The term “monkey wrench” is commonly used to refer to pipe wrenches, though the terms aren’t technically interchangeable. The origin of calling a pipe wrench a “monkey wrench” is steeped in history and is thought to have its roots in the 19th century.
At the time, Charles Moncky was a shrewd businessman and entrepreneur living in England. He patented a wrench design in the 1830s with a jaw that could be adjusted to different sizes. It was a revolutionary design for its time and it quickly became very popular in the United States.
Moncky’s wrench was soon copied by John MacDonald, who was the head blacksmith in a small Pennsylvania iron foundry. He changed the design slightly, so that it was suitable for use on pipes, and called it a “monkey wrench.
” Thus, the pipe wrench was born.
The new wrench became very handy for use on pipes, as well as other mechanical applications, and the term “monkey wrench” quickly caught on. Before long, most mechanics simply referred to all such wrenches as monkey wrenches, regardless of the actual design or manufacturer.
This usage of the term still exists today, making “monkey wrench” and “pipe wrench” synonymous in many circles.
What kind of wrench is a monkey wrench?
A monkey wrench is a type of adjustable spanner, also known as an adjustable wrench, developed by Charles Moncky in the late 19th century. This tool is typically used to loosen or tighten fasteners such as nuts, bolts, and screws.
It features two parallel jaws that are adjusted by turning a large screw in the center, allowing it to fit any thickness of nut or bolt. The wrench also has a short handle, giving the user greater mechanical advantage and allowing the user to reach into tight spaces.
It is a very versatile tool and one of the most commonly used wrenches in the world.
What do British people call wrenches?
In British English, the common name for the tool known as a wrench in North America is often a spanner. A spanner is a tool used to tighten and loosen objects like nuts and bolts and can typically have several different types of head depending on the shape and size of the nut or bolt being worked with.
In the UK, when referring to all types of spanners there is no difference between a wrench and a spanner, though some may call larger versions of the tool a wheel brace or wheel wrench. Generally the term “spanner” is used in everyday terminology across the UK to describe any tool that is used to tighten or loosen objects.
Who made the monkey wrench?
The monkey wrench, also known as an adjustable wrench or an English key, was invented in 1842 by the English tool maker, Richard Drew. Drew created the tool to make it easier for mechanics to remove and replace nuts, bolts, and screws.
The design of the wrench was based on an existing tool called a toggle wrench, which had a pivoting handle and only adjusted to a few sizes. Drew improved on the design by adding additional coil springs and a locking nut, which allowed the jaw of the wrench to be adjusted more precisely.
With this added capability, the wrench could be used to fit different size nuts and bolts more efficiently. Although the original design has changed somewhat over time, the basic adjustable-jaw concept remains the same.
The name of the tool is thought to be derived from the monkey-like way in which its user adjusts the handle and jaws of the wrench.
Who invented the pipe wrench?
It is believed that the pipe wrench was invented by American inventor, Philip P. Arbogast in 1869. His patent was approved on November 4th, 1873, making it one of the first adjustable wrench designs.
Arbogast had originally created the tool to help repair steam engines. His design was so successful that it quickly became the go-to adjustable wrench for plumbers, mechanics, and home improvement projects.
The design of the pipe wrench is quite simple. It has a long handle and a shorter lever arm, which can be adjusted to fit different size pipes. The handle has an adjustable jaw that can be tightened or loosened to secure the pipe.
The pipe wrench has become a common tool throughout the world and is still used today for plumbing and other applications.
Are monkey wrenches still used?
Yes, monkey wrenches are still used today, albeit in a slightly modified form compared to their original design. The classic monkey wrench was designed in the late 19th century by American blacksmith and inventor Charles Moncky, primarily for use in plumbing.
The original design featured an adjustable jaw for tightening a number of different sized nuts and bolts. While there are still a variety of monkey wrenches available that use the classic design, there have been many updated, modernized versions released in the decades since.
Many modern monkey wrenches feature an open end wrench, locking mechanism, and a comfort grip handle, allowing them to be used for more detailed and delicate applications such as automotive repair. Even with their updated design, these wrenches still serve their original purpose, so they are still useful and common tools in every toolbox.
Where did the phrase monkey wrench come from?
The phrase “monkey wrench” has a great number of potential origins and meanings. It is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century and may have a range of meanings, depending on the context in which it is used.
In the United States and Canada, a monkey wrench refers to an adjustable wrench that looks like a long metal rod with a swiveling head and adjustable jaw. Its origin likely refers to the tool’s resemblance to a monkey’s long arms and the ability of its jaw to grip objects.
In Britain, a monkey wrench is simply referred to as a wrench. Aside from its use in a literal sense, the phrase “monkey wrench” has been used variously to refer to something that upsets or wrecks a plan, an unnecessary complication, or an unexpected event that disrupts an orderly course of action.
It also has been used figuratively to denote something that is difficult or impossible to do, such as throwing a monkey wrench into an engine. Finally, in British slang it can also be used to refer to a fight.
All these meanings have made the phrase “monkey wrench” one that can be both literal and figurative.
What is a spanner in England?
In England, a spanner is a tool used to turn a nut or bolt. It is typically made from metal and consists of a handle and an adjustable jaw which is used to grip the nut or bolt. Generally, spanners in England come in a range of shapes and sizes to fit different parts.
The most common type of spanner is a wrench, which is a type of adjustable spanner used to grip and turn nuts and bolts. There are also open-end spanners, box spanners and other specific types of spanners used for different purposes.
What is an adjustable wrench called?
An adjustable wrench is also known as a crescent wrench due to its crescent moon shape. This type of wrench is most commonly used when working with nuts and bolts. It’s adjustable design allows it to fit around a variety of sizes, making it a great versatile tool for the everyday DIYer.
The most common types of adjustable wrenches are made from hardened steel or alloy steel for increased strength, but plastic versions are also available for light-duty work. To use an adjustable wrench, you rotate the knurled thumb screw to open or close the jaws of the wrench until you can fit it around the head of the nut or bolt you want to tighten or loosen.
What does the slang Monkey mean?
The slang term “monkey” is commonly used to refer to money, usually in the context of needing or wanting it. For example, “I’m short on monkey so I can’t buy new clothes. ” The term is likely derived from a phrase like “make money,” as the idea of “monkeying around” likely served as a source of humor and wit when referring to bad financial situations.
Monkey is also often used to refer to someone as a “wise guy,” or to indicate that someone is trying to be clever.
Why is a wrench called a spanner?
A wrench is a type of tool used to turn or secure fasteners, like screws, nuts, and bolts. It is called a spanner because it creates a grip on the fastener like a spanner. In fact, the word “spanner” is an old-fashioned word that is derived from the Low German word “spannen,” meaning “to grasp. “.
The earliest recorded use of the spanner was in the 1500s during the Industrial Revolution, when the first spanners were crafted to fit securely onto the nuts and bolts of machines that had been invented.
The shape of the grips allowed for a tight fit, which allowed machines to keep running. The tools have since been adapted to fit a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials and have become one of the most common tools in any toolbox.
Although the term “spanner” is now often used as a synonym for a wrench, the two are different. A spanner typically has a more specific design and jaw configuration, and range in size. On the other hand, a wrench, sometimes called a “monkey wrench,” has a more versatile design that can fit a variety of sizes and shapes.