Pipe wrench

Pipe wrench

The pipe wrench, or Stillson wrench is an adjustable wrench used for turning soft iron pipes and fittings with a rounded surface. The design of the adjustable jaw allows it to rock in the frame, such that any forward pressure on the handle tends to pull the jaws tighter together. Teeth angled in the direction of turn dig into the soft pipe. They are not intended for use on hard hex nuts because they would ruin the head; however, when a hex nut becomes rounded beyond use with standard wrenches, the pipe wrench is sometimes used to break the bolt or nut free. Pipe wrenches are usually sold in the following sizes: 10, 14, 18, 24, 36, and 48 inches. They are usually made of either steel or aluminium. Teeth, and jaw kits (which also contain adjustment rings and springs) can be bought to repair broken wrenches, as this is cheaper than buying a new wrench.

These wrenches are sometimes colloquially known as monkey wrenches but this is not technically correct, as the term refers to a specific type of wrench not common anymore, that was designed for nuts rather than pipe. This is occurring in countries such as Australia, where the previous term "Stillson's" or "set of Stillson's" is being progressively replaced in everyday speech by the aforementioned incorrect term.

The U.S. Patent Office issued US patent|95744 to Daniel C. Stillson on 12 October, 1869.

Many companies now manufacture pipe wrenches, but the most prominent professional-grade manufacturer (and the most common in the North American plumbing trade) is RIDGID.fact|date=August 2007

In the UK these wrenches are often described by their size i.e. 18" wrenches are known as "18's", or by the general name of "Stillies". The most prominent professional-grade manufacturer in the UK is RECORD.

ee also

*Adjustable spanner
*Plumber wrench

External links

* [http://www.bochynski.com/stillson/ Biography of Daniel C. Stillson and background on the development of the Stillson wrench.]


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Pipe wrench — Pipe Pipe, n. [AS. p[=i]pe, probably fr. L. pipare, pipire, to chirp; of imitative origin. Cf. {Peep}, {Pibroch}, {Fife}.] 1. A wind instrument of music, consisting of a tube or tubes of straw, reed, wood, or metal; any tube which produces… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • pipe-wrench — pipeˈ wrench noun A wrench that grips a pipe when turned one way • • • Main Entry: ↑pipe …   Useful english dictionary

  • pipe wrench — n. any of several types of wrench, including the Stillson wrench, used to grip and turn pipes and other cylindrical objects …   English World dictionary

  • pipe wrench — pipe′ wrench n. mac bui a tool having two toothed jaws, one fixed and the other free, that can be adjusted to grip pipes and other tubular objects when the tool is turned in one direction only • Etymology: 1885–1890 …   From formal English to slang

  • pipe wrench — noun adjustable wrench for gripping and turning a pipe; has two serrated jaws that are adjusted to grip the pipe • Syn: ↑tube wrench • Hypernyms: ↑adjustable wrench, ↑adjustable spanner • Hyponyms: ↑chain tongs, ↑Stillson wre …   Useful english dictionary

  • pipe wrench — An adjustable wrench with serrated jaws. The most common type of pipe wrench is the so called Stilison wrench. Also called a monkey wrench. Also see chain pipe wrench …   Dictionary of automotive terms

  • Pipe Wrench (cocktail) — WPMIXInfobox iba = no name = Pipe Wrench caption = The Pipe Wrench was named for its strong intoxicating effects, and as a pun on the inventor s name. type = cocktail flaming = vodka = tequila = rum = beer = yes gin = yes triplesec = served =… …   Wikipedia

  • pipe wrench — noun An adjustable wrench (British spanner) with a toothed jaw for gripping pipe, frequently used by a plumber or pipe fitter, to loosen and tighten pipes with threaded connections. Syn: Stillsons, Stillson wrench, monkey wrench …   Wiktionary

  • pipe wrench — noun Date: circa 1875 a wrench for gripping and turning a cylindrical object (as a pipe) usually by use of two serrated jaws so designed as to grip the pipe when turning in one direction only …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • pipe wrench — /ˈpaɪp rɛntʃ/ (say puyp rench) noun a wrench for gripping and turning a pipe, and usually having serrated jaws to exert purchase in one direction only …  

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