In American commerce, such a wrench may be called a spanner wrench to distinguish it from the British sense of spanner. In Turkey, wrench is most commonly called "English wrench", "froglet wrench" or "adjustable wrench".

Spanners are size-specific. The most common is the combination spanner, which has a closed – 'box' – end and an open end to help with different access points, although there are a wide variety of different types such as double box or offset spanners.

A spanner (which can be referred to as a fixed tool) is used to turn nuts and bolts, either loosening or tightening them.

High-strength hook and pin spanner wrenches are tools designed to apply high torque and withstand extreme working conditions. These wrenches are commonly used in the construction, engineering, and mechanical industries, where considerable force is required to loosen or tighten large-sized nuts and bolts.