What Is a Pin Spanner?
A pin spanner is a tool used to insert a pin in a part with a hole or to hook and rotate a pin in the groove of a part.
There are two types of pin spanners: the hook type, which hooks the pin on the side of the object, and the open-mouth type, which hooks the pin on the top of the object. The hook type is suitable for turning threaded parts, such as nuts, while the open-mouth type is suitable for turning threaded parts.
Both types are used for turning screws, but note that the method of use is different.
How to Use Pin Spanners
The use of pin spanners varies greatly depending on the type used. Here, we would like to explain how to use the hook type and the open-mouth type.
- Hook type
The hook type is mainly used to turn nut-shaped screws. A hole or groove is cut in the side of the nut, into which the pin on the end of the pin spanner is hooked. The opposite side of the arc is then placed against the nut and turned in the tightening or loosening direction. - Open Mouth Type
To use the open-mouth type, insert the pins at the tips of the two arms into the two holes in the object to turn it. The arm width can be adjusted with a screw or freely moved.
How to Choose Pin Spanners
There are different ways to select pin spanners, depending on the thickness of the pin and the way to adjust the width of the arm opening. Here, we would like to explain how to select an open-mouth type.
- Selecting by pin thickness
When choosing pin spanners by pin thickness, you need to select a size that fits perfectly in the hole. If the pin is too large, it will not fit in the hole, and if the pin is too small, it may break when force is applied. It is necessary to check that there is no gap when the pin is inserted into the hole. - Selecting by arm width adjustment method
There are two main ways to adjust arm width.
The first is the free-type adjustment method, in which two arms are connected only by a fulcrum pin. There is no limit to the width of the arm opening, and this has the advantage of allowing quick opening and closing. However, since the width tends to shift, it must be adjusted each time it is inserted into the hole.
The second type adjusts the arm width with a screw. The advantage of this type is that the arm width can be easily fine-tuned and does not shift when the pin is removed from the hole. When doing the same job over and over again, efficiency is increased because there is no need to adjust the width. However, it takes time to adjust the width of the hole at the beginning.