tommy-bar

A mechanic uses a tommy-bar to loosen a tight bolt.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A short, stout lever: In technical or mechanical contexts, a "tommy-bar" is a short, thick bar used as a lever, typically inserted into a hole in a nut or a screw to turn it manually.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The mechanic used a tommy-bar to loosen the stubborn nut on the engine block. (A short lever inserted into the nut to apply turning force.)
  • Without a tommy-bar, it was difficult to tighten the screw securely. (The bar is essential for manual torque application.)

Advanced Usage

• "to use a tommy-bar": to employ such a lever for turning or adjusting mechanical parts.
  • The technician inserted the tommy-bar into the hole and rotated it counterclockwise. (The bar was used as a lever to loosen the component.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tommy wrench (n): a type of wrench that incorporates a tommy-bar, often used for adjusting machine parts.
  • The machinist kept a tommy wrench in his toolbox for quick adjustments. (A specialized tool combining a bar and a wrench.)

Synonyms

• Lever: a rigid bar used to exert pressure or lift something.
• Spanner: a tool for turning nuts and bolts (similar in function but often larger).
• Pry bar: a bar used for leverage, especially for prying objects apart.

Phrasal Verbs

• None directly associated with "tommy-bar" as a compound noun.

Related Idioms

• None commonly associated with "tommy-bar."