Skip advert
Advertisement

Spanners tested

Which are the best spanner sets for car DIY? We get to grips with 14 of the best-sellers

If you do anything more than just check the fluid levels on your car, then the chances are you'll need spanners. A decent set of combinations is usually the first automotive tool we buy when starting to work on cars. However, even if you already have a good selection, you could still be missing out on the latest technology.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Tool materials and designs have improved in recent years and even the way spanners turn nuts and bolts has changed, reducing the risk of slipping and skinned knuckles. So which are the best buys? We lined up 14 sets to find out.

Verdict

Combine a high-quality set of tools, a good price, excellent strength, a decent carry case and the sheer versatility of the Alldrive spanner heads, and Laser's 3732 comfortably took our Best Buy award.The fight for second and third places was very close between the 12-piece set from Clarke and the 14-tool kit from Yamoto. In the end, the latter won the day. The spanners weren't quite as indestruc-tible as Clarke's set, but the two extra sizes of tool more than compensated.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,761 off RRP*Used from £15,700
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £8,495Avg. savings £2,298 off RRP*Used from £6,165
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £11,990Avg. savings £703 off RRP*Used from £10,649
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £11,180Avg. savings £4,250 off RRP*Used from £11,116
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Toyota hybrid engine on its way, and it could return over 85mpg
Next-gen Toyota hybrid engine

New Toyota hybrid engine on its way, and it could return over 85mpg

Japanese giant has put all of its engineering might behind new 1.5-litre engine, and is now teasing us with what to expect
News
28 Oct 2026
Streamlined Mazda 3 range drops unusual Skyactiv-X engine
2027 Mazda 3 - front 3/4

Streamlined Mazda 3 range drops unusual Skyactiv-X engine

Mazda’s innovative high-compression petrol engine has been ditched from hatch line-up, which now features a new trim level
News
29 Oct 2026
New Hyundai Ioniq 6 facelift is £5k cheaper than a Tesla Model 3
Hyundai Ioniq 6 facelift - front show

New Hyundai Ioniq 6 facelift is £5k cheaper than a Tesla Model 3

Hyundai’s facelifted electric saloon benefits from the full Electric Car Grant and can be had in both single and dual-motor forms
News
29 Oct 2026