Description
Book SynopsisThe Adjustable Spanner is the product of thirty years' collecting and original research, fired by Ron Geesin's acquisition of the SLIK adjustable spanner that hung in his father's garage. At the core of this book is a concise history of this much-maligned tool. Serious and comical observations parallel its chequered life, from its bent beginnings in the blacksmith's shop to over-designed and lovingly engineered treasures from the small Birmingham machinist. Around this core are discussions and findings about components and construction on the practical side, and patents, registered designs and trade marks on the design protection side. Emerging from history, we take a closer look at uses and especially abuses, immerse ourselves in an analysis of types and styles, and dive deeply into the histories of the inventors and makers. You will be amazed at the engineering diversity required to produce these most fanciful but essential supports to the Industrial Revolution.
Trade ReviewThe adjustable spanner is a much maligned tool producing many barked knuckles and rounded nuts but Ron Geesin reveals so much of what has gone into this particular ‘fits-all’ tool. To my mind this book has it all: human drama, technological change and wide ranging variety of data and photos. Definitely one for anyone with a curious mind, who wants to know why and when. Very good -- Dave Girdler, Velocette Owners Club * Velocette Owners Club *
