The exact origin of the term “monkey wrench” is not known for certain, but there are a few theories. One of the earliest known uses of the phrase appears in a novel written in 1845 by Charles Reade called “Peg Woffington”.
In the novel, a character called Major M’Endrew boasts of the versatility of a new invention – the adjustable wrench – by saying “This I can turn into a bulldog-spanner, a gimblet, or a monkey-wrench”.
Another possible source of the phrase comes from a type of wrench used during the Civil War which was made of wrought iron and held together by two pieces of flat metal, thus resembling a monkey’s face.
This theory is bolstered by the fact that early references to “monkey wrenches” are linked with the Civil War era.
Lastly, the most commonly accepted explanation of the phrase attributes it to “monkey” being used as a term to describe a mechanically inclined (or “handy”) person, since the tool was designed to simplify the work of repairing items such as cars, pumps, and other machinery.
Therefore, it could be said that the phrase “monkey wrench” poked fun at the idea of a “handyman” using a tool that helped to make their job easier.
No matter the exact origin, the term “monkey wrench” has over time become synonymous with the adjustable wrench it describes. This iconic tool has changed the face of manufacturing and repair work, and its legacy will continue to live on.
What is the proper name for a monkey wrench?
A monkey wrench, also known as an adjustable wrench or a shifting spanner, is a type of adjustable wrench used in many industries, from engineering to plumbing to automotive. It allows for a wide range of sizes to be adjusted quickly and easily, as the name suggests.
This wrench is typically adjustable by a screw, which is moved by a ratchet or pawl. Monkey wrenches are usually made of steel or iron, but can be made of other metals as well.
What is the saying about a wrench and a monkey?
The saying about a monkey and a wrench is “Give a monkey a wrench and he’ll ultimately try and screw you”. This phrase is typically used to describe someone who messes something up when given a task that they are unfamiliar with or are ill-equipped to handle.
It is a warning to be careful when assigning a task to someone who doesn’t have the necessary skills or knowledge to complete it properly. It also serves as a reminder to always use qualified professionals to perform complex tasks, as the outcome may be disastrous if someone inexperienced attempts it.
What does a wrench symbolize?
A wrench is a symbol of strength and power, but also of hard work and determination. It can represent the tools that allow us to make necessary repairs and adjustments to our lives, whether it’s adjusting the settings on a car engine or simply doing the dishes.
It is a reminder that we need to use both physical and mental effort to do the tasks that are necessary for us to progress in life. A wrench can be a symbol of resilience, reminding us to use our skills and apply our knowledge to overcome the obstacles in our lives.
Where did the phrase throw a wrench in the works come from?
The phrase “throw a wrench in the works” is a figurative expression that means to introduce an obstacle or complication into a situation, likely ruining or impeding the progress being made on it. It is believed to have originated from the early 19th century and is related to the industrial revolution.
This phrase drew upon the idea that if a wrench or other tool were to be thrown into the cogs of a machine, it would disrupt the mechanism and slow it down or stop it altogether. This phrase was further popularized in the early 20th century and found its way into literature and everyday vernacular.
It is now used to describe any situation where something is purposely or inadvertently thrown into the workings of a plan, causing a disruption.
What does it mean to call a woman a wrench?
Calling a woman a “wrench” is slang that implies she is a type of troublemaker or manipulator. Typically, this phrase is used to describe someone who is able to “fix” a given situation by manipulating the people within it, or when someone has caused drama through the use of manipulation.
It may also be used to describe a person who is able to “fix” a problem in their favor without caring about the consequences or how it affects others. It is generally not meant as a compliment and should not be used to describe a woman in a derogatory way.
Where did the saying give her the beans come from?
The origins of the saying “give her the beans” are unclear, but it appears to have gained some popularity in the United States in the early 20th century. It likely derives from a phrase used to indicate someone is being generous, allowing people to “take the beans” in a figurative sense.
Alternatively, some have suggested the phrase may be related to the beans thrown during Mardi Gras celebrations in the U. S. , suggesting that the phrase “give her the beans” was an expression of good tidings.
Whatever the case may be, “give her the beans” has become an idiom for generosity and kindness, emphasizing the idea of sharing something with someone else.
What does the insult wrench mean?
The term ‘insult wrench’ is used to refer to someone or something who is completely and utterly inept or useless. It can also be used to describe a situation or task that is extremely challenging or difficult.
Generally, the insult is used to express frustration with a person, situation, or task that is seemingly incapable of being remedied or improved. It is often used to describe a person who is “all talk and no action” or someone who complains but does nothing to actually fix any problems.
How do you use monkey wrench in a sentence?
You can use monkey wrench in a sentence by saying something like, “I had to use a monkey wrench to tighten the bolt on the engine so the car would start. ” In this sentence, a monkey wrench is used as a tool to help fix a problem.
What’s the difference between a monkey wrench and a pipe wrench?
A monkey wrench and a pipe wrench are both tools used for tightening and loosening bolts, but there are some key differences between the two. A monkey wrench is a large adjustable wrench with a wide jaw and a long handle, and it’s used for loosening and tightening large, rounded nuts and bolts.
It has a sliding, adjustable jaw that is adjusted to slightly different sizes to work with a range of bolt sizes. A pipe wrench, on the other hand, is a plumber’s tool that is specifically designed to grip and turn pipes, nipples, and couplings.
Pipe wrenches have a long handle that’s usually made of metal or plastic and it has an angled head with a jaw and tooth arrangement designed for plumbing fittings. Pipe wrenches are available in two types—the standard type and the offset type, which has an adjustable jaw.
Both monkey and pipe wrenches are important tools for owners to own, however a monkey wrench is generally more versatile and can be used for wide range of tasks, and it’s often the type of wrench to keep handy in the toolbox.
Why are they called Stilsons?
The Stilson wrench (also known as Stilson pipe wrench or Stilson spanner) is a type of adjustable wrench, and its name comes from the inventor, William Stilson, who patented it in 1869. He had worked for a number of different tool manufacturers, but became intrigued by adjustable tools, and came up with his own design for a three-pointed wrench.
It was unique in that it had a central grip point and two adjustment points, allowing for a better grip on pipes and other cylindrical objects. The design was widely adopted and remains to this day, and is widely used in plumbing and carpentry.
Stilson wrenches are durable and strong, and are widely used by professionals and DIYers alike, so it’s understandable why they have become so widely associated with Stilson’s name.
What is a two sided wrench called?
A two sided wrench is commonly referred to as a double ended wrench. This type of wrench features a head at both ends of its handle that is used for turning fasteners or other objects with hexagonal or square shapes.
Double ended wrenches are available in various sizes and designs depending on the type of fasteners or objects you plan to use to it for. These wrenches are usually made from chrome-vanadium steel for extra strength and durability, and it may also come with a rubber or plastic handle to provide increased comfort and grip.
Double ended wrenches are commonly used for plumbing and automotive tasks, and can be especially helpful when working on machinery where space is limited.
Who invented the adjustable wrench?
The adjustable wrench, also known as a crescent wrench or a spanner, was invented by German blacksmith Johann Petermann in 1835. Petermann was a rural blacksmith in Germany who developed and patented his device.
His invention was made up of two worm screws with jaws that moved one against the other. This allowed the wrench to adjust to multiple sizes of nuts and bolts, and earned it the nickname “the adjustable spanner”.
Petermann’s wrench design was improved by American inventor, L. E. Coes, Jr. in the 1880’s by adding a lock mechanism, which allowed the user to quickly adjust the wrench size without having to constantly adjust the screws.
This new design allowed for much faster use and became extremely popular in the United States during the Industrial Revolution. Petermann’s original design did not include a lock mechanism, and for that he is credited for inventing the adjustable wrench.
What did Solymon Merrick invent?
Solymon Merrick was an American inventor who lived from 1837 to 1913. He is best known for the invention of the ratchet wrench. The ratchet wrench was invented in 1872 and is a powerful and versatile wrench that is used in a variety of industries including automotive, aerospace, and construction.
It is an alternative to the standard wrench and features a socket mounted on the end of a handle with a teeth-bearing pawl or ratchet mechanism. This allows the wrench to be used to rotate a fastener in a restricted space, even when the handle is held stationary while the direction of rotation is changed quickly and applied to turn a bolt or nut in a limited arc.
Merrick was granted a U. S. patent for the ratchet wrench and marketed the wrench for commercial sale. His design has been used and developed over the years to become one of the most common tools in the world.
Why did Antonio Meucci invent the telephone?
Antonio Meucci was an Italian immigrant living in Staten Island, New York when he invented his famous device, the telephone. He was inspired to design it after witnessing a friend struggle to communicate with those at a distance due to a severe hearing impairment.
He originally intended it to be used as a far-reaching intercom, but it eventually evolved into the modern-day telephone. Meucci’s invention was meant to provide a way of quickly and reliably communicating with someone far away.
He wanted to help bridge the gap between people who were long distances apart, by providing a means of instantaneous communication. He was passionate about making life easier for those who were isolated from those they loved, and envisioned the telephone as a way to connect the world.
He succeeded in this, as the telephone remains an integral part of communication today.
What was invented by Abraham Lincoln?
Abraham Lincoln is credited with inventing an important navigational device called “Lincoln’s Aquatic Compensator. ” The invention was designed to help ships stay on course while out in open waters. It allowed a ship to measure its exact location and track its way across the water.
The idea and principles of the invention were patented in 1849 and was later adopted by the U. S. Navy.
Along with the aquatic compensator, Lincoln is also credited for inventing a method for improving the buoyancy of flatboats. This invention allowed flatboats to be loaded more heavily and helped increase the carrying capacity of boats.
With this method, steamboats could operate more efficiently.
Although Lincoln never received any monetary compensation for either of his inventions, the aquatic compensator is still in use today and serves as a reminder of Lincoln’s creative genius.
What did Obed Hussey invent?
Obed Hussey was an American inventor who is best known for inventing the first commercially successful reaper or grain harvester in 1833. The device had a blade with a cradle that could cut grain, then deposit it into a box, dramatically increasing the amount of grain a farmer could harvest in a single day.
This invention revolutionized the harvesting process and made it more efficient and less labor-intensive. Hussey’s reaper ran on a wheel, rather than horse-power, and it was the first machine to separate grain from chaff quickly and easily.
This invention helped to usher in the era of mechanizing agriculture, and it significantly improved crop yields. Hussey continued to refine his invention and in the 1850s, a new reaper was developed that included improvements such as self-rake and a stationary wheel.
Hussey’s invention continued to be used for decades and it was integral to the mechanization of agriculture which ultimately resulted in higher crop yields, leading to increased food production and global economic growth.
