Alloy Artifacts

General Service and Specialty Tools

In addition to its broad line of wrenches and sockets, Williams produced a wide range of tools for industrial service, plus specialty tools for automotive, refrigeration, and other applications. Some of these tools were also marked as part of the "Superrench" line.

Adjustable Wrenches

Although Williams had produced various types of adjustable wrenches early in its history, the company waited until the mid 1930s to offer the popular Crescent-style adjustable wrenches. The Williams adjustables closely resembled the Crescent-style wrenches from other tool companies, but incorporated at least one significant change to the construction.

In the Williams adjustable wrenches, the keyway for the sliding jaw (and the jaw itself) is made with a flat top, instead of the typical rounded top. The flat top helps to minimize lateral forces when under heavy load, forces that could otherwise distort and damage the wrench. This design is described by patent #2,112,840, filed by F.A. Haist in 1935 and issued in 1938.

The 1937 Williams catalog offers adjustable wrenches in both alloy steel and carbon steel, and in sizes from 4 to 12 inches. Williams used the trademark "Superjustable" for the alloy steel models, while the carbon steel wrenches were marked "Williams' Adjustable". (The "Superjustable" trademark was actually registered in the early 1920s, but was used at that time for clamps rather than wrenches.)

By 1940 the Williams catalog had extended the available sizes up to 18 inches, but interestingly the larger models were footnoted as being of "Diamond" brand, a reference to the wrenches from the Diamond Calk Horseshoe Company. The carbon steel models had been discontinued by 1945, and by 1950 Williams had extended the available sizes up to 24 inches and brought the production in-house.

Carbon Steel 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench

We'll begin this section with two rare examples of the carbon steel adjustable (rather than "Superjustable") wrenches.

Fig. 309A. Williams 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1935-1944.

Fig. 309A shows a Williams 8 inch adjustable wrench, marked "Williams' Adjustable" with the W-Diamond logo in forged raised letters, with "J.H. Williams & Co." and "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the maximum opening is approximately 1 inch. The finish is plain steel.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the general construction and the flat-topped keyway. The head thickness was measured at 0.55 inches.

Carbon Steel 4 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 309B. Williams 4 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 309B shows a somewhat later Williams 4 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Adjustable" and "Patd. U.S.A." forged into the shank, with "J.H. Williams & Co." and "Drop-Forged" on the reverse.

The overall length is 4.3 inches, and the maximum opening is approximately 0.5 inch. The finish is plain steel.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the general construction and the flat-topped keyway.

Early "Superjustable" 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 310A. Williams 10 Inch "Superjustable" Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1935-1946.

Our first example of the "Superjustable" line is shown in Fig. 310A, a Williams 10 inch adjustable wrench, marked "Superjustable" with "Patd in U.S.A." and "Alloy V" in raised letters. The reverse is marked with the W-Diamond logo followed by "J.H. Williams & Co." and "Drop-Forged in U.S.A.", all in forged raised letters.

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the maximum jaw opening is 1.2 inches. The finish was originally chrome plating, but most has been lost due to extensive rust and pitting, plainly visible in the photograph.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the relatively thin construction. The head thickness was measured at 0.56 inches.

The W-Diamond logo on this example indicates a probable manufacturing date in the range 1935-1946.

"Superjustable" 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 310B. Williams 6 Inch "Superjustable" Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 310B shows another example of the Superjustable series, a Williams 6 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Superjustable" and "U.S.A." forged into the shank, and with "J.H. Williams & Co." and "Forged Alloy" forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the maximum jaw opening is 0.8 inches. The finish is plain steel.

AP-4 Adjustable Wrench

The next several figures show later examples of the Superjustable wrench line, with AP- or AB-Series model numbers, and with markings stamped instead of forged into the shank.

Fig. 311. Williams AP-4 4 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 311 shows a Williams AP-4 4 inch adjustable wrench marked "Superjustable U.S.A." on the front, with "J.H. Williams & Co." on the reverse.

The overall length is 4.3 inches, and the maximum opening is 0.5 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

AP-8 Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 312. Williams AP-8 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 312 shows a Williams AP-8 adjustable wrench, stamped "Superjustable" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank, with "J.H. Williams & Co." and "Forged Alloy" on the reverse. The reverse also has a forged-in code "L" near the hanging hole.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.0 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench to illustrate the slim profile. The square shoulder of the sliding jaw can be seen on close examination.

AB-8 Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 313. Williams AB-8 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.0 inches. The finish is black oxide.

The thin profile of the wrench can be seen in the top inset, and the maximum head thickness was measured at 0.49 inches. Note also that the edge of the handle shows a ridge from the trimming operation, a cost-saving measure appropriate for this industrial-finish model.

APL-6 Locking Adjustable Wrench

In addition to its basic models, Williams offered a locking adjustable wrench based on a simple sliding pin mechanism.

Fig. 314. Williams APL-6 6 Inch Locking Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

An example of a locking model is shown in Fig. 314, a Williams APL-6 6 inch adjustable wrench marked "Superjustable" and "Made in U.S.A." on the front, with "J.H. Williams & Co." and "Forged Alloy" on the reverse. The reverse also has a forged-in code "L" near the hanging hole.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the maximum opening is 0.7 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The locking mechanism is covered by patent #2,719,449, issued to W.J. Johnson in 1955.

Automotive Specialty Tools

1021S 1/4x5/16 Brake Wrench

Fig. 315. Williams 1021S 1/4x5/16 Brake Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1947-1954.

Fig. 315 shows a Williams 1021S 1/4x5/16 brake wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with the Williams logo on the face. The shank has forged-in markings "Superrench" on the front, with an II" code and "Alloy" on the reverse.

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

1960 Starter & Manifold Box-End Wrench

Fig. 316. Williams 1960 9/16x5/8 Starter & Manifold Box Wrench, with Insets for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 316 shows an example of a Williams specialty tool, a Williams 1960 9/16x5/8 halfmoon wrench intended for starter and manifold service. The shank has stamped markings for "Superrench" and the W-Diamond logo, with "Made in U.S.A." and "Alloy" on the reverse.

The model 1960 wrench is not listed in the 1937 catalog, but is shown in the 1940 and later catalogs at least through 1950. The wrench is recommended for starter and manifold nuts on Chrysler and Dodge automobiles, and on DeSoto through 1940.

In addition to the stamped markings, there is a small forged-in number "8742" visible in the left inset, although the digits are blurred and difficult to read. The significance of this marking was discovered recently -- it indicates the use of AISI 8742 steel, an alloy with nickel, chromium, and molybdenum having good hardening properties for tool applications.

Such markings (or numbers for similar steels) occur fairly frequently on Herbrand tools, but this is the first known case for another manufacturer. (See for example the Herbrand 1827 Wrench.)

1981 Double-Ended Hex Socket Wrench

Fig. 317. Williams 1981 9/16x9/16 Socket Wrench, with Insets for Construction and Reverse Detail, ca. 1934-1936.

Fig. 317 shows a Williams 1981 9/16x9/16 double-ended hex socket wrench, intended primarily for connecting-rod service on Ford V8 engines. The shank is stamped "Chrome-Molybdenum" on one side, with the "Superrench" trademark and W-Diamond logo on the reverse.

The wrench has an overall length of 12.0 inches, with a length of 11.5 inches for the long arm. The finish is chrome plating with polished sockets.

The model 1981 wrench has an interesting history. This model was available as early as 1931 in a slightly shorter version with a 10 inch arm, and at that time was described as a brake wrench for Bendix brakes. By 1937 the arm length had been increased to 11.5 inches and the model number updated to 1981-A, with the primary application listed as servicing connecting rods for Ford V8 engines. The catalog illustration at that time shows the sockets with a distinctive tapered form.

The present example is unusual in bearing the older model number but with the later specifications, suggesting a likely production date in the mid 1930s.

1983 3/16x1/4 Brake Wrench

Fig. 317B. Williams 1983 3/16x1/4 Brake Wrench, with Insets for Reverse and Marking Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 317B shows a Williams 1983 3/16x1/4 brake wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number on the other end (see lower inset). The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is gray paint.

1985 5/8 Short Brake Wrench

Fig. 317C. Williams 1985 5/8 Short Brake Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 317C shows a rare Williams 1985 5/8 short brake wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face (upper inset), with the model number and size on the opposite face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the reverse.

The overall length is 3.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

1997 "Superrench" Offset Screwdriver

Fig. 318. Williams 1997 "Superrench" Offset Screwdriver, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 318 shows a Williams 1997 offset screwdriver, marked with the "Superrench" trademark and model number forged into one side, with "Alloy" and the W-Diamond logo forged into the reverse. A forged-in "V" code also appears on the reverse shank.

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

1998A "Superrench" Brake Spoon

Fig. 319. Williams 1998A "Superrench" Brake Spoon, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 319 shows a rare Williams 1998A "Superrench" brake-adjusting spoon, marked "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo, and with the "Superrench" trademark in raised letters. The reverse is marked "Chrome-Alloy" in raised letters, as seen in the lower inset.

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

1998B "Superrench" Brake Spoon

Fig. 320. Williams 1998B "Superrench" Brake Spoon, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 320 shows a rare Williams 1998B "Superrench" brake-adjusting spoon, stamped with the "Williams U.S.A." logo and model number, and with the "Superrench" trademark in raised letters. The reverse is marked "Alloy" in raised letters, as seen in the lower inset.

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

No. 1999 "Multisocket" Eight-In-1 Socket Wrenches

The next several figures show examples of the Williams No. 1999 eight-way socket wrench, a distinctive tool with rotating socket clusters on each end.

Fig. 321. Williams No. 1999 "Multisocket" Eight-In-1 Socket Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 321 at the left shows an earlier Williams No. 1999 eight-way socket wrench, with "Williams Multisocket" and the W-Diamond logo forged into the shank. The reverse shank has forged-in markings "Forged in U.S.A." and "Chrome-Molybdenum", plus a "Pat. Pendg." notice.

The socket sizes are 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, and 19/32 on the small head, with 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, and 7/8 on the large head. The sizes are marked on the edge of each opening, as can be seen in the upper inset.

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating. The chrome plating is unusual for this model, as the Williams catalogs from 1931 through 1950 consistently report the finish as cadmium plating.

The patent pending notice refers to patent #1,811,137, filed by W.C. Kress in 1930, and issued in 1931 with assignment to J.H Williams.

Fig. 322. Williams No. 1999 "Multisocket" Eight-In-1 Socket Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 322 shows another example of the Williams No. 1999 wrench, believed to be somewhat later than the previous figure. The shank has forged markings "Williams Multisocket" with the W-Diamond logo and a small "T" code can be seen to the right of the logo. The reverse shank has forged-in markings "Drop-Forged in U.S.A." and "Chrome-Alloy Sockets", plus a "Pat. Pend'g." notice.

The overall length is 9.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The patent pending notice refers to Kress 1931 patent #1,811,137.

The socket sizes are not marked on this example, but the sizes are the same as in the previous figure.

Although the above two examples are very similar, there are some differences worth noting. The "Chrome-Molybdenum" marking on the first tool has become "Chrome-Alloy Sockets" on the second, suggesting that the specifications had been relaxed a bit. Apparently only the sockets now needed to be chrome alloy, and not necessarily chrome-molybdenum.

Other minor changes in markings -- the small "T" code, and the use of "Drop-Forged in U.S.A." instead of "Forged in U.S.A." -- indicate at least that the forging dies had been updated, possibly for use at a different factory.

More significant though is the detail that didn't change: even though these examples were probably made some years apart, both are still marked with a patent pending status. Typically a company would mark their products "Patented" after the patent had been issued, possibly with a patent date or number as well. But after reviewing these examples, plus photographs of perhaps ten additional examples of the No. 1999 wrenches, all of them were marked with the "Pat. Pendg." notation.

No. 1999 "Multisocket" Eight-In-1 Socket Wrench, Raised Panel Version

In the 1950s Williams redesigned the Multisocket wrench with a raised panel forging, similar to the stylistic make-over given to the other wrench lines.

Fig. 323. Williams No. 1999 "Multisocket" Eight-Way Socket Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1955.

Fig. 323 at the left shows a Williams No. 1999 eight-way socket wrench in the raised panel style, stamped "J.H. Williams & Co." and "Forged U.S.A." on the raised panel, with "Multisocket" on the reverse.

As with the earlier models, the socket sizes are 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, and 19/32 on the small head, with 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, and 7/8 on the large head.

The overall length is 9.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

No patent notice is marked on this example, but the wrench follows the same design described by patent #1,811,137.

The raised panels on this model first appeared in the 1950s, probably around the same time as the panelled designs for the Superrench line. Chrome plated finishes for this model were also introduced in the 1950s; up until at least 1950, the model 1999 wrenches were specified with cadmium plated finishes.

S-60C 1/2-Drive Stud Extractor

Fig. 324. Williams S-60C 1/2-Drive Stud Extractor, with Insets for Top View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 324 shows a Williams S-60C 1/2-drive stud extractor of the eccentric cam type, marked "U.S.A." with the Williams logo.

The diameter of the body is 2.0 inches, and the overall height is 2.5 inches. The finish is chrome plating.

The right inset shows a top view of the body. Two holes of different diameters are provided, in order to handle studs of various sizes.

One interesting feature of this design is that the eccentric cam is secured to the drive shaft only by a detent ball, allowing it to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement.

Refrigeration Specialty Tools

Refrigeration service was a specialty field that hadn't existed at all much before the late 1920s, but which grew rapidly in the 1930s and beyond. Williams was offering specialty tools for refrigeration applications at least as early as 1933, with its R-19A refrigeration socket set, and selection was expanded in later years.

MR-51 Refrigeration Ratchet

Fig. 325. Williams MR-51 1/4-Drive Refrigeration Ratchet, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 325 shows a Williams MR-51 1/4 female drive refrigeration ratchet, stamped with the "Williams U.S.A" logo on the face, and with "J.H. Williams & Co." forged into the shank.

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

The ratchet mechanism is an open design with a 24-tooth drive gear, and the reversible pivoting pawl has two contact teeth on each side. The handle is equipped with broached openings for 3/16 square, 1/4 square, 5/16 square, and 1/2 hex.

This tool is also marked with a "Patd." patent notice forged into the shank, but the corresponding patent is not known at this time.

R-19A Refrigeration Socket Set

The R-19A socket set was one of the earliest refrigeration service items offered by Williams. The set offered a mix of standard and specialty sockets along with a ratchet, sliding Tee-handle, extensions, and drive adapters.

1316 Combination Open Flare-Nut Wrench

In the late 1940s Williams began offering a combined open-end and flare-nut wrench style, with both ends of the same size. Typically these were used for refrigeration or hydraulic line applications, where the better grip of the flare-nut opening helped avoid damage to softer fittings. The wrenches were given model numbers in a 13xx series in sizes ranging from 3/8 (1312) up to 1-1/16 (1334).

Initially the wrenches were designed with 12-point flare openings for all sizes, but by the mid 1950s Williams was using 6-point flare openings. The model numbers were not updated for this change to the specification, so it's possible to find both 6-point and 12-point wrenches with the same model number.

Fig. 327. Williams 1316 1/2 Combination Open Flare-Nut Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1947-1955.

Fig. 327 shows a Williams 1316 1/2 combination open and flare-nut wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo and "U.S.A" on the face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark on one side, with "Alloy" and a "B" code on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.3 inches. The finish is chrome plating, but much of the chrome has worn off to reveal the copper underplating.

The W-Diamond and "U.S.A." face marking is a variant of the "Williams U.S.A." logo used for smaller wrenches. The face marking and raised-letter markings on the shank indicate a production date in the late 1940s to early 1950s, before the advent of the raised-panel shank style.

1328 Combination Open Flare-Nut Wrench

Fig. 328. Williams 1328 7/8 Combination Open Flare-Nut Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1947-1955.

Fig. 328 shows a Williams 1328 7/8 combination open and flare-nut wrench, stamped with the "Williams U.S.A" logo on the face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark on one side, with "Alloy" and a "V" code on the reverse.

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

The Williams logo on the face and raised-letter markings on the shank indicate a production date in the late 1940s to early 1950s, before the advent of the raised-panel shank style.

1334 Combination Open Flare-Nut Wrench

Fig. 329. Williams 1334 1-1/16 Combination Open Flare-Nut Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. Mid 1950s.

Fig. 329 shows a Williams 1334 1-1/16 combination-flare wrench for refrigeration or hydraulic line applications. The wrench is stamped with the "Williams U.S.A" logo on the face, and the shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark on one side and "Alloy" on the reverse. (The face logo from this wrench served as the example for this style, shown on the first page of this article.)

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

The Williams logo on the face and raised-letter markings on the shank indicate production before the advent of the raised-panel shank style, and the 6-point flare opening suggests a date in the mid 1950s.

This wrench was obtained as a "New Old Stock" item and appears to have never been used or even handled much; the satin chrome finish on the shank was still rough to the touch.

1312 Combination Open Flare-Nut Wrench, Flat-Shank Style

Fig. 330. Williams 1312 3/8 Combination Open Flare-Nut Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1960+.

Fig. 330 shows a later Williams 1312 3/8 combination-flare wrench in the flat-shank style, stamped "Superrench" and "U.S.A" on one side, with the Williams logo and fractional sizes on the reverse.

The overall length is 5.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

General Service Tools

No. 76 Needlenose Pliers with Side Cutters

Fig. 331. Williams No. 76 Needlenose Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 331 shows a pair of Williams No. 76 needlenose pliers with side-cutters, marked "Made U.S.A." near the pivot, and stamped "V" on the underside of the handles (see lower inset).

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

1515 Snap-Ring Pliers

Fig. 332. Williams 1515 Snap-Ring Pliers, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 332 shows a pair of Williams 1515 snap-ring pliers, stamped with "Williams U.S.A." logo and model number near the pivot.

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

1520 Waterpump Pliers

Fig. 333. Williams 1520 Waterpump Pliers, ca. 1947.

Fig. 333 shows a pair of Williams 1520 waterpump pliers with a distinctive gripping pattern on the handles, marked only with the model and Williams logo.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the finish is polished steel.

The model 1520 pliers were available by 1937 or earlier, as this model is listed in a Williams catalog from that year. The 1947 Williams catalog mentions the use of the distinctive diamond gripping pattern seen on the handles of these pliers.

472 3 Inch Adjustable Spanner

Fig. 334. Williams 472 1-1/4 to 3 Inch Adjustable Spanner, with Insets for Marking Detail.

Fig. 334 shows a Williams 472 adjustable spanner with a 1-1/4 to 3 inch capacity, marked "J.H. Williams & Co." and "Buffalo, N.Y. U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo. (The upper inset has been rotated for readability.)

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is black paint.

483 3 Inch Adjustable Face Spanner

Fig. 335. Williams 483 3 Inch Adjustable Face Spanner, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 335 shows a Williams 483 adjustable face spanner in the 3 inch size. The arms have forged-in markings "No. 483 Adjustable Face Spanner" on one, with forged-in markings "J.H. Williams & Co." and "U.S.A." plus the W-Diamond logo on the other. The reverse is also marked "3 Inch Size", as seen in the inset.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the pin diameter is 0.24 inches. The finish is black paint.

A forged-in code "T" can be seen on the arms at the right of the depressed oval.

807 Single-Box Wrench

Fig. 336. Williams 807 1-1/16 Single-Box Wrench.

Fig. 336 shows a Williams 807 1-1/16 single-box wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A" with the W-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 9.9 inches, and the finish is black paint.

8808 Slugging Wrench

Fig. 337. Williams 8808 1-1/4 Slugging Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 337 shows a Williams 8808 1-1/4 slugging wrench, marked with the "Williams U.S.A." logo.

The overall length is 11.0 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

C-98 1 Inch Wood Chisel

Fig. 338. Williams C-98 1 Inch Wood Chisel.

Fig. 338 shows a Williams C-98 1 inch wood chisel, stamped "USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 8.9 inches, and the finish is black paint.

Contract Production

In this section we'll look at some examples of tools produced by Williams but marked with a customer's brand, or at least not marked with one of the standard Williams tool lines.

Williams (Attrib.) No. 18021 Offset Box-End Wrench

The next several figures show wrenches not marked with the Williams name or logo, but closely resembling the construction of the round-shank "Duohex-Box" series. These are believed to be Williams production, possibly under contract for another company.

Fig. 339. Williams (Attrib.) No. 18021 5/16x13/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 339 shows a No. 18021 5/16x13/32 offset box-end wrench attributed to Williams, marked "Chromal" and "Forged in U.S.A." on the round shank.

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

Williams (Attrib.) No. 18731A Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 340. Williams (Attrib.) No. 18731A 3/4x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 340 shows a No. 18731A 3/4x7/8 offset box-end wrench attributed to Williams, marked "Chrome-Alloy" and "Forged in U.S.A." on the round shank.

The overall length is 12.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished ends.

This wrench closely resembles the Williams 8731A Duohex-Box Wrench shown earlier in this article.

Williams (Attrib.) No. 19725 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 341. Williams (Attrib.) No. 19725 7/16x1/2 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 341 shows a No. 19725 7/16x1/2 offset box-end wrench attributed to Williams, marked "Chrome-Alloy" and "Forged in U.S.A." on the round shank. The overall length is 5.7 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished ends, though much of the finish has been lost to rust and wear.

The "Volume" Line

Although the most of the Williams alloy-steel wrenches were marked as part of the Superrench line, some such tools were marked for other product lines. One of these was the so-called "Volume" line, a series of wrenches, sockets, and drive tools apparently intended for the automotive service market.

The existence of the Volume line was discovered in a 1933 Ducommun industrial supply catalog, which lists a number of open-end wrenches under this brand. The Volume open-end wrenches were given industry-standard model numbers with an "A" prefix, and were offered at about half of the price of an equivalent Superrench model.

Some of the Volume line was marked with the W-Diamond or other Williams logos, but the sockets and drive tools were marked with the Volume brand with no Williams-specific markings. In the absence of any Williams markings, these tools might be considered "mystery brands" with unknown makers.

A723 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 342. Williams A723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 342 at the left shows an example of a wrench in the Volume line, a Williams A723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, with the face marked "Chrome-Molybdenum" and "Made U.S.A." with W-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 4.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

A27C Open-End Wrench

Fig. 343. Williams A27C 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 343 shows a Williams A27C 9/16x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Chrome-Molybdenum" and "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

A731A Open-End Wrench

Fig. 344. Williams A731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 344 shows a Williams A731A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face, and with "Chrome-Molybdenum" stamped on the shank.

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

A90 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 345. Williams A90 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench.

Fig. 345 shows a Williams A90 7/16x1/2 tappet wrench, marked "Special-Tappet-Alloy" on the shank, with "Made U.S.A." and the W-Diamond logo on the face.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This wrench was previously thought to be a very early alloy-steel tool, produced before the "Superrench" trademark was registered. However, this style of tappet wrench is illustrated in a 1933 Ducommun catalog, and the catalog clearly shows the "Special Tappet Alloy" marking. The "A" prefix to the model number indicates that it was probably part of the Volume line of tools.

"A"-Series 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench

In the later continuation of the Volume "A" series the wrenches were marked simply with an "A" and the fractional sizes. The next several figures show examples of the later Volume line.

Fig. 346. Williams "A" 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 346 shows a Williams "A" 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench, stamped "A" on one face, with "U.S.A." and the W-Diamond logo on the other. The reverse faces (not shown) are stamped with the fractional sizes.

The overall length is 5.3 inches, and the finish is thin layer of chrome plating.

The reverse shank has a forged-in "II" code, seen in the inset at the right.

"A"-Series 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 347. Williams "A" 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 347 shows a Williams "A" 5/8x25/32 open-end wrench, stamped "A" on one face, with "U.S.A." and the W-Diamond logo on the other. The reverse faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, as shown in the inset.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is thin layer of chrome plating.

"A"-Series 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 348. Williams "A" 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 348 shows a Williams "A" 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "A" on one face with "U.S.A." and the W-Diamond logo on the other. The reverse faces (not shown) are stamped with the fractional sizes.

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

The upper inset shows a side view of the wrench. Note that some shear marks from the trimming operation are still visible.

Plain Series 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench

The next several figures show examples of Williams open-end wrenches with even more minimal markings, which we'll call the "Plain Series" for lack of a better term.

Although we don't have any specific information regarding the intended application for these wrenches, the minimal markings and simple finish suggest that they might have been production for vehicle toolkits.

Fig. 349. Williams "Plain Series" 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 349 shows a Williams 9/16x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the fractional sizes stamped on the reverse (not shown).

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

Plain Series 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 350. Williams "Plain Series" 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 350 shows another example of the "Plain Series" wrenches, a Williams 5/8x25/32 open-end wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The fractional sizes are stamped on the reverse faces, as shown in the insets.

The overall length is 7.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Plain Series 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 351. Williams "Plain Series" 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 351 shows a Williams 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the fractional sizes on the reverse faces (see insets).

The overall length is 8.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Volume 1/2-Drive VS-1220 Socket

The next figures show examples of the sockets and drive tools in the Volume line, all marked with the Volume brand but with no other Williams-specific markings. The model numbers for these tools are similar to the corresponding Williams part numbers, but with a "V" prefix.

Fig. 352. Volume VS-1220 5/8 Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail.

Fig. 352 shows a 1/2-drive Volume VS-1220 5/8 socket, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the Volume name and model.

The design of this socket includes a wide groove in the base, basically identical to the design used by Williams for its ST-series sockets from about 1935 through 1947. (See for example the Williams ST-12xx "Wide-Groove" Sockets.)

Volume 3/8-Drive VB-15 Speeder

Fig. 353. Volume VB-15 3/8-Drive Speeder, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 353 shows a 3/8-drive Volume VB-15 speeder, stamped "Made U.S.A." on the bend of the handle.

The speeder has a throw of 3.5 inches and an overall length of 16.2 inches. The finish is cadmium plating, but with a chrome-plated end piece.

Volume 3/8-Drive VB-51 Ratchet

Fig. 354. Volume VB-51 3/8-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Reverse and Side View.

Fig. 354 shows a 3/8-drive Volume VB-51 reversible ratchet, marked with "VB-51 Volume" and "Pat'd." forged into the handle, and with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the reverse.

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

This ratchet is very similar in design to the Williams B-51 Ratchet, as can be seen by comparison. The patent notice corresponds to the Kress 1934 patent #1,957,462.

Volume 3/8-Drive VB-12xx Sockets

Fig. 355. Volume VB-12xx 3/8-Drive Sockets, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail.

Fig. 355 shows a group of three 3/8-drive Volume VB-12xx sockets, each marked "Made U.S.A." with the Volume brand and model number.

The models and sizes are, from the left, VB-1214 (7/16), VB-1218 (9/16), and VB-1224 (3/4).

Craftsman Production

J.H. Williams produced some tools for the Sears Craftsman line, and we'll show various examples in this section.

Craftsman 8-In-1 Socket Wrench

Fig. 356. Craftsman 8-In-1 Socket Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1954-1968.

Fig. 356 shows a Craftsman 8-In-1 socket wrench, marked with the Craftsman double-line logo on the raised panel, and with the fractional sizes and "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse. The socket sizes are 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, and 19/32 on the small head, with 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, and 7/8 on the large head.

A close comparison with the Williams No. 1999 Multisocket Wrench showed that the tools are virtually identical except for markings, confirming that Williams was the contract manufacturer for Sears for this tool.

The Craftsman 8-In-1 wrench was first introduced in the 1954 catalog at a price of $3.98. By 1957 the price had been reduced to $2.98, and the 8-In-1 model remained available at least through 1968, with the price gradually rising to $3.99 in 1968.

Craftsman 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench

The next two figures show examples of Williams adjustable wrenches produced for the Craftsman brand.

Fig. 357. Craftsman 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1968-1972.

Fig. 357 shows a Craftsman 8 inch adjustable wrench, stamped "Forged" on the front with "Made in U.S.A." and "JW - Alloy" on the reverse. The reverse shank also shows a forged-in code "L" next to the hole.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.0 inches. The head thickness was measured at 0.50 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The upper inset shows a side view of the wrench, and a close look shows the square shoulder for the sliding jaw and keyway. The square shoulder was a patented feature of the J.H. Williams adjustable wrenches, and is not known to have been used by any other manufacturers.

This wrench can be identified as Williams' production by the square-shouldered keyway, and the stamped "JW" code further confirms the maker. The forged-in "L" code has also been observed on J.H. Williams wrenches; see for example the Williams AP-8 "Superjustable" Wrench.

This particular wrench is believed to have been purchased new in the late 1960s to early 1970s, a time before Craftsman began marking model numbers on its tools. The next figure shows a similar wrench with a Craftsman model number.

Craftsman 44604 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 358. Craftsman 44604 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 358 shows a somewhat later example of Williams' production, a Craftsman 44604 10 inch adjustable wrench. The shank is stamped "Forged" on the front with "Made in U.S.A." and "JW - Alloy" on the reverse, and a forged-in code "L" appears on the reverse as well.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.2 inches. The head thickness was measured at 0.60 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The upper inset shows a side view of the wrench, with the square shoulder visible on the sliding jaw and keyway.

References and Resources

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

Catalog Coverage

J.H. Williams published many catalogs over its long history, and fortunately the catalogs were printed in sufficient quantity so that even the older ones are still relatively available. Major catalog editions were published every few years or so, and update booklets were printed as often as needed to keep up with changes.

However, the catalog numbering system changed over the years, making it a bit confusing to keep track of the numerous publications. So to help organize the material, we've arranged our catalog resources into the table below, sorted by issue date.

Williams tools were offered by many industrial and automotive supply companies, and the catalogs from these companies provide valuable references for Williams tools. The sections below list a few of the catalogs that have proven to be useful, but there are likely many more as well.

• The 1925 catalog No. 73 from the Dunham, Carrigan & Hayden Company shows six pages of Williams tools, beginning on page 220. The listings (all for wrenches) show only carbon-steel tools, with the exception of four alloy-steel tappet wrenches, models 90, 92, 94, and 96.

• The 1930 catalog No. 101 from the H. Channon Company lists a wide variety of Williams tools, including "Superrench" open-end and tappet wrenches, carbon steel wrenches, and automotive wrench sets. One of the more interesting items listed is the "Combination Electrical Set 287", a set of midget Superrenches plus eight small hex-drive sockets, a sliding T-handle, and a rotating-grip extension. This is the earliest known catalog listing for interchangeable sockets from Williams; even more interesting, the model numbers and illustrations of the T-handle and extension exactly match the Husky Wrench L-2 T-Handle and Husky Wrench L-147 Rotating-Grip Extension.

• The 1933 catalog "H" from the Ducommun Corporation lists a variety of Williams tools, including the "Superrench" line in open-end, obstruction, and box-end styles.

Patents and Trademarks

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

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