Answer me a question about Stillson wrenches

[dwasifar]

I know this kind of design is the classic Stillson:




Are the modern designs without the pivoting bracket and leaf springs also considered Stillson wrenches? If not, does the modern design have a name?

 

[Ingram306]

Pipe wrenches

 

[Kscardsfan]

Heard some guys use Stillson as slang for pipe wrench in general in my oilfield days. But they were old timers.

 

[Dave455]

Yes, your pattern of wrench are called ”Stillsons”. Years back the design was actually licensed, which is why they all look so similar. As part of the deal I think that the wrenches had to meet certain standards, so these “genuine” Stillsons have lasted well.

In the U.K. the other pattern were called “Leader”

I assumed that this was a name unique to Record, who were one of the major makers of this tool in the U.K. I doubt if Record invented this pattern, as I have U.S. made tools of my Grandfathers which predate any Record tool, but the term became common here.

 

[dwasifar]

Yes, your pattern of wrench are called ”Stillsons”. Years back the design was actually licensed, which is why they all look so similar. As part of the deal I think that the wrenches had to meet certain standards, so these “genuine” Stillsons have lasted well.

In the U.K. the other pattern were called “Leader”

I assumed that this was a name unique to Record, who were one of the major makers of this tool in the U.K. I doubt if Record invented this pattern, as I have U.S. made tools of my Grandfathers which predate any Record tool, but the term became common here.

I did a little googling. It appears Ridgid invented that design in 1925, as far as I can tell, so I guess calling it the "modern" design is stretching the term a bit.

I wrote to Ridgid today and asked them if they have a name for that design, and whether they collect royalties from all the other makers.