Indestro Alloy-Steel Tools

By 1931 Indestro had begun producing tools using chrome-vanadium steel or other alloys. Indestro's alloy steel production initially was sold under its own name, or by using "Chromium-Vanadium" as a brand.

By mid 1933 Indestro had become a subsidiary of Duro Metal Products and from this point on used a number of different brands, including Indestro Polygon, Indestro-Chicago, Chrome Vanadium Steel (with a slanted font), Super-Quality, and finally Indestro Super.

In this section we'll explore the development of Indestro's alloy steel tools, beginning with sockets and drive tools.

Sockets and Drive Tools

Socket sets are believed to have been Indestro's earliest alloy-steel tools, as we have a documented example from 1931. Initially sets were produced only in 1/2-drive, but by the mid 1930s Indestro offered sets in additional sizes of 1/4, 3/8, and 3/4-drive.

The examples here have been ordered by 1/2-Drive, 3/8-Drive, 1/4-Drive, and 3/4-Drive.

1/2-Drive Socket Tools

Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive 17-Piece Socket Set

Fig. 186. Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive Socket Set, 1931.

Fig. 186 shows an Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-drive 17-piece socket set from 1931, dated by means of the sales receipt from Western Auto Supply.

The set consists of a speeder, sliding Tee handle, ratchet adapter, three extensions, universal, and ten double-hex sockets from 7/16 to 15/16.

All of the sockets and tools are marked "Chromium Vanadium", except for the universal, double-male extension, and one socket.

This socket set is exceptionally well documented thanks to the inclusion of the original sales receipt with the set. The sales receipt shows that the set was purchased on August 8, 1931 from a Western Auto store in Texas, for a price of $5.35. As additional verification, the 1931 and 1932 Western Auto catalogs both offer a "Chromium Vanadium" 17-piece socket set matching the above description, and for the same $5.35 price.

The Western Auto catalog listing for this set can be seen with the Chromium Vanadium 17-Piece Socket Set in our article on Western Auto Supply.

Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive 13 Inch Speeder from 17-Piece Socket Set

Fig. 187. Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive 13 Inch Speeder, with Insets for Marking Detail, 1931.

Fig. 187 shows the Indestro 1/2-drive 13 inch speeder from the 17-piece socket set, stamped "Indestro Mfg. Co." and Chicago, U.S.A." on the shank with "Chromium Vanadium" on the back side.

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

Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive Sliding Tee Handle from 17-Piece Set

Fig. 188. Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive Sliding Tee Handle, 1931.

Fig. 188 shows the Indestro 1/2-drive sliding Tee handle from the 17-piece socket set, stamped "Chromium Vanadium" on the sliding head.

The overall length is 10.0 inches.

Indestro [3204] Double-Male Extension and [3214] Double-Female Universal from 17-Piece Set

Fig. 189. Indestro 1/2-Drive Double-Male Extension and Double-Female Universal, 1931.

Fig. 189 shows the Indestro 1/2-drive double-male extension and double-female universal from the 17-piece socket set.

The lengths of the extension and universal are 6.0 inches and 2.6 inches respectively. The finish is nickel plating.

The tools are unmarked, but the 1935 Indestro catalog lists the extension as No. 3204 and the universal as No. 3214.

The double-male extension was required when using the double-female universal supplied with the set.

In addition to the double-male extension, the set included two standard 1/2-drive extensions, with lengths 4.5 inches and 9.5 inches. Both of these are stamped "Chromium Vanadium" and are nickel plated.

Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive Ratchet Adapter from 17-Piece Socket Set

Fig. 190. Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive Ratchet Adapter, 1931.

Fig. 190 shows the Indestro 1/2-drive ratchet adapter from the 17-piece socket set, stamped "Chromium Vanadium" and "1-2" with stars on either side.

The overall length (extended) is 3.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The 1932 Western Auto catalog called this tool simply a ratchet rather than a ratchet adapter. By 1933 the Western Auto socket sets included a true ratchet instead of the adapter, a model based on Duro's patent #1,902,878.

Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive Double-Hex Sockets from 17-Piece Socket Set

Fig. 191. Indestro 1/2-Drive Chromium Vanadium 12-Point Sockets, with Inset for Detail, 1931.

Fig. 191 shows nine of the ten Indestro sockets from the 17-piece socket set. (The 7/16 socket didn't match the others and appears to be a replacement.)

The sizes are, from the front left, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 21/32, and 11/16, and in the back row, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, and 15/16.

All of the sockets are stamped "Chromium Vanadium" and have a star symbol on each side of the size, a characteristic marking for Indestro sockets. The inset at the top shows a typical "Chromium Vanadium" marking.

The sockets have a coarse knurled band around the base, probably intended to help with turning a loose nut by hand.

The socket construction is cold-broached with a bored recess at the base. If you look carefully at the full-sized photograph, you can see chatter marks typically left by cold broaching.

Indestro [No. 3111B] "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive Socket Set

Fig. 192. Indestro [No. 3111B] "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive Socket Set, ca. 1935-1937.

Fig. 192 shows an Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-drive socket set in a tapered metal box, consisting of a forged-body ratchet, drive plug, extension, and nine double-hex sockets.

The drive tools in the set are unmarked.

The socket models and sizes are, from the left, 1214 (7/16), 1216 (1/2), 1218 (9/16), 1220 (5/8), 1221 (21/32), 1222 (11/16), 1224 (3/4), 1226 (13/16), and 1228 (7/8). The sockets are all stamped on the base with "Chromium Vanadium" plus the model number and fractional size.

Fig. 193. Top Cover of Indestro [No. 3111B] "Chromium Vanadium" Socket Set, ca. 1935-1937.

Fig. 193 shows the sliding top cover of the Indestro [No. 3111B] "Chromium Vanadium" socket set.

The tapered metal box has a bronze-colored crackle finish, and the approximate dimensions are 12.1 inches long by 3.1 inches deep by 1.6 inches high.

The decal is printed with the Indestro logo at the top, followed by "Chromium Vanadium Socket Set" and "Tools for Service", with "Indestro Mfg. Corp." and "Chicago, U.S.A." at the bottom.

The ratchet in this set can be seen in greater detail as the Indestro Pressed-Flange Ratchet. The extension in the set is unmarked, but was listed as No. 3204 in the Indestro catalogs and can be seen as the Indestro [3204] Double-Male Extension. A sample of the sockets in the set can be seen in greater detail as the Indestro C-V 12xx Sockets.

Currently we don't have an exact catalog reference for this set, but the 1935 Indestro catalog lists a very similar No. 3111B 11-piece socket set, which includes the same components except for the 21/32 socket.

Fig. 194. 1935 Catalog Listing for Indestro No. 3111B Socket Set.

Fig. 194 shows the catalog listing for the Indestro No. 3111B set, as published on page 14 of the 1935 Indestro catalog.

The set is listed as the "11 Piece Chrome Vanadium Steel Ratchet Wrench Set" under a "Super Quality" heading on the page, but it's uncertain whether the sets were being marked with "Super Quality" decals at that time.

Given the close match of the components, it's likely that our socket set is a No. 3111B set with a 21/32 socket added by the former owner.

1/2-Drive Pressed-Flange Ratchet from [No. 3111B] "Chromium Vanadium" Set

Fig. 195. 1/2-Drive Pressed-Flange Ratchet from [No. 3111B] "Chromium Vanadium" Set, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1935-1937.

Fig. 195 shows the unmarked 1/2-drive pressed-flange ratchet from the [No. 3111B] "Chromium Vanadium" socket set.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The female-drive ratchet has a 16-tooth drive gear, a relatively coarse pitch typical of early production.

This unmarked ratchet is a generic version of the Indestro No. 3202 Ratchet or Duro No. 678D Ratchet, a familiar and rugged tool included in many socket sets from around 1933 through the 1950s (or beyond). The ratchet was permanently assembled by compressing flanges integral to the forged body, a construction technique described in patent #1,902,878, issued in 1933.

Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive 12xx Sockets from [No. 3111B] Set

Fig. 196. Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive 12xx Sockets, with Insets for Broaching and Drive End, ca. 1935-1937.

Fig. 196 shows a group of three Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-drive 12xx Sockets from the [No. 3111B] socket set. The models and sizes are, from the left, 1224 (3/4), 1226 (13/16), and 1228 (7/8). The sockets are marked "Chromium Vanadium" with the model number and fractional size.

The sockets are constructed with tapered walls, with the taper beginning at the base of the socket. The base has a narrow band of cross-hatched knurling just above the bottom, with a plain groove above the markings.

These sockets were made using Duro's patented Hot-Broaching Process, as described by the 1936 McNaught patent #2,027,922. The lower inset shows the broached interior of the sockets, with a scalloped ring of displaced metal visible at the base of the broached area.

Another feature of Duro's hot-broaching process can be seen in the top inset. Note that the drive openings of the sockets have a tapered edge on all four sides, which helps to depress the detent ball when inserting a drive stud. Machining such a tapered edge would be a time-consuming process, but the tapered edge is "free" when made by a suitable mandrel during the hot-broaching process.

Chromium Vanadium 12xx and 28xx Sockets

The 1938 Duro catalog shows a 12xx series of 1/2 drive 12-point (and 8-point) sockets that it refers to as "Chrome Vanadium sockets". These are the model numbers that would later become the Indestro Super line, but in the late 1930s they were marked as "Chromium Vanadium", as shown in the examples below.

Fig. 197. Chromium Vanadium Sockets, Left to Right: 2812, 1220S, 1234.

Fig. 197 shows a group of three "Chromium Vanadium" sockets. The 1/2-drive model 1234 1-1/16 socket on the right is believed to date to the mid 1930s, as it shows the cross-hatched knurling in use at this time. Later on these models changed to the simpler straight knurling shown on the middle and left sockets.

The middle socket is a 1/2-drive model 1220S 5/8 double-square socket, with the "S" suffix on the model indicating an 8-point broaching.

The leftmost example is a 1/4-drive model 2812 3/8 socket. Although this model is not shown in the 1938 catalog, a later Indestro catalog lists 2812 as part of the Indestro Super 1/4-drive line.

These examples again confirm the continuity of the "Chromium Vanadium" mark with the later Indestro Super line, with a likely "Super-Quality" intermediate.

Indestro 3202 1/2-Drive Pressed-Flange Ratchet

Fig. 198. Indestro 3202 1/2-Drive Pressed-Flange Ratchet, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 198 shows an early 1/2-drive Indestro 3202 female drive ratchet, stamped "Chicago, U.S.A." and "Licensed Under Pat. No. 1902878" on the front cover plate, with "No. 3202" on the back side cover plate.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The patent notice refers to patent #1,902,878, filed by McNaught and Peterson in 1932 and issued in 1933.

The forged body of this ratchet is very similar to the Duro-Chrome 678D Ratchet, but the forged-in brand name has been omitted. The generic body forging of this model made it easy to customize for contract production, with only a stamped cover plate needed to mark the customer's brand.

The ratchet mechanism uses a relatively coarse 16-tooth gear, an indication of the early manufacture of this tool.

Indestro Super 3202R 1/2-Drive Reversible Pressed-Flange Ratchet

In later years Duro/Indestro added a reversing mechanism to the pressed-flange ratchets, and then offered them in both male and female drive. The next figure shows an example of a female drive reversible ratchet.

Fig. 199. Indestro Super 3202R 1/2-Drive Pressed-Flange Ratchet, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1945 to Early 1950s.

Fig. 199 shows a 1/2-drive Indestro Super 3202R reversible ratchet with a female drive gear, stamped "Pat. No. 1,902,878" under the shift lever, with "Indestro-Super" and the model number on the back side.

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

The ratchet mechanism uses an 18-tooth drive gear, slightly finer than earlier examples but still relatively coarse.

Indestro Super 3201 1/2-Drive Reversible Pressed-Flange Ratchet

Fig. 200. Indestro Super 3201 1/2-Drive Pressed-Flange Ratchet, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Mid to Late 1950s.

Fig. 200 shows an Indestro Super 3201 1/2-drive reversible ratchet, stamped with "Indestro Super" and the model number on the front cover plate, with "Made in U.S.A." and "Pat. No. 1902878" on the back side.

The overall length is 10.5 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

This ratchet mechanism has a 36-tooth gear, a much finer action than the Early Duro-Chrome 678D Ratchet displayed in another section.

This ratchet is an example of later versions of Duro's pressed-flange construction. The 1941 Indestro catalog offered pressed-flange ratchets in three versions, a model 3201R with reversible male/female drive, model 3202R with reversible female drive, and model 3202 with non-reversible female drive. These were part of the Super Quality Chrome Vanadium line and probably would have been marked "Super-Quality".

Ratchet models 3201R and 3202R were still available in the 1956 Indestro catalog No. 20, and the model 3201R had assumed its present male-drive-only form. By the early 1960s the only remaining pressed-flange ratchet was the model 3202R.

Indestro Super 3275 1/2-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 201. Indestro Super 3275 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Mid 1950s to 1960s.

Fig. 201 shows a 1/2-drive Indestro Super 3275 ratchet, marked with the brand and model on the shank, with "Keep Clean and Oil" stamped on the back side.

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

This ratchet is the Indestro equivalent of the Duro-Chrome 675 Ratchet shown in another figure, and is virtually identical in design and construction.

The ratchet mechanism is a variant of the classic S-K design and uses a 52-tooth gear in the drive handle. The ratchet assembly is marked "Mfd. U.S.A." and "Pat. No. 2686582", with the latter notice referring to patent #2,686,582, issued to Odlum and Hosford in 1954.

Indestro Super 3289 1/2-Drive Long-Handled Ratchet

Fig. 202. Indestro Super 3289 1/2-Drive Long-Handled Ratchet, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 202 shows a 1/2-drive Indestro Super 3239 long-handled ratchet, marked "U.S.A." with the brand and model at the end of the handle.

The overall length is 14.8 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

[Indestro] Chromium Vanadium No. 3206 1/2-Drive Sliding Tee Handle

Fig. 203. Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" No. 3206 1/2-Drive Sliding Tee Handle, with Inset for marking Detail, ca. Late 1930s.

Fig. 203 shows an [Indestro] Chromium Vanadium No. 3206 1/2-drive sliding Tee handle, stamped with the model number and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank, with "Chromium Vanadium" on the sliding head.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

This tool was acquired with a ChromeXQuality N694 set, but was not a standard part of the set.

Indestro Super 3208 1/2-Drive 17 Inch Speeder

Fig. 204. Indestro Super 3208 1/2-Drive 17 Inch Speeder, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 204 shows a 1/2-drive Indestro Super 3208 speeder, marked "U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 17.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 3221 1/2-Drive 11 Inch Flex Handle

The 1935 Indestro catalog offered 1/2-drive "inner-head" flex handles (with the fork on the shank) in models 3221, 3222, and 3223, with nominal lengths 11, 15, and 18 inches respectively. All three models were drilled for use with a No. 3210 cross-bar, allowing use as a Tee-handle, and in addition had a 1/2 square drive stud on the end, allowing use as an extension with a female-drive ratchet.

Two additional models were available, a No. 3220 11 inch flex handle with a plain handle, and an older No. 3200 10 inch "outer-head" flex handle with a cross-bar hole and drive stud.

The next figures show two generations of the Indestro No. 3221 flex handle.

Fig. 205. [Indestro] Chromium Vanadium 3221 1/2-Drive 11 Inch Flex Handle, with Insets for Marking Detail, ca. Mid 1930s.

Fig. 205 shows an earlier [Indestro] 3221 1/2-drive 11 inch flex handle, stamped "Chromium Vanadium" on the shank.

The overall length is 11.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The knurled handle is equipped with a cross-bar hole and a 1/2-drive stud, allowing additional functionality as a Tee-handle and extension.

The use of the "Chromium Vanadium" marking without the Indestro name or "Super Quality" brand suggests that this tool may have been made as contract production.

Indestro Super 3221 1/2-Drive 11 Inch Flex Handle

Fig. 206. Indestro Super 3221 1/2-Drive 11 Inch Flex Handle, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1945 to Early 1950s.

Fig. 206 shows a later Indestro Super 3221 1/2-drive 11 inch flex handle, stamped "Super" and "U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 11.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The male drive stud on the end of the handle allowed the tool to be used as an extension with the female-drive ratchets common in the 1930s and 1940s. By 1952 Indestro catalog No. 20 shows that the male drive stud was no longer offered, replaced by either a broached opening or a plain handle.

[Indestro 3204] 1/2-Drive 6 Inch Double-Male Extension

Fig. 207. [Indestro 3204] 1/2-Drive 6 Inch Double-Male Extension, ca. 1935-1937.

Fig. 207 shows an unmarked Indestro [3204] 1/2-drive 6 inch double-male extension.

The overall length is 6.1 inches. The finish is plain steel, with traces of a chrome or nickel finish visible on the ends.

This extension was acquired as part of an Indestro [No. 3111B] "Chromium Vanadium" Socket Set.

[Indestro 3216] 1/2-Drive 6 Inch Extension

The next three figures show several generations of the Indestro 3216 6 inch extension, with differences in construction and marking.

Fig. 208. [Indestro 3216] 1/2-Drive 6 Inch Extension, ca. 1935.

Fig. 208 shows an early unmarked [Indestro 3216] 1/2-drive 6 inch extension.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is chrome (or possibly nickel) plating.

This extension was acquired as part of an Indestro C-V N696 Socket Set dating to 1935.

The drive stud of this extension has been milled, the construction used on early extensions. Note that the drive head is not drilled for a cross-bar hole, a feature available by 1937 or slightly earlier.

[Indestro] Chromium Vanadium 3216 1/2-Drive 6 Inch Extension

Fig. 209. [Indestro] Chromium Vanadium 3216 1/2-Drive 6 Inch Extension, ca. Late 1930s.

Fig. 209 shows a slightly later [Indestro] Chromium Vanadium 3216 1/2-drive 6 inch extension, stamped "Chromium Vanadium" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 5.9 inches, and the finish is chrome (or possibly nickel) plating.

Both the drive head and drive stud of this extension have been hot-forged, with the latter showing a distinctive flange at the transition to the shank. This construction method was in use by the late 1930s.

The drive head of the extension has been drilled to accept a cross-bar, allowing use as a Tee handle. Extensions with cross-bar holes were listed in the 1937 Indestro catalog, which is currently our earliest reference for this feature.

The "Chromium Vanadium" marking without the Indestro name or "Super Quality" brand suggests that this tool was made as contract production.

Indestro Super 3216 1/2-Drive 6 Inch Extension

Fig. 210. Indestro Super 3216 1/2-Drive 6 Inch Extension, with Composite Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1945 to 1950s?.

Fig. 210 shows a later Indestro Super 3216 1/2-drive 6 inch extension, stamped "Indestro Super" and "U.S.A." on the drive head.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with a polished drive head.

[Indestro] Chromium Vanadium No. 3211 1/2-Drive 10 Inch Extensions

The next three figures show several generations of the Indestro No. 3211 extension.

Fig. 211. [Indestro] Chromium Vanadium No. 3211 1/2-Drive 10 Inch Extension, with Composite Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1936-1937.

Fig. 211 shows an earlier [Indestro] Chromium Vanadium No. 3211 1/2-drive 10 inch extension, stamped with the model number and "Chromium Vanadium" near the drive stud, as seen in the composite inset.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is nickel or chrome plating, with losses due to wear.

The drive end of the extension appears to have been made by a hot-forging process, as the bottom of the square broaching has a smooth contour. The drive head has been drilled for a cross-bar to allow use as a Tee handle, a feature available by 1937 or earlier.

Note that the drive stud has been milled from the round shank, a construction method used on earlier extensions. The combination of the milled drive stud and cross-bar hole suggest production in 1936-1937.

Fig. 212. [Indestro] Chromium Vanadium No. 3211 1/2-Drive 10 Inch Extension, with Composite Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1938-1939.

Fig. 212 shows a slightly later [Indestro] Chromium Vanadium No. 3211 1/2-drive 10 inch extension, stamped with "Chromium Vanadium" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank, as seen in the composite inset.

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

This extension was acquired as part of a ChromeXQuality N694 Socket Set dating to 1938-1939.

Indestro Super No. 3211 1/2-Drive 10 Inch Extension

Fig. 213. Indestro Super No. 3211 1/2-Drive 10 Inch Extension, with Composite Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1960s?

Fig. 213 shows a later Indestro Super No. 3211 1/2-drive 10 inch extension, stamped "Indestro Super" and "U.S.A." on the drive head, as seen in the composite inset.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

[Indestro 3214] 1/2-Drive Double-Female Universal

Fig. 214. [Indestro 3214] 1/2-Drive Double-Female Universal, ca. 1935.

Fig. 214 shows an unmarked Indestro 3214 1/2-drive double-female universal.

The overall length is 2.5 inches, and the finish is chrome (or possibly nickel) plating.

The model 3214 double-female universal was Indestro's standard universal during the early 1930s, but was later superseded by the model 3217 male-female universal, and by 1937 had been discontinued.

This universal was acquired as part of an Indestro C-V N696 Socket Set dating to 1935.

[Indestro] 3217 1/2-Drive Universal

Fig. 215. [Indestro] 3217 1/2-Drive Universal, ca. Mid 1930s.

Fig. 215 shows an early Indestro 3217 1/2-drive universal, stamped with the model number on the female end.

The overall length is 2.7 inches, and the finish is chrome (or possibly nickel) plating.

This universal was acquired with a Ward's Riverside Socket Set dating to 1935-1936, but was not a standard part of the set.

3/8-Drive Tools

Our earliest reference for Indestro 3/8-drive tools is the 1935 catalog, which offered one page of Super-Quality "Cub" 3/8-drive socket tools in a 27xx model series. The tools included a No. 2701 12-piece "Cub" socket set consisting of a female-drive ratchet handle and drive plug, a 10 inch flex-head handle, a cross-bar, a 4.5 inch double-male extension, and seven sockets from 3/8 to 3/4 inch. A smaller No. 2700 9-piece set was also available, which omitted the ratchet, drive plug, and extension.

The 3/8-drive tools could also be purchased individually as the No. 2888 ratchet, No. 2781 flex-head handle, No. 2780 cross-bar, No. 2731 drive plug, No. 2732 4.5 inch extension, and sockets Nos. 2712 (3/8) through 2724 (3/4).

The No. 2888 ratchet was a scaled-down version of the same pressed-flange design used in the familiar No. 3202 1/2-Drive Ratchet. Similarly, the No. 2781 flex-head handle was a scaled-down version of the No. 3221 1/2-Drive Flex-Head Handle.

Later additions to the 27xx series of 3/8-drive tools included the Nos. 2730, 2733, 2734, and 2735 extensions (of 3, 6, 9, and 12 inches, respectively), the No. 2763 sliding Tee handle, No. 2785 speeder, No. 2789 reversible ratchet, and No. 2775 round-head ratchet. Also, by 1952 the No. 2781 flex-head handle was described as having a broached opening in the handle, instead of the male drive stud found on earlier production of the tool.

Our current selection of Indestro 3/8-drive tools is somewhat limited, but we hope to add to this section as time permits. An example of a later 3/8-drive socket set can be seen as the Indestro N7732 3/8-Drive M.P.I. Socket Set.

Indestro Super 2775 3/8-Drive Round-Head Ratchet

Fig. 216. Indestro Super 2775 3/8-Drive Round-Head Ratchet, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Mid 1950s to 1960s.

Fig. 216 shows a 3/8-drive Indestro Super 2775 round-head ratchet, marked with the brand and model on the shank, with "Keep Clean and Oil" on the back side.

The overall length is 7.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with a polished head and shank.

This ratchet is the 3/8-drive equivalent of the Indestro No. 3275 1/2-Drive Ratchet shown above, and is virtually identical in design and construction.

Indestro [Super] 2763 3/8-Drive Sliding Tee Handle

Fig. 217. Indestro [Super] 2763 3/8-Drive Sliding Tee Handle, with Insets for Top View and Marking Detail, ca. Mid 1970s+.

Fig. 217 shows a 3/8-drive Indestro 2763 sliding tee handle, stamped with "Indestro" and "U.S.A." on the top of the sliding head, as shown in the upper inset.

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

The 2763 model number was part of the early "Super-Quality" and later "Indestro Super" line. The absence of a "Super" marking on this tool suggests production in the mid 1970s or later.

Indestro Super 2781 3/8-Drive Flex Handle

Fig. 218. Indestro Super 2781 3/8-Drive Flex Handle, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. Mid to Late 1960s.

Fig. 218 shows a 3/8-drive Indestro Super 2781 flex handle, stamped with "Indestro Super" and "U.S.A." on the end of the handle, as shown in the composite inset at the top.

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

This flex handle was acquired as part of an Indestro No. N7732 Socket Set displayed in a later section.

Earlier versions of this model were provided with either a male drive stud or a broached opening at the end of the handle, which allowed the tool to be used as an extension. The approximate dates for these earlier features are mid 1930s to 1940s for the male drive stud, and 1950s for the broached opening.

Indestro Super 2797 3/8-Drive Universal

Fig. 219. Indestro Super 2797 3/8-Drive Universal, ca. Mid to Late 1960s.

Fig. 219 shows a 3/8-drive Indestro Super 2797 universal, stamped with "Indestro Super" and "U.S.A." on the head.

The overall length is 1.8 inches, and the finish is polished chrome plating.

This universal was acquired as part of an Indestro No. N7732 Socket Set displayed in a later section.

Indestro Super 2730 3/8-Drive 3 Inch Extension

Fig. 220. Indestro Super 2730 3/8-Drive 3 Inch Extension, ca. Mid to Late 1960s.

Fig. 220 shows a 3/8-drive Indestro Super 2730 3 inch extension, stamped with "Indestro Super" and "U.S.A." on the head.

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

This extension was acquired as part of an Indestro No. N7732 Socket Set displayed in a later section.

Indestro Super 2733 3/8-Drive 6 Inch Extension

Fig. 221. Indestro Super 2733 3/8-Drive 6 Inch Extension, ca. Mid to Late 1960s.

Fig. 221 shows a 3/8-drive Indestro Super 2733 6 inch extension, stamped with "Indestro Super" and "U.S.A." on the head.

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

This extension was acquired as part of an Indestro No. N7732 Socket Set displayed in a later section.

[Indestro] 2734 3/8-Drive 8 Inch Extension

Fig. 222. [Indestro] 2734 3/8-Drive 8 Inch Extension, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 222 shows a 3/8-drive [Indestro] 2734 8 inch extension, stamped with the model number on the shank. (The model number is sufficient to identify the tool as part of the Indestro 3/8-drive line.)

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain steel finish and lack of a company marking indicate production during the 1942-1945 wartime years. During normal years the 2734 extension was specified as a nominal 9 inches, but sometimes specifications were subject to change during wartime production.

1/4-Drive Tools

Indestro 1/4-Drive "Chromium-Vanadium" 11-Piece Socket Set

Fig. 223. Indestro "Chromium-Vanadium" 1/4-Drive 11-Piece Socket Set, ca. 1935-1936.

Fig. 223 shows an early Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" 1/4-drive socket set, marked with a colorful decal on the inside of the lid, with the Indestro logo and "Chromium-Vanadium" prominently displayed.

In this set the individual tools are not marked except for sizes on the sockets.

Super-Quality 1/4-Drive Socket Set

Somewhat after the use of the "Chromium Vanadium" mark, Indestro started using the phrase "Super-Quality" as a brand for its Chrome alloy tools. This use of "Super-Quality" is the obvious forerunner for the eventual Indestro "Super" line of chrome-alloy tools.

Fig. 224. Super-Quality 1/4-Drive Socket Set.

Fig. 224 shows a Super-Quality 1/4-drive socket set, consisting of a flex handle, six hex (or double-hex) sockets, and two double-square sockets.

The decal on the inside cover reads "Super-Quality Socket Set" and "Chrome Vanadium Steel", with the Indestro logo at the bottom.

The tools in this set are marked "Chromium Vanadium", and some have part numbers that in later catalogs would be identified as part of the Indestro "Super" line.

3/4-Drive Tools

By 1937 Indestro was offering a limited selection of heavy-duty 3/4-drive socket tools, initially consisting of a No. 2363 Tee handle, a No. 2364 8 inch extension, a No. 2365 16 inch extension, and 12 sizes of sockets ranging from model 2234 (1-1/16) up to 2264 (2 inch). A No. 2210 10-piece 3/4-drive socket set was also available.

Indestro's collection of 3/4-drive tools was expanded in later years. We have a modest selection of these tools and will expand this section as time permits.

[Indestro] "Chromium Vanadium" 2364 3/4-Drive 8 Inch Extension

Fig. 225. [Indestro] "Chromium Vanadium" 2364 3/4-Drive 8 Inch Extension, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. Mid 1930s.

Fig. 225 shows an [Indestro] 2364 3/4-drive 8 inch extension, stamped "Chromium Vanadium" and "Made in U.S.A." with the model number on the shank.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the finish appears to be nickel plating, with losses due to wear and rust.

This extension was identified as Indestro production by the model number. The "Chromium Vanadium" marking indicates likely production for Western Auto Supply.

[Indestro] "Chromium Vanadium" 2240 3/4-Drive 1-1/4 12-Point Socket

Fig. 226. [Indestro] "Chromium Vanadium" 2240 3/4-Drive 1-1/4 Socket, with Inset for Top View, ca. Mid to Late 1930s.

Fig. 226 shows an [Indestro] 2240 3/4-drive 1-1/4 12-point socket, stamped "Chromium Vanadium" with the model number and fractional size on the base.

The socket is designed with a slight taper to the upper walls and has a decorative groove around the base. The finish is polished chrome.

The inset on the right shows a top view of the socket, illustrating the broached interior. The annular shelf of displaced metal is characteristic of Duro's Hot-Broaching Process.

The walls of the drive end of this socket are smooth, as can be seen in the center of the inset. At some point Duro/Indestro added indentations to the drive walls to assist with holding the socket, but it probably required an extra machining step after the broaching was complete.

The smooth drive walls here may indicate relatively early production, but it's also possible that drive wall indentations were considered a "premium feature" and were omitted for contract production.

Super-Quality [2248] 3/4-Drive 1-1/2 12-Point Socket

Fig. 227. Super-Quality [2248] 3/4-Drive 1-1/2 Socket, with Inset for Top View, ca. Mid 1930s.

Fig. 227 shows an [Indestro] Super-Quality [2248] 3/4-drive 1-1/2 12-point socket, stamped "SuperQuality" and "Made in U.S.A." with the fractional size on the base.

The socket is designed with a slight taper to the upper walls and has a decorative groove around the base. The finish is polished chrome.

The inset on the right shows a top view of the socket, illustrating the broached interior. The annular shelf of displaced metal is characteristic of Duro's Hot-Broaching Process.

A close look at the center of the inset reveals that the visible wall of the drive end has an oval indentation in the center of the wall. (All four walls have indentations.) These indentations were intended to help the friction ball of a drive stud grip the socket better, and would have required an extra machining step.

There are a couple of puzzling facets to this socket that call for some discussion. The first is the lack of a marked model number — the drive wall indentations would seemingly point to later production, at which time we would expect to find consistently marked model numbers.

The second odd feature is that the drive end of the socket (not shown) has sharp edges at the drive opening, despite the ease of adding relieved edges during the hot broaching process. (Relieved edges were one of the touted features of Duro's hot broaching process.)

We can offer a somewhat speculative explanation for these quirks, but that requires some knowledge of machining operations. For a 3/4-drive socket, it should have been possible to use a boring bar to cut a groove in the center of the drive end while the socket blank was still on the screw machine. The drive end would have been drilled out to a 3/4 inch diameter to prepare for the 3/4 square broaching, after which a 1/2 inch boring bar with a bit projecting 1/8 of an inch would have clearance to be inserted into the socket blank. (This approach probably wouldn't work for 1/2-drive or smaller sockets, as a boring bar with clearance to fit would lack sufficient stiffness.)

With the groove for the indentations already cut, Duro/Indestro would have had to use their older cold-broaching process for the drive end, in order to avoid having the groove filled in by flowing metal. The service opening of the socket would then be broached using the hot-broaching process, but the use of cold-broaching for the drive end meant foregoing the relieved edges.

If our explanation is correct, this socket can be seen as relatively early production with an experimental technique for adding drive-end indentations. Since model numbers were not marked consistently until sometime in the mid 1930s, this socket was probably made around that time.

Duro/Indestro eventually mastered a technique for adding indentations to the drive end of even small sockets, and the example here can be seen as an early step along the way. We hope to develop an estimate for when the drive-end indentations became a standard feature.

Open-End Wrenches

Duro/Indestro produced a full range of (double) open-end wrenches in industry-standard sizes, sometimes referred to as engineer's wrenches. These wrenches were assigned model numbers by adding 1000 to the corresponding industry-standard number, so for example a 19/32x11/16 No. 27 wrench became model 1027. (See our table of Industry-Standard Numbers for Open-End Wrenches for an explanation of this numbering system.)

The standard finish (from the early 1930s on) was chrome plating with polished faces, except that cadmium or plain finishes were typically used during the years 1942-1945.

[Indestro] "Chrome Vanadium Steel" 1721 5/16x3/8 Open-End Wrench

The next two figures show examples of the Indestro 1721 wrench, first under the generic "Chrome Vanadium Steel" brand, then under the "Super-Quality" brand.

Fig. 228. [Indestro] "Chrome Vanadium Steel" 1721 5/16x3/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 228 shows an Indestro "Chrome Vanadium Steel" 1721 5/16x3/8 open-end wrench, stamped with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on one face, with the model number on the other face.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the left face.

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

Super-Quality 1721 5/16x3/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 229. Super-Quality 1721 5/16x3/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 229 shows a Super-Quality 1721 5/16x3/8 open-end wrench, stamped with "SuperQuality" and the model number on one face, with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the other face.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the left face.

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

"Chrome Vanadium Steel"/Indestro Super 1723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Indestro No. 1723 wrench.

Fig. 230A. [Indestro] "Chrome Vanadium Steel" 1723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 230A shows an early Indestro "Chrome Vanadium Steel" 1723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, stamped with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the left face, with the model number on the right face.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the left face.

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

Fig. 230. Indestro Super 1723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1945 to 1970s.

Fig. 230B shows a later Indestro Super 1723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, stamped with "Indestro" and "Super" along a curved arc on the left face, with the model number on the right face.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the left face.

The overall length is 4.9 inches. The finish is chrome plating, but with extensive losses due to rust and pitting.

Indestro Super-Quality 1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Indestro Super-Quality and Indestro Super 1727 wrenches.

Fig. 231A. Indestro Super-Quality 1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 231A shows an early Indestro Super-Quality 1727 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench, stamped with "Super-Quality" and the model number on one face, with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the other face.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the left face.

The shank is stamped with "Indestro Mfg. Corp." and "Chicago", a less common marking for tools with the Super-Quality brand.

The overall length is 7.2 inches. The finish is chrome plating, with losses due to wear and rust.

Fig. 231B. Indestro Super 1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1945 to 1970s.

Fig. 231B shows a later Indestro Super 1727 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench, stamped with "Indestro" and "Super" along a curved arc on the left face.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the left face.

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

Super-Quality/Indestro Super 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Super-Quality and Indestro Super 1027 wrenches.

Fig. 232A. Super-Quality 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 232A shows a Super-Quality 1027 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped with "Super-Quality" and the model number on one face, with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the other face.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the left face.

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

Fig. 232B. Indestro Super 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1945 to 1970s.

Fig. 232B shows an Indestro Super 1027 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped with "Indestro" and "Super" along a curved arc on the left face, with the model number on the right face.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the left face.

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

Indestro Super 1028-S 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 233A. Indestro Super 1028-S 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1945 to 1970s.

Fig. 233A shows an Indestro Super 1028-S 5/8x25/32 open-end wrench, stamped with "Indestro" and "Super" along a curved arc on the left face, with the model number on the right face.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the left face.

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

Super-Quality 1731-A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 233B. Super-Quality 1731-A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 233B shows a Super-Quality 1731-A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped with "Super-Quality" and the model number on one face, with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the other face.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the left face.

The overall length is 9.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with losses due to wear.

[Indestro] "Chrome Vanadium Steel" 1033 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 234. [Indestro] "Chrome Vanadium Steel" 1033 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 234 shows an early [Indestro] "Chrome Vanadium Steel" 1033 7/8x31/32 open-end wrench, stamped with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the one face, with the model number on the other end.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the right face.

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

Tappet Wrenches

In earlier years tappet wrenches were typically marked with just a number from 1 to 4, although the catalogs gave them a "T-" prefix. In later years the full model number (with prefix) was marked on the wrench.

The exact date of the change is uncertain, but for now we'll use 1950 onward for wrenches with the full model number.

Indestro Super T-1A 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 235. Indestro Super T-1A 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1950+.

Fig. 235 shows an Indestro Super T-1A 7/16x1/2 tappet wrench, stamped with "Indestro Super" and the model number on the front faces.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the left face.

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

Indestro Super [T-]1 7/16x17/32 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 236. Indestro Super [T]-1 7/16x17/32 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Mid to Late 1940s.

Fig. 236 shows an Indestro Super [T-]1 7/16x17/32 tappet wrench, stamped with "Indestro Super" and the model number on the front faces.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." in a curved arc on the left face.

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

Indestro Super [T-]2 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench

The next figures show two generations of the Indestro Super T-2 wrench, the first of which is believed to be our earliest example of the "Indestro Super" brand.

Fig. 237A. Indestro Super [T-]2 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945-1946.

Fig. 237A shows an Indestro [T-]2 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Indestro Super" on the face, with "Forged in U.S.A." on a curved arc on the back side face.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with traces of the cadmium plating.

The traces of cadmium on this tool provide a helpful clue to the manufacturing date. Indestro and Duro-Chrome wrenches were generally given chrome plated finishes after the early 1930s, except for the period of wartime shortages from 1942-1945. Tools made at that time generally substituted cadmium (or plain) finishes for chrome, so it's likely that this wrench was made in late wartime or early post-war period.

Fig. 237B. Indestro Super T-2 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1950+.

Fig. 237B shows a later Indestro Super T-2 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Indestro Super" on a curved arc on the front face.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the left face.

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

Indestro "Chrome Vanadium Steel" [T-]3 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 238. Indestro "Chrome Vanadium Steel" [T-]3 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1941-1942.

Fig. 238 shows an [Indestro] "Chrome Vanadium Steel" [T-]3 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench, stamped with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on one face, with the model number on the other face.

The back side faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Forged in U.S.A." in a curved arc on the left face.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain finish and "Chrome Vanadium" marking suggest production during the early wartime years.

Combination Wrenches

In 1935 Duro introduced an unusual design for the 020xx series of thin combination wrenches, which are discussed in the section on Duro Combination Wrenches.

Indestro also offered a comparable 77x series of thin combination wrenches beginning in 1935, and the 1935 Indestro catalog listed six sizes from model 771 (3/8) up to 776 (11/16). (The catalog called them "2-Way Box End Wrenches".) The sizes and lengths of the Indestro wrenches matched the specifications in the 1935 Duro catalog.

Although there are gaps in the catalog coverage, the Indestro combination wrenches are believed to have followed a similar path of evolution as their Duro counterparts, with one significant exception. In 1941 Duro introduced the "Dart" style combination wrenches with heads of standard thickness, and at the same time continued its thin combination wrenches under a new 22xx model series. The "Dart" style was not offered under the Indestro brand, so Indestro was stuck with having only thin combination wrenches during the 1940s.

By the early 1950s Duro had made their 22xx series "thin" combination wrenches substantially thicker, so that they were only slightly thinner than a standard wrench. (See the section on the Duro 22xx Thicker Thin series wrenches for more information.) The 1952 Indestro catalog No. 20 didn't explicitly state that the combination wrenches were thin, and although the catalog didn't specify the head thickness, we think it's likely that the 77x wrenches had specs similar to the Duro 22xx intermediate series of that time.

Finally, by 1959 Indestro catalog No. 22 offered the 77x combination wrenches with a standard head thickness, and included the thickness in the table of specifications.

This means that the Indestro 77x series includes three generations of production, with very thin wrenches from the late 1930s and 1940s, somewhat thicker wrenches from the early to mid 1950s, and standard thickness wrenches from 1959 onward.

In this section we'll look at the first generation of Indestro's combination wrenches, and later examples of the 77x series can be seen in the section on Late Combination Wrenches.

Indestro Super 775 5/8 Thin Combination Wrench

Fig. 239. Indestro Super 775 5/8 Thin Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1945-1950.

Fig. 239 shows an Indestro Super 775 5/8 thin combination wrench, stamped "Super" on the front face, with the model number and fractional size on the back face.

The overall length is 8.8 inches, and the head thickness was measured as 0.18 inches.

The finish is chrome plating.

The top inset shows the very thin profile of this wrench, similar to that of a tappet wrench. (For comparison, the head thickness of the 5/8 opening of the Indestro [T-]3 Tappet Wrench was measured at slightly over 0.18 inch.)

The "Indestro Super" marking indicates production in 1945 or later, and the very thin format suggests production in 1950 or earlier.

[Indestro] Super-Quality 776 11/16 Thin Combination Wrench

We have an example of a Super-Quality 776 11/16 thin combination wrench and are preparing it for display.

Fig. 239A will show a Super-Quality 776 11/16 thin combination wrench, stamped "Super-Quality" and "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the front face, with the model number and fractional size on the back face.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the head thickness was measured as 0.21 inches.

The finish is cadmium plating.

Box-End Wrenches

Indestro's first box-end wrenches were probably the Indestro "Polygon" series, which were very similar to the "Perfection" box wrenches developed by Duro around 1932. The wrench design is a virtual copy of the Herbrand "Multihex" offset box wrenches, which were being sold by Western Auto beginning in 1931. In 1932 Western Auto offered a competing brand of "Perfection" box wrenches at a substantially lower price, and these are believed to be Duro's first box-end wrench contract production for Western Auto.

After the Duro-Indestro merger in 1933, the "Perfection" wrenches were rebranded as the Indestro "Polygon" series. In keeping with the standard markings used by Western Auto Supply in the early 1930s, the Indestro Polygon wrenches were marked "Chromium-Vanadium", using the full names of the metallic elements.

After the initial Indestro "Polygon" series, Indestro rapidly expanded its (double) box-end wrenches into four basic styles with a wide range of sizes. These were offered under the Super-Quality brand, which was optionally marked with the company name as well.

In addition, some chrome-vanadium steel box-end wrenches were marked "Indestro - Chicago U.S.A.", similar to the markings used for the early Indestro "Select Steel" line of tools. We're not sure exactly where these Indestro "Chicago" box wrenches fit time-wise, but it's possible that they were produced as the initial offset box wrench complement to the "Select Steel" open-end and open+box wrenches. (Just to add some confusion, the early "Select Steel" wrenches, being made of carbon-manganese steel, were actually marked "Drop Forged Alloy Steel" for the first two years.)

In the post-war years Indestro's Super-Quality brand was simplified to just Indestro Super, with the company name consistently marked. Although we don't have precise catalog coverage for this period, it's likely that the Indestro Super brand began around 1945.

Unlike the case with open-end wrenches, box wrenches were not given model numbers derived from industry-standard numbers. The box wrenches instead received ad hoc model numbers (some of which actually clashed with the open-end industry-standard numbers), and with different numbers for the Indestro and Duro brands.

Offset Box-End Wrenches

We'll begin with (long pattern) offset box-end wrenches, as these were likely the first models to be produced.

The 1935 Indestro catalog offered "Super Quality" long-pattern offset box wrenches in six sizes, Nos. 730 (3/8x7/16), 731 (1/2x9/16), 732 (5/8x11/16), 733 (3/4x25/32), 734 (13/16x7/8), and 735 (15/16x1). These "Super Quality" models were produced with triple-plated finishes. Some time later additional models 730A (7/16x1/2) and 731A (9/16x5/8) size were also available.

In 1935 the same models were also available in a cadmium plated version, designated by a leading "0" in the model number, e.g. "0730".

Indestro Super 730A 7/16x1/2 Offset Box-End Wrenches

Fig. 240. Indestro Super 730A 7/16x1/2 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1945+.

Fig. 240 shows an Indestro Super 730A 7/16x1/2 offset box wrench, stamped with "Indestro Super" and the fractional sizes on the streamlined raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side panel.

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

Indestro Polygon 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrenches

The next six figures show the evolution of Indestro's 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench through several generations of production and branding, beginning with two examples of the "Polygon" brand. This size was later designated as Indestro model 731.

Fig. 241. Indestro Polygon 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1933 to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 241 shows an early Indestro Polygon 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench, stamped with "Indestro Polygon" on the shank, with "Chromium-Vanadium" and the fractional sizes on the back side.

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

The Indestro Polygon wrenches were produced with both nickel plated and plain finishes. Another example of this size with a plain finish can be seen in the next figure.

Fig. 242. Indestro Polygon 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1933 to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 242 shows another early Indestro Polygon 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench, stamped with "Indestro Polygon" on the shank, with "Chromium-Vanadium" and the fractional sizes on the back side.

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

The upper inset shows a side view of the wrench to illustrate the construction details. The shank is roughly oval in cross-section, with a smoothly rounded top and bottom and clipped sides.

Indestro "Chicago" 731 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

Some of Indestro's early alloy-steel production was marked with "Indestro-Chicago" rather than the Polygon or Chromium-Vanadium brands.

Fig. 243. Indestro "Chicago" 731 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s.

Fig. 243 shows an early Indestro "Chicago" 731 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench, stamped "Indestro-Chicago, U.S.A." on the shank, with "Chrome-Vanadium-Steel" on the back side.

The overall length is 8.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Note that this early wrench does not employ the slanted font for the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking, a characteristic found on later Indestro production.

[Indestro] Super-Quality 731 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrenches

Fig. 244. Super-Quality 731 1/2x9/16 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to 1937.

Fig. 244 shows a Super-Quality 731 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench, stamped "Super-Quality" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank, with the fractional sizes and "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.

The overall length is 8.4 inches, and the finish is nickel plating, with losses due to wear.

This wrench has a hexagonal shank without the streamlined panels used on later Indestro production, suggesting a manufacturing date prior to 1937.

Fig. 245. Indestro Super-Quality 731 1/2x9/16 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1937 to Early 1940s.

Fig. 245 shows a somewhat later Indestro Super-Quality 731 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench with raised streamlined panels, stamped with the fractional sizes and "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the front panel, with "Indestro U.S.A." and "Super-Quality" on the back side panel.

The overall length is 8.4 inches, and the finish is nickel plating, with losses due to rust and pitting.

The streamlined panels indicate production in 1937 or later, and the nickel finish suggests pre-war production.

Indestro Super 731 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 246. Indestro Super 731 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1946 to 1960s.

Fig. 246 shows a later Indestro Super 731 1/2x9/16 offset box-end wrench with raised streamlined panels, stamped with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the front panel, with "Indestro Super" and the model number on the back side (lower inset).

The overall length is 8.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

This wrench retains the hexagonal shank found on earlier production under the "Super-Quality" and "Indestro Chicago" brands.

Indestro Super 731A 9/16x5/8 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 247. Indestro Super 731A 9/16x5/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1946 to 1960s.

Fig. 247 shows an Indestro Super 731A 9/16x5/8 offset box-end wrench with raised streamlined panels, stamped with "Indestro Super" and the model number on the front panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the back side panel.

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

This wrench retains the hexagonal shank found on earlier production under the "Super-Quality" and "Indestro Chicago" brands.

Indestro Polygon 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrenches

The next several figures show two generations of the Indestro 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench, with different brand markings and construction details. This size was later designated as model 732.

Fig. 248. Indestro Polygon 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1933 to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 248 shows an early Indestro Polygon 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench, stamped with "Chromium-Vanadium" and the fractional sizes on the shank, with "Indestro Polygon" on the back side.

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

The Indestro Polygon wrenches were produced with both nickel plated and plain finishes, with the plain finish more common in our experience. The next figure shows an example of this size with a plain but polished finish.

Fig. 249. Indestro Polygon 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1933 to Early 1930s.

Fig. 249 shows another Indestro Polygon 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench, stamped "Indestro Polygon" on the shank, with "Chromium-Vanadium" and the fractional sizes on the back side.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is polished steel.

Indestro Super-Quality 732 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 250. Indestro Super-Quality 732 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1937 to Early 1940s.

Fig. 250 shows a somewhat later Indestro Super-Quality 732 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench, stamped with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the streamlined raised panel, with "Indestro U.S.A." and "Super-Quality" on the back side panel.

The overall length is 9.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Indestro Polygon 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench

The next several figures show four generations of the Indestro 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench, with different brand markings and construction details. This size was later designated as model 733.

Fig. 251. Indestro Polygon 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1933 to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 251 shows an early Indestro Polygon 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench, stamped "Indestro Polygon" on the shank, with "Chromium-Vanadium" and the fractional sizes on the back side.

The overall length is 11.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Indestro "Chicago" 733 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench

After the early "Polygon" example, later generations of this size were designated as Indestro model 733.

Fig. 252. Indestro Chicago 733 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s.

Fig. 252 shows an early Indestro "Chicago" 733 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench, marked "Indestro-Chicago, U.S.A." with "Chrome-Vanadium-Steel" on the back side.

The overall length is 11.1 inches. The finish is nickel plating with polished ends. Note that the left end of the wrench is extensively pitted, apparently from contact with battery acid or some other corrosive substance.

Super-Quality 733 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 253. Super-Quality 733 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to 1937.

Fig. 253 shows a slightly later [Indestro] Super-Quality 733 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench, stamped "Super-Quality" and "Made in USA" with the model number on the shank, with the fractional sizes and "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.

The overall length is 11.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with traces of chrome or nickel plating.

The absence of the streamlined panels used on later Indestro wrenches suggests production in 1937 or earlier.

Super-Quality (X-Circle) [733] 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 254. Super-Quality (X-Circle) [733] 3/4x25/32 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1943-1945.

Fig. 254 shows a later Super-Quality [733] 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench with streamlined raised panels, stamped with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the front panel, with "Super-Quality" and the X-Circle logo on the back side panel. Although not marked with a model number, this would be model 733 in the standard Super-Quality line.

The overall length is 11.4 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The absence of a "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking and use of the X-Circle logo suggest production in the later 1943-1945 wartime years.

Indestro Polygon 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench

The next figures show two generations of the Indestro 13/16x7/8 offset box wrench, later designated as model 734.

Fig. 255. Indestro Polygon 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1933 to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 255 shows an early Indestro Polygon 13/16x7/8 offset box wrench, stamped "Indestro Polygon" on the shank, with "Chromium-Vanadium" and the fractional sizes on the back side.

The overall length is 12.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Indestro Super-Quality 734 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 256. Indestro Super-Quality 734 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1937 to Early 1940s.

Fig. 256 shows a later Indestro Super-Quality 734 13/16x7/8 offset box wrench, stamped "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the streamlined raised panel, with "Indestro U.S.A." and "Super-Quality" on the back side panel.

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

Super-Quality 758A 1-3/16x1-1/4 Offset Box Wrench

Our next figure shows one of the larger examples of the Super-Quality brand, and in an unusual size as well.

Fig. 257. Super-Quality 758A 1-3/16x1-1/4 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 257 shows a Super-Quality 758A 1-3/16x1-1/4 offset box wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the streamlined raised panel, with the fractional sizes and "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the back side panel.

The overall length is 18.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Short Offset Box-End Wrenches

The 1935 Indestro catalog offered "Super Quality" short offset box wrenches in three sizes, Nos. 741 (3/8x7/16), 742 (1/2x9/16), and 743 (5/8x11/16).

Indestro Super-Quality 741 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 258. Indestro Super-Quality 741 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1937 to Early 1940s.

Fig. 258 shows an Indestro Super-Quality 741 3/8x7/16 short offset box wrench with streamlined panels, stamped "Indestro U.S.A." and "Super-Quality" on the front panel, and with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" and the fractional sizes on the back side panel.

The overall length is 4.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Angled Box-End Wrenches

The 1935 Indestro catalog offered "Super Quality" long angled (10 degree offset) box wrenches in five sizes, Nos. 711 (3/8x7/16), 712 (1/2x9/16), 713 (9/16x5/8), 714 (11/16x25/32), and 715 (3/4x7/8).

Super-Quality [711] 3/8x7/16 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 259. Super-Quality [711] 3/8x7/16 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1943-1945.

Fig. 259 shows a Super-Quality [711] 3/8x7/16 box wrench with streamlined raised panels, stamped with "Super-Quality" and the X-Circle logo on the front panel, with the fractional sizes and "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side panel.

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

Although not marked with a model number, the Indestro catalog identifies this as a model 711 wrench. The lack of a "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking and use of the X-Circle logo suggest production in the later 1943-1945 wartime years.

Indestro Super-Quality 713 9/16x5/8 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 260. Super-Quality 713 9/16x5/8 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1937 to Early 1940s.

Fig. 260 shows an Indestro Super-Quality 713 9/16x5/8 box wrench with streamlined panels, stamped with "Indestro U.S.A." and "Super-Quality" on the front panel, with the fractional sizes and "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side panel.

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

The Duro-Chrome equivalent of this model can be seen as the Duro-Chrome 2013 Box Wrench.

Indestro Super-Quality 714 11/16x25/32 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 261. Super-Quality 714 11/16x25/32 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to 1937.

Fig. 261 shows an early Indestro Super-Quality 714 11/16x25/32 box wrench with a hexagonal shank, stamped with "Indestro U.S.A." and "Super-Quality" on the front, with the fractional sizes and "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with traces of nickel or chrome plating.

The Duro-Chrome equivalent of this model can be seen as the Duro-Chrome 2014 Box Wrench.

Super-Quality [715] 3/4x7/8 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 262. Super-Quality [715] 3/4x7/8 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1943-1945.

Fig. 262 shows a Super-Quality [715] 3/4x7/8 box-end wrench with raised streamlined panels, stamped "Super-Quality" with the X-Circle logo on the front panel, and with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the back side panel.

The overall length is 11.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of cadmium plating.

Although not marked with a model number, the Indestro catalog identifies this as a model 715 wrench. The lack of the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking and use of the X-Circle logo suggest production in the later 1943-1945 wartime years.

This wrench is very similar to the corresponding Duro-Chrome 2015 Box Wrench.

Short Angled Box-End Wrenches

The 1935 Indestro catalog offered "Super Quality" short angled (10 degree offset) box wrenches in three sizes, Nos. 751 (3/8x7/16), 752 (1/2x9/16), and 753 (5/8x11/16).

Super-Quality [752] 1/2x9/16 Short Box-End Wrench

Fig. 263. Super-Quality [752] 1/2x9/16 Short Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1943-1945.

Fig. 263 shows a Super-Quality [752] 1/2x9/16 short box-end wrench with streamlined raised panels, stamped "Super-Quality" with the X-Circle logo on the front panel, and with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the back side.

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

The plain finish and lack of an alloy steel marking suggest production during the mid to late wartime years.

Super-Quality 753 5/8x11/16 Short Box-End Wrench

Fig. 264. Super-Quality 753 5/8x11/16 Short Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1942-1943.

Fig. 264 shows a Super-Quality 753 5/8x11/16 short box-end wrench with streamlined panels, stamped with the model and brand on the front panel, and with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the back side.

The overall length is 5.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces and ends.

The plain finish and lack of an alloy steel marking suggest production during the wartime years, and the use of the standard model number without the X-Circle marking suggests the earlier 1942-1943 period.

Indestro Specialty Tools

Indestro Chicago No. 739 Main Bearing and Cylinder Head Wrench

Fig. 265. Indestro Chicago 739 5/8x3/4 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s.

Fig. 265 shows an Indestro 739 5/8x3/4 offset box wrench, stamped "Indestro-Chicago, U.S.A." with the model number on one side, with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.

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

The Indestro catalogs list this wrench for main bearing and cylinder head service in the Chevrolet 6 up through 1932, plus the Pontiac 6 models from 1928 through 1932.

Super-Quality 767 Ford Main Bearing Socket Wrench

Fig. 266. Super-Quality 767 9/16(square)x3/4 Main Bearing Socket Wrench, with Insets for Side View, Broaching, and Marking Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to 1940.

Fig. 266 shows a Super-Quality 767 socket wrench with 9/16 double-square and 3/4 double-hex broachings, designed for servicing Ford main bearings.

The wrench is marked "Super-Quality Made in U.S.A." with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.

The overall length is 15.4 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The 1938 Indestro catalog lists this wrench for main bearing service on Ford "A", "AA", "B", "BB", and V8 engines. The catalog illustration shows the distinctive hexagonal shank used at that time for this and other socket and box-end wrench models.

The model 767 wrench was still listed in the 1939 Indestro catalog, but had been discontinued by 1941, with a model 183 wrench in "Select Steel" replacing the chrome alloy model.

Indestro "Super-Quality" 763 9/16x5/8 S-Shaped Box-End Wrench

Fig. 267. Indestro "Super-Quality" 763 9/16x5/8 S-Shaped Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 267 shows an Indestro "Super-Quality" 763 9/16x5/8 S-shaped box-end wrench, stamped with "Super-Quality" and "U.S.A." on the front, with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.

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

Indestro Super-Quality 769 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Box-End Wrench

Fig. 268. Indestro Super-Quality 769 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 268 shows an Indestro Super-Quality 769 9/16x5/8 half-moon box wrench, stamped "Indestro U.S.A." with "Super-Quality" and the model number on the front side, with the fractional sizes and "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in the slanted font on the back side.

The overall length is 7.2 inches.

Indestro Super 769A 5/8x3/4 Half-Moon Box-End Wrench

Fig. 269. Indestro Super 769A 5/8x3/4 Half-Moon Box Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945 to 1960s.

Fig. 269 shows an Indestro Super 769A 5/8x3/4 half-moon box wrench, stamped with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on one side, with "Indestro Super" and the model number on the back side.

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

Indestro 3415 Battery Pliers

Fig. 270. Indestro 3415 Battery Pliers, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s.

Fig. 270 shows a pair of Indestro 3415 battery pliers, stamped "Chrome Vanadium Steel" and "Forged in U.S.A." around the pivot.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The 1937 Indestro catalog lists the model 3415 pliers under the Super-Quality brand and notes the triple-plated finish. The plain finish on this tool suggests earlier production.

Indestro Super 2161 Brake Spoon

Fig. 271. Indestro Super 2161 Brake Adjusting Spoon, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 271 shows an Indestro 2161 brake adjusting spoon, stamped "Indestro Super U.S.A." with "Brake Adjusting Tool" on the back side.

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