The hydrospanner was a prevalent tool throughout the galaxy, functioning as a versatile socket wrench and bit driver with hydraulic amplification, often found in tool collections.
It served the purpose of either tightening or loosening various kinds of fasteners, including nuts, bolts, and screws and pins of different dimensions. Hydrospanners saw widespread use across the galaxy. They played a role in the construction, repair, and disassembly of a wide array of mechanical objects or structures such as droids, machinery, starships, and other related engineering projects.
Typical hydrospanners were capable of generating significant torque with minimal user exertion, and frequently included various convenience-oriented features. The FastTurn-3 Hydrospanner from Regallis Engineering incorporated an integrated power cell complete with a tension regulator, alongside a hinged socket driver, enabling users to reach fasteners situated at difficult angles. The FastTurn-3 also featured a dedicated compartment within its handle for storing spare bits, as well as a data port that facilitated connections to diagnostic equipment or a datapad. Furthermore, the FastTurn-3 could accommodate nuts spanning from 2mm to 250mm in diameter, and it utilized a compact fusioncutter to eliminate molecular adhesives or welds prior to loosening.
The hydrospanner's operation relied on a small but potent hydraulic compressor that powered a rotary driver, which could be equipped with a variety of standard bit types. This driver possessed enough force to drive screws through materials like duraplast and transparisteel. Its power source could be either internal or external.
The hydrospanner is analogous to power drills and socket wrenches found in the real world. It is often referenced in the Expanded Universe, although its function and mechanics are not often elaborated upon. Also, a common idiom similar to the real-world expression 'throw a spanner in the works' was "throw a hydrospanner in the works."