What Is a Crescent Wrench?

Open up the toolbox of anyone who is serious about hobbying or repair work and you will find a treasure chest of various objects related to the crafts. One of these is likely to be a crescent wrench, a staple of any good toolbox. This type of wrench has been around for over 100 years and continues to be used often and widely appreciated. The following are some quick facts to help introduce the crescent wrench.

History

Richard Clyburn of London invented the crescent wrench in 1842. It was then improved by Johann Peter Johansson in 1891.

Identification

The crescent wrench is a simple tool with a straight metal handle. At the end is a clamp, shaped like a crescent, which has an adjustable screw to open and close the clamp.

Purpose

Crescent wrenches are designed to loosen and tighten nuts and bolts. Because it is adjustable, almost any size nut or bolt can be worked on with the same tool.

Function

The clamp should be tightened so that it fits snugly against the nut or bolt. The movable part of the wrench should be on the same side the wrench is being turned in order to avoid wear and tear.

Considerations

Crescent wrenches are only to be used on squared off nuts and bolts; rounded types will wear away at the tool.