“Crescent wrench”

Packing tools to take to the kids’ homes, I came across another of Dad’s tools, etched with his name.

On the handle: “MFD.BY CRESCENT TOOL CO. JAMESTOWN, N.Y.”

Huh. I always knew that adjustable wrenches were called “crescent wrenches,” but now I learn that it’s properly “Crescent wrenches” (capitalized), and it’s not because of the shape of the opening, but another brand name success story where the company name becomes associated more generically with the product (Coke, Kleenex, etc.). From the Crescent Tools web site:

“Since the introduction of the original Crescent wrench in the early 1900s, the Crescent brand has become synonymous with adjustable wrenches. Crescent Adjustable Wrenches feature a large knurl* for easy adjustment and a tight jaw fit. Its hex jaw design helps reduce slippage and tightly grips the fastener for solid, secure operation, while the corrosion-resistant chrome finish helps prevent rusting. A wide handle design provides comfort and reduces fatigue during extended use.”
More » Crescent tools

A very clever design…

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* knurl /nərl/ n. a small projecting knob or ridge, especially in a series around the edge of something.

[ IMG_0799S9x675Atm :: 55mm ]

[Kim]

Interesting info. My dad etched his name on his tools, too! Probably helped keep them from "walking away"!

[Kathryn]

One of my favorite tools!

[GaryW]

Great story! I like that you are "packing tools to take to the kids' homes"! I think we should begin that process. Having moved my mom from her home of 50+ years there was a lot to distribute in a small amount of town. I like your way better!

[Thom Mitchell]

@thewatersphotos I'm not giving away my tools yet! (Actually there's another story on that.) One daughter and her husband just bought their first home … so there are projects! Other daughter & her husband always have something for me to do as well. So I'm taking some of my own since I don't know what they have and what they don't. And since we drove this trip rather than flew, I could take what I would most likely need.

The other story. When we moved our younger daughter to the Boston area 10+ years ago, I took tools. It was a quick turnaround since this was pre-retirement: Clare & I were both still working. With the rapid turnaround, I left my box of tools:
» 9 slotted screwdrivers + an offset
» 3 Phillips screwdrivers
» 2 adjustable wrenches (8" and 10")
» channel lock pliers, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongue-and-groove_pliers — another brand name, https://www.channellock.com/
» needle nose pliers
» diagonal cutting pliers
» scratch awl
I guess my [sentimental] daughter appreciated having some of her dad's tools, so they're still out there. There were enough times I went looking for a tool and then remembered I'd left many out there that I had my daughter spread 'em out and take a photo, so I'd know what *not* to look for here! By now I have replaced the ones I've missed most, so it's all good. :)

[GaryW]

Great stories, Thom! I lost several things, mostly to my son, who "borrows" then never returns. The good side is I just ask him to come "use" the tools (mostly garden/outside tools) to work in my yard! It works well.