Stillson pipe wrenches were originally invented in 1869 by Danish-American inventor Daniel C. Stillson. However, the Stillson pipe wrench as we know it today wasn’t actually made until the early 1900s when the stillson Manufacturing Company was established in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Stillson Manufacturing Company was founded in 1901 and began manufacturing the Stillson pipe wrench that same year. By 1926, the Stillson pipe wrench had become the go-to choice of plumbers and other tradespeople due to its unique design and durability.
The Stillson pipe wrench is still used today and has become an icon of American industrial ingenuity and craftsmanship.
Who invented the Stillson wrench?
The Stillson wrench, sometimes known as a Stillson-pattern pipe wrench, was invented in 1869 by American Jacob Stillson. Stillson was born in Wrentham, Massachusetts and worked as a machinist apprentice in Boston between the years 1855-1862.
In 1863, he became foreman at the Bay State Wrench Co. and developed the Stillson wrench in 1869, patenting it in 1870. The Stillson wrench is distinguished by its self-tightening design, with two serrated as-built jaws that tighten around the object as it is turned.
The design helps to prevent the wrench from slipping when in use. The design was later improved upon by numerous companies, with some versions featuring adjustable jaws and quick-release levers. Stillson died in Revere, Massachusetts in 1902.
What is Stillson type wrench?
A Stillson type wrench, also known as an adjustable wrench or crescent wrench, is a type of hand wrench that has adjustable jaws that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of nuts and bolts. The wrench is constructed by a long handle with a rotating, sliding jaw mechanism at one end that can be clamped onto a nut or bolt head and twisted to turn it.
These wrenches are often used in automotive repair and other tasks that involve nuts and bolts of different sizes. They can also be used for other purposes such as plumbing, electrical work, and even in carpentry.
The Stillson type wrench is very versatile and can be used for a wide range of tasks.
Is a Stillson wrench a pipe wrench?
No, a Stillson Wrench is not a pipe wrench. Although both are tools used for tightening, loosening, and adjusting plumbing components, they are designed to work with different types of components and serve different purposes.
A Stillson Wrench (also known as an Adjustable End Wrench) is a type of wrench used for gripping and turning round objects, such as nuts and bolts. It consists of a pair of adjustable tapered flat jaws held on a pivot at one end of a U-shaped handle.
The size of the jaws can be adjusted using a knob located at the center of the handle, allowing it to be used to grip and turn objects of different shapes and sizes. A pipe wrench, on the other hand, is a tool designed primarily for gripping, turning, and working on threaded pipes and fittings.
It consists of two thin, smooth jaws that are angled in the opposite direction to one another, allowing them to grip the round surface of pipes and fittings, while helping to keep them from rotating.
The lower jaw is adjustable, allowing the size of the jaws to be adjusted when working with different sizes of pipe and fittings.
How old are monkey wrenches?
The monkey wrench is a type of adjustable wrench, invented by Charles Moncky in 1842. It is one of the oldest and most widely used tools in the world, with over 170 years of history. The tool was first created from drop-forged steel and is most commonly found in a 15-inch size.
Over time, the design of the monkey wrench has been improved and revised, but the basic shape and concept remains the same.
Today, modern monkey wrenches come in a variety of materials, sizes, and designs. From mini-wrenches for jewelry and eyeglass repair, to massive spud wrenches for industrial work, the basic design and use of the monkey wrench has withstood the test of time.
What do monkey wrenches symbolize?
Monkey wrenches are highly symbolic and have numerous meanings attached to them. Primarily, monkey wrenches symbolize strength and the capacity to handle difficult tasks. In fact, these tools are sometimes referred to as “spanners” in certain areas, as they are extremely powerful and built to handle some of the most complex tasks.
Furthermore, they often symbolize the capacity of mechanical engineering and the power of manual labor. During the Industrial Revolution, it was commonplace for workers to carry monkey wrenches as a symbol of their expertise and hardworking nature.
The monkey wrench is also highly associated with “stick-to-itiveness. ” The tool symbolizes the ability to hold on and not give up even when faced with the toughest of obstacles. Historically, it has been used to indicate the power of a person who is willing to work hard and get the job finished, no matter what difficulties arise.
In addition to these fundamental meanings, monkey wrenches are also associated with various periods in history. From the Industrial Revolution to WWII, this tool has become a universal symbol of engineering and of the power of human strength and persistence.
What is another name for a pipe wrench?
Another name for a pipe wrench is a Stillson wrench. This type of wrench is of a large size and has a wide range of applications for plumbing and pipe-fitting operations. It consists of two adjustable serrated jaws that form a gripping power that increases with the pressure applied, thus allowing tight attachment to pipes, fittings, and valves.
The Stillson wrench is also sometimes referred to as an adjustable pipe wrench because of its adjustable jaws and its ability to be used on various sizes and types of pipes and joints.
What is a spanner in England?
In England, a spanner is a type of wrench primarily used for loosening and tightening nuts, bolts and any other kind of fastener. It typically has two ends, which are typically shaped to fit the duties of the job, with one end having a larger opening for the larger nuts and bolts, and the other having a smaller opening for the smaller nuts and bolts.
It is most commonly used in the repair and maintenance of mechanical systems, such as vehicle and appliance repairs. The most popular spanners in England are typically made of hardened steel and have a variety of head shapes, such as open, box and ring.
They are also available in different handle lengths, as well as different diameters, to suit different sizes of nuts and bolts.
Why is 500 pound called a monkey?
The phrase “monkey” has been used to refer to the 500 pound pound sterling note since the early 18th century. It is believed to have first been used by goldsmiths, referring to the image of a large ape on the reverse of the note.
The image was of a Barbary ape, a type of monkey native to North Africa and one of the symbols of the British East India Company. Over the years, the phrase “monkey” was used to refer to the 500 pound banknote, and the slang usage spread to the general public.
This is one of the most common theories why a 500 pound banknote is commonly referred to as a “monkey” today.
Is there such a thing as a left-handed monkey wrench?
Yes, there is such a thing as a left-handed monkey wrench. A left-handed monkey wrench is a tool specifically designed for tightening, loosening and adjusting bolts. It is typically used in automotive repair and maintenance.
The monkey wrench has an angled jaw that helps it to fit into tight spaces and reach into harder-to-reach spots. The left-handed version of the monkey wrench works in the opposite direction of a standard right-handed monkey wrench and is designed specifically for use in left-handed applications.
Common uses for a left-handed monkey wrench include working under the hood and other hard to reach places. This type of tool is also useful when working on cars with metric bolts and screws. Left-handed monkey wrenches are often available in a variety of sizes, materials and finishes to suit the user’s needs.
Are monkey wrenches still used?
Yes, monkey wrenches are still used today. They are very versatile tools that can be used to loosen and tighten various fasteners. A monkey wrench consists of an adjustable jaw with a long handle and is usually used to hold and turn nuts, bolts and other fasteners when larger tools such as ratchets, crowbars, and torque wrenches are not available.
Monkey wrenches are often used in plumbing and mechanical applications, as they have a strong grip and can securely hold onto pipes. Many modern monkey wrenches have a graduated scale, which allows users to easily make precise adjustments.
These tools are also popular among DIYers and mechanics who appreciate the ability to use a single tool to turn and tighten many different sizes of fasteners.
Where does the term Stillson wrench come from?
The Stillson wrench is a tool used for plumbing, although it is also afforded some use for gripping, clamping and turning. It is named after the inventor of the tool, Daniel C. Stillson.
Stillson was an American, born in Wrentham, Massachusetts in 1831. By trade, he was a machinist and worked in the iron-foundry trade. Here, he noticed some of the current tools were inefficient and inadequate for the jobs he was carrying out, so he set about designing a better solution.
In 1869 he produced the Stillson wrench, which is a tool with two serrated jaws and a revolving crank. The two jaws are placed around a pipe and gripping it in place while the crank is used to twist and turn it as needed.
The Stillson wrench was patented in 1870, with Daniel listing it as “a self-gripping wrench and pipe holder”. In 1872, William P. Stillson (Daniel’s nephew) began manufacturing and selling the tool, leading to the increased popularity of the Stillson wrench.
Today, the tool is still often referred to by its original name – the Stillson wrench – in honor of its creator and inventor, Daniel C. Stillson.
