• The right wrench will help you with your repair and building work.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  A wrench or spanner is a type of tool that helps you grip and turn objects, especially nuts and bolts. It provides you with the torque needed to loosen and tighten these objects. The term wrench is commonly used by Americans while spanner is what the British call this tool. The tools are exactly the same. Different wrenches allow you to perform different jobs.
  
  

Double End

• The double end wrench features two openings on either side of the shaft. These openings fit different size nuts and bolts. Generally, this type of wrench is part of a larger set, and it limits the number of wrenches that you need. One wrench works on two different size objects. According to Integrated Publishing, this type of wrench is also helpful if you need to reach underneath or behind objects and when you can't see the object that you need to loosen or tighten.
  
  

Adjustable

• An adjustable wrench features a single open head that slides right or left, depending on the size of the object with which you are working. It has a small dial that you move either upwards or downwards. Generally, the handles of these wrenches have either no coating or a rubber handle. Choose the rubber handle since it increases comfort and it improves your overall grip, reducing the chances that the wrench will slip out of your hands if your palms become sweaty or greasy.
  
  

Single Open End

• The single open end wrench only has an opening on one side of the shaft. According to Integrated Publishing, the length of the open end wrench shaft depends on the size of the jaw. The two main types of single open end wrenches are the construction and the engineer. The construction wrench has a long shank that tapers into a point, which helps you with alignment punch. Integrated Publishing indicates that the construction wrench is primarily used when manipulating heavy items. It is also used by people in the building industry. The engineer's wrench has a long, flat thick handle, which helps you grip the wrench better. Use this for blind attachment or removal, especially when working with items below or behind other items.
  
  

Torque

• The torque wrench is a flat wrench with a thin handle. In the center of the wrench is a dial which tells you the exact amount of torque that you are applying. The wrench head is located on the underside of the dial. Use this wrench when you need to apply an exact amount of torque to an object. Always zero out the wrench before using it again.