Alloy Artifacts

Pliers and Specialty Tools

Herbrand produced a wide variety of specialty tools for automotive applications.

31-7 Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 115. Herbrand 31-7 7 Inch Diagonal Cutters, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 115 shows a pair of Herbrand 31-7 7 inch diagonal cutters, marked "USA" with the Herbrand name.

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

32-7 Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 116. Herbrand 32-7 7 Inch Diagonal Cutters.

Fig. 116 shows a pair of Herbrand 32-7 7 inch diagonal cutters, marked "Fremont, O. U.S.A." under the Herbrand name.

The overall length is 7.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

These pliers were listed in the 1941 and later catalogs, but not in the 1937 catalog. Although not marked with an indication of the alloy steel, the 1941 catalog states that these were made of nickel molybdenum steel.

35-7 Slip-Joint Pliers

Fig. 117. Herbrand 35-7 Slip-Joint Pliers.

Fig. 117 shows a pair of Herbrand 35-7 slip-joint pliers, marked Fremont Ohio" and "Made in U.S.A." near the pivot.

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

36-6 Needlenose Pliers

Fig. 118. Herbrand 36-6 Needlenose Pliers.

Fig. 118 shows a pair of Herbrand 36-6 needlenose pliers, marked "Herbrand USA" near the pivot.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

166 "Multi Grip" Waterpump Pliers

Fig. 119. Herbrand 166 Waterpump Pliers.

Fig. 119 at the left shows a pair of Herbrand 166 waterpump pliers, marked "Van-Chrome" and "Multi Grip" with the Herbrand script logo. The overall length is 9.8 inches.

The finish is nickel plating.

173 Valve Stem Wrench

Our next figure shows an unusual tool for servicing the valve stem lock nuts on certain early tires.

Fig. 120. Herbrand 173 11/16x3/4 Valve Stem Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 120 at the left shows a Herbrand 173 11/16x3/4 valve stem wrench, marked "Van-Chrome" and "Made in U.S.A." on the front, with "For Use on Valve Stem Nuts Only" on the reverse.

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

Although this wrench is similar to a flare-nut wrench, the wrench heads are tapered on both sides.

175 Hose Clamp Pliers

Fig. 121. Herbrand 175 Hose Clamp Pliers.

Fig. 121 at the left shows a pair of Herbrand 175 hose clamp pliers, marked "U.S.A." near the pivot.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

179 Battery Pliers

Fig. 122. Herbrand 179 Battery Pliers.

Fig. 122 shows a pair of Herbrand 179 battery pliers, marked "Chrome-Alloy" with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. The overall length is 8.1 inches.

The finish is nickel plating. The extensive corrosion and pitting is typical for tools of this type, due to the frequent contact with battery acid.

182 Brake Spring Pliers

Fig. 123. Herbrand No. 182 Brake Spring Pliers.

Fig. 123 shows a pair of Herbrand No. 182 brake spring pliers, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on one handle.

The overall length is 8.4 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

183 Brake Spring Pliers

Fig. 124. Herbrand 183 Brake Spring Pliers, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 124 shows a pair of Herbrand No. 183 brake spring pliers, stamped "Fremont, O. U.S.A." and "Van-Chrome" on one jaw (see inset).

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

185 Parallel-Jaw Lock-Ring Pliers

Fig. 125. Herbrand No. 185 Parallel-Jaw Lock-Ring Pliers.

Fig. 125 shows a pair of Herbrand No. 185 parallel-jaw lock-ring pliers, stamped "USA" with the Herbrand script logo.

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

Pliers of this type were intended primarily for removing the horseshoe-shaped locking clips used on some brake systems, although other applications are possible as well.

186 Horseshoe Lock-Ring Pliers

Fig. 126. Herbrand 186 Horseshoe Lock-Ring Pliers.

Fig. 126 shows a pair of Herbrand No. 186 lockring pliers, stamped "Made in U.S.A." near the pivot.

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

These pliers were intended primarily for removing the horseshoe-shaped locking clips used on some brake systems, although other applications are possible as well. (The working tips of these pliers have been modified somewhat for some other purpose.)

188 Brake Spring Pliers

Fig. 127. Herbrand No. 188 Brake Spring Pliers.

Fig. 127 shows a pair of Herbrand No. 188 brake spring pliers stamped "Made in U.S.A." below the name and model number.

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

According to the 1937 catalog, the No. 188 pliers were designed for removing the tension lock-washers on Huck brakes, used on Chevrolet models in 1936 and later. These pliers remained in production for a number of years, and were still available in the 1960 catalog.

The 1937 catalog includes a "Patent Applied For" notice in the description for these pliers, but the corresponding patent (if issued) has not been found.

193 Drain Plug Wrench

Fig. 128. Herbrand 193 Drain Plug Wrench.

Fig. 128 shows a Herbrand 193 drain plug wrench, marked "Van Chrome" with the Herbrand script logo, and with "Made in U.S.A." stamped in the shank.

The overall length is 8.2 inches.

194 Drain Plug Wrench

Fig. 129. Herbrand 194 Drain Plug Wrench.

Fig. 129 shows the complementary drain plug wrench, the Herbrand 194 with hex and double-square broachings. The wrench is stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shaft, and the overall length is 9.2 inches.

This wrench features two hex openings, each stepped to provide two sizes, plus three 8-point openings.

195 Brake Wrench

Fig. 130 shows a Herbrand 195 brake wrench, marked "Van-Chrome" and "Made in U.S.A.", with "Brake Eccentric Wrench" on the reverse. The overall length is 5.5 inches.

Fig. 130. Herbrand 195 3/16x1/4 Brake Wrench, with Insets for Reverse and Side.

The slotted openings have sizes 3/16x1/4. The 1937 catalog lists this tool for adjusting Bendix internal brakes.

255 Offset Single-Box Wrench

Fig. 131 shows a Herbrand 255 7/16 offset box wrench, marked "Made in USA" on the shank.

Fig. 131. Herbrand 255 Offset Box Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

The overall length is 12.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

270 Brake Wrench

Fig. 132 shows another brake specialty tool, a Herbrand 270 1/4x3/8 hex socket wrench marked "U.S.A." on the shank. The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is nickel plate.

Fig. 132. Herbrand 270 1/4x5/16 Brake Wrench.

This tool was designed as a brake bleeder wrench, and the hex sockets have a hole drilled to allow air and brake fluid to escape.

This tool is listed in a 1966 Herbrand catalog, but not in the 1960 catalog, so it was apparently developed at a later point. Herbrand was known to recycle its model numbers on occasion, and their catalogs from the 1930s and 1940s have model 270 assigned to a brake pedal depresser.

272 "Steeldraulic" Pliers

During the late 1920s and early 1930s, the "Steeldraulic" brand of mechanical brakes were used on several makes of automobiles, for example the Hupmobile. These brakes had an adjustment mechanism in an awkward position, and required a special type of pliers to make the adjustment.

Fig. 133. Herbrand 272 Steeldraulic Pliers.

Fig. 133 shows a pair of Herbrand No. 272 "Steeldraulic" pliers, marked "Van-Chrome" on the handle. The overall length is 5.3 inches.

The pliers have a heavy nickel plating, with a satin finish on the handles and polished in the jaw area.

A number of other companies also made Steeldraulic pliers, all similar in the design of the jaws (as required by the application), but with some variation in the handles. Some examples include the Blackhawk 2581 Pliers, Bonney 2581 Pliers, Duro-Chrome 2120 Pliers, Utica 516 Pliers, and Vacuum Grip No. 14 Pliers.

276 Battery Wrench

Fig. 134 shows a Herbrand 276 9/16x5/8 battery wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." on the panelled handle. The overall length is 5.5 inches.

Fig. 134. Herbrand 276 9/16x5/8 Battery Wrench.

The finish is nickel plate with polished ends.

301 Brake Spoon

Fig. 135. Herbrand 301 Brake Spoon, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 135 shows a Herbrand 301 brake spoon, marked "Brake Tool" and "Made in U.S.A." with "Chrome-Alloy" on the reverse.

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

No. 1936 Starter & Manifold Half-Moon Box Wrenches

Herbrand offered several models of double-box wrenches with a half-moon or elbow shape, typically designed for servicing starter or manifold nuts, or other operations in tight places. The next several figures show examples of these wrenches.

Fig. 136. Herbrand No. 1936 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 136 shows a Herbrand No. 1936 9/16x5/8 half-moon wrench, marked "Starter & Manifold" with "Made in U.S.A." and "Van-Chrome" on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.8 inches.

Fig. 137. Herbrand No. 1936 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 137 shows another example of the Herbrand No. 1936 half-moon wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with "8742" forged into the reverse (see inset).

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of cadmium plating.

The inset shows the "8742" code forged into the reverse side, indicating the use of AISI 8742 steel. This steel is a triple alloy of nickel, chromium, and molybdenum, but with no vanadium, and Herbrand has accordingly omitted the Van-Chrome trademark.

No. 1940 Half-Moon Wrench

Fig. 138. Herbrand No. 1940 5/8x3/4 Half-Moon Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

In Fig. 138 we see another example of the half-moon style, a Herbrand No. 1940 5/8x3/4 half-moon box wrench marked "Made in U.S.A." on the raised panel.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with polished panels and ends.

The inset shows the marking "8742" forged into the reverse side, indicating the use of AISI 8742 steel. This steel is a nickel-chrome-molybdenum alloy, but with no vanadium in use, Herbrand has omitted the Van-Chrome trademark.

2146 Chrysler Starter & Manifold Wrench

Fig. 139. Herbrand 2146 9/16x5/8 Halfmoon Box Wrench.

Fig. 139 shows a Herbrand 2146 9/16x5/8 halfmoon box wrench, marked "Van Chrome" and "Made in U.S.A." with the Herbrand name in script.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends and faces.

The 1937 Herbrand catalog lists this tool for starter and manifold service on "late-model Chrysler" automobiles. It remained in production for a number of years, at least through 1954.

1937 Chevrolet Main Bearing Wrench

Our next example is a specialty socket wrench intended for Chevrolet main bearing service.

Fig. 140. Herbrand 1937 5/8x3/4 Main Bearing Socket Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Detail.

Fig. 140 shows a Herbrand 1937 5/8x3/4 double socket wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Van-Chrome" on the shank, with "Chevrolet Main Bearing" on the reverse.

The overall length is 14.8 inches. The finish is nickel plating with polished ends, though now worn and darkened by rust.

The side view of the wrench in the top inset shows the angled socket ends, providing clearance for its intended application. The sockets have 12-point broachings.

2331 Ford Main Bearing Wrench

Previously we saw a specialty socket wrench for Chevrolet main bearing service, and this next figure illustrates the equivalent tool for Ford service.

Fig. 141. Herbrand 2331 9/16x3/4 Main Bearing Socket Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Detail.

Fig. 141 shows a Herbrand 2331 9/16x3/4 double socket wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Van-Chrome" on the shank, with "9/16 SQ Ford Main Bearing 3/4 HEX" on the reverse.

The overall length is 15.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with polished ends.

The 9/16 socket has an 8-point broaching to service square nuts, and the 3/4 end has a 12-point broaching.

2333 8-Point Ford Brake Wrench

Fig. 142. Herbrand 2333 7/16x1/2 8-Point Ford Brake Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking for Detail.

Fig. 142 shows a Herbrand 2333 7/16x1/2 8-point box wrench for Ford brake applications, stamped "Van-Chrome" and "Made in U.S.A." on one side, with "7/16 SQ. Ford Brakes 1/2 SQ." on the reverse.

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

Brake wrenches with 7/16 and 1/2 8-point openings were standard for Ford applications. Similar tools made by other manufacturers include the Duro-Chrome 268 Brake Wrench.

2333V 8-Point V-8 Ford Brake Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the Herbrand 2333V specialty box-end wrench, designed for V-8 Ford brake applications.

Fig. 143. Herbrand 2333V 7/16x1/2 8-Point Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 143 at the left shows a Herbrand 2333V 7/16x1/2 8-point box wrench with a stepped flat shank, stamped "Van-Chrome" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 14.5 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The top inset shows the stepped offsets in the shank, designed for better obstacle clearance in the V-8 Ford models. Brake wrenches with 7/16 and 1/2 inch 8-point openings were standard for Ford applications, but the addition of the stepped offsets made this wrench especially suitable for V-8 Fords.

Fig. 144. Herbrand 2333V 7/16x1/2 8-Point Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 144 shows another Herbrand 2333V 8-point brake wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 15.0 inches. The wrench has a dull plated finish, which according to the 1937 catalog is a satin nickel finish. (Herbrand continued to use nickel plated finishes after most other tool companies had switched to chrome over nickel.)

2373 Drain Plug Box Wrench

Fig. 145. Herbrand 2373 2 Inch Drain Plug Box Wrench.

Fig. 145 shows a Herbrand 2373 drain plug wrench with a 2 inch opening, designed to service the crankcase drain plug on 1939 Ford and Lincoln automobiles. The shank is marked "Van-Chrome" and "Fremont, O. U.S.A." on a raised panel.

The overall length is 11.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

2375 3/8-Drive Distributor Wrench

Fig. 146. Herbrand 2375 3/8-Drive 1/2 Distributor Wrench, with Inset for Broaching.

Fig. 146 shows a 3/8-drive Herbrand 2375 1/2 distributor wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." on the shaft.

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

2376 3/8-Drive Distributor Wrench

Fig. 147. Herbrand 2376 3/8-Drive 9/16 Distributor Wrench, with Insets for Detail.

Fig. 147 shows a 3/8-drive Herbrand 2376 9/16 distributor wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." on the shaft. The overall length is 9.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

820 1/2-Drive Stud Extractor

Stud extractors are specialty tools for removing broken studs, or for installing a new stud. There are several different designs for stud pullers in common use, of which the eccentric cam is probably the most common.

Fig. 148. Herbrand 820 1/2-Drive Stud Puller, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 148 shows a 1/2-drive Herbrand 820 stud extractor of the eccentric cam type, marked "Van-Chrome" with the Herbrand name in script.

The diameter of the body is 2.0 inches and the overall height is 2.1 inches. The finish is nickel plating.

The body is equipped with two holes for the stud with diameters of 0.50 and 0.75 inches. To use the extractor, the stud to be removed (or installed) is inserted in the appropriate hole, with the cam moved to one side. The cam is then driven with a ratchet or breaker bar, and the eccentric pivot means that the cam will grip tighter as more force is applied.

832 Two-Jaw Gear Puller

Herbrand produced a variety of gear pullers and related specialty tools, including bar pullers, two- and three-jaw models, hub pullers, and presses.

Fig. 149. Herbrand 832 Two-Jaw Gear Puller, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 149 shows a Herbrand 832 two-jaw gear puller, marked "U.S.A." with the Herbrand name in script. The overall length (exclusive of the pressure screw) is 4.1 inches.

The design of this puller is based on the classic patent #1,709,913, issued to R.A. Kaplan of OTC, and acknowledged in the Herbrand catalog.

The inset shows the reverse side of the connecting bar, with the rotating notched steel plate used to secure the pins. Typically this style of puller uses nuts and bolts to secure the jaws, but the notched plate provides a quick and convenient mechanism.

S-60 1/2-Drive Narrow-Sweep Torque Adapter

Fig. 150. Herbrand S-60 1/2-Drive 5/8 Narrow-Sweep Torque Adapter, with Insets for Side View and Broaching.

Fig. 150 shows a 1/2-drive Herbrand S-60 5/8 narrow-sweep torque adapter, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the "Van-Chrome" trademark.

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

The 1941 Herbrand catalogs lists this tool for Buick head-bolt applications, along with the corresponding S-63 wide-sweep model. (See next figure.) Other models were listed for Chevrolet service applications.

S-63 1/2-Drive Wide-Sweep Torque Adapter

Fig. 151. Herbrand S-63 1/2-Drive 5/8 Wide-Sweep Torque Adapter, ca. 1941.

Fig. 151 shows a 1/2-drive Herbrand S-63 5/8 wide-sweep torque adapter, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the "Van-Chrome" trademark.

The overall length is 5.9 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

This tool and the similar S-60 model (see figure above) were listed in the 1941 Herbrand catalog for Buick head-bolt applciations.

VL-530 Valve Lock Installer

Fig. 152. Herbrand VL-530 Valve Lock Installer, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 152 shows a Herbrand VL-530 valve lock installer, stamped "Fremont, Ohio" and "Made in U.S.A." with the Herbrand script logo, and with a "Pat. No. 2,091,500" patent notice.

The overall length is 8.4 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The design of this tool is described by patent #2,091,500, filed by I.J. Clark in 1936 and issued in 1937.

VL-540 Valve Lifter

Fig. 153. Herbrand VL-540 Valve Lifter, with Inset for Top View.

Fig. 153 shows a Herbrand VL-540 valve lifter, stamped "Fremont, Ohio" and "Made in U.S.A." with the Herbrand script logo, and with a "Pat. No. 2,119,128" patent notice.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The design of this tool is described by patent #2,119,128, issued to I.J. Clark in 1938.

Hammers and Striking Tools

BP-16 Ballpeen Hammer

Fig. 154. Herbrand BP-16 Ballpeen Hammer, with Insets for Head Detail.

Fig. 154 shows a Herbrand BP-16 ballpeen hammer, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the Herbrand script logo.

The length of the head is 4.0 inches, and the overall length is 14.2 inches.

406 1 Inch Flat Chisel

Fig. 155. Herbrand 406 1 Inch Flat Chisel.

Fig. 155 shows a Herbrand 406 1 inch flat chisel, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the Herbrand script logo.

The overall length is 7.0 inches.

Outsourced Production

Adjustable Wrenches

Although Herbrand produced a variety of adjustable "auto" wrenches and bicycle wrenches in its earlier years, the company didn't offer Crescent-style adjustable wrenches until about 1940. The illustrations in the 1941 catalog show adjustable wrenches with raised panels on the shank, closely resembling the Utica production of this time period. In addition, the catalog description notes the better grip on square nuts made possible by the square opening of the wrench, instead of the more common hexagonal opening. Based on these features we have identified Utica as the contract producer of the Herbrand wrenches.

21-6 Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 156. Herbrand Early 21-6 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1941.

Fig. 156 shows a rare early Herbrand 21-6 6 inch adjustable wrench with web-like raised panels, stamped "Herbrand" and "Fremont, Ohio" on the front panel with the model number on the reverse panel. The shank also has forged-in markings "Alloy Steel" on the front with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

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

This wrench closely resembles the Utica production as illustrated by the Utica No. 91-10 Adjustable Wrench. Similar models produced by Utica for other customers include the Bonney BW8 Adjustable Wrench and the Plomb 708 Adjustable Wrench.

21-4 Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 157. Herbrand 21-4 4 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

The overall length is 4.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

21-8 Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 158. Herbrand 21-8 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

The overall length is 8.0 inches.

21-10 Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 159. Herbrand 21-10 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

21-12 Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 160. Herbrand 21-12 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 160 shows a Herbrand 21-12 adjustable wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the handle, with "12 In.-Drop-Forged-Alloy" on the reverse (not shown).

The overall length is 12.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.4 inches. The finish is cadmium plating.

The maximum head thickness was measured at 0.71 inches.

Economy Tools: The Vi-Chrome Line

During the 1950s a number of tool manufacturers experimented with second brands of economy tools. Examples include the Bonney Bon-E-Con line, the Fleet and Challenger lines from Penens (part of the Proto empire), and the Tru-Fit brand from S-K/Lectrolite.

Herbrand also introduced an economy line under the Vi-Chrome brand, and we'll look at some examples of these tools in this section.

Vi-Chrome 26800 3/8-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 161. Vi-Chrome 26800 3/8-Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 161 at the left shows a 3/8-drive Vi-Chrome 26800 ratchet, marked "USA" on the shank.

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

Vi-Chrome 12020 Combination Wrench

The next several figures show examples of combination wrenches marked with the Vi-Chrome brand, but easily recognizable as Vlchek production.

Fig. 162. Vi-Chrome 12020 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 162 shows a Vi-Chrome 12020 5/8 combination wrench, stamped "U.S.A." on the shank. A forged-in number "15" can also be seen on the shank at the left.

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

Readers familiar with our Vlchek article should immediately recognize this wrench as an example of Vlchek production. The narrow oval shank, rounded edges on the box end, and forged-in number are all characterisitic of Vlchek. (See for example the Vlchek WBE24 Combination Wrench.)

Vi-Chrome 12022 Combination Wrench

Fig. 163. Vi-Chrome 12022 11/16 Combination Wrench.

Fig. 163 shows a Vi-Chrome 12022 11/16 combination wrench, stamped "U.S.A." on the shank. A forged-in number "12" can also be seen on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 8.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Vi-Chrome 12024 Combination Wrench

Fig. 164. Vi-Chrome 12024 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 164 shows a Vi-Chrome 12024 3/4 combination wrench, stamped "U.S.A." on the shank. A forged-in number "14" can also be seen on the shank at the left.

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

Vi-Chrome 12028 Combination Wrench

Fig. 165. Vi-Chrome 12028 7/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 165 shows a Vi-Chrome 12028 7/8 combination wrench, stamped "U.S.A." on the shank. A forged-in number "4" can also be seen on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 11.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Contract Production

Herbrand had large production facilities and probably did contract production work for a number of customers. Some contract production was marked simply with the H-Diamond logo without a specific brand, but in other cases the tools were marked with another company's brand name.

Chromium Vanadium

In the early 1930s Herbrand tools were sold through Western Auto catalogs under the Herbrand name, and the catalog descriptions specifically mention the brands Van-Chrome and MultiHex. During this period Western Auto frequently used the term "Chromium Vanadium" as a brand name for their alloy-steel tools, and at least some of the Herbrand production for Western Auto was marked with this brand.

It's worth noting here that the "Chromium Vanadium" marking was also used extensively by Duro Metal Products, perhaps initially for their Western Auto contract production, but later for their own tools as well. Duro and Herbrand each had specific production characteristics, but in some cases there may be some uncertainty as to the maker of a particular tool.

Western Auto later developed a "ChromeXQuality" brand, and Herbrand was chosen as a supplier some of those tools as well, as will be seen in the next section.

Chromium Vanadium 1/2x9/16 Short Box-End Wrench

Fig. 166. Chromium Vanadium 1/2x9/16 Short Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 166 shows a 1/2x9/16 box-end wrench marked "Chromium Vanadium" with the fractional sizes. The overall length is 4.6 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with polished ends.

This wrench closely resembles the Herbrand 6725-B Multihex Wrench shown earlier in this article.

Chromium Vanadium 5/8x11/16 Short Box-End Wrench

Fig. 167. Chromium Vanadium 5/8x11/16 Short Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 167 shows a similar example, a 5/8x11/16 box-end wrench marked "Chromium Vanadium" with the fractional sizes.

The overall length is 5.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with polished ends.

This wrench is very similar to the Herbrand 6727A Multihex Wrench shown earlier, and the figure below shows a side-by-side comparison of the two wrenches.

Fig. 168. Comparison of Herbrand 6727A Box Wrench (Bottom) with
Chromium Vanadium 5/8x11/16 Box Wrench (Top).

Fig. 168 at the left shows a comparison between the Herbrand 6727A wrench on the bottom and the present 5/8x11/16 Chromium Vanadium wrench on the top. As the photograph illustrates, the design and construction are very similar, with the Herbrand 6727A having a slightly more refined finish. (The edges of the Chromium Vanadium wrench still show some trimming marks.)

ChromeXQuality

Western Auto had sold Herbrand tools through its catalogs since the early 1930s, and the early catalog descriptions specifically mention the brands Van-Chrome and MultiHex. Around 1936 Western Auto developed a private brand for tools called "ChromeXQuality", and Herbrand was chosen as a supplier for at least some of the items, as the figures below will show.

The other major suppliers for the ChromeXQuality line were Duro Metal Products and Vlchek Tool, and information on their tools can be found in the sections on Duro and Vlchek contract production.

ChromeXQuality 9/16 Short Combination Wrench

Fig. 169. ChromeXQuality 9/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 169 shows a ChromeXQuality 9/16 combination wrench, with "Made in U.S.A." and "Chromium Vanadium" on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.0 inches.

The distinctive design marks this as Herbrand production, and the dimensions are virtually identical to the Herbrand 1218 wrench above.

ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 170. ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 170 shows a ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 box-end wrench, stamped "Chromium Vanadium" on the reverse.

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

This wrench has a distinctive angular shank of nearly the same thickness as the box end, the characteristics of the Herbrand "Angular Multihex" wrench series. Any example can be seen in the Herbrand 5731-A Angular Multihex Wrench.

ChromeXQuality Tappet Wrench

Fig. 171. ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 171 shows a ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench marked "Chromium Vanadium" on the reverse. The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is plated chrome.

This dimensions of this wrench match very closely to those of the Herbrand H-2 tappet wrench shown above.

ChromeXQuality V-8 Ford Brake Wrench

Fig. 172. ChromeXQuality 7/16x1/2 8-Point V-8 Ford Brake Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 172 shows a ChromeXQuality 7/16x1/2 8-point brake wrench for V-8 Ford applications, marked "Chromium Vanadium" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. The overall length is 14.4 inches.

The finish is plated chrome.

This brake wrench has the same distinctive design as the Herbrand 2333V brake wrench shown above.

ChromeXQuality Battery Pliers

Fig. 173. ChromeXQuality Battery Pliers.

Fig. 173 shows a pair of ChromeXQuality battery pliers, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Chromium Vanadium". The overall length is 8.0 inches.

The finish is nickel plating.

These pliers are nearly identical to the Herbrand 179 pliers shown above, with closely matching dimensions and curves in the handles.

Riverside

Riverside was a registered trademark of Montgomery Ward and was used for various automobile-related items, including hand tools. Herbrand has recently been identified as one of their tool suppliers, based on the close similarity of the Riverside-marked tool shown below with the Herbrand equivalent.

Another known supplier for the Riverside brand was Duro Metal Products, and some examples of their tools can be seen on our page for Duro Contract Production.

Riverside 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 174. Riverside 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 174 shows a Riverside 1/2x9/16 offset box-end wrench, marked "Chromium Vanadium" on the reverse. The overall length is 5.6 inches.

The wrench is very similar in dimension and construction to the Herbrand 4725B Wrench shown above.

Riverside 9/16x5/8 S-Shaped Box-End Wrench

Fig. 175. Riverside 9/16x5/8 S-Shaped Box Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 175 shows a Riverside 9/16x5/8 S-shaped box-end wrench, marked "Chromium Vanadium" on the reverse. The overall length is 8.0 inches.

Truth Tool

During the 1930s Herbrand produced some specialty wrenches for Truth Tool, in particular the 18xx series of obstruction wrenches for brake service. Currently we don't have any examples of these tools to display, but the catalog illustrations closely resemble the Herbrand tools, and the description mentions the "Obstructo" brand name used by Herbrand.

References and Resources

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

Herbrand is mentioned briefly in American Wrench Makers 1830-1930, 2nd Edition by Kenneth L. Cope (Astragal Press, 2002), cited as AWM2e in the text.

Information on particular steels was obtained from Machinery's Handbook, Revised 21st Edition, published in 1979 (and many other editions) by Industrial Press Inc. (New York). This tome of 2,400+ pages is a standard reference for machinists, mechanical engineers, and anyone needing information on machine shop practice.

Catalog Coverage

Product information was obtained from a number of Herbrand catalogs, as summarized in the table below.

Herbrand product information was also found in catalogs from various automotive tools distributors.

• The 1922 catalog No. 11 from the C.W. Marwedel Company, an industrial supplier, lists a Herbrand "Vest Pocket Adjustable Wrench" on page 323. The wrench resembles a Billings Model A bicycle wrench, and was priced at just $0.50, compared with $1.65 for the Billings wrench. (The catalog may have more listings for Herbrand, but doesn't include a manufacturer's index.)

• A 1924 Beckley-Ralston catalog shows Herbrand tappet wrenches, not mentioned by name but identified by the model numbers H-1 through H-4.

• The 1932 and 1933 Western Auto catalogs list a number of Herbrand products by name, in some cases showing the Herbrand script, and mentioning the Van-Chrome and Multihex brands. Herbrand remained as a supplier to Western Auto for their ChromeXQuality brand.

• More surprisingly, a 1935-1936 catalog for Thorsen Tools devotes almost half of its pages to listings of Herbrand products, clearly showing the Herbrand script and Van-Chrome logos. (It appears that Thorsen at this time was as much a tool retailer as manufacturer.)

Patents and Trademarks

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

Feedback

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