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]
(..) So I'd provoke him so he wouldn't go after my mother and little brother. Interesting nights were when he wore his rings. Yeah, he used to just put a, uh, a wrench... a stick and a belt on the table... and just say, "Choose. " Well, I gotta go with the belt there, then. - I used to go with the wrench. - Why the wrench? 'Cause fuck him, that's why. - Your foster father? - Yeah. So, uh, you know, what is it? Like Will has (..)1997 Good Will Hunting