Alloy Artifacts

The Superrench Era

J.H. Williams was not one of the earliest pioneers in producing alloy-steel tools, despite being one of the largest tool companies of its time. When Williams introduced the "Superrench" trademark in 1925, Bonney had already been widely advertising its CV Chrome-Vanadium tools for a couple of years. In addition, several other tool companies -- including Cornwell, Herbrand, and Plomb -- may have been producing alloy-steel tools from as early as 1919.

However, it's fair to say that the superb quality of the Superrench line immediately placed Williams in the front ranks of alloy tool producers. The Superrench tools combined top-grade chrome-molybdenum steel, advanced grinding and polishing production techniques, and a nickel-plated finish, placing them among the finest wrenches of the time.

Initially the Superrench line included only open-end wrenches in the engineer's, tappet, and obstruction styles. In subsequent years Williams expanded and extended the line to include other wrench styles, as well as a full line of alloy-steel sockets and drive tools.

For estimating the manufacturing date of tools in the Superrench line, there are a couple of production details that can help identify early examples. When production of the Superrench line began in 1925, the standard finish was nickel plating, but this soon changed to chrome plating over nickel. According to a supplement to the Williams 20th Edition catalog published on November 1, 1927, the finish for the Superrench line had been changed from nickel to chrome plating by the time.

Another detail found on early examples is the use of the older U.S.S. or S.A.E. size conventions instead of the modern fractional (across-flats) sizing. A Williams 20th Edition catalog printed in late 1926 alludes to the impending adoption of the American Standard sizing convention, and implies that Williams will update its products when the standard is adopted. Although the exact date of the new standard is not yet known, it's likely that the change occurred in 1927. Bonney is known to have changed its wrench size markings to fractional sizing in early 1927.

Open-End Wrenches

Open-end wrenches in single- and double-ended styles were among the first tools offered in the Superrench line. The standard open-end "Superrench" models were numbered by adding an offset of 1000 to the industry-standard number for the particular wrench sizes. (See our table Industry-Standard Wrench Models for more information.)

We'll begin this section with several examples believed to represent the early Superrench production, then proceed in order of sizes (subject to availability of course).

1023 Early Open-End Wrench

Fig. 51. Williams 1023 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1927.

Fig. 51 shows an early example of the Williams 1023 13/32x1/2 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 4.7 inches. The finish is chrome plating, with some losses due to rust and pitting.

The reverse faces are stamped "3/16 U.S.S." and "1/4 U.S.S. 5/16 [HEX]C 5/16 S.A.E.", references to the older sizing conventions. The use of the older size markings with a chrome finish suggests production in 1927.

1731-A Early Open-End Wrench

Fig. 52. Williams 1731-A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1925-1927.

Fig. 52 shows an early example of the Williams 1731-A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.2 inches. The finish has been lost due to rust and pitting, leaving only a few traces of the original nickel (or possibly chrome) plating.

The reverse faces are stamped "1/2 U.S.S. 5/8 [HEX]C 9/16 S.A.E." and "1/2 [HEX]C 1/2 S.A.E.", references to the older sizing conventions. The use of the older size markings indicates production in 1925-1927.

1034 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 53. Williams 1034 7/8x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1925-1927.

Fig. 53 shows a Williams 7/8x1-1/16 open-end wrench with stamped model number 1034, with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the shank and "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse. The face is too pitted to show the markings clearly, but is stamped with the Williams name and "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 9.0 inches. The finish has been almost completely lost due to rust, but a few traces of nickel plating remain inside the openings.

The reverse faces are marked "1/2 USS 9/16 SAE" and "5/8 USS 3/4 SAE", the notations expected for an industry-standard model 34 wrench under the old U.S.S. and S.A.E. size conventions.

The top inset shows the very thin profile of this wrench, showing that it was clearly intended as a check-nut or tappet wrench.

1720 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 54. Williams 1720 5/16x11/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 54 shows the smallest of the standard open-end models, a Williams 1720 5/16x11/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a code "II" forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with losses due to rust.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.

1721 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 55. Williams 1721 5/16x3/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 55 at the left shows a Williams 1721 5/16x3/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Alloy" and a code "II" forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with losses due to rust.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.

1723 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 56. Williams 1723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 56 shows a Williams 1723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank has forged-in markings for the "Superrench" trademark on one side, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 4.3 inches. The original plated finish has been worn off.

1023 Open-End Wrenches

Fig. 57. Williams 1023 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 57 shows an earlier Williams 1023 13/32x1/2 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank has forged-in markings for the "Superrench" trademark on one side, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 4.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Fig. 58. Williams 1023 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1947-1952.

Fig. 58 shows a later Williams 1023 13/32x1/2 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank has forged-in markings for the "Superrench" trademark on one side, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the reverse.

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

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.

1025 (Special) Open-End Wrench

Fig. 59. Williams 1025 Special 7/16x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 59 shows a Williams 1025 Special open-end wrench with measured sizes 7/16x9/16, marked "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with "1025 Special" on the other face. The "Superrench" trademark is forged in raised letters with "Chrome-Molybdnum" on the reverse, and both appear highlighted by red paint, a finish treatment noted on some other early Williams tools as well.

The overall length is 5.4 inches.

Did any readers notice that the reverse marking is missing the "E" in molybdenum? This is the only wrench known with this misspelled marking -- if molybdenum needs to be shortened, it usually goes all the way to "Moly".

1025 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 60. Williams 1025 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 60 shows a Williams 1025 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 5.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with losses due to rust.

1725B Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 1725B wrench.

Fig. 61. Williams 1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 61 shows an earlier Williams 1725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Fig. 62. Williams 1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 62 shows a later Williams 1725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Alloy" in raised letters on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.2 inches. The original finish appears to have been gray paint, and traces of the remaining paint can be seen on the shank.

The painted finish suggests a production date during the 1942-1945 wartime years.

1726 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams model 1726 Superrench.

Fig. 63. Williams 1726 Chrome-Molybdenum 1/2x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 63 shows a Williams 1726 1/2x5/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank is marked "Superrench" in forged raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with some loss due to wear.

Fig. 64. Williams 1726 Chrome-Alloy 1/2x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 64 at the left shows a somewhat later Williams 1726 wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face, with "Superrench" in forged raised letters on the shank, and "Chrome-Alloy" on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

1727 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 1727 wrench.

Fig. 65. Williams 1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 65 shows an earlier Williams 1727 9/16x5/9 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank has forged-in markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 6.5 inches. The finish is chrome plating, although much has been lost due to rust.

Fig. 66. Williams 1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 66 shows a later Williams 1727 9/16x5/9 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank has forged-in markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Alloy" and a "V" code on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.6 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, with some loss due to wear and rust.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.

1027C Open-End Wrench

Fig. 67. Williams 1027C 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 67 shows a Williams 1027C 9/16x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the reverse.

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

1027 Open-End Wrench

The next figures show examples of the Williams model 1027 "Superrench" spanning several production periods.

Fig. 68. Williams 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 68 shows an earlier Williams 1027 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" in raised letters on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.5 inches. The finish is chrome plating, with losses due to wear and rust.

Fig. 69. Williams 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 69 shows a later Williams 1027 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 7.2 inches. The finish is plain steel, with no trace of any plated finish.

The plain finish suggests production during the 1942-1945 wartime years.

A close look at the "Alloy" marking on the reverse shows the very faint remnants of a "Chrome-Alloy" marking -- the letters "CHR" can be seen to the left of "ALLOY", with "LOY" appearing to the right. This indicates that a forging die previously incised with "Chrome-Alloy" was remade by filling in the prior marking and replacing it with the new "Alloy" marking. This is a significant finding, as it shows a transition from the "Chrome-Alloy" to "Alloy" marking during the wartime years.

Fig. 70. Williams 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 70 shows another later Williams 1027 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the reverse.

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

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.

1027B Open-End Wrench

Fig. 71. Williams 1027B 5/8x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 71 shows a Williams 1027B 5/8x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the reverse.

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

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.

1729 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 72. Williams 1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 72 at the left shows a Williams 1729 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" in raised letters on the reverse.

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

1029 Open-End Wrenches

The next several figures show examples of the Williams 1029 wrench.

Fig. 73. Williams 1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1943.

Fig. 73 shows an earlier Williams 1029 11/16x25/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel with a rough surface.

The "Chrome-Alloy" marking and rough unfinished surface suggest production during the earlier wartime years, probably in the range 1942-1943.

Fig. 74. Williams 1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1943-1945.

Fig. 74 shows a somewhat later Williams 1029 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 8.5 inches. The finish is plain steel with traces of gray paint, or possibly cadmium plating.

The "Alloy" marking and plain finish suggest production during the later wartime years, probably in the range 1943-1945.

Fig. 75. Williams 1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 75 shows a later Williams 1029 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the reverse.

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

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.

1731 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 76. Williams 1731 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 76 shows a Williams 1731 3/4x13/16 open-end wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.1 inches. The original plated finish is now missing in most areas due to rust and wear.

1031 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 77. Williams 1031 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 77 shows a Williams 1031 25/32x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with some losses due to rust.

A later version of this model can be seen as the Williams 1031 Ribbed-Style Open-End Wrench.

1032B Open-End Wrench

Fig. 78. Williams 1032B 13/16x15/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 78 shows a less commonly seen size, a Williams 1032B 13/16x15/16 open-end wrench. The face is marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo, and the shank has forged-in markings for "Superrench" on the front, with "Alloy" and a "V" code on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.

1732 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 79. Williams 1732 13/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 79 at the left shows one of the less common sizes in the Superrench series, a Williams 1732 13/16x1 open-end wrench. The face is stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo, and the shank has "Superrench" forged into the front with "Chrome-Alloy" on the reverse.

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

1033 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 80. Williams 1033 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 80 shows one of the less common Superrench models, a Williams 1033 7/8x31/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the face with the W-Diamond logo. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.2 inches. The finish is chrome plating, but with extensive losses due to rust and pitting.

1033C Open-End Wrench

The next figures show three generations of the Williams 1033C wrench.

Fig. 81. Williams 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 81 at the left shows a Williams 1033C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the face with the W-Diamond logo. The shank has "Superrench" forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" on the reverse.

The overall length is 10.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Fig. 82. Williams 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 82 shows a somewhat later Williams 1033C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the face with the W-Diamond logo. The shank has "Superrench" forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a "V" code on the reverse.

The overall length is 10.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.

Fig. 83. Williams 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1947-1952.

Fig. 83 shows a later Williams 1033C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped with the "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face. The shank has "Superrench" forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a "V" code on the reverse.

The overall length is 10.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face indicates a manufacturing date of 1947 to 1952.

1735 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 84. Williams 1735 1x1-1/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1947-1952.

Fig. 84 shows a Williams 1735 1x1-1/8 open-end wrench, stamped on one face with the "Williams U.S.A." logo. The shank has forged-in markings "Superrench" on one side with "Alloy" and a code "II" on the reverse.

The overall length is 12.7 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, with some losses due to rust.

The "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face indicates a manufacturing date of 1947 to 1952.

1037 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 85. Williams 1037 1-1/16x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1947-1952.

Fig. 85 shows a Williams 1037 1-1/16x1-1/4 open-end wrench, stamped on one face with the "Williams U.S.A." logo, and with "Superrench" and "Alloy" forged into the shank. A forged-in code "II" (not shown) is also marked on the reverse side of the shank.

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

The "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face indicates a manufacturing date of 1947 to 1952.

Tappet Wrenches

Tappet wrenches are a specialized form of open-end wrenches, designed with very thin heads and intended primarily for adjusting the lock nuts on valve tappets. These wrenches were the first alloy steel tools offered in the Williams catalogs, with four models (Nos. 90, 92, 94, and 96) available by about 1924, before the introduction of the Superrench line. Based on the catalog illustrations, the earliest tappet wrenches were marked with "Williams Tappet Wrench" forged into the shank.

1090 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 86. Williams 1090 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1925-1927.

Fig. 86 shows an early Williams 1090 7/16x1/2 tappet wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" in raised letters on the reverse.

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

The reverse faces are stamped "1/4 SAE" and "5/16 SAE", references to the older size convention. The use of the older size markings and the nickel finish identify this wrench as an early example of Williams' Superrench production.

1090A Tappet Wrench

Fig. 87. Williams 1090A 3/8x7/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1947-1959.

Fig. 87 shows an example of later production, a Williams 1090A 3/8x7/16 tappet wrench, stamped with the "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "B" code forged into the reverse.

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

1090D Tappet Wrench

Fig. 88. Williams 1090D 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 88 shows a Williams 1090D 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

1092-F Tappet Wrenches

The next figures show several generations of the Williams 1092-F tappet wrench.

Fig. 89. Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 89 at the left shows a Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

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

Fig. 90A. Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 90A shows a later Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the reverse.

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

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.

Fig. 90B. Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1947-1959.

Fig. 90B shows another later Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench, stamped with the "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "B" code forged into the reverse.

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

1094 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 91. Williams 1094 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 91 at the left shows a Williams 1094 3/4x7/8 tappet wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 9.0 inches.

1096H "Special" Tappet Wrench

Fig. 92. Williams 1096H Special 7/8x1-1/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1947-1959.

Fig. 92 at the left shows a later tappet wrench in a less common size, a Williams 1096H Special 7/8x1-1/16 wrench marked with the "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 9.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with loss due to rust.

Obstruction Wrenches

During the mid 1920s various tool companies experimented with open-end wrenches for clearing obstacles, and the resulting tools were commonly called obstruction wrenches. The variations involved different head angles, or placement of the openings on opposite sides, and each style had its advocates. The Williams design placed two different opening sizes at 75-degree angles, with both openings on the same side of the wrench.

Williams offered its obstruction wrenches with the same paired sizes as the industry-standard open-end wrenches, and the model numbers were assigned by adding 2000 to the equivalent industry-standard number. For example, a 1/2x9/16 wrench would be a number 725B in a standard open-end series, and therefore became a number 2725B in the obstruction series.

By 1927 Williams was already offering 30 models of obstruction wrenches, and this increased to 34 models by the 21st Edition catalog of 1933. The table at the left shows the obstruction wrench models together with the approximate year of introduction. The available sizes ranged from the 5/16x3/8 model 2721 up to the 7/8x1 model 2733.

The early catalog listings for obstruction wrenches include a patent pending notice, but despite an extensive search, no patent has been found. The pending status is noted in the catalogs from 1927 through 1931, and we will presume that wrenches marked with the pending notice were produced during this period. It's interesting to note that Bonney's early obstruction wrenches also mention a pending patent, but again no patent has been found.

Obstruction wrenches were offered at least through 1941, but by 1945 were no longer listed in the catalogs.

Obstruction wrenches similar to the Williams design were available from other manufacturers, and interested readers can view examples such as the Billings M-2030 Obstruction Wrench or Blackhawk-Armstrong 2029 Obstruction Wrench. Alternate styles of obstruction wrenches were also available, and examples include the Bonney 2031 Obstruction Wrench and Herbrand 1827 Obstruction Wrench.

We'll begin the presentation with an early example of the obstruction style, as indicated by a patent pending notation and traces of a nickel plated finish.

2027C 9/16x11/16 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 93. Williams 2027C 9/16x11/16 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1927.

Fig. 93 shows an early Williams 2027C 9/16x11/16 obstruction open-end wrench. One face is marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.5 inches.

The finish was originally nickel plating, and some traces remain on the polished faces. The use of a nickel finish would make this one of the earliest obstruction wrenches, as such finishes were discontinued (in favor of chrome over nickel) in 1927.

The patent pending status for the obstruction wrenches is noted in catalogs as early as 1927 and as late as 1931. The corresponding patent has not yet been found despite an extensive search of the patent records.

2021 5/16x13/32 Obstruction Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 2021 obstruction wrench.

Fig. 94. Williams 2021 5/16x13/32 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 94 shows an early Williams 2021 5/16x13/32 obstruction open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in bold raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 4.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.

Fig. 95. Williams 2021 5/16x13/32 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1932+.

Fig. 95 shows a later Williams 2021 5/16x13/32 obstruction open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number stamped on the other face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in bold raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 4.2 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

2725B 1/2x9/16 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 96. Williams 2725B 1/2x9/16 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1932+.

Fig. 96 shows a Williams 2725B 1/2x9/16 obstruction wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number stamped on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

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

2728 9/16x3/4 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 97. Williams 2728 9/16x3/4 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 97 shows a Williams 2728 9/16x3/4 obstruction wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.8 inches. The finish is chrome plating, but with extensive losses due to rust and corrosion.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.

2027 19/32x11/16 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 98. Williams 2027 19/32x11/16 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 98 shows a Williams 2027 19/32x11/16 obstruction open-end wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.5 inches. The finish is now plain steel, as the original plating has been lost to wear and rust.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.

2028 19/32x25/32 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 99. Williams 2028 19/32x25/32 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1932+.

Fig. 99 shows a Williams 2028 19/32x25/32 obstruction open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number stamped on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

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

2729 5/8x3/4 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 100. Williams 2729 5/8x3/4 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 100 shows a Williams 2729 5/8x3/4 obstruction open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.8 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, with some losses due to rust.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.

2028S 5/8x25/32 Obstruction Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 2028S obstruction wrench.

Fig. 101. Williams 2028S 5/8x25/32 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 101 shows an earlier Williams 2028S 5/8x25/32 obstruction wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.8 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, with some pitting due to rust.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.

Fig. 101B. Williams 2028S 5/8x25/32 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1932+.

Fig. 101B shows a later Williams 2028S 5/8x25/32 obstruction wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number stamped on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.8 inches. This wrench has a light gray oxide finish, with no traces of a former plated finish.

2029 11/16x25/32 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 102. Williams 2029 11/16x25/32 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 102 shows a Williams 2029 11/16x25/32 obstruction wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

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

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.

2731A 3/4x7/8 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 103. Williams 2731A 3/4x7/8 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1932+.

Fig. 103 shows a Williams 2731A 3/4x7/8 obstruction wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number stamped on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

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

2032 25/32x31/32 Obstruction Wrench

Fig. 104. Williams 2032 25/32x31/32 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 104 shows a rare Williams 2032 25/32x31/32 obstruction wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.3 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, with some losses due to rust.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.

2033A 7/8x15/16 Obstruction Wrench

We began this section with an example believed to represent the earliest production of the Williams obstruction wrenches, so it's fitting now to close with an example that may be among the last wrenches produced. The next figure was obtained as "new old stock" in its tattered paper wrapper, and the finish suggests production during the wartime years.

Fig. 105. Williams 2033A 7/8x15/16 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 105 shows a Williams 2033A 7/8x15/16 obstruction wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank is marked "Superrench" in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a forged-in code "V" on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.3 inches. The finish is a greenish powder-coat paint, with polished but unplated faces.

Ignition Wrenches

At the smaller end of the Superrench line were various styles of ignition wrenches, with openings in the range of 3/16 to 9/16 inches. These were sometimes referred to as "Midget Superrenches".

Williams initially offered ignition wrenches in a style with two openings of the same size, but with different offset angles of 15 and 75 degrees. These wrenches were given 11xx model numbers beginning at model 1114, with the "xx" specifying the size in 64ths. The wrench sizes initially ranged from model 1114 (7/32) up to model 1132 (1/2), but the series was eventually extended to range from model 1112 (3/16) up to model 1136 (9/16).

The Williams ignition wrenches are believed to have been available by 1928, although currently our earliest Williams catalog reference is 1931. Certain combined Husky-Williams socket and wrench sets offered by industrial distributors include "Midget Superrenches" in the description, and these are believed to be the 11xx series wrenches illustrated in the next several figures. (The catalog description can be seen in a later section on the Husky-Williams Socket Wrench Set.)

By 1937 Williams had added a second style of ignition wrenches. These wrenches were modelled after the familiar double-open "Engineer's" wrenches, with two different opening sizes, both set at a 15 degree angle to the axis. This second series also used 11xx model numbers, and initially four models were available in the range 1106 to 1109. Later additions to the series used letter suffixes for the new models.

1113 "Midget Superrench" 13/64x13/64 Ignition Wrenches

Fig. 106. Williams 1113 13/64x13/64 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 106 shows a Williams 1113 13/64x13/64 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a "V" code on the reverse.

The overall length is 3.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

1114 "Midget Superrench" 7/32x7/32 Ignition Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 1114 ignition wrench.

Fig. 107. Williams 1114 7/32x7/32 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 107 shows a Williams 1114 7/32x7/32 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank has forged-in markings "Superrench" on the front with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 3.1 inches. The finish appears to be a black oxide coating over plain steel, which is a bit of a mystery; these wrenches are generally specified has having a chrome plated finish.

Fig. 108. Williams 1114 7/32x7/32 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 108 shows another example of the Williams 1114 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank has forged-in markings "Superrench" on the front with "Alloy" on the reverse.

The overall length is 3.1 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

1115 "Midget Superrench" 15/64x15/64 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 109. Williams 1115 15/64x15/64 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 109 shows a Williams 1115 15/64x15/64 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face and with the model number on the other end. The shank has forged-in markings "Superrench" on the front, with "Alloy" and a code "II" forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 3.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

1116 "Midget Superrench" 1/4x1/4 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 110. Williams 1116 1/4x1/4 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 110 shows a Williams 1116 1/4x1/4 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank has forged-in markings "Superrench" on the front with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 3.1 inches, and the finish appears to be a black oxide coating over plain steel.

1120 "Midget Superrench" 5/16x5/16 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 111. Williams 1120 5/16x5/16 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 111 shows a Williams 1120 5/16x5/16 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank is marked with "Superrench" forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 3.7 inches. The finish appears to be chrome plating.

1124 "Midget Superrench" 3/8x3/8 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 112. Williams 1124 3/8x3/8 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 112 shows a Williams 1124 3/8x3/8 ignition wrench, marked with the W-Diamond logo stamped on one face. The shank is marked "Superrench" in raised letters, with "Alloy" and a code "II" forged into the reverse.

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

1128 "Midget Superrench" 7/16x7/16 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 113. Williams 1128 7/16x7/16 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 113 at the left shows a Williams 1128 7/16x7/16 ignition wrench with "U.S.A." and the W-Diamond logo stamped on one face. The shank is marked "Superrench" in raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code on the reverse.

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

This particular wrench came from the Williams 1291P Midget Electrical Set shown in a later section, a collection containing 1/4-drive sockets and handles, a selection of ignition wrenches, and a miniature pair of pliers.

1132 "Midget Superrench" 1/2x1/2 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 114. Williams 1132 1/2x1/2 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 114 at the left shows a Williams 1132 1/2x1/2 ignition wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked "Superrench" in raised letters, with "Alloy" and a code "II" forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

1106 "Midget Superrench" 13/64x7/32 Ignition Wrench

The next two figures show examples of the later style of ignition wrenches, resembling miniature double-open wrenches.

Fig. 115. Williams 1106 13/64x7/32 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 115 shows a Williams 1106 13/64x7/32 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank has forged-in markings "Superrench" on the front, with "Alloy" and a code "II" on the reverse.

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

1107 "Midget Superrench" 15/64x1/4 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 116. Williams 1107 15/64x1/4 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 116 shows a Williams 1107 15/64x1/4 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank has forged-in markings "Superrench" on the front, with "Alloy" and a code "II" on the reverse.

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