wrenchman

English

Etymology

From wrench +‎ -man.

Noun

wrenchman (plural wrenchmen)

1. A mechanic, especially one who uses a wrench for on most jobs.
   • 1885, W. H. Cole, “Plate-laying”, in Short Notes for Railway Engineers & Plate-layers. Notes on Plate-laying, Maintenance, Curves, and Points and Crossings, London: E. & F. N. Spon, 125, Strand; New York, 35, Murray Street, pages 1–2:

     Assuming that we are laying a Metre-gauge Line, the following labour would probably be required on the first day:— / Description. […] Remarks. […] Beldars […] Carrying fish-plates and bolts, and assisting wrenchmen to fish the joints. / Wrenchmen […] Fishing the rails together. / Carpenters […] Countersinking bearing-plates. Making tool-handles, and distance-wedges for wrenchmen. Nicking the sleepers if necessary. / Boys […] Carrying bolts and plates for wrenchmen. // In fishing the rails together the wrenchmen place ¹⁄₄-inch distance-wedges between the ends of the rails, to allow for expansion.

   • 1969 February, “Chapter 9. Pipelines”, in Military Petroleum Pipeline Systems (TM 5-343, Department of the Army Technical Manual), Headquarters, Department of the Army, page 9-10, columns 1–2:

     (1) The wrenchman’s helper lifts and shoves the next section to be coupled into position on the lineup cage. At the same time, the wrenchman holds a wrench between the mid-bar of the cage and the end of pipeline to prevent the cage from being shoved back into the pipeline. / (2) The stabber simultaneously lifts the opposite end of the next section (assisting the helper in its placement and alining the section in accordance with directions from the wrenchman), and the jackman puts the pipe-jack under it to complete and hold the alinement (fig. 9-6). Simultaneously, the wrenchman removes his wrench from the lineup cage so that the section can be pushed forward to close the joint.

   • 1988, MOS 51K Plumber Skill Level 1: Written Lesson, Coupling Grooved Pipe, Cluster 07, Lesson 03, prepared by United States Army Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, for U.S. Army Reserve Schools, page 1:

     3. Coupling crew: The coupling crew should consist of seven (7) people. / a. Crew chief: Person in charge of crew. / b. Wrenchman: Positions the split ring coupling on the pipe and tightens it. / c. Wrenchman’s helper: Assists the wrenchman by positioning the pipe and helping the wrenchman couple the pipe. / d. Stabber: Disassembles the couplings and hangs the two halves on the next section to be coupled. He also pulls the line-up cage to the new end of the pipeline. / e. Jackman: Uses the pipe jack to hold the section of pipe being coupled at the height required by the wrenchman.

   • 2020, Bathroom Readers' Institute, Uncle John's Greatest Know on Earth Bathroom Reader:

     After filming, Warner Bros. sold it to Max Balchowsky, the “wrenchman” in charge of keeping all the vehicles in working order during filming.