Pipe Wrench
On September 13, 1870, a
patent was granted to Daniel C. Stillson, a steamboat fireman, for a "wrench".
Stillson invented the pipe wrench - sometimes called the Stillson pipe wrench.
Stillson, suggested to the heating and piping firm Walworth manufacture a
design for a wrench that could be used for screwing pipes together.
Previously, serrated blacksmith tongs had been used for that purpose. The
owner, James Walworth told Stillson to make a prototype and “either twist off
the pipe or break the wrench.” Stillson's prototype twisted the pipe
successfully. His design was then patented and Walworth manufactured the
wrench. Stillson was paid about $80,000 in royalties during his lifetime.
UNITED
ASSOCIATION
