Ratchet Spanner This spanner is used on track work. Being a ratchet spanner, it allows movement in one direction, with a reverse movement to keep the tool in the same position, but it does not allow the item being tightened to rotate with the spanner in the reverse direction. This allows for longer handles and therefore gives more force to the item that is being tightened or released.Historic - Railway Permanent Way and Works - track equipment - Ratchet SpannerRatchet Spanner made of cast wrought iron puffing billy, ratchet spanner