Buzz
Important Points to Remember
- Crescent wrenches were developed by the Crescent Tool Company, featuring one fixed jaw and one adjustable jaw for an adaptable grip.
- There were traditionally four core types of crescent wrenches, with variations in size and design, including double-ended and single-ended models ranging from 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) in length.
- When using an adjustable wrench, be sure to pull the tool toward yourself to prevent slipping and reduce the risk of injury. Always ensure that the jaws firmly grip the bolt or nut and position the sliding jaw facing you for maximum pressure and safety.
Though the term 'crescent wrench' is commonly used to describe a type of tool, it actually derives from the Crescent Tool Company in the early 1900s. The tool was first designed by inventor Karl Peterson, who may have drawn inspiration from a similar wrench made by Swedish company BAHCO. Over time, 'crescent wrench' became a generic term for adjustable wrenches. Crescent wrenches feature one fixed jaw and one movable jaw, and differ from monkey wrenches in that the jaws are nearly parallel to the handle, whereas the jaws on a monkey wrench are perpendicular. Both tools use a worm gear, which can be adjusted with the thumb to change the jaw size.
Today, Crescent-brand wrenches come in a variety of forms, but historically, there were four main types: the 8-to-10-inch double-ended adjustable wrench, the 6-to-8-inch double-ended adjustable wrench, the 8-inch adjustable wrench, and the 12-inch adjustable wrench. These wrenches varied in size, jaw opening, and whether they had a set of jaws on one end or both ends of the wrench.
Over time, adjustable wrenches earned the nickname 'knucklebuster' due to the common occurrence of the jaws slipping off the object being loosened, leading to scraped hands against nearby surfaces. To avoid this, when using an adjustable wrench, it's essential to position the tool so that you're pulling it toward yourself, rather than toward a potentially painful, knuckle-busting surface. Other important tips for using an adjustable wrench include ensuring that the jaws grip the nut or bolt at at least three points for a secure hold, re-tightening the jaws each time you reposition the wrench, and aligning the sliding jaw to face you for optimal pressure on the fixed jaw.
