Surgespanner — ruling 1

This is a triggered ability, not an activated ability. It doesn't allow you to tap the creature whenever you want; rather, you need some other way of tapping it, such as by attacking with the creature.

Surgespanner — ruling 2

For the ability to trigger, the creature has to actually change from untapped to tapped. If an effect attempts to tap the creature, but it was already tapped at the time, this ability won't trigger.

Surgespanner : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Surgespanner is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Whenever this creature becomes tapped, you may pay . If you do, return target permanent to its owner's hand.

How it works : Surgespanner

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1October 1, 2007· Wizards of the Coast
This is a triggered ability, not an activated ability. It doesn't allow you to tap the creature whenever you want; rather, you need some other way of tapping it, such as by attacking with the creature.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2October 1, 2007· Wizards of the Coast
For the ability to trigger, the creature has to actually change from untapped to tapped. If an effect attempts to tap the creature, but it was already tapped at the time, this ability won't trigger.
No other card is named in this ruling.