Carbon Steel Wrenches

Billings offered an extensive selection of carbon-steel open-end wrenches in a wide range of sizes. Although the wrenches were available in all of the industry-standard sizes, Billings used their own numbering system with 11xx model numbers, although at least some wrenches were stamped with their standard number equivalents.

In 1930 the 11xx wrenches were available in sizes ranging from the 1/4x5/16 model 1100A up to the 2-1/2x2-5/8 model 1159, the latter equivalent to the standard no. 49. (A cross-reference between the Billings and industry-standard sizes is available in our Table of Wrench Sizes.)

Billings continued to use their 11xx models long after most companies had adopted the industry-standard numbers, but eventually did convert to the standard numbering system. (The fact that the industry-standard models had been promulgated by arch-rival J.H. Williams may have been a factor.)

The standard markings for early Billings wrenches consisted of a raised forging of the B-Triangle logo on the shank, along with a stamped logo and text on one face. The text was typically "The Billings & Spencer Co." and "Hartford, Conn. U.S.A.", although abbreviations were used on some of the smaller wrenches. We'll refer to this combination as the "standard early markings", to avoid needless repetition in the descriptions below.

The markings for later wrenches went through several stages. The first change was the removal of the raised logo on the shank, allowing the wrench to be easily finished by grinding. Later changes simplified the company name to just "Billings", and added "Made in U.S.A." in place of the reference to Hartford. Where possible, we'll show multiple examples of each model to illustrate the marking changes.

Early Carbon Steel Wrenches

Billings offered carbon-steel wrenches in several model lines before the introduction of the well-known 11xx series wrenches. Currently we don't have much documentation for these early wrenches, but will show a few of the known examples. We hope to expand this section in the future.

Early 270 1-1/16 Single-Open Wrench

Fig. 29. Billings Early 270 1-1/16 Single-Open Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1900-1915.

Fig. 29 shows a very early Billings 270 1-1/16 single-open wrench, stamped with the earliest face markings, and with a B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

The overall length is 9.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with extensive pitting due to rust.

Note the use of a "Typewriter" font in the stamped face markings, similar to the markings on the Billings bicycle wrenches of the late 19th century.

Early 678 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 30. Billings Early 678 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1900-1915.

Fig. 30 shows a very early Billings 678 5/8x25/32 open-end wrench, stamped with the earliest face markings, and with a B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Note the use of a "Typewriter" font in the stamped face markings, similar to the markings on the Billings bicycle wrenches of the late 19th century.

The shank is also stamped "7/16", a reference to the U.S.S. Size Convention corresponding to the 25/32 opening.

Early 349 1/2x19/32 Short S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 31. Billings Early 349 1/2x19/32 Short S-Shaped Wrench, ca. 1890s to 1915.

Fig. 31 shows a very early Billings 349 1/2x19/32 short S-shaped open-end wrench, stamped with the earliest face markings, and with the model number stamped on the shank.

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

Note the use of a "Typewriter" font in the stamped face markings, similar to the markings on the Billings bicycle wrenches of the late 19th century.

Early 660 3/8x7/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 32. Billings Early 660 3/8x7/16 S-Shaped Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1890s to 1915.

Fig. 32 shows a very early Billings 660 3/8x7/16 S-shaped open-end wrench, stamped with the earliest face markings, and with a B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Note the use of a "Typewriter" font in the stamped markings, similar to the markings on the Billings bicycle wrenches of the late 19th century.

Early 662 5/8x11/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 33. Billings Early 662 5/8x11/16 S-Shaped Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1890s to 1915.

Fig. 33 shows a very early Billings 662 5/8x11/16 S-shaped open-end wrench, stamped with the earliest face markings, and with a B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

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

Note the use of a "Typewriter" font in the stamped markings, similar to the markings on the Billings bicycle wrenches of the late 19th century.

11xx-Series Carbon Steel Wrenches

The model numbering system for open-end wrenches developed by J.H. Williams gradually became accepted as the industry-standard number (ISN) system, and most other companies used these model numbers for their wrenches.

However, Billings developed its own 11xx numbering system, which it began offering around 1915 or so. The 11xx wrenches became one of the most successful tool lines for the company.

For further information on the ISN numbering system, see our Table of ISN Wrench Sizes.

1100A 1/4x5/16 Open-End Wrench

We'll begin this section with the smallest wrench in the 11xx model series.

Fig. 34. Billings 1100A 1/4x5/16 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 34 shows a Billings 1100A 1/4x5/16 open-end wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 3.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of the original black paint.

1103 5/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 35. Billings 1103 5/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 35 shows a Billings 1103 5/16x1/2 open-end wrench with the variant of the standard early markings. The face is stamped "The B & S Co." with "Hfd. Ct. U.S.A.", and the B-Triangle logo appears on the back side shank.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

The Billings model 1103 was the equivalent of the industry standard No. 22 wrench.

1104 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 36. Billings 1104 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 36 shows a Billings 1104 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench with the standard early markings, but with an abbreviated "The B & S Co." on the face.

The overall length is 4.5 inches. The original finish was probably black paint with polished faces.

The 1104 model corresponded to the industry standard No. 723 wrench.

1106 13/32x19/32 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 37. Billings 1106 13/32x19/32 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 37 shows a Billings 1106 13/32x19/32 open-end wrench with the standard modern face markings, and with both the Billings 1106 model and the industry-standard number 24 stamped on the face.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The Billings 1106 model was the equivalent to the industry standard No. 24 wrench.

1107 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show three variations of the Billings 1107 wrench, the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 23 wrench. These variations illustrate the production changes occurring within a relatively compressed time frame from 1915 to 1926.

Fig. 38. Billings 1107 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1915 to Early 1920s.

Fig. 38 shows an early Billings 1107 13/32x1/2 open-end wrench, with the standard early markings on the face and the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

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

The opposite faces are marked "3/16 U.S.S." and "1/4 U.S.S.", both references to older U.S.S. size conventions.

One characteristic of the early Billings wrenches is that the edges typically retain the cutting marks where excess metal was trimmed after forging. The excess metal is termed "flashing", and a separate die was used to trim the flashing from the wrench body. Later Billings production added a grinding operation to provide smoothly rounded edges, and these wrenches show no trace of the trimming operation.

Fig. 39. Billings 1107 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View, ca. Early 1920s.

Fig. 39 shows a slightly later Billings 1107 13/32x1/2 open-end wrench, with the standard early markings on the left face and the model number on the right face.

The opposite faces are marked "5/16[Hex]C 5/16 S.A.E. 1/4 U.S.S." on the left and "3/16 U.S.S." on the right, references to the older U.S.S., S.A.E., and HexCap size conventions.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The top inset shows an edge view of the wrench, illustrating the rough edges with traces of trimming marks.

Fig. 40. Billings 1107 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench, ca. Mid 1920s to 1926.

Fig. 40 shows a later Billings 1107 13/32x1/2 open-end wrench, showing the standard early markings on the face, but without the raised logo on the shank.

The overall length is 5.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The back side faces are marked "3/16 Nut" and "1/4 Nut 5/16 S.A.E.", references to older U.S.S. and S.A.E. size conventions.

Unlike the earlier plain steel or painted finishes, this wrench is a nickel plated, with the finish missing in a few areas. Billings offered nickel finishes at least by 1924, as a Beckley-Ralston catalog (an automotive supplies distributor) listed Billing wrenches in nickel finish.

1109 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two examples of the Billings 1109 wrench, the equivalent of the industry standard No. 725 wrench.

Fig. 41. Billings 1109 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 41 shows a Billings 1109 7/16x1/2 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

The insets show the opposite face markings "1/4 U.S.S." for the larger opening and "1/4 ⬡C" for the smaller opening, references to the older U.S.S. and Hex Capscrew conventions.

Fig. 42. Billings 1109 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 42 shows a somewhat later Billings 1109 7/16x1/2 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

The opposite faces (not shown) are marked "1/4 NUT 5/16 CAP 5/16 S.A.E." for the larger opening and "1/4 CAP 1/4 S.A.E." for the smaller opening.

The Billings model 1109 was the equivalent of the industry standard No. 725 wrench, and this wrench is marked with both the Billings and industry standard model numbers.

1110 7/16x9/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 43. Billings 1110 7/16x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 43 shows a Billings 1110 7/16x9/16 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

The Billings model 1110 was the equivalent of the industry standard No. 725A wrench, a less commonly seen size. The insets show the back side face markings "3/8 ⬡C" at the left and "1/4 ⬡C" at the right.

1111 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Billings 1111 wrench.

Fig. 44. Billings 1111 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench with Raised Logo, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 44 shows a Billings 1111 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench with the standard early markings.

The overall length is 5.5 inches. The original finish was probably black paint with polished faces, but only a trace of paint remains in the raised logo on the shank.

The 1111 model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 725B wrench.

Fig. 45. Billings 1111 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 45 shows a later example of the model 1111 wrench, with the standard early face markings, but no logo on the shank. The smoothly finished shank still retains much of the original black paint.

The back side faces are have several size markings, including "5/16 S.A.E." and "3/8 S.A.E." for the older size convention.

1112 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Billings 1112 wrench.

Fig. 46. Billings 1112 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 46 shows a Billings 1112 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench with the standard early markings.

The overall length is 5.5 inches.

The 1112 model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 25 wrench.

Fig. 47. Billings 1112 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 47 shows a later version of the Billings 1112 wrench with the standard modern face markings. The other face is marked with both the Billings model and the industry standard No. 25, and the back side faces are marked with the across-flats fractional sizes.

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

1113 1/2x5/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 48. Billings 1113 1/2x5/8 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 48 shows a Billings 1113 1/2x5/8 open-end wrench with the standard early markings.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the original finish was probably black paint with polished faces.

The 1113 model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 726 wrench.

1115 1/2x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 49. Billings 1115 1/2x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 49 shows a Billings 1115 1/2x3/4 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings.

The back side faces are stamped "1/2 ⬡C 1/2 S.A.E." and "1/4 NUT 5/16 CAP 5/16 S.A.E.", references to the older U.S.S., S.A.E., and Hex Capscrew size conventions.

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

The 1115 model offered an unusual size combination with no equivalent in the industry standard numbering system.

1116 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 50. Billings 1116 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 50 shows a Billings 1116 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings.

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

The 1116 model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 727 wrench. The insets show the back side face markings "3/8 ⬡C 3/8 S.A.E." and "7/16 ⬡C 7/16 S.A.E.", references to the older size conventions.

1118-X 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of a less common model, marked as a model 1118 Special in early versions and later as model 1118-X.

Fig. 51. Billings 1118 Special 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 51 shows a rear early Billings 1118 Special 9/16x11/16 open-end wrench with the standard early markings.

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

The 1118-X model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 27C wrench. The insets show the back side face markings "3/8 ⬡C" and "3/8 U.S.S.", references to the older size U.S.S. and Hex Capscrew size conventions.

Fig. 52. Billings 1118-X 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 52 shows a somewhat later example, a Billings 1118-X 9/16x11/16 open-end wrench with the standard early markings.

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

The insets show the back side face markings "3/8 ⬡C 3/8 S.A.E." and "3/8 U.S.S.", references to the older size conventions.

1118 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Billings 1118 wrench.

Fig. 53. Billings 1118 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 53 shows an early Billings 1118 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench with the standard early markings.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The back side faces are marked "5/16 U.S.S." and "3/8 U.S.S." for the older size convention.

The 1118 model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 27 wrench.

Fig. 54. Billings 1118 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 54 shows a somewhat later version of the model 1118 wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings. Note that the shank has been ground smooth and lacks the raised logo seen on the previous example.

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

One face is stamped with both the Billings 1118 model and the No. 27 industry-standard model, and the back side faces are marked "5/16 NUT" and "3/8 NUT" for the older U.S.S. size convention.

1119 19/32x25/32 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 55. Billings 1119 19/32x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 55 shows a Billings 1119 19/32x25/32 open-end wrench with the standard early markings stamped on the face, and with the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The insets show the back side face markings "7/16 U.S.S." and "5/16 U.S.S.", references to the older U.S.S. size convention.

The model 1119 wrench was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 28 wrench.

1120 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 56. Billings 1120 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 56 shows a Billings 1120 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench with the standard early markings stamped on the face.

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

The back side faces are marked "7/16 S.A.E." and "1/2 S.A.E.", references to the older S.A.E size convention.

The wrench is marked with the industry standard number 729 as well as the Billings model 1120.

1121 5/8x13/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 57. Billings 1121 5/8x13/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 57 shows a Billings 1121 5/8x13/16 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 7.1 inches. The finish is plain steel, with traces of black paint.

The inset shows the back side face markings "9/16 ⬡C" and "7/16 ⬡C 7/16 S.A.E.", references to the older Hex Capscrew and S.A.E. size conventions.

The Billings 1121 model was the equivalent of the industry standard No. 730 wrench.

1123 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 58. Billings 1123 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Marking Detail.

Fig. 58 shows a Billings 1123 11/16x25/32 open-end wrench with the standard early markings, including the raised B-Triangle logo on the shank.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The insets show the back side face markings "7/16 U.S.S." and "3/8 U.S.S.", both references to the older U.S.S. size convention.

The Billings 1123 model was the equivalent of the industry standard No. 29 wrench.

1124 11/16x7/8 Open-End Wrenches

The next pair of figures show two generations of the Billings 1124 wrench.

Fig. 59. Billings 1124 11/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 59 shows a Billings 1124 11/16x7/8 open-end wrench with the standard early markings, including the raised B-Triangle logo on the shank.

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

The 1124 model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 30 wrench. The back side faces are marked "3/8 U.S.S." and "1/2 U.S.S." for the older size convention.

Fig. 60. Billings 1124 11/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 60 shows a later version of the Billings 1124 wrench, with the standard early face markings but no logo on the shank.

The faces are polished and have some traces of nickel plating remaining, and the shank is smooth with a plain finish.

1126 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 61. Billings 1126 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 61 shows a Billings 1126 3/4x1 open-end wrench with the standard early markings, including the raised B-Triangle logo on the shank.

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

The back side faces are marked "1/2 S.A.E." and "9/16 S.A.E.", references to the older size convention.

1127 3/4x1 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Billings 1127 wrench, a somewhat unusual 3/4x1 size.

Fig. 62. Billings 1127 3/4x1 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 62 shows a fine example of an earlier Billings 1127 3/4x1 open-end wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

The insets show the back side face markings "3/4 CAP 11/16 S.A.E." and "1/2 CAP 1/2 S.A.E.", references to the older Hex Capscrew and S.A.E. size conventions.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

Fig. 63. Billings 1127 3/4x1 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1926-1927.

Fig. 63 shows an somewhat later Billings 1127 open-end wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings.

The back side faces are stamped "11/16 S.A.E." and "1/2 S.A.E." (not shown), references to the older S.A.E. size convention.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

This second wrench provides an example of the modern face markings used together with the older size conventions. The older size conventions are believed to have been phased out around 1927, providing a relatively precise estimate of the manufacturing date for this example.

1128 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 64. Billings 1128 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 64 shows a Billings 1128 25/32x7/8 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The back side faces are marked "7/16 U.S.S." and "1/2 U.S.S. 9/16 S.A.E. 5/8 ⬡C", references to the older size conventions.

The multiple size markings provide a good illustration of how cumbersome the older conventions had become.

The 1128 model was the Billings equivalent of the industry standard No. 31 wrench. This wrench appears to be a transitional form, as the shank no longer carries the raised B-Triangle logo, but the surface has been left with its rough forged finish.

1132 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 65. Billings 1132 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 65 shows a Billings 1132 7/8x31/32 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings. The back side faces (not shown) are stamped "1/2 U.S.S." and "9/16 U.S.S.", references to the older U.S.S. Size Convention for the 7/8 and 31/32 openings, respectively.

The overall length is 10.0 inches. The finish is plain steel with polished faces, and a few traces of black paint remain on the shank.

The Billings model 1132 was equivalent to the industry standard No. 33 wrench.

1133 7/8x1 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 66. Billings 1133 7/8x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 66 shows a Billings 1133 7/8x1 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings, and with the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank. The back side faces are stamped "3/4 ⬡C" and "5/8 ⬡C 1/2 U.S.S.", references to the older Hex Capscrew and U.S.S. Size Conventions.

The overall length is 10.0 inches, The finish is plain steel, with extensive pitting due to rust.

The Billings model 1133 was equivalent to the industry standard No. 733 wrench.

Although not shown in the photograph, the edges of this example are somewhat rough, with traces remaining from the trimming operation. The rough edges and forged-in B-Triangle logo indicate a relatively earlier manufacturing date.

1136 31/32x1-1/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the Billings model 1136 wrench.

Fig. 67. Billings 1136 31/32x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 67 shows an earlier Billings 1136 31/32x1-1/16 open-end wrench with the standard early face markings, and with the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

The overall length is 10.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The Billings model 1136 was equivalent to the industry standard No. 35 wrench. The insets show the back side face markings "5/8 U.S.S." and "9/16 U.S.S.", references to the older size convention.

Fig. 68. Billings 1136 31/32x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 68 shows a somewhat later Billings 1136 wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 11.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The back side faces (not shown) are stamped "5/8 U.S.S." and "9/16 U.S.S.", references to the older size convention.

1140 1-1/16x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 69. Billings 1140 1-1/16x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 69 shows a Billings 1140 1-1/16x1-1/4 open-end wrench with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 12.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The Billings model 1140 was equivalent to the industry standard No. 37 wrench, and in this example the standard number is stamped on the face along with the Billings model.

1146 1-1/4x1-7/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 70. Billings 1146 1-1/4x1-7/16 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 70 shows one of the larger wrenches in the 11xx series, a Billings 1146 1-1/4x1-7/16 open-end wrench with the standard modern face markings, but with a B-Triangle logo forged into the shank as well.

The overall length is 14.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The Billings model 1146 was equivalent to the industry standard No. 39 wrench, and the standard number is stamped on the face along with the Billings model.

Textile-Pattern Wrenches

Billings offered numerous models in a style called "Textile Wrenches", open-end wrenches with a 22.5 degree head offset, presumably originally intended for servicing looms and other textile machinery. This type of machinery often used square nuts, for which the 22.5 degree offset provided optimal access.

The examples below show a range of marking styles as the finishing techniques evolved over time. The earliest wrenches have a raised logo on the shank, with the shank retaining its natural forged finish and trimming marks. Later examples have smoothly ground contours on the shank and heads, with no trace of the trimming operation.

Within this later group, some wrenches have the older "Billings & Spencer Co." full marking on the face, but the latest examples have the "Billings Made in U.S.A." simplified mark.

1550 3/16x1/4 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

We'll begin with an example believed to be the smallest of the textile wrench models.

Fig. 71. Billings 1550 3/16x1/4 Textile Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 71 shows a Billings 1550 3/16x1/4 textile wrench, stamped with the abbreviated standard face markings, and with the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

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

1553 3/8x7/16 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Fig. 72. Billings 1553 3/8x7/16 Textile Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 72 shows a Billings 1553 3/8x7/16 textile wrench, stamped with the standard early markings on the face, and with the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

The overall length is 4.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The back side faces are stamped "1/4 ⬡C" and "3/16 [Hex]C", references to the older Hex Capscrew size convention.

1554 "Whitin Machine Works" 3/8x1/2 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Our next example shows a textile wrench made as contract production for the Whitin Machine Works.

Fig. 73. Billings 1554 3/8x1/2 Textile Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 73 shows a Billings 1554 3/8x1/2 textile wrench, marked with the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank, and with "Whitin Machine Wks" on the back side.

The overall length is 4.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

Whitin Machine Works of Whitinsville, Massachusetts was at one time the world's largest producer of textile machinery, so the term "Textile Wrench" clearly applies to this tool.

1557 7/16x1/2 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Fig. 74. Billings 1557 7/16x1/2 Textile Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 74 shows a Billings 1557 7/16x1/2 textile wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 4.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

The insets show the back side face markings "1/4 U.S.S. 5/16 ⬡C" and "1/4 [Hex]C", references to the older U.S.S. and Hex Capscrew size conventions. (The markings for the smaller opening have been stamped twice, making them difficult to read.)

1559 1/2x19/32 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Fig. 75. Billings 1559 1/2x19/32 Textile Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 75 shows a Billings 1559 1/2x19/32 textile wrench with the standard early markings.

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

1560 1/2x5/8 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Fig. 76. Billings 1560 1/2x5/8 Textile Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 76 shows a Billings 1560 1/2x5/8 textile wrench with the standard early markings.

The overall length is 5.9 inches.

1561 1/2x11/16 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the 1561 textile wrench, a model with a less common 1/2x11/16 size.

Fig. 77. Billings 1561 1/2x11/16 Textile Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 77 shows an earlier a Billings 1561 1/2x11/16 textile wrench with the standard early markings, including the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

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

The back side faces are stamped "1/4 U.S.S." and "3/8 U.S.S.", references to the older U.S.S. size convention.

Fig. 78. Billings 1561 1/2x11/16 Textile Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 78 shows a somewhat later example, a Billings 1561 1/2x11/16 textile wrench with the standard early face markings, but without a B-Triangle logo on the shank.

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

The back side face markings are shown as insets, and the smaller opening illustrates the excessive marking sometimes required under the old conventions, being stamped "1/4 NUT 5/16 CAP 5/16 S.A.E." for all three systems. The larger opening is stamped "3/8 U.S.S." for the U.S.S. size convention.

1562 9/16x5/8 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Fig. 79. Billings 1562 9/16x5/8 Textile Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 79 shows a Billings 1562 9/16x5/8 textile wrench, stamped with the modern face markings.

The overall length is 5.6 inches.

1564 19/32x5/8 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Fig. 80. Billings 1564 19/32x5/8 Textile Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 80 shows a Billings 1564 19/32x5/8 textile wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 5.6 inches.

The back side faces (not shown) are marked "5/16 NUT" and "3/8 NUT", references to the older U.S.S. size convention.

1567 11/16x7/8 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Fig. 81. Billings 1567 11/16x7/8 Textile Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1926-1927.

Fig. 81 shows a Billings 1567 11/16x7/8 textile wrench, stamped with the modern face markings. The back side faces are stamped "1/2 NUT 5/8 CAP 9/16 S.A.E." and "3/8 NUT", references to the older U.S.S., S.A.E., and Hex Capscrew size conventions.

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

This wrench has a relatively uncommon combination of opening sizes, and in addition has an unusual combination of the modern face markings with the older size conventions, allowing a more precise estimate of the manufacturing date.

1568 3/4x13/16 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Fig. 82. Billings 1568 3/4x13/16 Textile Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 82 shows a Billings 1568 3/4x13/16 textile wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 7.2 inches.

1569 3/4x7/8 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Fig. 83. Billings 1569 3/4x7/8 Textile Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 83 shows a Billings 1569 3/4x7/8 textile wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

1571 13/16x7/8 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Fig. 84. Billings 1571 13/16x7/8 Textile Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 84 shows a Billings 1571 13/16x7/8 textile wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 8.3 inches.

1577X 15/16x1-1/16 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Fig. 85. Billings 1577X 15/16x1-1/16 Textile Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 85 shows a Billings 1577X 15/16x1-1/16 textile wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings. The insets show the back side face markings "5/8 U.S.S. 3/4 S.A.E" and "5/8 S.A.E.", references to the older U.S.S. and S.A.E. size conventions.

The overall length is 9.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

1578 31/32x1-1/16 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Fig. 86. Billings 1578 31/32x1-1/16 Textile Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 86 shows a Billings 1578 31/32x1-1/16 textile wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings, including the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank. The insets show the back side face markings "5/8 U.S.S." and "9/16 U.S.S.", references to the older U.S.S. Size Convention.

The overall length is 9.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

[1575] "B&B Special" 1x1-1/16 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Fig. 87. Billings [1575] "B&B Special" 1x1-1/16 Textile Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 87 shows a Billings [1575] "B&B Special" 1x1-1/16 textile wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings on the front, with "34" and "32" on the back side faces, apparently representing the opening sizes in 32nds.

The back side is also marked with "B&B Special" and the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

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

Although not marked with a model number, this wrench is the same size as the model 1575 textile wrench. The "B&B Special" marking is presumed to indicate the customer for the wrench.

1575 "Johnson-Bassett" 1x1-1/16 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

Fig. 88. Billings 1575 1x1-1/16 Textile Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 88 shows another Billings 1575 1x1-1/16 textile wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings. The shank is also stamped "Johnson-Bassett, Inc.", presumed to be the customer for the wrench.

The overall length is 9.3 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

761 1/2x5/8 Textile-Pattern Open-End Wrench

In later years Billings offered textile-pattern wrenches in a 76x model number series.

Fig. 89. Billings 761 1/2x5/8 Textile Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 89 shows a Billings 761 1/2x5/8 textile-pattern open-end wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 5.7 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

Check-Nut Wrenches

Billings produced a 13xx series of thin open-end wrenches, sometimes called check-nut wrenches for their most common application. Automotive tappet wrenches could be considered as a special sub-class of check-nut wrenches.

In later years the check-nut wrenches were offered in a 6xx model number series. Since the 13xx and 6xx wrenches are very similar, we will group them together by sizes.

623C "Special" 3/8x7/16 Check-Nut Wrench

Fig. 90. Billings 623C "Special" 3/8x7/16 Check-Nut Wrench, ca. 1926 to 1930s.

Fig. 90 shows a Billings 623C "Special" 3/8x7/16 check-nut wrench with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes.

1354 19/32x11/16 Thin Open-End (Check-Nut) Wrench

Fig. 91. Billings 1354 19/32x11/16 Thin Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1926-1927.

Fig. 91 shows a Billings 1354 19/32x11/16 thin open-end (check-nut) wrench, stamped with the modern face markings.

The back side faces are stamped "3/8 U.S.S." and "NUT 5/16", references to the older U.S.S. Size Convention corresponding to the 11/16 and 19/32 openings, respectively.

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

629D/1329 "Special" 5/8x3/4 Check-Nut Wrenches

Fig. 92. Billings 629D 5/8x3/4 Check-Nut Wrench, ca. 1926 to 1930s.

Fig. 92 shows a Billings 629D 5/8x3/4 check-nut wrench with the standard modern face markings, and with the fractional sizes stamped on the back side faces.

The overall length is 5.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Fig. 93. Billings 1329 "Special" 5/8x3/4 Check-Nut Wrench, ca. 1926 to 1930s.

Fig. 93 shows a Billings 1329 "Special" 5/8x3/4 check-nut wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings. The back side is unmarked.

The overall length is 5.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with traces of cadmium plating.

This wrench is very similar the model 629D wrench in the previous figure.

1356 11/16x25/32 Thin Open-End (Check-Nut) Wrench

The next figures show two generations of the model 1356 check-nut wrench.

Fig. 94. Billings 1356 11/16x25/32 Thin Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 94 shows an earlier Billings 1356 11/16x25/32 thin open-end (check-nut) wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings, and with the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The insets show the back side face markings "7/16 U.S.S." and "3/8 U.S.S.", references to the older size convention.

Fig. 95. Billings 1356 11/16x25/32 Thin Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. Early 1920s to 1926.

Fig. 95 shows a somewhat later Billings 1356 11/16x25/32 thin open-end wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings, and with a smoothly ground shank.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The insets show the back side face markings "7/16 U.S.S." and "3/8 U.S.S.", references to the older size convention.

1357 "Special" 9/16x7/8 Thin Open-End Wrench

Fig. 96. Billings 1357 "Special" 9/16x7/8 Thin Open-End Wrench, ca. 1926 to 1930s.

Fig. 96 shows a Billings 1357 "Special" 9/16x7/8 thin open-end wrench with the modern face markings, with "Special" stamped on the shank.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

To accommodate the widely-spaced openings of this special-order wrench, Billings has started with a larger standard wrench and used the model number from that size.

1358/631 25/32x7/8 Thin Open-End (Check-Nut) Wrenches

The next two figures show the model 1358 check-nut wrench and its successor model 631.

Fig. 97. Billings 1358 25/32x7/8 Thin Open-End Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 97 shows a Billings 1358 25/32x7/8 thin open-end wrench with the standard early markings, including the raised B-Triangle logo on the shank.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The back side faces are marked "7/16 U.S.S." and "1/2 U.S.S.", references to the older size convention.

Fig. 98. Billings 631 25/32x7/8 Check-Nut Wrench, ca. 1926 to 1930s.

Fig. 98 shows a later Billings 631 25/32x7/8 check-nut wrench with the standard modern face markings, and with the fractional sizes stamped on the back side faces.

The overall length is 7.1 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

639 1-1/4x1-7/16 Check-Nut Wrench

Fig. 99. Billings 639 1-1/4x1-7/16 Check-Nut Wrench, ca. 1926 to 1930s.

Fig. 99 shows a much larger example of the check-nut style, a Billings 639 1-1/4x1-7/16 check-nut wrench with the standard modern face markings, and with the fractional sizes stamped on the back side faces.

The overall length is 12.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

1336 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 100. Billings 1336 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Early 1920s to 1926.

Fig. 100 shows a Billings 1336 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings. The back side faces are marked "NUT 3/8" and "7/16 S.A.E.", references to the older U.S.S. and S.A.E. size conventions.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with traces of the original black paint.

This wrench is designed as an automotive tappet wrench, with a longer shank than the older check-nut wrench series.

1303 25/32 Single-Ended Check-Nut Wrench

Fig. 101. Billings 1303 25/32 Single-Ended Check-Nut Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 101 shows a Billings 1303 25/32 single-ended check-nut wrench with the standard early face markings. The back side face is stamped "7/16 U.S.S.", a reference to the U.S.S. Size Convention corresponding to the 25/32 opening.

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

603 11/16 Single-Ended Check-Nut Wrench

Fig. 102. Billings 603 11/16 Single-Ended Check-Nut Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 102 shows a Billings 603 11/16 single-ended check-nut wrench with the standard modern face markings, and with the fractional size stamped on the back side face.

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

Open-End "S" Wrenches

Billings produced a 20xx series of graceful open-end "S" wrenches, small and thin enough to get into some tight places, but accordingly recommended only for light-duty work. The next several figures will show examples of these tools.

2000 3/8x7/16 Open-End "S" Wrenches

Fig. 103. Billings 2000 3/8x7/16 Open-End "S" Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 103 shows an earlier Billings 2000 3/8x7/16 open-end "S" wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings, and with the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank. The back side faces are stamped "1/4 ⬡C" and "3/16 ⬡C", references to the older Hex Capscrew Size Convention.

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

Fig. 104. Billings 2000 3/8x7/16 Open-End "S" Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 104 shows a somewhat later Billings 2000 3/8x7/16 open-end "S" wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

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

2001 3/8x1/2 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 105. Billings 2001 3/8x1/2 Open-End "S" Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 105 shows a Billings 2001 3/8x1/2 open-end "S" wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings, and with the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

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

The insets show the back side face markings "1/4 U.S.S." (partially obscured) and "3/16 ⬡C", references to the older U.S.S. and Hex Capscrew size conventions.

2005 7/16x1/2 Open-End "S" Wrench

Fig. 106. Billings 2005 7/16x1/2 Open-End "S" Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 106 shows a Billings 2005 7/16x1/2 open-end "S" wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

The back side faces are stamped "1/4 S.A.E." and "5/16 S.A.E.", references to the older size convention.

2007 1/2x9/16 Open-End "S" Wrench

Fig. 107. Billings 2007 1/2x9/16 Open-End "S" Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 107 shows a Billings 2007 1/2x9/16 open-end "S" wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

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

2017 5/8x11/16 Open-End "S" Wrench

Fig. 108. Billings 2017 5/8x11/16 Open-End "S" Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 108 shows a Billings 2017 5/8x11/16 open-end "S" wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

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

2021 11/16x3/4 Open-End "S" Wrench

Fig. 109. Billings 2021 11/16x3/4 Open-End "S" Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1920s.

Fig. 109 shows a Billings 2021 11/16x3/4 open-end "S" wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings. The back side faces are stamped "1/2 ⬡C 1/2 S.A.E." and "3/8 U.S.S.", references to the older U.S.S., S.A.E., and Hex Capscrew size conventions.

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

The nickel plated finish suggests production during the early to mid 1920s, when Billings was known to have offered this finish option.

2022 11/16x25/32 Open-End "S" Wrench

Fig. 110. Billings 2022 11/16x25/32 Open-End "S" Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 110 shows a Billings 2022 11/16x25/32 open-end "S" wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

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

The insets show the back side face markings "7/16 U.S.S." and "3/8 U.S.S.", references to the older U.S.S. size convention.

2025 3/4x13/16 Open-End "S" Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Billings 2025 "S" wrench.

Fig. 111. Billings 2025 3/4x13/16 Open-End "S" Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 111 shows an earlier Billings 2025 3/4x13/16 S-shaped open-end wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is black paint steel with polished faces.

The insets show the back side face markings "9/16 CAP" and "1/2 CAP 1/2 S.A.E.", references to the older Hex Cap and S.A.E. size conventions.

Fig. 112. Billings 2025 3/4x13/16 Open-End "S" Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 112 shows a later Billings 2025 3/4x13/16 open-end "S" wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 9.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

2026 3/4x7/8 Open-End "S" Wrench

Fig. 113. Billings 2026 3/4x7/8 Open-End "S" Wrench, ca. 1926-1927.

Fig. 113 shows a Billings 2026 3/4x7/8 open-end "S" wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

The back side faces (not shown) are stamped "1/2 S.A.E." and "9/16 S.A.E.", references to the older size convention. The older size conventions are believed to have been phased out around 1927, providing a relatively precise date estimate for this example.

2033 7/8x15/16 Open-End "S" Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Billings model 2033, one of the larger S-wrench models.

Fig. 114. Billings 2033 7/8x15/16 Open-End "S" Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 114 shows an earlier Billings 2033 7/8x15/16 S-shaped open-end wrench with the standard early markings on the face and shank.

The overall length is 10.4 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

One of the back side faces is stamped "1/2 U.S.S.", a reference to the older U.S.S. size convention.

This is an older model wrench, and the edges of the wrench have a rough finish from the trimming operation.

Fig. 115. Billings 2033 7/8x15/16 Open-End "S" Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. 1926-1927.

Fig. 115 shows a later Billings 2033 7/8x15/16 open-end "S" wrench, stamped with the modern face markings.

The overall length is 10.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of black paint.

The back side faces are stamped "5/8 S.A.E." and "1/2 NUT 5/8 CAP 9/16 S.A.E.", references to the older U.S.S., S.A.E., and Hex Capscrew size conventions. The combination of the modern face markings with the older size conventions allows a relatively more precise estimate of the manufacturing date.

77 1/2x5/8 Open-End "S" Wrench

In later years Billings updated the model numbers for the light-duty "S" wrenches to use the industry-standard 7x numbers.

Fig. 116. Billings 77 1/2x5/8 Open-End "S" Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 116 shows a Billings 77 1/2x5/8 open-end "S" wrench, stamped with the modern face markings.

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

70 3/8x7/16 Short Open-End "S" Wrench

Fig. 117. Billings 70 3/8x7/16 Short Open-End "S" Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 117 shows a Billings 70 3/8x7/16 short open-end "S" wrench for setscrew applications, stamped with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 4.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The back side faces are stamped "7/16 SET 1/4 ⬡C 5/16 [SQ]C" and "3/8 SET 3/16 ⬡C 1/4 [SQ]C", references to the older U.S.S. Setscrew, Hex Capscrew, and Square Capscrew size conventions.

1401S "Acme" 3/16x1/2 Short Open-End "S" Wrench

In addition to the 20xx series of "S" wrenches, Billings also produced a 14xx series of short "S" wrenches.

Fig. 118. Billings "Acme" 1401S 3/16x1/2 Short Open-End "S" Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 118 shows our first example, a Billings 1401S 3/16x1/2 short open-end "S" wrench, stamped with a variant of the standard early face markings. The shank is stamped "Acme Automatic" on the front with "The National Acme Mfg. Co." on the back side.

The overall length is 3.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The markings for Acme indicate that this wrench was contract production.

1402 5/16x7/16 Short Open-End "S" Wrench

Fig. 119. Billings 1402 5/16x7/16 Short Open-End "S" Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 119 shows a Billings 1402 5/16x7/16 short open-end "S" wrench, stamped with a variant of the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 3.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The insets show the back side face markings "1/4 ⬡C" and "1/8 ⬡C 1/8 U.S.S.", references to the older U.S.S., and Hex Capscrew size conventions.

1411 1/2x9/16 Short Open-End "S" Wrench

Fig. 120. Billings 1411 1/2x9/16 Short Open-End "S" Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 120 shows a Billings 1411 1/2x9/16 short open-end "S" wrench with the standard early face markings.

The overall length is 5.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

1417 9/16x3/4 Short Open-End "S" Wrench

Fig. 121. Billings 1417 9/16x3/4 Short Open-End "S" Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 121 shows a Billings 1417 9/16x3/4 short open-end "S" wrench with the standard early face markings.

The back side faces are stamped "1/2 ⬡C" and "3/8 ⬡C", references to the older Hex Capscrew Size Convention.

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

1433 7/8x1 Short Open-End "S" Wrench

Fig. 122. Billings 1433 7/8x1 Short Open-End "S" Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 122 shows a Billings 1433 7/8x1 short open-end "S" wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

This wrench is also marked with model 665E, another number series commonly used for S-shaped wrenches.

1434 7/8x1-1/16 Short Open-End "S" Wrench

Fig. 123. Billings 1434 7/8x1-1/16 Short S-Shaped Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 123 shows a Billings 1434 7/8x1-1/16 short S-shaped open-end wrench, stamped with the standard early face markings, and with the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

The back side faces are stamped "5/8 U.S.S." and "5/8 ⬡C 1/2 U.S.S.", references to the older U.S.S. and Hex Capscrew Size Conventions for the 1-1/16 and 7/8 openings, respectively.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with extensive pitting due to rust.

1440 1-1/16x1-1/4 Short Open-End "S" Wrench

Fig. 124. Billings 1440 1-1/16x1-1/4 Short S-Shaped Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 124 shows a Billings 1440 1-1/16x1-1/4 short S-shaped open-end wrench, marked with the standard early face markings and with the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

The back side faces are stamped "1 ⬡C 3/4 U.S.S." and "5/8 U.S.S.", references to the U.S.S. and Hex Capscrew Size Conventions corresponding to the 1-1/4 and 1-1/16 openings, respectively.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with extensive pitting due to rust.

Other Carbon-Steel Wrenches

1525 1/4x5/16 Toolpost Wrench

Fig. 125. Billings 1525 1/4x5/16 Toolpost Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 125 shows a Billings 1525 1/4x5/16 toolpost wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 4.1 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

1534 1/2x5/8 Toolpost Wrench

Fig. 126. Billings 1534 1/2x5/8 Toolpost Wrench, ca. 1915-1926.

Fig. 126 shows a Billings 1525 1/4x5/16 toolpost wrench with the standard early face markings, and with the B-Triangle logo forged into the shank.

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

703 Single-Open Wrench

Fig. 127. Billings 703 5/8 Single-Open Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 127 shows a Billings 703 5/8 single-open wrench, stamped with the modern face markings on one side, with the model and fractional size on the back side face.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of black paint.

No. 3 Single-Open Engineer's Wrench

Fig. 128. Billings No. 3 11/16 Single-Open Engineer's Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 128 shows a Billings No. 3 11/16 single-open wrench, stamped with the modern face markings on one side, with the model and fractional size on the back side face.

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

1016W 3/4 Whitworth Engineer's (Single-Open) Wrench

Billings also produced wrenches in Whitworth and metric sizes.

Fig. 129. Billings 1016W 3/4 Whitworth Engineer's Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 129 shows a Billings 1016W 3/4 Whitworth engineer's wrench with a 1.3 inch nominal opening, stamped with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 11.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of black paint.

The back side face is stamped "3/4" for the Whitworth size.

1123W 3/8Wx7/16W Whitworth Open-End Wrench

Fig. 130. Billings 1123W 3/8Wx7/16W Whitworth Open-End Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 130 shows a Billings 1123W 3/8Wx7/16W Whitworth open-end wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The back side faces are stamped "3/8" and "7/16" for the Whitworth sizes, measured at approximately 0.71 and 0.82 inches respectively.

Heavy-Duty "S"-Shaped Car Wrenches

Billings offered a series of heavy-duty "S"-shaped "Car" wrenches primarily intended for use by railroads, although possibly useful for some other industrial applications.

These wrenches were offered in a 18xx series for U.S.S. bolts, with sizes ranging from model 1800 (23/32x29/32) up to 1813 (2-1/16x2-7/16).

Fig. 131A. 1919 Catalog Listing of Billings Car Wrenches.

The scan in Fig. 131A shows a catalog listing of Billings "S"-shaped "Car" wrenches, as published on page 168 of the 1919 Chandler & Farquhar catalog.

967A Tee Socket Wrench

Billings produced a series of single-opening Tee-handle socket wrenches, offering them with either fixed or removable handles.

Billings also offered a series of socket wrenches with shafts designed to fit a bit-brace, a popular and widely available tool in the late 19th and early 20th century

Fig. 131B. Billings 967A 11/16 Tee Socket Wrench.

Fig. 131B shows a Billings 967A 11/16 tee socket wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo.

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

Specialty Tools

990 5/8x5/8 Angle-Head "Brake Adjustment" Wrench

Fig. 132. Billings 990 5/8x5/8 Angle-Head "Brake Adjustment" Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 132 shows a Billings 990 5/8x5/8 angle-head wrench, marked with "Brake Adjustment" forged into the shank, with the modern face markings stamped on the left face.

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This wrench is an example of an angle-head or obstruction wrench intended for specialized applications, in this case brake adjustments. Examples of similar wrenches (some with even the same model number!) can be seen as the Bonney CV 2526 Brake Adjustment Wrench and Williams 990 Brake Adjustment Wrench.

C27 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench

This next two figure show examples of a Billings C-series wrench, a line of carbon-steel wrenches with unusual (for Billings) forged-in markings.

Fig. 133. Billings C27 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1920s.

Fig. 133 shows a Billings C27 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench, marked with "Billings" and a "B & S" logo forged into the shank, with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the back side.

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

The carbon-steel C-series wrenches may be an earlier version of the Billings alloy C-series wrenches, an example of which can be seen as the Billings C-1027 Open-End Wrench.

C33C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 134. Billings C33C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1920s.

Fig. 134 shows a Billings C33C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, marked with "Billings" and a "B & S" logo forged into the shank, with "Made in U.S.A." and the model number forged into the back side.

The overall length is 9.0 inches. The finish is plain steel with traces of black paint.

The carbon-steel C-series wrenches may be an earlier version of the Billings alloy C-series wrenches, an example of which can be seen as the Billings C-1033C Open-End Wrench.

Currently we don't have a catalog reference for these tools, suggesting that they may have been sold through an alternate sales channel.

DS-0 Draper Loom Wrench

Fig. 135. Billings DS-0 3/8x9/16 Draper Loom Wrench.

Fig. 135 shows a Billings DS-0 3/8x9/16 open-end wrench for Draper loom service, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo.

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

DS-4 Draper Loom Wrench

Fig. 136. Billings DS-4 25/32x7/8 Draper Loom Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 136 shows a Billings DS-4 specialty wrench for Draper loom service, combining a deeply offset 25/32 hex box opening with a 7/8 open end. The face is stamped "Billings" and "Made U.S.A." with the B-Triangle logo, and the model number is forged into the shank.

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

422 7/8x1-1/4 Open-End Slugging Wrench

Fig. 137. Billings 422 7/8x1-1/4 Open-End Slugging Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 137 shows a Billings 422 7/8x1-1/4 open-end wrench with a massively thick shank, apparently intended as a slugging wrench. The shank is marked with a forged-in B-Triangle logo visible at the right, as well as the stamped markings "422" and "J102", the latter of which may be the customer's model number.

The overall length is 9.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The inset shows a side view of the wrench to illustrate the massive construction.

Contract Production

33 "Mack" 7/8x31/31 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 138. Billings "Mack" 33 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 138 shows a Billings 33 7/8x31/32 open-end wrench, stamped with the B-Triangle logo on the face, and with the Mack script logo on the shank. The shank is also marked "Drop Forged" in forged raised letters, an marking not usually seen on a Billings wrench.

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

5B782 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench

Recently several references have indicated that certain wrenches with 5Bxxx model numbers were probably made for Caterpillar equipment tool kits. Currently we don't have any Caterpillar maintenance manuals to confirm this, but if any readers have further information, please let us know.

Fig. 139. Billings 5B782 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 139 shows a Billings 5B782 91/16x5/8 open-end wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings on one end, with the model number on the other end. The back side shank also has a forged-in code "ARX" visible at the right.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is black paint.

The wrench is believed to be contract production for Caterpillar.

5B783 11/16x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 140. Billings 5B783 11/16x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 140 shows a Billings 5B783 11/16x3/4 open-end wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings on one end, with the model number on the other end. The back side shank also has a forged-in code "3M" visible at the left.

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

The wrench is believed to be contract production for Caterpillar.

5B784 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 141. Billings 5B784 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 141 shows a Billings 5B784 13/16x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings on one end, with the model number on the other end.

The overall length is 9.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of the original black paint.

The wrench is believed to be contract production for Caterpillar.

5B785 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 142. Billings 5B785 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1926+.

Fig. 142 shows a Billings 5B785 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped with the standard modern face markings on one end, with the model number on the other end.

The overall length is 10.4 inches, and the finish is black paint with polished faces.

The wrench is believed to be contract production for Caterpillar.