Alloy Artifacts

7/16-Drive Tools and Sockets

Blackhawk's line of 7/16-drive tools was one of their more distinctive products, and no other company is known to have produced tools in this drive size. According to the Blackhawk sales literature, the enabling factor for these tools was the extra strength of the Hexite steel alloy developed by Blackhawk.

By the mid 1930s Blackhawk had developed an alloy steel named "Hexite", and claimed it to be 70% stronger than the typical chromium-vanadium alloys in use. As if to back up their claims, Blackhawk designed a new line of sockets and drive tools with 7/16-drive, and extended the claim that these were as strong as conventional 1/2-drive tools but only slighty larger than the corresponding 3/8-drive tools. With these tools (or so the marketing claim went), the mechanic could dispense with the trouble and expense of maintaining both 3/8- and 1/2-drive sets and go entirely 7/16-drive.

Blackhawk produced a full range of 7/16-drive sockets to go with the drive tools, including shallow, deep, and universal sockets. Since this line of tools was supposed to replace both 3/8- and 1/2-drive, the socket sizes ranged from 5/16 up to 1-1/4, in order to cover the normal size ranges of both the larger and smaller drive sizes.

Dates of Production

The initial production date for the 7/16 drive tools has now been established as early 1938. This date had been somewhat uncertain for a while, but based on the date codes of collected examples, the tool series appeared to have originated in 1937 or early 1938. In particular, all of the known 7/16-drive sockets use the "three-groove" design, which was patented in early 1938. (See design patent #D108,143 for details.)

A recently acquired catalog No. 240 of 1940 provided the missing documentation, as the catalog states that the 7/16 drive line (called "Nuggets" by Blackhawk) was introduced in early 1938. By 1940 a full range of 7/16-drive tools was available, and Blackhawk was heavily promoting the new tools, even to the point of offering a discount for a trade-in of older tools of any make.

Production of the 7/16 drive tools continued until at least the mid 1950s, and possibly longer, as two of the Blackhawk catalogs issued by the New Britain Machine Company (after their acquisition of Blackhawk) still offer 7/16 drive tools. However, the 7/16 drive line had definitely been discontinued by the time of the 1963 W-203 catalog.

Model Numbers for Tools

The table below lists all of the 7/16-drive tools with the model number, description, and size, along with a link to an example when available. (Examples will be available for most of the models, but it will take some time to prepare the photographs.) This list is a composite of the 7/16-drive tools offered over time, and not all models were available at all times.

The flags indicating inclusion in one of the popular 7/16-drive sets are based on the 1947 Blackhawk catalog, and may not be definitive for other years.

351xx 12-Point Standard Sockets

Fig. ?? 12-Point Standard Sockets To be added.

352xx 8-Point Standard Sockets

Fig. 178. Blackhawk 7/16-Drive 352xx 8-Point Sockets, with Inset for Date Codes, from Left: 35212 (3/8), 35214 (7/16), 35216 (1/2).

Fig. 178 shows several sockets in the 8-Point 352xx series, all marked "Made in U.S.A." and with the "U.S. Pats. 1927844 RE19287" patent notation. The model numbers and sizes are, from the left, 35212 (3/8), 35214 (7/16), and 35216 (1/2).

The inset shows the date codes for the middle and righthand socket, both marked "7" indicating production in 1947.

The socket on the left, a model 35212 of size 3/8, isn't marked with a date code, and shows some other differences when compared with the other two. In particular, the socket is somewhat longer, and has a slightly larger diameter base. With the help of some recently acquired additional examples, these differences can now be understood and have a simple explanation.

The model 35212 socket is apparently one of the first generation of 7/16-drive tools, and the base has a larger diameter in order to leave the walls thick enough for the release button. Blackhawk hadn't yet developed the insertable retaining sleeves of patent #2,190,081, and therefore had to maintain some minimum base diameter for the button. The larger base diameter in turn meant that the socket had to be longer, so that the broached end could still reach into tight places.

Once the insertable retaining sleeves were developed, Blackhawk was able to reduce the base diameter of the smaller sockets and make them shorter. (We'll show several paired comparisons to illustrate this, once the phototgraphs have been prepared.) The insertable sleeves were needed only for the smaller sockets; based on the observed samples, sizes 9/16 and smaller needed sleeves. If you look carefully, the inset shows that the middle socket has an insertable sleeve.

The filing date for patent #2,190,081 was Jan. 22, 1938, and it's reasonable to assume that Blackhawk would have started using the insertable sleeves around the same time. This suggests that the sockets with the larger bases and no datecodes were most likely made in 1937, or very early in 1938.

353xx 12-Point Deep Sockets

Fig. 179. Blackhawk 7/16-Drive 353xx 12-Point Deep Sockets, 1947.

Fig. 179 shows a set of Blackhawk 7/16-drive 12-point deep sockets in the 353xx series, all marked "Made in U.S.A." and with the "U.S. Pats. RE19287 1927844" patent notation. The sizes range from the 9/16 model 35318 in the lower left to the 1-1/8 model 35338 in the upper right.

Sockets in the smaller sizes (9/16 and under) needed an insertable sleeve to retain the release button, due to the narrow base of sockets made in 1938 and later.

35314 7/16-Drive Deep Socket with Extension Sleeve

Fig. 180. Blackhawk 7/16-Drive 35314 7/16 Deep Socket, 1941.

Fig. 180 shows a Blackhawk 35314 7/16 deep socket with an extension sleeve securing the release button. The socket is marked "Made in U.S.A." with a "U.S. Pat's. 2190081 RE.19,287" patent notice.

The date code is marked "1", indicating production in 1941.

This is currently our only available example noting patent #2,190,081.

354xx 12-Point Universal Sockets

Fig. 181. 354xx Universal Sockets To be added.

355xx 6-Point Deep Spark-Plug Sockets

Blackhawk also produced a 355xx series of 7/16-drive deep sockets with 6-point broachings, intended primarily for spark-plug applications.

Fig. 182. Blackhawk 7/16-Drive Spark Plug Sockets, with Inset for Date Codes, from Left: 35518, 35526.

Fig. 182 shows two examples of this series, a 9/16 model 35518 socket on the left and a 13/16 model 35526 on the right. Both are marked "Made in U.S.A." with "U.S. Pats. RE19287 1927844".

These sockets are fitted with rubber inserts to grip (and cushion) the spark plug ceramic.

The inset shows the date codes, "8" for the 35518 and "9" for the 35526 model, indicating production in 1938 and 1939 respectively.

39966 Screwdriver Bit 11/32

Fig. 183. Blackhawk 39966 7/16-Drive Screwdriver Bit, 1947.

Fig. 183 shows a Blackhawk 39966 screwdriver bit of width 11/32, marked "Made in U.S.A." with "U.S. Pats. 1927844 RE19287". The overall length is 3.3 inches.

The date code is "7", indicating production in 1947.

39976 Drive Handle

Fig. 184. Blackhawk 39976 7/16-Drive Handle, 1947.

Fig. 184 shows a Blackhawk model 39976 7/16-drive insulated handle, marked "Made in U.S.A." with "U.S. Pats. RE19,287 1,927,844". The overall length is 5.5 inches.

The handle is marked with a date code of "7", indicating production in 1947.

39977 Speed-Ball Tee Handle

Fig. 185. Blackhawk 39977 7/16-Drive Short T-Handle, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 185 shows a rather distinctive Blackhawk 7/16-drive model 39977 short T-handle, with balls on the handle ends for a better grip. The handle is marked "Blackhawk Made in U.S.A." and "U.S. Pats. RE19287 1927844" on the reverse, and the overall length is 7.9 inches.

The catalogs referred to this as a "Speed Ball Handle", and noted that the weighted balls give it momentum for spinning down nuts. As far as is known, this tool was offered only in 7/16 drive.

No date code was found on this tool, possibly due to the rust and pitting on the surface, or perhaps none was marked. It also might have been produced before the date codes were established; the earliest dated examples available are from 1938, and the 7/16 drive line may have originated somewhat earlier.

39978 Universal

Fig. 186. Blackhawk 39978 7/16-Drive Universal, 1947.

Fig. 186 at the left shows a Blackhawk 39978 universal, marked "Made in U.S.A." with "U.S. Pats. 1927844 RE19,287". The overall length is 1.5 inches.

The date code is "7", indicating production in 1947.

39979 Drag Link Driver

Fig. 187. Blackhawk 39979 7/16-Drive Drag Link Socket, 1947.

Fig. 187 shows a Blackhawk 39979 drag link socket of width 15/16, marked "Made in U.S.A." with "U.S. Pats. 1927844 RE19,287". The overall length is 1.3 inches.

The date code is "7", indicating production in 1947.

39982 3 Inch Extension

Blackhawk offered four extension models, with nominal lengths of 3, 6, 10, and 18 inches. The 6 inch model 39983 was supplied with a rotating grip, but the other models were just simple extensions.

Fig. 188. Blackhawk 39982 7/16-Drive 3 Inch Extension, 1938.

Fig. 188 at the left shows a Blackhawk 39982 3 inch extension, marked "Made in U.S.A." with "U.S. Pats. 1927844 RE19287". The overall length is 3.0 inches.

The date code is marked "8", indicating production in 1938. (This tool was acquired in a lot purchased in or before 1947.)

The extension is equipped with a cross-bar hole to allow use as a T-handle, a common feature for extensions during the 1930s and 40s. The Blackhawk-supplied handle was the model 39986 Handle Bar shown below.

39983 6 Inch Rotating-Grip Extension

Fig. 189. Blackhawk 39982 7/16-Drive 3 Inch Extension, with Insert for Construction Detail, 1947.

Fig. 189 at the left shows a 7/16-drive Blackhawk 39983 6 inch extension with a rotating hand grip, marked "Made in U.S.A." with a "U.S. Pat's. 1927844 RE.19,287" patent notice.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

This extension has the bullet-style handgrip used in 1947 and later, and a small amount of the factory-applied red highlight paint can be seen in the handle grooves. The date code is marked "-7" (see inset), indicating production in 1947.

The extension is equipped with a cross-bar hole to allow use as a T-handle, a common feature for extensions during the 1930s and 40s. The detent ball used to secure the cross-bar can be seen in the inset; this convenience feature was generally found only on top-grade tools. The Blackhawk-supplied handle was the model 39986 Handle Bar shown below.

39990 10 Inch Extension

Fig. 190. Blackhawk 39990 7/16-Drive 10 Inch Extension, with Inset for Detail.

Fig. 190 at the left shows a Blackhawk model 39990 extension, marked "Made in U.S.A." with "U.S. Pat's. 1927844 RE.19,287".

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

39981 18 Inch Extension

Fig. 191. Blackhawk 39981 7/16-Drive 18 Inch Extension, with Inset for Detail.

The longest of the 7/16-drive extensions is shown in Fig. 191, a Blackhawk model 39981 with markings "Made in U.S.A." and "U.S. Pats. 1927844 RE.19287".

The overall length is 18.0 inches.

This extension is marked with a date code of "-8", but with our current understanding of the date code system, this could represent either 1938 or 1948. (The markings on extensions are not known to have changed to distinguish the later decade.)

39984 8 Inch Flex-Head Breaker Bar

Fig. 192. Blackhawk 39984 7/16-Drive Flex-Head Breaker-Bar, with Inset for Detail, 1942.

Fig. 192 shows the Blackhawk model 39984 flex-head breaker bar, marked "Made in U.S.A." with "U.S.Pats. 1927844 RE19287". The overall length is 8.1 inches.

The handle features the "Gripline" style, in use from the late 1930s through 1946. This tool is marked with a date code of "-2", which together with the handle style indicates production in 1942.

Although the handle does not have a cross-bar hole, it has been drilled out for an extension bar.

Blackhawk referred to breaker bars as "hinged offsets" in the catalog, a notation also used by Plomb Tools. (See for example the Plomb model 5467 breaker bar.) In addition to this model, Blackhawk also produced a model 39985 15 inch breaker bar, as shown in the next figure.

39985 15 Inch Flex-Head Breaker Bars

The next figures show two generations of the model 39985 breaker bar.

Fig. 193. Blackhawk 39985 7/16-Drive Flex-Head Breaker-Bar, with Inset for Marking Detail, 1939.

Fig. 193 shows an earlier 7/16-drive Blackhawk model 39985 flex-head breaker bar, marked "Made in U.S.A." with a "9" date code and "FR" code, followed by a barely legible "U.S.Pat's. RE19287 1927844" patent notice.

The overall length is 14.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The handle on this example is the "Gripline" style used by Blackhawk from 1937 through 1946. The "9" date code with the Gripline handle indicates production in 1939.

The handle is provided with a cross-bar hole for use as a T-handle, and also has been drilled longitudinally to accept an extension bar. The model 39986 handle bar (shown later) was available for both applications.

Fig. 194. Blackhawk 39985 7/16-Drive Flex-Head Breaker-Bar, with Inset for Detail, 1947.

Fig. 194 at the left shows a later Blackhawk model 39985 breaker bar, marked "Made in U.S.A." with "U.S.Pats. 1927844 RE19287". The overall length is 15.1 inches.

The handle for this tool is the "bullet" style introduced by Blackhawk in 1947, but used only for the 7/16-drive tools. (The other drive sizes switched to handles with circular grooves; see the 151 Adjusto Wrench for an example.)

As with the previous example, the handle is equipped with a cross-bar hole for use as a T-handle, but the closed end precludes the use of an extension bar. One interesting detail noted during close examination is that the handle is actually hollow, perhaps to lighten the weight. Presumably the handle was hollowed during the forging, and then the end was closed to make the bullet shape.

39986 Handle Bar

Fig. 195. Blackhawk 39986 7/16-Drive Handle Bar, 1942.

In Fig. 195 we see an example of the cross-bar made for use with extensions and breaker bars, the Blackhawk model 39986 handle bar. The bar is marked "Made in U.S.A." with a date code "2", indicating production in 1942.

The overall length is 9.0 inches.

Included in the photograph is a 39982 extension to show the typical use.

39967 Ratchet Adapter

Fig. 196. Blackhawk 39967 7/16-Drive Ratchet Adapter, with Inset for Detail, 1941.

Fig. 196 shows a Blackhawk 7/16-drive ratchet adapter, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the patents "U.S. Pats. 1927844 RE19287 1995009", plus an "Other Pat. Pend." notation. The overall length is 2.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The inset shows the patent pending notation, which refers to patent #2,286,917; this patent was filed by S. Mandl on May 3, 1941 and issued June 16, 1942. The adapter is also marked with a "1" date code, which with the patent pending status indicates production in 1941.

This ratchet adapter is very similar to the Model 49973 Ratchet Adapter discussed previously; the 1/2-drive model was made in 1942 and bears the newly issued patent number. The patent pending notation on this tool helps to confirm the interpretation of the date codes.

39996 Two-Length Ratchet

Fig. 197. Blackhawk 39996 7/16-Drive Two-Length Ratchet, with Inset for Detail, 1951.

Fig. 197 shows a 7/16-drive Blackhawk model 39996 "Bald-Head" ratchet with a surprising feature -- the "bullet" handle can be unscrewed and extended for extra leverage. The ratchet is marked "Made in U.S.A." with the patent notations "U.S. Pats. 1995009 2282148 2520652"; note the omission of the Lock-On patents. The overall length is 7.4 inches in the compact form and 9.2 inches when extended.

The ratchet is marked with a "-1" date code, which together with the bullet-style handle indicates manufacture in 1951.

The extended form of the ratchet is shown in Fig. 198 below. The handle can be extended by unscrewing the bullet handgrip (counterclockwise) until free, then sliding it out to the extended position. At this point continued counterclockwise rotation engages a second threaded section, and the handgrip is rotated until it seats.

Fig. 198. Blackhawk 39996 7/16-Drive Two-Length Ratchet, Extended Form, 1951.

Of the patents listed here, patent #1,995,009 covers the ratchet mechanism, the same design as that used in the ratchet adapters. This particular model has a 25-tooth action.

Patent #2,282,148 covers Blackhawk's original extendable handle design, which used a removable sleeve threaded on both ends. Patent #2,520,652 describes the present improved design, a much more elegant approach that keeps the handle captive and protects the threads from damage.

39997 Free-Wheeling Ratchet

Fig. 199. Blackhawk 39997 7/16-Drive Gearless Ratchet, 1947.

Fig. 199 shows a Blackhawk 7/16-drive model 39997 gearless ratchet with the streamlined "bullet" end piece, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "U.S. Pats. RE19287 1927844 1936640 2003155". The overall length is 9.9 inches.

The ratchet is marked with a "7" date code, indicating manufacture in 1947.

The background and operation of the gearless ratchets was discussed earlier for the model 49997 gearless ratchet.

39999 16 Inch Speeders

The next figures show two generations of the Blackhawk 39999 7/16-drive speeder, illustrating the transition from the Gripline handle style to the streamlined "Bullet" style.

Fig. 200. Blackhawk 39999 7/16-Drive Speeder, with Inset for Marking Detail, 1941.

Fig. 200 at the left shows a 7/16-drive Blackhawk model 39999 speeder with a Gripline style end piece. The shank is stamped "Made in U.S.A." with a "-1" date code, and with the "U.S. Pats. RE.19,287 1,927,844" patent notice (see inset).

The overall length is 16.8 inches. The finish is chrome plating with some loss due to wear and rust.

The "-1" date code with the Gripline style handle indicates that this tool was made in 1941.

Fig. 201. Blackhawk 39999 7/16-Drive Speeder, with Inset for Reverse, 1947.

Fig. 201 at the left shows a later Blackhawk 39999 speeder with the streamlined "bullet" end piece. The reverse is marked "Made in U.S.A." with a "7" date code, and with the "U.S. Pats. RE19287 1927844" patent notice (see inset).

The overall length is 16.6 inches.

The "7" date code with the streamlined handle indicates manufacture in 1947. This tool was one of the examples that helped to decode the interpretation of the Blackhawk date codes.

7/16-Drive Socket Sets

Blackhawk offered a number of tool and socket sets built around the 7/16-drive tools. These included the 74R "Treasure Chest" set, and the 30K and 49K sets using a distinctive torpedo-shaped case.

19574 "Torpedo" 7/16-Drive Tool Box

In 1947 Blackhawk introduced a quirky torpedo-shaped tool box for its 7/16-drive tools. Officially known as the No. 19574 "Bullet-Type Wrench Case", the cylindrical box featured a handle on top and wheels on the bottom, allowing it to be rolled underneath a car being serviced.

Two 7/16-drive socket sets using the 19574 toolbox were available, the 30K and 49K sets with 30 and 49 pieces respectively.

We have an example of the 19574 toolbox, but it's currently being prepared for display. We'll add a photograph at a later time.

Fig. 202. Blackhawk 19574 "Torpedo" Tool Box, To Be Added.

Other Drive Sizes

Although most of Blackhawk's development work went into the Lock-On series tools, the company continued to produce 1/4-drive sockets and tools using conventional detent balls in the drive studs. And although the 3/8-drive tools were made with Lock-On studs for some years, it turned out to be impractical to fit release buttons in the 3/8-drive sockets, and so eventually the 3/8-drive tools went back to using detent balls.

In this section we'll look at examples of the 1/4-drive tools and the later series of 3/8-drive tools with detent balls.

24991 1/4-Drive Ratchets

The next two figures show examples of Blackhawk's 1/4-drive ratchets.

Fig. 203. Blackhawk 24991 1/4-Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Side View, 1940.

Fig. 203 shows a Blackhawk 1/4-drive 24991 ratchet, marked "U.S.A." with a "-0" date code, and with a "U.S. Pat. 1,995,009" patent notice. The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The grooved handle is the "Gripline" style, used by Blackhawk from about 1938 until 1946. The Gripline handle together with the "-0" date code indicate production in 1940.

The ratchet mechanism uses the design described by patent #1,995,009, the same patent used for Blackhawk's ratchet adapters such as the 39967 Ratchet Adapter. Blackhawk has done an exceptional job of miniaturizing the mechanism for this 1/4-drive tool, and the ratchet head measures just 0.78 inches in diameter.

Fig. 204. Blackhawk 24991 1/4-Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Side View, 1943.

Fig. 204 shows a somewhat later Blackhawk 24991 ratchet, marked "U.S.A." with a "-3" date code on the Gripline-style handle. A patent notice "U.S. Pat. 1,995,009" appears on the reverse (not shown).

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

34982 3/8-Drive Speeder

Fig. 205. Blackhawk 34982 3/8-Drive Speeder, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail, 1947.

Fig. 205 shows a Blackhawk 3/8-drive 34982 speeder, marked "Made in U.S.A." with a "7" date code.

The overall length is 16.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

34998 3/8-Drive "Bald-Head" Ratchet

Fig. 206. Blackhawk 34998 3/8-Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Detail, 1951.

Fig. 206 shows a Blackhawk 3/8-drive 34998 "Bald-Head" ratchet, marked "Made in U.S.A." with "U.S. Pat's. 1,995,009".

The overall length is 6.9 inches.

The ratchet handle has the circular grooves used for most drive sizes (except 7/16-drive) in 1947 and later. The date code is marked "-1", which together with the handle style indicates production in 1951. This tool was helpful in understanding the date codes after 1947.

The reader may recall patent #1,995,009 from the discussion of the Model 49973 Ratchet Adapter. The mechanism here is the same, and the push-button works by holding the shifter plate while the drive stud is rotated to the opposite setting.

Later Wrench Production

Open-End Wrenches

Blackhawk used their Hexite alloy steel for wrenches as well as for the 7/16-drive tools, and the Hexite name can be found on various styles of conventional wrenches, as well as on specialty wrenches such as the new "Wedg-Head" design shown in a later section.

4725-B Hexite Open-End Wrench

Fig. 207. Blackhawk-Armstrong 4725-B "Hexite" 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 207 shows a Blackhawk 4725-B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Blackhawk Armstrong" and "Made in U.S.A." with the Strong-Arm logo on the face. The shank has a grooved center with the "Hexite" trademark stamped near one end.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

4028 Hexite Open-End Wrench

Fig. 208. Blackhawk-Armstrong 4028 "Hexite" 19/32x25/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 208 shows a Blackhawk 4028 19/32x25/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Blackhawk Armstrong" and "Made in U.S.A." with the Strong-Arm logo on the face. The shank has a grooved center with the "Hexite" trademark stamped near one end.

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

4735-A Hexite Open-End Wrench

Fig. 209. Blackhawk-Armstrong 4735-A "Hexite" 1-1/16x1-1/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 209 shows a Blackhawk 4735-A 1-1/16x1-1/8 open-end wrench, marked "Hexite" on the shank, with "Blackhawk Armstrong", the Strong-Arm logo, and "Made in U.S.A." stamped on one face.

The overall length is 11.5 inches.

4737 Hexite Open-End Wrench

Fig. 210. Blackhawk-Armstrong 4737 "Hexite" 1-1/8x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench.

An example of one of the larger Blackhawk-Armstrong wrenches is shown in Fig. 210, a Blackhawk 4737 1-1/8x1-1/4 open-end wrench, stamped "Hexite" on both sides of the grooved shank. One face is stamped "Blackhawk Armstrong" and "Made in U.S.A." with the Strong-Arm logo, and the reverse faces are stamped with the fractional sizes.

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

H-12 "Armaloy" Ignition Open-End Wrench

This next figure illustrates a Blackhawk-Armstrong ignition wrench at the opposite extreme in size.

Fig. 211. Blackhawk-Armstrong H-12 "Armaloy" 1/4x9/32 Ignition Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 211 at the left shows a Blackhawk-Armstrong H-12 1/4x9/32 ignition open-end wrench, stamped with "Blackhawk" on the shank and "Armstrong" on the face. The reverse is stamped "Armaloy" on the shank with the fractional sizes on the faces.

The overall length is 3.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The markings on this wrench show clearly that the later "Blackhawk-Armstrong" tools were really just standard Armstrong production with the Blackhawk name added.

Box-End Wrenches

In a previous section we saw examples of some Early Blackhawk Box Wrenches, tools in the 27xx and 29xx model number series. Blackhawk's numbering system for box-end wrenches was updated during the 1930s, first with the introduction of the HeXo brand 153xx wrench series in (or before) 1934. By the mid 1930s the 156xx and 157xx series of model numbers were in use.

The models available included double-box wrenches in long offset, short offset, and flat (angled) styles, plus heavy-duty single-box wrenches with stub handles. (Combination wrenches also used the 156xx model numbers, and somewhat curiously were referred to as "Half & Half" wrenches.)

In 1941 Blackhawk began offering a 158xx model series of heavy-duty offset double-box wrenches in larger sizes. These wrenches featured massive round shanks with heavy shoulders and thick-walled box ends, and were clearly intended for the heaviest of industrial applications. Oddly though, the Blackhawk catalogs didn't offer any specific description for these models, but instead just lumped them in with the much lighter 156xx offset box wrenches.

The 158xx wrenches were first offered in Blackhawk's 1941 catalog and were still available in 1951, but had been discontinued by 1953. We'll see a few examples of these interesting wrenches in the figures below.

15612 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 212. Blackhawk 15612 3/8x7/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, 1936.

Fig. 212 shows a Blackhawk 15612 3/8x7/16 short offset box-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with a "6" date code.

The overall length is 4.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

The "6" date code is believed to indicate production in 1936, as by 1940 the box-end wrenches were illustrated with a longitudinal groove on the shank, similar to the design for the open-end wrenches.

A 1937 price list (bound into a 1935 catalog) shows the model 15612 wrench as superseding the HeXo 15176 wrench of the same specification. An example of the earlier model can be seen as the HeXo 15176 Box Wrench.

The 15613 and 15614 wrenches shown in the next two figures were the successor models to the HeXo models 15177 and 15178, respectively.

15613 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 213. Blackhawk 15613 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View, 1936.

Fig. 213 shows a Blackhawk 15613 1/2x9/16 short offset box-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with a "-6" date code.

The overall length is 5.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

The "-6" date code is believed to indicate production in 1936, as by 1940 Blackhawk's box-end wrenches were designed with a longitudinal groove on the shank.

15614 5/8x11/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 214. Blackhawk 15614 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, 1937.

Fig. 214 shows a Blackhawk 15614 5/8x11/16 short offset box-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with a "7" date code.

The overall length is 6.0 inches. This wrench was pitted from rust when acquired, so it's difficult to determine the original finish, but it almost certainly would have been chrome plating as in the previous figure.

The "7" date code is believed to indicate production in 1937, as by 1940 Blackhawk's box-end wrenches were designed with a longitudinal groove on the shank.

15624 5/8x11/16 Long Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 215. Blackhawk 15624 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1943.

Fig. 215 shows a Blackhawk 15624 5/8x11/16 offset box-end wrench, marked "Blackhawk" with a "-3" date code, and with "U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating, with the blotchy appearance due to rust and finish loss.

The shank of the wrench has a longitudinal groove on both sides, a decorative feature probably added after the tool was forged. Based on a review of catalog illustrations, this design had been introduced by 1940, and was still in use in the early 1950s.

The cadmium finish indicates production during the wartime years, and the apparent "-3" date code further indicates a 1943 manufacturing date. This tool provides confirmation of the use of Blackhawk's date code system for wrenches as well as socket tools.

15625 3/4x25/32 Long Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 216. Blackhawk 15625 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 216 shows a Blackhawk 15625 3/4x25/32 offset box-end wrench, marked "Blackhawk" with a "1" date code, and with "U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 11.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with some losses due to wear and rust.

The longitudinal groove on both sides of the shank is a decorative feature in use from 1940 (or earlier) through at least the early 1950s. The "1" date code on this wrench is ambiguous in this case, and could indicate manufacture in either 1941 or 1951.

15626 13/16x7/8 Long Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 217. Blackhawk 15626 15/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View, 1936.

Fig. 217 shows an early Blackhawk 15626 13/16x7/8 offset box-end wrench, stamped "Blackhawk" and "Made in U.S.A." with a "-6" date code.

The overall length is 12.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

The plain shank on this wrench indicates production before 1940 or so, by which time the grooved shank style had become became standard. The plain shank and "-6" date code indicate production in 1936.

15627 15/16x1 Long Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 218. Blackhawk 15627 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1942.

Fig. 218 shows a Blackhawk 15627 15/16x1 offset box-end wrench, marked "Blackhawk" with a "2" date code, and with "U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 14.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

The date code on this wrench could indicate either 1942 or 1952, but as the other tools acquired in the same lot were of 1940s vintage, the 1942 date seems more likely.

15633 1/2x9/16 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 219. Blackhawk 15633 1/2x9/16 Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 219 shows a Blackhawk 15633 1/2x9/16 box-end wrench, marked "Blackhawk" with an apparent "1" date code, and with "U.S.A." and the model number on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

The wrench design has a longitudinal groove on both sides, a decorative feature in use from 1940 (or earlier) through at least the early 1950s. The "1" date code could indicate either 1941 or 1951, though 1941 is probably more likely.

15818 1-1/16x1-1/8 Heavy-Duty Offset Box-End Wrench

The introduction to this section mentioned the somewhat mysterious Blackhawk 158xx series of heavy-duty wrenches, and we'll now examine some examples of these tools.

Fig. 220. Blackhawk 15818 1-1/16x1-1/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View, 1946.

Fig. 220 shows a Blackhawk 15818 1-1/16x1-1/8 offset box-end wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with a "-6" date code.

The overall length is 15.3 inches. The finish is plain steel with a rough-forged surface.

As can be seen from the photograph, this wrench style is very different from the other Blackhawk models, and for the origin of these models we turn to Armstrong, Blackhawk's long-time manufacturing partner. By 1939 the Armstrong catalogs were offering a 5xxx series of heavy-duty wrenches in industry-standard size combinations. Based on the catalog illustrations and the available examples, the Armstrong heavy-duty wrenches are virtually identical to the Blackhawk 158xx models. (See for example the Armstrong 5037 Offset Box Wrench.)

15829 1-1/4x1-3/8 Heavy-Duty Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 221. Blackhawk 15829 1-1/4x1-3/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View, 1947.

Fig. 221 at the left shows a rare Blackhawk 15829 1-1/4x1-3/8 offset box wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with a "7" date code.

The overall length is 18.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

15830 1-7/16x1-5/8 Heavy-Duty Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 222. Blackhawk 15830 1-7/16x1-5/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, 1946.

Fig. 222 at the left shows a rare Blackhawk 15830 1-7/16x1-5/8 offset box wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with a "6" date code.

The overall length is 21.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

Combination Wrenches

Blackhawk offered combination wrenches as early as 1934, relatively soon after the modern style of equal-sized open and box ends had been developed. These earliest combination wrenches were marked with the HeXo brand and were offered in a 153xx series of four models, with sizes ranging from 7/16 to 5/8 inch.

By 1940 the combination wrenches were part of a 156xx model number series that also included double-box wrenches (see figures above). The wrenches shared a common design with a milled groove down the center of the shank.

Blackhawk referred to combination wrenches as the "Half & Half" style wrenches, a somewhat odd name for the now familiar style, in keeping with Bonney's "TuType" or Herbrand's "Multitype" names.

In the mid 1940s Blackhawk changed to yet another model number series for combination wrenches, this time adopting the 11xx numbers used first by J.H. Williams, and later adopted by Armstrong and Bonney. Armstrong was Blackhawk's manufacturing partner for wrenches, and Blackhawk seems to have just followed Armstrong with the model number change. These new model numbers applied only to combination wrenches of sizes 7/16 and up; the miniature wrenches retained the older 156xx numbers.

Blackhawk combination wrenches appear to have sold in only small quantities, as they are rather difficult to find now. Currently we have no examples of the early 153xx series, a very limited selection of the later 156xx models, and only a single example of the 11xx series.

15649 Rare Panelled 9/16 Combination Wrench

We'll begin with a very rare example of a combination wrench in a raised panel design.

Fig. 223. Blackhawk 15649 9/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1938.

Fig. 223 at the left shows a Blackhawk 15649 9/16 combination wrench, stamped with the Blackhawk name on the raised panel, with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse panel. (The inset has been rotated for ease of viewing.)

The overall length is 5.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with some loss due to wear.

Note that the raised panels are marked with three parallel grooves, a pattern similar to the three-groove design introduced for sockets in 1938. This suggests that the present example may have been an early prototype of a raised panel design for wrenches, but that ultimately Blackhawk decided in favor of the grooved shank design instead.

15641 Hexite 7/32 Miniature Combination Wrench

The next several figures show examples of Blackhawk's miniature combination or "Half & Half" wrenches, ranging in size from 7/32 up to 3/8 inches and intended primarily for ignition service. The examples here show quite a bit of variation in the markings, with some displaying "Hexite" and others bearing the "Armstrong" name. In addition, the markings are not stamped with the wrenches in a consistent orientation.

Fig. 224. Blackhawk 15641 7/32 Miniature Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 224 at the left shows a Blackhawk 15641 7/32 6-point combination wrench, stamped "Hexite" on the reverse.

The overall length is 2.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

15642 1/4 Miniature Combination Wrench

Fig. 225. Blackhawk 15642 1/4 Miniature Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 225 at the left shows a Blackhawk 15642 1/4 6-point combination wrench, stamped "Armstrong" on one side with "Blackhawk" on the reverse.

The overall length is 3.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

This wrench is clearly marked with both the Blackhawk and Armstrong names, although the catalogs did not advertise these models as part of the old Blackhawk-Armstrong dual-branded line. These examples provide good evidence that Armstrong continued as Blackhawk's manufacturing partner for wrenches even after the dual brand was no longer advertised.

15643 Hexite 9/32 Miniature Combination Wrench

Fig. 226. Blackhawk 15643 9/32 Miniature Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 226 at the left shows a Blackhawk 15643 9/32 6-point combination wrench, stamped "Blackhawk" on one side with "Hexite" on the reverse.

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

15645 11/32 Miniature Combination Wrench

Fig. 227. Blackhawk 15645 11/32 Miniature Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 227 shows a Blackhawk 15645 11/32 combination wrench, stamped "Armstrong" on one side with "Blackhawk" on the reverse.

The overall length is 4.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

15646 Hexite 3/8 Miniature Combination Wrench

Fig. 228. Blackhawk 15646 3/8 Miniature Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 228 shows a Blackhawk 15646 3/8 combination wrench, stamped "Blackhawk" on one side with "Hexite" on the reverse.

The overall length is 4.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Blackhawk-Armstrong 1166 3/4 Combination Wrench

Fig. 229. Blackhawk 1166 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1945-1946.

Fig. 229 at the left shows a rare Blackhawk-Armstrong 1166 3/4 combination wrench, stamped "Blackhawk Armstrong" and "Made in U.S.A." on the face with the Strong-Arm logo. The shank is stamped "Alloy Steel" on one side with the 1166 model number on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, but with losses due to wear.

The 1947 Blackhawk catalog shows wrenches of this model with a grooved handle (and possibly a "Hexite" marking), but this particular example resembles a standard Armstrong model with just an updated face stamping.

Specialty Tools

2581 "Steeldraulic" Pliers

In the late 1920s and early 1930s several makes of automobiles (e.g. Hupmobile, Auburn) were equipped with Steeldraulic brakes, a brand of mechanical brakes with an odd adjusting mechanism. Special pliers were required for making adjustments to these brakes, and not surprisingly the pliers came to be known as Steeldraulic pliers.

Fig. 230. Blackhawk 2581 Steeldraulic Pliers, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 230 shows the Blackhawk 2581 "Steeldraulic" pliers, marked "U.S.A." on the handle.

The overall length is 5.4 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

Steeldraulic pliers were produced by a number of other manufacturers, and examples include the Bonney 2581 Pliers, Duro-Chrome 2120 Pliers, Herbrand 272 Pliers, Utica 516 Pliers, and Vacuum Grip No. 14 Pliers.

15432 5/8x3/4 Specialty Box Wrench

Fig. 231. Blackhawk 15432 5/8x3/4 Specialty Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail.

Fig. 231 shows a Blackhawk 15432 5/8x3/4 specialty box wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 17.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

151 "Adjusto" Drain Plug Wrenches

Fig. 232. Blackhawk 151 "Adjusto" Drain Plug Wrench, with Inset for Detail, 1941. (Click to show operation.)

Fig. 232 shows a Blackhawk model 151 adjustable drain plug wrench, a specialty tool designed to work with a wide variety of square and hex plugs. The wrench is marked "Made in U.S.A." and has an overall length of 9.1 inches.

The finish on this wrench is cadmium plating (now mostly worn away), which according to a 1941 catalog was the standard finish for this tool. The wrench handle is the "Gripline" style, with raised ribs along the axis, a style described by the 1938 design patent #D108,159 and used from 1938 through 1946.

The handle is marked with a "-1" date code, which is consistent with a manufacturing date of 1941. This tool contributed to our interpretation of the Blackhawk date codes.

This tool was previously featured as one of our "Tool of the Week" selections, and you may want to refer to that article for further information.

Fig. 233. Blackhawk 151 "Adjusto" Drain Plug Wrench, with Inset for Detail, 1956.

The model 151 drain plug wrench remained in production for many years, at least until the mid 1950s, as the next example will show. In Fig. 233 at the left we see a later model Blackhawk 151 drain plug wrench, this time with the grooved tool handle used by Blackhawk after 1947. The wrench is marked "Made in U.S.A.", and the overall length is 9.1 inches.

The finish is plain steel. This wrench is marked with a date code of "-6", which together with the grooved handle style indicates production in 1956.

152 Drain Plug Wrench

Blackhawk also made another type of drain plug wrench, a simpler design with four sizes of male drive plugs on each end.

Fig. 234. Blackhawk 152 Drain Plug Wrench.

Fig. 234 shows an example of the Blackhawk 152 drain plug wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A" on the shank.

The overall length is 9.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

15798 Ford Drain Plug Wrench

Fig. 235. Blackhawk 15798 Ford Drain Plug Wrench.

Fig. 235 shows a Blackhawk 15798 Ford drain plug wrench with 2 inch hex and 9/16 square openings, marked "Made in U.S.A" with a "6" date code.

The overall length is 10.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

This tool was designed for servicing drain plugs on 1939 Ford and Mercury automobiles. Other manufacturers made similar tools for this application, for example the Herbrand 2373 Drain Plug Wrench.

EW-1013 "Wedg-Head" Open-End Wrench

In the early 1950s Blackhawk introduced a new style of open-end wrench, giving it the name "Wedg-Head" for its unique head shape. The wrench was designed to work in tight places where the only access is at a relatively high angle to the plane of a nut.

Fig. 236. Blackhawk EW-1013 "Wedg-Head" 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1951-1954.

Fig. 236 shows a Blackhawk EW-1013 "Wedg-Head" 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench, marked "Hexite" on the shank with "Wedg-Head" on the reverse, and with "USA Pat. Pend." on one face.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Finding the patent document for this wrench required a lengthy search, as no examples were available with the patent number marked. The document was finally located as patent #2,687,056, filed by W.M. Foor in 1951 and issued in 1954 with assignment to Blackhawk.

Wedg-Head wrenches were offered in the 1953 Blackhawk catalog in just three models, the EW-1009 (7/16x1/2), EW-1013 (9/16x5/8), and EW-1022 (3/4x7/8). It appears that no additional sizes were offered later; these three models continued to be available for a few years after Blackhawk was acquired by New Britain, but had been discontinued by 1963.

It's interesting to note that the Wedg-Head wrenches were also sold by Snap-On during the early to mid 1950s. The available examples appear to have been made for Snap-On by Blackhawk, as the finish is the micro-satin chrome used by Blackhawk at that time, and the Snap-On logo looks a little different as well.

Three models were available -- the same three made by Blackhawk -- with models and sizes S-1416W (7/16x1/2), S-1820W (9/16x5/8), and S-2428W (3/4x7/8). These tools are rarely seen, but certainly have a place in the toolbox for all occasions. (Photographs will be added at a later date.)

EW-1022 "Wedg-Head" Open-End Wrench

Fig. 237. Blackhawk EW-1022 "Wedg-Head" 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1951-1954.

Another example of the Wedg-Head style is shown in Fig. 237, a Blackhawk EW-1022 "Wedg-Head" 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench. As with the previous example, the shank is stamped "Hexite" on one side with "Wedg-Head" on the reverse, and "USA Pat. Pend." is stamped on the face.

The overall length is 9.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the distinctive wedge shape of the heads.

Postscript: Blackhawk As A Managed Brand

The previous sections of this article have documented Blackhawk's development from its founding in 1919 up through the mid 1950s or so. Sometime in the mid to late 1950s, Blackhawk Manufacturing was acquired by the New Britain Machine Company, and Blackhawk became a managed brand within a larger organization.

This section (still under development) will look first at some of the changes to Blackhawk's products under its new management. We'll then explore (or perhaps speculate about) some of the factors that may have contributed to the management change.

References and Resources

Photographs and observations of particular tools are based on items in my personal collection.

Catalog Coverage

Product information was obtained from a number of Blackhawk catalogs, and our current catalog resources have been listed in the table below. Currently our earliest Blackhawk publication is the catalog No. 327 for 1927, a full-size catalog with very clear illustrations.

The last several catalogs in the table were published after Blackhawk had been acquired by the New Britain Machine Company. These list the company address in New Britain, Connecticut, but otherwise show much of the old Blackhawk product line, with some items being discontinued over time.

Blackhawk tools were available through a number of industrial and automotive distributors, and the catalogs from these distributors often provide a valuable supplement to the company's own catalogs.

• The Marshall Auto Supply Company was an automotive distributor in Marshalltown, Iowa, and their catalog "A" from about 1920 lists 18 pages of Blackhawk tools. The catalog appears to provide complete coverage for Blackhawk's products at that time, and this reference is especially valuable as (currently) our earliest catalog resource for Blackhawk. The listings include the Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 Combination Wrench sets, plus a wide variety of fixed socket wrenches and specialty tools.

• The 1924 catalog "F" from the Ducommun Corporation, a west-coast industrial supplier, shows eight pages of listings for Blackhawk tools, including socket wrench sets, fixed socket wrenches, and specialty tools.

• The 1925 catalog No. 73 from the Dunham, Carrigan & Hayden Company provides extensive listings of early Blackhawk tools on pages 1495 through 1513. Included are illustrations of display boards, socket sets, and listings of many rarely-seen tools.

• The 1926 catalog "G" from the Ducommun Corporation shows thirteen pages of listings for Blackhawk tools, including socket wrench sets, fixed socket wrenches, and specialty tools. The listings include the 7/8-drive "Extra Heavy Duty" sockets and drive tools, with sockets available from 1-1/4 up to 2-3/8 inches. This is currently the earliest known listing for Blackhawk's 7/8-drive line.

• The 1930 catalog No. 101 from the H. Channon Company lists six pages of Blackhawk tools, including sockets sets, sockets and drive tools, single-offset box wrenches, and fixed socket wrenches. The sockets sets listed include the No. 32CD (1/2-Drive), No. 36B (3/4-Drive), No. 12E (7/8-Drive), and several others.

• The 1931 catalog No. 57 from the Samuel Harris Company includes 13 pages of Blackhawk tools, covering their fixed socket wrenches, Q.D. and Chief socket sets, Treasure Chest sets, and many other tools.

• The 1942 Neill-LaVielle Supply Red Book 8 catalog shows 10 pages of Blackhawk tools, including their line of 7/16-drive sockets and drive tools.

Period advertisements also provided valuable information. A 1919 magazine advertisement shows the Blackhawk No. 8 socket set being offered only a few months after the company's founding, and a 1925 ad provides an interesting snapshot of the early Q.D. line.

Patents and Trademarks

Patent and trademark information was obtained from the U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office (USPTO) uspto.gov web site. Patent documents were obtained from web sites offering free downloads, notably freepatentsonline.com.

Feedback

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