In a message dated 1/27/00 11:10:48 PM, revtek@GREENNET.NET writes:

<< big old plumbing type wrench (when you don't have
the right big socket and the axle has to come off and you have a six
foot pipe, it comes off with minimal damage to the nut (a few teeth
marks >>

An ideal tool for this circumstance is one that is often overlooked because
it seems to be an anachronism: the monkey wrench.  For those not versed in
mechanical antiquities, a monkey wrench is like an adjustable Stillson pipe
wrench with jaws which are parallel and smooth.  It was designed when men
were men and nuts were big and square.

I once found an 18" one at a yard sale for 2 bucks.  It was branded Armstrong
so I bought it as sort of a curiosity not knowing exactly for what I would
use it.  When I had a loose axle nut and had to wait for one of those
slugging wrenches, I tried the monkey wrench.  It worked great.  One thing,
before I used it I took the time to remove the evidence of some of the sins
this fine tool had suffered.  This amounted to straightening the shank
(cheater bars have been around since the first threaded connection) and
truing the jaw surfaces.  These tools are bulky but, I would not hesitate to
use one anywhere it fits.  There is a subtlety in the design of the one I
have that causes the jaws to grip tighter with increasing torque.  A Crescent
wrench does not even come close to performing as well.

So, think again when you see a box of grimy tools at the flea market.  The
shame of it is that a lot of excellent tools are lining the dens of tool
collectors instead of living a life of honor in a toolbox.

Rich