Uncovering the Curious Origins of the Monkey Wrench

The monkey wrench, a heavy-duty tool with perpendicular jaws capable of loosening or securing even the most stubborn of fittings, has been a staple in the toolboxes of plumbers and mechanics for centuries. However, the origin of its peculiar name has perplexed historians and sparked numerous theories and urban legends. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating history behind this versatile wrench, exploring the various explanations for its simian moniker and separating fact from fiction.

The Elusive Inventor and the Battle of Namesakes

One of the most widely cited stories attributes the invention of the monkey wrench to Charles Moncky, a mechanic from Baltimore who allegedly designed the tool circa 1858. According to this account, the wrench soon took on an approximation of Moncky’s last name, thus earning the “monkey” label. However, this tale is just one of many variations, with several other individuals bearing similar names, such as Charles Moncke of London, being credited as the inventor over the years.

Another version of the story places the invention in Springfield, Massachusetts, where a “typical, ingenious Yankee named Monck” is said to have conceived the idea of a wrench with a movable jaw while working at the Bemis & Call toolmaking plant in 1854. The story goes that around the shop, it was known as “Monck’s wrench,” which eventually evolved into the “monkey wrench” through a “Darwinian twist.”

However, historical evidence casts doubt on these accounts. For one, some cite earlier mentions of the term “monkey wrench” in England that predate Moncky’s alleged invention, with the Oxford English Dictionary dating its usage to a tool catalog circa 1807 and a police blotter entry from 1826 mentioning the theft of a “monkey wrench.”

The Springfield Connection and Parallel Thinking

Perhaps the most compelling evidence comes from Appleton’s Dictionary of Machines, Mechanics, Engine-Work and Engineering, a tool tome published in 1852 that credits a “screw wrench” to “S. Merrick” of Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1835. This screw wrench is described as being similar to the monkey wrench, further muddying the waters regarding the tool’s true origins.

According to author Vince Staten, who wrote the 1996 tool history “Did Monkeys Invent the Monkey Wrench?,” another version of the origin story involves a Springfield machinist named Solymon Merrick attempting to perfect the tool with the help of one of his linemen at the factory – a man nicknamed “monkey” for reasons unknown. As the plant was already producing other types of wrenches, workers began referring to Merrick’s creation as “monkey’s wrench.”

This account suggests that while Merrick may have thought he had a novel idea, it was more likely a case of parallel thinking, with the term “monkey wrench” already in use in England at the time.

The “Non-Key Wrench” Theory

Another intriguing explanation for the name’s origin lies in the contrast between the monkey wrench and another tool called a “key wrench.” Some theorize that the monkey wrench was initially referred to as a “non-key wrench,” which was eventually misheard or misunderstood as “monkey wrench.”

The Urban Myth Surrounding Jack Johnson

In more recent years, an urban myth has emerged crediting early 20th-century boxer Jack Johnson (1878–1946) with inventing the monkey wrench. According to the meme, the name was allegedly given as a racial slur “to tarnish this great accomplishment.”

While Johnson did experience significant racial enmity during his reign as the heavyweight champion, and he later co-invented a pipe wrench while incarcerated at Leavenworth Prison, the term “monkey wrench” predates Johnson’s birth by several decades, debunking this particular urban legend.

The Idiom: Throwing a Monkey Wrench into the Works

No discussion of the monkey wrench would be complete without addressing the famous idiom “throwing a monkey wrench into the works.” This phrase, which dates back to 1907 according to the Oxford English Dictionary, refers to an act that threatens to disrupt or upend a plan or event that was otherwise running smoothly.

The idiom likely stems from the calamitous effects of throwing a wrench into machinery’s pistons or gears, which would grind the entire operation to a halt. The parallel phrase “throwing a spanner into the works” – with “spanner” being another term for a wrench commonly used in the UK – may date back even further, to 1828 in New Zealand, according to idiom researcher Gary Martin.

Conclusion

While the true origins of the monkey wrench remain shrouded in mystery, the various theories and urban legends surrounding its peculiar name offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of this essential tool. From the battle of namesakes to the Springfield connection and the “non-key wrench” hypothesis, the journey to uncover the wrench’s origins is a captivating one.

Ultimately, the monkey wrench’s enduring legacy lies not only in its versatility and durability but also in the curiosity it has aroused over the centuries, inspiring countless investigations and debates among tool enthusiasts and historians alike. As we continue to explore the depths of its history, one thing remains certain: the monkey wrench’s peculiar moniker will continue to puzzle and intrigue for generations to come.