. "A wrench (also called a spanner) is a tool used to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque to turn objects\u2014usually rotary fasteners, such as nuts and bolts\u2014or keep them from turning.In British English, spanner is the standard term. The most common shapes are called open-ended spanner and ring spanner. The term wrench is generally used for tools that turn non-fastening devices (e.g."@en . .