Alloy Artifacts

Alloy Steel Tools

Tappet Wrenches

3000 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 85. Billings 3000 3/8x7/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

The overall length is 8.0 inches.

3002 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 86. Billings 3002 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench, with Insets for Reverse Detail.

The overall length is 7.9 inches.

3010 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 87. Billings 3010 3/4x13/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 87 shows a rare early Billings 3010 3/4x13/16 tappet (or checknut) wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on the face. The shank has a forged-in B-Triangle logo, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the front and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The reverse faces are marked "9/16 [Hex]C" and "1/2 CAP 1/2 S.A.E.", references to the older size conventions for the 13/16 and 3/4 openings, respectively.

1092F Vitalloy Tappet Wrench

For its later tappet wrench production, Billings switched to a standard 15 degree offset design, and adopted the 109x model number series used by Armstrong and J.H. Williams.

Fig. 88. Billings Vitalloy 1092F 5/8x1/16 Tappet Wrench.

Fig. 88 shows a Billings 1092F 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" with the B-Triangle logo on the shank, and with "Made in U.S.A." and another logo on the face.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

1090D Vitalloy Tappet Wrench

Fig. 89. Billings Vitalloy 1090D 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 89 shows a Billings 1090D 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" on the front with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

(The black spots in the photograph are pits caused by contact with some sort of corrosive agent.)

Open-End Wrenches

When Billings began producing alloy-steel open-end wrenches, it adopted and adapted the industry-standard numbering system by adding 1000 to the number, and then used an "M-" prefix. For example, an industry-standard number 29 wrench became a Billings model M-1029.

M-1728 "Chrome-Molybdenum" Open-End Wrench

We'll begin with an example believed to be an early Billings alloy-steel wrench, based on the design and raised-letter markings.

Fig. 90. Billings M-1728 1/2x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Reverse Detail, ca. 1926-1928.

Fig. 90 shows a rare early Billings M-1728 1/2x5/8 open-end wrench, with the standard early face markings and a forged-in B-Triangle logo on the shank. The logo is followed by "Chrome-Molybdenum" and "Made in U.S.A.", all in raised letters.

The overall length is 6.6 inches.

The 1929 Billings catalog offered a broad selection of M-1xxx series wrenches at that time, and the illustrations show the "Chrome-Molybdenum" marking seen in the example here. But the face markings illustrated in the catalog are of the modern form, indicating that the example here would have been made before 1929.

M-1025 "Chrome Molybdenum" Open-End Wrench

The next two examples are believed to represent Billings' alloy steel production in the late 1920s to early 1930s. The simplified markings on the face indicate later production than the previous example, but instead of a panelled shank, this wrench has a smoothly ground convex shank.

Fig. 91. Billings Chrome Molybdenum M-1025 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1929-1935.

Fig. 91 shows a Billings M-1025 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" on the shank with the simplified standard markings on the face.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The "Chrome-Molybdenum" marking instead of "Vitalloy" suggests that this wrench likely preceded the creation of the Vitalloy brand. The alloy markings together with the simplified face markings suggest that these smooth-shank wrenches represent production intermediate between the earliest models and the later "Duo-Forged" panelled design.

M-1030 "Chrome Molybdenum" Open-End Wrench

Fig. 92. Billings Chrome Molybdenum M-1030 11/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1929-1935.

Fig. 92 shows another rare example of the smooth-shank style, a Billings M-1030 11/16x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" on the shank with the simplified standard markings on the face.

The overall length is 8.0 inches.

The neatly drilled hole in the shank is probably a later addition.

M-Series Vitalloy "Duo-Forged" Panelled Open-End Wrenches

By the mid to late 1930s Billings was using a panelled shank design for its alloy-steel wrenches, with smoothly contoured oval depressions on each side of the shank. The standard markings for this design were forged into the panels, and consisted of the B-Triangle logo in between "Billings" and "Vitalloy", with "Duo-Forged" on the reverse.

The "Vitalloy" brand was claimed as a trademark by Billings, but the registration wasn't found in the USPTO trademarks database. The marking "Duo-Forged" is frequently seen on Billings tools, apparently in reference to a particular forging process, but the exact meaning is not known at this point.

The date of first production for the panelled design is not known, but this style was definitely in use by 1938, as a catalog from that year shows illustrations of panelled open-end wrenches.

M-1723 Vitalloy Open-End Wrenches, Duo-Forged Panelled Design

The next two figures show examples of the Billings M-1723 wrench.

Fig. 93. Billings Vitalloy M-1723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1930s.

Fig. 93 shows an early Billings M-1723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench with the standard panel markings. The face is stamped "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo.

The overall length is 4.3 inches, and the finish is appears to be a thin nickel plating.

This wrench is thought to be an early example of the style, based on the thin plating and the slightly different face stamping. Note that the "Made U.S.A." on the face is along a straight line, instead of curving downwards as in most of the other examples here.

Fig. 94. Billings Vitalloy M-1723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 94 shows a somewhat later Billings M-1723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench with the standard panel markings.

The overall length is 4.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain finish suggests that this wrench may have been manufactured during the wartime years 1942-1945.

M-1723A Vitalloy Open-End Wrench, Duo-Forged Panelled Design

Fig. 95. Billings Vitalloy M-1723A 3/8x1/2 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1930s.

Fig. 95 shows another early example, a Billings M-1723A 3/8x1/2 open-end wrench with the standard panel markings. The face is stamped "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo.

The overall length is 5.3 inches. The original finish has been lost due to rust, but the face has a few traces of thin nickel plating.

This wrench is thought to be an early example of the style, based on the thin plating and the slightly different face stamping. Note that the "Made U.S.A." on the face is along a straight line, instead of curving downwards as in most of the other examples here.

M-1020A Vitalloy Open-End Wrench, Duo-Forged Panelled Design

Fig. 96. Billings Vitalloy M-1020A 3/16x1/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 96 shows the panelled design applied to a very small wrench, a Billings M-1020A 3/16x1/4 open-end wrench, marked with a variant of the standard panel markings. In this example the usual "Billings Vitalloy" and B-Triangle logo forged markings have been replaced with just "Vitalloy".

The overall length is 3.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

M-1027-C Vitalloy Open-End Wrench, Duo-Forged Panelled Design

Fig. 97. Billings Vitalloy M-1027-C 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Reverse and Side View, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 97 shows another example of the panelled design, a Billings M-1027-C 9/16x11/16 open-end wrench with the standard panel markings.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel with a dark oxide coating.

M-1027 Vitalloy Open-End Wrench, Duo-Forged Panelled Design

Fig. 98. Billings Vitalloy M-1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 98 shows a Billings M-1027 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench with the standard panel markings.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

M-1729 Vitalloy Open-End Wrench, Duo-Forged Panelled Design

Fig. 99. Billings Vitalloy M-1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 99 shows a Billings M-1729 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, with the standard panel markings on the shank and "Made in U.S.A." on the face.

The overall length is 8.0 inches. The finish is chrome plating, missing in some areas due to rust.

M-1028-S Vitalloy Open-End Wrench, Duo-Forged Paneled Design

Fig. 100. Billings Vitalloy M-1028-S 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 100 shows a Billings M-1028-S 5/8x25/32 open-end wrench in the standard panelled style, but with a variant of the standard panel markings. On the reverse we see "Made in U.S.A." flanked by two B-Triangle logos, instead of the expected "Duo-Forged" marking.

The overall length is 8.0 inches. The finish is plain steel on the faces and gray paint on the shank, suggesting production during the 1942-1945 wartime years.

M-1029 Vitalloy Open-End Wrench, Duo-Forged Panelled Design

Fig. 101. Billings Vitalloy M-1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 101 shows a Billings M-1029 11/16x25/32 open-end wrench with the standard panel markings.

The overall length is 7.9 inches. The finish is nickel plate on the faces, now worn in some areas, and plain steel for the shank.

M-1033-C Vitalloy Panelled Open-End Wrench

Fig. 102. Billings Vitalloy M-1033-C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 102 shows a Billings M-1033-C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, with the standard panel markings on the shank and "Made in U.S.A." on the face.

The overall length is 10.7 inches. The original finish was chrome plating, but extensive rust has left only traces of the finish.

M-1725 Open-End Wrench, Wartime Production

During the wartime years of 1942-1945, tool makers faced shortages of certain materials (and sometimes labor), and as a result had to make substantial changes to their production. The next figures show examples of some of these production changes.

Fig. 103. Billings M-1725 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 103 shows a Billings M-1725 7/16x1/2 open-end wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on the face.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The cadmium finish and other construction details indicate manufacturing compromises made during wartime production. The edges of the wrench have been left rough from the trimming operation, and neither of the "Vitalloy" or "Life-Time" trademarks are marked, suggesting the possibility that a lesser quality steel was used here.

M-1729 Open-End Wrench, Wartime Production

Fig. 104. Billings M-1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 104 shows a Billings M-1729 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on the face. The overall length is 8.0 inches.

This wrench is the same model as the M-1729 shown previously, but a number of changes can be noted. The finish is cadmium plating, and the edges have been left unfinished, with marks from the trimming operation remaining. Note also that neither of the "Vitalloy" or "Life-Time" trademarks are marked, suggesting the possibility that the steel composition was compromised.

M-1031W Vitalloy Panelled British Standard Open-End Wrench

Our next figure shows a wrench in the less commonly seen British Whitworth sizing. The Whitworth system was actually the first standard for screw thread sizes, dating back to the mid nineteenth century. Wrench sizes in the Whitworth system are specified by the bolt size rather than the milled opening (or AF "across flats") size, as is the case with the USS and SAE systems as well.

Fig. 105. Billings Vitalloy M-1031W 13/16x29/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 105 shows a Billings M-1031W open-end wrench, sized 13/16x29/32 across flats or 7/16W by 1/2W in the Whitworth system. The face is stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo, and the shank has the standard panel markings.

The overall length is 9.4 inches.

The wrench has a uniformly roughened surface, probably from shot-peening. This particular wrench appears to be unused, and may have been intended for a maintenance tool kit for a British vehicle.

1731 Vitalloy Open-End Wrench, Later Style

In the mid to late 1940s Billings updated its open-end wrench design to use an oval shank with stamped (rather than forged-in) markings.

Fig. 106. Billings Vitalloy 1731 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 106 shows a Billings 1731 3/4x13/16 open-end wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on the face, and with "Billings" and "Vitalloy" stamped on the shank.

The overall length is 9.1 inches.

1031B Vitalloy Open-End Wrench, Later Style

Fig. 107. Billings Vitalloy 1031B 25/32x13/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 107 shows a Billings 1031B 25/32x13/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on the face, and with "Billings" and "Vitalloy" stamped on the shank.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

1031 Vitalloy Open-End Wrench, Later Style

Fig. 108. Billings Vitalloy 1031 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 108 shows a Billings 1031 25/32x7/8 open-end wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on the face, and with "Billings" and "Vitalloy" stamped on the shank.

The overall length is 9.4 inches. The finish is chrome plating, with some loss due to wear and rust.

1033A Vitalloy Open-End Wrench, Later Style

Fig. 109. Billings Vitalloy 1033A 7/8x15/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 109 shows a Billings 1033A 7/8x15/16 open-end wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on the face, and with "Billings" and "Vitalloy" stamped on the shank.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

1033C Vitalloy Open-End Wrench, Later Style

Fig. 110. Billings Vitalloy 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 110 shows a Billings 1033C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on the face, and with "Billings" and "Vitalloy" stamped on the shank.

The overall length is 11.0 inches. The finish is chrome plating, now darkened by rust.

C-Series Wrenches

In addition to its M-series chrome-molybdenum and Vitalloy brand wrenches, Billings also produced a series of alloy-steel wrenches with C-prefix model numbers.

C-1725-B Open-End Wrench

Fig. 111. Billings C-1725-B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1930s.

Fig. 111 at the left shows a Billings C-1725-B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged Chrome Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the convex shank, and with a B-Triangle logo (but no Billings name) on the face.

The overall length is 5.3 inches. The finish is mostly plain steel, but the faces show some traces of a prior plated finish.

C-1027 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 112. Billings C-1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1930s.

Fig. 112 at the left shows a Billings C-1027 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged Chrome Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the convex shank, and with a B-Triangle logo (but no Billings name) on the face.

The overall length is 6.2 inches. The finish is mostly plain steel, but the faces show some traces of a prior plated finish.

C-1031 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 113. Billings C-1031 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1930s.

Fig. 113 shows a Billings C-1031 25/32x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged Chrome Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the convex shank, and with a B-Triangle logo (but no Billings name) on the face.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with polished faces.

C-1033-C Open-End Wrench

Fig. 114. Billings C-1033-C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1930s.

Fig. 114 shows a Billings C-1033-C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged Chrome Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the convex shank, and with a B-Triangle logo (but no Billings name) on the face.

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with polished faces.

Obstruction Wrenches

During the mid 1920s a number of tool companies experimented with open-end wrench designs for clearing obstacles, commonly called obstruction wrenches. The design variations typically involved different head offset angles, or placement of the openings on opposite sides, and each style had its advocates. The Billings design used two different opening sizes offset at high angles, with both openings on the same side of the wrench.

The Billings obstruction wrenches were listed in the 1929 catalog and may have been available somewhat earlier. The obstruction style was relatively short-lived though, and by 1938 had been discontinued.

Several other companies produced obstruction wrenches similar to the Billings models, including Armstrong and Williams, and examples can be seen in the Blackhawk-Armstrong 2029 Wrench and Williams 2021 Wrench. Alternate styles of obstruction wrenches can be seen in the Bonney 2031 Wrench, Cornwell AW10 Wrench, and Herbrand 1827 Wrench.

M-2725 Life-Time Obstruction Wrench

We'll begin this section with two rare early examples of the obstruction style, marked with the "Life-Time" trademark.

Fig. 115. Billings Life-Time M-2725 7/16x1/2 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1926-1930.

Fig. 115 at the left shows an early Billings M-2725 7/16x1/2 obstruction wrench, marked with "Life-Time Wrench" and the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank, and with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the reverse. The wrench also has stamped markings "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on one face, with the model number stamped on the other face.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

M-2030 Life-Time Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 116. Billings Life-Time M-2030 11/16x7/8 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1926-1930.

Fig. 116 at the left shows an early Billings M-2030 11/16x7/8 obstruction wrench, marked on the shank with "Life-Time Wrench" and the B-Triangle logo in forged raised letters, and with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.7 inches. The finish appears to be a thin nickel plate, now partially worn away.

M-2731B Life-Time Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 117. Billings Life-Time M-2731B 13/16x7/8 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1926-1930.

Fig. 117 shows an early Billings M-2731B 13/16x7/8 obstruction wrench, marked on the shank with "Life-Time Wrench" and the B-Triangle logo in forged raised letters, and with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.2 inches. The finish is nickel plating, with extensive losses due to rust and pitting.

M-2731 Special Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 118. Billings M-2731 Special 1x1-1/8 Obstruction Wrench.

Fig. 118 shows a Billings M-2731 "Special" 1x1-1/8 obstruction wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on the face.

The overall length is 9.3 inches.

S-Shaped Wrenches

M-71 Vitalloy S-Shaped Wrench

Fig. 119. Billings Vitalloy M-71 1/2x9/16 S-Shaped Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 119 shows a rare Billings M-71 1/2x9/16 S-shaped wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on the face, with "Billings Vitalloy" stamped on the reverse of the shank.

The overall length is 4.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Ignition Wrenches

Billings produced an 11xx series of miniature open-end wrenches for ignition service or other work with small nuts and bolts. These wrenches were designed with two equal-sized openings, but set at different offset angles.

The model numbers for the ignition wrenches use the last two digits to specify the opening size in 64ths, so for example a model 1122 would indicate an 11/32 opening. (The same model numbers were used by J.H. Williams for its "Midget Superrench" series.) Note that the Billings ignition wrench model numbers conflicted with some of their earlier 11xx standard open-end wrenches.

1112 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 120. Billings 1112 3/16x3/16 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 120 shows a Billings 1112 3/16x3/16 ignition wrench, stamped with the B-Triangle logo on one face, with the model number on the other end. The shank has forged-in markings "Made in U.S.A." on one side with "Billings Vitalloy" on the reverse.

The overall length is 3.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel (or possibly cadmium plating).

1122 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 121. Billings 1122 11/32x11/32 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

The overall length is 3.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Box-End Wrenches

Box-end wrenches with double-hex broachings became popular in the late 1920s, and were typically made in both flat and offset styles. Billings did not offer wrenches of this style until sometime during the 1930s, and our earliest catalog reference is the 40th Edition catalog of 1937.

The 1937 catalog lists box-end wrenches in two lengths, a short S-xxx series and long L-xxx series, and both flat and angled styles were available in each length. The (ordinal) model numbers assigned were S-15x for the short flat wrenches, S-45x for short offset, L-15x for long flat wrenches, and L-45x for long offset. These early box wrenches had wide slightly oval shanks and stamped markings.

By 1938 Billings had updated the model numbers for its box wrenches to a system based on the industry standard numbers for open-end wrenches. (See our Table of Industry Standard Wrench Sizes for an explanation of this system.) Model numbers were assigned by adding a prefix to the industry standard number for the opening sizes, with the prefix based based on the particular wrench style. The prefix numbers were 6000 for the short flat wrenches, 7000 for the standard flat models, 8000 for the standard offset models, and 9000 for the short offset models. (These numbers were the same as those used by J.H Williams for its box wrenches.)

For example, a wrench with openings 1/2x9/16 would be an industry-standard number 725B, so the corresponding offset box wrench was assigned model number 8725B.

With the model number change-over Billings also greatly expanded the range of sizes available, and apparently also changed the physical design of the wrenches at this time as well. The offset box wrenches (the 8000 and 9000 series) were made with distinctive deeply panelled shanks, with the markings in raised letters forged into the shank. The flat wrench styles (the 6000 and 7000 series) were designed with oval shanks and stamped markings. The timing of these design changes is a bit uncertain, as the catalog illustrations are not very clear; however, no examples of the earlier S-xxx or L-xxx series with panelled shanks are known.

By 1949 Billings had changed its wrench styles again, adopting a flat or slightly convex shank instead of the depressed panel design. The markings for the new design were all stamped instead of forged (for the offset models), and typically the "Billings" and "Vitalloy" trademarks were placed on opposite sides of the shank. One notable detail for this change is that the venerable B-Triangle logo was no longer marked on the wrenches.

The figures below will show a number of examples of these various styles.

2822 Early Chrome-Molybdenum Single-Offset Box-End Wrench

We'll begin this section with two very rare examples of single-offset box wrenches, a style that became popular in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Fig. 122. Billings Chrome-Molybdenum 2822 11/16x11/16 Single-Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1930-1934.

Fig. 122 shows a very rare early Billings 2822 11/16x11/16 single-offset box wrench, stamped "Billings" and "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo, with "Chrome Molybdenum" and a "Patent No. 1424069" patent notice on the reverse.

The overall length is 11.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

This wrench is listed in the 1930 Billings "Socket Wrenches and Handle Units" catalog, which shows similar models ranging in size from 2814 (7/16) up to 2830 15/16). The wrenches were available individaully or as part of a No. 2800 set.

The patent notice refers to patent #1,424,069, issued to F.W. Blackmar in 1922. The patent describes the design of offset 12-point wrenches and was later assigned to Snap-On around 1930. Snap-On apparently licensed it to other tool companies, as the patent can be found marked on wrenches from Bonney, Mossberg, Williams, and now Billings.

2828 Early Chrome-Molybdenum Single-Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 123. Billings Chrome-Molybdenum 2828 7/8x7/8 Single-Offset Box Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1930-1934.

Fig. 123 shows a very rare early Billings 2828 7/8x7/8 single-offset box wrench, stamped "Billings" and "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo. The reverse shank is also stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Patent No. 1424069" (not shown).

The overall length is 13.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

This wrench is listed in the 1930 Billings "Socket Wrenches and Handle Units" catalog, which shows similar models ranging in size from 2814 (7/16) up to 2830 15/16). The wrenches were available individaully or as part of a No. 2800 set.

2890 Early Chrome-Molybdenum Specialty Box Wrench

Fig. 124. Billings Chrome-Molybdenum 2890 9/16x13/16 Specialty Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1930-1934.

Fig. 124 shows a very rare early Billings 2890 9/16x13/16 specialty box wrench, stamped "Billings" and "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo, with "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Patent No. 1424069" on the reverse.

The overall length is 14.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The patent notice refers to patent #1,424,069, issued to F.W. Blackmar in 1922, as discussed in the previous figure.

This wrench is listed in a 1930 Billings catalog for Chevrolet connecting-rod and main-bearing service. Note that although the wrench resembles the single-offset style shown in the previous figure, the openings are asymmetric, as required for its specialized purpose.

This wrench is very similar to the APCO-Mossberg 3014 Wrench shown in another article. This suggests that Billings may have been providing drop-forging services to Mossberg for this (and other) wrenches, as Mossberg was not known as a drop-forging specialist.

L-2 Early Chrome-Molybdenum Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 125. Billings Chrome-Molybdenum L-2 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. Early 1930s.

Fig. 125 shows a very rare early Billings L-2 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench, stamped "Billings" and "Made U.S.A." with the with the B-Triangle logo, and with "Chrome Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

No catalog reference is available for this early model, but it likely dates from the early 1930s.

L-456 Vitalloy Early Duo-Forged Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 126. Billings Vitalloy L-456 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. Mid 1930s.

Fig. 126 shows a rare early Billings L-456 15/16x1 offset box wrench, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" with the with the B-Triangle logo, and with "Duo-Forged" and the model number on the reverse.

The overall length is 14.5 inches. The finish is now plain steel, but a few traces of an apparent chrome plated finish can be found on one box end.

S-153 Vitalloy Early Duo-Forged Box-End Wrench

Fig. 127. Billings Vitalloy S-153 5/8x11/16 Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. Mid 1930s.

Fig. 127 shows a rare early Billings S-153 5/8x11/16 box wrench, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" with the with the B-Triangle logo, and with "Duo-Forged" and the model number on the reverse.

The overall length is 5.1 inches.

7723 Vitalloy Box-End Wrench

The next several figures show examples of the 7000 series style of box wrenches introduced in 1938. These wrenches feature straight oval shanks with angled box ends.

Fig. 128. Billings Vitalloy 7723 3/8x7/16 Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1938-1948.

Fig. 128 shows a Billings 7723 3/8x7/16 box wrench with an oval shank, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" and "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo. The model number and sizes are stamped on the reverse side.

The overall length is 7.6 inches.

7725B Vitalloy Box-End Wrench

Fig. 129. Billings Vitalloy 7725B 1/2x9/16 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side and Reverse Detail, ca. 1938-1948.

The overall length is 8.4 inches.

7727 Vitalloy Box-End Wrench

Fig. 130. Billings Vitalloy 7727 9/16x5/8 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1938-1948.

Fig. 130 shows a Billings 7727 7727 9/16x5/8 box wrench, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" with the B-Triangle logo and "Made in U.S.A." on the front. The reverse is marked with the model number and fractional sizes.

The overall length is 9.5 inches.

7733 Vitalloy Box-End Wrench

Fig. 131. Billings Vitalloy 7733 7/8x1 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1938-1948.

Fig. 131 shows a Billings 7733 7/8x1 box wrench with an oval shank, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" with the B-Triangle logo and a smaller "Made in U.S.A" marking.

The overall length is 14.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

7033C Vitalloy Box-End Wrench

Fig. 132. Billings Vitalloy 7033C 15/16x1 Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1938-1948.

Fig. 132 shows a Billings 7033C 15/16x1 box wrench with an oval shank, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" with the B-Triangle logo and a "Made in U.S.A" marking.

The overall length is 14.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

8725B Vitalloy Duo-Forged Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 133. Billings Vitalloy 8725B 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1938-1948.

Fig. 133 shows an example of the 8000 series offset box style, a Billings 8725B 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench. The deeply-panelled shank has forged-in markings for "Billings Vitalloy" with the B-Triangle logo, and the reverse is marked "Duo-Forged" in raised letters with "Made in U.S.A." stamped to one side (see inset).

The overall length is 9.2 inches.

The "Duo-Forged" marking is found on all of the wrenches of this style, and is apparently a reference to a production technique. The specific meaning is not known.

8727 Vitalloy Duo-Forged Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 134. Billings Vitalloy 8727 9/16x5/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 134 shows another example of the deeply-panelled style, a Billings 8727 9/16x5/8 offset box wrench. The shank has forged-in markings for "Billings Vitalloy" with the B-Triangle logo, and the reverse is marked "Duo-Forged" in raised letters with "Made in U.S.A." stamped to one side (see inset).

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The cadmium finish suggests a manufacturing date during 1942-1945.

8027 Vitalloy Duo-Forged Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 135. Billings Vitalloy 8027 19/32x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 135 at the left shows a Billings 8027 19/32x11/16 offset box wrench in the panelled style. The shank has forged-in markings for "Billings Vitalloy" with the B-Triangle logo, and the reverse is marked "Duo-Forged" in raised letters with "Made in U.S.A." stamped to one side (see inset).

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The oxide finish suggests a manufacturing date during 1942-1945.

8729 Vitalloy Duo-Forged Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 136. Billings Vitalloy 8729 5/8x3/4 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 136 at the left shows a Billings 8729 5/8x3/4 offset box wrench in the panelled style. The shank has forged-in markings for "Billings Vitalloy" with the B-Triangle logo, and the reverse is marked "Duo-Forged" in raised letters with "Made in U.S.A." stamped to one side (see inset).

The overall length is 11.3 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

8029 Vitalloy Duo-Forged Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 137. Billings Vitalloy 8029 11/16x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1938-1948.

The overall length is 11.3 inches. The finish is chrome plating with some loss due to rust.

8731 Vitalloy Duo-Forged Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 138. Billings Vitalloy 8731 3/4x13/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side and Reverse Detail, ca. 1938-1948.

The overall length is 12.9 inches.

8033C Vitalloy Duo-Forged Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 139. Billings Vitalloy 8033C 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side and Reverse Detail, ca. 1938-1948.

The overall length is 15.0 inches.

8742B Vitalloy Offset Box-End Wrench

The next figure shows one of the larger offset box wrenches made by Billings. The larger sizes of the offset box wrenches (models 8037 and up) are noted in the catalogs as having round shanks for greater strength.

Fig. 140. Billings Vitalloy 8742B 1-1/2x1-11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1938-1948.

Fig. 140 at the left shows a Billings 8742B 1-1/2x1-11/16 offset box wrench with a massive round shank. The shank is stamped "Billings Vitalloy" and "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on one side, with the model number and fractional sizes on the reverse.

The overall length is 24.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

9725 Vitalloy Short Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 141. Billings Vitalloy 9725 7/16x1/2 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side and Reverse Detail, ca. 1938-1948.

The overall length is 5.4 inches.

9725B Vitalloy Short Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 142. Billings Vitalloy 9725B 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side and Reverse Detail, ca. 1938-1948.

The overall length is 5.9 inches.

7025 Vitalloy Box-End Wrench, Later Style

The next several figures show examples of the 7000 series box wrenches in the later style. For these models the style changes affected only the markings, with the wrench design showing little or no change.

Fig. 143. Billings Vitalloy 7025 1/2x19/32 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1949+.

Fig. 143 at the left shows a later example of the Billings 7025 1/2x19/32 box wrench, marked with the company name, model, and fractional sizes on the front, with "Vitalloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. Note that the familiar B-Triangle logo is not marked on this example, having been discontinued at some point prior to manufacture.

The overall length is 8.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

7727 Vitalloy Box-End Wrench, Later Style

Fig. 144. Billings Vitalloy 7727 9/16x5/8 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1949+.

Fig. 144 at the left shows a Billings 7727 9/16x5/8 box wrench in the later style, marked with the company name, model, and fractional sizes on the front, with "Vitalloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

The changes in the style and markings can be seen by comparison to the earlier Billings 7727 Wrench.

7027 Vitalloy Box-End Wrench, Later Style

Fig. 145. Billings Vitalloy 7027 19/32x11/16 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1949+.

Fig. 145 shows a Billings 7027 19/32x11/16 box wrench, stamped with the company name, model, and fractional sizes on the front, with "Vitalloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 10.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

7029 Vitalloy Box-End Wrench, Later Style

Fig. 146. Billings Vitalloy 7029 11/16x25/32 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1949+.

Fig. 146 shows a Billings 7029 11/16x25/32 box wrench, stamped with the company name, model, and fractional sizes on the front, with "Vitalloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 11.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

7031B Vitalloy Box-End Wrench, Later Style

Fig. 147. Billings Vitalloy 7031B 25/32x13/16 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1949+.

Fig. 147 shows a Billings 7031B 25/32x13/16 box wrench, stamped with the company name, model, and fractional sizes on the front, with "Vitalloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 12.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

7031 Vitalloy Box-End Wrench, Later Style

Fig. 148. Billings Vitalloy 7031 25/32x7/8 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1949+.

Fig. 148 shows a Billings 7031 25/32x7/8 box wrench, stamped with the company name, model, and fractional sizes on the front, with "Vitalloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 12.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

7033A Vitalloy Box-End Wrench, Later Style

Fig. 149. Billings Vitalloy 7033A 7/8x15/16 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1949+.

Fig. 149 shows a Billings 7033A 7/8x15/16 box wrench, stamped with the company name, model, and fractional sizes on the front, with "Vitalloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 14.0 inches. The original finish was chrome plating, but most has been lost due to rust.

7033C Vitalloy Box-End Wrench, Later Style

Fig. 150. Billings Vitalloy 7033C 15/16x1 Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1949+.

Fig. 150 shows a Billings 7033C 15/16x1 box wrench with an oval shank, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" with the B-Triangle logo and a "Made in U.S.A" marking.

The overall length is 14.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

This wrench is very similar to the earlier Billings 7033C example of this model.

8727 Vitalloy Offset Box-End Wrench, Later Style

The next figures show the updated design of the later 8000 series offset box wrenches.

Fig. 151. Billings Vitalloy 8727 9/16x5/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1949+.

Fig. 151 at the left shows a Billings 8727 9/16x5/8 offset box wrench, stamped with the company name, model, and fractional sizes on the front, with "Vitalloy" and "Made in U.S.A." stamped on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with some loss due to rust.

This wrench can be compared to the previous generation panelled style shown as the Billings 8727 Panelled Offset Box Wrench. The earlier model was significantly longer, 10.1 inches compared with the present 9.2 inches, and had a generally heavier construction.

8731-B Vitalloy Offset Box-End Wrench, Later Style

Fig. 152. Billings Vitalloy 8731-B 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1949+.

Fig. 152 shows a Billings 8731-B 13/16x7/8 offset box wrench, stamped with the company name, model, and fractional sizes on the front, with "Vitalloy" and "Made in U.S.A." stamped on the reverse.

The overall length is 13.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

8034 Vitalloy Offset Box-End Wrench, Later Style

Fig. 153. Billings Vitalloy 8034 7/8x1-1/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1949+.

Fig. 153 shows a Billings 8034 7/8x1-1/16 offset box wrench, stamped with the company name, model, and fractional sizes on the front, with "Vitalloy" and "Made in U.S.A." stamped on the reverse.

The overall length is 15.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

Combination Wrenches

Billings first offered combination wrenches during the mid or late 1930s. The 1938 catalog listed eight models with sizes from 7/16 to 7/8, with the model numbers in a somewhat odd 5xxx series, some with 50xx numbers and others with 57xx numbers.

Based on the catalog illustrations, these early combination wrenches had a convex shank with "Billings Vitalloy" in raised letters; however, these early models are quite rare and we currently don't have any to display.

In the mid 1940s Billings updated its combination wrench models and adopted the 11xx series numbers used by Williams, Armstrong, Bonney, and other tool companies. The combination wrenches of this era were ruggedly built with hefty convex shanks, and the markings were stamped instead of being forged into the shank. The shank markings included the B-Triangle trademark in the center, with the Billings name and Vitalloy trademark on either side.

By around 1949 Billings had updated its combination wrench design again, replacing the thick oval shank with a wider and thinner shank. The markings were changed as well, with the B-Triangle trademark no longer stamped on the shank, and the Billings and Vitalloy trademarks placed on opposite sides. (The wrench faces continued to show the B-Triangle logo however, at least for some period of time.)

In this later period the Billings "Life-Time" trademark made a reappearance, being used to designate a line of tools for the wholesale hardware trade. In this line the Life-Time marking replaced the Vitalloy trademark, but the tools were other very similar to the Vitalloy counterparts, except for a somewhat lower grade finish. The examples of Life-Time wrenches are shown in the next section.

1164 Vitalloy Combination Wrench

The next figures show two generations of the Billings 1164 combination wrench.

Fig. 154. Billings Vitalloy 1164 5/8 Combination Wrench, ca. 1940s.

Fig. 154 shows a Billings 1164 5/8 combination wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on the face, and stamped "Billings Vitalloy" with the B-Triangle on the shank as well.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Fig. 155. Billings Vitalloy 1164 5/8 Combination Wrench, ca. 1949+.

Fig. 155 at the left shows an example of the later style, a Billings 1164 5/8 combination wrench stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on the face, and with "Billings" and "Vitalloy" stamped on opposite sides of the shank.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Billings changed the markings on its wrenches in the late 1940s or early 1950s, dropping the B-Triangle logo from the shank, and placing the "Billings" and "Vitalloy" trademarks on opposite sides of the shank. The changes in the markings are readily apparent by comparison with the previous figure.

1165 Vitalloy Combination Wrench

Fig. 156. Billings Vitalloy 1165 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 156 shows a Billings 1165 11/16 combination wrench, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" with the B-Triangle logo on the shank, and stamped "Made in U.S.A." with another B-Triangle on the face.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The inset shows a side view to illustrate the oval shank and substantial construction.

1166 Vitalloy Combination Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Billings 1166 combination wrench.

Fig. 157. Billings Vitalloy 1166 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1940s.

Fig. 157 at the left shows an earlier Billings 1166 3/4 combination wrench, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" with the B-Triangle logo on the shank, and stamped "Made in U.S.A." with another B-Triangle on the face.

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Fig. 158. Billings Vitalloy 1166 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1949+.

Fig. 158 at the left shows a later version of this model, a Billings 1166 3/4 combination wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on the face. The shank is stamped with the "Billings" and "Vitalloy" trademarks, but on opposite sides of the shank.

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

1167 Vitalloy Combination Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Billings 1167 model.

Fig. 159. Billings Vitalloy 1167 7/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1940s.

Fig. 159 shows an earlier Billings 1167 7/8 combination wrench, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" with the B-Triangle logo on the shank, and stamped "Made in U.S.A." with another B-Triangle on the face.

The overall length is 10.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Fig. 160. Billings Vitalloy 1167 7/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1949+.

Fig. 160 at the left shows a later Billings 1167 wrench. The face is stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo, and the shank is stamped "Billings" and "Vitalloy" on opposite sides.

The overall length is 10.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

1170 Vitalloy Combination Wrench

Fig. 161. Billings Vitalloy 1170 1 Inch Combination Wrench, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 161 shows a Billings 1170 1 inch combination wrench, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" with the B-Triangle logo on the shank, and stamped "Made in U.S.A." with another B-Triangle on the face.

The overall length is 13.0 inches.

The finish is cadmium plating, indicating a likely manufacturing date of 1942-1945.

Later Life-Time Wrenches

Billings first registered the "Life-Time" trademark in 1926 and used it at that time to identify its alloy steel wrenches. Within a few years the Life-Time mark had been discontinued in favor of "Vitalloy", but Billings later resurrected the Life-Time trademark for a second line of tools, targeted primarily for hardware stores.

This second appearance of the Life-Time brand occurred in the late 1940s or early 1950s. These later Life-Time tools were basically identical in design to the standard Vitalloy line of the time, but generally were less finely finished, in order to make them available at lower prices.

The Life-Time brand included open-end wrenches, box wrenches, combination wrenches, and socket tools in the smaller drive sizes. The markings on the tools typically included "Billings Life-Time" on one side, with the model number and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. The model numbers followed the standard Vitalloy line, but with an "L" prefix.

The figures below will show some examples of the Life-Time line.

L1033-C Life-Time Open-End Wrench

Fig. 162. Billings Life-Time L1033-C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 162 shows a Billings L1033-C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped "Billings Life-Time" on the shank with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 11.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

L8725-B Life-Time Offset Box-End Wrench

The next two figures show examples of offset box wrenches in the Life-Time series.

Fig. 163. Billings Life-Time L8725-B 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 163 at the left shows a Billings L8725B 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench, stamped with "Billings Life-Time" on the front with the model number and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

L8729 Life-Time Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 164. Billings Life-Time L8729 5/8x3/4 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 164 at the left shows a Billings L8729 5/8x3/4 offset box wrench, stamped with "Billings Life-Time" on the front with the model number and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 10.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

L1164 Life-Time Combination Wrench

Fig. 165. Billings Life-Time L1164 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 165 shows a Billings L1164 5/8 combination wrench, marked "Life-Time" on the shank with the model number and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

L1166 Life-Time Combination Wrench

Fig. 166. Billings Life-Time L1166 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 166 shows a Billings L1166 3/4 combination wrench, marked "Life-Time" on the shank with the model number and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench. Note that the edges from the trimming operation are still visible after finishing, instead of having been ground smooth as is stypically seen in the Vitalloy line.

L1167 Life-Time Combination Wrench

Fig. 167. Billings Life-Time L1167 7/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 167 shows a Billings L1167 7/8 combination wrench, marked "Life-Time" on the shank with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 11.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

L1171 Life-Time Combination Wrench

Fig. 168. Billings Life-Time L1171 1-1/16 Inch Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 168 shows a Billings L1171 1-1/16 combination wrench, marked "Life-Time" on the shank with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 14.9 inches. The original finish was chrome plating with polished ends, but most has been lost due to rust and wear.

One detail to be noted is that the shank retains some marks from the trimming operation after forging.

Other Tools

Adjustable Wrenches

77-4 4 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 169. Billings Vitalloy 77-4 4 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 169 shows a Billings 77-4 4 inch adjustable wrench, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" on the handle. The reverse is stamped "Hartford, Conn." and "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo in between.

The overall length is 4.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

77-12 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 170. Billings Vitalloy 77-12 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 170 shows a Billings 77-12 12 inch adjustable wrench, stamped with the "Billings Vitalloy" logo and model number on the front. The reverse is stamped "Hartford, Conn." and "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo in the center.

The overall length is 12.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.4 inches. The finish is plain steel.

The maximum head thickness was measured at 0.71 inches.

Late Production

Production of Billings tools is believed to have continued for some time after the 1962 acquisition by Crescent Niagara, but currently we're unsure of the extent of this final period. The figures in this section will show examples of tools believed to represent the post-Crescent era.

Billings Vitalloy 1033C Open-End Wrench, Late Style

Fig. 171. Billings Vitalloy 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1962+.

Fig. 171 shows a Billings 1033C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" with the fractional sizes on the front, with the model number and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. Note that the B-Triangle logo is not marked anywhere on this tool.

The overall length is 10.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

This wrench is very similar to the Billings 1033C Wrench shown in an earlier figure.

Billings Vitalloy 1167 Combination Wrench, Late Style

Fig. 172. Billings Vitalloy 1167 7/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1962+.

Fig. 172 shows a Billings 1167 7/8 combination wrench, stamped "Billings Vitalloy" with the fractional size on the front, with the model number and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. Note that the B-Triangle logo is not marked anywhere on this tool.

The overall length is 10.9 inches. The finish is chrome plating, but with extensive losses due to rust.

77-12 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench, Late Style

Fig. 173. Billings Vitalloy 77-12 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1962+.

Fig. 173 shows a later version of the Billings 77-12 adjustable wrench, stamped "Vitalloy" on the handle with "Forged Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 12.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.3 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The maximum head thickness was measured at 0.73 inches.

The design of this wrench closely resembles the later style produced by Crescent Tool, as can be seen by comparison with the Crescent Crestoloy Adjustable Wrench. In particular, note that the depressed panel of the handle extends all the way to the adjusting screw, and that the hole in the handle has a squared-of ridge on one side. Thus it's likely that this wrench is Crescent production marked for Billings, and was probably made after Billings had been acquired by Crescent Niagara.