Show your adjustable wrenches!

[Outlawmws]

Yes, I would say Proto/Facom's marketing people are idiots.

Caving in to other's ignorance... Sorry, not me.

Even the game "Clue" can get the difference.

But heck, most younger people probably haven't actually seen one of those old clue board games either...

But you have no excuse: This was covered very well on page one of this thread...

 

[Fcvapor05]

Yes, I would say Proto/Facom's marketing people are idiots.

Caving in to other's ignorance... Sorry, not me.

Even the game "Clue" can get the difference.

But heck, most younger people probably haven't actually seen one of those old clue board games either...

But you have no excuse: This was covered very well on page one of this thread...

I'm going to side with Facom/Proto, Crescent, and a boatload of wrench collectors and retailers over one guy on Garage Journal who thinks he knows everything.

Good luck.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

'Many people', including the people that make the tool...

I can't believe I'm letting myself be sucked into this type of argument....

But they're two tools that do the same job, in the same way. Call it a 'Ford Wrench' or an 'Auto Wrench' or a 'Monkey Wrench'... in the real world, outside of tool forums where people nitpick everything to death, those three terms are interchangeable. If you try to explain to someone that a tool that says 'Monkey Wrench' on the packaging isn't really a 'Monkey Wrench' you're going to sound like an idiot.

Not arguing. I agree with you, I always call them monkey wrenches as well. I just understand someone would say we are technically wrong. In any case I just got two more Ridgid E110's in mail today. No pictures of my own sorry.

 

[Fcvapor05]

Not arguing. I agree with you, I always call them monkey wrenches as well. I just understand someone would say we are technically wrong. In any case I just got two more Ridgid E110's in mail today. No pictures of my own sorry.

What size? I've liked that particular design since I first saw it. I rarely work on fittings large enough to justify buying a couple.

Edit: realized that E110 is that particular size, not the family with multiple sizes.

I use big 'ol Crescent wrenches for fittings in that range. Looks like a solid design though, and I like the offset for cramped quarters.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

What size? I've liked that particular design since I first saw it. I rarely work on fittings large enough to justify buying a couple.

They claim its capacity is 1 1/8 - 2 5/8. It is 2 5/8'' max but will close to 3/4''. Yes I always use it when you cant get a big crescent in there which happens a lot for me. I had one that walked away on me and another I have the handle is cut short for even more obstruction/tight areas. So I grabbed a few more. I really like em for fittings especially hydraulic stuff.

 

[JR 42]

'Many people', including the people that make the tool...

I can't believe I'm letting myself be sucked into this type of argument....

But they're two tools that do the same job, in the same way. Call it a 'Ford Wrench' or an 'Auto Wrench' or a 'Monkey Wrench'... in the real world, outside of tool forums where people nitpick everything to death, those three terms are interchangeable. If you try to explain to someone that a tool that says 'Monkey Wrench' on the packaging isn't really a 'Monkey Wrench' you're going to sound like an idiot.

Yeah, you're essentially right (enough incorrect usage eventually changes the definition, after all), but I'm with Outlawms and Outsidemachinist on this one. Misuse of language irks me, and I could give two craps what some Stanley marketing guy thinks a wrench is called.

R. Crumb got it right.

 

[Outlawmws]

I'm going to side with Facom/Proto, Crescent, and a boatload of wrench collectors and retailers over one guy on Garage Journal who thinks he knows everything.

Good luck.

Whatever floats your boat.

 

[ganymede]

Speaking of changing or incorrect terminology ....

 

[PowerGenGuy]

I am on the road a lot and to make travelling interesting I stop in at second hand shops and garage sales all over the province. My rule, must not spend more than $6 and must be Canadian or American made, some exceptions.

We have in 12" Gray ML12 with Maple Leaf, Gedore no. 91, Proto of Canada and Rona(found this one on a mountaintop, exception)
In 10" 710 Proto of Canada, 2 Crescent and New Lobster(exception)
In 8" 708 Proto of Canada, Gray(Dreadnaught), and Crescent.

 

[JR 42]

To atone for my OT dictionary post, here are a few pics of a Ridgid pipe wrench I picked up yesterday for dirt cheap (I've been looking for a screaming deal on a quality pipe wrench for a while, and paid $1.50 for this gem). The jaws look to be in great shape, it's barely rusty, and the handle is hardly bent, so I'm happy.

Does anyone have any detailed info on dating these things? From what I can gather, the patent is from the 1920's, and the black color may or may not have been used after WWII. The scale on the jaw seems like a more modern feature (at least it is on Crescent-type wrenches), but the rest of it looks old (not a very useful observation, I know).

JR

 

[mrvm]

Just an idea if anyone is handy enough to weld a bit they may find a new use for their adjustable wrench

 

[lbgradwell]

Speaking of changing or incorrect terminology ....

Very true.

But are you saying what you have pictured is a real Spud Wrench or the imposter?

 

[ganymede]

Very true.

But are you saying what you have pictured is a real Spud Wrench... ?

Yup. Says it right on it.

 

[lbgradwell]

Yup. Says it right on it.

I agree. The "spud" referred to was the Maddock Spud used on toilets at least as far back as 1915.

How the name was ever applied to an erection/construction/drift wrench, I don't know!

 

[WWIIjeep]

I agree. The "spud" referred to was the Maddock Spud used on toilets at least as far back as 1915.

How the name was ever applied to an erection/construction/drift wrench, I don't know!

That's not an erection/construction/drift wrench. Certainly it's similar, but it's a Trimo wrench intended for the plumbing trade. Proof, from a 1938 plumbing supply catalog:

Trimont Manufacturing Co. was a major manufacturer of wrenches for the plumbing trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The subject wrench was intended for use on spud fittings and was based on this particular patent:

http://www.datamp.org/patents/search/advance.php?pn=1613229&id=24928&set=20

There are other types of water closet spuds than just the Maddock type. In addition, some types of sink drains and slip fittings were also called spud fittings--perhaps incorrectly in the original sense, but fact nonetheless.

 

[ArtDeco]

Spuds...where did Spanner originate? or is that another rabbit hole?

 

[Outlawmws]

Spanner = Wrench over in Merry ol England AFAIK

 

[lbgradwell]

That's not an erection/construction/drift wrench. Certainly it's similar, but it's a Trimo wrench intended for the plumbing trade. Proof, from a 1938 plumbing supply catalog:

Trimont Manufacturing Co. was a major manufacturer of wrenches for the plumbing trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The subject wrench was intended for use on spud fittings and was based on this particular patent:

http://www.datamp.org/patents/search/advance.php?pn=1613229&id=24928&set=20

There are other types of water closet spuds than just the Maddock type. In addition, some types of sink drains and slip fittings were also called spud fittings--perhaps incorrectly in the original sense, but fact nonetheless.

I know.

What I'm saying is (and I thought you were referring to as well is) that the term "spud wrench" is also often applied to erection/construction/drift wrenches.

Of course, there is also another type of plumbing spud wrench with fixed open jaws, but they are obviously also intended for spud nuts...

Ridgid still markets a spud wrench like the Trimo.

 

[lbgradwell]

Spanner = Wrench over in Merry ol England AFAIK

Australia too.

But "spanner" refers to a special, distinctive type of wrench here in N.A.: pin spanners, hook spanners...

 

[neophyte]

Here is a little oddball adjustable I got a week ago Sunday in a huge buy of tools;

The threaded adjuster is split an slides down each side of the handle/lower jaw part. Not a single maker's mark or number anywhere on it. The screw (I had to replace the non-countersunk bolt and nut that was on it...) keeps the user from screwing the nut off the end of the two threaded "halves". I'll use some muratic acid to clean the plating off the screw so it doesn't look so out of place...

I had relegated this to the small pile of "Broken tools" from the buy, as it was stuck and would not adjust. I got it apart without too much difficulty and had to both straighten the jaws (they were twisted to each other a bit) and hone the "ways" a bit as it had been over torqued and had a very slight set that made it bind in the last 1/2 inch of closing.


Anyone have a clue who made this puppy? it is only about 6" long in the closed position, and identical on both sides except for the countersink vs. 10-32 threads for the screw.

It was clearly manufactured and as a forging as well. and the fit, finish and quality are all top drawer, and I would guess it's from the turn of the century, to maybe 1930's at a guess.

This wrench looks very similar to some older King **** English made adjustable wrenches. I don't now whether King **** was the only company that manufactured this style.

Steinadler also manufactured tis style of wrench. Your example looks closer to the Steinadler wrenches.

 

[WWIIjeep]

I know.

What I'm saying is (and I thought you were referring to as well is) that the term "spud wrench" is also often applied to erection/construction/drift wrenches.

OK, now we're on the same page. I thought you were calling the plumbing wrench something else.

AFAIK, the spud wrenches used by ironworkers are so-called because one of the several definitions for spud is a pointed bar or lever. That application may be as old as, or older than, the spud fittings used in plumbing.

So the question could also be, how "spud" came to be a name for a plumbing fitting.

This is stressing too many brain cells on a Saturday night....

 

[metaldad]

OK, now we're on the same page. I thought you were calling the plumbing wrench something else.

AFAIK, the spud wrenches used by ironworkers are so-called because one of the several definitions for spud is a pointed bar or lever. That application may be as old as, or older than, the spud fittings used in plumbing.

So the question could also be, how "spud" came to be a name for a plumbing fitting.

This is stressing too many brain cells on a Saturday night....

spud wrenches for iron workers, or anyone else, allows the wrench to be used as a line up tool.
spud wrench ........... in steam fitting............ special wrench that fits inside and engages a pair of 'ears', 'dogs'. it's the '******' on the right side of the photo. piece is a half union. no way to use an external wrench to tighten that threaded piece into a fitting.

using this wrench, of which i have several.

 

[lbgradwell]

spud wrenches for iron workers, or anyone else, allows the wrench to be used as a line up tool.

...which is why one might expect a name like "drift wrench" as in "drift punch"...

 

[littletoes]

spud wrenches for iron workers, or anyone else, allows the wrench to be used as a line up tool.
spud wrench ........... in steam fitting............ special wrench that fits inside and engages a pair of 'ears', 'dogs'. it's the '******' on the right side of the photo. piece is a half union. no way to use an external wrench to tighten that threaded piece into a fitting.

using this wrench, of which i have several.

MetalDad-that bottom pic....well lets just say that tool "*****", in the kindest way I can say it! The larger sizes won't reach, unless you break off the smaller one...easier to just get a square easy out (I suggest PROTO), tap it in there solid, then turn it out. The newer traps we've been using have a hex in them, and we use the largest hex sockets we have. MUCH easier!

Here's one for you guys! Ever hear of those spud wrenches called a "Ford" wrench??

 

[MikeF2316]

Here's one for you guys! Ever hear of those spud wrenches called a "Ford" wrench??

From post #231 in this thread...

 

[littletoes]

Now there you go! Thanks for sharing the pic Mike!!

 

[Advan]

Here's most of mine. The Zubi stays at home for the big jobs, and the spud and two Grays come to work with me, getting used daily.

 

[AV tinker er]

Here's one for you guys! Ever hear of those spud wrenches called a "Ford" wrench??

I've always called them a Ford wrench. I thought Ford was the first to develop/use them? Could be wrong....

Now they come in metric.... One more tool to buy.

 

[Outlawmws]

Actually, Ford contracted with a number of tool companies to supply those to them to go with each car. Those that know (and probably a few web sites) have listings of who made what and the markings to tell for many of them.


A couple I picked up yesterday and today:

A Tower & Lyon (New York) Monkey/Pipe wrench with 1877, 1881, 1882, and 1889 Pat. dates. the toothed part of the pipe jaw is on the part that hinges slightly to allow "ratcheting" the wrench, and interestingly has the teeth at a slight diagonal.

AA shows Tower & Lyon running from 1884 to 1916. those patent dates push the early years back unless that bought someone else's patents, (but who would buy a 7 year old patent? Tool patents were a dime a dozen back then to gt a new one)

It's in great shape for something probably over a century old.

and the Crescent:

This is my second one of these. Not sure they made the double heads in other sizes.

 

[davethorik]

I bought this adjustable at a flea market for $5. It does not look quite like the one pictured in the AA article on Cornwell. After doing some random surfing of the AA page, I realized that it bore a resemblance to the adjustables made by J.P. Danielson of Jamestown, NY. (I bought it at a flea market in NY state not far from Jamestown, I bought it because Cornwell tools are made not far from where i live in OH).

So I guess here is something to add. J.P. Danielson must have done merchant forging for Cornwell also.

Note the other side of the handle except for the forged in 12 in., no writing at all. The opposite side has 12 in. and FORGED ALLOY STEEL forged into the metal (protruding). AJ-12 CORNWELL MFD. USA is engraved into the metal.

It has the radiused jaw like other Danielson makes. Also the forged in date code at the bottom by the hanging hole, hard to read but I believe it says F-2-3, which is not on AA's list.

The "MFD" also says to me "Proto" so this was probably made some time after they bought Danielson. it had chrome plating, quite a bit of which is worn off.

 

[ganymede]

Davethorik
Nice find. I've seen those Danielsons branded as Billings & Spencer too.
Don't know if Cornwell ever made their own adjustables but you can ad JH Williams to the list of companies whom they've sourced them from.

 

[davethorik]

Davethorik
Nice find. I've seen those Danielsons branded as Billings & Spencer too.
Don't know if Cornwell ever made their own adjustables but you can ad JH Williams to the list of companies whom they've sourced them from.

good eye jupiter's moon, the squared off top portion of the slideway a dead giveaway. I personally had never seen a Cornwell adjustable until I bought this one. I have a Williams Superjustable industrial finish AB-10 and it is one of my favorites, very thin and has a nice balance.

edit: is that a 4"?

At the same flea mkt there was another guy whom had about 6-7 four inchers for sale for $10 a piece. Most were Uticas a couple williams one c-man and a master mechanic usa. Only problem? they were all bent.

I have a Snap-On/Blue Point badged Diamond Tool 4" and it is easily my favorite adjustable.

 

[KamiCrit]

Here's most of mine. The Zubi stays at home for the big jobs, and the spud and two Grays come to work with me, getting used daily.

How are the Gray Tools treating you?

 

[Advan]

How are the Gray Tools treating you?

I like 'em. They're relatively light, and have a nice tight action. Everyone else that uses them agrees. Its a shame they're not made here, but I don't regret buying them!

 

[ganymede]

good eye jupiter's moon, the squared off top portion of the slideway a dead giveaway. I personally had never seen a Cornwell adjustable until I bought this one. I have a Williams Superjustable industrial finish AB-10 and it is one of my favorites, very thin and has a nice balance.

edit: is that a 4"?
..... .

Thank you sir.
Yes it's a 4 in size.
Here's an actual Williams and above it is one branded for Craftsman from when Williams supplied for them in the early 70's . Also 4" size.

 

[hackwelder]

Recently picked up a Stanley locking adjustable wrench and it is very handy for some jobs, like damaged drain plugs, plumbing fittings you do not want to mar etc. it will NOT slip when locked down in my experience...anyway they are still made but I'd never seen one in a store, bought mine on Amazon...

 

[kel NZ]

Had a quick look through my adjustables for brands that haven't been shown yet. Found an 8" Henry Boker from Germany, 6" Dowidat from Germany, a 4" Garrington from England, and a 10" Top from Japan.

 

[BLK-PRL]

Hi All, Newby here, Sure would appreciate your input on this one. I couldn't find what I was looking for, needed one that would provide a positive grip minimizing slippage... so I figured I'd make one. Its a ratcheting adjustable.
thought that maybe I'd make a go of it.

Your thoughts?

Cheers

 

[Outlawmws]

Looks like the jaws were borrowed off the Vise Grip (LB series) Nut grips; I can't tell how your ratcheting mechsnisum works. Masterwrench hinged jaw?

 

[wrenchguy]

A 6" and 12", looking 4 the 8" and 10" 4 a complete set.