Monkey Wrenches

[foakes]

How many of us have seen a broken vintage monkey wrench?

Particularly the ones made in the US within the last 100 years, or so.

I have never seen a busted one.

And, the few times I have needed to use one, they just work.

Often, the simplest tools are the most effective, and we take them for granted.

Good steel, well made, can be used in places where typical modern wrenches won't get the job done, or used as a hammer, an anvil, or even as a weapon if needed.

Trailer hitches, timber framing using large bolts, plumbing, tractors and heavy equipment, etc..

If reels were made like these old soldiers —- we wouldn't need tackle repair guys, like many of us.  Just occasional cleaning, and lubrication.

Anyway, up at 04:00 this morning, cup of coffee, working on re-organizing the outer shops for the 9th time to add in a new load of tools.  Little warmer last night, 52°.

Found all of these old wrenches —- and they deserve to be cleaned, serviced, lubed, and hung on the wall.  These are the wrenches used by workers who knew how to repair and build things to last —- not to just replace plastic and pot metal things when they failed all too soon.

A majority of these wrenches were manufactured by firms that haven't been in business for 70-80 years, or more.  But their tools are still tough, capable, and effective.

Before there was SAE, Metric, and other types of specialized tools —- these guys handled most jobs.

Best, Fred

[MarkT]

Only the 2nd from the right is what I'd call a monkey wrench.

[Midway Tommy]

Out here in the plains, a lot of those are referred to as Ford Wrenches.

[oc1]

A monkey wrench has flat smooth jaws for grasping flat surfaces like nuts.  A pipe wrench has serrated jaws for gripping pipe.

[JasonGotaProblem]

The monkey wrench was not invented, but improved upon, by a boxer named Jack Johnson in the 1920s. There's some sensationalized versions of the story out there to wade through, but that fellas actual life story was pretty dang interesting.

[Maxed Out]

 Anyone 50 and under probly never heard of a monkey wrench. They work on nuts, bolts, pipes, flat metal bending, and several other applications. Got a rounded off nut or bolt ? Monkey wrench will grab it with ease. A person can also add a hollow pipe onto the handle for extra leverage. Some have replaceable jaws. I own a couple of them monkey wrenches and they do come in handy sometimes.

 Fred, stop monkeying around and get that truckload of tools organized !!

 Go Mariners !! (The only pro baseball team thats never made it to the world series)

[foakes]

Anyone 50 and under probly never heard of a monkey wrench. They work on nuts, bolts, pipes, flat metal bending, and several other applications. Got a rounded off nut or bolt ? Monkey wrench will grab it with ease. A person can also add a hollow pipe onto the handle for extra leverage. Some have replaceable jaws. I own a couple of them monkey wrenches and they do come in handy sometimes.

Fred, stop monkeying around and get that truckload of tools organized !!

Getting there, Ted —-

Little at a time...

Best, Fred

[GerryR]

Very nice collection!!  I always say that I feel bad for my son;  when I pass away, he'll have to filter through my things and try to decide what to keep and what to get rid of.  I have a very full shop!

[CI_Seawolf]

I used them at my job, some called them a Stillson wrench, some a Ford wrench, and some a Tri Mo wrench.