Co-operating organizations

The Mechanical Engineering Industry Standards Committee, under whose supervision this British Standard was prepared, consists of representatives from the following Government departments and scientific and industrial organizations:—

The Government departments and other organizations marked with an asterisk in the above list, together with the following, were directly represented on the Committee entrusted with the preparation of this standard:—

The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard:—

Committee reference MEE/9/4 Draft for comment CR(MEE) 5054

Foreword

This standard makes reference to the following British Standards:

BS 860, Table of approximate comparison of hardness scales.

BS 916, Black bolts and nuts. Hexagon and square, BSW and BSF.

BS 970, Wrought steels.

BS 1083, Precision hexagon bolts, screws, nuts and plain washers.

BS 1769, Unified black hexagon bolts, screws and nuts and plain washers. Heavy series.

This British Standard, which has been prepared under the authority of the Mechanical Engineering Industry Standards Committee, forms one of a group relating to various types of spanners which are either already published or in course of preparation.

Although these spanners are generally known by the name adopted for this specification, i.e. podger spanners, they are also sometimes referred to by the alternative names of “rat-tail spanners”, “erector’s spanners” or “constructor’s spanners”.

It was originally intended to include the specifications for railway track spanners, square nut (Post Office type) spanners and podger spanners in one standard, but consideration of their entirely different and distinct functions led to a decision to keep them separate. Not the least of the considerations in the case of podger spanners centred on safety, particularly having regard to the severe stresses (and abuse) to which they are sometimes subject.

It was seen to be impossible to provide for a tool which would be safe under all conditions and on all occasions but, throughout the work of preparation, the question of safety has been kept well to the forefront, the intention being to produce a document which would ensure that the tools did not fall below a certain standard of quality and therefore safety.

Two different designs of spanner are included, one applying when the tool is manufactured from steel to En 3A and the other when it is made from En 8. The proportions and heat treatment of each have been laid down in relation to the use of the spanner, whether turning a nut or bolt or whether being applied through the podger end to force heavy steel beams into line or as a cantilever on which the operator intends to stand. There is no doubt that this latter use, while very widespread, is injudicious and ill-advised. It constitutes a type of abuse for which such a specification cannot provide, although it was considered when the loads for the torque test were being investigated and when actual tests were being made. It is quite common in steel construction work for these spanners to be left lying in the foundations or on open ground after erection is completed. It will be readily understood that the strength and safety of the tool is likely to be seriously affected by the resultant corrosion and that extra precautions should be taken if the spanner is to be used again, particularly on the top of high structures.

In conclusion it should be remarked that while several other forms of podger spanner are popular and in fairly wide use, those given in this specification have been selected because they represent types which can be adopted with some confidence having proved their value during lengthy and extensive service in construction work and in shipyards.

A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.

Summary of pages

This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv, pages 1 to 8, an inside back cover and a back cover.

This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the inside front cover.

1 Scope

This British Standard relates to the materials, proportions, dimensions and tests of spanners having an open jaw at one end and with the shank tapering to form a podger bar at the other end, as designed for use on construction work and in shipyards.

2 Material

3 Heat treatment and hardness

4 Proportions

5 Head inclination and cranking

6 Finish

7 Range

8 Marking

9 Dimensions

10 Torque tests

BS 2583:1955

Specification for podger spanners

Current

Published:

3 Mar 1955