In the basic hand-tool sense, “spanner” is the usual UK term and “wrench” is the usual US term. “Wrench” also has verb and figurative noun senses, so the regional equivalence should not be extended beyond the tool meaning.
ReviewedEvidence2 sourcesSectionEnglish Usage
Quick answer
For the hand tool used to grip and turn nuts, bolts, or similar objects, use “spanner” in UK-oriented English and “wrench” in US-oriented English.
Key details
Confusion Familyregional vocabulary
Rule Familyregional tool vocabulary
Termsspanner, wrench
Variant ScopeThe UK/US equivalence applies to the tool sense; “wrench” also has unrelated verb and figurative noun senses.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Spanner” is the standard UK term for the tool; “wrench” is the standard US term in the corresponding sense.
Fast Test
If you mean the hand tool, match the term to region; if “wrench” means twist/pull violently or an emotional wrench, there is no “spanner” substitution.
Usage Boundary
Different tool subtypes may have more specific names, so this regional equivalence is general rather than a claim that every specialized spanner and wrench is identical.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
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