Referred to as adjustable spanners, adjustable wrenches and shifters, these tools differ from ordinary spanners and wrenches by nature of the 'jaws' being able to adjust to fit an individual nut, bolt or other fitting. The mechanism for adjusting the jaws varies between designs and nature of the job they are intended for.
Though there are several claimed inventors, the earliest recorded adjustable spanner is attributed to English engineer, Richard Clyburn, in 1842*
Click on any of the images below to see the larger image and accompanying details:
Adjustable Wrenches
This 16" Connolly shifter is the only complete one found. They seem to be very uncommon. Any info contact the Curator. (Image J Hawking)
http://webwerks.com.au/htpaa/images/wrenches/adjustable-wrenches/connolly-shifter.jpg
Cyclone Adjustable Shifter
(© - J. Hawking)
http://webwerks.com.au/htpaa/images/wrenches/adjustable-wrenches/cyclone-adjustable.jpg
Dowidat Australia - 10" Adjustable Shifter
(image courtesy George Radion)
http://webwerks.com.au/htpaa/images/wrenches/adjustable-wrenches/dowidat-shifter-thin.jpg
FHP Australia - 12" Adjustable Shifter
(© J. Hawking)
http://webwerks.com.au/htpaa/images/wrenches/adjustable-wrenches/fhp-shifter-web.jpg
Gecko Australia Fish Belly Adjustable Wrench
Any info on this? (image courtesy Maurice Stubbs)
http://webwerks.com.au/htpaa/images/wrenches/adjustable-wrenches/gecko1.jpg
International Harvester - AP331 10" Adjustable Shifter
The AP331 comes in at least 5 variations. (Ref Gerry Scells)
http://webwerks.com.au/htpaa/images/wrenches/adjustable-wrenches/ihc-ap331-lite.jpg
Old Style Twist & Straight Wire-handled Adjustable Shifter by H.V. McKay
(Ref George Radion collection)
http://webwerks.com.au/htpaa/images/wrenches/adjustable-wrenches/mckay-twistx2.jpg
A More Common Sidchrome Marking
http://webwerks.com.au/htpaa/images/wrenches/adjustable-wrenches/sidchrome-shifter12.jpg
Sunshine Adjustable Shifter by H.V. McKay. Comes in 7" and 9" sizes.
Marked on the top jaw with "Sunshine" in script. Has the D^D mark of wartime production.
http://webwerks.com.au/htpaa/images/wrenches/adjustable-wrenches/sunshine-d&d.jpg
"Zircalloy" 4" Adjustable Shifter by SAFL (Small Arms Factory, Lithgow)
http://webwerks.com.au/htpaa/images/wrenches/adjustable-wrenches/zircalloy-4inch.jpg
Siddons Lock & Tool Co. Adjustable Spanner
Siddons made a vast range of mechanics tools, usually branded Sidchrome or a variation of Sidchrome
http://webwerks.com.au/htpaa/images/wrenches/adjustable-wrenches/siddons-lock&tool.jpg