A wrench also known as a spanner is a tool commonly used to turn objects such as nuts and bolts. But who invented the first wrench?
Although wrench like tools have existed since the 15th century, the first wrench was patented by Solymon Merrick in 1835. Nowadays there are many different types of wrenches.
Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench (adjustable spanner) is a wrench that has a moveable jaw and can be used to tighten different sized heads. There are a number of people credited for inventing the adjustable wrench. Richard Clyburn is credited for inventing it in 1842, but another engineer by the name of Edwin Beard Budding is also credited for its invention.
Monkey Wrench
A monkey wrench is a kind of adjustable wrench that was commonly used in the 19th century and early 20th century. Its use has widely been replaced by modern wrenches. The monkey wrench was invented by American inventor Loring Coes in 1840.
Socket Wrench
Socket wrenches are a style of wrench that has a socket attached to one end. A popular kind of socket wrench is a ratchet. The ratchet socket wrench was invented by J.J. Richardson in 1863.
Pipe Wrench
There are multiple different kinds of pipe wrenches. Pipe wrenches are made to turn threaded pipe or pipe fittings. The standard kind of Pipe Wrench in America is the Stillson wrench. This is because mechanic Daniel C Stillson invented it. He received the patent for the pipe wrench in 1869.
In conclusion, there are multiple kinds of wrenches that were invented by different people throughout history. Here we only cover a fraction of the kinds of wrenches that are common. There are many more inventors responsible for these tools.