The wheel spanner is an indispensable tool for any driver, especially when it comes to changing a tire.
Choosing a wrench for changing tires is therefore essential, as it makes all the difference to an efficient and safe replacement.
Discover in this article the different types of wheel wrenches, how to use them and the options we have available in our catalogue.
What Is Wheel Spanner?
A wheel spanner is an essential tool for tightening or loosening a vehicle’s wheel nuts.
Please note that the size of the tip of this tool is specific to the wheel nuts of each vehicle.
What Is The Main Purpose Of A Spanner?
The wheel spanner is used to remove the nuts from the car tire and is available in various shapes and types of fitting.
As it is very useful for replacing a flat tire with a spare, this wrench is part of the basic kit to have in any boot, which also includes a jack and safety triangle.
What Are The Types Of Wheel Spanners?
The most common types of wheel spanner are:
- Cross wheel spanner;
- L-shaped wheel spanner with a 90 degree angle;
- Pipe-shaped wheel spanner with a hexagonal working element and a crowbar at the opposite end;
- Telescopic wheel spanner;
- Torque wrenches.
How Should You Use A Wheel Spanner?
To use the universal wheel spanner, you must:
- Remove the wheel covers to access the lug nuts;
- Remove the lug nuts using the special spanner in the vehicle’s tool kit;
- Insert the wheel loosening spanner into each of the nuts and loosen;
- Remove each nut carefully;
- Replace the nuts in each hole;
- Slightly tighten with the spanner until the nuts are secure;
- Tighten the nuts more firmly with the spanner diagonally.
What Care Should You Take When Handling A Wheel Spanner?
When handling this tool, you must:
- Make sure that the head of the wheel spanner fits into the clamping seats;
- Do not exceed the tightening torque recommended by the manufacturer;
- Tighten the fasteners in a clockwise direction;
- Use the specific heads for each fastener.
If the nuts or bolts on your car’s wheel show signs of corrosion, you should take extra care when loosening the wheel nuts.
How Do I Know The Right Wheel Spanner Size For My Car?
The size of the spanner should match the size of the nuts on your car.
Most cars use standard nuts, but it’s important to check the diameter and type of fit of the nuts in the vehicle handbook or by measuring them with a caliper.
Make sure that the wheel spanner you choose has the right fit to ensure safe removal of the nuts.
How Do I Choose The Best Wheel Spanner For My Car?
Choosing the best wrench for changing tires depends on the type of vehicle and your needs.
For passenger cars, the ‘L’ shaped spanner is common and practical, providing good leverage.
For larger vehicles, such as SUVs, a telescopic spanner can be more effective, as it offers greater reach and strength.
Also check the type of nut on your vehicle, as some spanners have specific fittings.
What Tips For Choosing The Best Wheel Spanner?
To choose the best spanner for unscrewing wheels, you should:
- Check the type of nut fitting on your vehicle;
- Consider the size and length of the spanner;
- Select the material of the spanner (the best materials are carbon steel and stainless steel, as they guarantee greater durability and resistance to wear);
- Pay attention to ergonomics and comfort;
- Consider the portability and storage of the tool.
Where To Buy A Good Quality Wheel Spanner?
You can buy this wrench in specialized auto parts shops, which offer a variety of auto tools. Ideally, you should look for a KROFtools dealer, a Portuguese company with over 30 years’ experience in the market, dedicated to distributing tools for the automotive industry.
Which Wheel Spanners Are Available In The Kroftools Catalogue?
The following wheel wrenches are available in the KROFtools catalogue:
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Tubular Wheel Wrench
This tube is compatible with the 19x400mm bar for the ref: 3063 wheel spanner.
Click on the image to find out more about the Tubular Wheel Wrench (Ref. 230)
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Tubular Wheel Wrench + Tommy Bar
Click on the image to find out more about the Tubular Wheel Wrench + Tommy Bar (Ref.244).
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Cross-Wheel Spanner 17x19x21x23mm
This hand tool has four socket sizes (17 mm, 19 mm, 21 mm and 23 mm) and is especially suitable for simplifying the removal and installation of nuts of various sizes.
Click on the image to find out more about the Cross Wheel Spanner (Ref: 3067).
How Much Does A Wheel Spanner Cost?
The price of a wheel spanner ranges from tens to hundreds of euros.
This varies depending on the specifics of the spanner, as well as the model and brand.
How Should I Store My Spanner For Durability?
To ensure the durability of your key, store it in a dry place protected from moisture, such as a tool bag.
Avoid leaving it exposed to extreme temperature changes or weather conditions that could damage it.
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