What Is A Monkey Wrench?

Purwell

Purwell

Member
Location
North Herts (UK)
In lots of novels and indeed films over the years there is often talk of people being hit with a Monkey Wrench.
I believe this to be an American term because here in the UK we rarely say wrench, more likely to use the term spanner.

As an engineer, I have used lots of different adjustable spanners and indeed pipe wrenches over the years but I still am not sure what a monkey wrench is.

Can one of you American members put me out of my misery by please posting a photo of one?
 

I googled why is it called that and found this:
"a clip from World Wide Words, an etymology website, which suggested that the wrench got its animalistic moniker because it was similar to a "key wrench," but was different enough to be called a "non-key" wrench. That awkward phrasing was then corrupted to "monkey wrench.""

But, now I wonder what a "key wrench" is?
 

This is what I came up with...

71nT0F6xLwL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

Monkey wrench

61SAJlDn9xS._AC_SL1500_.jpg

Crescent wrench

7157TN62hQL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

Pipe wrench

519z93lVqCL._AC_SL1000_.jpg

Spanner wrench
 
HoneyNut said:
I googled why is it called that and found this:
"a clip from World Wide Words, an etymology website, which suggested that the wrench got its animalistic moniker because it was similar to a "key wrench," but was different enough to be called a "non-key" wrench. That awkward phrasing was then corrupted to "monkey wrench.""

But, now I wonder what a "key wrench" is?
Click to expand...

Monkey wrench
noun

  1. an adjustable wrench with large jaws that has its adjusting screw contained in the handle.
verb
INFORMAL

  1. sabotage (something), especially as a form of protest.
    "they will spike trees and monkey wrench any attempts to log in wilderness areas" Oxford Dictionary ;)


monkey wrench 2.jpg
 
Last edited:
Ifortuna got it right. Adjustable wrench (spanner) with flat jaws.Will often have wooden grips incorporated in the handle as these were used on steam fittings and other high temp situations. A pipe wrench is a different animal, with toothed jaws. Mike
 
Last edited:
The terms monkey wrench and pipe wrench are often if incorrectly used interchangeably in my area, with both tools often used by plumbers. They should not be confused with references to a “plumber’s crack,” which does not refer to illegal drugs, but which you also definitely don’t want to see around… 🙀
 
Fyrefox said:
The terms monkey wrench and pipe wrench are often if incorrectly used interchangeably in my area, with both tools often used by plumbers. They should not be confused with references to a “plumber’s crack,” which does not refer to illegal drugs, but which you also definitely don’t want to see around… 🙀
Click to expand...
Pipe wrenches are commonly called Stilsons in the UK and I presume "plumbers crack" is similar to "builders bum"!
 
Monkey wrench is for turning nuts and bolts. The jaws are 90 degrees to the handle.
A crescent wrench is also for tightening nuts and bolts, but has the jaws at an angle.
A Stillson (pipe wrench) has teeth on the jaws to grip round pipes and fittings.
Vice grips have different configurations for different jobs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top