stillson wrench
Noun: A Stillson wrench is a specific type of large pipe wrench. It is characterized by its L-shaped adjustable jaws, which are designed to tighten their grip on a pipe or fitting as more pressure is applied to the tool's handle.
This noun refers to the physical tool itself. It is used when discussing plumbing, mechanical work, or any task requiring a strong grip on cylindrical objects. * You need a Stillson wrench to loosen that rusted pipe. * The plumber reached for his Stillson wrench to secure the new joint.
- The term is often used generically to refer to any large, heavy-duty pipe wrench with a self-tightening mechanism, though "Stillson" is technically a brand name that became common for the tool type.
- It is frequently contrasted with other wrenches (like an adjustable wrench or a monkey wrench) due to its specific jaw design and superior gripping power for pipes.
- Pipe wrench: The general category of wrench for which the Stillson wrench is a specific, common type.
- Stillsons: A common informal, plural shortening of the full name.
- Pass me the Stillsons.
- Pipe wrench (general term)
- Monkey wrench (an older, similar style of wrench, though technically a different design with parallel jaws)
The defining feature is the self-tightening, L-shaped jaw mechanism. This design allows the wrench to grip tighter as the user applies more turning force (torque) to the handle, preventing it from slipping off rounded pipes. It is primarily a tool for tradespeople like plumbers and steamfitters.
- a large pipe wrench with L-shaped adjustable jaws that tighten as pressure on the handle is increased