The Dunlap Brand

Sears offered a wide variety of Dunlap brand economy tools during the 1940s and 1950s, and the brand continued to be available until 1963. The 1963 Craftsman Power and Hand Tools catalog was the last to mention the Dunlap brand.

The Retirement of the Dunlap Brand

The retirement of the Dunlap brand in 1963 seems clear to us, based on its disappearance from the catalogs after a long period of extensive use. However, we have found some disagreement on other tool websites or message boards, with some thinking that the Dunlap brand continued to be used throughout the 1960s or even beyond.

To quantify the usage of the Dunlap brand, we went through the Craftsman hand tool catalogs at the ITCL and counted the references to "Dunlap" using the full text search facility. Here are the counts we found for various catalog years:

• 1948: 38
• 1949: 14
• 1952: 12
• 1953: 32
• 1954: 36
• 1955: 46
• 1957: 12
• 1959: 98
• 1960: 81
• 1963: 4 (Power Tools catalog)
• 1964: 0
• 1966: 0
• 1968: 0
• 1970: 0.

A full text search of the ITCL found no references to Dunlap in Sears catalogs for 1964 and later. Some of the variation in the counts is due to OCR errors caused by poor quality scans, but the overall trend is clear: references to Dunlap peaked in the late 1950s and then dropped to zero.

It's possible that there might be regional editions of Sears catalogs that would show longer use of the Dunlap brand, but it seems very unlikely that the ITCL would somehow have gathered only non-Dunlap editions after 1964. It's also possible that Dunlap could have appeared sporadically in store flyers, as it would have taken some time for the inventory of Dunlap tools to sell through after production ceased.

If any of our readers have evidence that Dunlap remained in use after 1963, please send us an email with the details.

After the retirement of the Dunlap brand, the alternate brands for tools became the "Sears" name itself and later the "Companion" brand. Note though that the catalogs did not always specify the brand for the non-Craftsman tools, and the history of the era has to be pieced together from what tool brands are actually observed.

Dunlap Carbon Steel Wrenches

Up until 1955 Dunlap carbon steel wrenches were offered in an older style with a small depressed oval panels, with production by Maker "V". An example can be seen as the Dunlap "V" 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

The 1957 Craftsman catalog illustrated wrenches in a new style with gently-sloped depressed panels, which closely resemble the "TruFit" wrenches being made by Lectrolite at that time. The early production of this new style had forge marks similar to those on the "TruFit" wrenches, and by the late 1950s the wrenches were being marked with a forged-in "LC" code, presumably a mnemonic for "Lectrolite Corporation".

Dunlap 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 90. Dunlap 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Mid 1950s.

Fig. 90 shows a Dunlap 13/16x7/8 open-end wrench with gently-sloped depressed panels, marked with "Dunlap" and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the back panel.

The front panel also has a forged-in code "C" visible at the left.

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

The construction of this wrench closely resembles the Lectrolite "TruFit" wrenches produced in the late 1940s and 1950s, as for example the TruFit 11/16x3/4 Open-End Wrench. Note in particular the gently-sloped depressed panels.

The wrench is not marked with an "LC" code, but the general construction and the presence of a "C" code on the front panel are very similar to the other Dunlap "LC" examples here, indicating production by Lectrolite.

Dunlap "LC" 11/16x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 91. Dunlap "LC" 11/16x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Late 1950s to 1963.

Fig. 91 shows a Dunlap 11/16x3/4 open-end wrench with gently-sloped depressed panels, marked with "Dunlap" and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the back panel.

The back panel also has a forged-in code "S" at the left and a code "LC" between "U.S.A." and the fractional size.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The forged-in "LC" code indicates production by Lectrolite. This code was more typically placed at the end of the panel, but here it has been shoe-horned into the middle.

Dunlap "LC" 3/8x7/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 92. Dunlap "LC" 3/8x7/16 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View, Back Side, and Marking Detail, ca. Late 1950s to 1963.

Fig. 92 shows a Dunlap 3/8x7/16 offset box wrench with gently-sloped depressed panels, marked with "Dunlap" and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the back side.

The front panel also has a forged-in code "X" at the left and "LC" at the right end, seen as a close-up in the middle inset.

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

The construction of this wrench closely resembles the Lectrolite "TruFit" wrenches produced in the late 1940s and 1950s, as for example the TruFit 3/4x25/32 Offset Box Wrench. Note in particular the gently-sloped depressed panels and the increased width of the shank after the offset.

The forged-in "LC" code (for "Lectrolite Corporation") indicates production by Lectrolite.

Dunlap "LC" 5/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 93. Dunlap "LC" 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1950s to 1963.

Fig. 93 shows a Dunlap 5/8 combination wrench with depressed panels, marked with "Dunlap" and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the back side.

The front panel also has a forged-in code "T" at the left and "LC" at the right, shown as a close-up in the middle inset.

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

The construction of this wrench closely resembles the Lectrolite "TruFit" combination wrenches produced in the late 1940s and 1950s, as for example the TruFit 9/16 Combination Wrench. Note in particular the gently-sloped depressed panels and the increased width of the shank at the junction with the box end. The forged-in "LC" code is believed to represent "Lectrolite Corporation".

Dunlap Pliers

Dunlap "LC" 5½ Inch Combination Pliers

Fig. 94. Dunlap 5½ Inch Combination Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. Late 1950s.

Fig. 94 shows a pair of Dunlap 5½ inch slip-joint combination pliers, stamped with the Dunlap oval logo near the pivot, with "USA" and with a small "LC" code below (see lower inset).

The plier handles are also marked with very faint forged-in codes, with the back side handle showing "N36", as seen in the right middle inset.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the diamond checkered gripping pattern on the handles.

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

The handle pattern closely resembles the early gripping pattern used by J.P. Danielson for its own production in the 1930s, suggesting Danielson as the likely maker of the pliers. (See for example the Danielson 8 Inch Combination Pliers.) We can confirm production by Danielson by noting that the forged-in codes on the handles match the format of the Danielson date code, and the "6" year digit on the back side code likely indicates production in 1956.

Although the pliers were made by Danielson, the "LC" code indicates that they were supplied to Sears by Lectrolite in an unusual case of "pass-through" contract production. Danielson supplied pliers to Lectrolite from the late 1940s until the mid 1960s, and beginning in the mid 1950s Lectrolite had a supply contract with Sears for the Dunlap brand.

Dunlap Adjustable Wrenches

Dunlap "Y-Circle" 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 95. Dunlap 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1950s.

Fig. 95 shows a Dunlap 10 inch adjustable wrench, marked with the Dunlap double-line logo and "Dependable Quality" forged into the shank, with "Forged in U.S.A." forged into the back side.

The shank is also marked with a forged-in Y-Circle logo, visible at the right near the hanging hole.

The overall length is 10.0 inches and the maximum opening is 1.1 inches. The finish is chrome plating.

On this wrench the pin securing the knurl is threaded on the outside (slotted) end, a detail also observed on other adjustable wrenches marked with the Y-Circle code.

The forged-in Y-Circle logo was recently (2024) identified as the manufacturer's code for McKaig-Hatch. The Y-Circle logo also appears on Craftsman adjustable wrenches, as for example the Craftsman "Y-Circle" 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench.

Other Dunlap Tools

Dunlap "N-Square" 5/8 Flat Chisel

Fig. 96. Dunlap 5/8 Flat Chisel, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 96 shows a Dunlap 5/8 flat chisel, stamped with the Dunlap logo and "Made in U.S.A." with the fractional size on the square shank, and with an "N-Square" manufacturer's code.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The top inset shows a side view of the chisel, illustrating the parting line on the edge of the tip, an indication of drop-forged construction.

Dunlap "N-Square" Center Punch

Fig. 97. Dunlap 3/8 Center Punch.

Fig. 97 shows a Dunlap brand 3/8 center punch, stamped with the Dunlap logo and "U.S.A." on the square shank, and with an "N-Square" manufacturer's code.

The overall length is 4.8 inches.

The Sears Brand

In 1964 Sears began selling large numbers of lower-priced tools under its own "Sears" brand. There were two factors leading to the sudden appearance of Sears branded tools, the first being that with the 1963 "retirement" of the Dunlap brand, a number of the tools previously branded as Dunlap moved to the Sears brand.

The second factor was that in 1964 Sears began to import tools from Japan in the "BF" series, and most of these were initially sold under the Sears brand.

For example, tools such as the Dunlap carbon-steel open-end and combination wrenches of the 1950s and early 1960s moved to the Sears brand in 1964, still made by Lectrolite and marked with an "LC" manufacturer's code. These wrenches were joined by nearly identical Sears brand wrenches from Japan with a "BF" code.

Currently we're uncertain to what extent (if at all) the "Sears" brand was used for tools prior to 1964. In the 1920s and 1930s the Fulton, Merit, and Dunlap brands accounted for most of the tool sales, with Dunlap continuing until 1963. The catalogs often didn't specify the brands for lower-priced tools, except sometimes as "Not Craftsman", so we have to look at what tools can be found now and attempt to surmise when they were sold.

The trickle of Japanese tools in 1964 soon turned into a torrent as the tools found wide acceptance based on their consistent quality and attractive prices. More information on the "BF" series of Japanese tools can be found in our article on Distributor "BF".

A Marketing Experiment?

We have a theory that the sudden importance of the Sears brand was part of a marketing experiment with the new line of Japanese tools. It's based on three assumptions: that the Japanese tools had lower unit cost; the Japanese tools were comparable in quality; and American consumers would prefer domestic brands, but were willing to consider imports based on perceived quality and price. We'll fill in details later.

Sears Brand Carbon Steel Wrenches

Sears brand carbon steel wrenches were the continuation of the earlier Dunlap brand wrenches. The style remained the same, with rounded depressed panels and forged-in markings, and the wrenches continued to be offered in open-end, box-end, and combination designs.

These wrenches were only sold in sets and as a result the individual wrenches were never marked with a model number. Up until 1976 the sets came with a metal clip for storage, but in 1977 and later were supplied in plastic pouches.

Metric Sizes

In 1977 the Craftsman catalog began offering carbon steel wrenches in metric sizes, and also noted that the wrenches were imported from Japan. (Previously the carbon steel wrenches had not been noted as imported in the catalogs.)

A review of online photographs found many examples of "Sears" brand metric wrenches marked with a "BF" code.

A Stealth Upgrade to Alloy?

Sometime in the late 1970s or early 1980s the "carbon steel" wrenches were upgraded to alloy steel, at least for the Japanese production. Since there was no notice of the change in the catalogs, we're calling it a stealth upgrade.

By this time the wrench sets were being supplied in plastic pouches instead of metal clips, and a review of online photographs found a number of the pouches marked for alloy steel, with the wrenches inside marked "Forged Alloy" instead of just "Forged". But the changeover wasn't very consistent, as sometimes pouches marked "Alloy" had wrenches with just "Forged" and pouches without "Alloy" had wrenches with "Forged Alloy".

Selected Examples

The Sears carbon steel wrenches have been observed with "LC" and "BF Japan" manufacturing codes, but thus far not with a "WF" code. The next group of figures will show examples of these wrenches, as available.

Sears "LC" 11/16x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 98. Sears "LC" 11/16x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1964-1969.

Fig. 98 shows a Sears 11/16x3/4 open-end wrench with depressed panels, marked with "Sears" and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the back panel.

The front panel is also marked with a forged-in "LC" code at the left, as seen in the lower inset.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench. Note that traces of the trimming operation are still visible on the edge.

The overall length is 7.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

This wrench shows an example of Lectrolite's production after the transition to the Sears brand in 1964. Except for the use of "Sears" instead of "Dunlap", this wrench is very similar to the Dunlap "LC" 11/16x3/4 Open-End Wrench of the previous generation.

Lectrolite is believed to have continued production of Sears carbon steel wrenches until 1969, but in 1970 appears to have been dropped in the transition to the Companion brand, with production by Western Forge.

Sears "BF" 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 99. Sears "BF" 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1964 to Mid 1960s.

Fig. 99 shows a Sears 13/16x7/8 open-end wrench with depressed panels, marked with "Sears" and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel, with "Drop Forged" plus "BF" and "Japan" forged into the back panel.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, with traces of the trimming operation visible on the edge.

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

This wrench is marked with a variant of the KTC Standard Forged Markings that indicate production by KTC for the Sears "BF" contract. Note that in this example the "BF" and "Japan" markings are split by "Drop Forged", and the back panel doesn't repeat the size markings.

The variant markings likely indicate early production from 1964 to the mid 1960s.

Sears "BF" 5/8 Combination Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Sears "BF" 5/8 combination wrench, with minor differences in the markings.

Fig. 100A. Sears "BF" 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1964 to Mid 1960s.

Fig. 100A shows an early Sears 5/8 combination wrench with depressed panels, marked with "Sears" and the fractional size forged into the front panel, with "Drop Forged" between "B.F" and Japan" forged into the back side.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench. Note that the edge of the shank has been ground smooth, but a few traces of the trimming process still remain.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

This wrench has an early variation of the KTC Standard Forged Markings with "B.F" and "Japan" on opposite ends of the back panel.

Fig. 100B. Sears "BF" 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Mid 1960s to 1970s.

Fig. 100B shows a somewhat later Sears 5/8 combination wrench with depressed panels, marked with "Sears" and the fractional size forged into the front panel, with "Drop Forged" and "BF Japan" plus the fractional size forged into the back side.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench. Note that the edge of the shank has been ground smooth, and the edges of the open-end are rounded and polished.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The KTC Standard Forged Markings identify this wrench as production by KTC for the Sears "BF" contract.

These wrenches closely resemble the Dunlap "LC" 5/8 Combination Wrench shown in an earlier figure, strongly suggesting that the Sears "BF" wrenches were made as intentional copies.

Sears "BF" 11/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 101. Sears "BF" 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1964+.

Fig. 101 shows a Sears 11/16 combination wrench with depressed panels, marked with "Sears" and the fractional size forged into the front panel, with "Drop Forged" and "BF Japan" plus the fractional size forged into the back side.

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

The KTC Standard Forged Markings identify this wrench as production by KTC for the Sears "BF" contract.

Sears "BF" 9/16x5/8 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 102. Sears "BF" 9/16x5/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1964+.

Fig. 102 shows a Sears 9/16x5/8 offset box-end wrench with depressed panels, marked with "Sears" and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel, with "Forged" and "BF Japan" plus the fractional sizes forged into the back panel.

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with losses due to wear and rust.

This wrench can be identified as production by KTC based on a display in KTC's tool museum, which shows a wrench closely resembling this example identifed as contract ("OEM") production for Sears. The wrench in the exhibit has the same distinctive production characteristics, including the short horizontal section joining the box end.

We will refer to the markings on this wrench as the KTC Standard Forged Markings for use in identifying other production by KTC.

Sears Brand Pliers

In 1964 Sears began offering pliers imported from Japan in several styles, initially with combination pliers, utility (waterpump) pliers, longnose pliers, and diagonal cutters.

The catalog listings for pliers offer proof that the imported tools were being sold under the Sears brand, as both the 1964 and 1966 catalogs illustrate utility (waterpump) pliers with "Sears" in an oval outline on the handle.

Plastic Hand Grips

By 1969 the fixed-pivot models (lineman's, diagonal cutters, and longnose) were being illustrated with plastic hand grips, and by 1978 the slip-joint models (combination, utility, and tongue-and groove) had plastic hand grips as well.

Sears Slip-Joint Combination Pliers

In 1964 Sears began offering combination pliers imported from Japan, with two models 30701 and 30702 available in sizes 6 and 8 inches respectively.

A review of numerous online photos found some variation in production and markings, with early examples stamped "Sears" and "Drop Forged" with "Japan BF" forged into the underside of one handle. Later models were stamped with "Sears" and the model number, and sometimes had "BF Japan" forged into the tips of the handles.

The observed variation suggests that there may have been multiple manufacturers of the pliers.

Sears [30702] "BF" 8 Inch Combination Pliers

Fig. 103A. Sears [30702] "BF" 8 Inch Combination Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1964-1969.

Fig. 103A shows a early pair of Sears [30702] 8 inch combination pliers, stamped with "Sears" and "Drop Forged" along a oval arc near the pivot.

The pliers are also marked with "Japan BF" forged into the underside of the handles (not shown).

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the chevron or herringbone gripping pattern on the handles.

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

The absence of a model number marking suggests production before 1970.

The two parts of the pliers each have a stamped number "194" near the pivot pin, one of which can be seen in the lower inset. (We disassembled the pliers and verified that the other piece has the same number.)

These stamped numbers are probably a production code to ensure that once the two parts are paired in the finishing process, they get assembled together for the final product.

Sears 30701 "BF" 6 Inch Combination Pliers

Fig. 103B. Sears 30701 "BF" 6 Inch Combination Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1970-1977.

Fig. 103B shows a later pair of Sears 30701 6 inch combination pliers, stamped with "Sears" along a curved arc near the pivot.

The pliers are also marked with "BF Japan" forged into the tips of the handles, as seen in the top inset.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the diamond-checkered gripping pattern forged into the handles.

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

The model number marking suggests production in 1970 or later, and the absence of plastic grips indicates production before 1978.

Sears Utility Pliers

Fig. 104A. 1966 Catalog Listing for Sears 3072 Utility Pliers.

In 1964 Sears began offering slip-joint "utility" pliers imported from Japan, a style with offset jaws often referred to as waterpump pliers. The pliers featured five adjustment positions and were available as model 3072 in a 9½ inch size.

Fig. 104A shows a catalog listing for the model 3072 utility pliers, as published on page 78 of the 1966 Craftsman catalog. (The utility pliers are in the middle.)

Note that the illustration shows the utility pliers with "Sears" in an oval outline on the handle. This is one of the few instances of the catalogs actually showing the "Sears" brand in use. (The 1964 catalog also shows the utility pliers with the "Sears" oval outline.)

The 3072 pliers were quite popular and we were able to observe many examples in online photographs. Most of the examples were stamped with "SEARS" and the model number and had a polished chrome finish.

A few examples were observed with "Sears" stylized in an oval outline, closely resembling the catalog illustration. These examples were not marked with a model number and had handles with a chevron gripping pattern.

All of the examples were marked with "JAPAN BF" forged into the underside of one handle.

Sears [3072] "BF" 9½ Inch Utility (Waterpump) Pliers

Fig. 104B. Sears 3072 "BF" 9½ Inch Utility Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1964-1969.

Fig. 104B shows a early pair of Sears [3072] 9½ inch utility pliers, stamped with a stylized "Sears" inside an oval outline.

The pliers are also marked with "Japan BF" forged into the underside of one handle, as seen in the small inset.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the chevron or herringbone gripping pattern.

The overall length is 9.5 inches closed and 10.0 inches fully extended. The finish is polished chrome plating.

The absence of a model number marking suggests production before 1970.

Note that the two parts of the pliers are each stamped with "741" near the jaws, probably a production code to ensure that the mated parts are assembled together.

The stylized "Sears" marking in an oval outline closely resembles the illustrations in the 1964 and 1966 Craftsman catalogs, providing proof that the Sears brand was in use at the start of the "BF" series in 1964. Later versions of this model were stamped with "SEARS" in block letters and marked with the 3072 model number.

Tongue-and-Groove Pliers

By 1968 Sears was offering Japanese utility pliers with tongue-and-groove construction, which were listed as models 30723 and 30724 with sizes 10 and 12 inches respectively. Observations show that these were typically stamped with "SEARS" and the model number and had a polished chrome finish with a chevron gripping pattern.

Sears 30723 "BF" 10 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Utility Pliers

Fig. 104B. Sears 30723 "BF" 10 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1978+.

Fig. 104B shows a pair of Sears 30723 10 inch tongue-and-groove utility pliers, stamped with "SEARS" and the model number on the handle.

The pliers are also marked with "BF Japan" forged into the back of one handle, as seen in the small inset.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the undercut grooves of the tongue-and-groove mechanism.

The overall length is 10.3 inches closed and 10.5 inches fully extended. The finish is chrome plating with polished jaws.

The plastic hand grips indicate production in 1978 or later.

[Sears] 30803 "BF" 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers with Side-Cutters

Fig. 105A. Sears 30803 "BF" 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1964 to Early 1970s.

Fig. 105A shows a pair of Sears 30803 6 inch needlenose pliers, stamped with the model number on the front, with "BF Japan" on the back side.

The lower inset shows a close-up of the back side markings, with "BF Japan" at an angle on the right, and a small flag-like "F" mark at the lower left.

The overall length is 6.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel with yellow plastic handgrips.

The "BF" code indicates that the tool was supplied through a distributor representing a number of Japanese manufacturers. (See the section on Distributor "BF" for further discussion.)

The model 30803 pliers were listed in the Craftsman catalogs from 1964 until the early 1970s, but with no illustration and with only a minimal description. We're not sure why there is no brand marking on the pliers, but we've seen other photos of this model without a brand marking.

These pliers have been identified as production by Maruto Hasegawa Kōsakujo by the "F" mark stamped on the back. A similar pair of Fuller "Maruto" needlenose pliers have been observed with an "F" stamped in the same position on the back.

Sears 3079 "BF" 7 Inch Lineman's Pliers

Fig. 105. Sears 3079 "BF" 7 Inch Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View, ca. 1970s.

Fig. 105 shows a pair of Sears 3079 7 inch lineman's pliers, marked with "Sears" and the model number on the front, with "BF Japan" on the back side.

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

The "BF" code indicates that the tool was supplied by a distributor representing a number of Japanese manufacturers.

The 1977 Craftsman catalog notes that the pliers were made of alloy steel with a polished head and plastic hand grips, and notes the Japanese origin. The 3079 pliers were listed at a $3.97 price, and the 8 inch model 3080 pliers were available at a $4.29 price.

We purchased these pliers new in the 1970s for a vehicle tool kit and they have provided good service over the years.

Sears Brand Adjustable Wrenches

The 1964 Craftsman catalog offered adjustable wrenches imported from Japan, and the specifications noted drop forged alloy steel and a chrome-plated finish. The catalog did not mention a brand, but based on numerous online photographs the wrenches had forged-in markings for the "Sears" brand and a "BF Japan" code.

The catalogs listed these wrenches as models 30870-30873 for sizes 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches respectively. In 1972 the catalog number for the 6 inch size changed to 30874, and thus far all observations of the 6 inch size have shown the 30874 number. Model number markings were not required before 1970.

Some adjustable wrenches have been observed without model number markings, and these presumably represent early production. Some variations in the markings and construction have been observed as well, suggesting that there may have been multiple manufacturers.

KTC has been identified as a maker of Sears brand adjustable wrenches based on the close resemblance of the Sears wrench in the figure below to the illustration on page 11 [External Link] of the 1966 KTC catalog. The key matching features were the rounded inside corner of the fixed jaw, a matching inset cutaway on the moveable jaw, the wide tailpiece of the moveable jaw, and the absence of a ridge around the hanging hole. The Sears wrench is not marked with a model number, an indication of production before 1970.

For later production marked with model numbers, two different marking styles have been observed, both with production characteristics different from KTC.

Sears [30871] "BF" 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 106. Sears [30871] "BF" 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Construction Detail, ca. 1964-1969.

Fig. 106 shows a Sears [30871] 8 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Sears" and "Chrome Alloy Steel" forged into the shank, with "Full Drop Forge" and "BF Japan" on the back side.

The lower inset shows a close-up of the fully open jaws. Note the rounded corner of the fixed jaw, the inset convex cutaway in the moveable jaw, and the full width at the end of the tailpiece.

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

The wrench is not marked with a model number, but based on the catalogs would have been model 30871.

The absence of a model number suggests production from 1964-1969, after which Sears began requiring model number markings.

This wrench closely resembles the illustration on page 11 [External Link] of the 1966 KTC catalog, in particular with the jaw details noted above and the absence of a ridge around the hanging hole.

Another construction characteristic noted for this wrench is that the pin securing the worm gear is threaded on the inside end.

In addition to closely matching the KTC catalog illustration, this wrench is nearly identical (except for markings) to the Fuller No. 12 "KTC" Adjustable Wrench displayed in our article on Fuller. The additional comparison with the Fuller example provides strong evidence that this wrench was produced by KTC.

Sears 30874 "BF" 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 106BA. Sears 30874 "BF" 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, Construction Detail and marking Detail, ca. 1972+.

Fig. 106BA shows a Sears 30874 6 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Sears" and "Chrome Alloy" forged into the front, with "Forged No. 30874" and "BF Japan" forged into the back.

The lower inset shows a close-up of the fully open jaws, illustrating the angled transition at the corner of the fixed jaw and the corresponding angled inset of the moveable jaw.

Note also that the tailpiece narrows rapidly to the cylindrical section of the moveable jaw.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the maximum jaw opening is 0.8 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

A comparison of this wrench with the Fuller No. 6 "SANKI" 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench found that the tools are nearly identical in construction and dimensions. Based on this comparison, we are confident that this wrench was made by Hokuyo Sangyō ("Sanki"), an important production partner of KTC.

Fig. 106BB. Stacked Comparison of Sears and Fuller 6 Inch Adjustable Wrenches.

Fig. 106BB shows a stacked comparison of the Sears 30874 6 inch adjustable wrench with the Fuller No. 6 "SANKI" 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench.

Sears 30872 "BF" 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 106C. Sears 30872 "BF" 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, Construction Detail, ca. 1970+.

Fig. 106C shows a Sears 30872 10 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Sears" and "No. 30872" forged into the front, with "Full Forged Alloy" and "BF Japan" forged into the back.

The lower inset shows a close-up of the fully open jaws, illustrating the angled transition at the corner of the fixed jaw and the corresponding angled inset of the moveable jaw.

Note also that the tailpiece narrows rapidly to the cylindrical section of the moveable jaw.

The overall length is 10.0 inches, and the maximum jaw opening is 1.2 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The model number marking suggests production from 1970 onward.

One construction detail noted for this wrench is that the pin securing the worm gear is threaded on the inside end.

Sears Brand Pipe Wrenches

In 1964 Sears began offering pipe wrenches imported from Japan, initially in the Stillson pattern. By 1968 Japanese heavy-duty (Ridgid pattern) pipe wrenches were available as well.

Stillson-Pattern Pipe Wrenches

Fig. 107A. 1966 Catalog Listing for Sears Stillson-Pattern Pipe Wrenches.

Pipe wrenches in the ever-popular Stillson pattern were among the first group of Japanese tools offered in 1964, with four models 30881-30884 available for sizes 8, 10, 14, and 18 inches respectively.

Fig. 107A shows a catalog listing for the Stillson-pattern pipe wrenches, as published on page 58 of the 1966 Craftsman catalog. The same listing and illustration appeared in the 1964 and 1968 catalogs as well.

Note that the Stillson-pattern wrench is illustrated with a deeply paneled handle which transitions to a flat area well before the jaw carrier.

Note also that the illustration shows leaf springs riveted to the top and bottom of the handle under the jaw carrier, a common feature of Stillson-pattern wrenches.

These were popular tools and we were able to find a number of examples listed on an online martketplace. The online photographs show that the Stillson wrenches went through three product generations, the first of which had stamped markings for "Sears" and "Japan BF" on tools that closely resemble the illustrations in the 1964, 1966, and 1968 catalogs. These wrenches have no maker's marks and were apparently intended as generic contract production.

Although the 1964-1968 catalogs did not state a brand, all of the first-generation wrenches observed in photographs were marked with the "Sears" brand.

Sears [30883] "BF" 14 Inch Stillson-Pattern Pipe Wrench

Fig. 107B. Sears [30883] "BF" 14 Inch Stillson-Pattern Pipe Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Top View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1964-1968.

Fig. 107B shows a Sears [30883] 14 inch Stillson-pattern pipe wrench, stamped with "Sears" on the shank, with "Japan BF" on the back side.

The wrench is also marked with "Drop Forged-Steel" forged into the back side of the shank.

The overall length is 12.1 inches closed and approximately 14.0 inches fully extended. The finish is plain steel, with traces of red paint.

The wrench is not marked with a model number, but based on the catalogs would have been model 30883.

Note that the handle has leaf springs riveted at the top and bottom to control the motion of the jaw carrier, a very conventional feature for Stillson-pattern wrenches.

Based on a review of online photographs this is a first-generation Stillson-pattern wrench under the "BF" code, with production between 1964 and 1968 based on catalog listings. The wrench was clearly made for generic contract production, as there is a convenient flat space for a stamped brand marking and no marks to betray the original maker.

Currently we are unsure of the maker of this wrench. The best clue is the oddly phrased "Drop Forged-Steel", which usually would be marked as "Drop-Forged Steel".

We hope to find other examples with the unusual "Drop Forged-Steel" marking that may help in identifying the manufacturer. If any of our readers have seen such a marking, please let us know via email.

Second Generation Stillson Pipe Wrenches

Fig. 108. 1969 Catalog Listing for Sears Stillson-Pattern Pipe Wrenches.

In 1969 Sears began offering a new model of Stillson-pattern pipe wrenches, which now were marked with "Sears" on the handle.

Fig. 108 shows a catalog listing for Stillson-pattern pipe wrenches, as published on page 58 of the 1969 Craftsman Power and Hand Tools catalog.

Note that the illustration of the Stillson-pattern wrench shows "Sears" on the handle, just as the Craftsman heavy-duty wrench shows "Craftsman" on the handle.

A comparison of this wrench with the previous generation shows some significant differences in the construction. The panel on the handle now extends almost up to the jaw carrier and the "Sears" brand is forged into the panel. Another noticeable change is that the leaf springs of the previous generation have apparently been replaced with hidden coil springs between the jaw carrier and handle. (We haven't actually inspected one of these wrenches, but there need to be springs to support the jaw carrier.)

The second-generation Stillson-pattern wrenches were developed by KTC at the request of Fuller Tool, along with the heavy-duty pipe wrenches described in the next section. (Fuller is known to have sold both heavy-duty and Stillson-pattern models under its own brand.)

The third generation of Stillson-pattern wrenches moved to the "Companion" brand and included forged-in model numbers, but otherwise resembled the construction of the second generation. The Craftsman catalogs discontinued Stillson-pattern wrenches after 1973.

Heavy-Duty (Ridgid Pattern) Pipe Wrenches

In 1968 Sears began offering Japanese heavy-duty (Ridgid pattern) pipe wrenches in models 30851 and 30852, with sizes 10 and 14 inches respectively. These wrenches were the result of an intensive development project at KTC, which is covered in some detail in KTC's published history.

The project began with a request from Fuller Tool to produce pipe wrenches for the American market, and Fuller sent samples of Ridgid-pattern wrenches to KTC for analysis and study. At that time most heavy-duty pipe wrenches were being made with cast malleable iron bodies, but after analysis KTC decided to use ductile cast iron instead, which had strength similar to steel and would allow reduced weight.

KTC was able to find a foundry run by the Shimadzu Corporation which could make the required ductile castings, but because of the greater cost of the material, it required six months of research and development to find the right balance between strength and cost.

With the successful completion of the project, the heavy-duty pipe wrenches were well received by the market, as KTC reported selling 700,000 units in the U.S. and Australia in the first three years.

KTC's history doesn't provide a timeline for the pipe wrench program, but if we work backwards from the listing in the 1968 Craftsman catalog, the wrenches were probably ready for production by late 1966 or early 1967. (Sears would have needed some time for testing and catalog preparation.)

Sears 30852 "BF" 14 Inch Heavy-Duty Pipe Wrench

Fig. 109. Sears 30852 "BF" 14 Inch Pipe Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Top View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1968 to 1970s.

Fig. 109 shows a Sears 30852 14 inch heavy-duty (Ridgid pattern) pipe wrench, marked with "Sears" and "Heavy Duty" plus the model number cast into the shank, with the same markings plus "14" and "Japan" cast into the back side.

The jaw is marked "Drop Forged" (partly obscured) with the KTC-Oval logo and "BF" forged into the recessed panel, as shown in the small inset.

The overall length is 12.8 inches closed and approximately 15.3 inches fully extended. The finish is plain steel and red paint.

For this wrench we don't have to guess the manufacturer, as KTC was thoughtful enough to place their well-known logo on the moveable jaw.

Although not documented in the catalogs, by the early 1970s the Japanese heavy-duty pipe wrenches were being marked with the "Companion" brand. The style remained very similar to the above example, although somewhat oddly the model numbers were no longer cast into the handle.

By 1978 Japanese heavy-duty pipe wrenches were available in the Craftsman brand as a model 5567x series, with sizes from 8 to 24 inches. At this time heavy-duty pipe wrenches in the 3085x series were also still available, and the catalog listed them under the Sears brand with "Sears" visible in the illustration, and with an expanded ranges of sizes from 8 to 18 inches.

The 3085x series pipe wrenches continued to be listed in the catalogs into the early 1980s. At some point Sears switched production to Super Ego in Spain, and although the catalogs lised the wrenches in a new 3084x series, we've only seen 3085x wrenches marked for Spain.

The Companion Brand

Sears had used "Companion" as a brand from even before the Dunlap brand of the 1930s. Sears registered "Companion" as a trademark for automobile tires in 1931 and for power tools and accessories in 1936.

After a long period of inactivity, by 1970 Sears started using Companion again as a brand for economy tools, similar to its use of the "Sears" brand. The 1970 Craftsman catalog listed the Companion brand for some tools that had previously been listed without a specified brand, including carbon steel wrench sets and adjustable wrenches imported from Japan. (Although not specified, these tools are known to have been marked for the "Sears" brand.)

By 1972 Companion screwdrivers and hex-drive socket sets were available, and in subsequent years the use of the Companion brand continued to expand.

The Companion brand was not a replacement for the Sears brand, and many tools continued to be marked with "Sears" without converting to "Companion". For example, carbon steel wrenches with the "BF" code continued to use the Sears brand, even as the same series with the "LC" code converted to the Companion brand with the "WF" code.

To make matters even more confusing, the catalogs did not always list the Companion brand for tools marked with the brand, except as "Not Craftsman". For example, pipe wrenches were never listed as Companion brand, but a substantial number of Companion pipe wrenches have been observed. In addition, some examples of Companion tools have been observed without a model number, suggesting production before 1970 even though no catalog listings were noted.

Our conclusion is that after 1970 we have to expect an unknown mix of Sears and Companion brand tools, with just an occasional hint from the catalogs for Companion.

We can't rule out the possibility that the same model was being sold under both Sears and Companion brands at the same time, and some tools appear to have switched to Companion and then back again to Sears.

Gray Market Companion?

In looking over numerous online photos we've seen a large number of "Companion" tools with minimal markings – just the brand and size, with no note about drop-forging or the country of origin. Even when the tools are in a plastic pouch or organizer, there are no markings for Sears or anything about the origin.

We don't think Sears would ever approve packaging that didn't state at least the country of origin, as such tools couldn't be legally sold in the U.S. unless they were made in the U.S., and most U.S. manufacturers will specifically mark their tools as of U.S. origin, knowing that many customers are looking for this.

Our conclusion is that these tools are probably unauthorized knock-offs from foreign makers, and are probably being informally imported from countries without a "country of origin" requirement. Caveat emptor!

The best test for possible Companion knock-offs is probably the absence of a "country of origin" marking, and we will exclude from discussion these types of tools.

Companion Carbon Steel Wrenches

The 1970 Craftsman catalog listed sets of carbon steel open-end, box-end, and combination wrenches under the Companion brand, and the illustration shows wrenches with depressed panels in the same style as the earlier Dunlap and Sears brand carbon steel wrenches. The sets came with a metal clip for convenient storage, and at this time only fractional inch sizes were offered.

Companion carbon steel wrenches are known to have the "WF" and "BF Japan" manufacturer's codes, but the "LC" code has not been observed. This suggests that the change to the Companion brand coincides with a change in suppliers from Lectrolite to Western Forge.

Metric Sizes

As noted previously, the 1977 Craftsman catalog offered carbon steel wrenches in metric sizes for the first time. The catalog noted that the wrenches were imported from Japan, but domestically produced metric wrenches were available in stores in the Companion brand.

Selected Examples

The next group of figures will show examples of these wrenches, as available.

Companion "WF" 5/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 110. Companion "WF" 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1970+.

Fig. 110 shows a Companion "WF" 5/8 combination wrench with depressed panels, marked with "Companion" and the fractional size forged into the front panel, with "Forged in USA" and the fractional size forged into the back panel.

The back panel also has a forged-in "WF" code at the left.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The "WF" code indicates production by Western Forge.

Companion "WF" 7mm Combination Wrench

The next three figures show examples of Companion combination wrenches in metric sizes, all marked with a "WF" code. These wrenches were purchased at a Sears store in the late 1970s for a bicycle tool kit.

Fig. 111. Companion "WF" 7mm Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Late 1970s.

Fig. 111 shows a Companion "WF" 7mm combination wrench with depressed panels, marked with "Companion" and the metric size forged into the front panel, with "Forged USA" and the metric size forged into the back panel.

The back panel also has a forged-in "WF" code at the left.

The overall length is 3.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The "WF" code indicates production by Western Forge.

Companion "WF" 9mm Combination Wrench

Fig. 112. Companion "WF" 9mm Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Late 1970s.

Fig. 112 shows a Companion "WF" 9mm combination wrench with depressed panels, marked with "Companion" and the metric size forged into the front panel, with "Forged USA" and the metric size forged into the back panel.

The back panel also has a forged-in "WF" code at the left.

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

The "WF" code indicates production by Western Forge.

Companion "WF" 10mm Combination Wrench

Fig. 113. Companion "WF" 10mm Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Late 1970s.

Fig. 113 shows a Companion "WF" 10mm combination wrench with depressed panels, marked with "Companion" and the metric size forged into the front panel, with "Forged USA" and the metric size forged into the back panel.

The back panel also has a forged-in "WF" code at the left.

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

The "WF" code indicates production by Western Forge.

Companion Adjustable Wrenches

The 1970 Craftsman catalog offered Companion adjustable wrenches imported from Japan, with the specifications noting drop forged alloy steel and a chrome-plated finish. The wrenches were listed as models 30870-30873 for sizes 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches respectively.

In 1972 the model number for the 6 inch size changed to 30874, and in 1974 the catalog listing no longer specified the Companion brand.

A review of online photographs found that the Companion adjustable wrenches typically had forged-in markings for "Chrome Alloy" and "BF Japan", and some (but not all) were marked with the model number.

There was enough variability in the style of markings to suggest multiple manufacturers.

Companion Pipe Wrenches

A review of online photographs found a substantial number of Companion pipe wrenches in both Stillson-pattern and heavy-duty designs. However, the Craftsman catalogs did not specify the Companion brand for either style of pipe wrench, at least during the 1970s. (Stillson-pattern wrenches were no longer listed after 1973.)

Our observations of the Companion Stillson-pattern wrenches found that all were marked "BF Japan", and some (but not all) had forged-in markings for the 3088x model numbers.

Observations of the Companion heavy-duty wrenches found markings for "Heavy Duty" and "Japan" cast into the handle, but no model numbers. One example was found with the "KTC" logo on the moveable jaw.

Other Companion Tools

Companion 3812 "BF" Claw Hammer

Claw hammers are a bit outside of our main interests here at Alloy Artifacts, but we wanted to use this tool to illustrate the breadth of the tool selection sourced through "BF".

Fig. 114. Companion 3812 "BF" Claw Hammer, with Insets for Marking Detail, ca. 1972 to 1980s.

Fig. 114 shows a Companion 3812 claw hammer, stamped with "Companion" and "Forged" plus the model number on the head, with "Japan-BF" on the back.

The overall length is 12.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The tubular steel handle is fitted with a rubber cushion grip that makes the hammer comfortable to hold.

The "BF" code indicates that the tool was supplied through a distributor representing a number of Japanese manufacturers. (See the section on Distributor "BF" for further discussion.)

The model 3812 hammer was listed in the Craftsman catalogs from 1966 through 1981. The earlier catalogs did not mention a brand, but we've seen photographs of this model marked with "Sears" and "Chrome Alloy". By 1972 the 3812 hammer was listed under the Companion brand.

The manufacturer of this hammer has been identified as Nippon Riki, now known as Lobtex. The identification was made based on the close similarity in construction between this hammer and a Globemaster No. 60820-R Ripping Hammer, which was stamped with Nippon Riki's trademark Lobster-Logo. This type of hammer was also made for the Fuller and Truecraft brands.