Spanner wrenches (optical)

[Flyfisher Tom]

If I were somehow masochistic and fool-hardy enough to risk cleaning a lens or camera body DIY ... which brand of optical spanner wrenches would you recommend for the highest quality and utility?

SkGrimes? Heavystar on the bay has some too.

thanks

 

[captainslack]

I got mine from Micro Tools. It was their economy model, but it seems just fine for what I'm going to be doing.

 

[KoNickon]

I've been generally happy with a spanner wrench with interchangeable points that I got at Micro-Tools. They have a wide selection of the wrenches there, thouhg I bet they come from some of the same sources as the places you mention.

Having recently used it to remove the rear lens group on a TLR, I was reminded again about how tricky using these things is -- you have to first make sure the points fit in the part you wish to unscrew, and then make sure they're absolutely squarely engaged as you apply torque. Hard to do sometimes when the item in question is in a recessed location. But if I did it, so can you!

 

[Mike Kovacs]

You'll more than likely need the long spanners for getting the rear element and shutter nut off a TLR.

I need to get a long pair - I use the regular Micro Tools Spanners with the various tips - my only gripe is that sometimes the tips pivot in their mount if you apply a lateral force to them.

 

[Kim Coxon]

I very rarely use my cheap spanner wrenches. I have a set of neddle nose pliers that cost a couple of $ with the tips ground and thay do 98% of the work. The 2 pro repairers I know use the same.

Kim

 

[harry01562]

I very rarely use my cheap spanner wrenches. I have a set of neddle nose pliers that cost a couple of $ with the tips ground and thay do 98% of the work. The 2 pro repairers I know use the same.

Kim

Very worthwhile tip. I've thought of using them, but hesitated, because of the potential for damage. I suppose it exists, even with the spanners.

Thanks Kim,

Harry

 

[Kim Coxon]

I have actually slipped more times and caused scratches with spanners than I have with the pliers.

Kim