Charles Moncky is credited with inventing and patenting the first pipe wrench in 1869. Moncky was a machinist who worked at two different machine shops in Massachusetts. He came upon his invention when he was tasked with devising a better tool than the existing one for wrenching off tight pipes from steam boilers.
At the time, pipe wrenches had been used for a few decades, but they could only twist a nut one way and then had to be reset to go in the other direction. Moncky set out and ultimately came up with the modern, adjustable pipe wrench.
His invention was made of cast iron and was a sprung jaw type of wrench—meaning the head and handle could be adjusted to fit different-sized nut and bolt heads. Moncky’s patented pipe wrench design was seen as revolutionary, as it could adjust to a range of sizes while also providing controlled gripping power.
Today, the pipe wrench is an incredibly useful tool—and it was Moncky who made it possible.
Who invented the wrench during the Renaissance?
Although the exact inventor of the wrench is unknown, it was during the Renaissance (14th to 17th century) when the first prototype of the wrench started to be developed and used for the first time. Around 16th-17th century, a tool called the “Tommy wrench” was used in England and the United States.
This tool was made of a three-piece construction; one piece of which was like a lift bar, the second part similar to a spanner, and the third part like a wedge-shaped head. This prototype of the wrench was used to loosen bolts.
In the late 19th century, the modern and most familiar form of the wrench was invented. This form, known as the monkey wrench, was first patented in 1858 by Solymon Merrick, an American machinist. This version of the wrench was made of two pieces that combined both tommy and pipe wrenches, and was designed to adjust nuts and bolts with both better leverage and efficiency.
In the mid-20th century, wrenches started to be mass produced and soon after, a variety of wrench sizes appeared. Since then, the wrench has been used in a variety of industries and is now a staple in most homes and commercial places, thus making it one of the most commonly used tools.
Why is the wrench called Monkey?
The exact origin of why the wrench is called a “monkey” is unclear, however there are a few theories that explain its namesake. One theory is that it is called a monkey due to its resemblance to a monkey wrench.
Both have long handles with a straight jaw and a curved jaw at one end, similarly to the long arms of a monkey.
Another theory claims that it is because of the shape of the tool itself. The ‘monkey’ getting its name from the U-shaped opening on the center of the handle. It is said that the shape of the handle looks like a monkey’s face when viewed from the side.
It is thought that the name may also have come from the action of the tool. When the wrench is used to tighten or loosen a bolt, the handle is moved up and down like how a monkey may jump.
Overall, the exact source of why the wrench is called a “monkey” is still uncertain, however it is likely due to the combination of its shape and the action it performs when used.
What did Solymon Merrick invent?
Solymon Merrick was an American inventor and industrialist who is credited with inventing the modern nut and bolt. In 1862 Merrick received a patent for what is now commonplace industrial technology that revolutionized the construction and engineering of large-scale structures.
In 1864, Merrick developed the first square-threaded nuts, bolts and screws with a fully wedge-shaped locking mechanism, meaning they fit snugly together rather than sliding or rattling when tightened.
Before Merrick’s invention, most fastening systems used a single, tapered thread, which over time caused bolts to work themselves loose. Merrick is famously quoted as saying, “You need iron to make iron, but a nut and bolt to make a machine.
” He later improved upon his patented nut and bolt design by introducing the self-locking nut in 1870, which further solidified his status as one of the most important inventors of his time.
Merrick’s inventions were widely embraced by the industrial and manufacturing industries, as bolts and nuts could easily be used to assemble machines and structures in a fraction of the time taken before.
Merrick’s innovations ultimately led to the construction of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, transforming New York City and other large cities into the bustling metropolises they are today. His inventions are now commonplace in everyday life, being used wherever fastening and holding strong is required, from home appliances to large-scale construction projects.
Merrick’s pioneering work has had a huge lasting impact on the modern world and will ensure his legacy lives on in infrastructures, buildings and inventions of the future.
When was the first wrench patented?
The first wrench patent was granted to Solymon Merrick on June 15, 1835. The patent was officially filed with the United States Patent Office on June 6, 1835. Merrick’s wrench, or spanner, was both adjustable and reversible.
It consisted of an adjustable jaw and nut, which allowed the user to clamp down on an object being worked on. This allowed them to apply more torque, making the job of unscrewing and tightening bolts much easier and more efficient.
Merrick’s wrench was received favorably, and there have been numerous versions of the instrument invented since then.
Who invented the ratchet?
The ratchet is a device consisting of a round gear or linear rack with teeth, and a pivoting, spring-loaded finger called a pawl that engages the teeth. It may also include a “lock” that holds the pawl in place, preventing it from disengaging.
The ratchet is used to limit the angular motion of docks, scaffolding, and other industrial equipment as well as a number of tools.
The ratchet was invented by English engineer and watchmaker Robert Yeates, who was granted a patent for his device in 1719. Yeates was the first to combine the force of a spring and the motion of a pawl to create a ratchet.
His ratchets were used in watches and clocks, allowing them to wind up automatically. Over the next two centuries, the design and materials used in ratchets changed drastically, making them more reliable and efficient.
Today, ratchets are made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, plastic, and titanium.
What is the difference between a monkey wrench and a pipe wrench?
Monkey wrenches and pipe wrenches are both types of adjustable wrenches, but they differ in terms of their construction and the material they grip. Monkey wrenches are the original type of adjustable wrench, dating back to the early 19th century.
A monkey wrench is typically made from forged steel, and has an open jaw design that is adjustable with a screw or lever. This curved design allows the jaws to grip any round object, such as a bolt, of different sizes.
Pipe wrenches, also called stillson wrenches, are a more modern version of adjustable wrenches. Pipe wrenches are usually more lightweight and are usually made from cast steel. The jaws of a pipe wrench are straight, allowing them to effectively grip and turn pipe and other circular objects, such as nuts and fittings, due to the straight-line contact on the inner surface of the object.
While similar in appearance, pipe wrenches are not suitable for gripping round objects, like a monkey wrench, so they are best used when working with pipes and fittings.
Did Crescent invent the adjustable wrench?
No, Crescent did not invent the adjustable wrench. The adjustable wrench is a tool typically used to grip and turn nuts and bolts, that can be adjusted to fit a range of sizes. Although Crescent is a well-known brand today and has a reputation for being innovative and reliable, they did not invent the adjustable wrench.
The honor of inventing the adjustable wrench actually goes to an African-American inventor and mechanic, David L. Dick, who also went by the name ‘Gar’ and lived in the early 20th century. He filed for his patent in 1896 and the product was first manufactured and sold in 1897, years before Crescent was even established.
It is unclear who came up with the name ‘Crescent wrench’, however the moniker was first used in 1909 in an advertisement from Crescent.
Who owns crescent wrench?
The crescent wrench, which is also known as an adjustable spanner, is a widely-used hand tool of the wrench family that usually consists of an adjustable jaw and a short handle. Though the exact origin of the tool is unclear, its predecessor is believed to have been invented by celebrated American blacksmith and machinist Johann Peter Salomon in the late 19th century.
Today, the tool is owned by various manufacturers around the world, including American companies such as Crescent Tool Company, Moore Drop Forge, Ames Company, Inc. , and Snap-On, as well as foreign companies such as Hilka Tools in the UK, Famy in France, and Ochiai in Japan.
All of these manufacturers offer a variety of crescent wrench models, each with its own purpose depending on the size and type of nuts or bolts to be tackled.
Where was the adjustable wrench made?
The adjustable wrench was invented by American blacksmith, prize-fighter and horse-shoer, Henry F. Phillips while working in Omaha, Nebraska, in the late 19th century. The Phillips family patented the adjustable wrench in 1892 and eventual production began in 1897 with their creation of the “Phillips Grip Wrench”, made of drop-forged steel and plated with nickel and chrome.
The early Phillips wrench was made under the direction of Henry, primarily at a machine shop in Omaha that the Phillips family owned. Henry worked with several machinists to refine the design and improve the adjustable wrench’s feature of dual-claw-point design that allowed for a more efficient turning.
Initially, the Phillips adjustable wrench was considered a novelty or “luxury tool”, mostly because it was significantly more expensive than typical monkey wrenches. However, its affordability and convenience eventually helped it to become the number one choice for mechanics, leading other wrench designs to be overshadowed by the Phillips adjustable wrench.
Eventually, the Phillips tweakable wrench was mass produced and became popularized in the 1920s. The production of adjustable wrenches was taken up by various companies, and various versions of the adjustable wrench spoke to Phillips’ original design.
The adjustable wrench made by Stanley Works has been particularly successful over the last century, and Stanley products are now considered the industry standard. Today, modern adjustable wrenches are typically made using a combination of die-cast metal, plastic, and steel.
When was monkey wrench made?
The monkey wrench was invented by American blacksmiths in the mid-19th century. It was used to tighten or loosen nuts, bolts and screws. The earliest designs of the wrench were basic – they included a long handle, a flat face and an adjustable jaw.
Over time, the design of the monkey wrench evolved to include a replaceable gripping jaw, which allowed for better grip on various sizes of nuts and bolts. The modern version of the wrench, which is commonly known as the adjustable or Crescent wrench, was developed in the early 20th century.
This version of the wrench includes an adjustable head, which can be used to secure various sizes of nuts and bolts.
How do I identify old wrenches?
Identifying old wrenches can be tricky and there are a few things you can look for to determine how old your wrench is. First, examine the materials it is made from. Early wrenches were usually made from cast iron, which is easily identified by its heavy weight and rough surface.
If your wrench is made from steel, then it is likely newer. Another good indicator is the shape of the handle. Old wrenches usually have round, flat handles while more modern ones come with ergonomic handles which allow for better grip.
Finally, turn the wrench over and look for any identifying stamps or markings. Manufacturers often put country of origin, year of manufacture, or even patent numbers on the underside of the wrench. By looking at these details you may be able to narrow down its age.
How do I know if my tools are antique?
Figuring out if your tools are antique can be a tricky and convoluted process. To be sure, it is always best to consult a professional or expert in antique tools. However, if you are confident in your ability to judge antiques, there are some clues you can look for.
First, examine the tool itself, including any markings inside the handles or stamper plates that may indicate when the tool was made. Common trademarks or makers’ marks may indicate a long history, while a manufactured mass produced stamping could point to a much later date.
Another important factor is material. Some metals, such as hand forged iron, were only used in a certain time period, and can indicate an older craft. Look for signs of wear and determine whether it has been nicely maintained.
An older tool is likely to show signs of use, as well as scrapes, dings, and a patina that could point to a long history.
Finally, look for unusual shapes, designs, and construction that could signify an antique. Simple details, such as a wide flat blade, or a hand wrought side clamp, may indicate an older tool. Though it is possible to find old tools that look nearly new and modern ones that look ancient, if your gut is telling you that your tool is an antique, it is probably best to trust it.
Are old hand tools worth money?
Yes, old hand tools can be worth money, depending on the brand and condition. Vintage hand tools are sought after by tool collectors and can sell for large sums of money. Even tools that are not of the highest quality can fetch a pretty penny if they are rare, in good condition and from a sought-after brand.
For example, an old Craftsman ratchet sold at auction for $2,100. A vintage hammer designed by Swedish blacksmith Erik Anton Berg sold for $17,400. Other popular brands of tools to collect are: Stanley, Plumb, Goodell-Pratt, Disston and Pexto.
In addition to their monetary value, old hand tools also have a nostalgic and functional appeal to many people, as they often represent a bygone era when tools were made to last and were crafted with pride.
What is the most valuable antique tool?
The most valuable antique tool likely depends on the collector and what they are looking for. Generally, among antique tools, rare and early examples or sets of tools often command the highest values.
Specific to hand tools, vintage carpentry tools such as planes, saws, and chisels, hand drills, and early screwdrivers will typically bring higher values, due to the fact that many of these earlier tools were often built with high-quality steel and hand-crafted hardwood handles.
Examples of 19th century tools, particularly early patent models and those made by specific manufacturers (such as Stanley, Millers Falls, Sargent, and Bridge City) are also highly sought-after. Other commonly collected items include early power tools, certain specialized tools (such as watchmakers tools or early microtomes), and even antique textile related items (such as spinning wheels and looms).
Collectors of antique tools will often seek specifically model or maker, and high quality examples from early makers can be quite valuable. Ultimately, the most valuable antique tool will depend on a variety of factors, including condition, rarity, and maker, as well as the overall collecting community’s current interests and inspiration.
Is there an app to identify antiques?
Yes, there are several apps available that can help you identify antiques. One of the most popular apps is called Collectibles by Myron. It allows you to take pictures of antique items and then compares them to its database of more than 10,000 antiques to help identify them.
It also offers advice on appraising and hints on how to determine an item’s value. Other apps like iAntique and Antique Bookshelf can also help you identify, appraise and research antiques. These apps are especially useful if you are in a store or at an antique fair and can’t research an item immediately.
What do you call old tools?
Older tools are often referred to as “vintage” or “antique” tools. Vintage tools were often made of higher quality materials and were made to last for many years. Depending on the age, condition and rarity of the tool, these older tools can carry a much higher value and collectability than modern tools.
Antique tools are generally defined as anything over 100 years old. Many people collect, restore and display these tools as a hobby or display them in their homes as an interesting conversation piece.
Why are some wrenches S shaped?
Wrenches that are S shaped are called offset wrenches and they provide mechanics more versatility when they are repairing or assembling machinery. Offset wrenches have the ability to access hard-to-reach nuts and bolts that have deep holes or are blocked by other objects.
The offset nature of the tool helps mechanics to work in tight spaces that traditional straight wrenches cannot fit into. S shaped wrenches come in numerous sizes and styles and help to reduce the number of tools that are needed for a particular project, as they can be used to reach a variety of flat and hexagonal nuts and bolts.
Offset wrenches can also make accessing a fastener much easier, due to the angle of the head being so precise and allowing the technician to apply a level of force when the wrench is in place.