A monkey wrench is a handyman’s best friend. They are used for tightening and loosening nuts, bolts, pipes, and other items. The monkey wrench is a common type of adjustable wrench. The name monkey wrench comes from the fact that it’s hard to loosen something once it has been tightened using a monkey wrench. You need to use your whole body weight in order to get enough torque on the tool. This article reveals what is a monkey wrench and how to use it properly.
What Is a Monkey Wrench?
A monkey wrench is a type of adjustable wrench. Once something has been tightened using a monkey wrench, it’s hard to loose. It can be used for tightening and loosening bolts, pipes, or others.
This tool comes with a fixed and adjustable jaw. The adjustable jaw is the smaller one with a ratchet mechanism. The fixed jaw is longer and it’s used for turning screws, nuts, or other round items.
Why Is It Called a Monkey Wrench?
The monkey wrench got its name from a machine shop worker who tightened the last bolt on an engine. He used a wrench to do it. But he had been fixing things all day and his hands were sore. He couldn’t get enough torque on the tool. This is why this type of adjustable wrench came in handy for him. The tool’s name was derived from that person’s problem: not being able to use enough force with their hand because they were tired. It’s an essential tool that every handyman must have. The monkey wrench complements the basic tool kit along with a clamp meter and pliers.
Where Did the Term Monkey Wrench Come From?
The name “monkey wrench” comes from its use in tightening bolts that are hard to reach. Because of their location on machines like steam boilers. You need to apply your whole body weight in order to get enough torque on the tool. That’s why this type of wrench was named “monkey wrench”.
As for the origin of the monkey wrench name, two theories take place. The first one is that the name “monkey wrench” was used because it resembled a monkey’s paw. The other theory, which makes more sense, is that this type of adjustable wrenches was called by such term because they could tighten bolts hard to reach with your hand.
Who Invented the Monkey Wrench?
The monkey wrench was invented by Loring Coes in 1840. However, the tool was originally named the “screw wrench”. Loring patented the first wrench in 1841. Loring with his brother Aury founded the company L. & A. G. Coes when they were manufacturing monkey wrenches.
Loring Coes was a gunsmith who lived in Connecticut. And Aury, his brother, worked as a blacksmith for their family business. The brothers came up with this type of adjustable wrenches. They were tired of using other tools to tighten hard-to-reach bolts on guns that needed repairing in difficult positions.
The inventors made the tool so that it could be used by hand or fitted over an object such as a pipe or nut. It soon became popular among handymen around the world which is still true today. The wrench is a common item on the handyman’s plumbing tool list.
The invention of the monkey wrench is sometimes attributed to William Robinson. He called his invention a hand-operated nut-and bolt tightener or Hand Monkey. The patent he filed read as follows: “Every mechanic knows that every time one turns a nut with his fingers this motion opens and shuts (i.e., draws back) each finger many times; consequently these parts become tired after some time which may be reduced by the use of my device whereby all movement will take place at one joint, the wrist.”
William Petersen is often credited with inventing the monkey wrench in 1872. However, it is now understood that he didn’t come up with this tool. But instead, he improved on an already existing design using his own name for it.
The term “monkey wrench” was coined by Baltimore mechanic Charles Moncky of Cincinnati. He renamed William Robinson’s invention a Hand Monkey to reflect its new shape. The Moncky’s wrench was called a monkey wrench or hand-operated nut-and bolt tightener.
Another significant wrench technology was improved by Robert Owen Jr. In 1913 he patented the ratchet wrench named “Double Acting Wrench”.
Did Jack Johnson Invent the Monkey Wrench?
Jack Johnson may be credited with inventing the Monkey Wrench in 1872. But it’s not true. This tool was invented in the early 1800s, when it was called a Hand Monkey to reflect its new shape and function. Some people claim that the boxer jack Johnson invented this tool when he was in prison. But the truth is the wrench was already patented before Johnson’s birth.
What Is a Monkey Wrench Used For?
The monkey wrench is usually used to clamp onto pipes and different fasteners. These include various nuts, bolts, screws, and more. The jaws of the tool are attached to the head. Slide the lower jaw over the object and then tighten it up. Turn the wrench clockwise to tighten or counterclockwise to loosen.
When you’re planning a home repair, the monkey wrench is a must-have. There are a lot of plumbing jobs that require the monkey wrench. The tool is used on pipes, fittings, and other threaded parts to tighten or loosen them.
The basic usage for the monkey wrench is tightening things up around your house. It can be useful with faucets, pipe joints in sinks and toilets, siding screws, and more. Also, monkey wrenches can be used for tightening your toilet’s tank-to-bowl fasteners. Otherwise, you’re in danger of flushing goldfish down the drain when it fails.
The tool also helps with other plumbing tasks like repairing pipes. It can help you with a leaky faucet or water heater by tightening the nuts that are holding your pipes together. A monkey wrench is also good for helping to open up a clogged drain from hair. And other debris sticking in the pipe, as well as removing bolts without damaging any surrounding surfaces.
The tool can be used for tasks around the house. Because it’s strong enough to loosen large screws and breakthrough tough materials like plasterboard. This makes it an excellent choice when putting furniture together or taking apart old appliances. It can help tighten door hinges, too! There are so many different things that you can do with this handy little tool.
Use a Monkey Wrench Properly
The monkey wrench was invented by Loring Coes in the 19th century. He is the first person to have patented a tool that could be used for turning nuts and bolts. This invention has been around since 1840 and it continues to be one of the most popular tools in use today. Both rookie and professional handymen have a monkey wrench in their kits. It’s a go-to tool that must be stored in every home.
