What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Pliers vs Spanner - What's the difference?

pliers | spanner |

As nouns the difference between pliers and spanner

is that pliers is a gripping tool that multiplies the strength of the user's hand while spanner is a hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts.

pliers

English

(wikipedia pliers)

Noun

(en-plural noun)
  • A gripping tool that multiplies the strength of the user's hand
    • I need a pair of pliers to get a good grip on that broken screw.
  • English plurals

    • Usage notes

    * To make clear the quantity under discussion clearer, the expressions "a pair of pliers" or "(however many) pairs of pliers" can be used. * "A pliers" is somewhat awkward, though accepted in American English.

    Derived terms

    * needlenose pliers

    See also

    * pincers

    Anagrams

    * * * * * * English pluralia tantum

    spanner

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (Australian, NZ, British, Irish) A hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts.
    • Pass me that spanner , Jake; there's just one more nut to screw in.
  • (rare) One who, or that which, spans.
  • * 1915 , Florence Kiper Frank, The Jew to Jesus: and other poems
    • The scheme of the spanner of continents and the desire of the little husbandman hoarding for his loved ones...
  • (weaponry) A hand tool shaped like a small crank handle, for winding the spring of a wheel lock on a musket.
  • :* 1786 , Fig. 10. The spanner for spanning or winding up the spring of the wheel lock. — Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons , page xvi.
  • (obsolete) A device in early steam engines for moving the valves for the alternate admission and shutting off of the steam.
  • (UK) A problem, dilemma or obstacle; something unexpected or troublesome (in the phrase spanner in the works )
    • Halfway through the production of Macbeth, the director found that the stage was smaller than he expected. This really threw a spanner in the works.
  • (British, Irish, mildly, derogatory) A stupid or unintelligent person; one prone to making mistakes, especially in language.
    • You spanner , Rodney! I wanted a Chinese, not an Indian!

    Synonyms

    * (hand tool for nuts and bolts) wrench (US)

    Related terms

    * adjustable spanner * ring spanner * spanner barb * throw a spanner in the works

    Descendants

    * Malay: (l)

    Anagrams

    *