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The Billings & Spencer Company


Table of Contents

Introduction

Company History

Billings & Spencer began in 1869 as the Roper Sporting Arms Company, a partnership of Charles E. Billings and Christopher Spencer. Both founders were notable inventors, and Billings in particular was one of the pioneers of the drop forging process. The company's early products were drop-forgings for the arms and sewing machine industries.

The company was reorganized as the Billings & Spencer Company in 1873, and began producing open-end wrenches and other tools shortly after this. Some products were based on designs developed and patented by Charles E. Billings, and the company also licensed designs from other inventers. Adjustable wrenches were a particular specialty during the latter part of the 19th century, and Billings produced many different styles of the smaller "bicycle wrenches", as well as pipe wrenches and tongs, pliers, and fixed wrenches.

By the early 20th century Billings & Spencer had become one of the largest tool makers, in addition to being a dominant force in the drop forging industry. (Billings produced the heavy machinery for drop forging itself, and made a business of helping other companies set up their drop forge operations.)

In later years Billings made some acquistions to augment its own product lines. The 1939 catalog announced the acquisition of the Bemis & Call company (B&C), an old-line maker of adjustable wrenches and other tools. B&C had previously acquired the rights to the well-known Coes monkey wrenches, and thus both the B&C and Coes product lines were then available through Billings.

In the early 1950s Billings acquired the Peck, Stow & Wilcox (Pexto) company, another old manufacturer that had been a dominant force in the 19th century tool-making.

In 1962 Billings itself was acquired by the Crescent Niagara corporation, a holding company that had previously purchased Crescent Tools. Crescent Niagara subsequently acquired the tool operations of Barcalo Manufacturing and the Bridgeport Hardware Manufacturing company. The Billings product lines continued in production for some years under Crescent Niagara, but were eventually merged into Crescent's own product lines.

In 1968 Crescent Niagara was in turn acquired by the Cooper Tools conglomerate. Currently we're unsure whether the Billings line remained in production into the Cooper era, or if it had already been discontinued.


Patents

Billings received numerous patents over its many years of operations, and the table below shows only a small subset of the total.

Table 1. Billings & Spencer Issued and Licensed Patents
Patent No.InventorFiledIssuedDescriptionExamples
212,298 C.E. Billings11/25/187802/18/1879Adjustable Wrench Billings 1879 Patent Bicycle Wrench
295,885 H.S. Pullman02/06/188403/25/1884Pipe Tongs  
470,777 C.E. Billings12/18/189103/15/1892Pocket Knife  
532,634 C.E. Billings10/19/189401/15/1895Adjustable Wrench  
D26,111 C.E. Billings08/13/189609/29/1896Design for a Bicycle Wrench Model 97 Bicycle Wrench
599,379 C.E. Billings10/25/189702/22/1898Adjustable Wrench  
669,721 W.H. Bruce12/16/190003/12/1901Pliers or Pipe Tongs Model M Pliers
804,351 W.R. Tomlinson04/28/190511/14/1905Adjustable Wrench  
881,294 C.E. Billings11/11/190703/10/1908Folding Knife  
1,000,878 F.R. Allen12/20/191008/15/1911Friction Ratchet Wrench Billings Allen Friction Ratchet
2,138,331 F.P. Ward09/04/193611/29/1938Ratchet Wrench  
2,138,332 C.R. Giesel03/07/193811/29/1938Ratchet Wrench  

Trademarks

Billings registered several trademarks for its tool-related operations, including the B-Triangle logo, first used in 1870, and "Life-Time", first used in 1926. In addition, the company claimed to have registered "Vitalloy" as a trademark, but for some reason it doesn't appear in the USPTO database. Vitalloy appears to have been first used in the mid 1930s.


Tool Identification

Billings tools are generally easy to identify, and typically are marked with either the company name or the B-Triangle logo, or both. Their well-known triangle logo goes back many years, as it was registered as a trademark in 1905 with a claimed first usage date of 1870.

Billings tools of later production may also be marked one of their other trademarks, "Life-Time" or "Vitalloy". The "Life-Time" trademark was registered in 1926 and appears to have been used to introduce the first line of Billings alloy steel tools. The first known reference to Life-Time in Billings publications comes from a discount sheet for the 1926 36th Edition catalog, which has an entry for "Molybdenum Life-Time Wrenches". The wrenches are listed as being on pages 32A-32H, apparently a supplement to the catalog. (Unfortunately we don't have a 36th Edition catalog, just the discount sheet.)

In later usage the Life-Time mark reappeared to designate a second line of tools, possibly to be sold through other channels. (Billings tools were generally sold through industrial distributors.) The standard Billings catalogs of the 1930s through 1950s don't mention the Life-Time tools, although tools with the Life-Time mark were certainly being made during this period.

The "Vitalloy" mark is claimed as a trademark by Billings, but the registration doesn't appear in the USPTO trademark database. It was used specifically to indicate alloy-steel tools, and "Vita" is apparently a continuation of the Life-Time theme. The Vitalloy mark is widely used in the Billings catalog illustrations.


Manufacturing Dates

Billings tools were generally not marked with any system of date codes, so the estimation of manufacturing dates must rely on other factors. Billings made a number of changes to the type and style of markings on tools over its many years of production, and these changes will provide guidelines for manufacturing dates.


Face Markings on Wrenches

The face markings on wrenches provide one very simple guide to the manufacturing date, at least for the tools where such markings are present.

[Billings Early Face Markings]
Fig. 1. Billings Early Face Markings.

Earlier Billings wrenches were stamped on the face with the full "Billings & Spencer" company name, along with "Hartford, Conn. U.S.A." and the B-Triangle logo.

An example of this logo is shown in Fig. 1 at the left, taken from a Billings 1568 textile wrench shown later in this article. We'll refer to this as the "Standard Early Face Marking" in the text. (A variant of this marking shortened the company name to the initials "B. & S." so it could fit on small wrenches.)

[Billings Modern Face Markings]
Fig. 2. Billings Modern Face Markings.

In the late 1920s, the logo was simplified to include only the Billings name plus a "Made in U.S.A." (or "Made U.S.A.") with the B-Triangle logo in the center.

An example of this updated logo is shown in Fig. 2 at the left, taken from a Billings 1569 textile wrench shown later. This will be called the "Standard Modern Face Marking" in the text.

Although we don't know the exact date of the change, the modern logo was definitely in use by 1929, as the illustrations in the Billings 37th Edition catalog consistently show the new form. In this article we'll use 1929 as the starting year for the new logo, unless later information indicates otherwise.


Depressed-Panel Wrench Style

Around the mid 1930s Billings adopted a distinctive depressed-panel style for most of its wrench models, in particular the double-open "Engineer's" wrenches and the offset box wrenches. The markings were forged into the tool in raised letters, usually with "Vitalloy" and the B-Triangle logo. Examples of this style can be seen in the Billings M-1029 Wrench and Billings 8725B Wrench figures shown below. Based on a review of catalog illustrations, the depressed panel style appears to have been offered first for the open-end wrenches, probably around 1935, and then in 1938 was extended to the offset box wrenches. (The straight shank box wrenches remained in an oval-shank design.)

The depressed-panel style remained in production until the mid to late 1940s, and by 1949 (or earlier) had been replaced by a style with oval or flat shanks and stamped markings. Based on the current information, we'll estimate the production years as 1935-1948 for the depressed-panel style.


Early Tools

The earlier tool production by Billings included items such as pipe tongs, pliers, bicycle wrenches and other adjustable wrenches, and open-end wrenches. These tools were all made of drop-forged carbon steel, the dominant technology for such tools.


Bicycle Wrenches

Billings was an early leader in the production of bicycle wrenches, a popular type of tool in the late 19th century.


1879 Patent Bicycle Wrench

[Billings 1879 Patent Bicycle Wrench]
Fig. 3. Billings 1879 Patent Bicycle Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 3 shows an early Billings bicycle wrench, marked "Billings & Spencer Co." and "Hartford, Conn." on the front, with "C.E. Billings" and "Pat. Feb. 18, 1879" on the reverse. (The markings are very worn, and are difficult to read even with a magnifying glass.)

The overall length is 5.0 inches retracted and 6.0 inches fully extended. The finish is nickel plating, now worn away in some areas.

The sliding jaw of the wrench is marked with a ruler graduated in 32nds of an inch, a frequent feature of Billings wrenches of this design.

The patent date corresponds to patent #212,298, issued to C.E. Billings in 1879 and the earliest of his adjustable wrench patents. The patent illustration shows the wrench with an open slot on the reverse side, as is seen in the figure here.


Model A Bicycle Wrench

[Billings Model A Bicycle Wrench]
Fig. 4. Billings Model A Bicycle Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 4 shows a Billings Model A bicycle wrench, stamped with the B-Triangle logo above "Billings & Spencer Co." and "Hartford, Conn." on the front. The reverse is marked "C.E. Billings" and "Pat'd Feb. 18th, 1879", a reference to patent #212,298.

The overall length is 4.4 inches closed and 5.4 inches fully extended. The finish is nickel plating with losses due to wear and rust.


Model D Bicycle Wrench

[Billings Model D Bicycle Wrench]
Fig. 5. Billings Model D Bicycle Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 5 shows a Billings Model D bicycle wrench, stamped with the B-Triangle logo above "Billings & Spencer Co." and "Hartford, Conn." on the front. The reverse is marked "C.E. Billings" and "Pat'd Feb. 18th, 1879", a reference to patent #212,298.

The overall length is 6.0 inches closed and 7.5 inches fully extended. The finish is polished steel, with some pitting due to rust.


Model 97 Bicycle Wrenches

In 1896 C.E. Billings filed a design patent for a compact bicycle wrench, and the resulting Model 97 wrench became one of the company's best-known products. The model 97 wrench was offered in both plated and painted finishes, and remained in production for many years.

[Billings Model 97 Bicycle Wrench]
Fig. 6. Billings Model 97 Bicycle Wrench, with Inset for Patent Detail.

Fig. 6 shows a Billings model 97 bicycle wrench, marked "Billings & Spencer Co." and "Hartford, Conn." with the B-Triangle logo. The overall length is 4.2 inches retracted and 5.7 inches fully extended.

The finish is nickel plating, though extensively worn in some areas.

The inset shows the patent notice "Patented Sept. 29, 1896" on the reverse, and the corresponding patent turns out to be #D26,111, a design patent issued to C.E. Billings.

[Billings Model 97 Bicycle Wrench]
Fig. 7. Billings Model 97 Bicycle Wrench, with Inset for Patent Detail.

Fig. 7 at the left shows another example of the model 97 wrench, marked "Billings & Spencer Co." and "Hartford, Conn. U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo. The overall length is 4.3 inches retracted and 5.7 inches fully extended.

The original black paint finish is still present in a few spots, though most has now been worn off.


Model G 6 Inch Auto Wrench

The next several figures show examples of Billings Model G auto wrenches, a popular model series offered in a range of sizes.

[Billings Model G 6 Inch Auto Wrench]
Fig. 8. Billings Model G 6 Inch Auto Wrench.

Fig. 8 at the left shows a Billings Model G 6 inch auto wrench, the smallest model of the series. The moveable jaw is stamped "The Billings & Spencer Co." and "Hartford, Conn. U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.4 inches. The finish is black paint.

The 1919 Chandler & Farquhar catalog offered the model G auto wrench with nominal sizes ranging from 6 inches up to 18 inches. The model G was also available with a serrated pipe jaw instead of the flat jaw illustrated here.


Model G 8 Inch Auto Wrench

[Billings Model G 8 Inch Auto Wrench]
Fig. 9. Billings Model G 8 Inch Auto Wrench.

Fig. 9 at the left shows a Billings Model G 8 inch auto wrench with a forged steel moveable jaw, stamped "The Billings & Spencer Co." and "Hartford, Conn. U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo.

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.2 inches. The finish is black paint.


Model G 11 Inch Auto Wrench

[Billings Model G 11 Inch Auto Wrench]
Fig. 10. Billings Model G 11 Inch Auto Wrench.

Fig. 10 shows a Billings Model G 11 inch auto wrench in a slight different style than the previous example. The markings forged into the handle include the B-Triangle logo and "The Billings & Spencer Co. Hartford, Conn.", with "Made in U.S.A." partially obscured by the jaw.

The overall length is 11.0 inches, and the finish is black paint.

The 1919 Chandler & Farquhar catalog offered the model G auto wrench in a range of sizes from 6 inches up to 18 inches, although this particular 11 inch model was not listed in that reference.


8 Inch Locking Adjustable "S" Wrench

[Billings 8 Inch Locking Adjustable S Wrench]
Fig. 11. Billings 8 Inch Locking Adjustable "S" Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 11 shows a Billings 8 inch adjustable "S" wrench with a locking mechansim of the Tomlinson design. The handle is marked "The Billings & Spencer Co." and "Hartford, Conn." in forged raised letters, with "Steel Drop Forging" and "8 In." on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Although this example isn't marked with a patent notice, the design is covered by patent #804,351, issued to W.R. Tomlinson in 1905. The patent describes the use of a threaded pin to provide a locking mechanism for the wrench.


Slip-Joint Pliers

[Billings [Model M] Slip-Joint Pliers]
Fig. 12. Billings [Model M] Slip-Joint Pliers.

Fig. 12 shows a pair of Billings slip-joint pliers, marked "The Billings & Spencer Co." with "Hartford, Conn. U.S.A." and the B-Triangle logo. The overall length is 6.6 inches.

The finish is a black oxide coating. Although not marked with a model number, the 1923 Billings catalog lists these as model M pliers, at a price of $1.15 in oxide finish or $1.25 for nickel plate.

The pliers are also marked with the patent date "Pat'd. Mar. 12 1901", which was found to be patent #669,721. The patent describes a pair of slip-joint pliers with a hole for cutting wire (not shown in photograph), as well as the conventional side-cutting edges, making the pliers useful for both plumbing and electrical work.


Hammers


Ballpeen Hammer

[Billings Ballpeen Hammer]
Fig. 13. Billings Ballpeen Hammer, with Insets for Head and Handle Detail.

Fig. 13 shows a Billings ballpeen hammer, marked "The B. & S. Co." with the B-Triangle logo on the head, and with the Billings name and "Genuine Hickory" on the handle.

The hammer head is 4.7 inches long, and the overall length is 14.0 inches.


Small Ballpeen Hammer

[Billings Ballpeen Hammer]
Fig. 14. Billings Ballpeen Hammer, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 14 shows a later Billings ballpeen hammer, marked "Billings" on one side, with "Made U.S.A." and the B-Triangle logo on the reverse.

The hammer head is 3.2 inches long, and the overall length is 12.0 inches.


Carbon Steel Wrenches

Billings offered an extensive selection of carbon-steel open-end wrenches in a wide range of sizes. Although the wrenches were available in all of the industry-standard sizes, Billings used their own numbering system with 11xx model numbers, although at least some wrenches were stamped with their standard number equivalents.

In 1930 the 11xx wrenches were available in sizes ranging from the 1/4x5/16 model 1100A up to the 2-1/2x2-5/8 model 1159, the latter equivalent to the standard no. 49. (A cross-reference between the Billings and industry-standard sizes is available in our Table of Wrench Sizes.)

Billings continued to use their 11xx models long after most companies had adopted the industry-standard numbers, but eventually did convert to the standard numbering system. (The fact that the industry-standard models had been promulgated by arch-rival J.H. Williams may have been a factor.)

The standard markings for early Billings wrenches consisted of a raised forging of the B-Triangle logo on the shank, along with a stamped logo and text on one face. The text was typically "The Billings & Spencer Co." and "Hartford, Conn. U.S.A.", although abbreviations were used on some of the smaller wrenches. We'll refer to this combination as the "standard early markings", to avoid needless repetition in the descriptions below.

The markings for later wrenches went through several stages. The first change was the removal of the raised logo on the shank, allowing the wrench to be easily finished by grinding. Later changes simplified the company name to just "Billings", and added "Made in U.S.A." in place of the reference to Hartford. Where possible, we'll show multiple examples of each model to illustrate the marking changes.


1100A Open-End Wrench

We'll begin this section with the smallest wrench in the 11xx model series.

[Billings 1100A 1/4x5/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 15. Billings 1100A 1/4x5/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 15 shows a Billings 1100A 1/4x5/16 open-end wrench with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 3.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of the original black paint.


1103 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1103 5/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 16. Billings 1103 5/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 16 at the left shows a Billings 1103 5/16x1/2 open-end wrench with the variant of the standard early markings. The face is stamped "The B & S Co." with "Hfd. Ct. U.S.A.", and the B-Triangle logo appears on the reverse shank.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

The Billings model 1103 was the equivalent of the industry standard No. 22 wrench.


1104 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1104 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 17A. Billings 1104 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 17A at the left shows a Billings 1104 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench with the standard early markings, but with an abbreviated "The B & S Co." on the face.

The overall length is 4.5 inches. The original finish was probably black paint with polished faces.

The 1104 model corresponded to the industry standard No. 723 wrench.


1106 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1106 13/32x19/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 17B. Billings 1106 13/32x19/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 17B shows a Billings 1106 13/32x19/32 open-end wrench with the standard modern face markings, and with both the Billings 1106 model and the industry-standard number 24 stamped on the face.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The Billings 1106 model was the equivalent to the industry standard No. 24 wrench.


1107 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Billings 1107 wrench.

[Billings 1107 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 18. Billings 1107 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 18 at the left shows a Billings 1107 13/32x12 open-end wrench, with the standard early markings on the face and the raised logo on the shank. The overall length is 5.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The Billings 1107 model corresponds to the industry standard No. 23 wrench, and the reverse faces are marked with sizes "3/16 U.S.S." and "1/4 U.S.S." for the older convention.

One characteristic of the early Billings wrenches is that the edges typically retain the cutting marks where excess metal was trimmed after forging. The excess metal is termed "flashing", and a separate die was used to trim the flashing from the wrench body. Later Billings production added a grinding operation to provide smoothly rounded edges, and these wrenches show no trace of the trimming operation.

[Billings 1107 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 19. Billings 1107 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1924.

Fig. 19 at the left shows a later Billings 1107 13/32x12 open-end wrench, showing the standard early markings on the face, but without the raised logo on the shank. The overall length is 5.1 inches.

Unlike the earlier plain steel or painted finishes, this wrench is a nickel plated, with the finish missing in a few areas. Billings offered nickel finishes at least by 1924, as a Beckley-Ralston catalog (an automotive supplies distributor) listed Billing wrenches in nickel finish.

The Billings 1107 model corresponded to the industry standard No. 23 wrench. The smaller opening is marked "3/16 Nut", with "1/4 Nut" and "5/16 S.A.E." for the larger opening, both references to older sizing systems.


1109 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1109 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 20. Billings 1109 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 20 at the left shows a Billings 1109 7/16x1/2 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

The Billings model 1109 was the equivalent of the industry standard No. 725 wrench, and this wrench is marked with both the Billings and industry model numbers. The reverse faces are marked "1/4 CAP 1/4 S.A.E." for the smaller opening and "1/4 NUT 5/16 CAP 5/16 S.A.E." for the larger opening.


1110 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1110 7/16x9/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 21. Billings 1110 7/16x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 21 shows a Billings 1110 7/16x9/16 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

The Billings model 1110 was the equivalent of the industry standard No. 725A wrench, a less commonly seen size. The insets show the reverse face markings "3/8 [HEX]C" at the left and "1/4 [HEX]C" at the right.


1111 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Billings 1111 wrench.

[Billings 1111 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 22. Billings 1111 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench with Raised Logo.

Fig. 22 at the left shows a Billings 1111 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench with the standard early markings. The overall length is 5.5 inches.

The original finish was probably black paint with polished faces, but only a trace of paint remains in the raised logo on the shank.

The 1111 model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 725B wrench.

[Billings 1111 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 23. Billings 1111 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 23 at the left shows a later example of the model 1111 wrench, with the standard early face markings, but no logo on the shank. The smoothly finished shank still retains much of the original black paint.

The reverse faces are have several size markings, including "5/16 S.A.E." and "3/8 S.A.E." for the older size convention.


1112 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Billings 1112 wrench.

[Billings 1112 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 24. Billings 1112 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 24 at the left shows a Billings 1112 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench with the standard early markings. The overall length is 5.5 inches.

The 1112 model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 25 wrench.


[Billings 1112 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 25. Billings 1112 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 25 at the left shows a later version of the Billings 1112 wrench with the standard modern face markings. The other face is marked with both the Billings model and the industry standard No. 25, and the reverse faces are marked with the across-flats fractional sizes.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


1113 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1113 1/2x5/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 26. Billings 1113 1/2x5/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 26 at the left shows a Billings 1113 1/2x5/8 open-end wrench with the standard early markings.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the original finish was probably black paint with polished faces.

The 1113 model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 726 wrench.


1116 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1116 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 27. Billings 1116 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 27 shows a Billings 1116 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The 1116 model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 727 wrench. The insets show the reverse face markings "3/8 [HEX]C 3/8 S.A.E." and "7/16 [HEX]C 7/16 S.A.E.", references to the older size conventions.


1118-X Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1118-X 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 28. Billings 1118-X 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 28 shows an example of a less common model, a rare Billings 1118-X 9/16x11/16 open-end wrench with the standard early markings.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The 1118-X model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 27C wrench. The insets show the reverse face markings "3/8 [HEX]C 3/8 S.A.E." and "3/8 U.S.S.", references to the older size conventions.


1118 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Billings 1118 wrench.

[Billings 1118 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 29. Billings 1118 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 29 at the left shows an early Billings 1118 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench with the standard early markings.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The 1118 model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 27 wrench. The reverse faces are marked "5/16 U.S.S." and "3/8 U.S.S." for the older size convention.

[Billings 1118 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 30. Billings 1118 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 30 at the left shows a somewhat later version of the model 1118 wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings. Note that the shank has been ground smooth and lacks the raised logo seen on the previous example.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

One face is stamped with both the Billings 1118 model and the No. 27 industry-standard model, and the reverse faces are marked "5/16 NUT" and "3/8 NUT" for the older U.S.S. size convention.


1120 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1120 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 31. Billings 1120 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 31 shows a Billings 1120 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench with the standard early markings stamped on the face.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The wrench is marked with the industry standard number 729 as well as the Billings number, and the reverse faces are marked "7/16 S.A.E." and "1/2 S.A.E." in reference to the older S.A.E size convention.


1123 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1123 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 32. Billings 1123 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Marking Detail.

Fig. 32 shows a rare Billings 1123 11/16x25/32 open-end wrench with the standard early markings, including the raised B-Triangle logo on the shank.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The Billings 1123 model was the equivalent of the industry standard No. 29 wrench. The insets show the reverse face markings "7/16 U.S.S." and "3/8 U.S.S.", both references to the older U.S.S. size convention.


1124 Open-End Wrenches

The next pair of figures show two generations of the Billings 1124 wrench.

[Billings 1124 11/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 33. Billings 1124 11/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

In Fig. 33 at the left we see a Billings 1124 11/16x7/8 open-end wrench with the standard early markings, including the raised B-Triangle logo on the shank.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The 1124 model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 30 wrench. The reverse faces are marked "3/8 U.S.S." and "1/2 U.S.S." for the older size convention.

[Billings 1124 11/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 34. Billings 1124 11/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 34 shows a later version of the Billings 1124 wrench, with the standard early face markings but no logo on the shank. The faces are polished and have some traces of nickel plating remaining, and the shank is smooth with a plain finish.


1126 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1126 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 35. Billings 1126 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 35 at the left shows a Billings 1126 3/4x1 open-end wrench with the standard early markings, including the raised B-Triangle logo on the shank.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The reverse faces are marked "1/2 S.A.E." and "9/16 S.A.E.", references to the older size convention.


1127 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1127 3/4x1 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 36. Billings 1127 3/4x1 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 36 shows an example of the 11xx series in a somewhat unusual size, a Billings 1127 3/4x1 open-end wrench with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

The reverse faces are marked "1/2 S.A.E." and "11/16 S.A.E.", references to the older size convention.


1128 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1128 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 37. Billings 1128 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 37 shows a Billings 1128 25/32x7/8 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This wrench appears to be a transitional form, as the shank no longer carries the raised B-Triangle logo, but the surface has been left with its rough forged finish.

The 1128 model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 31 wrench. The reverse faces are marked 7/16 U.S.S. and 1/2 U.S.S. for the older size convention, and the larger opening has additional size notations for 9/16 S.A.E. and 5/8 hex-cap, providing a good illustation of how cumbersome the multiple conventions had become.


1132 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1132 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 38. Billings 1132 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 38 shows a Billings 1132 7/8x31/32 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 10.0 inches. The finish is plain steel with polished faces, and a few traces of black paint remain on the shank.

The Billings model 1132 was equivalent to the industry standard No. 33 wrench. The reverse faces of this example are marked "1/2 U.S.S." and "9/16 U.S.S." for the older size convention.


1136 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1136 31/32x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 39. Billings 1136 31/32x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 39 shows a Billings 1136 31/32x1-1/16 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 11.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The Billings model 1136 was equivalent to the industry standard No. 35 wrench. The reverse faces of this example are marked 9/16 U.S.S. and 5/8 U.S.S. for the older size convention, and the larger opening has an additional notation for the 3/4 S.A.E. size.


1140 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1140 1-1/16x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 40. Billings 1140 1-1/16x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 40 shows a Billings 1140 1-1/16x1-1/4 open-end wrench with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 12.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The Billings model 1140 was equivalent to the industry standard No. 37 wrench, and in this example the standard number is stamped on the face along with the Billings model.


1146 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1146 1-1/4x1-7/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 41. Billings 1146 1-1/4x1-7/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 41 shows one of the larger wrenches in the 11xx series, a Billings 1146 1-1/4x1-7/16 open-end wrench with the standard modern face markings, but with a B-Triangle logo forged into the shank as well.

The overall length is 14.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The Billings model 1146 was equivalent to the industry standard No. 39 wrench, and the standard number is stamped on the face along with the Billings model.


Textile Wrenches

Billings offered numerous models in a style called "Textile Wrenches", open-end wrenches with a 22 degree head offset, presumably originally intended for servicing looms and other textile machinery.

The examples below show a range of marking styles as the finishing techniques evolved over time. The earliest wrenches have a raised logo on the shank, with the shank retaining its natural forged finish and trimming marks. Later examples have smoothly ground contours on the shank and heads, with no trace of the trimming operation.

Within this later group, some wrenches have the older "Billings & Spencer Co." full marking on the face, but the latest examples have the "Billings Made in U.S.A." simplified mark.


1554 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

We'll begin with an early example of a textile wrench, apparently made as contract production for the Whitin Machine Works.

[Billings 1554 3/8x1/2 Textile Wrench]
Fig. 42. Billings 1554 3/8x1/2 Textile Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 42 shows a Billings 1554 3/8x1/2 textile wrench, marked with the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank, and with "Whitin Machine Wks" on the reverse.

The overall length is 4.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

Whitin Machine Works of Whitinsville, Massachusetts was at one time the world's largest producer of textile machinery, so the term "Textile Wrench" clearly applies to this tool.


1559 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1559 1/2x19/32 Textile Wrench]
Fig. 43. Billings 1559 1/2x19/32 Textile Wrench.

Fig. 43 shows a Billings 1559 1/2x19/32 textile wrench with the standard early markings.

The overall length is 5.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.


1560 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1560 1/2x5/8 Textile Wrench]
Fig. 44. Billings 1560 1/2x5/8 Textile Wrench.

The overall length is 5.9 inches.


1561 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the 1561 textile wrench, a model with a less common 1/2x11/16 size.

[Billings 1561 1/2x11/16 Textile Wrench]
Fig. 45. Billings 1561 1/2x11/16 Textile Wrench.

Fig. 45 shows an earlier a Billings 1561 1/2x11/16 textile wrench with the standard early markings, including the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The reverse faces are stamped "1/4 U.S.S." and "3/8 U.S.S.", references to the older U.S.S. size convention.

[Billings 1561 1/2x11/16 Textile Wrench]
Fig. 46. Billings 1561 1/2x11/16 Textile Wrench, with Insets for Reverse Detail.
Fig. 46 shows a somewhat later example, a Billings 1561 1/2x11/16 textile wrench with the standard early face markings, but without a B-Triangle logo on the shank.

The overall length is 5.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The reverse face markings are shown as insets, and the smaller opening illustrates the excessive marking sometimes required under the old conventions, being stamped "1/4 NUT 5/16 CAP 5/16 S.A.E." for all three systems. The larger opening is stamped "3/8 U.S.S." for the U.S.S. size convention.


1562 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1562 9/16x5/8 Textile Wrench]
Fig. 47. Billings 1562 9/16x5/8 Textile Wrench.

The overall length is 5.6 inches.


1564 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1564 19/32x5/8 Textile Wrench]
Fig. 48. Billings 1564 19/32x5/8 Textile Wrench.

The overall length is 5.6 inches.

The reverse faces are marked "5/16 NUT" and "3/8 NUT", references to the older U.S.S. sizes.


1568 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1568 3/4x13/16 Textile Wrench]
Fig. 49. Billings 1568 3/4x13/16 Textile Wrench.

The overall length is 7.2 inches.


1569 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1569 3/4x7/8 Textile Wrench]
Fig. 50. Billings 1569 3/4x7/8 Textile Wrench.

The overall length is 6.9 inches.


1571 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1571 13/16x7/8 Textile Wrench]
Fig. 51. Billings 1571 13/16x7/8 Textile Wrench.

The overall length is 8.3 inches.


761 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

[Billings 761 1/2x5/8 Textile Wrench]
Fig. 52. Billings 761 1/2x5/8 Textile Wrench.

Fig. 52 shows a Billings 761 1/2x5/8 textile-pattern open-end wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 5.7 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.


Thin or Checknut Wrenches

Billings produced a 13xx series of thin open-end wrenches, sometimes called checknut wrenches for their most common application.


1357 "Special" Thin Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1357 Special 9/16x7/8 Thin Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 53. Billings 1357 "Special" 9/16x7/8 Thin Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 53 at the left shows a Billings 1357 "Special" 9/16x7/8 thin open-end wrench with the modern face markings, with "Special" stamped on the shank.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


1358 Thin Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1358 25/32x7/8 Thin Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 54. Billings 1358 25/32x7/8 Thin Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 54 shows a Billings 1358 25/32x7/8 thin open-end wrench with the standard early markings, including the raised B-Triangle logo on the shank.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The reverse faces are marked "7/16 U.S.S." and "1/2 U.S.S.", references to the older size convention.


623C Check-Nut Wrench

[Billings 623C Special 3/8x7/16 Check-Nut Wrench]
Fig. 55. Billings 623C "Special" 3/8x7/16 Check-Nut Wrench.

Fig. 55 at the left shows a Billings 623C "Special" 3/8x7/16 check-nut wrench with the standard modern face markings. The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The reverse faces are stamped with the fractional sizes.


629D Check-Nut Wrench

[Billings 629D 5/8x3/4 Check-Nut Wrench]
Fig. 56. Billings 629D 5/8x3/4 Check-Nut Wrench.

Fig. 56 shows a Billings 629D 5/8x3/4 check-nut wrench with the standard modern face markings, and with the fractional sizes stamped on the reverse faces.

The overall length is 5.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


631 Check-Nut Wrench

[Billings 631 25/32x7/8 Check-Nut Wrench]
Fig. 57. Billings 631 25/32x7/8 Check-Nut Wrench.

Fig. 57 shows a Billings 631 25/32x7/8 check-nut wrench with the standard modern face markings, and with the fractional sizes stamped on the reverse faces.

The overall length is 7.1 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.


639 Check-Nut Wrench

[Billings 639 1-1/4x1-7/16 Check-Nut Wrench]
Fig. 57B. Billings 639 1-1/4x1-7/16 Check-Nut Wrench.

Fig. 57B shows a much larger example of the check-nut style, a Billings 639 1-1/4x1-7/16 check-nut wrench with the standard modern face markings, and with the fractional sizes stamped on the reverse faces.

The overall length is 12.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


S-Shaped Wrenches

Billings produced a 20xx series of graceful S-shaped open-end wrenches, small and thin enough to get into some tight places, but accordingly recommended only for light-duty work. The next several figures will show examples of these tools.


2000 S-Shaped Wrench

[Billings 2000 3/8x7/16 S-Shaped Wrench]
Fig. 58. Billings 2000 3/8x7/16 S-Shaped Wrench.

Fig. 58 at the left shows a Billings 2000 3/8x7/16 S-shaped wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.


2005 S-Shaped Wrench

[Billings 2005 7/16x1/2 S-Shaped Wrench]
Fig. 59. Billings 2005 7/16x1/2 S-Shaped Wrench.

Fig. 59 at the left shows a Billings 2005 7/16x1/2 S-shaped wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

The reverse faces are stamped "1/4 S.A.E." and "5/16 S.A.E.", references to the older size convention.


2007 S-Shaped Wrench

[Billings 2007 1/2x9/16 S-Shaped Wrench]
Fig. 60. Billings 2007 1/2x9/16 S-Shaped Wrench.

Fig. 60 shows a Billings 2007 1/2x9/16 S-shaped open-end wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


2017 S-Shaped Wrench

[Billings 2017 5/8x11/16 S-Shaped Wrench]
Fig. 61. Billings 2017 5/8x11/16 S-Shaped Wrench.

Fig. 61 shows a Billings 2017 5/8x11/16 S-shaped open-end wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 8.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


2025 S-Shaped Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Billings 2025 S-shaped wrench.

[Billings 2025 3/4x13/16 S-Shaped Wrench]
Fig. 62. Billings 2025 3/4x13/16 S-Shaped Wrench.

Fig. 62 shows an earlier Billings 2025 3/4x13/16 S-shaped open-end wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is black paint steel with polished faces.

The insets show the reverse face markings "9/16 CAP" and "1/2 CAP 1/2 S.A.E.", references to the older Hex Cap and S.A.E. size conventions.

[Billings 2025 3/4x13/16 S-Shaped Wrench]
Fig. 63. Billings 2025 3/4x13/16 S-Shaped Wrench.

Fig. 63 shows a later Billings 2025 3/4x13/16 S-shaped open-end wrench, marked "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo.

The overall length is 9.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.


2026 S-Shaped Wrench

[Billings 2026 3/4x7/8 S-Shaped Wrench]
Fig. 64. Billings 2026 3/4x7/8 S-Shaped Wrench.

Fig. 64 shows a Billings 2026 3/4x7/8 S-shaped open-end wrench, marked "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

The sizes are marked "1/2 S.A.E." and "9/16 S.A.E." for the older convention.


2033 S-Shaped Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Billings model 2033, one of the larger S-wrench models.

[Billings 2033 7/8x15/16 S-Shaped Wrench]
Fig. 65. Billings 2033 7/8x15/16 S-Shaped Wrench.

Fig. 65 shows an earlier Billings 2033 7/8x15/16 S-shaped open-end wrench with the standard early markings on the face and shank.

The overall length is 10.4 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

One of the faces on the reverse is marked "1/2 U.S.S." for the older size convention.

This is an older model wrench, and the edges of the wrench have a rough finish from the trimming operation.

[Billings 2033 7/8x15/16 S-Shaped Wrench]
Fig. 66. Billings 2033 7/8x15/16 S-Shaped Wrench, with Insets for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 66 shows a later Billings 2033 7/8x15/16 S-shaped open-end wrench, stamped with the modern face markings.

The overall length is 10.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of black paint.

The reverse faces are stamped "5/8 S.A.E." and "1/2 NUT 5/8 CAP 9/16 S.A.E.", references to the older size conventions.


77 S-Shaped Wrench

In later years Billings updated the model numbers for the light-duty S-wrenches to use the industry-standard 7x numbers.

[Billings 77 1/2x5/8 S-Shaped Wrench]
Fig. 67. Billings 77 1/2x5/8 S-Shaped Wrench.

Fig. 67 shows a Billings 77 1/2x5/8 S-shaped open-end wrench, stamped with the modern face markings.

The overall length is 7.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


1401S "Acme" Short S-Shaped Wrench

In addition to the 20xx series of S-shaped wrenches, Billings also produced a 14xx series of short S-shaped wrenches.

[Billings Acme 1401S 3/16x1/2 Short S-Shaped Wrench]
Fig. 68. Billings "Acme" 1401S 3/16x1/2 Short S-Shaped Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 68 shows our first example, a Billings 1401S 3/161/2 short S-shaped open-end wrench, stamped with a variant of the standard early face markings. The shank is stamped "Acme Automatic" on the front with "The National Acme Mfg. Co." on the reverse.

The overall length is 3.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The markings for Acme indicate that this wrench was contract production.


1411 Short S-Shaped Wrench

[Billings 1411 1/2x9/16 Short S-Shaped Wrench]
Fig. 68B. Billings 1411 1/2x9/16 Short S-Shaped Wrench.

Fig. 68B shows an example, a Billings 1411 1/2x9/16 short S-shaped open-end wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 5.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.


1433 Short S-Shaped Wrench

[Billings 1433 7/8x1 Short S-Shaped Wrench]
Fig. 69. Billings 1433 7/8x1 Short S-Shaped Wrench.

Fig. 69 shows a Billings 1433 7/8x1 short S-shaped open-end wrench, marked "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

This wrench is also marked with model 665E, another number series commonly used for S-shaped wrenches.


Toolpost Wrenches


1525 Toolpost Wrench

[Billings 1525 1/4x5/16 Toolpost Wrench]
Fig. 70. Billings 1525 1/4x5/16 Toolpost Wrench.

Fig. 70 at the left shows a Billings 1525 1/4x5/16 toolpost wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo.

The overall length is 4.1 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.


Single-Open Wrenches


703 Single-Open Wrench

[Billings 703 5/8 Single-Open Wrench]
Fig. 70B. Billings 703 5/8 Single-Open Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 70B shows a Billings 703 5/8 single-open wrench, stamped with the modern face markings on one side, with the model and fractional size on the reverse face.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of black paint.


Whitworth and Metric Wrenches


1016W 3/4 Whitworth Engineer's (Single-Open) Wrench

[Billings 1016W 3/4 Whitworth Engineer's Wrench]
Fig. 71. Billings 1016W 3/4 Whitworth Engineer's Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 71 shows a Billings 1016W 3/4 Whitworth engineer's wrench with a 1.3 inch nominal opening, stamped "Made U.S.A." on the face with the B-Triangle logo.

The overall length is 11.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of black paint.

The reverse face is stamped "3/4" for the Whitworth size.


1123W 3/8Wx7/16W Whitworth Open-End Wrench

[Billings 1123W 3/8Wx7/16W Whitworth Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 72. Billings 1123W 3/8Wx7/16W Whitworth Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 72 shows a Billings 1123W 3/8Wx7/16W Whitworth open-end wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The reverse faces are stamped "3/8" and "7/16" for the Whitworth sizes, measured at approximately 0.71 and 0.82 inches respectively.


Tee Socket Wrenches

Billings produced a series of single-opening socket wrenches, offering them with either fixed or removable handles.


967A Tee Socket Wrench

[Billings 967A 11/16 Tee Socket Wrench]
Fig. 73. Billings 967A 11/16 Tee Socket Wrench.

Fig. 73 at the left shows a Billings 967A 11/16 tee socket wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Specialty Tools and Contract Production


DS-0 Draper Loom Wrench

[Billings DS-0 3/8x9/16 Draper Loom Wrench]
Fig. 74. Billings DS-0 3/8x9/16 Draper Loom Wrench.

Fig. 74 shows a Billings DS-0 3/8x9/16 open-end wrench for Draper loom service, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo.

The overall length is 4.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


DS-4 Draper Loom Wrench

[Billings DS-4 25/32x7/8 Draper Loom Wrench]
Fig. 75. Billings DS-4 25/32x7/8 Draper Loom Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 75 shows a rare Billings DS-4 specialty wrench for Draper loom service, combining a deeply offset 25/32 hex box opening with a 7/8 open end. The face is stamped "Billings" and "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo, and the model number is forged into the shank.

The overall length is 7.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


33 "Mack" 7/8x31/31 Open-End Wrench

[Billings Mack 33 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 76. Billings "Mack" 33 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 76 shows a rare Billings 33 7/8x31/32 open-end wrench, stamped with the B-Triangle logo on the face, and with the Mack script logo on the shank. The shank is also marked "Drop Forged" in forged raised letters, an marking not usually seen on a Billings wrench.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is black paint.


5B784 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench

[Billings 5B784 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 77. Billings 5B784 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 77 shows a Billings 5B784 13/16x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Billings" and "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo on one face, with the model number on the other end.

The overall length is 9.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of the original black paint.

The wrench is believed to be contract production, possibly for an automobile tool kit.


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