Alloy Artifacts

Alloy Steel Tools

Alloy Steel Tappet Wrenches

By the nature of their application, tappet wrenches need to have small thin heads, and this places a great deal of stress on the tools. These wrenches require very strong steel, and so tappet wrenches were one of the first applications for alloy steels.

1A1442 9/16x9/16 Tappet Wrench

Our first example for this section is believed to be a very early example of a Vlchek tappet wrench, probably produced under contract for a particular customer.

Fig. 30. Vlchek 1A1442 9/16x9/16 Tappet Wrench.

Fig. 30 shows a Vlchek 9/16x9/16 tappet wrench of apparent model 1A1442, marked with just the "Vlchek" name.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is black paint. A forged-in number "7" appears on the shank at the right.

The wrench appears to be made of alloy steel despite the lack of markings to that effect; the metal is not as hard as would be expected for carbon steel construction.

This wrench has two openings of the same size but with one offset at a 22.5 degree angle, an early style also used by Bonney and Blue Point tappet wrenches. Later Vlchek tappet wrenches used a different design, with two different opening sizes at 15 degree offset angles.

90 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 31. Vlchek 90 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench.

Fig. 31 shows a Vlchek model 90 7/16x1/2 tappet wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum Vlchek" on the face.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the finish is a nickel plating with a rather rough surface.

92 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench

The next figures show two generations of the Vlchek 92 tappet wrench.

Fig. 32. Vlchek 92 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench.

Fig. 32 shows an earlier Vlchek model 92 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum Vlchek" on the face.

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

Fig. 33. Vlchek 92 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench.

Fig. 33 shows a later Vlchek 92 tappet wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the face with "Chrome Molybdenum" on the shank. The shank also has a forged-in code "7" visible at the left.

The overall length is 8.0 inches. The finish is chrome plating, with losses due to wear and rust.

93 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 34. Vlchek 93 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench.

Fig. 34 shows a Vlchek model 93 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench, similar to the previous examples in markings and finish.

The overall length is 8.2 inches.

94 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrenches

Fig. 35. Vlchek 94 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrench.

Fig. 35 shows a Vlchek model 94 3/4x7/8 tappet wrench marked "Vlchek" and "Made in U.S.A." on the face, with "Chrome Molybdenum" on the shank.

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

Fig. 36. Vlchek 94 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrench.

In Fig. 36 we see a Vlchek model 94 3/4x7/8 tappet wrench marked "Vlchek" on the face, with "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The finish is a more refined chrome plate with polished heads. The overall length is 8.1 inches.

89 3/8x7/16 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 37. Vlchek 89 3/8x7/16 Tappet Wrench.

Fig. 37 shows a Vlchek model 89 3/8x7/16 tappet wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Alloy".

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the finish is a bright chrome plate.

Open-End Wrenches

Vlchek Tool offered a wide selection of alloy steel open-end wrenches, in both industry-standard sizes and in their own W series sizes.

Based on a review of the catalogs, Vlchek offered open-end wrenches in two basic designs, an earlier style from the 1920s with larger "parabolic" heads, and a later style with smaller heads and narrower shanks, first produced in the early 1930s as Vlchek's W-series wrenches. These two design groups in turn were produced with a number of variations.

For example, the parabolic-head wrenches were actually produced in two model number series, one with the plain industry model number (e.g. "33C"), and the other with a 1000 prefix to the industry number (e.g. "1033C"). In both cases the wrenches were stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" or "Alloy Steel" on the face.

As another example, the design for the W-series wrenches was also used for a line of alloy-steel wrenches marked with "pure" industry-standard numbers, sometimes stamped "Chrome-Molybdenum" and sometimes with "Alloy Steel".

In the following figures we'll try to sort out these variations and show examples of the various types.

Early "Parabolic" Open-End Wrenches

1023 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench, Parabolic Style

Fig. 38. Vlchek 1023 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 38 shows a Vlchek 1023 13/32x1/2 open-end wrench, a somewhat unusual size, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" on the face.

The overall length is 4.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with polished faces.

1725 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench, Parabolic Style

Fig. 39. Vlchek 1725 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 39 shows a Vlchek 1725 7/16x1/2 open-end wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" on one face with the model number on the other end.

The overall length is 5.1 inches. The original finish was nickel plating, but most has been lost due to rust and wear.

1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, Parabolic Style

Fig. 40. Vlchek 1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 40 shows a Vlchek 1725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank has forged-in markings "Made in U.S.A." on one side, with "Drop Forged" on the reverse.

The overall length is 5.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

1025 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench, Parabolic Style

Fig. 41. Vlchek 1025 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 41 shows a Vlchek 1025 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" on one face with the model number on the other end.

The overall length is 5.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, Parabolic Style

Fig. 42. Vlchek 1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 42 shows a Vlchek 1729 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" on the face.

The overall length is 7.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

31 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench, Parabolic Style

Fig. 43. Vlchek 31 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 43 shows a Vlchek 31 25/32x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" on one face with the industry-standard model number on the other end.

The overall length is 8.0 inches. The finish appears to be nickel plating, now worn through in some areas.

1731B 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench, Parabolic Style

Fig. 44. Vlchek 1731B 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 44 shows a Vlchek 1731B 13/16x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" on the face.

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

33C/1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrenches, Parabolic Style

The next two figures show examples of similar 15/16x1 open-end wrenches.

Fig. 45. Vlchek 33C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 45 at the left shows a Vlchek 33C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" on the face.

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

Fig. 46. Vlchek 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 46 at the left shows another Vlchek 15/16x1 open-end wrench, this time marked as model 1033C, and with "Chrome Molybdenum" stamped on the face.

The overall length is 8.9 inches, and the finish is nickel plating, although badly worn in some areas.

W-Series Open-End Wrenches

In the early 1930s Vlchek introduced a W-series line of double-ended wrenches as an alternative to its industry-standard open-end wrenches. The 1934 catalog referred to these as "The New Vlchek Double End Wrench", so we can probably assume that they were first offered around 1934. The catalog further described the wrenches as having narrow streamlined jaws, and noted a "Cadalyte" finish with buffed heads.

The 1934 catalog lists the W-series wrenches in a modest selection of ten sizes, ranging from the model W1012 (5/16x3/8) up to model W3236 (1x1-1/8). As can be inferred from the examples, the model number of each wrench encodes the opening sizes in 32nds, a numbering convention that offers more convenience and extensibility than the older industry-standard numbers.

The initial collection of W-series wrenches included no duplications of opening sizes, so that a small number of tools could cover most of the commonly-used sizes. However, later additions to the series expanded both the range and number of size combinations.

The next several figures show examples of the Vlchek W-series wrenches.

W0608 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 47. Vlchek W0608 3/16x1/4 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 47 shows the smallest model of the W-series wrenches, a tiny Vlchek W0608 3/16x1/4 open-end wrench with "Alloy" and "Made in U.S.A." stamped on the shank.

The overall length is 3.4 inches. The original finish appears to have been cadmium plating with polished but unplated faces, but most of the plating has been lost. A faint forged-in number "10" can be seen on the left.

W0810 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 48. Vlchek W0810 1/4x5/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 48 shows another small example, a Vlchek W0810 1/4x5/16 open-end wrench. The shank is stamped "Alloy" and "Made in U.S.A.", with a forged-in number "1" visible at the left.

The overall length is 3.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

W1416 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 49. Vlchek W1416 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 49 shows a Vlchek W1416 7/16x1/2 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on one face, with a forged-in number "13" visible on the shank at the left.

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

W1820 Open-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the Vlchek W1820 wrench.

Fig. 50. Vlchek W1820 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 50 at the left shows a Vlchek W1820 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on one face with "Alloy" on the other face.

The overall length is 6.4 inches. The wrench is unfinished steel with polished ends, and has a forged-in number "42".

Fig. 51. Vlchek W1820 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 51 at the left shows another Vlchek W1820 wrench, stamped "Alloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finished is plain steel with polished faces. The forged-in number is "77".

W2225 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Vlchek W2225 model.

Fig. 52. Vlchek W2225 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 52 shows an earlier Vlchek W2225 11/16x25/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." and "Alloy" on the faces. The shank has a forged-in number "18" visible at the left.

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

Fig. 53. Vlchek W2225 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 53 shows a later Vlchek W2225 11/16x25/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Alloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 7.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces. The forged-in number is "72".

W2426 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 54. Vlchek W2426 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 54 at the left shows a Vlchek W2426 3/4x13/16 open-end wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Alloy". The overall length is 9.2 inches.

The finish is plain steel with polished ends, and the forged-in number is "10".

W2526 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Vlchek W2526 model.

Fig. 55. Vlchek W2526 25/32x13/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 55 shows an earlier Vlchek W2526 25/32x13/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Vlchek" and "Made in U.S.A." on one face, with "Alloy" and the model number on the other. The shank has a forged-in number "9" visible at the left.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of cadmium plating.

Fig. 56. Vlchek W2526 25/32x13/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 56 shows a later Vlchek W2526 25/32x13/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Vlchek" and "Made in U.S.A." on one face, with "Alloy" and the model number on the other. The shank has a forged-in number "11" visible at the left.

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

W2830 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 57. Vlchek W2830 7/8x15/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 57 shows a Vlchek W2830 7/8x15/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Vlchek" and "Made in U.S.A." on one face, with "Alloy" and the model number on the other. The shank has a forged-in number "18" visible at the left.

The overall length is 10.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of cadmium plating.

W3440 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 58. Vlchek W3440 1-1/16x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 58 shows a Vlchek W3440 1-1/16x1-1/4 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on one face, with "Alloy" and the model number on the other face. The shank has a forged-in code "2" visible at the left.

The overall length is 11.9 inches. and the finish is a cadmium plating.

Special-Order U.S.N. 1-3/16x1-5/16 Open-End Wrench

We'll close this section with a special-order wrench in the style of the W-series, but not marked with a Vlchek model number.

Fig. 59. Vlchek U.S.N. 1-3/16x1-5/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 59 shows a Vlchek 1-3/16x1-5/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Alloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank, with the Vlchek name stamped on one face (see inset) and "U.S.N." on the other face. A forged-in number "11" can be seen on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 11.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The unusual size and markings suggest that this was likely a military special-order tool.

Alloy-Steel Industry-Standard Wrenches

After the introduction of Vlchek's W-series line of double-ended wrenches, Vlchek used the same design (and probably the same forging dies) to produce a line of wrenches marked with pure industry-standard numbers, but made with (and marked as) alloy steel. These wrenches were apparently produced in large quantities, as they are among the most commonly found of the Vlchek tools.

However, these wrenches were not listed in the Vlchek catalogs, strongly suggesting that the production was intended for military or industrial contracts, such as vehicle tool kits.

723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrenches

We'll begin with two examples of the well-known 723 wrench, a size found in many tool kits.

Fig. 60. Vlchek 723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 60 shows a Vlchek 723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, marked "Chro-Mol Vlchek" on the face.

The overall length is 4.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel. The forged-in number "14" can be seen on the shank at the left.

Fig. 61. Vlchek 723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 61 shows another example of the Vlchek 723 wrench, stamped "Alloy Steel Vlchek" on the face. The shank has a forged-in number "1" visible at the left.

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

28-S 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Vlchek 28-S model.

Fig. 62. Vlchek 28-S 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 62 shows an earlier Vlchek 28-S 5/8x25/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Vlchek" on the face.

The overall length is 7.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Fig. 63. Vlchek 28-S 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 63 shows a later Vlchek 28-S 5/8x25/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Alloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank. The shank has a forged-in number "73" visible at the left.

The overall length is 7.7 inches. The finish is a dark oxide coating, and the faces have been left unpolished, suggesting that this may have been made for a tool kit.

731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrenches

Fig. 64. Vlchek 731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 64 shows a Vlchek 731A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, marked "Chrome Molybdenum" on one face with the industry-standard number 731A on the other face. The shank has a forged-in number "3" visible at the left.

The overall length is 9.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with polished faces.

Fig. 65. Vlchek 731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 65 at the left shows a later Vlchek 731A wrench, marked "Alloy Steel" on the face. The shank has a forged-in number "31" visible at the left.

The overall length is 9.2 inches. This wrench has a dark finish without polished end faces, suggesting that this is may have been a military toolbox wrench. (The 731A size was used for some such applications.)

Ignition Wrenches

Although only rarely found, Vlchek also produced miniature open-end wrenches for ignition service or other applications.

WJ1416 Ignition Open-End Wrench

Fig. 66. Vlchek WH1416 7/32x1/4 Ignition Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 66 shows a very rare Vlchek WJ1416 7/32x1/4 ignition open-end wrench, marked with just the Vlchek name, model, and fractional sizes.

The overall length is 3.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Box-End Wrenches

Our earliest catalog reference for Vlchek box-end wrenches is the 1934 catalog A-2, which offered 12-point box wrenches in a short offset WB series and long offset WBL series, plus a few specialty models. The earlier catalog No. 13 from around 1929 or 1930 doesn't list any box wrenches, so we can be reasonably sure that production of these models began in the early 1930s. Vlchek's WB and WBL series of wrenches were made with round shanks, instead of the flat shanks familiar in later production.

The 1938 catalog shows box-end wrenches in three series, the WBC short 10-degree models, the WB short offset models, and the WBA long 45-degree (deep) offset models. The WBA and WBC series are shown with raised panels at this time.

By 1952 (actually probably well before) the more familiar long offset WBH series box wrenches had been introduced. These were first produced with raised panels but then later changed to a flat shank. Chrome alloy steel was standard for all of these wrenches, but later (by 1952) there were economy-grade wrenches offered as well.

WBL2425 Round-Shank Offset Box-End Wrench

The WBL wrenches are relatively rare, but we've recently acquired a couple of examples for your viewing pleasure.

Fig. 67. Vlchek WBL2425 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Detail, ca. 1931-1937.

Fig. 67 shows a rare Vlchek WBL2425 offset box-end wrench, marked "Chrome Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 11.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished ends. (The original finish may have been cadmium plating, but no trace remains.)

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the round shank and rugged construction.

Another detail to note is that the Vlchek design provides both an offset and an angle to the box end. Other manufacturers typically produced either angled box ends with no offsets, or offset box ends with the plane of the box parallel to the shank.

WBL2628 Round-Shank Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 68. Vlchek WBL2628 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Detail, ca. 1931-1937.

Another example of the WBL series is shown in Fig. 68, a Vlchek WBL2628 offset box-end wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 12.6 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating with polished ends.

WBM1820 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Box Wrench

In addition to the early WB and WBL series, Vlchek also offered a single model in the half-moon style, as shown in our next figure.

Fig. 69. Vlchek WBM1820 9/16x5/8 Halfmoon Box Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1931-1937.

Fig. 69 shows a very rare Vlchek WBM1820 9/16x5/8 halfmoon box wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This wrench has a round shank as with the other early box-end wrench models. This model was listed in the 1934 catalog A-2, the only example of the half-moon style.

WBA2425 Deep Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 70. Vlchek WBA2425 3/4x25/32 Deep Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 70 shows a Vlchek WBA2425 3/4x25/32 deep offset box-end wrench with raised panels on the shank, marked "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 11.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating. The forged-in code is "5".

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, to illustrate the deeply offset design.

The raised panels indicate that this is an earlier example of the WBA series.

WBA3032 Deep Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 71. Vlchek WBA3032 15/16x1 Long Deep Offset Box-End Wrench.

Fig. 71 shows a Vlchek WBA3032 15/16x1 deep offset box-end wrench, marked "Alloy U.S.A." with raised panels on the shank. The overall length is 14.5 inches.

The raised panels indicate that this is an earlier example of the WBA series.

WBC1214 Panelled Short Offset Box-End Wrenches

The next several figures illustrate the WBC series of short offset box wrenches.

Fig. 72. Vlchek WBC1214 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Our first example is shown in Fig. 72, a Vlchek WBC1214 short offset box-end wrench marked "Alloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 4.6 inches.

The shank of this wrench has raised panels, indicating an earlier example of production of this model. This finish appears to be a cadmium plate.

The wrench has a forged-in number "16" and a very clear asterisk mark on the opposite side.

Fig. 73. Vlchek WBC1214 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Our second example is shown in Fig. 73 at the left, another Vlchek WBC1214 short offset box-end wrench, but this time with a flat shank. The reverse is marked "Alloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A.", and the overall length is 4.6 inches.

This wrench has a plain finish with polished box ends.

WBC1618 Short Offset Box-End Wrenches

The next figures illustrate two generations of the WBC1618 box wrench.

Fig. 74. Vlchek WBC1618 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

In Fig. 74 we see a Vlchek WBC1618 short offset box-end wrench in the older panelled style, marked "Alloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 5.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The forged-in number is "18".

Fig. 75. Vlchek WBC1618 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

In Fig. 75 at the left we see a Vlchek WBC1618 short offset box-end wrench, marked "Alloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. The overall length is 5.7 inches.

The forged-in number is "33". The examples in Fig. 73 and Fig. 38B have flat shanks, instead of the earlier raised panels, indicating that these are of somewhat later production.

WBH Series Offset Box-End Wrenches

The WBH series of long offset box wrenches are one of Vlchek's better known tools, and these wrenches must have been very popular, if the number still available is any indication. We'll show a number of the WBH models in the figures below, and where possible will show multiple generations of a particular model.

WBH1214 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 76. Vlchek WBH1214 3/8x7/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 76 shows a Vlchek WBH1214 3/8x7/16 box-end wrench in the flat-shank style, stamped "Alloy" and "U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The reverse has a forged-in number "12" (not shown).

WBH1416 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 77. Vlchek WBH1416 7/16x1/2 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 77 shows a Vlchek WBH1416 7/16x1/2 box-end wrench in the flat-shank style, marked "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. The overall length is 8.9 inches.

The finish is plain steel, and the forged-in number is "2".

WBH2022 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 78. Vlchek WBH2022 5/8x11/16 Long Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 78 shows a Vlchek WBH2022 5/8x11/16 offset box-end wrench, an example of the earlier WBH series with a raised panel on the shank.

The reverse is marked "Alloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A.", and the overall length is 10.0 inches.

The box ends of the wrench have been polished but the wrench appears to have been left unplated.

WBH2024 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 79. Vlchek WBH2024 5/8x3/4 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

An example of the WBH series in a less common size combination is shown a Fig. 79, a Vlchek WBH2024 5/8x3/4 offset box-end wrench, marked "Alloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 11.2 inches.

The finish is plain steel with polished ends, and the forged-in number is "1".

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench to illustrate the distinctive offset design. Vlchek offset wrenches used a gradual bend, giving the tools the combined characteristics of angled and offset box wrenches.

WBH2428 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 80. Vlchek WBH2428 3/4x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

In Fig. 80 we have another example of the WBH flat-shank design, a Vlchek WBH2428 3/4x7/8 offset box-end wrench. The wrench is marked "Alloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse, and the overall length is 12.3 inches.

This wrench has a plain steel finish with polished ends, and the forged-in number is "16".

WBH2628 Offset Box-End Wrenches

Fig. 81. Vlchek WBH2628 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 81 shows another early WBH series model, a Vlchek WBH2628 13/16x7/8 box wrench with raised panels, marked "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 13.4 inches, and the finish is a heavy chrome plate with a yellowish tint.

The forged-in number on the reverse appears to be a 1; if the numbers are indeed die generations, this would imply that this wrench was among the first of the series.

Fig. 82. Vlchek WBH2628 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 82 at the left shows a later WBH2628 wrench, marked "Alloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 13.4 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating. The forged-in number on the reverse is "12".

WBH3032 Offset Box-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the WBH3032 model.

Fig. 83. Vlchek WBH3032 15/16x1 Inch Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Detail.

Fig. 83 shows the earlier Vlchek WBH3032 15/16x1 offset box wrench with raised panels, marked "Alloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. The forged-in number is a "6".

The overall length is 15.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating with polished ends.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the mix of angled and offset styles characteristic of the WBH series.

Fig. 84. Vlchek WBH3032 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 84 at the left shows another Vlchek WBH3032 15/16x1 offset box-end wrench, this time with the flat-shank design. The wrench is marked "Alloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse, and the forged-in number is "12".

The overall length is 14.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel finish with polished ends.

WBH4648 Offset Box-End Wrench

In case you were thinking that Vlchek only made small to medium-sized wrenches, the next figure shows a much larger example of the WBH series.

Fig. 85. Vlchek WBH4648 1-7/16x1-1/2 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 85 shows a Vlchek WBH4648 1-7/16x1-1/2 offset box wrench with raised panels, stamped "Alloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 19.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished ends and panels. The forged-in number is "2".

The raised panels mark this as another earlier WBH model. This wrench is actually the largest of the WBH models, at least according to the 1952 catalog.

Combination Wrenches

Vlchek began offering combination wrenches sometime after 1938, as this style is not listed in the 1938 catalog A4. (Combination wrenches were definitely available by 1952.) The wrenches were assigned model numbers with a WBE prefix followed by the size in 32nds, e.g. WBE24 for a 3/4 size.

At first, combination wrenches were offered only in alloy steel, but somewhat later an economy brand "Motiv" was available in a less expensive steel. (See the later section on Motiv and Economy Tools.) Early models had a raised panel in the center, but later the design changed to a flat shank and then to a narrower bar-type handle.

WBE18 Combination Wrenches

Fig. 86. Vlchek WBE18 9/16 Panel Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 86 shows a Vlchek 9/16 model WBE18 combination wrench with a panelled shank, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Alloy Steel" on the reverse. The overall length is 7.5 inches.

The panelled shank indicates that this is a relatively early combination wrench, probably dating to the late 1930s or early 1940s. No forged-in number was noted. The wrench shows traces of gray paint, probably from the original finish.

Fig. 87. Vlchek WBE18 9/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 87 shows a later Vlchek 9/16 model WBE18 combination wrench with a flat shank. The reverse is marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Chrome Alloy", and the overall length is 7.5 inches.

This wrench has a forged-in number "7", though it's somewhat faint in the photograph.

WBE20 Combination Wrench

Fig. 88. Vlchek WBE20 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset Showing Profile.

Fig. 88 below shows a Vlchek 5/8 model WBE20 combination wrench, marked "U.S.A." and "Alloy" with no markings on the reverse. The overall length is 9.7 inches.

The inset shows an edge profile view of the wrench, providing a good example of Vlchek production characteristics. Note especially the relatively thin box end and the sharp grinding radii at both ends.

The wrench has a narrower (and thicker) shank than the example in Fig. 87; this bar-type handle indicates somewhat later production. The forged-in number is "9".

WBE24 Combination Wrench

Fig. 89. Vlchek WBE24 3/4 Combination Wrench.

Fig. 89 below shows a Vlchek 3/4 model WBE24 combination wrench, marked "U.S.A." and "Alloy" with no markings on the reverse. The forged-in number is "13".

The overall length is 9.7 inches.

PFH309 Utility and Pump Pliers

Fig. 90. Vlchek Heavy-Duty Waterpump Pliers, Catalog Model PFH309.

Fig. 90 shows a pair of Vlchek PFH309 waterpump pliers, stamped "Vlchek Made in U.S.A." on one handle with "Alloy Steel" on the other. Although not marked on this example, the PFH309 model number was identified by the 1952 catalog, where this model is listed as the "Heavy Duty Utility and Pump Pliers".

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.