In the Windsor department, there are two types of hose spanners. The old style is made from aluminum alloy – a strong metal tool that can be used to tighten leaking hose coupling on 3” supply line or a 1 ¾” firefighting attack line. One end of the spanner can be used to shut off the gas meter outside a house. The spanner is also used to open hydrants for hose hook-up. The tip of the spanner can be used as a pry bar.
The new style is made from a high-tech plastic/fiberglass alloy and the spanner has evolved into a multi-use tool. In addition to performing all of the tasks a regular spanner does, this device has a seat belt cutter, a center punch for breaking automotive glass, an elongated notch for shutting off meters. It folds in half and is compact enough for the firefighters to easily carry it in their bunker coat or pant’s pocket.
