Wingnut Spanner FAQs

Common questions from lighting technicians, riggers and production crew. If yours is not answered here, drop us a message.

What is the Wingnut Spanner?

It is a slim steel hand tool made for lighting and rigging work. It was developed in 2003 with input from the people manufacturing lighting clamps, and the design has stayed the same ever since.

What do people use it for?

Tightening wingnuts on lighting clamps, undoing shackle pins without resorting to bashing them against the nearest solid item, shifting cam clamps on moving light flying hardware, and tightening M10 and M12 fixings. There is a bottle opener too, for when catering has not got one.

Does it work with half couplers on truss?

Yes, that is the job it was designed around. It came out of the daily outrigging of Source 4 profiles and molefays or blinders from touring trusses. Half couplers avoid damaging the truss, but need a touch more torque to stop a focus slipping mid-show.

Will it fit the cam clamps on moving lights?

Yes. It has a narrow slot for moving the cam clamps found on most moving light flying hardware. These are all too commonly overtightened, and people use whatever is nearest to give the all-important quarter turn, which is how you end up with jagged edges, bent metalwork, costly repairs and injured technicians.

What size fixings does it take?

It has M10 and M12 cutouts, so a fixture can also be tightened down to stop further wayward movement.

Will it fit in my pocket?

That is the idea. The slim profile means it sits well in a pocket, and it weighs 142g. The steel is thick enough that we have yet to see one break or deform on normal tasks, although we have certainly seen them used for abnormal tasks too.

Is it a rated or certified rigging tool?

No. It is a hand tool, not a load rated rigging component. Please make sure you are using the correct clamp or fitting for the task at hand, and remember that being very tight does not make it very safe.

Who uses it?

Lighting technicians, riggers, stagehands and production crew working in theatre, live events, festivals, touring and lighting hire.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. We have been posting spanners worldwide since 2003. If your country is not showing a delivery rate at checkout, get in touch and we will sort it out.

Can I order in bulk for my crew or hire company?

Yes. Send us your quantity and delivery address and we will come back to you.