Cornwell Quality Tools Company

Table of Contents

Introduction

Cornwell Quality Tools is notable for its relatively early use of alloy steel for its tools, and for its long production of hand-forged tools in an industry dominated by drop-forging.

Cornwell was also an early adopter of direct sales and "tool truck" service, a service that continues today.

Company History

Cornwell Quality Tools was founded in 1919 by Eugene Cornwell, a skilled blacksmith operating in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. A notice of the company's incorporation was published on page 1684 of the December 18, 1919 issue of the Iron Trade Review, which noted $50,000 in capital.

A 1919 report on new corporations from the Ohio Secretary of State listed the Cornwell Quality Tools Company in Cuyahoga Falls, with $50,000 in capital. The company officers were listed as Eugene Cornwell, B.L. Coleman, C.R. Barnes, H.L. Wandschneider, and L. Orlando Wilcox. Another publication from the Ohio Secretary of State gives the date of incorporation as November 14, 1919.

Hand-Forged Tools

Based on an undated but early price list, Cornwell's earliest tools consisted of chisels, punches, and bearing scrapers.

The price list (and early advertisements) emphasized that the company's production method was hand-forging rather than drop-forging.

The price list notes the use of high-carbon electric furnace steel and doesn't mention alloy steel, but by the early 1920s Cornwell is believed to have begun production of wrenches made of chrome-molybdenum steel.

Early Advertisements

Fig. 0A. 1925 Ad for Cornwell Quality Tools. [External Link]

By 1923 Cornwell was advertising regularly in Popular Mechanics.

Fig. 0A shows an ad for Cornwell tools, as published on page 154 (advertising section) of the January, 1925 issue of Popular Mechanics.

The illustration shows examples of the company's tools, and the text describes the use of "Swedish Charcoal Process Molybdenum Steel", and notes that the tools are hand-forged rather than drop-forged. The company address is listed as Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

Another ad in the February 1925 issue of Popular Mechanics (page 151 at the top right) offers a free booklet describing the company's tools, including wrenches, chisels, punches, and bearing scrapers.

Cornwell placed advertisements regularly in Popular Mechanics from 1923 through at least 1930.

The Kennedy Tool Venture

In 1925 Cornwell began a joint venture with John A. Kennedy to form the Kennedy Tool Company, a maker of tire changing tools. Kennedy Tool became the leading maker for this class of tools, but eventually Kennedy left to form the Ken-Tool Company as a competitor. See our References section for more information on this little-known aspect of Cornwell.

The First Catalog

By around 1926 Cornwell was printing and distributing catalogs of their tools. An undated catalog from around this time — with the company still in Cuyahoga Falls — offers open-end and tappet wrenches, chisels and punches, and a set of sockets and tools in 1/2 square drive. The socket tools are of particular interest, as the catalog states that both sockets and tools were forged from chrome-molybdenum steel. This would make Cornwell the earliest known company to offer hot forged sockets in the standard interchangeable drive format, as well as one of the first companies to use alloy steel for socket tools.

The Move to Mogadore

In 1927 the company moved to Mogadore, Ohio to expand its production facilities, and photographs in their early catalogs show the substantial manufacturing facility built in Mogadore. The date of the move to Mogadore is noted in a brochure printed for Cornwell's 65th anniversary year, based on information sent by one of our readers. The date can be further refined by noting that an ad in the May, 1927 issue of Popular Mechanics listed the company in Cuyahoga Falls, but an ad in the August, 1927 issue of the same publication noted the Mogadore location.

Catalog No. 16 from around 1934 lists a wide variety of tools, including sockets in (square) drive sizes 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, and 7/8, an extensive selection of wrenches, and many automotive specialty tools.

First Model Number System

Catalog No. 17 from 1935 shows the first adoption of a model number system, with models assigned based on a leading mnemonic followed by a number.

For example, combination wrenches were the CWnn series, 1/2-drive sockets ("standard") were the SSnn series, and open-end wrenches were the EWnn series. This first model number system remained in use at least through 1952 and catalog No. 28.

By 1955 Cornwell was using a second generation model number system, with most models encoding the sizes in 32nds.

Continuing Operations

Cornwell remains in business today and information on the company's products can be found at the Cornwell Quality Tools [External Link] website.

Patents

Trademarks

Manufacturing Dates

Estimating the manufacturing date for an older tool is an important first step in understanding where that particular example fits in the development of a company's products. Many manufacturers are known to have marked their tools with a date code, for quality control or other purposes, although the coding systems used were often not documented for the public. In the case of Cornwell, we're still unsure of whether they have a date code system, though it appears that some sort of date markings were used.

On certain early Cornwell tools the company name is followed by a letter, such as "Cornwell-A", "Cornwell-B", and so on. Currently codes "A" through "G" are known to occur, and it seems likely that this is an early date code system with one letter for each year. If this is the case, the likely starting point would be 1927 for code "A", progressing to 1933 for code "G".

The evidence for interpreting the letter codes as dates can be summarized as follows.

1. U.S.S. and S.A.E. Conventions. A number of wrenches have been observed with the "A" code and an older size convention marking, but wrenches with "B" or other letters are only known with the across-flats size. This suggests that the other codes are later than "A", and that "A" likely corresponds to 1927.
2. Model Number Markings. Cornwell is known to have started using model numbers with a letter prefix beginning with the 1935 catalog. Of the tools marked with a possible date code letter, none are known to have a letter-prefix model number. This suggests that the possible date coded examples were all produced prior to 1935.
3. Early Socket Construction. An early set of Cornwell sockets exhibits a very rough finish, with ridges from the parting lines of the forging dies still present. Another set of early sockets marked "Cornwell-A" shows a more refined finish, with no trace of the parting lines visible. The earliest sockets are believed to date from 1925-1926, when Cornwell first started producing socket tools. This suggests that the "A" marked sockets would have been made later than 1926.

For the tools that aren't marked with a letter suffix, the Cornwell name is generally preceded or followed by a one or two-digit number, as for example "16 Cornwell" or "Cornwell 12". These numbers may encode the manufacturing date in some fashion, but the coding system is not yet known.

Until the date coding system can be understood, we'll try to develop some guidelines for estimating the manufacturing dates based on tool markings, styles, finishes, and other information. The list below includes some observations that may help estimate the manufacturing date for some tools.

• S.A.E. or U.S.S. Size Marking. Early wrenches were generally marked using the older U.S.S. or S.A.E. size conventions, which are based on the nominal bolt diameter rather than the actual (across-flats) nut size. The modern wrench size convention was established in 1927, and most manufacturers quickly converted to the new system. (See our Table of Wrench Sizes if you are not familiar with the older size conventions.) Tools with these older size markings were probably made from the early 1920s up to 1927.
• Letter Date Codes. A letter code in the range A-G following Cornwell (e.g. "Cornwell-A") is believed to indicate the production year, beginning with 1927 for "A".
• First-Generation Model Number System. In 1935 Cornwell began using its first model number system, which used a one or two-letter mnemonic prefix followed by a number. For example, angle-head wrenches were given an "AW" prefix, and a 7/16 angle-head wrench became a model AW4.
• "USA" Marking. Cornwell added a stamped "USA" marking shortly after the first model number system was adopted. The exact date is not known, but examples bearing a first-generation model number without the "USA" marking are relatively rare. This suggests that the "USA" marking was in use by the late 1930s.
• Second-Generation Model Number System. Sometime around 1954 Cornwell switched to a new model number system using the same mnemonic prefixes, but followed by a number encoding the opening size(s) (when applicable) in 32nds. In the new system, a 9/16 angle-head wrench became a model AW1818.

References and Resources

Photographs and observations of particular tools are based on items in the Alloy Artifacts collection.

Cornwell remains in business today and the company's website offers a History [External Link] page with a timeline of events.

Information on the interesting history of the Kennedy Tool Company and Ken-Tool can be found at Ken-Tool Company History. [External Link] Since history for Cornwell is generally very difficult to find, we welcome this contribution from Ken-Tool, although we have no information to independently verify the events related there.

Catalog Coverage

Product information was obtained from a number of Cornwell catalogs, as summarized in the table below.

Early Wrenches

An early Cornwell price list offers only chisels, punches, and bearing scrapers, indicating that wrenches were not among the company's first tools. Wrench production probably commenced in the early 1920s.

Cornwell had been producing tools for about 15 years before its first general model number system came into use, and these early tools show a progression of marking styles. The earlier wrenches were generally marked with sizes based on the older U.S.S. or S.A.E. conventions, sometimes without explicitly noting the particular convention.

Early 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 1. Cornwell Early 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Early 1920s to 1926.

Fig. 1 shows an early Cornwell 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Cornwell" on the shank.

The overall length is 5.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The back side (middle inset) is marked with sizes "5/16" and "3/8", which in the older S.A.E. size convention correspond to the 1/2 and 9/16 opening sizes.

Early 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 2. Cornwell Early 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, ca. Early 1920s to 1926.

Fig. 2 shows an early Cornwell 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Cornwell" on the shank. The faces are stamped "3/8 S.A.E." and "7/16 S.A.E.", references to the older S.A.E. convention for the 9/16 and 5/8 opening sizes.

The overall length is 6.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Early 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 3. Cornwell Early 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Early 1920s to 1926.

Fig. 3 shows an early Cornwell 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Cornwell" on the shank. The faces are stamped "5/16 U.S.S." and "3/8 U.S.S.", which in the older U.S.S. convention correspond to the 19/32 and 11/16 opening sizes.

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

Early "C" 30 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 4. Cornwell "C" 30 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, 1929.

Fig. 4 shows an early Cornwell 30 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Cornwell - C" and "30" on the shank, with the fractional sizes stamped on the faces.

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

This wrench is unusual in that it has a letter suffix as well as partial [EW]30 model number.

Early 15/16x1-1/16 Open-End Wrenches

Fig. 5. Cornwell Early 15/16x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. Early 1920s to 1926.

Fig. 5 shows an early Cornwell 15/16x1-1/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Cornwell" on the shank. The insets show the back side face markings "3/4 S.A.E." and "5/8 S.A.E.", which in the older S.A.E. convention correspond to the 1-1/16 and 15/16 opening sizes.

The overall length is 11.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Fig. 6. Cornwell "A" Early 15/16x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View, 1927.

Fig. 6 shows another example of an early Cornwell 15/16x1-1/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Cornwell-A" on the shank, with "3/4 S.A.E." and "5/8 S.A.E." on the faces.

The overall length is 11.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The face markings refer to the older S.A.E. convention for the 1-1/16 and 15/16 opening sizes.

Early 1/2 Tappet Wrenches

The next two figures show pairs of early tappet wrenches, both marked with sizes based on the older SAE convention.

Fig. 7. Cornwell Early 1/2 Tappet Wrenches, ca. Early 1920s to 1926.

Fig. 7 shows the earlier pair of Cornwell 1/2 tappet wrenches, stamped "Cornwell" on the shank with "5/16" on the face.

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

Fig. 8. Cornwell Early 1/2 Tappet Wrenches with SAE Marking, ca. Early 1920s to 1926.

Fig. 8 shows a somewhat later pair of Cornwell 1/2 tappet wrenches, stamped "Cornwell" on the shank with "5/16 SAE" on the face.

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

Early "B" 1/2 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 9. Cornwell "B" Early 1/2 Tappet Wrench, 1928.

Fig. 9 shows another somewhat later Cornwell 1/2 tappet wrench, stamped "Cornwell-B" on the shank, with the fractional size on the face.

The overall length is 7.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The "B" suffix is believed to indicate production in 1928. Note that the fractional size marking, in place of the earlier S.A.E. sizes, reflects the somewhat later manufacturing date for this example.

Early "A" 9/16 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 10. Cornwell "A" Early 9/16 Tappet Wrench, 1927.

Fig. 10 shows an early Cornwell 9/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Cornwell-A" on the shank with the fractional size on the face.

The overall length is 9.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The fractional size marking may indicate a somewhat later manufacturing date for this example.

Early 5/8 Tappet Wrenches

Fig. 11. Cornwell Early 5/8 Tappet Wrench, ca. Early 1920s to 1926.

Fig. 11 shows an early Cornwell 5/8 tappet wrench, stamped "Cornwell" on the shank, with "7/16 S.A.E." stamped on the face.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with pitting due to rust.

The use of the S.A.E. size marking on this example indicates an earlier manufacturing date.

Fig. 12. Cornwell "A" Early 5/8 Tappet Wrench, 1927.

Fig. 12 shows another early Cornwell 5/8 tappet wrench, stamped "Cornwell-A" on the shank, with "7/16 S.A.E." stamped on the face.

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

The use of the S.A.E. size marking on this example indicates an earlier manufacturing date.

Early 11/16 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 13. Cornwell Early 11/16 Tappet Wrench, ca. 1927-1933.

Fig. 13 shows an early Cornwell 11/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Cornwell" on the shank.

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

We would have expected a letter code on this wrench, based on the use of a fractional size marking. The "Cornwell" marking is rather faint though, so it's possibly that the letter code has been lost.

Early 5/8x5/8 Angle-Head Wrench

Fig. 14. Cornwell Early 5/8x5/8 Angle-Head Wrench, ca. Early 1920s to 1926.

Fig. 14 shows an early Cornwell 5/8x5/8 angle-head wrench, stamped "Cornwell" on the shank with "7/16 S.A.E." on the faces.

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

A later version of this model can be seen as the Cornwell AW10 Angle-Head Wrench.

Early "A" 7/8x7/8 Angle-Head Wrench

Fig. 15. Cornwell "A" Early 7/8x7/8 Angle-Head Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, 1927.

Fig. 15 shows an early Cornwell 7/8x7/8 angle-head wrench, stamped "Cornwell-A" on the shank with "9/16 S.A.E." on the back side faces.

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

A later version of this model can be seen as the Cornwell AW18 Angle-Head Wrench.

Early "C" 1/2x9/16 Flex-Box Wrench

Fig. 16. Cornwell "C" Early 1/2x9/16 Flex-Box Wrench, with Inset for Top View, 1929.

Fig. 16 shows an early Cornwell 1/2x9/16 flex-box wrench, stamped "Cornwell-C" on the shank, with the fractional sizes stamped on the flex sockets.

The overall length is 6.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Early "F" 5/8 Special Chrysler Brake Wrench

Fig. 17. Cornwell "F" 5/8 Special Chrysler Brake Wrench, 1932.

Fig. 17 shows an early Cornwell 5/8 brake wrench for Chrysler service, stamped "Cornwell-F" on the shank, with the fractional size stamped on the face.

The overall length is 5.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

A review of the Cornwell catalogs found this tool illustrated in catalog No. 12 from around 1930, listed as a No. 1260 "Special Chrysler Brake Wrench" with size 7/16 S.A.E. (5/8 opening). Catalog No. 16 of 1934 also listed the No. 1260 brake wrench with the size as just 5/8, but in later catalogs this tool was no longer available.

Early Sockets and Drive Tools

Cornwell began offering sockets and drive tools around 1926 (or possibly earlier), shortly before the company moved to Mogadore. These early sockets were made using chrome molybdenum steel, establishing Cornwell as one of the earliest tool makers to use alloy steel for sockets in a standard square drive.

Even more notably, Cornwell is believed to have been the first company to use the hot-forging method to produce female-drive sockets. A Cornwell catalog from around 1926 offers hot-forged sockets made of chrome molybdenum steel, a combination that gave them a significant lead over the rest of the tool industry.

Cornwell Early 1/2-Drive 11/16 Hex Socket

We'll begin this section with some examples of very early hot-forged sockets, believed to be representative of Cornwell's earliest socket production.

Fig. 18. Cornwell Early 1/2-Drive 11/16 Hex Socket, with Inset for Broaching, ca. 1925-1926.

Fig. 18 shows an early Cornwell 1/2-drive 11/16 hex socket, stamped with "Cornwell" and fractional size on the side. The finish is plain steel.

The exterior of the socket is very rough, and the parting line of the forging die can be seen to the right of the Cornwell marking, and extending down to the base. (A corresponding ridge appears on the opposite side of the socket.)

Cornwell Early 1/2-Drive 3/4 Hex Socket

Fig. 19. Cornwell Early 1/2-Drive 3/4 Hex Socket, with Inset for Broaching, ca. 1925-1926.

Fig. 19 shows an early Cornwell 1/2-drive 3/4 hex socket, stamped with "Cornwell" and "1/2 SAE" on the side. The finish is plain steel.

The 1/2 size marking in the older S.A.E. Size Convention corresponds to the measured 3/4 opening.

The exterior of the socket is very rough, and the parting line of the forging die can be seen near the left edge of the socket. (A corresponding ridge appears on the opposite side of the socket.)

Cornwell Early 1/2-Drive 25/32 Hex Socket

Fig. 20. Cornwell Early 1/2-Drive 25/32 Hex Socket, with Inset for Broaching, ca. 1925-1926.

Fig. 20 shows an early Cornwell 1/2-drive 25/32 hex socket, stamped with "Cornwell" and "?/16 USS" on the side. The finish is plain steel.

The size marking is meant to be "7/16" in the older U.S.S. size convention, which corresponds to the measured 25/32 opening.

The exterior of the socket is very rough, and the parting line of the forging die can be seen running between the "E" and "L" in Cornwell, and extending down to the base. (A corresponding ridge appears on the opposite side of the socket.)

Cornwell Early 1/2-Drive 13/16 Hex Socket

Fig. 21. Cornwell Early 1/2-Drive 13/16 Hex Socket, with Inset for Broaching, ca. 1925-1926.

Fig. 21 shows an early Cornwell 1/2-drive 13/16 hex socket, stamped with "Cornwell" and the fractional size. The finish is plain steel.

The exterior of the socket is very rough, and the parting line of the forging die can be seen on the base, approximately in line with the "W" in Cornwell. (A corresponding ridge appears on the opposite side of the socket.)

Cornwell Early 1/2-Drive Ell Handle

To go along with these very early sockets, we'll need a very early drive handle, as illustrated in this next figure.

Fig. 22. Cornwell Early 1/2-Drive Ell Handle, with Insets for Top View and Marking Detail, ca. 1925-1926.

Fig. 22 shows an early Cornwell 1/2-drive Ell handle, stamped (or rather mis-stamped) with "Cornwell" on the shank.

The overall length is 8.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The marking on this tool requires explanation, as it's not readable in the conventional sense. The marking die has struck only the lower part of each letter of "CORNWELL", and then struck again below and to the right of the first try.

We were able to decipher the marking after noting the similarity to another partially-struck marking on an early Cornwell tool.

This tool was acquired along with a set of very early sockets (see the Early Cornwell Socket above) and is believed to be among Cornwell's earliest socket drive tools.

Currently we don't have a catalog listing for this style of offset handle. Our earliest Cornwell catalog does offer a 1/2-drive offset handle, but with a straight shank and knurled end-piece, rather than the curled handle.

Early [No. 55] 1/2-Drive Gearless Ratchets

The next two figures show examples of Cornwell's No. 55 gearless ratchet, its earliest ratchet model.

Fig. 23. Cornwell Early [No. 55] 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1925-1926.

Fig. 23 shows an early 1/2-drive Cornwell [No. 55] ratchet with its drive plug, marked with "Cornwell" and "Pat. Applied For" forged into the shank, with a "W" code forged into the back side (see middle inset).

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

The patent for this ratchet, if issued, has not yet been found.

This example is not marked with the model number, but was identified by the catalog illustration. Later production had the "No. 55" model forged into the shank (see next figure).

The forged-in "W" code on the back side is believed to be a forge mark for the contract drop-forger used by Cornwell.

Fig. 24. Cornwell No. 55 1/2-Drive Gearless Ratchet, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1926-1934.

Fig. 24 shows a somewhat later (but still early) 1/2-drive Cornwell No. 55 gearless ratchet, marked with "No. 55" and "Cornwell" plus "Pat. Applied For" forged into the handle.

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

The shank is also marked with a forged-in symbol resembling "HT" in a circle, believed to be a forge mark for the contract drop-forger.

Cornwell's No. 55 ratchet was offered as early as 1925 or 1926 and remained in production until about 1934. After 1934 the No. 55 model was superseded by the Cornwell SR-2 Ratchet, with apparently identical specifications.

Early "B" 1/2-Drive Flex-Head Handle

Fig. 25. Cornwell "B" Early 1/2-Drive Flex-Head Handle, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail, ca. 1928.

Fig. 25 shows an early 1/2-drive Cornwell flex-head handle, stamped "Cornwell - B" on the shank.

The overall length is 13.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This flex-head breaker bar has some unusual construction features, such as the handle shaped as a 15/16 hex.

The hexagonal handle is equipped with both a cross-bar hole and a 1/2-drive end broaching, allowing use as a Tee-handle or an extension (see right inset).

Note that this handle is designed with the fork on the flex head rather than on the shank, as it more commonly found today. In the early 1930s a number of companies made flex handles with this alternate design, probably to avoid infringement of the Eagle patent #1,380,643 used by Plomb Tool at that time. In 1935 the patent was ruled invalid in a court case, and subsequently most companies switched to making flex handles with the fork on the shank. (See the discussion of the Eagle lawsuit for more information.)

Early "B" 1/2-Drive 10 Inch Extension

Fig. 26. Cornwell "B" 1/2-Drive 10 Inch Extension, with Inset for Marking Detail, 1928.

Fig. 26 shows an early 1/2-drive Cornwell 10 inch extension, stamped "Cornwell - B" on the shank.

The overall length is 10.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Early No. 85 3/8-Drive Gearless Ratchet

Cornwell began offering 3/8-drive "Junior" socket tools sometime in the early 1930s. Our first catalog reference is from around 1934.

Fig. 27. Cornwell No. 85 3/8-Drive Gearless Ratchet, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1930-1934.

Fig. 27 shows an early Cornwell No. 85 3/8-drive gearless ratchet, marked with "Cornwell" and "Pat. Pending" forged into the shank.

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

Early "F" 3/8-Drive Flex Handle

Fig. 28. Cornwell Early "F" 3/8-Drive Flex Handle, with Inset for Marking Detail, 1932.

Fig. 28 shows an early 3/8-drive Cornwell "F" flex handle, stamped with "Cornwell-F" on the back side.

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

The knurled handle is broached for 3/8-drive, allowing the handle to be used as an extension.

Note that this handle is designed with the fork on the flex head rather than on the shank, as it more commonly found today. In the early 1930s a number of companies made flex handles with this alternate design, probably to avoid infringement of the Eagle patent #1,380,643 used by Plomb Tool at that time. In 1935 the patent was ruled invalid in a court case, and subsequently most companies switched to making flex handles with the fork on the shank. (See the discussion of the Eagle lawsuit for more information.)

Open-End Wrenches

EW12 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Cornwell EW12 open-end wrench.

Fig. 29. Cornwell [EW]12 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1934-1935.

Fig. 29 shows an early Cornwell 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, stamped "22 Cornwell" and "12" on the shank. The "12" marking is an early form of the EW12 model number, indicating production before the model number prefixes went into use.

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

Fig. 30. Cornwell EW12 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1935-1954.

Fig. 30 shows a later Cornwell EW12 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, marked "35 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 5.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

EW14 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 31. Cornwell EW14 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1935-1954.

Fig. 31 shows a Cornwell EW14 7/16x1/2 open-end wrench, stamped "19 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

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

EW22 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 32. Cornwell EW22 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1935-1954.

Fig. 32 shows a Cornwell EW22 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench, marked "20 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

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

EW28 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 33. Cornwell EW28 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1935-1954.

Fig. 33 shows a Cornwell EW28 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, stamped "15 Cornwell" on the shank.

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

Later EW1820 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 34. Cornwell EW1820 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1955+.

Fig. 34 shows a later Cornwell EW1820 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Cornwell 5" and "USA" on the front, with the model number and fractional sizes on the back side.

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

IW3 13/64x15/64 Ignition Wrench

Cornwell also offered miniature open-end wrenches for ignition service, in a design with different opening sizes and different offset angles.

Fig. 35. Cornwell IW3 13/64x15/64 Ignition Wrench.

Fig. 35 shows a Cornwell IW3 13/64x15/64 ignition wrench, stamped "USA" on the shank.

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

IW5 7/32x1/4 Ignition Wrench

Fig. 36. Cornwell IW5 7/32x1/4 Ignition Wrench.

Fig. 36 shows a Cornwell IW5 7/32x1/4 ignition wrench, stamped "USA" on the shank.

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

Tappet Wrenches

TW44 7/16x17/32 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 37. Cornwell TW44 7/16x17/32 Tappet Wrench, ca. 1935-1954.

Fig. 37 shows a Cornwell TW44 7/16x17/32 tappet wrench, stamped "18 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 9.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

TW54 3/4x13/16 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 38. Cornwell TW54 3/4x13/16 Tappet Wrench, ca. 1935-1954.

Fig. 38 shows a Cornwell TW54 3/4x13/16 tappet wrench, marked "17 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

[TW]0 3/8 Long Tappet Wrench

Fig. 39. Cornwell [TW]0 3/8 Long Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. Mid to Late 1930s.

Fig. 39 shows a Cornwell [TW]0 3/8 long single-ended tappet wrench, stamped with "2 Cornwell" and "0" on the shank. The "0" marking is an early form for the TW0 model number, suggesting production before the model number prefixes went into use.

The overall length is 12.1 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

Our earliest listing for the model TW0 tappet wrench is in the 1938 Cornwell catalog. The absence of the model prefix and "USA" markings suggests production in the mid to late 1930s.

TW5 1/2 Long Tappet Wrench

Fig. 40. Cornwell TW5 1/2 Long Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. Mid to Late 1930s.

Fig. 40 shows a Cornwell TW5 1/2 long tappet wrench, stamped "24 Cornwell" on the shank.

The overall length is 12.1 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

Angle-Head Wrenches

Cornwell was one of the first companies to develop open-end obstruction wrenches in a design close to the preferred modern form. Cornwell's design featured two openings of the same size but different offset angles, with one end offset at 15 degrees and the other offset at 60 degrees to the opposite side. Another notable feature of the wrenches was the very narrow shank, an advantage when working in restricted spaces.

These obstruction wrenches were listed in catalog No. 16 (about 1934) as "brake wrenches", but of course they served for many other tasks as well. The design came to be very popular with aircraft mechanics, and later Cornwell catalogs mention these as aircraft wrenches.

Obstruction wrenches of different styles were produced by a number of other companies, and the interested reader may want to review these alternative designs. Examples include the Blackhawk-Armstrong 2029 Wrench, Bonney 2727 Wrench, Herbrand 1827 Wrench, and Williams 2021 Wrench.

[AW]2 3/8x3/8 Angle-Head Wrench

Fig. 41. Cornwell Early [AW]4 7/16x7/16 Angle-Head Wrench, ca. 1934-1935.

Fig. 41 shows an early Cornwell [AW]2 3/8x3/8 angle-head wrench, stamped "12 Cornwell" and "2" on the shank. The "2" marking is an early form of the "AW2" model number, suggesting that this wrench was produced shortly before the model number prefixes were standardized.

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

AW4 7/16x7/16 Angle-Head Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the model AW4 wrench.

Fig. 42. Cornwell Early [AW]4 7/16x7/16 Angle-Head Wrench, ca. 1934-1935.

Fig. 42 shows an early example of the Cornwell [AW]4 7/16x7/16 angle-head wrench, stamped "14 Cornwell" and "4" on the shank. The "4" marking is an early form of the "AW4" model number, suggesting that this wrench was produced shortly before the model number prefixes were standardized.

The overall length is 4.6 inches, and the finish is polished steel.

Fig. 43. Cornwell AW4 7/16x7/16 Angle-Head Wrench, ca. Late 1930s to 1954.

Fig. 43 shows a later Cornwell AW4 wrench, marked "11 Cornwell" and "USA" on the back side of the shank.

The overall length is 4.9 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

AW6 1/2x1/2 Angle-Head Wrench

Fig. 44. Cornwell AW6 1/2x1/2 Angle-Head Wrench, ca. Late 1930s to 1954.

Fig. 44 shows a Cornwell AW6 1/2x1/2 angle-head wrench, marked "25 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

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

[AW]8 9/16x9/16 Angle-Head Wrench

Fig. 45. Cornwell Early [AW]8 9/16x9/16 Angle-Head Wrench, ca. 1934-1935.

Fig. 45 shows an early Cornwell [AW]8 9/16x9/16 angle-head wrench, stamped "12 Cornwell" and "8" on the shank. The "8" marking is an early form of the "AW8" model number, suggesting that this wrench was produced shortly before the model number prefixes were standardized.

The overall length is 5.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

AW10 5/8x5/8 Angle-Head Wrenches

Fig. 46. Cornwell [AW]10 5/8x5/8 Angle-Head Wrench, ca. 1934-1935.

Fig. 46 shows an early Cornwell [AW]10 5/8x5/8 angle-head wrench, stamped "12 Cornwell" and "10" on the shank. The "10" marking is an early form of the "AW10" model number, suggesting that this wrench was produced shortly before the model number prefixes were standardized.

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

Fig. 47. Cornwell AW10 5/8x5/8 Angle-Head Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1930s to 1954.

Fig. 47 shows a Cornwell AW10 5/8x5/8 angle-head wrench, marked "18 Cornwell" and "USA" on the back side. (The inset has been rotated for readability.)

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

[AW]12 11/16x11/16 Angle-Head Wrench

Fig. 48. Cornwell Early [AW]12 11/16x11/16 Angle-Head Wrench, ca. 1934-1935.

Fig. 48 shows an early Cornwell [AW]12 11/16x11/16 angle-head wrench, stamped "19 Cornwell" and "12" on the shank. The "12" marking is an early form of the "AW12" model number, suggesting that this wrench was produced shortly before the model number prefixes were standardized.

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

Fig. 49. Cornwell Early [AW]12 11/16x11/16 Angle-Head Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1934-1935.

Fig. 49 shows an early Cornwell [AW]12 11/16x11/16 angle-head wrench, stamped "22 Cornwell" and "12" on the shank. The "12" marking is an early form of the "AW12" model number, suggesting that this wrench was produced shortly before the model number prefixes were standardized.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating, with extensive losses due to wear.

[AW]14 3/4x3/4 Angle-Head Wrench

Fig. 50. Cornwell Early [AW]14 3/4x3/4 Angle-Head Wrench, ca. 1934-1935.

Fig. 50 shows an early Cornwell [AW]14 11/16x11/16 angle-head wrench, stamped "33 Cornwell" and "14" on the shank. The "14" marking is an early form of the "AW14" model number, suggesting that this wrench was produced shortly before the model number prefixes were standardized.

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

AW18 7/8x7/8 Angle-Head Wrench

Fig. 51. Cornwell AW18 7/8x7/8 Angle-Head Wrench, ca. Late 1930s to 1954.

Fig. 51 shows a Cornwell AW18 7/8x7/8 angle-head wrench, marked "16 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

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

AW20 15/16x15/16 Angle-Head Wrench

Fig. 52. Cornwell AW20 15/16x15/16 Angle-Head Wrench, ca. Late 1930s to 1954.

Fig. 52 shows a Cornwell AW20 15/16x15/16 angle-head wrench, marked "17 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

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

AW22 1x1 Angle-Head Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Cornwell AW22 wrench.

Fig. 53. Cornwell [AW]22 1x1 Inch Angle-Head Wrench, ca. 1934-1936.

Fig. 53 shows an earlier Cornwell [AW]22 1x1 inch angle-head wrench, stamped "20 Cornwell" and "22" on the shank. The "22" marking is an early form of the "AW22" model number, suggesting that this wrench was produced shortly before the model number prefixes were standardized.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

Fig. 54. Cornwell AW22 1x1 Inch Angle-Head Wrench, ca. Late 1930s to 1954.

Fig. 54 shows a later Cornwell AW22 1x1 inch angle-head wrench, marked "18 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

AW24 1-1/16x1-1/16 Angle-Head Wrenches

Fig. 55. Cornwell [AW]24 1-1/16x1-1/16 Angle-Head Wrench, ca. 1935-1936.

Fig. 55 shows an earlier Cornwell [AW]24 1-1/16x1-1/16 angle-head wrench, stamped "12 Cornwell" and "24" on the shank. The "24" marking is an early form of the "AW24" model number, suggesting that this wrench was produced shortly before the model number prefixes were standardized.

The overall length is 9.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel, possibly with traces of cadmium plating.

Fig. 56. Cornwell AW24 1-1/16x1-1/16 Angle-Head Wrench, ca. Late 1930s to 1954.

Fig. 56 shows a Cornwell AW24 1-1/16x1-1/16 angle-head wrench, marked "16 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

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

Later AW1818 9/16x9/16 Angle-Head Wrench

Fig. 57. Cornwell AW1818 9/16x9/16 Angle-Head Wrench, ca. 1955+.

Fig. 57 shows a later example of the angle-head series, a Cornwell AW1818 9/16x9/16 angle-head wrench, stamped "Cornwell 3" and "USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 5.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Box-End Wrenches

BW3 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the Cornwell BW3 wrench.

Fig. 58. Cornwell [BW]3 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1935-1936.

Fig. 58 shows a earlier Cornwell [BW]3 3/8x7/16 short offset box wrench, stamped "23 Cornwell" on the shank.

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

Fig. 59. Cornwell [BW]3 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1938-1954.

Fig. 59 shows a later Cornwell BW3 3/8x7/16 short offset box wrench, stamped "35 Cornwell" on the shank, with "USA" on the back side.

The overall length is 4.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

BW7 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 60. Cornwell [BW]7 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1935-1936.

Fig. 60 shows a Cornwell [BW]7 1/2x9/16 short offset box wrench, stamped "13 Cornwell" on the shank.

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

BW22 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 61. Cornwell BW22 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 61 shows a Cornwell BW22 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench, marked "23 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

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

BW34 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 62. Cornwell BW34 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 61 shows a Cornwell BW34 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench, stamped "16 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 13.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

BW67 5/8x3/4 Halfmoon Box Wrench

Fig. 63. Cornwell BW67 5/8x3/4 Halfmoon Box Wrench.

Fig. 63 shows a Cornwell BW67 5/8x3/4 asymmetrical halfmoon box wrench, stamped "18 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

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

The BW67 wrench was first offered in Cornwell catalog No. 20 of 1938. The catalog description recommends it for Chrysler starter motor service, and for Chevrolet starters and front motor support bolts.

Cornwell also offered halfmoon wrenches in a symmetrical design, with models BW64 through BW66 available as early as 1935.

BWS1416S 7/16x1/2 6-Point Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 64. Cornwell BWS1416S 7/16x1/2 6-Point Offset Box Wrench, ca. 1955+.

Fig. 64 shows a Cornwell BWS1416S 7/16x1/2 offset box wrench with 6-point openings, stamped "1 Cornwell 0" and "USA" on the shank, with the model number on the back side. (The lower inset has been rotated for readability.)

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

FS3 3/8x7/16 Flex-Box Wrench

Fig. 65. Cornwell FS3 3/8x7/16 Flex-Box Wrench, with Inset for Top View.

Fig. 65 shows a Cornwell FS3 3/8x7/16 flex-box wrench, stamped "17 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank, with the fractional sizes stamped on the flex sockets.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

Combination Wrenches

The combination wrench style is a popular design with open and box ends of equal size. Credit for the original design is usually given to Plomb Tool with their April 1933 newsletter announcement, although Bonney had also introduced wrenches of the same design by May of 1933. The combination wrench quickly gained acceptance, and most of the major tool makers were offering this style within a few years.

Cornwell began producing combination wrenches in 1934 or 1935, and the first published listing is in catalog No. 17 of 1935. At that time four models were available in sizes from 7/16 (model CW4) to 5/8 (model CW10).

CW3 3/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 66. Cornwell CW3 3/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 66 shows a Cornwell CW3 3/8 combination wrench, marked "27 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

CW5 7/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 67. Cornwell CW5 7/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 67 shows a Cornwell CW5 7/16 combination wrench, marked "27 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 5.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

CW7 1/2 Combination Wrench

Fig. 68. Cornwell CW7 1/2 Combination Wrench.

Fig. 68 shows a Cornwell CW7 1/2 combination wrench, marked "18 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

CW9 9/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 69. Cornwell CW9 9/16 Combination Wrench.

Fig. 69 shows a Cornwell CW9 9/16 combination wrench, marked "35 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

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

CW12 11/16 Combination Wrenches

The next two figures show similar examples of CW12 11/16 combination wrenches, with minor differences in marking and dimensions.

Fig. 70. Cornwell [CW]12 11/16 Combination Wrench, ca. 1935.

Fig. 70 shows an early Cornwell [CW]12 11/16 combination wrench, stamped "10 Cornwell" and "12" on the shank, with the "12" indicating the later model number CW12.

The overall length is 9.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Fig. 71. Cornwell CW12 11/16 Combination Wrench, ca. 1935-1954.

Fig. 71 shows a Cornwell CW12 11/16 combination wrench, marked "10 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 9.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

CW14 3/4 Combination Wrenches

The next several figures show examples of CW14 3/4 combination wrenches, with minor differences in marking and dimensions.

Fig. 72. Cornwell [CW]14 3/4 Combination Wrench, ca. 1935.

Fig. 72 shows an early Cornwell [CW]14 3/4 combination wrench, stamped "10 Cornwell" and "14" on the shank, with the "14" indicating the later CW14 model number.

The overall length is 10.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Fig. 73. Cornwell CW14 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. Mid to Late 1930s.

Fig. 73 shows another Cornwell CW14 3/4 combination wrench, stamped "15 Cornwell" on the shank, with the fractional size stamped on the face.

The overall length is 11.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Fig. 74. Cornwell CW14 3/4 Combination Wrench, ca. Late 1930s to 1954.

Fig. 74 shows a third example of the Cornwell CW14 3/4 combination wrench, stamped "10 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

CW16 13/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 75. Cornwell CW16 13/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1935-1954.

Fig. 75 shows a Cornwell CW16 13/16 combination wrench, stamped "10 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

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

CW18 7/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 76. Cornwell CW18 7/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1935-1954.

Fig. 76 shows a Cornwell CW18 7/8 combination wrench, stamped "23 Cornwell" and "USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 12.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

CW1616 1/2 Combination Wrench

In the mid 1950s Cornwell switched to a new model numbering system, with the opening sizes for wrenches encoded in 32nds.

Fig. 77. Cornwell CW1616 1/2 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1955+.

Fig. 77 shows an example of the later model number for a Cornwell CW1616 1/2 combination wrench, stamped "2 Cornwell 0" and "USA" on the shank.

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

CW2020 5/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 78. Cornwell CW2020 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1955+.

Fig. 78 shows a later Cornwell CW2020 5/8 combination wrench, stamped "3 Cornwell 0" and "USA" on the shank.

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