Thorlabs Inc.
Visit the Spanner Wrenches page for pricing and availability information

Spanner 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.

Hide Overview

OVERVIEW

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.


Hide Spanner Wrenches for Retaining Rings

Spanner Wrenches for Retaining Rings

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 SM05RRSM05RRV,
SM05RRCSM05LTRR,
SM05PRR,
POLARIS-SM05RR
SPW603L SM05RRSM05RRV,
SM05RRCSM05LTRR,
SM05PRR,
POLARIS-SM05RR
Engraved Scale 3.88"
SPW606 SM1RRSM1RRV,
SM1RRCSM1LTRR,
POLARIS-SM1RR
- 1.00"
SPW602 SM1RRSM1RRV,
SM1RRCSM1LTRR,
POLARIS-SM1RR
Engraved Scale 3.88"
SPW607 SM30RR - 4.35"
SPW608 SM1.5RR Engraved Scale 3.88"
SPW604 SM2RRSM2RRV,
SM2RRCSM2LTRR,
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.

Spanner Wrench Application
Click to Enlarge

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.
CT101 Application
Click to Enlarge

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

Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
SPW205
Spanner Wrench for SM5RR Retaining Rings, Length = 1.00"
$20.97
In Stock
SPW206
Spanner Wrench for SM6RR Retaining Rings, Length = 1.00"
$20.97
In Stock
SPW207
Spanner Wrench for SM7RR Retaining Rings, Length = 1.00"
$20.97
In Stock
SPW208
Spanner Wrench for SM8RR Retaining Rings, Length = 1.00"
$20.97
In Stock
SPW209
Spanner Wrench for SM9RR Retaining Rings, Length = 1.00"
$20.97
In Stock
SPW210
Spanner Wrench for SM10RR Retaining Rings, Length = 1.00"
$20.97
In Stock
SPW211
Spanner Wrench for SM11RR Retaining Rings, Length = 1.00"
$20.97
In Stock
SPW603
Spanner Wrench for SM05-Threaded Retaining Rings, Length = 1.00"
$28.54
In Stock
SPW603L
Customer Inspired! Spanner Wrench for SM05-Threaded Retaining Rings, Graduated Scale with 0.02" (0.5 mm) Increments, Length = 3.88"
$65.87
In Stock
SPW606
Customer Inspired! Spanner Wrench for SM1-Threaded Retaining Rings, Length = 1.00"
$31.15
In Stock
SPW602
Spanner Wrench for SM1-Threaded Retaining Rings, Graduated Scale with 0.02" (0.5 mm) Increments, Length = 3.88"
$31.15
In Stock
SPW607
Customer Inspired! Spanner Wrench for SM30-Threaded Retaining Rings, Length = 4.35"
$47.76
In Stock
SPW608
Customer Inspired! Spanner Wrench for SM1.5-Threaded Retaining Rings, Graduated Scale with 0.02" (0.5 mm) Increments, Length = 3.88"
$65.87
In Stock
SPW604
Customer Inspired! Spanner Wrench for SM2-Threaded Retaining Rings, Length = 4.35"
$51.84
In Stock
SPW605
Spanner Wrench for SM3-Threaded Retaining Rings, Length = 4.35"
$91.15
In Stock

Hide Spanner Bits for SM-Threaded Retaining Rings

Spanner Bits for SM-Threaded Retaining Rings

Spanner Bit and Torque Driver Application
Click to Enlarge

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, SM1.5SM2, 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.

Spanner Bit and Driver Application
Click to Enlarge

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.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
SPB600
Spanner Wrench Bit Kit with SM05, SM1, and SM2 Spanner Bits
$200.76
In Stock
SPB05
SM05 Spanner Bit
$29.10
In Stock
SPB1
SM1 Spanner Bit
$46.33
In Stock
SPB1.5
Customer Inspired! SM1.5 Spanner Bit
$58.19
In Stock
SPB2
SM2 Spanner Bit
$61.48
In Stock
SPB3
SM3 Spanner Bit
$90.87
In Stock

Hide Spanner Wrenches for Externally Threaded Adapters

Spanner Wrenches for Externally Threaded Adapters

  • 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, S05TM08S05TM09 S1TM06, S1TM08, S1TM09, S1TM10S1TM12
Connectorized Fiber N/A CMTFC, CMTFCA, CMTSMA, S1FCA, SM1FC, SM1FCA, SM1FCA2SM1SMASM1ST
Fiber Collimator N/A AD9.5F, AD11F, AD12FSM1PT
Reflective Fiber Collimators N/A RC02, RC04, and RC08 Versions
LED N/A S1LEDM
Laser Diode N/A S1LM38S1LM46, S1LM56S1LDM9

Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
SPW908
Customer Inspired! Spanner Wrench for SM05-Threaded Adapters, Length = 1"
$28.54
In Stock
SPW909
Spanner Wrench for SM1-Threaded Adapters, Length = 1"
$33.78
In Stock

Hide Spanner Wrenches for Mounted Aspheric Lenses and Diode Retaining Rings

Spanner Wrenches for Mounted Aspheric Lenses and Diode Retaining Rings

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

The webpages for our aspheric lenses indicate which spanner wrench the lens is compatible with.

  • 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.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
SPW306
Spanner Wrench for an M6 x 0.5 Optics Housing, Length = 1"
$17.82
In Stock
SPW308
Spanner Wrench for an M8 x 0.5 Optics Housing, Length = 1"
$18.98
In Stock
SPW301
Spanner Wrench for an M9 x 0.5 Optics Housing, Length = 1"
$16.66
In Stock
SPW302
Spanner Wrench for an M12 x 0.5 Optics Housing, Length = 1"
$20.54
3 Weeks

Hide Spanner Wrenches for Adjuster Stop Collars

Spanner Wrenches for Adjuster Stop Collars

Inner Surface Contouring
Click for Details

Through Holes Give Access to Adjuster Screws
Using a Hex Wrench to Provide Additional Torque
Click to Enlarge

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.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
SPW403
Spanner Wrench for F2ESC1-5 M2 x 0.20 and F10SC1-5 M2.5 x 0.20 Locking Collars
$29.71
In Stock
SPW401
Spanner Wrench for F19SC1 3/16"-100 Locking Collars
$29.71
In Stock
SPW402
Spanner Wrench for F25SC1 1/4"-80 Locking Collars
$29.71
In Stock

Hide Adjustable Spanner Wrench

Adjustable 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).


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
SPW801
Adjustable Spanner Wrench
$114.14
In Stock
SPW102
Adjustable Spanner Wrench, Replacement Blade Set
$33.20
In Stock

Hide Spanner Wrenches for Locking Rings and Optical Posts

Spanner Wrenches for Locking Rings and Optical Posts


Click to Enlarge

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

Click to Enlarge

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

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.


Part Number
Description
Price
Availability
SPW501
Spanner Wrench for Ø1/2" Posts and Ø1" Posts
$19.10
In Stock
SPW502
Spanner Wrench for Slotted SM05, SM1, and C-Mount Locking Rings
$19.10
In Stock
SPW503
Spanner Wrench for Slotted SM2 Locking Rings
$22.58
In Stock
SPW504
Spanner Wrench for Slotted SM1.5 and SM2 Locking Rings
$27.45
In Stock