lens spanner wrench of choice?

[buggz]

Hello,
Is there such a beast, as a favorite make/model?
Or just get one of the ones offered on eBay?
Thanks.

[Kirk Gittings]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ns_Wrench.html

[buggz]

I've seen those.
I was leaning to more of the caliper styles with changeable tips?

[Kirk Gittings]

How often do you remount a lens? I've had mine for maybe 20 years and it still looks like new.

[jnantz]

sk grimes makes one ( point tip and slot tip )
the last spanner you will ever get ... and it comes in a wooden box too

[Walter Calahan]

I second SK Grimes' spannered wrench set. I have both the pointed and slot versions. Can't imagine needed anything else.

[Leigh]

I use the Rodenstock lens wrench (now labeled Linos) that Kirk linked in post #2 most of the time.

I actually prefer the Toyo wrench as being a much sturdier design, but...
1) it won't do size 3 shutters, only 1 and 2, and
2) the wide wings won't fit into recessed retaining ring holes in wooden lensboards.

Toyo wrench at B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ng_Wrench.html

They're both excellent products.

Adjustable spanners...

My favorite is the style that looks like an adjustable compass, with tips coming out at a right angle:



Note the metal castings for the arms. A cheaper version uses stampings, and is much weaker.

The SK Grimes spanner wrench looks good: http://www.skgrimes.com/products/spanner-wrench
I generally avoid this style, but his 1/4" square trammel bar and angled arms look reasonably strong.

Another type that I've seen but not used, that appears to be a decent design, is this:


One spanner to avoid is the H-type with the insertable tips, like this:


Those tips will move out of position under pressure, possibly damaging the lens or workpiece.
If you have one of these, DO NOT exert any significant downward pressure. You'll break something.


- Leigh

[Maris Rusis]

I make my own lens wrench out of two pine wood slats 10mmx30mm x300mm long held in parallel by three transverse bolts with wingnuts. Two screw drivers at the required spacing go through the space between the slats at right angles and are clamped by tightening the wingnuts. This gadget handles all retaining rings, flanges, filter rings , etc, that have two notches (or holes) 180 degrees apart. So far no retaining ring however corroded or jammed has resisted the mechanical advantage of this long handled "lens wrench".

[Old-N-Feeble]

Adjustable spanners...

My favorite is the style that looks like an adjustable compass, with tips coming out at a right angle:

Leigh... Where might on buy one of these online? Automotive tools retailer?

[Tony Karnezis]

One spanner to avoid is the H-type with the insertable tips, like this:


Those tips will move out of position under pressure, possibly damaging the lens or workpiece.
If you have one of these, DO NOT exert any significant downward pressure. You'll break something.

- Leigh

What a timely thread. I started looking for a good spanner today. The card type lens wrench has served my needs until now, but I just bought a lens in a recessed Linhof board that requires a spanner to reach the retaining ring. It sounds like I should avoid the design with removable tips out of concern for the tips shifting under torque.