🔩 Bolt Size vs Spanner Size: The Difference Every Maintenance Professional Should Know A common misconception in workshops and maintenance sites is that the bolt size and spanner size are the same. For example: ✅ M16 Bolt = 24 mm Spanner ❌ M16 Bolt ≠ 16 mm Spanner The reason? Spanner size is determined by the Across Flats (AF) dimension of the bolt head or nut, not by the thread diameter. To make bolt identification easier, a useful rule of thumb is: 📌 Spanner Size (AF) ≈ 1.5 × Bolt Diameter Examples: • M16 → 24 mm Spanner • M20 → 30 mm Spanner • M24 → 36 mm Spanner While this works well for standard metric hex bolts, always verify the actual AF dimension when selecting tools. This infographic covers: ✔ Bolt anatomy ✔ Metric bolt naming convention (M × Diameter × Pitch × Length) ✔ Bolt size vs spanner size chart ✔ Diameter and pitch conversions ✔ Across Flats (AF) explained ✔ Quick estimation formula for field use Understanding these fundamentals helps maintenance teams reduce fastener damage, improve tool selection, and minimize downtime. At Vantage Earthmovers, we believe that better technical knowledge leads to better equipment reliability and performance. What is the most commonly used bolt size in your workshop or maintenance operation? #VantageEarthmovers #Maintenance #Mining #Construction #Earthmoving #HeavyEquipment #MechanicalEngineering #IndustrialMaintenance #EquipmentMaintenance #Fasteners #BoltsAndNuts #Excavator #WheelLoader #MotorGrader #DumpTruck #WorkshopTips #Reliability #MiningEquipment #ConstructionEquipment #EngineeringKnowledge