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This is a very nice example of a Stillson No. 6 pipe wrench, made by Stillson Wrench & Tool Works, Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. It\'s one of the better-looking survivors I\'ve seen, especially with the original green japanned handle still largely intact.
What you\'ve got
- Maker: Stillson Wrench & Tool Works
- Model: No. 6
- Length: Approximately 10–11 inches
- Patent Type: Classic Stillson self-tightening pipe wrench
- Made in: Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
- Date: c. 1910–1925
The early logo reading:
STILLSON WRENCH & TOOL WORKS
ERIE, PA. U.S.A.
is one of the more desirable markings. Later examples often simply read \"Stillson\" or were made after ownership changes.
Why the Stillson was revolutionary
This wasn\'t just another wrench.
The Stillson wrench, invented by Daniel C. Stillson in 1869, completely changed plumbing and pipe fitting.
Its genius lies in the pivoting upper jaw.
The harder you pull...
the harder it bites.
Instead of slipping like a monkey wrench, the angled jaw cams into the pipe, making it ideal for threaded iron pipe.
Nearly every modern pipe wrench still uses this exact principle over 150 years later.
About the company
Stillson licensed his invention to the Walworth Manufacturing Company, who became enormously successful producing these wrenches.
Later, manufacturing expanded under the Stillson Wrench & Tool Works name in Erie, Pennsylvania, producing millions of pipe wrenches for:
- plumbers
- steamfitters
- railroads
- shipyards
- factories
- municipal water works
- oil fields
Erie became one of America\'s major industrial tool-making cities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Construction quality
This is why collectors appreciate these older ones.
Notice:
- forged steel jaws
- machined sliding rack
- deeply knurled adjustment wheel
- forged pivot
- heavy casting
- original japanned green handle
- crisp stampings
Everything about it was built for decades of daily professional use.
Modern imported pipe wrenches often use powdered metal or lower-grade castings. These early American-made Stillsons were overbuilt by comparison.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition.
Pros:
- Original jaw teeth remain sharp.
- Rack teeth show minimal wear.
- Adjustment wheel appears smooth.
- Original green japanning survives very well.
- Stampings are exceptionally crisp.
- No cracks or repairs visible.
Historical context (1910–1925)
When this wrench was likely made:
- Cities were replacing wooden water mains with steel pipe.
- Indoor plumbing was becoming standard in American homes.
- Steam heating systems were exploding in popularity.
- Skyscrapers required miles of threaded pipe.
- The Panama Canal had just opened.
- The First World War created enormous demand for American industrial tools.
- Electricity was rapidly replacing gas lighting.
- America\'s factories were becoming mechanized at an unprecedented pace.
A wrench like this would have been right at home in a boiler room, locomotive shop, shipyard, or plumbing contractor\'s toolbox.
Collector appeal
Collectors appreciate these because:
- Early Erie marking.
- Original paint.
- Attractive compact size.
- Nice crisp logo.
- Functional mechanical action.
- Excellent display piece.
Many surviving examples have been wire-wheeled, repainted, or heavily rusted.This one retains a great deal of originality.
