Firefighting History & Traditions

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Here we will talk about various topics relating directly to the history of firefighting, our equipment and various other items.
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History of the Spanner

by Jeff Patterson

Apr 17, 2008

I wish I could give you the answer but I'm actually looking for it. How did the spanner wrench get its name?

Anyone?
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    SMOKEnPipesJim

    spanner
    One entry found.

    spanner



    Main Entry: span·ner
    Pronunciation: \ˈspa-nər\
    Function: noun
    Etymology: German, instrument for winding springs, from spannen to stretch; akin to Middle Dutch spannen to stretch — more at span
    Date: circa 1790
    1chiefly British : wrench
    2: a wrench that has a hole, projection, or hook at one or both ends of the head for engaging with a corresponding device on the object that is to be turned
    [spanner illustration]
    this was from merrium webster on line , the illistrations show basic Pin spanners along the lines of a Booster line type ...
    http://www.merriam-webster.com/art/dict/spanner.htm
    The Brits still refer to "spanners" as we do "wrenches" Now as far as how the fire service adopted or more importantly "kept" the terminology would be the interesting part to dig up....:).. I guess it figures we would refer to them as "spanner wrenchs" since we do seem to enjoy redundancies...lol

    Apr 19, 2008

  • up

    Jeff Patterson

    Well this is a great start. I'll continue digging and see if I can add to it. Thanks.......

    Stay Low

    Apr 19, 2008