What is the history of wrenches?

Question

Did Jack Johnson invent the wrench?

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-- Solomon Estes, Houston, Texas

Answer

Jack Johnson, celebrated as the first Black heavyweight boxing champion, received a patent for his wrench (U.S. patent #1,413,121) on April 18, 1922. However, it is important to clarify that he was not the inventor of the wrench. The original invention of the wrench is accredited to Solymon Merrick from Springfield, Massachusetts, who patented the first wrench in 1835. Early innovations included Charles Moncky's monkey wrench created around 1858. Moncky's design incorporated a purposeful misspelling of his name. A significant development in wrench technology came on September 9, 1870, when Robert Owen Jr. received a patent for the "Double Acting Wrench," commonly known as the ratchet wrench. Furthermore, Daniel C. Stillson, a steamboat firefighter, patented what is known today as the Stillson pipe wrench on September 13, 1870.

While Johnson is often noted in historical contexts, he primarily gained fame through his boxing achievements and his challenges against social norms. Born John Arthur Johnson in 1878 in Galveston, Texas, he participated in battle royals for entertainment purposes and gradually developed a prominent boxing career. Johnson claimed the Colored Heavyweight Championship of the World on February 3, 1903, besting Denver Ed Martin in a 20-round decision. His ambition was to become the world's heavyweight champion, a title that eluded him for many years.

Johnson proved to be a formidable presence in the boxing ring, standing 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 200 pounds, showcasing remarkable skills and punching power. During a time when societal beliefs favored white athletic superiority, Johnson's victories against prominent white fighters garnered both admiration and disdain. On July 17, 1908, he knocked out former champion Bob Fitzsimmons, and his boxing skills forced the reluctant Tommy Burns to face him on December 26, 1908, in Australia, where Johnson won decisively.

Johnson’s victory served as a profound challenge to the prevailing Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial hierarchies. His dominance in the ring was perceived as a direct encroachment on white superiority, leading to violent backlash against African Americans across the country. Johnson's lifestyle defied the racial boundaries of the era—he interacted with white society as an equal, married three white women, and lived luxuriously at a time when blacks faced severe discrimination and brutality.

The turmoil surrounding his life culminated in seeking a "Great White Hope," a white fighter to reclaim the heavyweight title. James J. Jeffries, a former champion, emerged to challenge him in a much-anticipated bout that took place on July 4, 1910. Johnson won the match easily, leading to race riots across the nation as tensions erupted in response to his victory.

In 1912, Johnson’s life took a turn when he was arrested under the Mann Act, primarily used to restrict the movement of black men with white women. Accused of transporting Lucille Cameron, his white girlfriend, across state lines for immoral purposes, Johnson faced severe repercussions. Although they married afterward, he was ultimately convicted, leading to his exile in Europe to escape imprisonment.

During this time away, Johnson continued to box internationally but eventually faced defeat on April 5, 1915, at the hands of Jess Willard in Cuba. After living in various countries, he returned to the U.S. and was imprisoned in Kansas. While incarcerated, Johnson developed a tool to tighten fasteners, which became the wrench he patented on April 18, 1922.

Johnson had a notable boxing career from 1897 to 1945, amassing 114 fights, winning 80 of them, including 45 by knockouts. Tragically, he passed away in a car accident while en route to a championship fight featuring Joe Louis and Billy Conn.

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February response by

David Pilgrim
Curator
Jim Crow Museum

The development of wrenches, sockets, and ratchets has a relatively well-documented history. These tools saw significant improvements and diverse designs emerging quickly, particularly from the 18th to the 19th century. It is intriguing that a hand tool specifically for manipulating screws and bolts surfaced only after the invention of screw threads. The first appearances of threaded objects date back to 400 BC, found in ancient engineering, primarily using levers and bars for their operation rather than specialized tools.

The wrench is considered the oldest tool designed for nuts and bolts. Evidence of primitive wrenches exists, such as bone tools used to provide leverage. The earliest documented patent for a wrench originated from Solymon Merrick in 1835, reflecting designs based on English coach wrenches. Merrick's creation involved an adjustable handle allowing size modifications to suit the nut or bolt being worked on. Various other designs emerged, including those by Ezra Ripley and Aury Coes throughout the mid-1800s.

The term "monkey wrench" is often attributed to various sources, including the erroneously named Charles Moncky and Jack Johnson. The actual origin remains unclear, but the phrase has historical ties to the railroad industry and possibly a children’s toy, “monkey on a stick.” Traditional understanding suggests that while the term was prevalent by the 19th century, its concrete ownership remains vague.

The standard adjustable wrench underwent substantial evolution, significantly popularized by Crescent Tools, leading to the versatile Crescent wrench design still widely used today. This innovation provided a compact alternative to bulkier wrenches and gained rampant acceptance in various industries.

Moreover, the introduction of ratcheting wrenches revolutionized the usage of sockets. J.J. Richardson's development of the ratchet wrench around the late 19th century enabled easy socket interchangeability, fundamentally changing how nuts and bolts could be effectively managed. Where sockets were initially square-shaped, advancements in machining allowed for varying shapes like hex and Torx.

The impact of these tools on modern life cannot be overstated. Wrenches, sockets, and ratchets have transformed how we engage with mechanical systems, offering efficient solutions for tightening and loosening with minimal force. Companies like Wera continue to innovate, enhancing our toolbox functionalities with advanced designs that reflect user needs.

We take pride in our collection of various wrench styles and types, extending beyond traditional designs to include crowfoot wrenches, socket wrenches, and more. Each tool in our inventory promises to deliver quality and performance.

The company is the world’s best wholesale screwdrivers supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.