Is there such a thing as a left-handed monkey wrench?

Senior Member. A monkey wrench is a type of wrench most often used by plumbers. It is symmetrical so there is no such thing as a left-handed (or right-handed) one.

What is the proper name for a monkey wrench?

adjustable spanner
Also called, especially British, adjustable spanner. a wrench having an adjustable jaw permitting it to grasp nuts or the like of different sizes.

What does it mean to be someone’s monkey wrench?

Sabotage or frustrate a project or plans, as in The boss threw a monkey wrench into our plans when he said we’d have to work Saturday.

What is the difference between a monkey wrench and a Stillson wrench?

But in fact you may be wrong! Often described by their size, i.e. 18″ wrenches are known as ’18s’ – the previously common term ‘Stillson’ or ‘set of Stillsons’ is being replaced in everyday speech by the term ‘monkey wrench’, although this is actually, not technically correct !

Did Jack Johnson invent the monkey wrench?

Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion, patented a wrench (U.S. patent #1,413,121) on April 18, 1922. His patent was not the first for a wrench. Solymon Merrick of Springfield, Massachusetts, patented the first wrench in 1835.

Why do they call it a Bobbejaan spanner?

“Bobbejaan” is the Afrikaans term for a baboon. In Zimbabwe it was usually known by an Anglicized version of the Afrikaans name.” ……but that is not a pipe wrench, its a shifting spanner. Yes, “bobbejaan” means baboon in Afrikaans & that tool is named after it.

Is a crescent wrench a monkey wrench?

Crescent wrenches have one fixed jaw and one movable jaw; they differ from monkey wrenches in that the jaws on a crescent wrench are nearly parallel to the handle, whereas the jaws on a monkey wrench are perpendicular to the handle. In both types, the jaws are adjusted using a worm gear that you turn with your thumb.

What are Stillson wrenches used for?

The adjustable pipe, or Stillson, wrench is used to hold or turn pipes or circular bars. This wrench has serrated jaws, one of which is pivoted on the handle to create a strong gripping action on the work.

Why is it called a Ford wrench?

In 1909 the Coes Wrench Company advertised a six-foot-long “key” wrench, shaped like a monkey wrench, for use on railroads. … These are also known as a Ford wrench owing to this type of wrench being included in the tool kit supplied with every Ford Model A.

What monkey wrenches look like?

A monkey wrench has been described as having both an L- and F-shaped appearance. Basically, the monkey wrench has a fixed upper jaw with a lower jaw that can move up and down the wrench through a screw mechanism. … Conversely, if you want to loosen a fastener, turn the monkey wrench counterclockwise.

What are the parts of monkey wrench?

The design of a monkey wrench was very simple. A solid metal piece makes up the handle, slide and top jaw of the wrench. A screw sits on the front of the device and is partially screwed into the lower jaw. The lower jaw slides up and down the slide portion of the handle when the screw rotates.

What is the most commonly used wrench size?

Most common are the 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch and ½-inch ratchet drivers, but ¾-inch and 1-inch sets are available for heavy-duty work.

What are monkey wrenches used for?

This heavy wrench was used in steam locomotive and railroad-car repair work. A skilled mechanic used a monkey wrench only when a solid, open-end wrench was not available to properly fit a bolt or nut in question, or when the head of the bolt or size of the nut was non-standard.

What is ratchet tool?

A ratcheting socket wrench – commonly known as a ratchet – is a mechanical tool that tightens and loosens nuts and bolts more efficiently than other wrenches. Ratchets attach to different sized sockets, making them a versatile tool for your toolbox.

Why is it called a monkey?

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word “monkey” may originate in a German version of the Reynard the Fox fable, published circa 1580. In this version of the fable, a character named Moneke is the son of Martin the Ape. … Colloquially, the terms “monkey” and “ape” are widely used interchangeably.

How much is a monkey wrench?

Stanley Proto Facom FA-105.280 Monkey Wrench, 11-Inch
List Price: $46.79 Details
Price: $42.28
You Save: $4.51 (10%)

What can I use instead of socket wrench?

What to Use if You Don’t Have a Wrench
  • Duck tape. Duct tape is useful in almost any situation but you may be surprised to learn that you can use it to loosen bolts. …
  • Two coins. Who would think that money can be used as a makeshift tool? …
  • Zip-tie. …
  • Another nut and bolt.

Are 6 or 12 point sockets better?

Answer: It’s true that 12-point sockets are fine for most lightweight repairs, but heavy wrenching calls for a six-point socket. A six-point socket is much less likely to slip off a stubborn fastener or round over the corners. Here’s why: (1) Six-point sockets have thicker walls, so they’re less likely to flew.

Who invented the ratcheting wrench?

English: Engraving of the first ratcheting socket wrench and two sockets, invented by J. J. Richardson and patented on June 18, 1863, from the article about it in Scientific American magazine.

How do you remove a bolt you can’t reach the nut?

Step 1: Use Some Muscle. Try a 6-point wrench or socket on your seized nut/bolt. Start by rocking the bolt by tightening then loosing, this may be all you need to break through the rust. Try and avoid 12-point wrenches and sockets as they likely to slip and strip the bolt head.

How do you loosen tight nuts?

Can I use pliers instead of a wrench?

A plier tool can be used instead of a wrench sometimes , like to tighten or loosen nuts but this job is better suited for a wrench. Pliers tools tend to damage the corner or the surface of the nuts and it is more difficult to use than a normal sized wrench.