Question

Why are spanners with long handles easier to open nuts of a truck wheel as compared to spanners with short handles?

Answer 1

A spanner turns the nut about its axis. The turning effect, or moment of force, equals the applied force multiplied by its perpendicular distance from the axis. A long handle provides a greater distance, so the same force produces a larger turning moment. Therefore, less force is needed to loosen the tight nut than when using a short-handled spanner.