Products HomeSpanner Wrenches
- Easily Work with Retaining Rings, Thread Adapters, and Mounted Aspheric Lenses
- Stainless Steel Construction
SPW301
For Mounted Aspheric Lenses
SPW801
Adjustable Spanner Wrench
SPW602
Graduated SM1 Spanner Wrench
SPW501
For Tightening Ø1/2" or
Ø1" Optical Posts
SPW909
For SM1 and C-Mount Adapters
SPB2
SM2 Spanner Bit
SPW502, SPW503, and SPW504 wrenches can be used to tighten slotted locking rings for adjustable lens tubes and couplers.
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| Quick Links |
|---|
| Spanner Wrenches for |
| Retaining Rings |
| Externally Threaded Adapters |
| Mounted Aspheric Lenses and Diodes |
| Adjuster Stop Collars |
| General Use (Adjustable) |
| Locking Rings and Optical Posts |
Thorlabs' Spanner Wrenches are used to install and adjust retaining rings in lens tubes, lens mounts, diode mounts, and other optomechanics. They are also useful when positioning thread adapters for aspheric lenses, connectorized fibers, and fiber collimators and installing locking collars on adjuster screws.
Our standard spanner wrenches provide safe, simple adjustment of retaining rings without risking damage to optical elements. They feature aluminum, diamond-knurled grips and a hollow interior that allows a beam to pass through while the part is adjusted. Stainless steel flanges exhibit reduced wear compared to aluminum flanges and are designed to a low-tolerance fit for our retaining rings. The lack of a surface coating on the flanges minimizes dust or other particulates contaminating the surface of a lens.
We also offer stainless steel spanner bits with a 1/4" hex shank for our SM05, SM1, SM1.5, SM2, and SM3 standards similar to our standard spanner wrenches. A kit is also offered that includes spanner bits for the SM05, SM1, and SM2 standards; a driver handle with a 1/4" hex socket; and a case. The SM1.5 and SM3 spanner bits are not included with this kit.
For customers with specialized retaining rings, adapters, or mounts, Thorlabs offers the SPW801 Adjustable Spanner Wrench, which features an adjustable spanning range as well as long blades that extend 1.6" (40.7 mm) from the body of the wrench.
The SPW501 stainless steel spanner wrench is designed for tightening Ø1/2" and Ø1" optical posts, and the SPW502, SPW503, and SPW504 spanner wrenches are designed for slotted locking rings, which are compatible with our adjustable lens tubes and couplers. The SPW504 spanner wrench can also be used to tighten the SM1.5 slotted locking ring included with the RSHA(/M) Adjustable Height Collar.
| Posted Comments: | |
Javier Astudillo
(posted 2024-02-19 06:56:36.51) the is any way to put backwards the blocks that holds the tips on the tool, becouse i wanna know there if any chance that if possible unscrewing the treads on the tool for make wider distance thant 73.4mm .
thank You jdelia
(posted 2024-02-20 11:31:23.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. This would theoretically be possible. I have reached out to you directly to discuss this further. David Birkin
(posted 2024-01-03 10:40:45.38) Hello,
Wish to make use of a locking collar to lock an M2 x 0.2 set-screw in place.
Wish to tighten the collar with a torque driver.
Also wish to hold the set-screw in place with a HEX driver.
Instead of knurling the outside of the SPW403 could the outside be machined to a HEX such a torque spanner could be used?
So,
HEX driver through the middle of the SPW403 into an M2 x 0.2 set-screw
Then a torque spanner on the outside of the SPW403
How the set-screw in place with the HEX driver
Tighten the locking collar with the torque spanner.
Many sense?
May I have a couple? :P jpolaris
(posted 2024-01-03 07:56:17.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Requests for customizations such as this can be made by contacting us at the technical support email address local to your region. We evaluate these types of requests on a case by case basis. I have reached out to you directly to discuss this further. The following link contains our worldwide sales and technical support contact information: https://www.thorlabs.com/supportcontact.cfm. Roger Ding
(posted 2023-10-03 11:45:31.963) I think it'd be nice to have a "Spanner Wrenches for Retaining Rings" and "Spanner Wrenches for Externally Threaded Adapters" option in the formfactor of a standard wrench instead of a cylinder for fine-adjustments of the rotation angle (e.g., for a laser diode collimating lens).
An intermediate step could be to drill some transverse holes in the cylinders to enable using a ball driver as an adjustment lever. cdolbashian
(posted 2023-10-19 03:03:58.0) Thank you for reaching out to us with this inquiry! I have contacted you directly to understand the conditions where you would need such a spanner, and the possible solutions therein. John DeLoach
(posted 2023-03-17 16:53:26.68) What is the country of origin for this product? jdelia
(posted 2023-03-20 10:00:29.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I have reached out to you directly regarding the country of origin for our SPW801. Geoff Fanning
(posted 2023-03-09 13:20:32.73) Is there a spanner for the SM15RR in an SM1AD15? ksosnowski
(posted 2023-03-10 10:11:03.0) Hello Geoff, thanks for reaching out to Thorlabs. SM1AD15 does not include a spanner wrench, however the adjustable SPW801 can be used on this adapter's SM15RR. We have not designed a spanner wrench specific to this size however. Jonathan Twichell
(posted 2021-01-20 08:16:32.937) Please, pretty please make a version of this the length and type as the SPW602. Please. 3.88 inches long, red handle, length scale on side etc, but for SM05. I am stuck with gluing the SPW603's together but lateral stress always breaks the bond. And I would need 4 of them. It is difficult to hold the short SPW603 at the correct angle to prevent it from slipping off the SM05RR, especially when starting them, or using ones own threads, or threads that have been somewhat abused (by miss-threading!!!) YLohia
(posted 2021-01-21 10:16:27.0) Hello, thank you for your feedback. We will contact you directly to discuss the possibility of offering this customization. Hyojae Kim
(posted 2020-12-17 20:16:01.623) Hi, I'm Kim from Bio-square.
I'd like to get an estimate for this product.
Can I pay by T/T?
If possible, I can send the amount sometime next week.
Please reply.
Thank you:) YLohia
(posted 2020-12-18 11:46:34.0) Hello Kim, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Payment options for stock items can be discussed with our Sales Team (sales@thorlabs.com). We will discuss this directly. Jonathan Twichell
(posted 2020-08-21 08:27:07.537) 1) it is often too short
2) no distance scale as in SPW602
3) often used in tight quarters. Needs a hex (7/16") pattern cut into it so I can use a box wrench.
4) or a version with a 3/16 hex nut pattern (so I can use a ball driver at an angle)
5)There are times I wish for steel (magnetic) retaining rings and a magnet in the tool, or a removable piece of double stick tape or vacuum to hold the ring in place.
6) did I mention it is often too short? and keeping two nested ones is impractical unless you are within a long tube. llamb
(posted 2020-08-21 02:32:15.0) Thank you for your feedback. We will certainly consider your points further for improving on the SPW603 spanner wrench. Sonya Slavkova
(posted 2020-05-19 02:49:49.417) please advise the unit price for SPW801 YLohia
(posted 2020-05-19 09:45:42.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The price of the SPW801 is $103.97/pc, as given next to the part number below. Iwona Gorczynska
(posted 2019-12-12 05:06:57.91) It would help if the tool had the diameter of the internal hole somewhat larger than 0.5" to accommodate 0.5" lens tubes, e.g. mounted in SM1A6T. Having a bit longer (~2") version would be also helpful. llamb
(posted 2019-12-13 08:24:15.0) Thank you for your feedback. The additional length may be feasible. The SPW909's minimum pin distance is about 0.76", while the outer diameter of our SM05 lens tubes is Ø0.7", which leaves a fairly thin structural wall to hold the pins in place if the internal hole were to accommodate a lens tube. I have added this to our internal product forum for review and reached out to you directly as well. user
(posted 2019-07-16 15:48:40.81) Does Thorlabs offer an SM1 spanner with the stainless steel portion only? Could be same sub-part as this, but without the red anodized aluminum handle. YLohia
(posted 2019-07-17 10:56:14.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Custom parts can be requested by emailing techsupport@thorlabs.com. I will reach out to you directly to discuss the possibility of offering this. christian.peuntinger
(posted 2018-09-06 12:01:32.07) A spanner wrench like the SPW602 but for SM36RR and SM42RR retaining rings would be very helpful for us. So I'd like to suggest them as a new product. mmcclure
(posted 2018-09-06 08:07:36.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I have added your product idea to our internal forum. As an alternative, we offer the SPW801 adjustable spanner wrench, which is compatible with SM36RR and SM42RR retaining rings. cbrideau
(posted 2018-05-25 10:10:08.2) A spanner wrench kit in a case with markings for each wrench would be very helpful! llamb
(posted 2018-06-04 10:57:14.0) Thank you for your feedback! I will add this to our internal product forum for further discussion. Thorlabs
(posted 2010-09-03 23:15:53.0) Response from Javier at Thorlabs to lincoln.turner: thank you very much for your feedback. We will add a version of the SPW909 for SM05 adapters to our list of upcoming products. I will make sure that you receive a prototype unit as soon as it is available. lincoln.turner
(posted 2010-09-03 10:01:01.0) I would like to suggest another, similar product you could make which would be very useful in our lab:
A spanner wrench like the SPW909 which would fit the S05TM09 lens cell adapter.
We realise that you sell adjustable spanner wrenches which fit the S05TM09, however the lens cell adapter cannot then be screwed deep within lens tube, which is what we need to be able to do, because the points of the adjustable spanner angle outwards! Laurie
(posted 2009-05-05 13:50:17.0) Additional response from laurie at Thorlabs to friedemann: I thought that you might be interested in knowing that your suggestion to engrave a scale onto the outer diameter of our SPW602 was recently implemented. Thank you again for your thoughtful and valuable feedback. Laurie
(posted 2008-04-01 11:01:52.0) Response from Laurie at Thorlabs to friedemann: Thank you for your suggestion concerning our spanner wrenches. We always appreciate hearing from our customers about ways to improve our product line. I will post this suggestion in our internal forum so that it can be discussed by our mechanical engineers and possibly implemented. We appreciate your taking the time to provide us with this feedback, and thank you for your interest in our products! friedemann
(posted 2008-04-01 10:30:16.0) I have a suggestion concerning your spanner wrench SPW602 and his relatives. Could you engrave a millimetric (or imperial) scale onto its outer side ?
This would allow to insert lens retaining rings at a precisely defined position in a tube and would be very useful.
Best regards,
Friedemann |
Zoom| Item # | Compatible Retaining Rings |
Feature | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPW205 | SM5RR | Stackable: One End of Spanner Wrench Fits to End of Other Spanner Wrench to Reach Retaining Rings in Longer Lens Tubes | 1.00" |
| SPW206 | SM6RR | ||
| SPW207 | SM7RR | ||
| SPW208 | SM8RR | ||
| SPW209 | SM9RR | ||
| SPW210 | SM10RR | ||
| SPW211 | SM11RR | ||
| SPW603 | SM05RR, SM05RRV, SM05RRC, SM05LTRR, SM05PRR, POLARIS-SM05RR |
||
| SPW603L | SM05RR, SM05RRV, SM05RRC, SM05LTRR, SM05PRR, POLARIS-SM05RR |
Engraved Scale | 3.88" |
| SPW606 | SM1RR, SM1RRV, SM1RRC, SM1LTRR, POLARIS-SM1RR |
- | 1.00" |
| SPW602 | SM1RR, SM1RRV, SM1RRC, SM1LTRR, POLARIS-SM1RR |
Engraved Scale | 3.88" |
| SPW607 | SM30RR | - | 4.35" |
| SPW608 | SM1.5RR | Engraved Scale | 3.88" |
| SPW604 | SM2RR, SM2RRV, SM2RRC, SM2LTRR, POLARIS-SM2RR |
- | 4.35" |
| SPW605 | SM3RR | - | 4.35" |
- 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 below, the SPW602, SPW603L, and SPW608 wrenches feature an engraved scale to indicate spanner wrench depth in both imperial and metric increments (0.02" 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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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.
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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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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, SM1.5, 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.
Zoom- 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.
| Spanner Wrench Compatibility | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spanner Wrench Item # | SPW908 | SPW909 |
| Adapter Type | Adapter Item # | |
| Aspheric Lens | S05TM06, S05TM08, S05TM09 | S1TM06, S1TM08, S1TM09, S1TM10, S1TM12 |
| Connectorized Fiber | N/A | CMTFC, CMTFCA, CMTSMA, S1FCA, SM1FC, SM1FCA, SM1FCA2, SM1SMA, SM1ST |
| Fiber Collimator | N/A | AD9.5F, AD11F, AD12F, SM1PT |
| Reflective Fiber Collimators | N/A | RC02, RC04, and RC08 Versions |
| LED | N/A | S1LEDM |
| Laser Diode | N/A | S1LM38, S1LM46, S1LM56, S1LDM9 |
Zoom| Aspheric Lenses |
|---|
| Uncoated, 405 nm, and 1064 nm |
| 350 - 700 nm (-A Coating) |
| 650 - 1050 nm (-B Coating) |
| 1050 - 1620 nm (-C Coating) |
| 1.8 - 3 µm, 3 - 5 µm, and 8 - 12 µm |
- 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.
Zoom- 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.
- 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.
Spanner Wrenches