In slang, the term “monkey wrench” is used to refer to an element that disrupts or spoils a situation, often with unpredictable and chaotic results. It can also refer to an unexpected obstacle or complexity that disrupts the intended task or timeline.
Commonly used in the context of a plan or project that has gone awry, the term is used to convey the idea of something out of control. It can even refer to someone who throws a wrench into a situation, typically through the use of sarcasm, mockery, or other forms of disruption.
Where does the phrase monkey wrench come from?
The phrase “monkey wrench” is thought to have originated in the mid-19th century. It is thought to have been derived from the term “monkey” which was a slang term at the time for an apprentice in a trade.
This was due to the fact that apprentices were used to assist in a variety of tasks, and therefore could be considered “helpful” in a similar manner to a monkey. The term eventually came to be related to the tool of the same name, a type of adjustable spanner or wrench.
It’s thought that the name was given to the tool because of its versatility and ability to adjust, just like a monkey could help in a variety of tasks. This phrase is now often used in modern day English as a metaphor to describe someone as being flexible and able to adapt to different situations.
How do you use monkey wrench in a sentence?
A monkey wrench can be used to describe a situation in which a seemingly small issue or detail throws off an entire plan or process. For example, you could say “We had everything in place for the big event, but a tiny detail prevented us from proceeding, it was like a monkey wrench had been thrown in the works. “.
What’s another name for a monkey wrench?
A monkey wrench is also commonly called a gas or stillson wrench. This large adjustable wrench was invented in the late 19th century by American blacksmith and inventorsof tools, CharlesMonroe Stillson.
The name “Monkey wrench” comes from its similarity in actions to a regular wrench, as though a “monkey” was turning it. As its design hasn’t changed much since its invention, it’s still in use today.
What does throw a spanner in the works mean?
Throw a spanner in the works is an expression that means introducing something unexpected or unexpected happening that disrupts a plan or process that has been carefully set up. It can be used to refer to either someone consciously disrupting a plan, or an unexpected event occurring that disrupts a plan.
For instance, if someone is planning a trip and the plane is unexpectedly delayed, this would be an example of a spanner in the works.
What does the phrase brown study mean?
The phrase “brown study” is an old English expression that means being deep in contemplation or thought. It is often associated with the image of someone lost in thought, not noticing the world around them.
The phrase likely derives from the phrase “browne musing,” first recorded in the poet, Thomas Campion’s 1613 poem, “To Music, to Becalm His Fever. ” The phrase’s origin may come from the color “brown,” which is often associated with seriousness and contemplation.
This phrase can be used to describe someone deep in thought, seemingly oblivious to the outside world.
What’s the difference between a monkey wrench and a pipe wrench?
A monkey wrench and a pipe wrench are both tools used to tighten or loosen threaded fasteners, such as nuts and bolts. However, they differ in their design and intended usage.
A monkey wrench has an adjustable jaw with a thin profile, allowing it to be easily maneuvered in tight spaces and unscrew small fasteners. It is also referred to as an adjustable wrench, crescent wrench, or shifting spanner.
A pipe wrench is designed differently to better grip pipes of various sizes. It has a thicker profile comprised of two toothed, adjustable jaws. The inside jaw is grooved and digs into the pipe while the outside jaw, which is smooth on one side and toothed on the other, clasp securely around it.
It is usually used for manipulating pipes and plumbing.
Who made the monkey wrench?
Although some debate exists, there is no exact answer as to who made the first monkey wrench as it is an evolution of multiple tools and inventions that came before it. The shop wrench or coach wrench was an early predecessor of the modern monkey wrench, which was widely used by blacksmiths in the late 1700s and 1800s.
It was invented by a blacksmith from Charleroi, Pennsylvania, named Charles Moncky and was widely used in the manufacturing industry. The shop wrench earned its nickname “Moncky wrench” due to its resemblance to a monkey’s claw and this eventually morphed into the name “monkey wrench”.
In the mid-1920s, the L. H. Hammer Company developed the modern day adjustable wrench that is more akin to the monkey wrench we know today. This wrench featured an easily adjustable jaw that allowed for more versatility when working on different size objects.
The original monkey wrench patent was granted to L. H. Hammer in 1926 and featured several improvements over the original wrench made by Charles Moncky, including the adjustable jaw and better leverage.
What is a spanner in England?
A spanner in England is generally used to refer to a wrench, which is a general-purpose tool used to turn bolts and nuts. It is also sometimes used as a generic term for any kind of device that is used to provide grip or leverage.
For example, a spanner might refer to a pipe wrench, an adjustable wrench, an open-ended spanner, a ring spanner, a combination spanner, a socket spanner, a multi-purpose spanner, or other specific types of wrench.
The term “spanner” is typically used exclusively in British English, and is usually not used in most other types of English. Additionally, the words “wrench” or “monkey wrench” may be used interchangeably with “spanner” in British English.
What is an alligator wrench?
An alligator wrench is a tool that is used for a variety of tasks, primarily to grip and hold onto an object. It consists of two serrated jaws with one set of jaws fixed and the other movable, that are opened and closed by a screw mechanism.
Usually, this type of wrench is designed for gripping and turning bolts, nuts, and other objects with a square or hexagonal shape. The alligator wrench also works as a pipe wrench and is used to open and close fittings in plumbing and many other applications.
The advantage of an alligator wrench over a traditional wrench is that it can be used in tight spaces, where a regular wrench may not fit.
What is special about a pipe wrench?
A pipe wrench is a specialized type of wrench that features an adjustable jaw with serrated teeth to provide a heightened grip. This style of wrench is especially effective for plumbing and other heavy-duty tasks in which tools must be able to hold various sizes of pipes, fittings, and materials firmly.
Pipe wrenches also feature a long handle that provides more leverage to tighten threaded and non-threaded connections with less effort. The extended length also allows for different angles of contact, which can be invaluable when the work is performed in tight spaces.
Some pipe wrenches are even designed to be adjustable with one hand, which adds to their convenience for on-the-job tasks. Additionally, a pipe wrench is usually made of strong durable material such as aluminum, steel, and iron.
This ensures that it will last for years even with frequent use.
How do you tighten a black pipe without scratching it?
To tighten a black pipe without scratching it, there are a few helpful tips worth following. Firstly, it’s important to be aware of the material you are dealing with. As black pipes are generally steel, proper care should be taken when tightening it.
Make sure to use a good quality wrench, as a cheap wrench can slip and cause scratches. It’s also best to use slip-joint pliers, which are designed to fit snugly around the pipe. If you don’t have slip-joint pliers, use a cloth or leather as a buffer between the wrench and the pipe to protect it from scratching.
Additionally, make sure to secure the pipe to a strong and stable surface before beginning. This allows for more torque, without fear of the pipe slipping. Lastly, ensure the joint is tight, but do not over tighten.
This should prevent the black pipe from being scratched.
What should be avoided when using a pipe tool?
When using a pipe tool, there are a few steps that should be avoided in order to ensure optimal performance and longevity. First, pipe tools should not be used to cut material that is either too hard or too thick – this can cause damage to the cutting edge or debris to accumulate in the pipe.
Additionally, pipe tools should not be used to contort or bend a pipe – heavy binding of the material can break the blade. Also, it’s important to avoid using the wrong tool for the job at hand, as this can cause additional problems such as pipelines becoming braced and stuck.
Finally, it’s important to inspect any pipe for irregularities prior to use, and to always use the correct protective equipment such as goggles, gloves and a dust mask. Following these guidelines can ensure that using a pipe tool is safe and effective.
How do you unscrew a pipe without a wrench?
Unscrewing a pipe without a wrench can be accomplished in a few different ways. The most common option is to use an adjustable pair of pliers or an adjustable wrench to try to grip and turn the pipe.
Depending on the size of the pipe, other options may be available to you. These options include using a channel lock, a pipe puller, vice grips, or a pipe cutter. If the pipe is too small to grip effectively with these tools, a shaft or rod of metal can be used that is sized slightly bigger than the opening in the pipe.
The metal rod can then be used to turn the pipe by hand. Additionally, a few hammered taps on the circumference of the pipe with a hammer or other tool, followed by a turning motion, can assist in loosening the pipe from the connection.
Is a crescent wrench a monkey wrench?
No, a crescent wrench is not a monkey wrench. Although they look very similar and are both used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts, they are two different types of wrench. Monkey wrenches are the traditional, old-fashioned wrenches that are manually operated by turning the handle.
Crescent wrenches, on the other hand, are the modern adjustable wrenches that are operated by squeezing a handle and the mouth of the wrench adjusts to the size of the nut or bolt. In addition, the jaws of monkey wrenches are usually flat, whereas the jaws of crescent wrenches are usually curved.
Why are they called Stilsons?
The Stilson wrench, also known as a pipe wrench, got its name from R. E. Stilson, an American inventor. In 1889, he patented an adjustable wrench designed to be used on various sizes of piping. The wrench had jaws with finely serrated edges that allowed it to hold pipes of different sizes securely.
He named his invention the Stilson wrench after himself and it quickly became one of the most popular wrenches used by plumbers and pipefitters. Because of the success of his invention, the name “Stilson” became synonymous with similar wrench types and is still in use today.
