Ferrabee Adjustable Wrench at Annual Exhibition of Inventions
As late as 1861 James Ferrabee was still making small improvements to the original adjustable wrench (or spanner) designed by Edwin Budding in 1842.
Over 30 years later still, adverts in the late 1890s found in ironmongers and general retailer catalogues were still referring to these items as "Budding" spanners or wrenches. This was long after the designer and original manufacturer were both largely forgotten, suggesting that for a period at least the name was being used generically.
56. Patent Spanner and Screw Wrench; James Ferrabee and Co., Phoenix Iron Works, Stroud, Gloucestershire, and 75 and 76A, High Holborn, W.C.
The new feature in this spanner is the use of a wedge placed between the back of the stem and the moveable jaw. On this wedge the worm is fitted, which works into the teeth on the stem, and moves the jaw up or down as may be desired. The wedge slides with the jaw, and is made sufficiently taper to prevent the jaw from sticking when the strain is applied. By this arrangement the strain on the worm and the teeth of the stem is removed, and the spanner acquires all the strength of a solid one.
PublicationJournal of the Society of ArtsDateSourceWikimedia/Journal of the Society of Arts/1861/P325Link