Spud Wrench
Photo credit: Jin S. Lee
Accession Number: C.2011.1441.2
Dimensions: 17 in X 2.5 in X 1.25 in
Dimensions (Metric): 43.18 cm X 6.35 cm X 3.175 cm
Dimensions (Metric): 43.18 cm X 6.35 cm X 3.175 cm
Source: Robert Dennis
Credit Line: Gift of Bob Dennis Union Ironworker Local #40
Description
Spud wrench with a long tapered handle. The handle shaft is inscribed "3/4 1-1/4 3212 Klein Tools Inc. USA."
Spud wrench with a long tapered handle. The handle shaft is inscribed "3/4 1-1/4 3212 Klein Tools Inc. USA."
Historical Notes
Local 40 ironworker Robert Dennis wore this tool on his belt and used it when aligning steel for bolting.
Local 40 ironworker Robert Dennis wore this tool on his belt and used it when aligning steel for bolting.
Curator's Comment
Robert Dennis spent 34 years with New York City’s Local 40 Ironworkers’ Union. On September 11, 2001, Dennis was on the Triborough Bridge working on renovations to its Bronx span when he saw the low-flying jet that subsequently crashed into the World Trade Center. He was dismissed from his job that day and told to go home. Like many other members of his trade, Dennis responded to the disaster scene, bringing his expertise in cutting and moving heavy pieces of steel.
Dennis worked at Ground Zero for six nights. Because work at Ground Zero involved demolition rather than building, he found little practical use for his tools, most of which are used for erecting structural steel.
In addition to using his ironworking skills, Dennis helped members of the New York City Police Department identify credentialed ironworkers among the many volunteers who had converged at Ground Zero wanting to help; many of them however, lacked the necessary skills and expertise for the hazardous site.
HIDE
Robert Dennis spent 34 years with New York City’s Local 40 Ironworkers’ Union. On September 11, 2001, Dennis was on the Triborough Bridge working on renovations to its Bronx span when he saw the low-flying jet that subsequently crashed into the World Trade Center. He was dismissed from his job that day and told to go home. Like many other members of his trade, Dennis responded to the disaster scene, bringing his expertise in cutting and moving heavy pieces of steel.
Dennis worked at Ground Zero for six nights. Because work at Ground Zero involved demolition rather than building, he found little practical use for his tools, most of which are used for erecting structural steel.
In addition to using his ironworking skills, Dennis helped members of the New York City Police Department identify credentialed ironworkers among the many volunteers who had converged at Ground Zero wanting to help; many of them however, lacked the necessary skills and expertise for the hazardous site.
HIDE
