Spanner Wrenches

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Stackable spanner wrenches, like the SPW603, can be fitted together to reach retaining rings in long lens tubes.

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An SPW602 spanner wrench is used to place an optic in a lens tube via a retaining ring. This spanner wrench features an engraved scale to indicate spanner wrench depth.

• Individual Sizes for Standard Retaining Rings
• Knurled Handle for Improved Grip
• Stackable Spanner Wrenches for Reaching Retaining Rings in Longer Lens Tubes

These spanner wrenches enable adjustment or installation of many of our standard retaining rings. The hollow construction of each spanner wrench allows the retaining ring to be adjusted without obscuring the beam path. They feature knurled handles for improved grip as well as flanges to keep the retaining ring on the end of the spanner wrench while inserting or removing the ring.

As shown to the right, the SPW602 features an engraved scale to indicate spanner wrench depth in both imperial and metric increments (0.1" and 0.5 mm, respectively), thereby enabling precise positioning of optics.

For retaining rings not covered by these cylindrical spanner wrenches, please see the SPW801 Adjustable Spanner Wrench sold at the bottom of the page. The SPW801 features an adjustable spanning range as well as long blades that extend 1.6" (40.7 mm) from the body of the wrench. Hence, for lenses with a high radius of curvature, we recommend using the SPW801 over the cylindrical spanner wrenches, whose guide flanges may come into contact with the lens.

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The spanner bits can be used with Thorlabs' TD24 Torque Driver, allowing a precise amount of torque to be applied. This is ideal for our SM-threaded Polaris™ Mirror Mounts, which have specific recommended mounting torques.

• Bits Available for SM05, SM1, SM2, and SM3 Retaining Rings
• Fits Any Standard 1/4" Hex Socket
• Kit Offered with SM05, SM1, and SM2 Spanner Bits; Driver Handle with 1/4" Hex Socket; and Case

Spanner Bits allow SM-threaded retaining rings to be installed or adjusted without damaging optics that may be in place. They feature a standard 1/4" hex shank that allows them to be used with a manual driver handle, such as the one included in the kit below.

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The SPB600 Spanner Bit Kit Comes with a Handle with a 1/4" Hex Socket

Each bit includes guide flanges that prevent most optical elements from being scratched while the bit is being inserted. When using lenses with high curvature, we recommend the SPW801 Adjustable Spanner Wrench sold below, which uses long blades that prevent scratches caused by the guide flanges.

The SPB600 Spanner Wrench Bit Kit includes bits for SM05 (0.535"-40), SM1 (1.035"-40), and SM2 (2.035"-40) retaining rings; a driver handle with a 1/4" hex socket; and a carrying case. In addition, the case has a location to house the SM3 (3.035"-40) spanner bit available separately below.

If using these bits with a power drill, care should be taken to avoid overtightening the retaining ring due to the added torque created by the tool. Electric tools should be used at a low speed, and we recommend that the final tightening of the retaining ring be done by hand.

• SPW908: For Externally SM05-Threaded Adapters (See Table Below)
• SPW909: For Externally SM1- or C-Mount-Threaded Adapters (See Table Below)
• Hollow Construction Allows Beam to Pass Through
• Compact 1" Length Enables Adjustments in Tight Spaces

These spanner wrenches feature a hollow construction that allows thread adapters to be positioned without obscuring the beam path, enabling fine adjustment while a beam is being collimated. Their knurled handles provide improved grip, and their 1" length allows them to be used in tight spaces, such as within a 30 mm cage assembly.

If your application uses our S05LEDM LED Adapter, please see the SPW301 Spanner Wrench sold below.

• Designed for Mounted Aspheres
• SPW301 is also for Diode Collimation Tubes, Focusing Tubes, and Adapters
• Hollow Construction Allows Beam to Pass Through
• Guide Flange Prevents Scratching of Optic Elements

These spanner wrenches are used to install and adjust our mounted aspheric lenses. Compatibility information is located on our aspheric lens webpages (see the table to the right). The SPW301 Spanner Wrench is additionally compatible with the retaining rings used in the S05LEDM LED Adapter and our laser diode collimation and focusing tubes.

The spanner wrenches sold here feature a hollow construction that allows fine adjustment without obscuring the beam path. The guide flanges prevent optical surfaces from being scratched while the wrench is being inserted, and the knurled handles provide improved grip. Their compact 1" length allows them to be used in tight spaces.

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Through Holes Give Access to Adjuster Screws

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The end of the SPW403 accepts a 5/64" hex wrench, which can be used to provide additional torque.

• Designed for use with our Adjuster Screw Locking Collars
• SPW403: Compatible with the F10SC1-5 M2.5 x 0.20 Locking Collar and FiberPort Zθ Locking Collars
• SPW401: Compatible with the F19SC1 3/16"-100 Locking Collar
• SPW402: Compatible with the F25SC1 1/4"-80 Locking Collar

The SPW403, SPW401, and SPW402 spanner wrenches are designed for use with our locking collars for M2.5 x 0.20, 3/16"-100, and 1/4"-80 adjuster screws, respectively. The SPW403 can also tighten or loosen the Zθ locking collars on our FiberPort collimators. The spanner wrenches are 0.75" (SPW403) or 1.50" (SPW401 and SPW402) long, have a knurled grip, and are constructed of 303 stainless steel. The hollow construction allows an adjuster to pass through the entire length of the spanner wrench.

• Diameter Range from 0.12" to 2.89" (3.0 mm to 73.4 mm)
• Self-Centering, One-Handed Diameter Adjustment Mechanism
• Replaceable Stainless Steel Blades

Thorlabs' Adjustable Spanner Wrench features a spanning range that is continuously adjustable from 0.12" to 2.89" (3.0 mm to 73.4 mm). It is capable of providing an exact fit for retaining rings as large as the SM3RR for Ø3" Lens Tubes and Mounts. The diameter spanned by the blades remains centered while the knurled knob is adjusted.

The reversible blades have a flat tip on one end intended for use with retaining rings, and an edge-offset fine point on the opposing end for adapters with holes. The blades extend 1.6" (40.7 mm) from the body of the wrench. Hence, compared to our cylindrical spanner wrenches sold above, the SPW801 is ideal for securing lenses with a high radius of curvature because the guide flanges on the cylindrical spanner wrenches may come into contact with the lens. To reverse the blades, a 0.050" (1.3 mm) balldriver or hex key is needed. Replacement blade pairs are available separately.

The SPW801 wrench withstands a maximum torque of 80 inch-pounds (9 N·m).

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Slotted locking rings for adjustable lens tubes can be tightened using the SPW502, SPW503, and SPW504 wrenches.

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Ø1" posts with slots or torque holes can be tightened using the SPW501 wrench.

• SPW501: Compatible with our Ø1/2" Posts and Ø1" Posts
• SPW502: Compatible with SM05, SM1, and C-Mount Slotted Locking Rings
• SPW503: Compatible with SM2 Slotted Locking Rings
• SPW504: Compatible with the SM1.5 Slotted Locking Ring Included with the RSHA(/M) Adjustable Height Collar and SM2 Slotted Locking Rings

SPW501 Spanner Wrench
The double-ended SPW501 Spanner Wrench is designed for tightening Ø1" RS posts with torque slots using the RS Post end of the wrench, as illustrated in the photo to the right. It can also be used to tighten Ø1/2" TR posts and Ø1" RS posts with through holes using the TR Post end of the wrench. This wrench is designed to fit into the slot or through hole and provide leverage for tightening or loosening the post when mounting the post directly to a tapped hole. Please use minimal force when tightening to prevent binding due to overtightening.

SPW502, SPW503, and SPW504 Spanner Wrenches
The double-ended SPW502 Spanner Wrench is designed to tighten or loosen SM05 slotted locking rings (Item # SM05NT1) using the 3/4'' end of the wrench along with SM1 and C-Mount slotted locking rings (Item # SM1NT1 and CMNT1, respectively) using the 1¼'' end. The SPW503 Spanner Wrench is compatible with SM2 slotted locking rings (Item # SM2NT1). The SPW504 Spanner Wrench has a 1¾" end compatible with the SM1.5 slotted locking ring on the RSHA(/M) Adjustable Height Collar and a 2¼" end compatible with SM2NT1 SM2 Slotted Locking Rings. The hook on the end of each spanner wrench is designed to fit into a slot on the locking ring and provides leverage for tightening or loosening the locking ring. Please use minimal force when tightening to prevent binding due to overtightening.