(Australia, New Zealand) An adjustable hand tool for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts.

(especially (Britain)) a spanner with a ring-shaped jaw with internal serrations which grip onto a nut or bolt.

plural of ring spanner

Something that disrupts smooth operation or functioning; used especially in phrases such as throw a spanner in the works, put a spanner in the works etc.

plural of spanner in the works

plural of torque spanner

(idiomatic, UK) To introduce a problem, dilemma or obstacle, something unexpected or troublesome.

(UK) A traditional double-ended bicycle spanner with a selection of usually 10 sizes—five on each end—arranged in a ball form.

Alternative form of throw a spanner in the works

plural of dog bone spanner