kevin p. siu musings on technology, politics, and the world

The Tool and the Liberation

"The Tool", for those unacquainted, is a 60" long triple-chromed pipe wrench made by the Ridge Tool Company (known for its Ridgid brand of hand tools and power tools). This particular tool is a 42-year-old specimen that now serves as the mascot of the University of Waterloo Engineering Society.

Cannon on top of The 'Ridgid' Tool

Forged in Elyria, Ohio, the $350 Tool was donated to the then cash-strapped UWaterloo in 1967 by the Ridge Tool Company on two conditions: that it be named "The Ridgid Tool" and that it be kept in its original Ridgid orange and black colours. Waterloo, of course, took these to heart - and promptly dipped the whole thing in a bath of chrome just hours after its reception. The "Ridgid" brand name was dropped shortly thereafter.