Wrench facts for kids
A wrench (or spanner) is a handy tool that helps you grip and turn things like nuts and bolts. It's super useful for putting things together or taking them apart!
In countries like the United Kingdom, people usually call this tool a spanner. The most common types are called open-ended spanners and ring spanners. The word wrench is often used for tools that turn other things, like a pipe wrench for pipes, or for an adjustable wrench.
How Wrenches Work
What a wrench or spanner does is grip onto something tightly. When you pull or push the handle, it helps you turn the object with more power. This power is called torque. Wrenches apply torque to turn objects, usually things that spin, like nuts and bolts. They can also hold objects still so they don't turn.
Different Kinds of Wrenches
There are many types of wrenches, each designed for different jobs.
Adjustable Wrenches
An adjustable wrench, sometimes called a crescent wrench in American English, is a very useful tool. It has a special jaw that can move, letting you adjust it to fit nuts or bolts of many different sizes. This means you don't need a separate wrench for every single size!
This clever tool was invented by Edwin Beard Budding (1795–1846). He was also the person who invented the lawnmower!
Images for kids
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A special spanner used with an old wheel-lock gun. It had a square hole to turn a part that tightened the gun's spring.
See also
In Spanish: Llave (herramienta) para niños
