Definition

Noun: A type of wrench (spanner) with a movable jaw, allowing it to be resized to fit nuts, bolts, or fittings of various sizes. The tool's opening can be changed to different settings.

Usage

An adjustable spanner is a versatile hand tool used for turning fasteners. It is adjusted by turning a screw mechanism that moves one jaw along a slide.

Examples

• "I need an adjustable spanner to tighten this pipe fitting."
• "The mechanic reached for his adjustable spanner to loosen the bolt."
• "An adjustable spanner is useful for a variety of tasks because it fits multiple sizes."

Advanced Usage

• "To adjust the adjustable spanner": To change the jaw width by turning the worm screw.
  • Before you use it, make sure to adjust the adjustable spanner to the correct size.

Variants and Related Words

• Adjustable wrench: The more common term in American English, synonymous with "adjustable spanner" (primarily British English).
• Crescent wrench: A common brand name (Crescent®) often used generically, especially in North America, to refer to an adjustable wrench/spanner.
• Monkey wrench: An older, heavier type of adjustable wrench with smooth jaws, often confused with but distinct from the modern adjustable spanner/wrench.

Synonyms

• Adjustable wrench
• Shifting spanner (regional)

Antonyms

• Fixed spanner / Fixed wrench: A wrench with a single, unchangeable opening size (e.g., an open-end wrench or ring spanner).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "One tool for many jobs": A phrase that describes the utility of an adjustable spanner, as it can replace a set of fixed-size wrenches for basic tasks.

Noun

1. can be changed to different settings