I picked this up at a flea market for $3. Soaked it in WD40 for a while, looks good now, works good as new. However, I don't know anything about it's origins. Is it an antique maybe? I've never seen any wrenches like this before.
The only markings are "Forged Steel U.S.A." and also "9 IN" on the other side. That's it. Nice heavy quality tool, opens really wide, to 2 1/2 inches worth. Any ideas?
They're called Ford Wrenches (https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/ford-wrenches.650015/) AKA monkey wrench (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkey_wrench).
In the day, those were the original "Monkey Wrenches".
They still work very well.
I cleaned up a couple of old ones last year -- and they are excellent tools.
For machinery and sometimes plumbing such as hex unions or fittings.
Best,
Fred
Thanks guys! So this is pretty old, but I guess not so rare then. This one doesn't say Ford on it though, hmm...
I have those wrenches for my farm equipment for adjusting sweeps and cultivators, works good on square nuts.
Joe
It's a straight pipe wrench. They're still made and sold in hardware stores. I have a few out in the garage and also a small attractive antique one with a wooden handle.
In the Uk they are often called a Stillson wrench.
Quote from: Tiddlerbasher on January 24, 2018, 02:14:06 AM
In the Uk they are often called a Stillson wrench.
Yeah, same here in Oz.
Got a few of these up to 24 inches or so for larger steel pipes.
~
Looks to be an early Crecent or maybe Marklet (sp)....
I have one in the shop I will try to dig out for comparison.
This technically is not a pipe wrench though very similar... Jeff
Quote from: Tiddlerbasher on January 24, 2018, 02:14:06 AM
In the Uk they are often called a Stillson wrench.
We also use that term (Stillson) interchangeably with pipe wrench for the ones with teeth to grab round surfaces.
The one pictured without teeth is referred to as a "monkey" wrench.
I have the same wrench it was part of my grand-father plumber leather toolbox ...it works perfectly .
I still have my Father's Monkey Wrenches. He is gone 48yrs. I used them on Chrome Lock Nuts & Flush Valves because you didn't want scratches on the Chrome.
Mike
Quote from: Captain64-200 on January 25, 2018, 10:45:32 PM
I have the same wrench it was part of my grand-father plumber leather toolbox ...it works perfectly .
Any idea who they were made by? Mine has no manufacturer's markings of any kind.
These were manufactured by a few different companies depending on when original patents ran out.
I have a restored 9" one that looks very close to yours — but very clearly labeled Crescent Tool Co.
Another heavier duty one with wooden grips over a thru-handle steel tang probably is marked also — but I will wait until tomorrow to check it, since it is 40 yards away, in the workshop, there is snow on the ground, 26 degrees, and I have my pajamas on.
They are very dependable tools.
Best,
Fred
Quote from: foakes on January 26, 2018, 05:59:43 AMbut I will wait until tomorrow to check it, since it is 40 yards away, in the workshop, there is snow on the ground, 26 degrees, and I have my pajamas on.
NO. I insist that you run out there right this minute! ;D LOL, and I hear you have hungry mountain lions out there too.
Quote from: nelz on January 26, 2018, 05:31:48 AM
Quote from: Captain64-200 on January 25, 2018, 10:45:32 PM
I have the same wrench it was part of my grand-father plumber leather toolbox ...it works perfectly .
Any idea who they were made by? Mine has no manufacturer's markings of any kind.
Mine is french made , stamped "Peugeot Frères, tout acier " which means " Peugeot Brothers , all steel " the same Peugeot as the car manufacturers , these are excellent and durable tools .There's also a stamped African Lion which was their emblem .(https://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/11/93/47/71/kimg0911.jpg)(https://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/11/93/47/71/kimg0910.jpg)
The one like yours is a 9" labeled Crescent Tool Co.
The larger one is a 12" model weighing in at 3 pounds, 8 ounces.
It is labeled:
P.S. & W. Co.
Solid Bar
Jan. 14. 1890
Made in U.S.A.
I cleaned it off last year, oiled it, and stuck it on the pegboard out in one of the shops.
Works perfectly — no slop or wear signs after perhaps 128 years, or so — just work scars.
Would also make a nice weapon in a vehicle, or to bust out a window.
It belonged to Sue's Grandfather and was used out on the farm in Tranquility. Like all of his tools, the handle was painted green.
Best,
Fred
The famous monkey wrench. The original multi-tool, use as a wrench, hammer, or pry things.
Thanks Fred. Yeah, that big one looks very robust, very nice.