Shortened spanner held in hand, removing odd parts (8)
I believe the answer is:
abridged
'shortened' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for abridged that I've seen before include "Abbreviated, contracted" , "Epitomised" , "Shortened as book may be" , "Shorter" , "Cut short - big adder (anag)" .)