Monkey wrenches are a type of wrench used to secure, fasten, and tighten objects. They are most commonly used for plumbing and automotive repair. The tool’s jaws fit the shape of nuts and bolts, allowing the technician to hold and move the object with a firm grip.
While more modern tools may replace a monkey wrench in many operations, it can often be more advantageous to use the wrench, especially when there are restricted spaces or when a secure grip is needed in a hurry.
Monkey wrenches come in a variety of sizes and can be used to fasten anything from a central heating pipe to a car wheel.
Is there a difference between a pipe wrench and a monkey wrench?
Yes, there is a difference between a pipe wrench and a monkey wrench. A pipe wrench is used to tighten or loosen pipes, while a monkey wrench is used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. Pipe wrenches have a curved, non-symmetrical jaw, while monkey wrenches have a flat-toothed symmetrical jaw.
Pipe wrenches require a great deal of force to turn, while monkey wrenches require much less force. Pipe wrenches can accommodate larger pipes, while monkey wrenches can take care of smaller nuts and bolts.
Lastly, pipe wrenches come with two jaw sizes, large and small, while monkey wrenches come with a single jaw size.
What is the proper term for a monkey wrench?
The proper term for a monkey wrench is an adjustable wrench. It is a type of spanner that consists of a handle with a claw at one end and an adjustable jaw attached to the other end. The adjustable jaw allows it to fit a variety of bolt sizes, making it a convenient tool to have on hand.
The adjustable jaw is usually operated by turning a knob on the handle, allowing the user to precisely adjust the size of the opening and securely grip the bolt. The jaw can then be locked in place, allowing it to remain in its current size.
Monkey wrenches were originally called “adjustable wrenches” but were later given the affectionate nickname “monkey wrench” due to its resemblance to a monkey’s claw.
Who really invented the monkey wrench?
The exact inventor of the monkey wrench is unknown, but it is believed to have been invented in the early 19th century. Including Coburn Haskell of Massachusetts in 1835, Leonard Stearns of Massachusetts in 1842, and George B.
Swingley of Pennsylvania in 1848.
Haskell filed for a patent for his product, which has been referred to as a “stillson wrench” or “pipe wrench”. Swingley received a U. S. Patent for his product in 1848, shortly before the death of Stearns in 1849.
Swingley’s product is believed to be the first “monkey wrench” with a curved jaw. Swingley’s patent was later bought by industrialist Charles Moncky, leading many people to give him credit for inventing the tool.
It is likely that the monkey wrench was invented independently by multiple people throughout the US during the mid 1800s. As such, its invention can truly be credited to a variety of inventors working in the same field.
What does throwing a monkey wrench mean?
Throwing a monkey wrench is an idiomatic phrase meaning to disrupt a particular plan, situation, or activity. It suggests that something has been thrown into a situation that disrupts or puts it out of order, similar to throwing a literal wrench into a machine to disrupt its operation.
This phrase is usually used in a negative way to refer to unintended events or unexpected problems that can cause delays or other issues. It can also be used positively to refer to people who intentionally or unexpectedly create positive, disruptive changes.
Ultimately, throwing a monkey wrench can refer to anything that disrupts a situation or plan, whether it be accidental or on purpose.
Where did the term throw a monkey wrench come from?
The term “throw a monkey wrench” began as a metaphor and has become widely used in English to refer to a situation where an unexpected and unwelcome obstacle upsets plans and progress. The origin of the phrase can be traced back to machinery and the 1860s in the United States of America, as it is a reference to the tool used to stop machines.
A monkey wrench is a type of adjustable wrench that has an adjustable jaw with an integrated lever, which gives it the ability to lock and loosen nuts, bolts, and other mechanical parts.
It was during the Industrial Revolution that the tool began to gain more notoriety. As the factories made production more efficient, the need for maintenance and repairs increased, and the monkey wrench became a priceless tool.
Workers would use it to disassemble and assemble components as needed. When a problem or breakdown occurred, skilled workers, who understood how to repair the machines, were called upon and it was at this time that the term “throw a monkey wrench” began to be used.
The phrase captured the idea of disruption from the unexpected introduction of something that broke or complicated the process. The phrase gained traction and soon became part of popular culture by the 1920s, its popularity likely a result of the industrialization of many factories and its use in America’s toolbox of idioms.
What is the type of wrench?
A wrench is a tool used for gripping and turning nuts, bolts, and other related items. With each designed for a specific purpose. Common types of wrenches include the crescent wrench, adjustable wrench, pipe wrench, box-end wrench, ratcheting wrench, and Torx wrench, among many others.
The crescent wrench is an adjustable wrench that can also be used for a variety of other applications. The adjustable wrench is lightweight and adjustable to fit a variety of fastener sizes and works well on screws and bolts.
The pipe wrench uses two serrated jaws that grip the rounded surfaces of a pipe firmly to turn plumbing components. The box-end wrench has a closed end that fits over a nut or bolt and the other end is open, allowing various sizes to be held and turned on nuts and bolts when extra reach or torque is needed.
The ratcheting wrench has a small ratchet mechanism that allows a nut or bolt to be turned quickly in small increments and quickly released. The Torx wrench is specifically made for Torx-head bolts, widely used in electronic and computer hardware.
What is the drive on a ratchet?
The drive on a ratchet refers to the type of socket or tool that fits into the ratchet head. This is typically a male square shape, often referred to as a square drive or a drive square. There are various types of drive size, including ¼”, 3/8”, ½” and so on.
Generally, the larger the size, the more torque is applied to the fastener or nut you are trying to loosen or tighten. Attaching the right size socket to the ratchet head is important to ensure that you can do the job properly and safely.
Why do people call a pipe wrench a monkey wrench?
People call a pipe wrench a monkey wrench because the two tools look very similar. The most notable difference is the jaw angle; a pipe wrench has a sharp angled jaw whereas a monkey wrench traditionally has a design with a rounded jaw.
However, another key difference is that a pipe wrench includes a serrated jaw to grip tight onto pipes and nuts, while a monkey wrench has a smooth jaw. The reason the tools are given the same name is likely because of their visual similarities and the fact they are both used to get a firm grip on nuts and bolts.
The name ‘monkey wrench’ is also thought to be deriving from its inventor, Charles Moncky, who patented his adjustable wrench in 1842.
What kind of wrench is a monkey wrench?
A monkey wrench is a type of adjustable wrench, which is designed to be used with nuts and bolts of various sizes. It has two adjustable jaws that can be opened and closed by the turn of a screw, allowing it to grip and release different sizes of nuts and bolt heads.
It is also sometimes referred to as a Gas Grip or a Stilson wrench. The monkey wrench is usually made from either steel or a mixed metal alloy, and its handle is either rounded or semi-straight. This tool is often used for plumbing and electrical work, as well as in the automotive industry.
It is an essential tool for anyone working in these fields, as it allows for quick adjustments to components without having to constantly switch between wrenches.
What can I use instead of a pipe wrench?
If you don’t have a pipe wrench handy, there are several alternatives you can use to loosen a pipe. Depending on the material of the pipe and the type of fitting, you can use an adjustable wrench, a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers, a groove-joint pliers, an open-end wrench, a hammer and a cold chisel, a crescent wrench, or a basin wrench.
Adjustable wrenches are a versatile tool and can be used for most any type of round nut, bolt or pipe fitting, typically up to around half an inch in size. If you need more leverage than an adjustable wrench can provide, then a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers may be your best bet.
These are designed for gripping and turning pipes, nuts, bolts and other fixtures, and generally come equipped with several adjustable positions for increased leverage.
Groove-joint pliers are also known as water pump pliers and have a groove in their jaws that makes them suitable for gripping almost any shape item. They also come with adjustable positions, allowing you to increase the amount of leverage you can get.
Open-end wrenches provide relatively more leverage than adjustable wrenches and can be used to loosen small pipe fittings. Hammer and chisel sets are ideal for loosening rusted or corroded pipes. The cold chisel helps to break away the rust and should be used with caution as it can damage the pipe and fittings.
The crescent wrench is the most versatile and useful of all hand tools and can be used to turn nuts, bolts, and pipe fittings of any size. Finally, basin wrenches are specifically designed for fitting and turning faucet fixtures.
They come in various adjustable models and are great for tight spaces.
As you can see, there are several solutions you can use in place of a pipe wrench for loosening a pipe. However, if you need to tighten a pipe, a pipe wrench is the best tool for the job, as other alternatives may not provide enough leverage for a secure fit.
What is an adjustable wrench called?
An adjustable wrench is a type of wrench with an adjustable jaw that can be freely adjusted to different sizes to accommodate different sizes of nuts and bolts. It is also referred to as a crescent wrench or an adjustable spanner.
The adjustable jaw typically has two or three slots so that it can grip items of different sizes, such as nuts or bolts. Adjustable wrenches are used in many industries, including automotive repair, engineering, and household DIY projects.
They are popular due to their versatility and ease of use — one adjustable wrench can replace a set of different sized wrenches, as the jaw can easily be adjusted to fit different sizes of nuts and bolts.
Why is it called a Stillson wrench?
The Stillson wrench is named after the American inventor, Daniel C. Stillson, who first designed and patented an adjustable pipe wrench in 1869. Before Stillson’s wrench, plumbers would have to carry around large sets of wrenches in order to get the job done.
Stillson’s “adjustable wrench” allowed them to use a single wrench to grip pipe of different sizes. This was a revolutionary tool for its time, and quickly gained popularity with plumbers and other tradesmen.
Stillson’s wrench was so named because it allowed easy adjustments, making it truly “still” adjustable. It has since gone on to become an iconic tool, and can be found in almost any toolbox. Its original design and popularity has gone unchanged, and it remains a hallmark of professionalism in the pipe-fitting industry.
What is a spanner in England?
A spanner is a tool used for gripping, loosening, or turning nuts, bolts, and other fasteners in England. It is typically composed of two arms of metal, connected at one end by a pivot. The arms may be of different lengths and/or dispositions, depending on the task at hand, with the longer arm generally providing more leverage during use.
They often feature a jaw or jaws which grip the head of the fastener for added stability. The other end of the arms can come in a variety of shapes, such as squares, hexagons, or open-ended slots. Spanners are often dual-purpose, in that they can both loosen and tighten fasteners as needed.
They are used in a wide variety of applications, such as plumbing, vehicle repair, and furniture assembly.
What does it mean to be someone’s monkey wrench?
To be someone’s monkey wrench means to be an individual who can come in and disrupt the status quo and help shake up a particular situation. The term is often used to refer to someone who provides an outside perspective to a group of people who may be entrenched in certain ways of thinking and doing things.
This person can provide fresh insight and alternative solutions to an existing problem, which can help the group to reassess the situation and come up with creative and innovative approaches. By being a monkey wrench, the person is able to introduce a new perspective and provide much needed direction, while serving as a sort of wild card in the equation.
Are Crescent Tools good quality?
Crescent Tools are considered to be a good quality brand, with tools that are known for their durability and reliability. Their sockets, wrenches, and pliers are all built with a strong construction and sturdy materials, ensuring that they can handle a variety of tough jobs.
Their product line also includes adjustable wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, and various other hand tools that are designed for a variety of specific applications. The company also offers a lifetime warranty for most of their products, which is another testament to the quality of their product line.
All in all, Crescent Tools are an excellent choice for anyone looking for good quality hand tools.