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Aplumber wrench (orplumber's wrench,pipe wrench,Swedish wrench orSwedish pattern wrench[1]) is a form ofplier described as apipe wrench that uses compound leverage to grip and rotateplumbing pipes. Similar to the action of aVise Grip plier, its jaw opening is adjusted to width by rotating a threaded ring. Its advantage is that it grips with significant force without needing to engage a lock nut like an adjustabletongue-and-groove plier. Like these, it can also be used on nuts, particularly hex shaped, and other flat engagement points. If used carelessly it can dent or break plumbing pipe.[2]
The plumber wrench was invented in 1888 by theSwedish inventor namedJohan Petter Johansson.[3][4] It shares some principles with both theStillson-pattern pipe wrench and the rigidpipe wrench, as well as various forms of adjustable pliers, such as thevise grip and "Channelock"tongue-and-groove plier.[5] Johansson invented the tool to eliminate the need for tradesmen to transport a heavy trolley of fixed-size pipe wrenches to every job site.[3]
Johansson's tool is used rather than traditional pipetongs to tighten or loosen threaded pipe fittings.[6] It is not widely known in North America, but is common in Europe.[1]
Johansson also improved theadjustable wrench, with a patent in 1891.[7]
