January 7, 2026, 4:21 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Many DIY enthusiasts are likely familiar with the problem: You want to loosen a nut, but the wrench is too large and doesn’t quite fit. A simple trick can help here. What you need is probably already within reach.
In the workshop or while doing DIY projects, you sometimes have to improvise. There are several tricks that make the work easier—some of which we present in our DIY series “Easy DIY.” It can happen that you want to loosen a nut but don’t have the right size wrench on hand. What can help here is some spare change.
Wrench Doesn’t Fit? Here’s How the Trick Works
If there’s a gap between the nut and the wrench, just a few coins can be used as spacers. Usually, you’ll find some spare change in your wallet that can solve the problem. A few copper coins are enough to turn the nut, even if the wrench is too large. Depending on the gap, you may need more or fewer coins.
Washer as an Alternative
Alternatively, you can use other items to reduce the gap. Washers, for example, are a good option that DIY enthusiasts likely have on hand. Have fun trying it out!