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

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £25,235Avg. savings £2,502 off RRP*Used from £11,800
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £27,145Avg. savings £2,518 off RRP*Used from £16,433
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,030Avg. savings £3,128 off RRP*Used from £24,851
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £9,362 off RRP*Used from £10,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New XPeng X9 seven-seater ‘starship’ will beam down to the UK this summer
XPeng X9 - front static

New XPeng X9 seven-seater ‘starship’ will beam down to the UK this summer

Chinese brand’s “starship of tomorrow” has rear-wheel steering, adaptive air-suspension and some of the fastest charging speeds of any EV around
News
30 Jan 2026
Long-term test: Audi A5 Avant TDI quattro S Line
Audi A5 Avant - front 3/4

Long-term test: Audi A5 Avant TDI quattro S Line

First report: after enjoying an A3, our VP takes a step up Audi’s range
Long-term tests
29 Jan 2026
New 2026 Mercedes S-Class facelift: luxury limo redefines car tech
Mercedes S-Class facelift - front

New 2026 Mercedes S-Class facelift: luxury limo redefines car tech

The definitive luxury limousine has been overhauled with significant changes inside, outside and under the metal
News
29 Jan 2026