench, including the:

  • open-ended spanner: a one-piece spanner that grips two opposite faces of the nut
  • adjustable spanner/wrench: an open-ended spanner/wrench with adjustable (usually smooth) jaws
  • monkey wrench: adjustable wrench with serrated jaws (depicted above right)
  • ring spanner: a one-piece spanner that encloses the nut on all sides
  • combination spanner: a double-ended tool with an open-ended spanner at one end and a ring spanner at the other
  • spoke wrench
  • Allen wrench
  • hand wrench
  • pipe wrench
  • strap or chain wrench: a self-tightening strap or chain attached to a handle, used to grip and turn smooth cylindrical objects
  • oil-filter wrench: a type of chain wrench for removing cylindrical oil filters
  • socket spanner/wrench: a hollow cylinder that fits over one end of a nut
  • box spanner: a tube with a socket formed at one end, that can reach a nut at the bottom of a hole or in a restricted space