Stillson wrench (pipe wrench)
Llave Stillson (llave grifa para tubos)
- Date
- 1869 · confidence high
- Place
- Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
- Credited to
- Daniel C. Stillson
- Field
- Tools
What it is
An adjustable wrench with a toothed jaw that hooks on a pivot and grips tighter as the handle is pulled, so it holds round pipes without slipping. Stillson patented it in 1869 as a mechanic at Walworth Manufacturing.
Stillson patented an improved pipe wrench in 1869 and sold it to Walworth; his name has become the generic term for the pipe wrench in many languages.
What it led to
- laying of water and gas pipes in cities
- the modern plumber's trade
- aluminium and chain pipe wrenches