Daniel Chapman Stillson

Biography

Daniel Chapman Stillson was a mechanical practitioner whose inventive mind produced the pipe wrench that bears his name, a tool that allowed mechanics to grasp fittings securely and that quickly became indispensable in industrializing America. His design turned a simple idea into a reliable standard for plumbing and machine shops.

He guarded his patent while continuing to design other devices, sharing his knowledge with apprentices and engineers and leaving a legacy of practical ingenuity in every workshop that still relies on his wrench.