We were going to renew our lease, but the landlord 'threw a wrench into the works' [=('Brit') 'threw a spanner into the works'] by increasing the rent.
The storm 'threw a monkey wrench into' their plans for a picnic. [=the storm ruined their plans for a picnic]
an emotionally 'wrenching' experience [=a very sad/painful experience]
(..) Ellis, I need you to do somethin' else for me. I need you to get that to Juniper. Okay, Mud. Neck, let's go. You still takin' Juniper? Neck, fetch me that socket wrench. You be all right? Yeah. How about you? He'll be okay. Can I borrow your bike? Yeah. (..)2012 Mud