Alloy Artifacts

Palmer Brothers Company

The Palmer Brothers Company operated in Meadville, Pennsylvania and is currently known only for their "Welloct" brand of pliers of patented construction.

Palmer Brothers "Welloct" No. 207 Slip-Joint Pliers

Fig. 96. Palmer Brothers "Welloct" No. 207 Slip-Joint Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 96 shows a pair of "Welloct" No. 207 slip-joint pliers, stamped "U.S. Pat. 2152563" near the pivot joint, with "Palmer Brothers" and "Meadville, PA." on the reverse.

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

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, with the dimple-like pattern on the handles somewhat similar to the well-known "Vacuum Grip" pattern.

The patent notice refers to patent #2,152,563, issued to Robert W. Palmer and John P. Palmer in 1939. The patent describes pliers made with a forged tab on one handle operating in a slot in the other handle, effectively providing a slip-joint function without using a special bolt.

Park Metalware Company

Park Metalware was a small tool maker operating in Orchard Park, New York. During the 1920s the company developed and patented a line of interchangeable open-end wrenches, and produced other tools including the adjustable drain-plug wrench shown below.

Park sold its tools under the XCEL brand, and later used the brand name Xcelite for a line of screwdrivers and nut drivers. The Xcelite brand continues today as part of the Cooper Tools conglomerate.

Park Metalware Adjustable Drain-Plug Wrench

Fig. 97. Park Metalware Adjustable Drain-Plug Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 97 shows a Park adjustable socket wrench for drain-plug service, marked "Park Metalware Co." and "Orchard Park, N.Y. U.S.A." on the rotating handle, though the markings are very faint due to wear and rust.

The overall length (when retracted) is 7.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Although not marked on this example, this wrench design is covered by patent #1,639,831, issued to J. Zilliox in 1927.

Readers familiar with our Blackhawk article will undoubtedly recognize the similarities between this tool and the Blackhawk 151 "Adjusto" Wrench shown in that article. The Park tool preceded the Blackhawk model by some number of years, and clearly must have influenced the Blackhawk design.

Ridge Tool Company

Ridge Tool is best known as the maker of Ridgid brand pipe wrenches.

Ridgid 10 Inch Pipe Wrench

Fig. 98. Ridgid 10 Inch Pipe Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 98 shows a Ridgid 10 inch pipe wrench, marked "Trade Mark" and "Pat. 1727623", with "The Ridge Tool Co." and "Elyria, O. U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This wrench is covered by patent #1,727,623, issued to W.O. Thewes in 1929.

Ridgid 6 Inch Pipe Wrench

Fig. 99. Ridgid 6 Inch Pipe Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 99 shows a somewhat later Ridgid 6 inch pipe wrench, marked with the Ridgid trademark and "Pat. 1727623", with "Ridge Tool Co." and "Elyria, O. U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 5.5 inches closed and 6.5 inches fully extended. The finish is the familiar red paint.

Ridge Tool 8 Inch Stillson-Pattern Pipe Wrench

Some readers may be surprised to learn that Ridge Tool also made Stillson-pattern pipe wrenches. The next figure shows an example, not marked with a company name but identified via the patent marking.

Fig. 100. Ridge Tool 8 Inch Stillson-Pattern Pipe Wrench.

Fig. 100 shows a Stillson-pattern 8 inch pipe wrench, marked "Improved Stillson" and "Made in U.S.A" in forged raised letters, and with a "Pat. No. 2076830" patent notice.

The overall length is 7.0 inches closed and 8.1 inches fully extended, and the finish is red paint.

The patent notice refers to patent #2,076,830, issued to W.O. Thewes in 1937 with assignment to Ridge Tool.

Ritco 1033C Open-End Wrench

Ridge Tool is best known for their Ridgid trademark, but the company also sold tools under the "Ritco" brand.

Fig. 101. Ritco 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 101 shows a Ritco 1033C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped with the Ritco logo on the face. The shank is marked with "Chrome Alloy" in forged raised letters, with "Made in U.S.A" forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 10.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Robert Wrench Company

The Robert Wrench Company was a short-lived tool company operating in New York City, known primarily as the maker of a patented self-adjusting pipe wrench. The wrench patent was issued to Frederic P. Robert in 1922, but by 1926 the patents and production of Robert Wrench had been acquired by the Hoe Corporation.

Robert Self-Adjusting Pipe Wrench

Fig. 102. Robert Self-Adjusting Pipe Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 102 shows a Robert self-adjusting pipe wrench, with forged-in markings "Patented & Patents Pending" on one side, and with "Robert Wrench Co. N.Y." on the reverse.

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

The patent notice refers to patent #1,407,578, filed by Frederic P. Robert in 1921 and issued in 1922.

Rotfuss (Germany)

Rotfuss is a German tool maker (or brand) currently known only by the pliers shown in the next figure. No information has been found for the company, but as the pliers are exceptional in both design and construction, the company is well worth noting in this section.

Rotfuss Adjustable Pliers

Fig. 103. Rotfuss Adjustable Pliers, with Insets for Detail.

Fig. 103 shows a pair of Rotfuss pliers with a unique adjusting mechanism, a circular bearing element moved along a threaded shaft. The patterned handles have forged markings for "Rotfuss" and "Chrom-Vanadium", and the underside of one handle is marked "D. Pat. 806779" and "Germany" in raised letters.

The overall length is 10.1 inches.

The finish is plain steel, with a few traces of red paint on the tips of the handles, probably part of the original finish. (Rotfuss means "Red Foot" in German, so red handle tips would fit.)

Scholler Manufacturing Company

The Scholler Manufacturing Company operated in Buffalo, New York as a maker of adjustable wrenches and possibly other tools. Currently we don't have any specific information for the company, but hope to add more in the future.

Scholler 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 104. Scholler 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 104 shows a rare Scholler 8 inch adjustable wrench, marked with the Scholler name forged into the handle, with "Scholler Mfg. Co. Inc." and "Buffalo N.Y." forged into the reverse.

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

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the relatively thick head and stepped rectangular keyway.

William Schollhorn Company

The William Schollhorn Company of New Haven, Connecticut was a well-known maker of parallel-jaw pliers and other tools in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company was incorporated in 1891 and remained active through the first part of the 20th century, and was eventually acquired by the Sargent Company in 1948.

Schollhorn is probably best known for its distinctive parallel-jaw pliers, produced under the numerous patents issued to W.A. Bernard. These pliers featured precisely-formed sheet metal handles with embossed designs, a type of construction that offered lighter weight and lower cost than comparable forged handles.

Schollhorn "Bernard" 4 Inch Parallel-Jaw Pliers with Cutters

Fig. 105. Schollhorn Bernard 4 Inch Parallel-Jaw Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Construction Detail.

Fig. 105 shows a pair of Schollhorn "Bernard" 4 Inch parallel-jaw pliers with cutting blades on the side. The pliers are stamped "W. Schollhorn Co." and "New Haven, Conn." around the pivot, with "Made in U.S.A." above and "Pat. 6-17-1913" below. (The Schollhorn name is partially obscured by rust.)

The handles are also stamped "Bernard" in a center panel, a reference to the inventor of these and many other similar models.

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

The patent date refers to patent #1,064,956, filed by W.A. Bernard in 1907 but not issued until 1913. The patent describes a method of forming sheet-metal handles for pliers.

Schollhorn "Ideal" Lineman's Pliers

Fig. 106. Schollhorn Ideal Lineman's Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 106 shows a pair of Schollhorn "Ideal" lineman's pliers, stamped "W. Schollhorn Co." and "New Haven, Conn." around the pivot. The handle has a patent notice "Pat. May 2, 1905 Apr. 2, 1907" stamped on the side, and the other handle is stamped "Ideal".

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The first patent date refers to patent #788,575, filed by W.A. Bernard in 1904 and issued in 1905.

The second date corresponds to patent #848,877, filed by W.A. Bernard in 1905 and issued in 1907.

Simplex Wrench Company

The Simplex Wrench Company is known primarily for their distinctive open-end wrenches with stepped sizes and a ratcheting action. These wrenches were offered by Snap-On in their Motor Tool Specialty catalogs of the mid 1920s, giving the company a national footprint for sales.

Simplex No. 11 Ratcheting Open-End Wrench

Fig. 107. Simplex No. 11 Ratcheting Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 107 shows a Simplex No. 11 ratcheting open-end wrench with depressed panels and numerous forged-in markings. The front is marked "Simplex Ratchet" with "Chrome Vanadium", and the reverse shows "Simplex Wrench Co N.Y." plus patent notices and "Fastnut License".

The overall length is 6.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel with a few traces of the original nickel plating.

The first patent notice states "Pat. Jan. 1, 1924" and refers to patent #1,479,772, issued to W.H. Cook. A second notice states "Other Patents Pending", but the corresponding patents have not yet been found.

The stepped openings allow the wrench to handle three nut sizes on each end, 7/16, 1/2, and 9/16 on one end, with 5/8, 3/4, and 15/16 on the other.

Simplex No. 9 Ratcheting Open-End Wrench

Later production of the Simplex wrenches was marked with the Frank C. Reilly Ltd. company name and used a patent by Reilly.

Fig. 108. Simplex No. 9 Ratcheting Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 108 shows an example of the Reilly production, a Simplex No. 9 ratcheting open-end wrench covering the sizes 5/16-3/8 and 7/16-1/2. The front has forged-in markings "No. 9 Simplex Ratchet" with "Reilly License" and "Fastnut License", and the reverse is marked "Patent No. 1624508 Other Patents Pending" and "Frank C. Reilly Ltd. N.Y." in the depressed panel.

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

The patent notice refers to patent #1,624,508, issued to F.C. Reilly in 1927. The patents corresponding to the pending status (if issued) are not known.

Smith & Hemenway Company

The Smith & Hemenway Company was well known as an early 20th century maker of pliers and other tools, with offices in New York City and a factory in Irvington, New Jersey. One of the company founders was Landon P. Smith, an inventor with a number of patents for pliers and glass-repair tools.

Tools from Smith & Hemenway were frequently marked with the "Red Devil" trademark, either with or without the company name or "S. & H." initials.

In the mid 1920s Smith & Hemenway was acquired by Crescent Tools of Jamestown, New York. Production of the S & H line continued under Crescent for a number of years, and the S & H tools were listed in the Crescent catalogs.

Smith & Hemenway "Sure Grip" Button's Pattern Pliers

Fig. 109. Smith & Hemenway "Sure Grip" Button's Pattern Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1901-1910.

Fig. 109 shows a rare early pair of Smith & Hemenway "Sure Grip" Button's pattern pliers, marked "S.H. Co." and "Sure Grip" on one side, with a "Pat'd Feb. 5, 01" patent notice on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The patent date corresponds to patent #667,411, issued to S.S. Vaughan et al in 1901, with assignment to Vaughan & Bushnell Manufacturing. The patent describes a limit mechanism to bring the wire-cutting slots into alignment, as a convenience for one-handed operation.

Smith & Hemenway No. 1971 Pressed-Steel Socket Set

Although Smith & Hemenway was not generally known as a maker of automotive service tools, this next figure shows that the company did offer socket sets at some point.

Fig. 110. Smith & Hemenway No. 1971 Pressed-Steel Socket Set, ca. 1920.

Fig. 110 shows a very rare Smith & Hemenway No. 1971 pressed-steel socket set in a wooden box, consisting of a ratchet, drive plug, a square socket, and five hex sockets.

The inside cover has the original printed label for the set, indicating that this was a "Ford Car Special Set", and giving the sizes of the sockets. In addition, a second tag identifies "L. Polstein Hardware" as the store where the set was purchased, and even shows the $2.25 sales price.

The set as acquired had a mix of socket sizes, with only two sockets matching the sizes specified on the label. Both of these sockets were marked with the Mossberg M-Diamond logo, suggesting that the set may have originally supplied with Mossberg sockets. (Since the Frank Mossberg Company was the leading maker of pressed-steel socket sets, their sockets were inexpensive and widely available.)

The set as shown includes Mossberg sockets (plus one unmarked) with the sizes indicated on the label.

Smith & Hemenway 1/2-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 111. Smith & Hemenway 1/2-Drive Ratchet From No. 1971 Socket Set, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1920.

Fig. 111 shows the 1/2-drive ratchet from the Smith & Hemenway No. 1971 set, unmarked except for a "775" code forged into the end of the shank.

The ratchet is constructed with a forged steel handle, and a sheet metal cover holds the drive gear in contact with the pawl. In operation, the drive gear and cover assembly pivots around an anchor pin, with a spring to provide tension. The drive gear is notable for the relatively fine teeth, a feature not often seen in early ratchets of this type.

This ratchet design has not been seen previously, and may have been covered by a patent, although no patent notice was marked.

L.S. Starrett Company

The L.S. Starrett Company is an important maker of machinist's tools and precision measuring instruments, continuing in operation from its founding in 1880 to the present day. The company was founded by Laroy S. Starrett in Athol, Massachusetts.

Starrett No. 1-7 Compound Action Cutting Pliers

Fig. 112. Starrett No. 1-7 Compound Action Cutting Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Jaw Detail.

Fig. 112 at the left shows a pair of Starrett No. 1-7 compound action cutting pliers, stamped "The L.S. Starrett Co." and "Athol, Mass. U.S.A." on the upper arm, with the model number on one handle. The cutter inserts are marked "For Music Wire", as seen in the lower inset.

The overall length is 7.0 inches. The finish is polished steel, possibly with a thin nickel plating.

St. Pierre Chain Corporation

The St. Pierre Chain Corporation was founded in 1920 as a maker of tire chains and is located in Worcester, Massachusetts. The founder was Henry St. Pierre, an inventor from Vermont who had created an improved type of tire chains. The company later added automotive service tools and chain-repair tools to its product line, and later still began making pitching horseshoes for the game of horseshoes.

The company is continues in operation today as the St. Pierre Manufacturing Corporation, and interested readers can visit their web site at www.stpierreusa.com for further information. Our coverage here will focus on their automotive service tools, and we have a number of examples of pliers, wrenches, and chain-related tools to show.

St. Pierre No. 1 Chain-Repair Pliers

Fig. 113. St. Pierre No. 1 Chain-Repair Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1925-1928.

Fig. 113 shows a pair of St. Pierre No. 1 chain-repair pliers, with forged-in markings for the company name and "Worcester Mass U.S.A." near the pivot, and with the model number and a "Pat Pending" notice on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is black paint.

The pliers are also marked with the M-Circle logo of the Moore Drop Forging Company, indicating that these pliers were made by Moore.

The patent pending status corresponds to the patent #1,657,978, filed by H. St. Pierre in 1925 and issued in 1928.

Tower & Lyon Company

Tower & Lyon was a tool maker in New York city, active between 1884 and 1916. The company produced a wide variety of wrenches, including adjustable bicycle wrenches and pipe wrenches.

Tower & Lyon Baxter Patent Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 114 shows a very rare Baxter patent adjustable wrench, marked "T. & L." with "Baxter's Pat." above but partially obscured. The "T. & L." marking is presumed to indicate to Tower & Lyon, a well-known maker of adjustable wrenches in the late 19th century.

Fig. 114. Tower & Lyon Baxter Patent Adjustable Wrench.

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

The patent notice refers to patent #84,605, issued to William Baxter in 1868. Wrenches of this design were first produced by the Baxter Wrench Company, and then later by Green, Tweed, & Company.

The adjusting screw in the center has threaded studs of opposite pitch on each end, moving the two wrench sections to adjust the openings at each end.

Vanadium Tool Company

Vanadium Tool C-6 3/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 115. Vanadium Tool C-6 3/8 Combination Wrench.

Fig. 115 shows a Vanadium Tool C-6 3/8 combination wrench, marked "Vanadium Tool Co." on the shank.

The overall length is 4.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Vanadium Tool 7/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 116. Vanadium Tool 7/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 116 shows a Vanadium Tool 7/8 combination wrench, marked "Vanadium Tool Co." on the shank.

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

Vanadium Tool 15/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 117. Vanadium Tool 15/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 117 shows a Vanadium Tool 15/16 combination wrench, marked "Vanadium Tool Co." on the shank.

The overall length is 12.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Vanadium Tool CF-10 Offset Combination Wrench

Fig. 118. Vanadium Tool CF-10 5/8 Offset Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 118 shows a Vanadium Tool CF-10 offset combination wrench, marked "Vanadium Tool Co." on the shank.

The overall length is 7.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Vandegrift Manufacturing Company

The Vandegrift Manufacturing Company was a maker of nut and pipe wrenches, founded by Theodore F. Vandegrift and operating in Shelbyville, Indiana. The company was active from around 1891 through at least 1905. Many (if not all) of the company's products were based on patents issued to Vandegrift.

Some Vandegrift wrenches were made under contract for various farm machinery companies, and these tools may be marked with names such as International Harvester or McCormick.

Vandegrift No. 5 Monkey Wrench

Fig. 119. Vandegrift No. 5 Monkey Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1897-1905.

Fig. 119 shows a Vandegrift No. 5 monkey wrench, marked with a number "5" and the patent notice "Pat. Sep 7 97" cast in the handle.

The overall length is 8.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The patent notice corresponds to patent #589,765, issued to T.F. Vandegrift in 1897.

Vaughan & Bushnell Manufacturing Company

Vaughan & Bushnell Cotter Pin Puller

Fig. 120. Vaughan & Bushnell Cotter Pin Puller, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 120 shows a Vaughan & Bushnell cotter pin puller, stamped "Vaughan & Bushnell Mfg. Co." on the side.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Vulcan Manufacturing Company

The Vulcan Manufacturing Company operated in Winona, Minnesota and is currently known only by the wrench in the next figure. We hope to add more information for the company in the future.

Vulcan Mfg. "Largrip" Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 121. Vulcan Mfg. Largrip 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 121 shows a rare Vulcan Mfg. 10 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Largrip" and "Pat Pend" forged into the shank, and with "Vulcan Mfg Co" and "Winona Minn" on the reverse.

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This wrench is unusual in having a rectangular keyed slot, instead of the more common round keyway.

Wakefield Wrench Company

Wakefield Wrench was an early maker of adjustable wrenches operating in Worcester, Massachusetts. The company began operations in the 1890s and took its name from the principal, J.E. Wakefield, an inventor of some note.

Wakefield No. 8 Bicycle Wrench

Fig. 122. Wakefield No. 8 Bicycle Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1900.

Fig. 122 shows a very early Wakefield No. 8 bicycle wrench, marked "Wakefield Wrench" and "Made in Worcester, Mass. U.S.A.", with "Pat. Sept. 4, 1900" on the reverse (see inset). The overall length (fully extended) is 8.0 inches.

The date marked on the tool refers to patent #657,326, which was issued to J.E. Wakefield. The patent describes the construction of the wrench, and the most notable feature is the handle tube drawn from a single sheet of steel.

Wakefield Nut & Pipe Wrench

Fig. 123. Wakefield 10 Inch Nut & Pipe Wrench.

Fig. 123 shows a Wakefield 10 inch "Nut & Pipe" adjustable wrench, marked "Wakefield Wrench" and "Worcester, Mass. U.S.A." with a "Pat. May 5, 1908" patent notice.

The overall length is 10.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Wakefield No. 24 Ratchet

Fig. 124. Wakefield No. 24 1/2-Hex Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 124 shows a Wakefield No. 24 1/2-hex drive ratchet handle, marked "Made in Worcester, Mass. U.S.A." with "Pat. Jul 12 1910" and "Pats. Pending" on the reverse. The overall length is 7.0 inches.

A patent search found this tool described by patent #963,895, issued to H.L. Houghton on the cited date. The patent corresponding to the pending status has not yet been found.

Wakefield No. 19 Monkey Wrench

Fig. 125. Wakefield No. 19 Monkey Wrench, ca. 1922-1930.

Fig. 125 shows a somewhat uncommon Wakefield No. 19 monkey or auto wrench, marked "Made in Worcester, Mass. U.S.A." and "Pat'd. Nov. 14 1922". The overall length is 9.1 inches.

The cited patent date refers to patent #1,435,548, issued to J.F. Oliver and J.P. Fleming, and assigned to Clarence E. Wakefield.

Wakefield No. 45 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 126. Wakefield No. 45 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench.

The overall length is 4.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Wakefield No. 55 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 127. Wakefield No. 55 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench.

The overall length is 5.8 inches.

Wakefield "Wizard" No. 34 Nut-and-Tap Open-End Wrench

Wakefield sometimes used the "Wizard" brand for its products, as the next figure illustrates.

Fig. 127B. Wakefield "Wizard" No. 34 1/2x9/16 Nut-and-Tap Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 127B shows a Wakefield "Wizard" No. 34 open-end wrench in the nut-and-tap style, stamped "Made in Worcester, Mass, U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 4.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The square opening in the center allowed the wrench to be used as a (threading) tap handle, and this style was commonly called a "Nut and Tap" wrench. The center hole was also typically used with a bolt for holding sets of wrenches.

An example of Nut-and-Tap wrenches from another maker can be seen as the Indestro Nut-and-Tap Wrench Set.

Wakefield's use of the "Wizard" brand should not be confused with later (and better known) use by the Western Auto Supply Company.

Waymoth Corporation

The Waymoth Corporation of Pawtucket, Rhode Island is known only as a maker of cutting pliers, as shown in the next figure.

Waymoth No. 2 6 Inch Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 128. Waymoth No. 2 6 Inch Diagonal Cutters, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 128 shows a pair of Waymoth No. 2 6 inch diagonal cutters, marked "The Waymoth Corp." and "Pawt. R.I." around the pivot.

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

Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Company

Whitman & Barnes (W&B) was a well-known tool maker active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company was founded in 1877 by the merger of the Whitman & Miles Company with George Barnes & Company, and initially operated as a maker of knives.

The company acquired the Acme line of monkey wrenches from Capital Mfg. Company in 1893. In subsequent years the company expanded its wrench business with various models of bicycle wrenches, pipe wrenches, fixed and adjustable alligator wrenches, auto wrenches, and other tools. One of their best known products was the line of "Bull Dog" alligator wrenches, produced in a range of sizes.

W&B was acquired by J.H. Williams & Co. around 1920, and some of the product line (e.g. monkey wrenches and alligator wrenches) continued in production by Williams.

Whitman & Barnes No. 478 Open-End Spud Wrench

Fig. 129. W&B No. 478 Open-End Spud Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 129 shows a W&B No. 478 1/2 single open-end wrench with a spud handle, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the W&B logo.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Wilde Tool Company

The Wilde Tool Company is a maker of pliers and other tools, initially operating as the Wilde Drop Forge and Tool Company in Kansas City, Missouri. The company was purchased in 1927 by brothers Otto and Paul Froeschl, and continues today under management by later generations of the Froeschl family. In 1955 the company moved to its present location in Hiawatha, Kansas.

One of the company's best-known early products was the line of angle-nose gripping pliers based on patent #1,800,447, filed by Otto Froeschl in 1928. These pliers were sold under the trade name "Wilde Wrench" and became very popular.

Although Wilde is best known today for its pliers, during the 1930s and 1940s the company offered a full line of service tools, including wrenches, sockets and drive tools, chisels and punches, automotive specialty tools, and even auto body tools.

Wilde Tool operates today as the Wilde Tool Company, Inc., and further information can be found on the company's website at www.wildetool.com.

Wilde 7 Inch Wrench Pliers, Early Model

Fig. 130. Wilde Early 7 Inch Wrench Pliers, with Insets for Handle Pattern and Detail, ca. 1928-1931.

Fig. 130 shows a pair of Wilde wrench pliers marked "Wilde Wrench 7" and "Pat. Pend.", with "KC MO" in the Wilde logo. The underside of the handles also has a forged-in marking "Alloy Steel", as shown in the lower inset. The overall length is 7.2 inches.

The finish was originally nickel plating, but has now worn to bare steel in most areas.

The patent pending notation refers to patent #1,800,447, issued to Otto Froeschl in 1931. Based on the filing date, these pliers were likely made in 1928-1931.

These early pliers use a slip-joint mechanism with two positions, but the later models were made with three positions.

Wilde 6 Inch Wrench Pliers

Fig. 131. Wilde 6 Inch Wrench Pliers, with Inset for Handle Pattern.

Fig. 131 shows a later version of the Wilde wrench pliers, marked "Wilde Wrench 6" and "Pat. No. 1800477".

The overall length is 6.2 inches.

Wilde No. 410 Battery Pliers

Fig. 132. Wilde No. 410 Battery Pliers, with Inset for Handle, ca. 1925-1935.

Wilde 1720 Ignition Wrench

In addition to pliers, Wilde also produced a full line of wrenches and socket tools. The next figure shows an example of an ignition wrench.

Fig. 133. Wilde 1720 9/32x11/32 Ignition Wrench.

Fig. 133 at the left shows a Wilde 1720 9/32x11/32 ignition wrench, marked with the company name, model, and fractional sizes.

The overall length is 3.5 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

Production for Craftsman

The rope banding on the handles is a distinctive feature of Wilde pliers, as the above examples illustrate. The next several figures show examples of Craftsman pliers with the rope banding pattern on the handles, all presumed to be contract production by Wilde.

Craftsman Waterpump Pliers

Fig. 134. Craftsman Waterpump Pliers, with Inset for Handle, ca. 1960-1969.

Fig. 134 shows a much more recent pair of Craftsman waterpump pliers with the same rope banding pattern, suggesting that these were likely made by Wilde. The overall length is 10.8 inches.

The pliers are marked with the Craftsman double-line logo, but no model number is marked. Model numbers were generally marked on Craftsman tools after the late 1960s to early 70s, so these pliers were probably made in the 1960s.

The handles of these pliers have a forged-in "P" code on the inside. Several other examples of Craftsman pliers with rope-patterned handles were checked, and these also had a "P" code marked, making it likely that the "P" is the manufacturer's code for Wilde.

Craftsman Tongue-and-Groove Pliers

Fig. 135. Craftsman Tongue-and-Groove Pliers, with Insets for Handle and "P" Code, ca. 1960-1969.

Fig. 135 shows another pair of Craftsman pliers with the rope banding pattern, this time in the tongue-and-groove design. The overall length is 10.0 inches.

The pliers are marked with the Craftsman double-line logo, but without a model number. The left inset shows the forged-in "P" code on the inside of the handles, presumed to be the manufacturer's code for Wilde.

The tongue-and-groove design dates back to the classic 1934 patent #1,950,362 by the Champion DeArment (now Channellock) company.

Craftsman Slip-Joint Combination Pliers

Fig. 136. Craftsman Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 136 shows a pair of Craftsman slip-joint combination pliers with the rope banding pattern, stamped with the double-line logo and a small "P" code near the pivot, and with "Alloy Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 6.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The lower inset shows the forged-in "P" code on the inside of the handles, presumed to be the manufacturer's code for Wilde.

Craftsman Snap-Ring Pliers

Fig. 137. Craftsman Snap-Ring Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 137 at the left shows a pair of Craftsman snap-ring specialty pliers with rope-banded handles, stamped with the Craftsman double-line logo and "USA", and with a small "P" in a circle code.

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

The lower inset shows the forged-in "P" code on the inside of the handles, presumed to be the manufacturer's code for Wilde.

Zim Manufacturing Company

Zim Manufacturing is a maker of automotive specialty tools based in Chicago, Illinois. The company began operations in the 1920s (or earlier) and is probably best known for their automotive valve service tools.

Zim Valve Adjusting Tool

Fig. 138. Zim Valve Adjusting Tool, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1930s.

Fig. 138 at the left shows a Zim valve adjusting tool, consisting of a 9/16x5/8 stamped-steel box wrench fitted with a retractable screwdriver. The tool is stamped "Zim Mfg. Co. Chicago" and "Made in U.S.A." on the arm.

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

In operation, the swinging arm is positioned over the desired wrench opening and then secured with the thumbscrew. The wrench then loosens the valve lock nut while the tappet is adjusted with the screwdriver, and the nut is tightened when the correct setting is reached.

This tool is virtually identical to the New Britain Valve Adjusting Tool shown in our article on the New Britain Machine company.

References and Resources

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

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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