Insane Wrench Design From 1919 [Remake]

Do you know what this was for?
In this patent recreation video I focus on a mysterious wrench patent from 1919. I still do not fully understand why this was patented nor what the function of its design truly is, but I made it anyways, in hopes of finding out.
You can view the original patent here: patents.google...
Wrenches, screwdrivers, and socket drivers are now for sale at www.handtoolrescue.com
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Podcast (with @jimmydiresta and Andrew Alexander) - anchor.fm/fitzall
Stock Media provided by LarryBryantMusic / Pond5

[@gresvig2507]

Looks like a giant key to the sort of ancient arcane lock that would slow down LPL from three to five seconds.

[@TheChzoronzon]

and allowed HPL to unleash Yog-Sothoth on poor humankind

[@robohat4837]

Looks like a cow tool

[@massivecashinjection3778]

@@robohat4837 this is most definitely a cow tool

[@angriface1603]

Or just opened the door to the boss room

[@matejlieskovsky9625]

You know, trying to slow down LPL by showing him a cool tool to play around with might not be a bad strategy. It is that, or ducktape.

[@cpukabuto2132]

Its almost like an art piece. One end is an alligator wrench, the simple utilitarian solution, while the other is a Lovecraftian horror masquerading as a wrench, the much more interesting but less practical option. I call it "Duality of innovation" , function and novelty, joined in steel. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk

[@Thezxc568III]

Yes.

[@idontwantahandlethough]

Holy shit lol, that was genuinely kinda brilliant. If you aren't already an artist... go be one. Go be one right now you wonderful [lesser] fossil, you! And then let me know where you're selling your art, cause I want some! (I can only imagine how badly you want to escape the helix-shaped shadow that engulfs and defines your entire existence)

[@vardamir0397]

I thought the same. Maybe that high dude was just making a symbol of human futility and overdesigning...the top part can also illustrate the many uses of the bottom one for the user :D

[@cpukabuto2132]

@@vardamir0397 I love that I made this comment. Every once in a while i get a reply that makes me smile. So, thanks I guess :)

[@robertlocock5636]

Or an artificer's holy symbol.

[@dimitar4y]

this is literally one of the best "engineering test" pieces I can imagine. If you want to graduate manual machining school, you need to make one of these.

[@usp211816]

I was thinking extra credit assignment for a CNC class.

[@dustinbrueggemann1875]

@@usp211816 Yeah I'm in a CNC training course right now, and I could definitely see this being a semester challenge. It's not hard per se, just complicated. Most of it would be done with one or two cutters and a constant feed rate, assuming you allow for tool relief radii on the corners. If the corner transitions have to be sharp, it'd be final project worthy though. You'd need a 5-axis and the grace of god to make it with sharp features.

[@dimitar4y]

@@dustinbrueggemann1875 "grace of god" and expensive mill bits.

[@HandToolRescue]

Did I pass?

[@dimitar4y]

@@HandToolRescue Definitely passed with flying colors, that piece is a nightmare LOL I'm amazed it didn't snap while you were making it.

[@thetruthwithin1]

That's a laser cut project right there. I don't know who's crazier, the guy who invented this or the guy who decided to devote all this time to making it. That being said, bravo 😂

[@tsm688]

Lasercutting half-inch plate steel is easier said than done. Even if you could do it, it'd still require finishing. Wire EDM would be ideal though!

[@greggv8]

@@tsm688 This is made from 3/8" plate.

[@tsm688]

@@greggv8 wow, that's 1/8" better.

[@greggv8]

@@tsm688 1/2" = 4/8"

[@tsm688]

@@greggv8 reallynokidding.gif.nickcage

[@tommy49er]

Protip for the layout paper: run an exacto over the outline once you stick it down to the metal. The paper will pull away with the waste but the part will still be outlined without peeling.

[@columborumble]

the tool LEATHERMAN doesn't want you to know about

[@aserta]

The tool Leatherman's top engineers lust about...

[@CrowManyClouds]

I see no feature that can _only_ be used to open bottles. Also, it lacks a hidden lanyard loop.

[@michaelyancey3021]

YES! A bottle opener. And where's the corkscrew?!?

[@58unclesam]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@jasonpopielarczyk7511]

I actually grew up in Vestaburg!! It’s 50 miles or so south of Pittsburgh.

[@ToastyBoy17]

It honestly looks like an advocation for the alligator wrench being used as a universal wrench. Like “would you rather have this strange contraption on this end, or would you have this simply shaped tool that can do everything that contraption could do on the other end?”

[@kitchentroll5868]

While working as a tower clock repairman, I occasionally came across items from the period between the 1770s and the 1850s with irregular (meaning sides all different lengths), triangular, pentagonal, and octagonal nuts. Even one that was shaped like an eight-pointed star. All had the appearance of having been crafted at need from whatever bit of metal that was at hand. That being stated, I am not sure that this patented wrench would have been helpful in dealing with any of those weird nuts, but I can see where someone may have been inspired to make such a device if they ever wasted half a work day trying to find some way to grip a small pentagonal nut.

[@censusgary]

An alligator wrench like the one on the handle of this thing is as good as any for a pentagonal nut (unless you happen to have a pentagonal wrench the right size).

[@gorillaau]

The real question is would you have the clearance to turn the wrench? Can you wrench on the wrench in practical terms?

[@kitchentroll5868]

@@gorillaau There's the rub. The one problematic nut that stands out in my memory was a pentagonal nut about 1 cm at its widest point nested inside a 4(ish) cm square depression. That it was seized fast did not help. Every tool I had was wrong for the task I had before me and I had alligator wrenches galore. I ended up getting a file and grinding out a notch on one head of a plier so I had a flat on one side and a V-notch on the opposing side. Still took the better part of 20 minutes to cuss it loose. 😄

[@gorillaau]

@@kitchentroll5868 ahhh. No, it was the cussing that did it. Best way to get rid of a problem, whether it be dog and cat, children, or even marriage. A divorce might take a pound of flesh or more when that happens.

[@mikepettengill2706]

Plus, try getting that massive tool into the spot where the head of that small pentagonal bolt head is.

[@Zogg1281]

I'm so excited!! You've made the key to a secret tomb that I found in Borneo. The inventer must have actually had a vision of the lock and thought that it was a wrench...... the only problem is that the tomb I found needs a metric key, is there any chance you could make another one? 😁 I do admire your commitment to the insanity of that patent 👍👍👍👍👍

[@JohnDlugosz]

Would not be metric either. It would be a novel gauge used nowhere else. You'll just have to take precision measurements to determine the basic scale. No doubt it's based on the king's toes, which you can obtain once you get _into_ the tomb, which is kind of a problem.

[@TheRandomYoYo]

2 minutes in and your demeanour in speech and the script made me instantly sub. Love this kind of stuff.

[@JoeTheGons]

I usually turn my nose up at one-piece multi-tools, but this... it's so glorious.

[@ofsinope]

They make cheap "3-way drain wrenches" that are basically this product (except better thought-out). Very useful to turn the weird fastener ring on kitchen sink strainer baskets, and various other odd/oversized fasteners, if you don't have pro plumbing tools.

[@rubiconnn]

This thing looks like an AR armorer's wrench lol

[@rickgreer7203]

Very. I thinking of making one and putting it low key in the garage shop where it looks like it's used a lot.

[@gorillaau]

It's a great Swiss army knife like tool, squished flat. Say, is squished a word in some industry?

[@llearch]

@@rickgreer7203 So, what, create some weathering on it before you harden it? Slightly round some of the corners to make it look like it's been hard-used for decades? ;-]

[@robertlevine2152]

The Patent Office in the early 1900s required many applications to be accompanied by models. If I remember correctly many of the models were given to the Smithsonian Institute for safe keeping. You might try contacting the Smithsonian to see if they have a model for the patent. Bob

[@HandToolRescue]

1880 was the last year for patent model requirements in the USA, unfortunately.

[@1nvisible1]

*Plot twist, the original was METRIC made in Titanium!*

[@e_s.0848]

Jesus cares for you

[@username4441]

funny how around the same time money control was given up, patent process went to sh!t as well.

[@ghostlight69420]

@@username4441 cool it with the antisemitism

[@gp205]

The beauty of this design is really in the ease of manufacturing.

[@Anrakyr]

In ease of manufacturing. Yep😁

[@Neptun2006]

Imagine manufacturing this 100 years ago.

[@lolatmyage]

Clearly what the designer intended was to create the most complicated punch and die set known to man so that these monstrosities could be churned out by the thousands

[@lousypirate]

@@Neptun2006 Seems like a good broaching operation

[@cda32]

Maybe his next patent was wire EDM

[@loreminder3257]

Cool video! I think the inventor meant all along for this to be an ornamental novelty wish a dash of irony in the form of the alligator wrench at the bottom. As you pointed out, the patent description actually says it's an ornamental design. It makes sense to me for several reasons. One is because the world was becoming increasingly mechanized at the time this wrench was designed. Also, the incredibly alien nature of mechanization fascinated a great number of people. Finally, overly complicated mechanical designs were contemporaneously abundant. All told, I think this wrench represents Edwardian social commentary at its best.

[@groundhogggggggggggg]

My first thought was that it looks like a shitpost from 1919.

[@TechyBen]

Yeah, it might actually be a patent for a type of "gauge" check? Still might be a poor design (as separate gauges would be better). But one none the less.

[@alden1132]

There is, in the fact that, at one point, the auto-captioning interpreted the noise generated by your bandsaw as "applause," an almost miraculous irony so poignant that it very nearly brought tears to my eyes.

[@nobody8717]

It does that to gunshots in the forest also.

[@gingermany6223]

This was actually a patent for a milling and filing stress tester (both mechanical and biological stress).

[@fenwickrysen]

And Psychological.

[@tantamounted]

I believe you!

[@OmegaGamingNetwork]

Many many years from now his grand kids are going to be going through his old tools and will come across this master piece. They won't have watched the video of course and will simply be wondering what drugs Grandpa Hand tool Rescue was on when he created this. At that point HTR will be staring down from heaven above, most likely with the original inventor standing beside him and point down and say "See! I told you everyone thinks the person who made this madness was on drugs!"

[@chrisdeville5495]

I've played enough videogames to know that isn't a wrench, it's a key that unlocks the final boss door.

[@Mrhalligan39]

I think it’s from Doom 1919?

[@8squarefeet190]

The best part is that he provided us with the STL to build the wrench.... so now we can actually build a lock that uses this as a key!

[@Ahnii]

Etching in the fitting bolt sizes for each hole would be an awesome detail!

[@jorgewemyss3994]

Man, i LOVE your videos. For me, they are one of the best things around. You are really funny too. It's sad too see that you don't have the views you deserve and i can imagine that's the reason you don't post videos very often. A big hug from Chile and thanks for your amazing work.

[@HandToolRescue]

This is clearly a project that would work well for CNC, EDM, laser, water-jet, or 3D printing, so I had a friend provide the digital model here: www.thingiverse.com/thing:5721161

[@carnaud]

That would have been an excellent candidate for EDM. You put a ridiculous amount of time into it. A true exercise in: “Why do people climb mountains…because they are there.”

[@D3nn1s]

When i saw you start to hand machine this i went like ????? I mean props to you for spending the time, but the tool wear would have probably been enough to cover lasercut or watercut this as a local shop or something like sendcutsend haha

[@garthgoldwater5256]

if by EDM you mean the music associated with a lot of drug use

[@carnaud]

@@garthgoldwater5256 Electrical discharge machining

[@blacklion79]

EDM was my first thought

[@AnchorJG]

I'm severely impressed you went through the time and trouble to mill this thing out when most channels i see would just have it plasma or water-jet cut on a CnC table.

[@1014p]

I would think that would be best way to get bulk of work done. Nothing wrong with using modern processes which normally improve on the old.

[@christopherwillson4269]

EDM could do it to finish precision. But where's the fun in that?

[@juliebaker6969]

I think that the octagonal ones were for hand made bolts and nuts, since it would be easier to cut the corners off of a square on a 45° angle than to try to make an accurate hexagon. My grandpa was a machinist and he would have made an octagon rather than a hex because the angles were easier. And you can use any regular wrench on it since the sides were parallel.

[@e_s.0848]

Jesus cares for you

[@juliebaker6969]

@@e_s.0848 I know, I've been a Christian for the last 53 years. By the way, I've always wondered, does putting replies like this on completely unrelated comments do any good? Don't just about everyone except those of us who are already Christians just ignore comments like that? Yeah there's a CHANCE you could happen to hit on someone who's actively looking for the truth, and maybe point them in the right direction, so maybe it IS worth it.🤷 By the way, you may be interested in the videos I have up on my channel. I haven't done a new one in almost a year, since I'm pretty much technologically illiterate. And the person who WAS supposed to be my editor has been working pretty much 24-7 at his new job as a live-in manager of a motel, and doesn't have time anymore. My husband and I are STILL trying to figure the whole thing out, it's been slow going, but I'm sure we'll get it eventually. I'm HOPING to be able to put another video up soon. On the subject of why a loving God would allow bad things to happen. My channel is meant as a place of fellowship for Christians, a source of discipleship for new Christians, a place to go for answers to the kinds of hard questions that keep people from wanting to BECOME Christians, and a source for prayer partners. But, for obvious reasons, KZbin isn't cooperating in spreading the word.🤔😏

[@e_s.0848]

@@juliebaker6969 I've been able to lighten up some people's days with the replies, so it is worth it sometimes. I'll check out your videos, they seem nice!

[@jenniferaby442]

You make interesting videos, and when you narrate them, your lovely voice does add to the overall production.

[@ronskopitz2360]

Pretty sure if you used this in conjunction with the fractal vise that space-time would collapse in on itself. Awesome! Also, it’s so refreshing to see machining that involves more than 3 steps that wasn’t done on a CNC - THANK YOU!!!

[@Brice23]

Imagine you are responsible for maintaining the machinery in a large factory and this tool is the only wrench you need to carry with you. Its brilliant.

[@robhiller2736]

Thats what the lunatic that patented it thought, but 'one shit wrench' never enjoyed the success of the swiss army knife.

[@ReallyDumbName]

I would love to see an episode of CSI with this as the murder weapon. Could you imagine the tool impressions? So much potential.

[@e_s.0848]

Jesus cares for you

[@regaleagle6262]

@@e_s.0848 bitch im going straight to hell he dont care about me

[@e_s.0848]

@@regaleagle6262 You can change that

[@Cahoula]

Well, there would be no point of reference for the detectives of what the weapon was. Unless they pull up the 1919 patent.

[@statelyelms]

"yeah we have the murder weapon on-scene, it looks like it's uh.. uhhhhhh"

[@VorpalGun]

I keep imagining future people scratching their heads when this turns up at some antique show or a garage sale in a hundred years time. Almost a shame with your stamp giving them a chance at figuring it out.

[@allangibson8494]

Future archeologist’s “ceremonial object”…

[@hdezn26]

@@allangibson8494 Or crafted by aliens ("History Channel")

[@allangibson8494]

@@hdezn26 Both are possible and not exclusive (again History Channel).

[@12b_engineer]

@@allangibson8494 aliens but also grooming and prob a religious object.

[@just.jose.youtube]

Awesome job! What a dedication!

[@saken]

That thing is really cool! It looks like it could be mounted directly to a wall, as a unique sculpture, and the fact that it's supposed to be a wrench and was patented, is a neat story. I can actually imagine a set of 2-3 them, each with completely different proportions and notches. Like an alien toolset, reminiscent of the Codex Seraphinianus, where the mind wanders into who or what might have created this, and for what world. If carefully done and presented, it could be sold to the right buyer for a lot.

[@JimLambier]

It kind of reminds me of this credit card sized wallet wrench that I was given for a present. I've been carrying it in my wallet for years and the only time that I've used it was for the beer bottle opener. Maybe that's what those mystery areas are for.

[@e_s.0848]

Jesus cares for you

[@michealpersicko9531]

@@e_s.0848 Jesus is fake

[@e_s.0848]

@@michealpersicko9531 no

[@joejansen7029]

That's what I was thinking as well. the part at about 19:50 that he's talking about looks like it would pop the top off a beer.

[@NTRprojects]

Oh man I love your humor. And this is once again a great patent you brought back to life. Great content

[@alangknowles]

I don't think it's brought BACK to life. It's been brought to life for the first time ever.

[@The_Modeling_Underdog]

I think the guy was a machinist who hated his fellow brethren and, knowing how many hours it would take this abhorrent monstrosity to produce, patented it to have a sardonic laugh at anyone trying to replicate it. Even beyond the grave. Alas, he never factored in the possibility of a demented like you coming along, taking a look at it and saying "Why not?". Personally, I think it's both brilliant and disturbing. Merry Christmas, Eric. Cheers.

[@dorpg26]

maximum trolling

[@The_Modeling_Underdog]

@@dorpg26 Both in life and beyond.

[@e_s.0848]

Jesus cares for you

[@The_Modeling_Underdog]

@@e_s.0848 I know. Jesús is a stand up guy. Even brings wine to the party. Only wish he'd walk his dog somewhere else.

[@fireskorpion396]

@@e_s.0848 most importantly, Jesus cares for your mom.

[@reecec626]

Brilliant video for Christmas! Wonderful end to a wonderful day. I'm ever so grateful xx

[@brodyklein38]

That’s incredibly beautiful, absolutely gorgeous

[@priitmolder6475]

When Mr. Cavill comes calling for props to the upcoming 40K live action, this sacred wrench of the Mechanicus will make a fine addition to the collection....

[@Anrakyr]

Ave Omnissia 😂

[@xidarian]

This is definitely tainted by chaos.

[@jeremystatz8411]

It stays on display, in a vacuum, behind leaded glass. Until one day The Purpose becomes clear. It is foretold.

[@ironbacon]

Dunno, this wrench feels a little nurgley to me

[@carlz0r]

I get the feeling this was supposed to be some kind of prank thing, and the patent calling it an ornamental design wasn't just a quick and convenient way to get it patented, but instead more accurate than you think- it's a novelty. Imagine keeping one in your shop, or your toolbox, for someone to find when working on something with you, and they ask you "what in the heck is this?" and have a laugh about it, especially if you can convince them for a minute that you actually find it really useful.. even in 1919 people had a sense of humor.

[@noexpensespentstudios]

Agreed, especially with it having the alligator on the other end. Convince someone that one of the slots will definitely fit the thing they're trying to work with and, after watching them struggle, take it off them and say "or you could just use this end." Smacks of sending the apprentice for a bucket of fog or a long weight.

[@TheDistur]

yeah

[@mafftv3801]

@@noexpensespentstudios I agree

[@allangibson8494]

“Ornamental Design” is the description used for filings on car designs too. It eliminates the need to provide information on functional details.

[@kemikade]

Yeah I read it as a joke item too. Like a commentary or joke about there being too many standards of fasteners: you could have a tool that has a spot to fit every one of them or just use the other end with a single shape that works on them all.

[@joeylawn36111]

The pentagon shape for fasteners/wrenches is used in fire hydrants, but are obviously much larger. There _might have been_ some anti-tampering purpose for a small pentagon-shaped bolt head at that time (that's why hydrants are that shape). Great job also!

[@SteveJaeger]

In the states they used in water systems. The curbstop would have five sided bolt. I think some padmount transformers use them too.

[@Ham68229]

Except a chain wrench will open and close a hydrant. This is obviously a one off type of wrench. Only part that serves any functionality is the alligator end.

[@joeylawn36111]

@@Ham68229 True, but if someone _really_ wants to tamper with a hydrant, they're going to. The five-sider is meant to stop people from just getting a regular wrench and opening the hydrant valve.

[@iunnox666]

@@joeylawn36111 Pipe wrench opens all.

[@Adamsadventures83]

Hydrants, curb boxes (gas curb boxes as well) are 5 sided bolts. Some hydrants have a collar around the operating nut to eliminate tampering, so only the correct 5 sided socket will fit inside.

[@russelljazzbeck]

This should be in a museum alongside the printout of the patent. Great work, thanks for sharing.

[@zerotakis]

I think I drew a keyblade that looked something like that. This man was truly a visionary ahead of his time.

[@stco2426]

Thanks for making and sharing, and for the 3d print file. Must give that a go. My guess is the designer predicted Apple’s stance on Right to Repair and tried to anticipate every fastener a company might use.

[@reginaldmustardbacon5866]

Honestly the only sensible explanation. its a tool made for an apple machine in the future

[@BiyoyoArte]

Perhaps the "weirdly shaped" area in the corner would serve to engage the ends of some types of spring clamps of various configurations to open them for installation or removal. Even the triangular cuts could serve to accomplish that task. Myriad of possibilities! Great job! You have more patience than I.

[@nortyfiner]

If H.P. Lovecraft ever designed a wrench, this incomprehensible eldritch horror would be the result. I can only assume the designer had never heard of an adjustable wrench.

[@JDoe-um7ex]

biblically accurate wrench

[@volkmarkostka6763]

Well, an adjustable wrench needs more care than this ... thing. 😁

[@awldune]

I was thinking Ivo Shandor who designed the building in Ghostbusters

[@FaceIntoKeyboard]

I felt my sanity drain away the moment I saw this thing.

[@mfx1]

This is more of a Bergholt Stuttley Johnson, (Bloody Stupid Johnson) design.

[@tuncerulay7950]

This is a wonderful design and a wonderful tool. Congratulations. 👏👏👏

[@Semenov777]

Great video!

[@josephweaver7140]

Obviously the next tool to be put up for sale on your website. Can't wait for the chance to add this gem to my toolbox!

[@timpatton3948]

Considering the amount of work it took to replicate this device it would be about a thousand dollars.

[@censusgary]

Consider me a buyer.

[@All_SportGG]

@@timpatton3948 it only took 23 mins to make.

[@urockitony2]

@@All_SportGG I know, right? No problem.

[@tristansimonin1376]

@@timpatton3948 with water jet it simple to do

[@fharrisstowe]

Fascinating. I suspect the designer was actually a rather clever sadist, setting us up for an abundance of masochistic angst.

[@TheUncleRuckus]

The alligator wrench at the end makes perfect sense if you think about it! It's for bolts that are in tight spaces where you can't fit the gigantic head of the wrench. 🤷 And the beveled "blade" seems like it might be a cold chisel.

[@TheRealP0llex]

Awesome video. The description in the patent is perfunctory because that's a design patent, which only covers a new design for an existing invention- hence the only claim is "an ornamental design for a wrench" and not a wrench itself. The distinction between inventions and designs for inventions exists in patent law to this day.

[@rgr3427]

I just watched the “biggest pipe wrench’ episode and saw HTR use this insane tool, what did I just see him use to tighten that bolt ? Now I know where it came from, wow !

[@teaurn]

Reminds me of those god-awful stamped-out multi-tools (spanners (wrenches)/screwdriver etc) that you used to get in bike repair kits - every time you used one, the bit you were using as a handle hurt like hell! 😜

[@suitov]

I have a few of those because I like them, weird things that they are - but I only use my Swiss Army tool because, y'know, it's actually comfortable to use. 😁

[@andrewbarney5503]

This was amazing. I hope you keep recreating old patent designs.

[@igocamping3545]

Mate, your videos NEVER fail to amaze and tickle me. I followed this build on FB, and Im glad I did. Its so hard to capture the frustration of the build in a youtube video. Thank you. I laughed out loud a few times during this video.

[@gorillaau]

The frustrations can be provided as outtakes and bloopers at the end of the video.

[@arnhemseptember2009]

Fascinating piece and a great job again!

[@christophertehan5364]

Your patience is admirable

[@dizzolve]

I always suspected you were crazy ....... now there's no doubt. I love this channel

[@seanpenalber5554]

You just extended the ripples of this dude's soul and bless you for that! Awesome to witness

[@maxamuscrasious3047]

This screams "I'll show them... I'll get it patented then they will have to take me seriously"

[@pfadiva]

I don't know about that...being in Engineering I have friends with numerous patents and I still don't take them seriously.

[@serenity6415]

I'm not even a minute in and laughing out loud. You'd make a hysterical science teacher. I have to rewatch that whole pentagonal bit before I continue.

[@MaggieKeizai]

Ah, the more you look, the worse it gets. In some of those close-up shots, it became clear that some of those wrenching surfaces have so little material strength that a really stuck fastener would probably cause the user to bend or even shear parts of the wrench right off. Awesome! Some visits from the good idea fairy are funnier than others, and this was an especially good one.

[@GunFunZS]

That was my first thought. Pretty sure this guy never heard the term "stress riser."

[@tsm688]

I got a "Farmer's Wrench" because it was cheap and looked cool. The VERY FIRST TIME I used it I destroyed it. XD I assume something similar would happen here.

[@nobuckle40]

You can't blame the guy for being inventive! Is this the only tool he ever patented? Glad he didn't invent the paper clip. Thanks for making us aware of another tool that never made it the big box store.

[@pirig-gal]

Does he even NEED to invent any new tools, if he already invented this one?

[@itatane]

He also invented an improved spindle for electric trolley wheels in 1932, and in 1944 an improved frame for racking billiard balls. I can't tell if he was serious but incompetent, a practical joker, or needed serious treatment for something. He was born in Italy about 1895, and came to the USA with a great many others of his homeland during the early 20th century. The Volpe name was notorious in Pittsburgh during prohibition. In 1932, 3 members of the family (John, James, and Arthur) were gunned down in broad daylight in a Mafia hit.(They were bootleggers and racketeers.) I don't know if Michael Volpe the inventor was related to them, but if he was, I find it ironic that his was the more sane past time.

[@gorillaau]

​@@itatane Was he trawlling for someone at the isn't office to rush off and bring it to market first?

[@1973Washu]

A possible purpose for this could be for a teacher to use it as an exercise when showing someone how to use all the machines in the shop while making one. Because you will end up doing just about every operation multiple times.

[@leonv1553]

Hello HTR. Finally watched this. So cool a job. I was trying to spot a hole where you could twist two strands of safety wire. It must have one. No Locktite back then. A few years ago in the basement of a 120 year old house in Germany, I was searching through dozens of old tools and wooden boxes. Among lots of everything was a pair of pliers. They were about 12” long and had a complicated leverage advantage system built in. The jaws had zero grip pattern and were long and narrow, and stayed parallel when spreading. Weirdest thing? The metal was dark grey and it weighed nothing. All the other stuff around it was ancient. It had to be Titanium. Who could do that with Ti 150+ years ago? Or make Ti at all? I showed it to some modern engineers and materials specialists. They agreed it shouldn’t exist. Finally a plumbing expert with 30 years of old school training played with it. He said he has seen one before! His had a slightly different design and was heavy, like steel. He thought it was meant to tighten polished pipe fittings with out scratching them. No clue about the Ti. Another search didn’t reveal any other alien artifacts. What a cool thing to hang near your psycho wrench. Will look for it on the next trip. Avanti!

[@jeremymelendez8406]

I’d like to see you try and create your own all in one wrench. I think you could come up with something pretty amazing with your personal knowledge of tools.

[@dochydrate5649]

Wonder if it was an all-in-one option for someone doing maintenance and repair on multiple machines, maybe in textiles or heavy manufacturing, and those odd-ball slots did something that was machine specific. I'm guessing the idea was to make one tool to replace a belt full of tools and it ended up being a solution in search of a problem!?!?! Very cool build!!! Thanks!

[@BrooklynBalla]

I doubt it.The patent clearly says it’s ornamental.I just can’t imagine someone carrying this around when adjustable wrenches and pliers were as common as they are today.

[@idontwantahandlethough]

@@BrooklynBalla that's not necessarily what that means. It could just as easily mean "I'm going through withdrawals right now, can I just call it 'ornamental'? Is that good enough for a patent? I need to go find some more crack". On a related note: maybe those are for adjusting/tinkering with his crackpipe ;) (Note: drug usage choice is not chronologically accurate)

[@szurketaltos2693]

Ornamental has a specific meaning for patents, it means that the specific appearance is patented. Because you couldn't patent it as a multitool, that concept already existed.

[@JAdams-jx5ek]

No idea why you think he was drunk or high when he designed this....... So practical. Pocket-sized perfection!

[@cujoedaman]

He must have been a genius, he actually got someone to make this :D

[@perrylc8812]

The ultimate Father’s Day gift. 😅 Bravo good Sir for enduring to the end of this project. If nothing else it will make a great paper weight.

[@elemze56]

Love watching your videos and all THE AMAZING antique tools. Have considered this as a side job. This has got to be one of the best fields of work to be in. Really cool - really enjoy your videos, especially when I’m having a bad day, week, or even month. Something simple and fun to learn every time! Thank you!!!

[@garymucher4082]

Bravo for the amount of elbow grease this took to try and make it according to patient drawing. Anyone that has ever work with such thick steel knows how hard it is to file things to perfection. Nice project and Thumbs Up! I guess this was the first generation of a bicycle wrench in its days! lol

[@fetus2280]

I think some are for Wing Nuts, Caps on certain things like Gas Caps with the 2 protruding bits, like on tractors, industrial/construction vehicles and mostly Square nuts which were more common back then and came in all diff sizes and a lot of Home Made stuff. Seriously though, I think the bloke thought of just about Everything on this wrench . Im actually impressed and miffed at the same time lol Cheers .

[@Slugsie1]

Followed this on Instagram. Madness. The features on the right hand side, upper part of the handle, remind me a little of a bottle opener.

[@censusgary]

It’s just right for opening bottles that haven’t been invented yet.

[@stayingsane5213]

The only thing I can think of for such a weird wrench is that it was made for a certain machine that has all these different types of fasteners. One tool for the entire machine. It might explain the weirdness. Thanks for sharing Merry Christmas

[@stefannewels1823]

Your editing is brutal ✊👍 Around 6:11 12:05 Soundwise also superbly "honest" Thx man for the awesome vid and Your quite frightening effort 😎

[@FlakeSE]

A must have for any home in the 20's. Maybe this inventor was in the trenches just a year earlier, something like this may have seemed very useful in such a setting.

[@andrewoperacz7427]

As always a fantastic build and great to watch. When that cutter fell out of the slotter, my jaw dropped for about 5sec. Hahha!! Thanks for always sharing Eric!!!!

[@baileybrunson42]

I completely agree that the designer must have been a laudanum addict (or something comparable). I also have been amazed with the mad genius approach you take with each restoration you tackle.. I just never realized that it extended into the dark world of masochism.. until now.. 😂🤣😂 This was so much fun I can't wait for the next installment..

[@stuffbenlikes]

Thank you for making my great-grandfather's dream come to life!

[@DoktorJeep]

I think this device might have been more for handling rare occasions where the more esoteric bolt heads appeared. So imagine that things are getting more and more standard, but there are still things from a previous generation or two that might pop up. Thus it would be better to have a tool like this rather than an entire extra toolbox to cover all of the older and soon forgotten fasteners.

[@burninpwder76]

Strangely shaped wrench also looks like a very effective shop defense mace :D

[@StevenEverett7]

I admire the patience it must have taken to complete this project. As far as figuring out what everything was for, I'd suggest you might want to go down to skid row and ask the first junkie you see. 🤣🤣🤣

[@murphymmc]

Those unidentified odd cut outs might(?) fit different size small gears as a spanner of some kind. The why part is still a mystery. Now a laser etching on all the opening with size numbers😆. Get in touch with Jason at Fireball tools, his water-jet cutting CNC machine could possibly duplicate your many hours of work, the multi-tool wrench would be quite the novelty gift. I agree, this making of the tool was a must.

[@paulotts]

My dad was a master machinist. I worked in the field for a couple of years. But even my dad would say... "You've got to be totally bonkers!" Great work btw. The unmatched places could possibly be used on ribbed head bolts.

[@uh-oh8704]

Just saw that my local hardware store is carrying evaporust now! What a crazy wrench! Another nice video! 👍

[@williamparadis3058]

The design of your tools is generally brilliant. Clearly, this is not one of them - but if you could streamline the manufacturing process, it might become a best-seller. Best wishes for the new year.

[@Frank-Thoresen]

At least as tool art

[@Halinspark]

Your best bet would be laser or waterjet cutting. Maybe EDM, if you wanted to be fancy about it. Anything else is just burning money.

[@Ea-Nasir_Copper_Co]

It's like a demented Swiss Army spoon

[@tookitogo]

Like the Snoorpk on MadTV? 😂

[@double_slime]

this is maybe my thind watch and im just now noticing he's telling us the story of the wrench by the fireplace. that's such a fun visual gag.

[@talbertuhlir9370]

Favorite Channel period

[@erinbuck129]

“So much why” is pretty much the theme of EVERY patent recreation on this channel 😂 And my word 11 hours of filing… any wonder why this patent wasn’t recreated before 😅

[@William_Borgeson]

I think it would make a great Christmas tree ornament, or a weapon... Either way, well executed, it's nice seeing you diving into the mind of a crazy tool maker, but then again it's not that far of a ride for you :) Funny design, love the way you brought it back to life, ,nice job!

[@robertweldon7909]

There are always odd ball tools designed and marketed. I have a set of "open end wrenches" called "Lockjaw's" they were made by a Cleveland, Ohio company named "Fairmont Cleveland. Being only about 1/4 inch thick. they would fit into very tight places. Their draw back was the Jaw shape wrench ends slipped very easily so tightening a bolt or nut was not easy. Ya odd ball tools all have a place, your fractal vise is the top.

[@ZeroRugrats67]

I absolutely love the fractal vise. It’s beautiful! I want one.

[@brianphillips1864]

This is absolutely nuts and you, sir, are a freak. As a consequence I have hit the subscribe. Pray continue.... :-)

[@ospididious]

Your dedication to this project is shear insanity. Pun intended. Keep it up.

[@rhyuke]

strange question you wouldn't happen to have a remade print of your scaled one available to the public would you? This is unironically super useful for my line of work

[@rodneydelaney9227]

I always look for new Hand Tool Rescue videos. Proper Restorations/recreations.

[@c.johnstonblacksmith]

Watching you machine this left me thinking things like “ wire edm!” “ indexable carbide” “ more rpm” and holy crap he has a shaper on his Bridgeport! Well done!

[@greggv8]

They called it a slotting head. Another addon was a cherry head. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmqQXmmugsiKl6s

[@brettsalter3300]

Beautiful work, geez they must have had phenomenal pockets in those days.

[@DMLand]

I love how the carefully-scaled drawing peels away and becomes detritus during the machining.

[@sethg6157]

Hey HTR. HAd an idea. Maybe try a laser engraver. you can feed them pretty much any image and they can etch it into metal. Could be a great way to mark out parts without having to worry about templates pealing off on ya as you go.

[@e_s.0848]

Jesus cares for you

[@sethg6157]

@@e_s.0848 that's an interesting way to respond to a suggestion about a laser engraver

[@e_s.0848]

@@sethg6157 I didn't read your comment at first but yeah I agree, something like that would be more practical if he continues making things with fine details.

[@theafro]

Octagonal fasteners make perfect sense if you're making them with a hammer and anvil, and if you've ever tried to make a hexagonal fastener that way you'll know why! Pentagonal fasteners are however a complete abomination, and the work of an unhinged mind. (but i'm quite tempted to include one on my next project just to drive the guy that comes after me completely insane)

[@puckcat22679]

They're actually somewhat common as a tamper resistant bolt head. Fire hydrants in the US often have them.

[@theafro]

@@puckcat22679 I knew I'd seen them in the wild somewhere! over here they're all square tapered jobs (and buried in the ground with a little yellow H-sign nearby.)

[@sthompson1000]

Wrought iron nuts were made by wrapping and welding the grain of the material around a mandrel, forged to shape between swages and tapped.

[@theafro]

@@sthompson1000 iIt depends on the era (and smith), but most small fasteners (under an inch or so) were made with a punch and drift right up until machine production became more commonplace. it takes a few seconds to punch the hole in a rough blank, as opposed to the 2-3+ heats needed to forge-weld around a mandrel. a lot depends on the size of raw iron stock available. of course the use of swages for the outside shape is common (especially in a production environment), but it relies on having the correct swage pair for the job, and still doesn't guarantee a good result. hexes only became common well into the machine-age for this reason, there's no point paying your smiths for fancier nuts and bolts than you really need!

[@rossbryan6102]

I HAVE SEEN A VERY FEW OCTAGONAL NUTS USED AS PART OF A UNION PIPE FITTING, BUT VERY RARELY!!