I picked this crazy contraption up at an estate auction last year. It's built pretty solidly. I've got an old Popular Mechanics ad for it from 1911, so the tool itself must be about 100 years old.

That there son is what tool collection is all about. great find ,   bob w.

Nice find, usually the thumb screw is missing.

That thing is crazy looking, I think I'm in love.

Thanks!


Uh, what is the purpose of the thumb screw anyhow?

  An old Never Stall Windmill wrench........used in many different jobs.

the thumbscrew does not show up on the 1902 patent.I just got one mheelspur .according to the patent it is used on windmills . the motto was  the only wrench you need up on a windmill this one needs some tlc  but the challenge will be fun   bob w.

Bob W.

You watch your step climbing up on the windmill. We are all concerned for ya'.

The thumb screw on this version was to clamp it to a 2" plank  so the adjustable wrench jaw could be used as a small vise or work holder.  Just enough holding power to provide that 3rd hand you need sometimes.

That is cool and I wondered about the thumbscreww too.

Ah, that makes sense now. Thanks!

By the way, I've since managed to land one of these without the wrench. It's still labeled as a Never Stall, and looks to be forged from the same tooling, but no adjustable wrench.

Interestingly these were also made without the thumb screw nor do they have spot for it.  Got  it at Flywheelers last week.

I also had one with the thumb screw that looked like new.  Both sold immediately.

Mike

I want to see a windmill now that you all have been talking about them. I worked on one about 33 years ago for a friend. Had to re babbit the fan shaft and a good friend loaned me some bearing scrapers to finish the job. My friend said it is still working after all this time.

EvilDr235

There is another version with a hammer face on the opposite side of the pipe wrench.

I have one of these, but it is missing the lower jaw on the pipe wrench.  If anyone finds a loose jaw grab it!