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Blackhawk Manufacturing: The Spirit of Innovation

[Label from A Blackhawk Q.D. Socket Set]
Label from A Blackhawk Q.D. Socket Wrench Set, ca. 1930.

Table of Contents

Introduction

From its founding in the early part of the 20th century, Blackhawk Manufacturing developed into one of the top producers of mechanic's tools, and its products were widely respected for their quality of design and production. Blackhawk's rapid innovation in the late 1920s and 1930s helped set the pace of development for the rest of the tool industry.

This page will look at briefly at the history of Blackhawk Manufacturing, and illustrate the development of its tools from before 1920 up through the mid 1950s.

Company History

Blackhawk Manufacturing of Milwaukee, Wisconsin was founded in 1919 as a subsidiary of the American Grinder Company. Its early products were automotive tools including sockets and wrenches, similar to those produced by Walden-Worcester and Mossberg, the leading companies at the time.

From the mid 1920s through the 1940s Blackhawk entered a period of tremendous innovation, lead by their engineers Edward Pfauser, Sigmund Mandl, and others. Numerous patents were issued for wrench and ratchet designs, socket locking devices, and even hydraulic cylinders and couplers.

Among the tools developed were the "Lock-On" locking sockets, gearless ratchets, ratchet adapters, super-strong Hexite steel, 7/16-drive, "Wedg-Head" wrenches, reversible handles, and specialty tools such as the model 151 drain-plug wrench. Some of these innovations picked up support from other companies in the industry; Snap-On in particular was an early adopter of the Lock-On patents, for which they registered the trademark "Loxocket". (A better name in my opinion.)

The parent company, American Grinder, also developed and marketed automotive tools, but specialized in hydraulic equipment for lifting and frame repairs. The parent and subsidiary apparently shared research and development, which could cause confusion when patents were assigned to American Grinder but used for Blackhawk Mfg. tools. (To add to the confusion, American Grinder later changed its name to the Applied Power Corporation, and some patents may be listed under this name.)

In the early 1950s Blackhawk Manufacturing (or at least the hand tools division) was acquired by the New Britain Machine Company, and Blackhawk became a managed brand within a larger company. Although we haven't found the precise date for the change, there is reasonable evidence that the acquisition had been completed by late 1952. The 1953 Blackhawk catalog W-101 (with some copies printed in December of 1952) is markedly different from the previous W-51 catalog. In particular, catalog W-101 offers many new types of tools not previously listed by Blackhawk, including gear pullers, auto-body hammers, and even soldering irons. In addition, the model numbers and style of the box wrenches had been changed, suggesting a new manufacturer.

Blackhawk as a division of New Britain became more of a full-line supplier of automotive service tools, rather than a sockets-and-wrenches specialist. Most of the older Blackhawk socket wrench line remained in production for some time, but gradually some of the more distinctive products were dropped. In particular, Lock-On tools in 1/2-drive and all 7/16-drive tools had been discontinued by 1963.

Eventually New Britain Machine folded, and its assets (including the Blackhawk and Husky trademarks) were acquired by The Stanley Works. Stanley today continues to use the Blackhawk name for one of its product lines.


Patents

Some sense of the innovative spirit at Blackhawk can be appreciated by a look at the numerous patents in Table 1.

Table 1. Blackhawk and American Grinder Patents
Patent No.InventorFiledIssuedDescriptionExamples
1,476,058 J.B. Drahonovsky01/10/192212/04/19234-Way Demountable Rim Wrench 5104 Rim Wrench
1,574,136 H. Tautz 05/15/192202/23/1926Sheet Metal Tool Grip 500 Brace, T60 Extension
1,685,503E.M. Pfauser05/19/192709/25/1928Threaded Socket Locking Pin  
1,764,690 E.M. Pfauser04/16/192906/17/1930Tool Handle 49994 Speeder
1,797,730E.M. Pfauser09/20/192903/24/1931Socket Attachment for Tool  
1,807,134 E.M. Pfauser07/30/193005/16/1931Socket Wrench Drive Plug 9802 Drive Plug
1,873,472 E.M. Pfauser05/29/193008/23/1932Socket Wrench  
1,881,029E.M. Pfauser05/29/193010/04/1932Socket Wrench for Auto Rims  
1,896,645 E.M. Pfauser08/24/192903/28/1933Socket Locking Pin and Button 9210 Extension
1,927,844 E.M. Pfauser01/27/193206/06/1933Angled Locking Pin 49978 Universal
1,936,640 E.M. Pfauser08/14/193111/28/1933Reversible Friction Clutch 49997 Ratchet
1,941,565 S. Mandl 03/20/193301/01/1934Impact Socket  
RE19,287 E.M. Pfauser08/24/192908/21/1934Coupling for Socket Wrenches 8432, 66xx Sockets
1,982,008 S. Mandl & E.M. Pfauser02/23/193411/27/1934Socket coupling 8432 Socket
1,995,009 E.M. Pfauser & S. Mandl12/05/193103/19/1935Ratchet Mechanism 49973 Ratchet Adapter
2,003,155 E.M. Pfauser07/01/193205/28/1935Reversible Friction Clutch 49997 Ratchet
D108,143 S. Mandl02/27/193701/25/1938Socket Design with Grooves 401xx Series Sockets
D108,159 S. Mandl02/27/193701/25/1938Wrench Handle Design ["Gripline"] 49987 Extension, 49997 Free-Wheeling Ratchet
2,108,866 S. Mandl04/17/193602/22/1938Socket Locking Sleeve  
2,138,194 E.M. Pfauser11/29/1938Hydraulic Pump  
D115,416 S. Mandl05/10/193906/27/1939Torque Indicating Wrench Design  
2,190,081 E.M. Pfauser01/22/193802/13/1940Retaining Sleeve for Release Button 35314 Deep Socket
2,218,318E.M. Pfauser10/15/1940Detachable Conduit Housing  
2,218,319 E.M. Pfauser06/03/193910/15/1940Adjustable Extension  
2,231,680E.M. Pfauser02/11/1941Hydraulic Ram Construction  
2,235,643 E.M. Pfauser12/27/193703/18/1941Shackle Pin Press  
2,242,613 S. Mandl08/15/193805/20/1941Torque Wrench with Indicating Light  
2,282,148 S. Mandl01/18/194005/05/1942Tool Handle 39996 Two-Length Ratchet
2,283,089 E.M. Pfauser05/12/1942Hydraulic Wedge Assembly  
2,286,917 S. Mandl05/03/194106/14/1942Ratchet Adapter 49973 Ratchet Adapter
2,520,652 E.M. Pfauser & S. Mandl02/28/194808/29/1950Adjustable Tool Handle 39996 Two-Length Ratchet
2,687,056 W.M. Foor12/29/195108/24/1954Open-End Wedge-Head Wrench EW-1013 Wrench

Tool Identification

Blackhawk tools are generally easy to identify, as all except the very earliest examples will be clearly marked "Blackhawk". Open-ended wrenches made in collaboration with Armstrong will be marked "Blackhawk-Armstrong".

The very early Blackhawk tools bear a distinctive logo featuring an arrowhead shape enclosing an Indian head in profile. (See the Arrowhead Sockets below for a good example of this logo.) The exact dates of this usage aren't known at this point, but it's likely that after 1925 Blackhawk would have been marking its name on the tools, so we'll use an estimate of 1919-1925 for now.


Date Codes

Blackhawk tools in general are not marked with a manufacturing date code, but certain of the older tools may be marked with a digit that appears to be a date code. If present, the code will be a single 0-9 digit, sometimes with a leading hyphen as in "-6". Determining the meaning (if any) of these codes has been a long standing puzzle.

Although no official description of the codes has been found, recent examination of tools and catalog illustrations (as part of this article) has found the likely interpretation for the codes. Based on the current evidence, the digit in the code represents the manufacturing year, beginning with 1938 for "8", so that the digits {8,9,0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7} represent the years 1938-1947. (Previously the date codes were thought to start in 1940, but two recently acquired tools have pushed the start back to 1938.)

The hyphen prefix, if present, is not known to be significant, but might represent a half-year marker.

Since this is the first known interpretation of the date codes, I'll lay out the evidence carefully, and let the reader decide whether the facts are consistent with the interpretation.

  • Handle Styles

    Blackhawk made a number of changes to the style of tool handles over the years. One style, called "Gripline" by the catalogs, had raised ribs along the axis of the handle; this style was definitely in use by 1941 (or earlier), based on illustrations in 1941 and 1942 catalogs. A later 1947 catalog shows tool handles with several turned grooves for 1/2-drive tools, and a streamlined "bullet" handle for the 7/16-drive tools.

    Two later figures show a Drain-Plug Wrench and a Free-Wheeling Ratchet with the Gripline handle style, and their codes of "-1" and "-2" are consistent with the date code interpretation. Another figure shows a 49983 Swivel-Grip Extension with the same handle style, and its date code of "-3" is consistent with 1943 manufacture.

    A later figure for a 7/16-drive Model 39999 Speeder shows a bullet-style end piece, and its date code of "7" is consistent with manufacture in 1947.

  • Lock-On Socket Styles

    The 1930 catalog shows Lock-On sockets made with knurled bands, but by 1941 (or earlier) the 401xx series sockets were made with three grooves around the base. The three-groove style continues for the 1947 and 1953 catalogs that were checked. All of the known examples for digit codes on sockets are for the three-groove style, suggesting that the date codes were first applied after the change to this style.

    Lock-On sockets made prior to the three-groove style had scalloped indentations in the drive ends, to assist with depressing the lock pin; see for example the Blackhawk 66xx sockets. These indentations continued into the early three-groove sockets, as can be seen in these Blackhawk 401xx sockets, but are not found for 1941 or later. One example is available of a Blackhawk 40134 socket with both the drive end indentations and with a date code marking of "9".

  • Socket Finish

    Lock-On sockets (and drive tools) were made with a chrome plated finish as early as 1930; in fact, the polished chrome finish was a major selling point in the 1930 catalog. During the war years of 1943-1945 it is well known that tool companies replaced chrome with cadmium plating, or left the tools unfinished, due to material shortages. Since chrome plate was the standard finish for sockets, any sockets with cadmium plate or plain finishes were likely made in 1943-1945. (Cadmium finishes are also possible for 1942; in fact, a price list from Oct. 1941 warns of possible changes of tool specifications due to national defense policies.)

    Figures later in this article will show examples of Lock-On sockets with plain steel or cadmium plated finishes, and these sockets are marked with a digit code "4", consistent with a manufacturing date of 1944. Comparisons of chrome and cadmium finishes can be seen in the Blackhawk 40119, Blackhawk 60042, and Blackhawk 60050 sockets.

Reasoning from the above evidence, the interpretation of the digit codes as the year in 1938-1947 is consistent with the known examples.

But what about the years after 1947? Recently some examples have been found of tools that bear a date code, but that can be reasonably dated to the early 1950s. This implies that Blackhawk simply kept marking its tools with the year's digit, with the relevant decade left to inference.

This would not be a problem for tools with handles, as these were known to have changed in 1947, but for sockets and some other tools the decade may be ambiguous. For example, the three-groove socket design appears in catalogs at least until 1953, so some additional information would be needed to distinguish a 1951 tool from the 1941 version.

This ambiguity is still being investigated, and hopefully can be resolved to a satisfactory degree. We can offer one example where additional catalog information proved sufficient to distinguish otherwise similar tools, as discussed with the 1942 ratchet adapter and 1952 ratchet adapter.

Hopefully this date code interpretation will prove useful in its current form, but of course it's possible that later examples will require further revisions.


Early Tools

After the above brief introduction, we're ready to start looking at some of the earlier Blackhawk tools.

Fixed Socket Wrenches

Fixed socket wrenches for automobile service were among the earliest products for Blackhawk. Based on a 1920 catalog from Marshall Auto Supply, Blackhawk was offering a broad line of such tools in just its first year of operation. Not surprisingly, the Blackhawk socket tools were very similar to those offered by Walden-Worcester, the leading maker of fixed socket tools at that time.

The sockets of the early Blackhawk wrenches were attached by crimping the rod, so that the socket is directly butted against the end. By around 1924 Blackhawk had developed a method of welding the sockets to the rod, and the smooth welded joint gave these later tools a distinctive appearance. The use of welded sockets was a highly touted feature in Blackhawk's advertising, and it remains a useful feature for us, as a guide to the approximate manufacturing date of the tools. We'll use a manufacturing date of 1924 or later for the tools with welded sockets.

4020 5/8 Connecting Rod Socket Wrench

Our first example is a rare early specialty tool, designed specifically for servicing the Ford Model T fourth connecting rod.

[Blackhawk 4020 5/8 Connecting Rod Wrench]
Fig. 1. Blackhawk 4020 5/8 Connecting Rod Wrench, with Inset for Markings, ca. 1919-1924.

Fig. 1 shows a Blackhawk model 4020 5/8 socket wrench marked "Made in U.S.A.", and seen here in what appears to be the original black paint, as this tool is in exceptionally good condition. The overall length is 13.5 inches.

Catalog references for this tool were noted in the 1920 Marshall Auto Supply catalog "A", 1924 Ducommun catalog "F", and 1925 Dunham catalog No. 73. The catalogs called this the "Improved Connecting Rod Wrench", as the offset in the shank would help to clear obstacles.

Note that the socket here is not welded, but is attached by crimping the end of the rod. This is an indication of an early production date, as Blackhawk switched to welded sockets sometime around 1924.


6218 9/16 Sliding-Extension Socket Wrench

[Blackhawk 6218 9/16 Sliding-Extension Socket Wrench]
Fig. 2. Blackhawk 6218 9/16 Sliding Extension Socket Wrench, with Inset for Markings, ca. 1922-1924.

In Fig. 2 we see another early specialty tool of unusual design, a Blackhawk model 6218 9/16 speeder socket wrench with a sliding extension. As can be seen from the photograph, the basic tool operates as a fixed-socket speeder wrench, and the sliding extension carries an additional holding socket.

In use, the sliding extension was pushed out and slipped over the bolt head, and the spring then held it in place while the speeder loosened or tightened the nut.

What was the motivation for this tool? Certain service jobs required turning nuts on bolts that were not secured by other parts, so that the bolt would need to be held while the nut was turned. Since a speeder wrench really needs two hands for efficient operation, someone had the idea to place a bolt-holding extension on the shank of the speeder. (Other companies made similar tools, and it's not yet clear who originated the idea.)

The catalogs recommended this particular tool for Model T engine base bolts, but there were probably many other applications as well. Blackhawk also made a similar 6216 model with a 1/2 socket, which was recommended for Model T rear axle service jobs.

3120 5/8 T-Handle Socket Wrench

[Blackhawk Model 3120 Long T-Handle Wrench]
Fig. 3. Blackhawk 3120 5/8 Long T-Handle Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1919-1924.

Fig. 3 shows an early example of the 31xx series of long T-handle wrenches, a model 3120 5/8 wrench stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 12.2 inches. The finish is plain steel with some traces of the original black paint.

As with the previous figures, the socket on this wrench is crimped to the shaft rather than welded. This type of construction indicates an earlier production date, probably before 1925.

144 (1/2x5/8)x9/16 Triple-Socket Wrench

[Blackhawk 144 (1/2x5/8)x9/16 Triple-Socket Wrench]
Fig. 4. Blackhawk 144 (1/2x5/8)x9/16 Triple-Socket Wrench, ca. 1924.

Fig. 4 shows a Blackhawk 144 triple-socket wrench with sizes 1/2x5/8 and 9/16, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of the original black paint.

This wrench is listed in the Ducommun catalog "F" of 1924 as a recommended tool for Buick automobiles.


Welded Socket Construction

Sometime around 1924 Blackhawk developed a technique for welding a socket to a wrench shank, when the socket is oriented along the axis of the shank. This type of construction is believed to be unique to Blackhawk, as most other producers of socket wrenches used some sort of crimping technique to attach the sockets. The following figures will show some examples of this welded construction.


1116 1/2 L-Handle Socket Wrench

[Blackhawk 1116 1/2 Ell-Handle Wrench]
Fig. 5. Blackhawk Model 1116 1/2 Ell-Handle Wrench, ca. 1924-1928.

Fig. 5 shows a Blackhawk 1116 1/2 L-handle wrench with a welded socket, stamped "Blackhawk" on the shank.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This type of wrench is similar to tools made by Walden-Worcester and Mossberg, such as the Walden-Worcester 2524 L-Handle Wrench.


2116 1/2 T-Handle Socket Wrench

[Blackhawk 2116 1/2 Short T-Handle Wrench]
Fig. 6. Blackhawk Model 2116 1/2 Short T-Handle Wrench, ca. 1924-1928.

Fig. 6 shows a Blackhawk model 2116 1/2 short T-handle wrench with "Blackhawk Made in U.S.A." stamped on the shank. The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This type of wrench (though not necessarily this particular example) was among of the first tools made by Blackhawk Manufacturing, and is similar to tools made by Walden-Worcester and Mossberg. (See for example the Walden-Worcester 2620 T-Handle Wrench.) The short T-handle wrenches had been discontinued by 1929, but some models in the long T-handle 31xx series were still in production.

Note here that the socket has been welded to the handle rod, a technique developed by Blackhawk around 1924. This construction set Blackhawk apart from most of their competitors, who typically used some sort of crimping technique to attach the sockets.

2118 9/16 T-Handle Socket Wrench

[Blackhawk 2118 Short T-Handle Wrench]
Fig. 7. Blackhawk Model 2118 9/16 Short T-Handle Wrench, with Inset for Detail, ca. 1924-1928.

Fig. 7 shows another example of the short Tee wrenches, a Blackhawk model 2118 9/16 short T-handle wrench with "Blackhawk Made in U.S.A." stamped on the shank. The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the wrench has a few traces of the original black paint remaining.

As with the previous figure, the socket here has been welded to the handle rod, the construction technique used by Blackhawk from about 1924 onward.

2125 25/32 T-Handle Socket Wrench

[Blackhawk 2125 Short T-Handle Wrench]
Fig. 8. Blackhawk Model 2125 25/32 Short T-Handle Wrench, with Inset for Detail, ca. 1924-1928.

Fig. 8 shows another similar model 2125 25/32 short T-handle wrench, marked "Blackhawk Made in U.S.A." and with traces of black paint. The overall length is 7.0 inches.

3118 9/16 T-Handle Socket Wrench

[Blackhawk 3118 9/16 Long T-Handle Wrench]
Fig. 9. Blackhawk 3118 9/16 Long T-Handle Wrench, with Insets for Marking and Construction Detail, 1924-1928.

Fig. 9 shows a later example of the 31xx series long T-handle wrenches, a model 3118 9/16 wrench with a welded socket. The shank is stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the model and fractional size.

The overall length is 12.1 inches. The finish is plain steel with some pitting due to rust.

3124 3/4 T-Handle Socket Wrench

[Blackhawk Model 3124 Long T-Handle Wrench]
Fig. 10. Blackhawk Model 3124 3/4 Long T-Handle Wrench, with Inset for Detail, ca. 1924-1928.

Fig. 10 shows a model 3124 3/4 long T-handle socket wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 11.9 inches, and most of the original black paint finish remains intact.

Although some of the 31xx series wrenches were still in production in 1929, the 3/4 size had already been discontinued by that time.


4916 (1/2x5/8)x1/2 Triple Socket Wrench

Our next example shows a very popular early style of socket wrench, with two sockets in a "T" at one end and a single socket at the other.

[Blackhawk Model 4916 Triple-Socket Wrench]
Fig. 11. Blackhawk Model 4916 (1/2x5/8)x1/2 Triple Socket Wrench.

Fig. 11 shows the Blackhawk 4916 (1/2x5/8)x1/2 triple-socket wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." and with some of its original paint remaining.

The overall length is 9.7 inches.

In this style of wrench the single socket typically repeated one of the sizes on the "T" end, so that once a nut had been broken loose, the single socket could quickly spin it off.

Note that this wrench has a welded socket on the long end, the characteristic construction technique used by Blackhawk. A 1924 Western Auto catalog lists a wrench of this size and type in a group of similar tools, under the heading "Wrenches for Chevrolet Cars". Although Blackhawk isn't mentioned by name, the catalog description notes the used of welded sockets, which pretty much confirms Blackhawk as the maker. The application suggests this model for oil pan bolts and transmission covers, and the price was a mere $0.58.

4924 9/16x3/4 Double Socket Wrench

[Blackhawk 4924 9/16x3/4 Double Socket Wrench]
Fig. 12. Blackhawk 4924 9/16x3/4 Double Socket Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1925-1927.

Fig. 12 at the left shows a rare Blackhawk 4924 9/16x3/4 double socket wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 10.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

We haven't yet found a catalog reference for this particular model, but the 1927 Blackhawk catalog lists a very similar model 4924X wrench with an L-shaped shank, instead of the looped shank shown here. The 4924X wrench is listed for Chevrolet applications, with the 3/4 socket fitting the cylinder head bolts and the 9/16 size for connecting-rod nuts. The looped shank is believed to be an earlier version of the wrench.


4116 1/2 Speeder Socket Wrench

[Blackhawk 4116 1/2 Speeder Socket Wrench]
Fig. 13. Blackhawk 4116 1/2 Speeder Socket Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 13 shows a Blackhawk 4116 1/2 speeder socket wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shank near the socket.

The overall length is 14.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of the original plack paint.

The socket is attached with the welded construction characteristic of Blackhawk.


6118 9/16 Long Speeder Socket Wrench

[Blackhawk 6118 Speeder Socket Wrench]
Fig. 14. Blackhawk 6118 9/16 Speeder Socket Wrench, with Inset for Detail.

Fig. 14 shows a Blackhawk 6118 9/16 speeder socket wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." as shown in the right inset. The overall length is 19.2 inches.

The socket is attached with the welded construction characteristic of Blackhawk.

4122 11/16 Socket Wrench

[Blackhawk 4122 11/16 Flywheel Bolt Wrench]
Fig. 15. Blackhawk 4122 11/16 Flywheel Bolt Wrench, ca. 1924-1925.

Fig. 15 shows a Blackhawk model 4122 11/16 specialty socket wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." and with a knurled handle. The overall length is 12.0 inches.

This wrench was designed to service Ford flywheel bolts, and the shaft offset provides clearance for this application.

Very similar tools were available from Walden and possibly other companies; for example, the 1924 Beckley-Ralston catalog shows a model 6250 wrench called a "Flywheel Capscrew Wrench for Ford".

One detail to note regarding the wrench construction is that the socket is welded (or brazed) to the shaft. Blackhawk used its welded construction in advertising in the mid 1920s.

4021 21/32 Connecting Rod Wrench

[Blackhawk 4021 21/32 Connecting Rod Wrench]
Fig. 16. Blackhawk 4021 21/32 Connecting Rod Wrench, ca. 1928-1932.

Fig. 16 shows a Blackhawk 4021 21/32 offset connecting rod wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." and with a knurled handle. The overall length is 12.0 inches.

Wrenches in this style were made from the early 1920s on by Blackhawk and a number of other manufacturers. However, this particular size would have been produced only after 1928, when Ford started using 21/32 connecting rod bolts. (The 1928 date is mentioned in the Samuel Harris catalog, but is probably already well known to Ford antique auto buffs.)

4124 3/4 Ford Main Bearing Socket Wrench

Our next figure shows a specialty tool designed for Ford main bearing applications, and an early example of 12-point socket wrenches as well.

[Blackhawk 4124 3/4 Ford Main Bearing Socket Wrench]
Fig. 17. Blackhawk 4124 3/4 Ford Main Bearing Socket Wrench, with Insets for Marking and Broaching.

Fig. 17 shows a Blackhawk 4124 3/4 offset socket wrench, stamped "Blackhawk Made in U.S.A." on the offset shank with a knurled handle. The overall length is 15.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The lower inset shows the socket with its 12-point broaching. This model appears to have been one of the earliest 12-point socket wrenches produced by Blackhawk.

This wrench was listed in the 1927 Blackhawk No. 327 catalog, where it was recommended for Ford rear bearing service with the engine still installed. The offset handle and 12-point broaching were intended to help avoid the obstacles inherent in this application.

4222 Ratcheting Box Wrenches

The next figures show examples of another type of specialty tool, a ratcheting box wrench intended for Model T reverse and brake band adjustments.

[Blackhawk 4222 Transmission Band Wrench]
Fig. 18. Blackhawk 4222 Transmission Band Wrench, ca. 1919-1925.

Fig. 18 shows a Blackhawk model 4222 11/16 ratcheting box wrench with a 15/16 fixed box end, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the handle.

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

The wrench is constructed of laminated sheet steel with two layers, with a stepped bend providing space for the ratchet gear and pawl.

The 1930 catalog refers to this as a transmission band wrench, and notes that the larger box end could also be used for some spark plugs.

The model 4222 wrench remained in production for a number of years, and during this time Blackhawk made incremental improvements in the design and construction.

[Blackhawk 4222 Transmission Band Wrench]
Fig. 19. Blackhawk 4222 Transmission Band Wrench, Later Model, ca. 1925-1930.

Fig. 19 at the left shows a later version of the model 4222 wrench, this time with three laminated layers for increased strength. Note also that the ratchet end has a wider neck and is offset for extra strength.

Other manufacturers made similar ratcheting wrenches, including Bog, Mossberg, and Walden. Examples include the Bog 11/16 Ratcheting Box Wrench and Mossberg 645 Ratcheting Box Wrench.

4230 Head Bolt and Spark Plug Wrench

[Blackhawk 4230 5/8x15/16 Head Bolt and Spark Plug Wrench]
Fig. 20. Blackhawk 4230 5/8x15/16 Head Bolt and Spark Plug Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1919-1929.

Fig. 20 shows a Blackhawk 4230 specialty wrench combining a 5/8 socket with a 15/16 offset box, intended as a Model T Ford head bolt and spark plug wrench. The wrench is marked "Made in U.S.A." and has an overall length of 11.0 inches. The finish is plain steel.

This wrench is listed in a Blackhawk Mechanic's Guide from 1929, at a price of $0.65 net, but apparently had been discontinued by 1930.

The inset shows the side of the wrench to illustrate the deep offset at the box end, providing an example of early use of the offset box configuration. The socket is attached to the handle with a pin through the back of the socket.

This wrench is very similar to the Walden 3620 Wrench described in our article on Walden-Worcester. Another tool frequently used for Model T spark-plug service was an open-end/socket combination, of which the Herbrand 2334 Wrench is a good example.

2520 Buick Offset Socket Wrench

[Blackhawk 2520 5/8 Offset Socket Wrench]
Fig. 21. Blackhawk 2520 5/8 Offset Socket Wrench, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail, ca. 1928-1930.

Fig. 21 shows a rare Blackhawk 2520 offset socket wrench with size 5/8, designed for Buick motor block service. The wrench is stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 15.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This wrench model was first offered in the 1928 Blackhawk catalog for use on Buick Standard six cylinder motor blocks. The catalog notes that the wrench will service all of the motor block stud nuts except the right rear, for which the No. 2320 wrench was needed.

4950 Chevrolet Clutch S-Shaped Box Wrench

The next figure shows a very rare specialty wrench designed for Chevrolet clutch applications.

[Blackhawk 4950 3/4x1 Inch S-Shaped Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 22. Blackhawk 4950 3/4x1 S-Shaped Box-End Wrench, for Chevrolet Clutch Service, ca. 1925-1927.

In Fig. 22 we see the Blackhawk 4950 S-shaped box-end wrench, with sizes 3/4x1 in 12-point broachings. The wrench is marked "Made in U.S.A." and has an overall length of 8.2 inches.

The box ends are very thin, apparently a requirement of the application, and have 12-point broachings. This wrench is listed in a 1925 catalog from Dunham, Carrigan, and Hayden, making it one of the earliest known examples of a 12-point box-end wrench.

5104 4-in-1 Rim Wrench

[Blackhawk 5104 4-in-1 Rim Wrench]
Fig. 23. Blackhawk 5104 4-in-1 Rim Wrench, with Insets for Detail and Markings, ca. 1926-1930.

Fig. 23 shows a Blackhawk 5104 rim wrench of distinctive design, marked "4 In 1 Rim-Wrench" and "Made in U.S.A.", with a "Pat. Dec. 4, 1923" patent date.

The overall length is 18.3 inches in the operating position and 19.4 inches when fully extended.

The rotating socket cluster has openings 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, and 7/8, all with hex broachings. In operation, the socket carrier slides to the end of the shaft to unlock the sockets, and the desired opening can then be rotated into position. When the carrier is moved back, the end of the shaft locks the socket cluster in place, and the tool is ready for use.

The patent date refers to patent #1,476,058, issued to J.B. Drahonovsky and assigned to American Grinder Manufacturing, the parent company of Blackhawk. Additional patent notations were marked on the rotating hand grips for the well-known patent #1,574,136, issued on Feb. 23, 1926. These notations were too worn to photograph here, but examples can be seen seen in later figures.


Square Drive Sockets and Tools

[Logo from Early Blackhawk Advertisement]
Detail From An Early Blackhawk Advertisement, 1919.

Socket wrench sets with interchangeable sockets and drive tools were among the earliest products offered by Blackhawk. The photograph at the left shows the logo from a 1919 advertisement for a set of sockets and wrenches, a set that included both hex and square sockets, a ratchet, a sliding Tee-handle, extensions, and open end wrenches.

Blackhawk initially produced sockets and drive tools only in the 1/2 square drive size, a size that had been effectively standarized by Mossberg and Walden prior to 1920. Larger drive sizes were offered at a later date, and eventually smaller drive tools became available as well. As far as is known, Blackhawk never produced hex-drive sockets or tools.

In this section we'll look at a number of examples of these early sockets and drive tools.


The earliest Blackhawk tools were marked with an arrowhead design enclosing an Indian's head in profile, similar to the advertisement above. These tools were generally marked "U.S.A." but did not include the Blackhawk company name.

Early "Arrowhead" 1/2-Drive Hex Sockets

[Early Blackhawk 1/2-Drive Hex Sockets]
Fig. 24. Early Blackhawk 1/2-Drive Hex Sockets, with Inset Showing Arrowhead Logo, ca. 1919-1921.

Fig. 24 shows a group of very early Blackhawk 1/2-drive hex sockets, each stamped "U.S.A." with the Arrowhead logo and the fractional size. The knurled band in the center was probably intended to provide a better grip for hand turning.

The socket sizes are, from the left, 11/16, 3/4, 7/8, and 15/16.

These sockets were acquired with a partially complete Blackhawk No. 4 Socket Set shown in a later figure.

The socket construction is cold-broached by the typical first-generation method, with a machined recess below the broached area to allow for chip removal. These sockets are very similar to the early to mid-1920s sockets from Hinsdale, Indestro, and Snap-On; the interested reader may want to look at the Hinsdale, Indestro, or Snap-On figures for further information.

Later (but still early) socket production provided a machined indentation on the service end, and changed the "U.S.A." marking to "Made in U.S.A." with the Arrowhead logo in between. (See the Large Arrowhead Sockets for comparison.) Based on the early features shown here, these sockets were probably made in 1919-1921.

Early 911 1/2-Drive Reversible Ratchet

[Blackhawk 911 1/2-Drive Reversible Ratchet]
Fig. 25. Blackhawk 911 1/2-Drive Reversible Ratchet, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1919-1921.

Fig. 25 shows an early 1/2-drive Blackhawk 911 reversible ratchet, stamped "Blackhawk U.S.A." on the body. The original reversing lever for the ratchet has broken off, but the mechanism can be reversed by using a screwdriver to turn the shifter.

The overall length is 10.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This ratchet was acquired as part of the Blackhawk No. 4 Socket Set shown in a later figure.

Early 1/2-Drive Universal

[Blackhawk 1/2-Drive Universal from No. 4 Socket Set]
Fig. 26. Blackhawk 1/2-Drive Universal from No. 4 Socket Set, ca. 1919-1921.

Fig. 26 shows an early 1/2-drive Blackhawk forged universal, acquired as part of a No. 4 socket set shown in a later figure. Although the universal is unmarked, it closely resembles the catalog illustration and is likely the original tool from the set.

The overall length is 4.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This universal is very well made with tight-fitting parts, as can be seen from the careful machining in the photograph. It operates very smoothly after 80+ years in service.

Early socket sets often included forged universals of this type; for example, the Mossberg sockets sets offered in 1912 included a double-male universal.


Early T8 1/2-Drive 8 Inch Extension

[Early Blackhawk T8 1/2-Drive 8 Inch Extension]
Fig. 27. Early Blackhawk T8 1/2-Drive Square 8 Inch Extension, with Inset for Detail, ca. 1919-1921.

Fig. 27 shows an early 1/2-drive Blackhawk T8 extension, marked with "U.S.A." and the Arrowhead logo.

The overall length is 7.6 inches, but it may have been slightly longer originally; the socket end appears to have been trimmed a bit. (This tool has obviously lead a difficult life.)

This particular tool was acquired separately from the sets shown here, but is substantially identical to the extension in the Blackhawk No. 4 Socket Set shown below, and could have been included in any of the Blackhawk Nos. 2 through 10 socket sets.

This extension was apparently manufactured at an early date, based on the square shaft and the use of pinched tabs as stops for the drive end. Pinched tabs were the industry standard practice for early drive tools, and were later replaced by ball-stops, and still later by forged shoulders. If we use Snap-On as a reference point, ball-stops replaced pinched tabs around 1923, suggesting that this tool was made around or before that time.

In addition, the use of the Arrowhead logo instead of the company name suggests that this was one of the earliest Blackhawk tools. From these considerations, the manufacturing date is likely in the range 1919-1921.

No. 4 Socket Sets

The Blackhawk No. 4 "Combination Set" was one of their more popular early models, and we're fortunate to have acquired several examples, in various states of completion and condition.

[Early Blackhawk 1/2-Drive No. 4 Socket Set]
Fig. 28. Early Blackhawk 1/2-Drive No. 4 Socket Set, ca. 1919-1921.

Fig. 28 shows a partial Blackhawk No. 4 1/2-drive socket set in a wooden box, The set also included a forged universal joint, but unfortunately the other drive tools were not included.

Although the box no longer retained the original label, the set was identified by an illustration in the 1925 catalog No. 73 from Dunham, Carrigan, and Hayden, a wholesale hardware distributor. The catalog shows this as a Blackhawk No. 4 Combination Set, and also shows other similar Blackhawk socket sets.

The sockets in the back row are all 6-point, with sizes (from the left) 15/16, 7/8, 3/4, 11/16, 5/8 (missing), 9/16, and 1/2. At the front right is a 9/16 4-point socket.

Some of the sockets in this set are shown in greater detail in as the Arrowhead Sockets above. One detail to note is that the tops of the sockets are turned flat, without the indentation provided in later sockets. This indicates an early production date for this set, probably from 1919-1921.

[Early Blackhawk 1/2-Drive No. 4 Socket Set]
Fig. 29. Early Blackhawk 1/2-Drive No. 4 Socket Set, ca. 1919-1921.

Fig. 29 shows another example of the Blackhawk No. 4 socket set, this time in complete but well-used condition. The set consists of a 911 reversible ratchet, a T8 extension, a universal, seven hex sockets, and one square socket.

The inside of the cover still has the original label (although in rather tattered condition) identifying this as a "No. 4 Combination Set".

The hex sockets in the back row have sizes (from the left) 15/16, 7/8, 3/4, 11/16, 5/8, 9/16, and 1/2. At the front right is a 9/16 square socket. All of the sockets are stamped "U.S.A." with the Arrowhead logo.

Our earliest catalog reference for this set is the Marshall Auto Supply Catalog "A" of 1920, which offered Blackhawk socket sets Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, along with a wide selection of other Blackhawk tools. According to the catalog listing, the No. 4 set included eight sockets, a ratchet, an extension, and a universal joint, together with a wooden box. The price was $9.00, a substantial sum at the time.

Label from No. 6 Socket Set

[Label from Blackhawk No. 6 Combination Set]
Fig. 30. Label from A Blackhawk No. 6 Combination Set.

Fig. 30 at the left shows the label from a Blackhawk No. 6 Combination Set, a slightly larger socket set than the previous example. This label was found inside the wooden storage box for the set, but unfortunately the tools were no longer with the box.

This label is basically identical to the tattered label for the No. 4 set shown above, except for the "No. 6" marking.

Blackhawk Advertisement for No. 8 Socket Set

The next two figures show references to similar but larger socket wrench sets, to help place the No. 4 set in context.

[Label from Blackhawk No. 6 Combination Set]
Fig. 31. Early Advertisement for Blackhawk No. 8 Combination Set, 1919.

In Fig. 31 we see an advertisement from 1919 for a Blackhawk No. 8 socket wrench set. As can be seen from the illustration, the set included a generous number of sockets, together with a square-drive ratchet, sliding T-handle, universal, extensions, and more.

The timing of this advertisement is significant, as it shows that Blackhawk understood the importance of heavy-duty square drive sockets, well before the founding of the Snap-On Wrench Company, their neighbor in Milwaukee.


Blackhawk T4 1/2-Drive Sliding Tee Handle

[Blackhawk T4 1/2-Drive T-Slider Breaker Bar]
Fig. 32. Blackhawk 1/2-Drive T4 T-Slider Breaker Bar, from No. 8 Set, ca. 1922-1924.

Fig. 32 shows an early 1/2-drive Blackhawk T4 sliding Tee handle from a No. 8 socket set, marked "Made in U.S.A." and with the Blackhawk name.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is black paint.

The bar uses pinched tabs at each end to retain the slider, an early construction technique that was later replaced by fixed stop-balls. The slider itself is made of hex bar stock, another indication of early construction, as this is the way the first Blackhawk breaker bars were made. If you look carefully at the No. 8 Advertisement above, you can see a short breaker bar with a hex slider in the lower righthand corner of the box.

Later sliding Tee handles were made from round stock; see for example the T4 Breaker Bar in a later section. A 1925 Blackhawk magazine ad shows a breaker bar with a round slider, so it's reasonable to assume that the example here predates 1925.

With the above indications of early manufacture, it's a little surprising that the tool is marked with the Blackhawk name; all of the sockets in the set are marked with the Arrowhead logo. This suggests that the drive tools in the sets were marked with the company name at an earlier date, and that the socket markings followed later.


Blackhawk No. 8 Combination Socket Set

We recently acquired a Blackhawk No.8 Combination Set with most of the sockets and two of the drive tools remaining, and are currently preparing the set for display.

Fig. 33. Blackhawk No. 8 1/2-Drive Socket Set To Be Added..

Large Arrowhead 1/2-Drive Hex Sockets

[Early Blackhawk 1/2-Drive 1-1/4 Sockets]
Fig. 34. Early Blackhawk 1/2-Drive 1-1/4 6-Point Sockets, ca. 1919-1925.

In Fig. 34 we see two early 1/2-drive 6-point sockets in a relatively large 1-1/4 size, both marked with the Arrowhead logo. The lefthand socket is marked "U.S.A.", while the righthand socket has "Made in U.S.A." with the logo in the middle.

The righthand socket is of somewhat later production than the lefthand one, since the marking has become the full "Made in U.S.A.", as would be seen on all later tools. Note also that the hex opening of the earlier lefthand socket is machined flush, but the righthand socket provides a hollowed indentation to help guide the socket onto its nut.

According to the descriptions in the 1925 Dunham et al catalog mentioned above, these sockets could have been included (as the largest size) in the No. 6 and No. 8 Combination Sets.


The next two figures show some of the earlier examples of sockets marked with the Blackhawk company name, rather than the Arrowhead logo. The date of this change in markings is not known precisely, but probably occurred around 1925 or so. Drive tools apparently received the company name marking at an earlier date.

Early Blackhawk 1/2-Drive Hex Sockets

[Early Blackhawk 1/2-Drive Sockets]
Fig. 35. Early Blackhawk 1/2-Drive 6-Point Sockets, ca 1925-1927.

Fig. 35 shows a group of early Blackhawk 1/2-drive 6-point sockets, all marked "Blackhawk Made in U.S.A." and with a knurled band. The sizes and models numbers are, from the left, 1 (no model), 15/16 (30), and 1 (32).

The socket on the left is likely the earliest of the lot, as it is marked with the size (1 inch) rather than a model number. The middle and righthand sockets are very similar but show model numbers, assigned as the size in 32nds.


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