Alloy Artifacts

Early Tools and the Economy Line

Early Indestro Mfg. 9/16x3/4 Double-Socket Wrench

Fig. 55. Early Indestro 9/16x3/4 Double Socket Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 55 shows an Indestro 9/16x3/4 double-socket wrench, marked "Indestro Mfg. Co." and "Chicago U.S.A." on the shank. The sockets are broached with 6-point (hex) openings.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The sockets are marked with a five-pointed star on either side of the sizes, a notation frequently seen on early Indestro tools, and the sizes are written as "9 - 16" and "3 - 4".

Early Indestro Mfg. Triple-Socket Wrench

Fig. 56. Early Indestro Triple-Socket Wrench, with Insets for Marking Details.

Fig. 56 shows an Indestro triple-socket wrench marked "Indestro Mfg. Co.", with insets to show details of the company logo and the socket marking.

Note that the socket is marked with a five-pointed star to the left of the size, marked as "1 - 2".

Duro Metal Products 634 Quad-Socket Wrench

Fig. 57. Early Duro 634 Quad-Socket Wrench.

Fig. 57 shows an early Duro 634 socket wrench, marked "Duro Metal Products" on the round shank. The overall length is 10.6 inches.

This particular model has four socket openings, but other models were made with two or three sockets.

Duro Metal Products 600 Socket Wrench

Fig. 58. Duro 600 1/2x9/16 Socket Wrench, with Insets for Top View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 58 shows a Duro 600 1/2x9/16 double-socket wrench, marked "Duro Metal Products Co." with "Chicago, U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The model 600 wrench was one of the suggested tools for servicing the Chevrolet "6", and was used for manifold, fan bracket, and other applications. This model was no longer listed in the standard catalogs 38M and 39M, but was still available in a supplemental catalog from 1940.

Duro Metal Products 615 Socket Wrench

Fig. 59. Duro 615 21/32 Socket Wrench, with Inset for Bottom View.

Fig. 59 shows a Duro 615 21/32 socket wrench stamped "Duro Metal Products Co." on the shank.

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

This wrench was designed for Ford Model "A" and "B" connecting rod applications, and probably dates to the late 1920s or early 1930s. The socket of this wrench is made of hardened carbon steel, but later versions were offered in chrome-vanadium steel.

Duro Metal Products 617 Socket Wrench

Fig. 60. Duro 617 9/16 Socket Wrench, ca. 1935-1940.

Fig. 60 shows a Duro 617 9/16 socket wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shank with "Chromium Vanadium" on the socket.

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

This example is not marked with the company name, but was identified by the model number, general construction, and use of the "Chromium Vanadium" marking. The catalogs describe this as a connecting-rod wrench, but note that it is not guaranteed due to the extremely thin socket walls, required for certain applications.

The socket is hot-broached in the style developed by Duro Metal Products, placing the manufacturing date in 1935 or later.

Duro Metal Products 0626 3/4 Speeder Socket Wrench

Fig. 61. Duro 0626 3/4 Speeder Socket Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 61 shows a Duro 3/4 speeder socket wrench, stamped "Duro Metal Products Co." on the shank (see inset). The wrench is not marked with a model number, but is listed in the 1938 Duro catalog as a model 0626 rim socket wrench.

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

Hex-Drive Socket Sets

Hex-drive socket sets were among the most popular and best-known products offered by Duro/Indestro. Production of these sets began in the early 1920s (or possibly earlier) and continued at least into the 1960s, although the peak of their popularity was probably in the 1920s and 30s. The sets were typically supplied in a compact metal holder, often with a clever design for retaining the pieces in place.

Indestro No. 19 1/2-Hex Drive Socket Set

Fig. 62. Indestro No. 19 1/2-Hex Drive Socket Kit with Streamlined Holder, ca. 1925.

Fig. 62 shows a 1/2-hex drive Indestro No. 19 socket kit with a clever "streamlined" holder resembling a locomotive. The set includes a 1/2-hex drive Ell-handle marked "Indestro Mfg. Co. Chicago", eight sockets marked with fractional sizes, and a screwdriver bit.

The sockets have hex (6-point) broachings and a reduced base, and the construction is similar to that in the previous example. A knurled band is provided to assist with hand turning.

This set is not marked with a model number, but a 1925 catalog from United Hardware & Tool Corp. lists this model as a No. 19, and shows two other Indestro socket sets as well. The 1941 Indestro catalog lists an updated version of this set as No. 1219, with 12-point sockets instead of 6-point.

The socket holder is rather complicated, with three separate movable pieces attached to the base. To open, the nose piece first folds forward to release the hex wrench, then the tail piece pivots to the side, and finally the retaining rail lifts up to free the sockets. (The retaining rail even has a slot to engage the tip of the screwdriver bit.) Duro Metal Products developed and patented a number of such socket kits, although this particular one doesn't appear to be patented.

Indestro No. 2104 3/8-Drive Socket Set

Fig. 63. Indestro No. 2104 3/8-Hex Drive Socket Set, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1936.

Fig. 63 shows a 3/8-hex drive Indestro No. 2104 socket set in a metal holder, stamped "Indestro Mfg. Corp. Chicago" and "Pat. Pend." on the Ell handle. The set consists of nine hex sockets with a 3/8-hex Ell handle, all held together in a patented (pending) metal case.

The model number was not marked on this set, but the 1937 Indestro catalog lists this as a No. 2104 "Pee-Wee" socket set.

The socket sizes are, from the left, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 15/32, 1/2, 9/16, and 5/8. The sockets are marked with the fractional size and have a band of cross-hatched knurling around the base.

The overall length is 6.8 inches. The finish is cadmium plating for the tools and red paint for the metal holder.

The patent pending status corresponds to patent #2,065,341, filed by McNaught and Peterson in early 1936 and issued later that year. The patent describes the metal holder for the set, which includes metal tabs to secure the sockets, and a bracket on the back to lock the Ell handle in place (see top inset).

Other Economy Tools

Early Indestro Nut and Tap Wrench Set

Indestro made a number of inexpensive open-end wrench sets intended as automobile tool kits or for casual homeowner use. These sets were typically made of stamped and hardened steel, and were held together by center bolts or by small metal holders. The next figures show examples of these sets.

Fig. 64. Early Indestro Nut and Tap Wrench Set, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1920.

Fig. 64 shows an early example of an Indestro "Nut and Tap" wrench set, marked with the Indestro name in script on each wrench. The set is held together with a stepped-diameter bolt, marked on the end with "Sure Seal Bottle Capper Co." and "Chicago", and with "Mfrs. Indestro Products" in the center.

The wrench sizes in the set are 3/8x7/16 (broken), 1/2x9/16, 5/8x3/4, and 7/8x1 inch. We don't have a specific catalog reference for this early set, and it's possible that there were originally five wrenches.

The Sure Seal Bottle Capper Company marked on the bolt head is believed to be the earlier business entity for Indestro, possibly with operations before 1920.

Indestro Nut and Tap Wrench Set

Fig. 65. Indestro Nut and Tap Wrench Set.

Fig. 65 shows another later example of an Indestro "Nut and Tap" wrench set, marked on each wrench with the Indestro name in script.

This set originally consisted of five wrenches (one is missing) covering a size range from 1/4 to 1 inch. The sizes in the set are 1/4x5/16 (missing), 3/8x7/16, 1/2x9/16, 5/8x3/4, and 7/8x1 inch.

The wrenches are held together by a center bolt and wing nut, and the bolt is made with stepped diameters to hold each wrench securely.

This set was listed in the 1938 Indestro catalog, but had probably been in production for a number of years by that time.

Fig. 66. Indestro 7/8x1 Inch Nut and Tap Wrench.

Fig. 66 at the left shows the largest wrench from the "Nut and Tap" set, a 7/8x1 inch open-end wrench of stamped steel construction. The overall length is 6.8 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The square center hole clarifies the meaning of the "Nut and Tap" name, as the holes have been sized to grip the square shank of a threading tap. By using a square hole, Indestro extended the functionality at little or no additional cost.

Duro 2116 Battery Pliers

Fig. 67. Duro 2116 Battery Pliers.

Fig. 67 shows a pair of Duro 2116 battery pliers, marked "Duro Metal Products Co." and "U.S.A." near the pivot.

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

The Select Steel Line

Indestro Chicago 721 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 68. Indestro Chicago 721 5/16x3/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 68 shows an Indestro 721 5/16x3/8 open-end wrench, marked "Chicago - U.S.A." in the streamlined depressed panel, with "Drop Forged Select Steel" on the reverse.

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

Indestro Chicago 25 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 69. Indestro Chicago 25 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 69 shows an Indestro 25 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench, marked "Chicago - U.S.A." in the streamlined depressed panel, with "Drop Forged Select Steel" on the reverse.

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

Indestro Chicago 729 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 70. Indestro Chicago 729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 70 shows an Indestro 729 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, marked "Chicago - U.S.A." in the streamlined depressed panel, with "Drop Forged Select Steel" on the reverse.

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

Indestro Chicago 731 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 71. Indestro Chicago 731 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 71 shows an Indestro 731 3/4x13/16 open-end wrench, marked "Chicago - U.S.A." in the streamlined depressed panel, with "Drop Forged Select Steel" on the reverse.

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

Indestro Chicago 731-A Open-End Wrench

Fig. 72. Indestro Chicago 731-A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 72 shows an Indestro 731-A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, marked "Chicago - U.S.A." in the streamlined depressed panel, with "Drop Forged Select Steel" on the reverse.

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

Indestro Chicago 3/8x7/16 Short Box-End Wrench

Fig. 73. Indestro Chicago 3/8x7/16 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 73 shows an Indestro 3/8x7/16 box-end wrench, marked "Chicago - U.S.A." in the streamlined depressed panel, with "Drop Forged Select Steel" on the reverse.

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

Indestro Chicago 5/8x11/16 Short Box-End Wrench

Fig. 74. Indestro Chicago 5/8x11/16 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 74 shows an Indestro 5/8x11/16 box-end wrench, marked "Chicago - U.S.A." in the streamlined depressed panel, with "Drop Forged Alloy Steel" on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Indestro Chicago 13/16x7/8 Short Box-End Wrench

Fig. 75. Indestro Chicago 13/16x7/8 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 75 at the left shows an Indestro 13/16x7/8 box-end wrench, marked "Chicago - U.S.A." in the streamlined depressed panel, with "Drop Forged Alloy Steel" on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.3 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Indestro "Klip-Tite" 920-03K Wrench Set

Indestro offered its short box-end wrenches in various sets, typically held in a "Klip-Tite" metal holder with a thumbscrew to secure the wrenches. This next figure shows an example of a Klip-Tite wrench set.

Fig. 76. Indestro "Klip-Tite" 920-03K Three-Piece Wrench Set, with Inset for Top View, ca. late 1930s.

Fig. 76 shows an Indestro "Klip-Tite" model 920-03K wrench set, consisting of three Indestro Chicago short box wrenches in a steel holder. The holder is stamped "Klip-Tite Set" with the 920-03K model number.

The wrench sizes are 1/4x5/16, 3/8x7/16, and 1/2x9/16. Each wrench is marked "Indestro Chicago - U.S.A." in the streamlined depressed panel, with "Drop Forged Alloy Steel" on the reverse.

The overall length is 5.3 inches. The finish is an interesting combination of nickel plating on the box ends, with cadmium plating on the shanks.

Indestro Chicago 5/8x3/4 Open-Box Wrench

One style of wrenches popular for automobile tool kits included both open and box ends, but with different sizes on each wrench. These were typically sold in sets secured by a bolt and wing nut, with the range of sizes spanning the most common nut sizes.

Indestro was one of the major producers of such wrenches, and other makers included Barcalo Manufacturing and the Auto-Kit Brand of J.P. Danielson.

Fig. 77. Indestro Chicago 5/8x3/4 Open-Box Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1930-1936.

Fig. 77 at the left shows an early Indestro 5/8x7/8 open-box wrench, marked "Chicago - U.S.A." in the depressed panel, with "Drop Forged Alloy Steel" on the opposite side. The fractional sizes are also forged into small depressed panels, one within the face of the open end, and the other near the box end.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

This wrench is interesting for its use of depressed panels in a triangular design, indicating production before the advent of the well-known streamlined panel design. (The streamlined panel design was trademarked in 1937.)

Indestro Chicago 3/4x7/8 Open-Box Wrench

Fig. 78. Indestro Chicago 3/4x7/8 Open-Box Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 78 shows an Indestro 3/4x7/8 open-box wrench, marked "Chicago - U.S.A." in the streamlined depressed panel, with "Drop Forged Select Steel" on the opposite side. The fractional sizes are also forged into small depressed panels, one within the face of the open end, and the other near the box end.

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

The Rise of Alloy-Steel Tools

Indestro Chicago

Some of Indestro's early alloy-steel production was marked with "Indestro-Chicago" rather than the Polygon or Chromium-Vanadium brands.

Indestro Chicago No. 731 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 79. Indestro Chicago 731 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. mid 1930s.

Fig. 79 shows an Indestro 731 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench, stamped "Indestro-Chicago, U.S.A." on the shank, with "Chrome-Vanadium-Steel" on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Indestro Chicago No. 733 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 80. Indestro Chicago 733 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 80 shows an Indestro 733 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench, marked "Indestro-Chicago, U.S.A." with "Chrome-Vanadium-Steel" on the reverse.

The overall length is 11.1 inches. The finish is nickel plating with polished ends. Note that the left end of the wrench is extensively pitted, apparently from contact with battery acid or some other corrosive substance.

Indestro Chicago No. 739 Main Bearing and Cylinder Head Wrench

Fig. 81. Indestro Chicago 739 5/8x3/4 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 81 shows an Indestro 739 5/8x3/4 offset box wrench, stamped "Indestro-Chicago, U.S.A." with the model number on one side, with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the reverse.

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

The Indestro catalogs list this wrench for main bearing and cylinder head service in the Chevrolet 6 up through 1932, plus the Pontiac 6 models from 1928 through 1932.

Handy-Hex

Handy-Hex 02054 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 82. Handy-Hex 02054 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 82 shows an example of the Handy-Hex 0205x series, a Handy-Hex model 02054 3/4x25/32 offset box-end wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the reverse.

The overall length is 11.3 inches.

The finish is plain steel, possibly indicating that this is an early example of the series.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the deep offset profile of this design.

Handy-Hex 02072 3/4x7/8 S-Shaped Box-End Wrench

Two more recently acquired examples of the Handy-Hex brand will help to further illustrate the changing models and markings. Both tools are of the rarely-seen S-Shaped box wrench type, or "double crescent" wrenches as the Duro catalogs call them.

Fig. 83. Handy-Hex 02072 3/4x7/8 S-Shaped Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

The first wrench, apparently the earlier model, is shown in Fig. 83; it is a Handy-Hex model 02072 3/4x7/8 S-shaped box wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.7 inches.

The Handy-Hex brand with the leading "0" in the model number suggests that this is an early 12-point wrench, possibly dating to the early 1930s.

Duro-Chrome 2071 "Handy-Hex" 11/16x25/32 S-Shaped Box-End Wrench

Fig. 84. Duro-Chrome 2071 11/16x25/32 S-Shaped Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

The second example is shown in Fig. 84, a similar Duro-Chrome model 2071 11/16x25/32 S-shaped box wrench, marked "Handy-Hex" and with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.7 inches.

This second wrench bears the modern catalog number 2071, but retains the "Handy-Hex" marking to show continuity with the older brand. The manufacturing date for this is likely mid-1930s.

Super-Quality

The Super-Quality brand was the forerunner of the Indestro Super line, and was in use from the 1930s up through about 1945. As the term implies, the Super-Quality mark was used for the Indestro's higher-end line of chrome-alloy tools.

Most of the tool models in the Super-Quality line retained the same model number after the change to the Indestro Super brand, so in most cases we have indexed the tool examples under both marks.

Super-Quality 753 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 85A. Super-Quality 753 5/8x11/16 Short Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 85A shows a Super-Quality 753 5/8x11/16 short box-end wrench, marked with the model and brand on the streamlined raised panel, and with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the reverse.

The overall length is 5.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces and ends.

Super-Quality (X-Circle) [715] 3/4x7/8 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 85B. Super-Quality [715] 3/4x7/8 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 85B shows a Super-Quality [715] 3/4x7/8 box-end wrench, stamped "Super-Quality" with the X-Circle logo on the streamlined raised panel, and with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the reverse. Although not marked with a model number, the Indestro catalog lists this as a model 715 wrench.

The overall length is 11.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of cadmium plating.

This wrench is very similar to the corresponding Duro-Chrome model, as can be seen in the Duro-Chrome 2015 Box Wrench.

Super-Quality 758A Offset Box Wrench

Our next figure shows one of the larger examples of the Super-Quality brand, and in an unusual size as well.

Fig. 86. Super-Quality 758A 1-3/16x1-1/4 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

In Fig. 86 we see a rare Super-Quality 758A 1-3/16x1-1/4 offset box wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." on the streamlined raised panel, with the fractional sizes and "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the reverse panel.

The overall length is 18.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Super-Quality 767 Ford Main Bearing Socket Wrench

Fig. 87. Super-Quality 767 9/16(square)x3/4 Main Bearing Socket Wrench, with Insets for Side View, Broaching, and Marking Detail, ca. 1935-1940.

Fig. 87 shows a Super-Quality 767 socket wrench with 9/16 double-square and 3/4 double-hex broachings, designed for servicing Ford main bearings. The wrench is marked "Super-Quality Made in U.S.A." with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the reverse.

The overall length is 15.4 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The 1938 Indestro catalog lists this wrench for main bearing service on Ford "A", "AA", "B", "BB", and V8 engines. The catalog illustration shows the distinctive hexagonal shank used at that time for this and other socket and box-end wrench models.

The model 767 wrench was still listed in the 1939 Indestro catalog, but had been discontinued by 1941, with a model 183 wrench in "Select Steel" replacing the chrome alloy model.

Duro-Chrome 2042 Short Offset Box Wrench

Duro-Chrome offered short box wrenches in both offset and angled (15 degree) configurations, with five size combinations for each of the 204x offset series and 206x angled series. The sizes ranged from 3/8x7/16 (model 2041/2061) up to 3/4x25/32 (model 2044/2064).

Fig. 88. Duro-Chrome 2042 11/16x25/32 Short Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1945.

Fig. 88 shows a Duro-Chrome 2042 1/2x9/16 short offset box wrench, marked with the model number and brand on the streamlined raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the reverse. Note also that a "G" code is stamped in front of the model number.

The overall length is 5.2 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The black oxide finish would suggest a manufacturing date during 1942-1945, but the "G" code stamped on the panel indicates a more precise 1945 date. The "G" code indicates manufacture in 1945 under restrictive government regulations, and can be found occasionally on tools of this era. (The use of the "G" date code by Snap-On is well documented.)

Duro-Chrome 2021 Short Box Wrench

Fig. 89. Duro-Chrome 2021 1/4x5/16 Short Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 89 shows a Duro-Chrome 2021 1/4x5/16 box wrench, marked "Duro-Chrome" on the streamlined raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse.

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

Duro-Chrome 2061 Short Box Wrench

Fig. 90. Duro-Chrome 2061 3/8x7/16 Short Box Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 90 shows a Duro-Chrome 2061 3/8x7/16 box wrench, marked "Duro-Chrome" on the streamlined raised panel with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse.

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

Duro-Chrome 2011 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 91. Duro-Chrome 2011 3/8x7/16 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1945.

Fig. 91 shows a Duro-Chrome 2011 3/8x7/16 box-end wrench, marked with the Duro-Chrome trademark and a "G" code on the streamlined raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse panel.

The overall length is 6.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The stamped "G" code and plain finish indicate a wartime production date in 1945.

Duro-Chrome 2013 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 92. Duro-Chrome 2013 9/16x5/8 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 92 shows a Duro-Chrome 2013 9/16x5/8 box-end wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." on the streamlined raised panel, with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the reverse.

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

Duro-Chrome 2014 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 93. Duro-Chrome 2014 11/16x25/32 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 93 shows a Duro-Chrome 2014 11/16x25/32 box-end wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." on the streamlined raised panel, with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the reverse.

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

Duro-Chrome 2015 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 94. Duro-Chrome 2015 3/4x7/8 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1942-1945.

Fig. 94 shows a Duro-Chrome 2015 3/4x7/8 box-end wrench, marked "Duro-Chrome" with the X-Circle logo on the streamlined raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the reverse.

The overall length is 11.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Duro-Chrome 2053 Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 95A. Duro-Chrome 2053 5/8x11/16 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1942-1945.

Fig. 95A shows a Duro-Chrome 2053 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench, marked "Duro-Chrome" with the X-Circle logo on the streamlined raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the reverse panel.

The overall length is 10.0 inches, and the finish is black oxide augmented by rust.

Duro-Chrome 2054 Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 95B. Duro-Chrome 2054 3/4x25/32 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 95B shows a Duro-Chrome 2054 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench, stamped "Duro-Chrome" and "Forged in U.S.A." on the streamlined panel, with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" and the fractional sizes on the reverse panel.

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

An earlier version of this model can be seen as the Handy-Hex 02054 Offset Box Wrench.

Duro-Chrome 2058B Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 96. Duro-Chrome 2058B 1-1/8x1-1/4 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1942-1945.

Fig. 96 shows a larger example of the box wrenches, a Duro-Chrome 2058B 1-1/8x1-1/4 offset box wrench. The raised panel is stamped "Duro-Chrome" with the X-Circle logo on one side, with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the reverse panel.

The overall length is 18.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Duro-Chrome "Handy-Hex" 2059A Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 97. Duro-Chrome "Handy-Hex" 2059A 1-5/16x1-3/8 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 97 shows one of the larger Duro-Chrome box wrenches, a Duro-Chrome 2059A 1-5/16x1-3/8 offset box wrench, dual-marked with the Handy-Hex brand. The raised panel is stamped "Duro-Chrome" and "Handy-Hex", with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" and the fractional sizes on the reverse panel.

The overall length is 20.3 inches. The original finish was chrome plating, but most has been lost due to rust.

Open-End Wrenches

Duro produced a full range of (double) open-end wrenches in industry-standard sizes, sometimes referred to as engineer's wrenches. These wrenches were assigned model numbers by adding 1000 to the corresponding industry-standard number, so for example a 19/32x11/16 No. 27 wrench became model 1027. (See our table of Industry-Standard Numbers for Open-End Wrenches for an explanation of this numbering system.)

The standard finish (from the early 1930s on) was chrome plating with polished faces, except that cadmium or plain finishes were typically used during the years 1942-1945.

Duro-Chrome 1723 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 98. Duro-Chrome 1723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 98 shows a Duro-Chrome 1723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." in a curved arc on the reverse face.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Duro-Chrome 1027 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 99A. Duro-Chrome 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, 1945.

Fig. 99A shows a Duro-Chrome 1027 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." on one face, with a "G" code and the model number on the other end.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is black oxide augmented with rust.

The black oxide finish and stamped "G" code indicate a manufacturing date in 1945 under government regulations. We saw another example of this "G" date code in the Duro-Chrome 2042 Wrench shown above, and the "G" date code was used by Snap-On and Williams as well.

Duro-Chrome 1729 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 99B. Duro-Chrome 1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 99B shows a Duro-Chrome 1729 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, stamped "Duro-Chrome" with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on one face, with the model number stamped on the other end.

The overall length is 8.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 1028-S Open-End Wrench

Fig. 100A. Duro-Chrome 1028-S 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 100A shows a Duro-Chrome 1028-S 5/8x25/32 open-end wrench with the X-Circle logo stamped on the face, and with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse face.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 1731 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 100B. Duro-Chrome 1731 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 100B shows a Duro-Chrome 1731 3/4x13/16 open-end wrench with the X-Circle logo stamped on the face, and with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse face.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 1731-A Open-End Wrench

Fig. 100C. Duro-Chrome 1731-A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 100C shows a Duro-Chrome 1731-A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped with the X-Circle logo on the face, with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse face.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

Tappet Wrenches

Duro-Chrome D-1 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 101. Duro-Chrome D-1 7/16x17/32 Tappet Wrench.

Fig. 101 shows a Duro-Chrome D-1 7/16x17/32 tappet wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." in a curved arc.

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

Duro-Chrome D-2 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 102. Duro-Chrome D-2 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 102 shows a Duro-Chrome D-2 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." in a curved arc.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Obstruction Wrenches

Duro-Chrome 1821 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 103. Duro-Chrome 1821 3/8x3/8 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 103 shows a Duro-Chrome 1821 3/8x3/8 obstruction wrench, stamped "Duro-Chrome" and "Forged in U.S.A." on the face.

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

Super-Quality 1827 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 104. Super-Quality 1827 9/16x9/16 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 104 shows a Super-Quality 1827 9/16x9/16 obstruction wrench, stamped "Indestro Mfg. Corp. Chicago" on the shank, with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on one face and "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse.

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

Duro-Chrome 1830 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 105. Duro-Chrome 1830 11/16x11/16 Obstruction Wrench.

Fig. 105 shows a Duro-Chrome 1830 11/16x11/16 obstruction wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." in a curved arc on the face.

The overall length is 7.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Ignition Wrenches

Ignition wrenches are a specialized subset of open-end wrenches designed with small openings and thin heads. Duro offered ignition wrenches in two styles, one with equal-sized openings but different offset angles, and the other with different openings and offset angles. Wrenches in the latter style were made in model number pairs, with the same sizes but opposite offset angles.

Duro-Chrome 86 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 106A. Duro-Chrome 86 11/32x11/32 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 106A shows a Duro-Chrome 86 11/32x11/32 ignition wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with "Duro-Chrome" in a curved arc on the face.

The overall length is 3.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Duro-Chrome 88 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 106. Duro-Chrome 88 7/16x7/16 Ignition Wrench.

Fig. 106 shows a Duro-Chrome 88 7/16x7/16 ignition wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with "Duro-Chrome" in a curved arc on the face.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Duro-Chrome E67 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 107A. Duro-Chrome E67 11/32x3/8 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 107A shows a Duro-Chrome E67 11/32x3/8 ignition wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with "Duro-Chrome" in a curved arc on the face.

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

Duro-Chrome E68 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 107B. Duro-Chrome E68 11/32x3/8 Ignition Wrench.

Fig. 107B shows a Duro-Chrome E68 11/32x3/8 ignition wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with "Duro-Chrome" in a curved arc on the face.

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

Duro-Chrome E69 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 107C. Duro-Chrome E69 7/16x1/2 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 107C shows a Duro-Chrome E69 7/16x1/2 ignition wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with "Duro-Chrome" in a curved arc on the face.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Combination Wrenches

Duro introduced the Duro-Chrome 20xx series of combination wrenches sometime in the 1930s, and the original design had a thin flat shank with a plain rounded head. This flat-shank style is illustated in the 1938 and 1939 Duro-Chrome catalogs.

Some time after 1939 Duro redesigned its combination wrenches, and the new models included a panelled shank with rounded edges plus a distinctive "dart" design at the open end. This design remained in production at least until the 1960s. The figures below will show several examples of this "Dart" style.

With the introduction of the "Dart" style Duro also offered a second 22xx series of combination wrench models. Initially the 22xx series featured extra-thin heads and flat shanks, and were intended as a light-duty alternative for work in cramped spaces. But by the 1960s the 22xx line had become Duro's standard-duty combination wrenches, and the 20xx "Dart" series was eventually phased out.

Early Duro-Chrome 02032 Thin Combination Wrench

We'll begin with some very rare early examples of the Duro-Chrome combination wrench series.

Fig. 108. Duro-Chrome 02032 7/16 Thin Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1934-1939.

Fig. 108 shows an early Duro-Chrome 02033 1/2 combination wrench with a flat shank, stamped with the Duro-Chrome trademark and "Forged in U.S.A." on the face, with the fractional size and model number on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.5 inches. The wrench has an unusual two-part plated finish, consisting of polished chrome on the faces and box end with a softer cadmium finish on the shank.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the very thin profile of this early model.

Early Duro-Chrome 02033 Thin Combination Wrench

Fig. 109. Duro-Chrome 02033 1/2 Thin Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1934-1939.

Fig. 109 shows an early Duro-Chrome 02033 1/2 combination wrench with a flat shank, stamped with the Duro-Chrome trademark and "Forged in U.S.A." on the face, with the fractional size and model number on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.5 inches. The wrench has an unusual two-part plated finish, consisting of polished chrome on the faces and box end with a softer cadmium finish on the shank.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the very thin profile of this early model.

Early Duro-Chrome 02035 Thin Combination Wrench

Fig. 110. Duro-Chrome 02035 5/8 Thin Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1934-1939.

Fig. 110 shows an early Duro-Chrome 02035 5/8 combination wrench with a flat shank, stamped with the Duro-Chrome trademark and "Forged in U.S.A." on the face, with the fractional size and model number on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.4 inches. The wrench has an unusual two-part plated finish, consisting of polished chrome on the faces and box end with a softer cadmium finish on the shank.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the very thin profile of this early model.

Early Duro-Chrome 02036 Thin Combination Wrench

Fig. 111. Duro-Chrome 02036 11/16 Thin Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1934-1939.

Fig. 111 shows an early Duro-Chrome 02036 11/16 combination wrench with a flat shank, stamped with the Duro-Chrome trademark and "Forged in U.S.A." on the face, with the fractional size and model number on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.6 inches. The finish is cadmium plating on the shank with polished chrome on the faces and box end.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the very thin profile of this early model.

Duro-Chrome 2031 Combination Wrench, Dart Style

Fig. 112. Duro-Chrome 2031 3/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 112 shows a Duro-Chrome 2031 3/8 combination wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." on the face, with a distinctive streamlined dart emanating from the head.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

Duro-Chrome 2035 Combination Wrench, Dart Style

Fig. 113. Duro-Chrome 2035 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 113 shows another example of the streamlined dart design, a Duro-Chrome 2035 5/8 combination wrench marked "Forged in U.S.A." on the face.

The overall length is 8.9 inches. and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Duro-Chrome 2037 Combination Wrench, Dart Style

Fig. 114. Duro-Chrome 2037 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 114 shows a Duro-Chrome 2037 3/4 combination wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." on the face.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

This wrench is a good example of the curved "Forged in U.S.A." marking used on Duro and Indestro tools.

Duro-Chrome 2233 Thin Combination Wrench

The next several figures show examples of Duro's 22xx series of thin combination wrenches.

Fig. 115. Duro-Chrome 2233 1/2 Thin Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

We'll begin with Fig. 115, a Duro-Chrome 2233 1/2 combination wrench marked "Forged in U.S.A." on the face.

The overall length is 7.7 inches, and the finish is black oxide augmented with natural rust. The black oxide finish indicates production during the period 1942-1945.

This wrench isn't marked with a brand name, but can be identified by the model number and construction, and by the "Forged in U.S.A." marking along a curved arc.

Duro-Chrome 2234 Thin Combination Wrench

Fig. 116. Duro-Chrome 2234 9/16 Thin Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 116 shows another example of Duro's early thin series combination wrenches, a Duro-Chrome 2234 9/16 combination wrench marked "Forged in U.S.A." on the face.

The overall length is 8.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench to illustrate the thin profile of the earlier production of this series.

Duro-Chrome 2237 Thin Combination Wrench

Fig. 117. Duro-Chrome 2237 3/4 Thin Combination Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail, 1945.

Fig. 117 shows a Duro-Chrome 2237 3/4 thin combination wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." on the face, and with a "G" code by the model number (see inset).

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

The oxide finish and stamped "G" code indicate a manufacturing date in 1945, when government regulations prevented the use of chrome finishes. Other examples of the "G" date code can be seen in the Duro-Chrome 2042 Wrench and Duro-Chrome 1027 Wrench.

Indestro Super 775 Thin Combination Wrench

Indestro also produced a comparable series of thin combination wrenches, as seen in the next figure.

Fig. 118. Indestro Super 775 5/8 Thin Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 118 shows an Indestro Super 775 5/8 thin combination wrench, stamped "Super" on the face.

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

The top inset shows the very thin profile of this wrench, similar to that of a tappet wrench.

Pliers and Specialty Tools

Duro-Chrome 2100 Waterpump Pliers

Fig. 119. Duro-Chrome 2100 Waterpump Pliers, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 119 shows a pair of Duro-Chrome 2110 waterpump pliers, stamped with the X-Circle logo and "Forged in U.S.A." on the handle.

The overall length (fully extended) is 10.1 inches. The finish is plain steel, indicating a likely manufacturing date of 1942-1945.

The handles of the pliers incorporate a bold raised panels with Duro's "streamlined" motif at one end.

Duro-Chrome 2115 Battery Pliers

Fig. 120. Duro-Chrome 2115 Battery Pliers, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 120 shows a pair of Duro-Chrome 2115 battery pliers, marked "Forged in U.S.A." near the pivot. Note that the handle incorporates a raised panel with one end of Duro's "streamlined" motif.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating. The cadmium finish indicates a likely manufacturing date of 1942-1945.

Pliers of this type were popular for servicing battery cables, as the clamp bolt nuts were frequently too rounded by corrosion to be gripped by a wrench. Battery pliers were produced by several other companies as well, and examples include the Herbrand 179 Pliers and Utica 524 Pliers.

Duro-Chrome 2120 "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. 121. Duro-Chrome 2120 Steeldraulic Pliers.

Fig. 121 shows a pair of Duro-Chrome No. 2120 specialty pliers for Steeldraulic brake adjustments, marked "U.S.A." on a raised panel.

The overall length is 5.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Steeldraulic pliers were produced by several other companies as well, and examples include the Blackhawk 2581 Pliers, Bonney 2581 Pliers, Herbrand 272 Pliers, Utica 516 Pliers, and Vacuum Grip No. 14 Pliers.

Duro-Chrome 648 Battery Tool

Fig. 122. Duro-Chrome 648 Battery Cable Lifter, with Inset for Detail.

Fig. 122 shows a Duro-Chrome 648 battery cable lifter, a tool designed to remove and service battery cable clamps. The handle is forged with streamlined raised panels, marked "648 Duro-Chrome" on one side and "Forged in U.S.A." on the other, and the end is equipped with a 9/16 12-point opening.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The tool is also marked with a notice for patent #2,363,350, issued to W.P. Nail in 1944.

Duro-Chrome 276AB Piston Pin Tool

Fig. 123. Duro-Chrome 276AB Piston Pin Tool, with Insets for Marking Detail.

Fig. 123 shows a rare Duro-Chrome 276AB piston pin tool, designed to remove and install the piston pins in Ford "A" and "B" models. The tool is marked "U.S.A." with the model and Duro-Chrome trademark, as shown in the insets.

The overall length is 9.7 inches, and the finish is polished steel.

Similar tools were offered by other companies, for example the Plomb 6505 Piston Tool.

Indestro No. 410 Universal Drain Plug Wrench

Fig. 124. Indestro No. 410 Drain Plug Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 124 shows an Indestro No. 410 drain plug multi-wrench, marked "U.S.A." with the model number on the reverse (see inset).

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The wrench features five double-square openings and four hex sizes in two stepped openings. The double-square sizes are 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, and 3/4, and the hex sizes are 3/4, 15/16, 1 inch, and 1-1/8.

This tool is described by design patent #D103,579, issued to N.F. McNaught in 1937. The same tool was available as Duro-Chrome No. 644.

Indestro 2021-V8 Valve Guide Punch

Fig. 125. Indestro 2021-V8 Drain Plug Wrench, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail.

Fig. 125 shows an Indestro 2021-V8 valve guide punch, stamped with just the model number.

The overall length is 5.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Indestro Super 2161 Brake Spoon

Fig. 126. Indestro Super 2161 Brake Adjusting Spoon, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 126 shows an Indestro 2161 brake adjusting spoon, stamped "Indestro Super U.S.A." with "Brake Adjusting Tool" on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.