Kraeuter & Company

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Slip-Joint Pliers
• Fixed-Pivot Pliers and Cutters
• Wrenches
• Striking Tools
• References and Resources
• What's New (Last Updated June 23, 2008)
  Recent changes to this page:

  • 06/23/2008: Added a Kraeuter A1619 Open-End Wrench.
  • 02/14/2008: Added Kraeuter 1834-6 1/2 Lineman's Pliers.
  • 01/24/2008: Added a Kraeuter 1202-13 Bearing Scraper.
  • 12/11/2007: Added Kraeuter "US 1918" Wire Cutting Pliers.
  • 12/02/2007: Added Kraeuter 1721-6 Long Nose Side-Cutting Pliers.
  • 11/04/2007: Added Kraeuter K-Diamond 1380-7 Lineman's Pliers.
  • 10/15/2007: Added Kraeuter 1851-5 Giant Nippers.
  • 10/11/2007: Added Kraeuter Early 1801-8-1/2 Lineman's Pliers.
  • 10/03/2007: Added Kraeuter 1850-5 Giant Nippers.
  • 09/28/2007: Added Kraeuter 4501-4 1/2 Diagonal Cutters.
  • 09/07/2007: Added Kraeuter 1601-4 1/2 Short Flat-Nose Pliers.
  • 07/17/2007: Added Kraeuter Early 1841-8 "Button's Pattern" Pliers.
  • 06/10/2007: Added a Kraeuter 403-5/8 Wood Chisel.
  • 04/19/2007: Added a Kraeuter 430-1 Flat Chisel.
  • 04/06/2007: Added a Kraeuter 430-3/4 Flat Chisel.
  • 04/04/2007: Added a Kraeuter 635-1/2 Cape Chisel.
  • 03/29/2007: Added Kraeuter 351-7 Brake Spring Pliers and a Kraeuter 342-1/2 Star Drill.
  • 03/27/2007: Added Kraeuter 4700-7 Diagonal Cutters.
  • 03/12/2007: Added Kraeuter 1880-10-1/2 Fencing Pliers.
  • 02/23/2007: Added Kraeuter 40-6 Thin-Nose Pliers.
  • 02/20/2007: Added Kraeuter 1831-6-1/2 Electrician's Pliers, Kraeuter 1661-6 Needlenose Pliers, and a Kraeuter 330 1/2 Inch Chisel.
  • 02/19/2007: Added patent table.
  • 02/16/2007: Added Kraeuter 1801-8-1/2 Lineman's Pliers.
  • 01/27/2007: Added Kraeuter 948 Battery Pliers.
  • 01/02/2007: Added Kraeuter 1591-4 1/2 Milliner's Flat-Nose Pliers.
  • 12/16/2006: Added Kraeuter 1751-6 Flat-Nose Pliers.
  • 12/14/2006: Added Kraeuter 4501-6 Diagonal Cutters.
  • 12/10/2006: Added Kraeuter 1741-6 Flat-Nose Pliers and Kraeuter 356-8 Slip-Joint Pliers.
  • 12/09/2006: Added Kraeuter 1831-7 Lineman's Pliers and Kraeuter 2601-5 Diagonal Cutters.
  • 12/06/2006: Added Kraeuter 1973-7 Slip-Joint Pliers.
  • 12/04/2006: Added Kraeuter 1671-6 Needlenose Pliers.
  • 12/03/2006: Added Kraeuter 356-6 Pliers.
  • 12/01/2006: Moved to separate page.
  • 11/29/2006: Added Kraeuter 1641-5 Short Needlenose Pliers.
  • 11/27/2006: Added Kraeuter 1850-7 End Nippers.
  • 11/19/2006: Added Kraeuter 1863-9 Pliers.
  • 11/14/2006: Added Kraeuter K-Diamond 1380-6 Lineman's Pliers.
  • 10/10/2006: Added Kraeuter "US" Fence-Cutting Pliers,
  • 09/12/2006: Added a Kraeuter A2428 Open-End Wrench.
  • 08/21/2006: Added a Kraeuter K9/16 Single-Offset Wrench.
  • 08/15/2006: Added a Kraeuter A2225 Open-End Wrench.
  • 08/14/2006: Added Kraeuter 1973 Slip-Joint Pliers.
  • 08/10/2006: Added Kraeuter "Victor" 305-7 Slip-Joint Pliers.
  • 08/09/2006: Added several Kraeuter tools, Kraeuter 356-6 Slip-Joint Pliers, Kraeuter A1416 Open-End Wrench, Kraeuter A1820 Open-End Wrench, and a Kraeuter B2426 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench.

Introduction

Kraeuter & Company was an early tool maker, established in the mid nineteenth century and probably best known for their high quality pliers.

Company History

Kraeuter & Company was established in 1860 and incorporated in 1907, and is probably best known as a maker of high quality pliers. Its products included pliers, chisels, punches, striking tools, wrenches, and other specialty tools.

Patents and Trademarks

Slip-Joint Pliers

305-7 "Victor" Slip-Joint Pliers

Fig. 1. Kraeuter "Victor" 305-7 Slip-Joint Pliers, with Insets for Handle Pattern and Detail.

The overall length is 6.6 inches.

356-6 Slip-Joint Combination Pliers

Fig. 2. Kraeuter 356-6 Slip-Joint Pliers, with Insets for Handle Pattern and Detail.

Fig. 2 shows the Kraeuter No. 356-6 slip-joint pliers, stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." on the handle, with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The handle pattern for these pliers is a dimpled field with a central diamond.

356-6 Slip-Joint Combination Pliers with "Don't Slip" Pattern

Fig. 3. Kraeuter 356-6 Slip-Joint Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 3 shows a later version of the Kraeuter 356-6 pliers, with the company name stamped on the side and "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.

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

The handles are forged with a geometric pattern referred to as "Don't Slip" in the 1939 catalog. This pattern was registered as design patent #D46,682, issued to A.A. Kraeuter in 1914.

356-8 Slip-Joint Combination Pliers

Fig. 4. Kraeuter 356-8 Slip-Joint Pliers, with Inset for Handle Pattern.

Fig. 4 shows the Kraeuter model 356-8 pliers, with the company name and "U.S.A." stamped near the pivot.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

These larger pliers have a three working positions for the slip-joint mechanism.

1863-9 Slip-Joint Gas and Burner Pliers

The standard "gas and burner" plier design incorporated rounded gripping surfaces for holding pipes, plus a smaller grip on the nose for adjusting burners. These models were generally made with a fixed pivot, and an example of the standard design can be seen in the Utica 1300 Gas and Burner Pliers.

Fig. 5. Kraeuter 1863-9 Slip-Joint Pliers, with Inset for Handle Pattern, ca. 1922.

Fig. 5 shows a rare pair of Kraeuter 1863-9 slip-joint gas and burner pliers, marked "Kraeuter U.S.A." on the underside of the handles.

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

Kraeuter has extended the basic design by adding a slip joint, a wire-cutting slot, and a screwdriver blade at the handle end.

The Kraeuter 1863-9 pliers were listed in the 1922 C.W. Marwedel industrial catalog, at a price of $18.20 per dozen.

1973-5 1/2 Slip-Joint Combination Pliers with Side Cutters

Fig. 6. Kraeuter 1973-5 1/2 Slip-Joint Pliers, with Insets for Handle Pattern and Detail.

Fig. 6 shows a pair of Kraeuter model 1973-5 1/2 slip-joint pliers with side cutters, marked "Grip-Kut Junior" and "Pat. Pending" on the reverse (not shown). The overall length is 5.6 inches.

The finish is nickel plating. The handles have a forged-in "Kraeuter U.S.A." marking on the inside surface, as shown in the lower inset.

The 1939 Kraeuter catalog lists this model as a combination side cutting plier, and refers to the handle pattern as the "Don't Slip" design. A larger 1973-7 model was also available (see the next figure), and pliers with smooth handles were available as models 1972-x.

The patent corresponding to the pending marking has not been found yet.

1973-7 Slip-Joint Combination Pliers with Side-Cutters

Fig. 7. Kraeuter 1973-7 Slip-Joint Pliers, with Inset for Handle Pattern.

Fig. 7 shows a much later pair of Kraeuter model 1973-7 slip-joint pliers, marked "USA" on the handle. The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The handle pattern resembles the "Don't Slip" pattern seen in the previous figure, but has now been greatly simplified.

40-6 Slip-Joint Thin-Nose Pliers

Fig. 8. Kraeuter 40-6 Slip-Joint Thin-Nose Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 8 shows a pair of Kraeuter model 40-6 slip-joint thin-nose pliers, marked "USA" on the handle.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

351-7 Slip-Joint Brake Spring Pliers

Fig. 9. Kraeuter 351-7 Slip-Joint Brake Spring Pliers, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 9 shows a pair of Kraeuter model 351-7 slip-joint brake spring pliers, marked with the company name and model number, and with "Pat. Appl'd For" on the reverse.

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

Fixed-Pivot Pliers

Kraeuter "US" Fence-Cutting Pliers

The next two figures show examples of Kraeuter wire-cutting pliers, believed to been made as fence-cutters for the military in the first World War.

Fig. 10. Kraeuter "US" Pliers, ca. 1915-1918.

Fig. 10 shows an earlier pair of Kraeuter wire-cutting pliers. The pliers have forged-in markings "Kraeuter & Co. Inc." and "Newark NJ" with a "Pat Pend" notation, and the letters "U" and "S" on both sides.

The overall length is 11.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The pliers have the cutting edges placed very close to the pivot pin, which together with the long handles would provide the leverage needed for cutting hard wire.

The patent for these pliers has not yet been found after a fairly extensive search. The next figure shows another example of this model, but marked "1918" instead of the pending notation, suggesting that the patent might have been issued in 1918. If any readers know the patent number, please let us know via the "Contact Us" link on any page.

Fig. 11. Kraeuter "US 1918" Wire-Cutting Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1918.

Fig. 11 shows a somewhat later model with forged-in markings "Kraeuter & Co. Inc." plus "U.S." and "1918".

The overall length is 11.0 inches. The finish is plain steel with extensive pitting due to rust. (The pliers were electrolytically de-rusted.)

Early 1841-8 Button's Pattern Pliers

Fig. 12. Kraeuter 1841-8 Button's Pattern Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 12 shows an early pair of Kraeuter "Button's Pattern" pliers in the 8 inch size, marked "Kraeuter & Co." near the pivot, and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

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

The model number is not marked on this early example, but these pliers are listed as Model 1841-8 "Button's Pattern" pliers in Kraeuter catalog No. 15 and others. The Button's design featured both flat and rounded gripping surfaces, plus three cutting notches at the sides and center.

The handle pattern has a dimpled background with a central diamond, and the diamond is stamped with the Kraeuter "K" initial.

1801-8-1/2 Lineman's Pliers

The next figures show two generations of the Kraeuter 1801-8 1/2 Lineman's Pliers.

Fig. 13. Kraeuter 1801-8-1/2 Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 13 at the left shows an earlier pair of Kraeuter 1801-8 1/2 lineman's pliers, stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." over the pivot (see lower inset). A forged-in marking "Forged Steel" appears on the underside of the handles, as shown in the middle inset.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The upper inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the dimpled handle pattern with the central diamond.

Fig. 14. Kraeuter 1801-8-1/2 Lineman's Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 14 shows a much later example of the Kraeuter 1801-8 1/2 pliers, stamped with the company name and "USA" over the pivot.

The overall length is 8.4 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

1831-6-1/2 Electrician's Pliers

Fig. 15. Kraeuter 1831-6-1/2 Electrician's Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 15 shows a pair of Kraeuter 1831-6-1/2 electrician's pliers, marked "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot, and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, to illustrate the head design and handle pattern. The dimpled handle with a raised diamond logo (called simply "knurled handles" in catalogs) is believed to be one of Kraeuter's earlier handle patterns.

This model was listed in the 1925 Dunham Catalog in nominal sizes of 4, 5, 6-1/2, 7, and 8 inches.

1831-7 Lineman's Pliers

Fig. 16. Kraeuter 1831-7 Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

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

1834-6 1/2 Lineman's Pliers

Fig. 17. Kraeuter 1834-6 1/2 Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 17 shows a pair of Kraeuter 1834-6 1/2 lineman's pliers, stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot, and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

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

K-Diamond 1380-7 Lineman's Pliers

In later years Kraeuter introduced the "K-Diamond" line of economy tools, a selection of popular styles produced with simpler finishes to allow lower prices.

Fig. 18. Kraeuter K-Diamond 1380-7 Lineman's Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 18 shows an example of the K-Diamond line, a pair of Kraeuter 1380-7 lineman's pliers, stamped "Newark, N.J." near the pivot with the K-Diamond logo in the center. The reverse is also stamped "USA" (not shown).

The overall length is 7.0 inches. The finish is black oxide, with pitting on the surface due to rust.

K-Diamond 1380-6 Lineman's Pliers

Fig. 19. Kraeuter K-Diamond 1380-6 Lineman's Pliers.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

1641-5 Short Needlenose Pliers with Side Cutters

Fig. 20. Kraeuter 1641-5 Short Needlenose Side-Cutting Pliers, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

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

1661-6 Short Needlenose Pliers with Side Cutters

Fig. 21. Kraeuter 1661-6 Short Needlenose Side-Cutting Pliers, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

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

1671-6 Needlenose Pliers

Fig. 22. Kraeuter 1671-6 Needlenose Pliers, with Insets for Handle Pattern and Marking Detail.

Fig. 22 shows a pair of Kraeuter 1671-6 needlenose pliers, stamped "USA" on the pivot and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 5.9 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The upper inset shows the pattern forged into the handle, a dimpled field with a central diamond.

1721-6 Long-Nose Pliers with Side Cutters

Fig. 23. Kraeuter 1721-6 Long-Nose Side-Cutting Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 23 shows a pair of Kraeuter 1721-6 long nose side-cutting pliers, stamped "Kraeuter USA" near the pivot, and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.

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

This style of pliers has a flat wide tip and was recommended by the Kraeuter catalog for electrical work.

1591-4 1/2 Milliner's Flat-Nose Pliers with Side Cutters

Fig. 24. Kraeuter 1591-4 1/2 Milliner's Flat-Nose Side-Cutting Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Detail.

Fig. 24 at the left shows a pair of Kraeuter 1591-4 1/2 Milliner's flat-nose side-cutting pliers, marked "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot, and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

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

The handles have a dimpled pattern with a central raised diamond, and one handle is drilled for a hanging loop, as shown in the lower inset.

Kraeuter 1601-4 1/2 Short Flat-Nose Pliers

Fig. 25. Kraeuter 1601-4 1/2 Flat-Nose Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 25 at the left shows a pair of Kraeuter 1601-4 1/2 flat-nose pliers, marked "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot, and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is polished steel with some nickel plating remaining.

The handles have a dimpled pattern with a central raised diamond. This model is similar to the previous No. 1591 pliers, but without the side-cutting edges.

Kraeuter 1741-6 Flat-Nose Pliers

Fig. 26. Kraeuter 1741-6 Flat-Nose Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

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

Kraeuter 1751-6 Flat-Nose Pliers with Side Cutters

Fig. 27. Kraeuter 1751-6 Flat-Nose Side-Cutting Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

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

Kraeuter 1850-5 "Giant Nipper" 5 Inch End Nippers

Fig. 28. Kraeuter 1850-5 "Giant Nipper" 5 Inch End Nippers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 28 at the left shows an early pair of Kraeuter 1850-5 5 inch end nipper pliers, somewhat amusingly marked as "Giant Nipper" near the pivot, and with "Kraeuter" and the model number on the reverse. The handles have "Kraeuter, U.S.A." forged into the underside (see middle inset).

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is black paint.

The top inset illustrates the Kraeuter "Don't Slip" geometric pattern on the handles. This pattern was registered as design patent #D46,682, issued to A.A. Kraeuter in 1914.

Kraeuter 1851-5 "Giant Nipper" 5 Inch End Nippers

Fig. 29. Kraeuter 1851-5 "Giant Nipper" 5 Inch End Nippers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 29 shows a very similar early pair of Kraeuter 1851-5 "Giant Nipper" pliers, marked with "Kraeuter USA" and the model number on the reverse, and with "Kraeuter, U.S.A." forged into the underside (see middle inset).

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is polished steel, now darkened with the effects of age and rust.

The 1850 and 1851 models were identical except for the finish, which was black paint and the "Kraeuter" finish, respectively. The catalog decribed the Kraeuter finish as polished steel with black oxide for the knurled areas.

Kraeuter 1850-7 End Nippers

Fig. 30. Kraeuter 1850-7 End Nippers, with Inset for Jaw Detail.

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

Kraeuter 1880-10-1/2 Fencing Pliers

Fig. 31. Kraeuter 1880-10-1/2 Fencing Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Jaw Detail.

Fig. 31 shows an early pair of Kraeuter 1880-10-1/2 fencing pliers, marked "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot, and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles (not shown).

The handles of these pliers have been shortened by a former owner, leaving the remaining overall length at 9.3 inches. (The original length was probably close to the nominal 10.5 inch size.) The finish is plain steel.

Kraeuter 2601-5 Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 32. Kraeuter 2601-5 Diagonal Cutters, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

Kraeuter 4501-4 1/2 Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 33. Kraeuter 4501-4 1/2 Diagonal Cutters, with Inset for Side View.

The overall length is 4.7 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

Kraeuter 4501-6 Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 34. Kraeuter 4501-6 Diagonal Cutters, with Inset for Side View.

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

Kraeuter 4700-7 Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 35. Kraeuter 4700-7 Diagonal Cutters, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 35 shows a pair of Kraeuter 4700-7 diagonal cutters, marked "USA" with the K-Diamond logo.

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

Kraeuter 948 Battery Pliers

Fig. 36. Kraeuter 948 Battery Pliers.

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

Wrenches

Kraeuter produced a distinctive line of open-end and S-shaped wrenches with carefully forged raised-letter markings, including the K-Diamond logo. The wrenches were polished flat after forging to highlight the markings, giving them a striking appearance. But as carbon-steel tools, these fine wrenches were rendered obsolete by the alloy-steel tools developed in the 1920s.

Although the manufacturing dates are not known, this style of Kraeuter wrenches were listed in the 1925 Dunham Catalog. The figures below will show examples of these wrenches.

A1416 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 37. Kraeuter A1416 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 37 shows our first example, a Kraeuter A1416 7/16x1/2 open-end wrench, marked "Kraeuter U.S.A." with the K-Diamond logo. (In subsequent figures we'll call this the "standard Kraeuter marking".)

The overall length is 5.0 inches.

A1619 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 38. Kraeuter A1619 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 38 shows a Kraeuter A1619 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench with the standard Kraeuter markings.

The overall length is 5.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

A1820 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 39. Kraeuter A1820 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench.

The overall length is 6.1 inches.

A2225 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 40. Kraeuter A2225 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench.

The overall length is 7.1 inches.

A2428 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 41. Kraeuter A2428 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

The overall length is 7.9 inches.

B1214 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 42. Kraeuter B1214 3/8x7/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench.

The overall length is 6.2 inches.

B1618 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 43. Kraeuter B1618 1/2x9/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench.

B2022 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 44. Kraeuter B2022 5/8x11/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench.

B2426 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 45. Kraeuter B2426 3/4x13/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench.

B2832 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 46. Kraeuter B2832 7/8x1 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench.

O1820 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 47. Kraeuter O1820 9/16x5/8 Tappet Wrench.

K9/16 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 48. Kraeuter K9/16 9/16 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 48 shows a very rare Kraeuter model K9/16 size 9/16 single-offset box-end wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." on the round shank.

The overall length is 10.9 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished ends, now mostly worn away.

This wrench is a bit of a mystery, as Kraeuter is not known to have made box-end wrenches of this type. Single-offset box wrenches enjoyed some popularity during the late 1920s and 1930s, but had been discontinued by most manufacturers by 1950 or before. A 1939 catalog from Kraeuter listed mostly pliers and striking tools, but only a few of the older carbon-steel wrenches.

Thus it's not clear when (or why) Kraeuter would have produced this wrench.

Scraping and Striking Tools

1202-13 Bearing Scraper

Fig. 49. Kraeuter 1202-13 Bearing Scraper, with Insets for Reverse and Marking Detail.

Fig. 49 shows a Kraeuter 1202-13 bearing scraper with a wooden handle, stamped "Made in USA" and "Patd. 3-09-10" on the shank.

The overall length is 12.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The patent date refers to patent #953,171, filed in 1909 by A.A. Kraeuter and issued in 1910.

330-1/2 Flat Chisel

Fig. 50. Kraeuter 330 1/2 Inch Chisel.

Fig. 50 shows a Kraeuter 330-1/2 chisel, marked "USA" on the octagonal shank.

The overall length is 5.9 inches.

430-3/4 Flat Chisel

Fig. 51. Kraeuter 430-3/4 Flat Chisel.

Fig. 51 shows a Kraeuter 430-3/4 flat chisel, marked "USA" on the octagonal shank.

The overall length is 7.0 inches.

430-1 Flat Chisel

Fig. 52. Kraeuter 430-1 Flat Chisel.

Fig. 52 shows a Kraeuter 430-1 flat chisel, marked "USA" on the octagonal shank.

The overall length is 8.4 inches.

635-1/2 Cape Chisel

Fig. 53 shows a Kraeuter 635-1/2 cape chisel, marked "USA" on the octagonal shank.

Fig. 53. Kraeuter 635 1/2 Inch Chisel, with Inset for Side View.

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

403-5/8 Wood Chisel

Fig. 54. Kraeuter 403-5/8 Wood Chisel, with Inset for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 54 shows a Kraeuter 403-5/8 wood chisel, marked "USA" on the octagonal shank.

The overall length is 10.4 inches.

342-1/2 Star Drill

Fig. 55. Kraeuter 342-1/2 Star Drill, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 55 shows a Kraeuter 342-1/2 star drill, marked "USA" on the octagonal shank.

The overall length is 12.0 inches.

References and Resources

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

Catalog Coverage

Product information was obtained from several Kraeuter catalogs, No. 15 of 1934 titled "Kraeuter Automobile & Mechanic's Tools", a 1939 publication titled "Kraeuter High Grade Tools", and catalog No. 20 of 1946. The catalogs note that the company was established in 1860 and incorporated in 1907, and list their address as 569 Eighteenth Avenue, Newark, New Jersey.

Kraeuter tools were sold through industrial and automotive distributors, and the catalogs of these companies provide descriptions and illustrations of the tools available at that time. The list below shows a sampling of these distributor catalogs.

• A 1916 catalog from Central Automobile Supply (Des Moines, Iowa) lists several pages of Kraeuter tools. Two pages of pliers include model numbers 305, 356, 1621, 1631, 1721, 1781, 1801, 1850, 1863, 1873, 1903, 1923, 2601, and 2801. The handle patterns in the illustrations show most models with dimpled handles and a central raised diamond, but the No. 2801 "Dreadnaught" pliers have the new (at that time) "Don't Slip" pattern.

  Other tools listed include bearing scrapers, chisels, punches, and the No. 356 adjustable alligator wrench. Regarding the chisels, the catalog notes that they are forged of nickel steel, and states "... considered by experts the best chisel line ever made."

• The 1919 catalog from the Chandler & Farquhar Company, an industrial distributor, lists three pages of Kraeuter pliers.

• The 1922 catalog No. 11 from the C.W. Marwedel Company, an industrial supplier, lists one page of Kraeuter pliers. The models shown are No. 356 (four sizes), No. 1356 (two sizes), No. 1863-9, and No. 1873-7. The catalog also offers one model of bent nose slip joint pliers, but doesn't indicate the model number.

• The 1925 catalog No. 73 from the Dunham, Carrigan & Hayden Company, a wholesale hardware supplier, includes six pages of Kraeuter pliers and two pages of Kraeuter wrenches.

• The 1930 catalog No. 70 from the Sligo Iron Store Company lists a number of models of Kraeuter pliers. The catalog listings include the No. 356 combination pliers, Nos. 1903 and 1933 thin-nose pliers, Nos. 1661, 1671, and 1771 needlenose pliers, No. 1801 Lineman's pliers, and No. 1851 giant end nippers.

Patent and Trademark Information

Patent 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.

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