A metal wrench featuring a curved hook or pin designed to fit into the lugs or rocker rings of fire hose couplings. Firefighters use it to apply leverage when connecting or disconnecting hoses, tightening hydrant caps, or operating gas valves. Many spanners incorporate a slot for shutting off residential gas meters and a pry wedge at the handle end.
Heard on the job
Grab a spanner and help me break this stubborn coupling on the supply line.
Insider tip
Always carry at least one spanner in your turnout gear pockets; trying to break a pressurized coupling by hand is a losing battle.
Also heard as
- spanner wrench