Wartime Production
During the 1941-1945 wartime years Duro/Indestro tool production was devoted to the war effort,
as was the case with other tool companies.
Duro/Indestro wartime production included large numbers of open-end wrenches, box wrenches,
socket sets, and other tools.
Production during this period can be identified by plain or cadmium finishes,
the omission of a brand name marking,
the use of a stamped X-Circle logo
or "G" date code,
and other changes from standard civilian production.
In addition,
the alloy markings (e.g. "Chrome Vanadium Steel") generally found on earlier Duro/Indestro tools were omitted
during the later wartime years.
Many of the tools in this section are also displayed in other parts of this article,
but are gathered here to allow a better understanding of the production changes during the wartime era.
Sockets and Drive Tools
During the wartime period Duro/Indestro's socket production used a simple knurled band
with a "D - I" marking instead of the usual company brands.
More discussion on the "D - I" marking can be found at
D-I Socket Marking
in our section on Tool Identification.
Super-Quality 1/4-Drive Socket Set with "D - I" Sockets
Fig. 391 shows
a Super-Quality 1/4-drive socket set,
consisting of a flex-head handle, a cross-bar, a 6 inch extension,
and 11 sockets with double-hex, hex, or double-square broachings.
The set is marked with a decal on the inside cover reading "Super Quality Socket Set"
with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in the center,
and with the Indestro logo at the bottom.
All of the sockets except one are marked "D - I",
and the exception is actually marked "4511 Duro-Chrome",
the standard model number for a 1/4-drive 11/32 socket.
The inclusion of "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the sticker suggests that
the steel quality remains uncompromised,
at least for these tools.
Otherwise, the tools have a dull industrial finish and the box is a drab olive color,
as would be expected for wartime production.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 1725-B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench
Fig. 392 shows
a Duro-Chrome 1725-B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench,
stamped with the
X-Circle logo on the face,
with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side face.
The overall length is 6.2 inches,
and the finish is plain steel,
with extensive pitting due to rust.
Duro-Chrome "G" 1025 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench
Fig. 393 shows
a Duro-Chrome 1025 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench,
stamped "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on one face,
with a "G" code and the model number on the other face.
The overall length is 6.3 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The plain finish and stamped "G" code indicate a manufacturing date in 1945.
Other examples of the "G" date code can be seen on the
Duro-Chrome "G" 1027 Wrench and
Duro-Chrome "G" 2011 Wrench.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 1027C 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench
Fig. 394 shows
a Duro-Chrome 1027C 9/16x11/16 open-end wrench,
stamped with the
X-Circle logo on the face,
with "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the back side face.
The overall length is 7.1 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
Duro-Chrome "G" 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench
Fig. 395 shows
a Duro-Chrome 1027 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench,
marked "Forged in U.S.A." on one face,
with a "G" code and the model number on the other end.
The overall length is 7.2 inches,
and the finish is black oxide augmented with rust.
The black oxide finish and stamped "G" code indicate a manufacturing date in 1945
under government regulations.
Other examples of this "G" date code can be seen on the
Duro-Chrome "G" 1025 Wrench and
Duro-Chrome "G" 2011 Wrench,
and the "G" date code was used by Snap-On and Williams as well.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 1028-S 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench
Fig. 396 shows
a Duro-Chrome 1028-S 5/8x25/32 open-end wrench,
stamped with the
X-Circle logo on the face,
with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side face.
The overall length is 8.2 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 1731 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench
Fig. 397 shows
a Duro-Chrome 1731 3/4x13/16 open-end wrench,
stamped with the
X-Circle logo on the face,
with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side face.
The overall length is 9.2 inches,
and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 1731-A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench
Fig. 398 shows
a Duro-Chrome 1731-A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench,
stamped with the X-Circle logo on the face,
with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side face.
The overall length is 9.2 inches,
and the finish is black oxide.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 1034-A 15/16x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench
Fig. 399 shows
a Duro-Chrome 1034-A 15/16x1-1/16 open-end wrench,
stamped with the X-Circle logo on the face,
with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side face.
The overall length is 10.5 inches,
and the finish is black oxide.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) [D-] 2 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench
Fig. 399B shows
a Duro-Chrome No. 2 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench,
stamped with the X-Circle logo on the face,
with "Forged in U.S.A." in a curved arc on the back side face.
The overall length is 8.0 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
Combination Wrenches
During the wartime years Duro/Indestro produced combination wrenches in two different designs:
the 20xx series of "Dart" style wrenches and the 22xx series of thin style wrenches.
Duro-Chrome "Dart" 2031 3/8 Combination Wrench
Fig. 400A shows
a Duro-Chrome 2031 3/8 combination wrench in the "Dart" style,
stamped with Duro-Chrome and "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the face,
with a distinctive streamlined dart emanating from the head.
The overall length is 7.3 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
The cadmium finish suggests production during the wartime years.
Duro-Chrome "Dart" 2036 11/16 Combination Wrench
Fig. 400B shows
a Duro-Chrome 2036 11/16 combination wrench in the "Dart" style,
stamped with "Duro-Chrome" 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 9.3 inches,
and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.
The plain finish suggests production during the wartime years.
Duro-Chrome "Dart" 2037 3/4 Combination Wrench
Fig. 400C shows
a Duro-Chrome 2037 3/4 combination wrench in the "Dart" style,
stamped with "Duro-Chrome" and "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the face.
The overall length is 10.2 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
The cadmium finish suggests production during the wartime years.
This wrench is a good example of the curved "Forged in U.S.A." marking used on Duro and Indestro tools.
[Duro-Chrome] "Dart" 2039 15/16 Combination Wrench
Fig. 400D shows
a Duro-Chrome 2039 15/16 combination wrench in the "Dart" style,
stamped with "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 10.2 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
This wrench is not marked with the brand name,
but is easily identified by the distinctive "Dart" style and "Forged in U.S.A." marking
along a curved arc.
The plain steel finish and absence of a marked brand name indicates production during the 1942-1945 wartime years.
[Duro-Chrome] 2233 1/2 Thin Combination Wrenches
The next two figures show examples of the Duro-Chrome 2333 thin combination wrench.
Fig. 401A shows
a Duro-Chrome 2233 1/2 thin combination wrench,
stamped "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 7.7 inches,
and the thickness was measured at 0.18 inches.
The top inset shows a side view of the wrench,
illustrating the very thin profile of this model.
The finish is black oxide augmented with natural rust.
This wrench isn't marked with the brand name,
but can be identified by the model number and construction,
and by the "Forged in U.S.A." marking along a curved arc.
The plain or oxide finish and absence of a marked brand name indicates production during the 1942-1945 wartime years.
Fig. 401B shows
another example of the Duro-Chrome 2233 1/2 thin combination wrench,
stamped "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 7.7 inches,
and the thickness was measured at 0.19 inches.
The finish is plain steel.
This example isn't marked with the brand name,
but can be identified by the model number and construction,
and by the "Forged in U.S.A." marking along a curved arc.
The plain finish and absence of a marked brand name indicates production during the 1942-1945 wartime years.
[Duro-Chrome] 2236 11/16 Thin Combination Wrench
Fig. 401C shows
a Duro-Chrome 2236 11/16 combination wrench,
stamped "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 9.4 inches,
and the head thickness was measured at 0.20 inches.
The finish is plain steel.
The top inset shows the very thin profile of this wrench,
comparable to that of a tappet wrench.
This wrench isn't marked with a brand name,
but can be identified by the model number and construction,
and by the "Forged in U.S.A." marking along a curved arc.
The plain finish and absence of a marked brand name indicates production during the 1942-1945 wartime years.
[Duro-Chrome 2239] 15/16 Thin Combination Wrench
Fig. 401D shows
a Duro-Chrome 2239 15/16 combination wrench,
stamped "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the front face,
with the fractional size on the back face.
The overall length is 11.9 inches,
and the head thickness was measured at 0.25 inches.
The finish is plain steel with extensive rust and pitting.
The top inset shows the very thin profile of this wrench,
comparable to that of a tappet wrench.
This wrench isn't marked with a brand name,
but can be identified by its thin construction and the "Forged in U.S.A." marking along a curved arc.
The plain finish and absence of a marked brand name indicates production during the 1942-1945 wartime years.
Offset Box-End Wrenches
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 2053 5/8x11/16 Offset Box Wrench
Fig. 402 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2053 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench with streamlined raised panels,
stamped with "Duro-Chrome" and the
X-Circle logo on the front panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the back side.
The overall length is 10.0 inches,
and the finish is black oxide augmented by rust.
The lack of the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking and use of the X-Circle logo suggest production
in the later 1943-1945 wartime years.
Super-Quality (X-Circle) [733] 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench
Fig. 403 shows
a 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 this example is not marked with a model number,
this would be model 733 in the standard Super-Quality (later Indestro Super) line.
The overall length is 11.4 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
The lack of the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking and use of the X-Circle logo suggest production
in the later 1943-1945 wartime years.
An earlier example of this model can be seen as the
Indestro "Chicago" 733 Offset Box Wrench,
and the Duro-Chrome equivalent model can be seen as the
Duro-Chrome 2054 Offset Box Wrench.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 2055 13/16x7/8 Offset Box Wrench
Fig. 404 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2055 13/16x7/8 offset box wrench with parallelogram raised panels,
stamped with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the front panel,
with "Duro-Chrome" and the
X-Circle logo on the back side panel.
The overall length is 12.8 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
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 a rare example of the parallelogram panel design being used on a tool marked for
Duro or Indestro.
More typically the parallelogram design was used for contract production,
as for example the ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Offset Box Wrench.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 2056 15/16x1 Offset Box Wrench
Fig. 405 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2056 15/16x1 offset box wrench with streamlined raised panels,
stamped with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the front panel,
with "Duro-Chrome" and the
X-Circle logo on the back side panel.
The overall length is 14.5 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The lack of the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking and use of the X-Circle logo suggest production
in the later 1943-1945 wartime years.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 2058A 1-3/16x1-1/4 Offset Box Wrench
Fig. 406 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2058A 1-3/16x1-1/4 offset box wrench with streamlined raised panels,
stamped with "Duro-Chrome" and the
X-Circle logo on the front panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the back side.
The overall length is 18.0 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
The lack of the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking and use of the X-Circle logo suggest production
in the later 1943-1945 wartime years.
Note also the somewhat poorly trimmed edges visible in the top inset,
another indication of wartime production.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 2058B 1-1/8x1-1/4 Offset Box Wrench
Fig. 407 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2058B 1-1/8x1-1/4 offset box wrench with streamlined raised panels,
stamped with "Duro-Chrome" and the
X-Circle logo on the front panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the back side.
The overall length is 18.2 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The lack of the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking and use of the X-Circle logo suggest production
in the later 1943-1945 wartime years.
Short Offset Box-End Wrenches
X-Circle [Duro-Chrome 2042] 1/2x8/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench
Fig. 408 shows
an X-Circle [Duro-Chrome 2042] 1/2x9/16 short offset box wrench,
stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the
X-Circle logo and fractional sizes.
The overall length is 5.6 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
This wrench has an oval shank without the raised panels used by Duro after 1937,
suggesting that an older forging die from the Handy-Hex era was put back in service.
The plain finish and minimal markings indicate production during 1943-1945 wartime years.
Duro-Chrome "G" 2042 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench
Fig. 409 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2042 1/2x9/16 short offset box wrench,
stamped "Duro-Chrome" with the model number on the streamlined raised panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the back side.
Note also the stamped "G" code in front of the model number.
The overall length is 5.2 inches,
and the finish is black oxide.
The black oxide finish would suggest a manufacturing date during 1942-1945,
but the "G" code stamped on the panel indicates a more precise 1945 date.
The "G" code indicates manufacture in 1945 under restrictive government regulations,
and can be found occasionally on tools of this era.
(The use of the "G" date code by Snap-on is well documented.)
Angled (15 Degree) Box-End Wrenches
Duro-Chrome "G" 2011 3/8x7/16 Box-End Wrench
Fig. 410 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2011 3/8x7/16 box-end wrench,
stamped with the Duro-Chrome trademark and a "G" code on the streamlined raised panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side panel.
The overall length is 6.8 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The stamped "G" code and plain finish indicate a wartime production date in 1945.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 2013 9/16x5/8 Box-End Wrenches
The next two figures show examples of wartime production for the Duro-Chrome 2013 box wrench.
Fig. 411 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2013 9/16x5/8 box-end wrench with streamlined raised panels,
stamped with "Duro-Chrome" and the
X-Circle logo on the front panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the back side panel.
The overall length is 9.0 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
Fig. 412 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2013 9/16x5/8 box wrench with raised parallelogram panels,
stamped with "Duro-Chrome" and the
X-Circle logo on the front panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the back side panel.
The overall length is 9.1 inches,
and the finish is plain steel or black oxide.
The second wrench is a rare example of the parallelogram panel design being used on a tool marked for
Duro or Indestro.
Normally the parallelogram design was used only for contract production,
as for example the ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Offset Box Wrench.
One possible explanation is that under the pressure of wartime production quotas,
Duro/Indestro found it necessary to use the older forging dies left over from their contract production runs.
Duro-Chrome "G" 2014A 11/16x3/4 Box-End Wrench
Fig. 413 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2014A 11/16x3/4 box-end wrench with streamlined raised panels,
stamped with "Duro-Chrome" and a "G" code on the front panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the back side.
The overall length is 10.3 inches,
and the finish is plain steel or black oxide.
The stamped "G" code and plain finish indicate a wartime production date in 1945.
Duro-Chrome 2015 3/4x7/8 Box-End Wrenches
The next three figures show examples of the Duro-Chrome 2015 wrench,
all from wartime production but with interesting differences in construction and marking.
Fig. 414 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2015 3/4x7/8 box-end wrench with raised streamlined panels,
stamped "Duro-Chrome" and "Forged in U.S.A." on the front panel,
with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" and the fractional sizes on the back side panel.
The overall length is 11.1 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The plain finish suggests production during the wartime years,
and the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking suggests the earlier 1941-1942 period.
Except for the plain finish,
this wrench would be typical of Duro's production in the late 1930s to early 1940s.
Fig. 415 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2015 3/4x7/8 box-end wrench with raised parallelogram panels,
stamped "Duro-Chrome" and "Forged in U.S.A." on the front panel,
with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" and the fractional sizes on the back side panel.
The overall length is 11.1 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The plain finish and the use of parallelogram panels on a Duro-marked tool suggest production
during the wartime years,
and the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking suggests the earlier 1941-1942 period.
This wrench is a rare example of the parallelogram panel design being used on a tool marked for
Duro or Indestro.
Normally the parallelogram design was used only for contract production,
as for example the ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Offset Box Wrench.
One possible explanation is that under the pressure of wartime production quotas,
Duro/Indestro found it necessary to use the older forging dies left over from their contract production runs.
Fig. 416 shows
a slightly later Duro-Chrome 2015 3/4x7/8 box-end wrench with raised streamlined panels,
stamped "Duro-Chrome" with the
X-Circle logo on the front panel,
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.
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 Super-Quality 715 Box Wrench
in the next figure.
Super-Quality (X-Circle) [715] 3/4x7/8 Box-End Wrench
Fig. 417 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.
Although not marked with a model number,
the Indestro catalog identifies this as a model 715 wrench.
The overall length is 11.3 inches,
and the finish is plain steel with traces of cadmium plating.
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
in the previous figure.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 2015A 13/16x7/8 Box-End Wrench
Fig. 418 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2015A 13/16x7/8 box-end wrench with streamlined panels,
stamped with "Duro-Chrome" and the
X-Circle logo on the front panel,
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.
The absence of a "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking and use of the X-Circle logo suggest production
in the later 1943-1945 wartime years.
Duro-Chrome 2017 1-1/16x1-1/8 Box-End Wrench
Fig. 419 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2017 1-1/16x1-1/8 box-end wrench with streamlined panels,
stamped "Duro-Chrome" and "Forged in U.S.A." on the raised panel,
with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" and the fractional sizes on the back side.
The overall length is 17.7 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The plain finish suggests production in the early wartime years.
Short Box-End Wrenches
Super-Quality [752] 1/2x9/16 Short Box-End Wrench
Fig. 420 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 Wrenches
The next two figures show examples of the Super-Quality 753 wrench,
both from the wartime period but with differences in markings.
Fig. 421 shows
an earlier 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 presence of the standard model number suggests the earlier 1942-1943 period.
Fig. 422 shows
a slightly later Super-Quality [753] 5/8x11/16 short box-end wrench with streamlined panels,
stamped with "Super-Quality" and the
X-Circle logo on the front panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the back side panel.
The overall length is 5.2 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The missing model number, lack of an alloy steel marking,
and use of the X-Circle logo suggest production in the later 1943-1945 wartime years.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 2081 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Box Wrench
Fig. 423 shows
a Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 2081 9/16x5/8 half-moon box wrench,
stamped "Manifold & Starter" with the
X-Circle logo
and fractional sizes on one side,
with "Duro-Chrome" and the model number plus "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side.
The overall length is 7.1 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The lack of an alloy marking and use of the X-Circle logo suggest production
in the later 1943-1945 wartime years.
Super-Quality (X-Circle) [769] 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Box Wrench
Fig. 424 shows
a Super-Quality (X-Circle) [769] 9/16x5/8 half-moon box wrench,
stamped with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on one side,
with "Super-Quality" and the
X-Circle logo on the back side.
The overall length is 7.2 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The lack of the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking and use of the X-Circle logo suggest production
in the later 1943-1945 wartime years.
Although not marked with a model number,
this tool is basically identical to the
Indestro Super-Quality 769 Half-Moon Wrench and
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 2081 Half-Moon Wrench
shown in other figures.
Refrigeration Specialty Tools
Refrigeration service was a specialty field that hadn't even existed prior to the 1920s,
but which grew rapidly during the 1930s and later.
Refrigeration technicians of course needed special tools,
and Duro was one of the more highly regarded makers of such tools.
The special tools typically used for refrigeration service included
ratchets with extra openings on the handle,
sockets for gland-nut packings,
and various styles of flare-nut wrenches.
The figures below will show some examples of Duro and Indestro refrigeration tools.
Flare-Nut Wrenches
Flare-nut wrenches are among the most important refrigeration tools,
and Duro/Indestro offered a selection of sizes in both flat wrenches and
in a less-common offset pattern.
Fig. 425 shows
the catalog listing for Duro-Chrome flare-nut wrenches,
as published on page 49 of Duro catalog No. 35 from around 1955.
The listing shows four models of flat (straight) wrenches in sizes from 3/8x7/16 to 7/8x1-1/8 on the left,
with six models of 45 degree offset wrenches in sizes from 3/8x1/2 to 1x1-3/16 on the right.
The illustrations show the shanks with raised streamlined panels,
and the finish was chrome plating with polished faces and panels.
The two smallest models in each pattern had 6-point openings,
and the larger models had 12-point openings.
Duro catalogs from 1947 and earlier offered the straight pattern in just the two larger models 371-372,
and the 45 degree offset pattern in just the four larger models 381-384.
By 1966 the selection of flare-nut wrenches had been expanded significantly,
with additional models available in both the straight and deep offset patterns.
Fig. 426 shows
the catalog listing for Indestro flare-nut wrenches,
as published on page 35 of Indestro catalog No. 55 from around 1966.
(The catalog remained current until at least 1971.)
The listing shows eight models of flat (straight) wrenches in sizes from 3/8x7/16 to 7/8x1-1/8 on the left,
and eight models of 45 degree offset wrenches in sizes from 3/8x1/2 to 1-1/16x1-1/4 on the right.
The illustrations show the shanks with raised streamlined panels,
and the finish was chrome plating with polished faces and panels.
The three smallest models in the straight pattern and the two smallest in the offset pattern had 6-point openings,
and all other models had 12-point openings.
Incidentally, flare-nut wrenches were one of the few tool categories for which both the Duro and Indestro catalogs
had matching catalog numbers.
Indestro Super 368 3/8x7/16 Flare-Nut Wrench
Fig. 427 shows
an Indestro Super 368 3/8x7/16 flare-nut wrench,
stamped with the brand and model number on the streamlined raised panel,
and with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side.
The overall length is 5.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces and panels.
Duro-Chrome 369 1/2x9/16 Flare-Nut Wrench
Fig. 428 shows
a Duro-Chrome 369 1/2x9/16 flare-nut wrench,
stamped "Duro-Chrome" on the streamlined raised panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side.
The overall length is 6.4 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces and panels.
Duro-Chrome 371 3/4x1 Inch Flare-Nut Wrench
Fig. 429 shows
a Duro-Chrome 371 3/4x1 inch flare-nut wrench,
stamped "Duro-Chrome" on the streamlined raised panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side.
The overall length is 8.0 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces and panels.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 372 7/8x1-1/8 Flare-Nut Wrench
Fig. 430 shows
a Duro-Chrome 372 7/8x1-1/8 flare-nut wrench with streamlined raised panels,
stamped "Duro-Chrome" with the
X-Circle logo on the front,
with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side.
The overall length is 8.0 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The plain finish and X-Circle marking indicate production during the 1942-1945 wartime period.
Duro-Chrome Deep Offset Flare-Nut Wrenches
In addition to the flat flare-nut style illustrated above,
Duro produced a series of flare-nut wrench models in an unusual 45 degree deep offset configuration.
Initially four models 381-384 were offered,
but by 1955 Duro had added a model 379 and 380.
(See the Catalog Listing above.)
The deep offsets and somewhat odd paired sizes suggest that these were designed for some
fairly specific applications.
Fig. 431 shows
the initial four Duro-Chrome offset flare-nut wrench models 381-384.
Subsequent figures will show each wrench in greater detail.
The models and sizes are, from the top down,
381 (5/8x13/16), 382 (3/4x1 Inch), 383 (7/8x1-1/8), and 384 (1x1-3/16).
Duro-Chrome 381 Offset 5/8x13/16 Flare-Nut Wrench
Fig. 432 shows
a Duro-Chrome 381 5/8x13/16 offset flare-nut wrench,
stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the streamlined raised panel,
with "Duro-Chrome" on the back side.
The overall length is 7.0 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The markings on this wrench differ from the Duro standard convention in that the model
number is placed on the opposite side from the company name.
A small number of examples have been found with this variation,
and we're not sure if it was intentional or just an accident in setting up the marking machine.
Duro-Chrome 382 3/4x1 Inch Offset Flare-Nut Wrench
Fig. 433 shows
a Duro-Chrome 382 3/4x1 offset flare-nut wrench,
stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the streamlined raised panel
with "Duro Chrome" on the back side.
The overall length is 8.2 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The markings on this wrench differ from the Duro standard convention in that the model
number is placed on the opposite side from the company name.
A small number of examples have been found with this variation,
and we're not sure if it was intentional or just an accident in setting up the marking machine.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 383 7/8x1-1/8 Offset Flare-Nut Wrench
Fig. 434 shows
a Duro-Chrome 383 7/8x1-1/8 offset flare-nut wrench,
stamped "Duro Chrome" with the
X-Circle logo on the front panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side panel.
The overall length is 9.2 inches.
The finish is plain steel with traces of cadmium plating,
indicating a likely manufacturing date from 1942-1945.
Duro-Chrome (X-Circle) 384 1x1-3/16 Offset Flare-Nut Wrench
The next figure shows the largest wrench of the offset flare-nut set.
Fig. 435 shows
a Duro-Chrome 384 1x1-3/16 offset flare-nut wrench,
stamped "Duro Chrome" with the
X-Circle logo on the front panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side panel.
The overall length is 9.7 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The X-Circle mark suggests production during the wartime years,
and the chrome plated finish suggests the earlier 1941-1942 period.
Duro-Chrome 4490 1/4-Drive Refrigeration Ratchet
Ratchets designed for refrigeration use typically included extra broached openings on the handle,
so that the single tool could operate with commonly used valves or nuts.
The ratchet drive was usually a 1/4 square female broaching,
the most common size used for the square valve stem on tanks of compressed refrigerant gases.
Fig. 436 shows
a Duro-Chrome 4490 1/4 female drive ratchet,
marked "Duro-Chrome" on the face plate with "Pat. No. 1,902,878" on the back side.
The overall length is 6.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
The handle includes broachings for several commonly used sizes,
including 3/16 square, 5/16 square, 1/4 square, and 1/2 double-hex.
The patent notice refers to the well-known patent for the pressed-flange ratchet construction.
Other examples of this patent can be seen in the
Duro 678D Ratchet
and
Indestro 3201 Ratchet.
Refrigeration ratchets were made by several other companies,
including Bonney, Snap-On, and Walden.
An example can be seen in the
Walden-Worcester 867 Ratchet.
Duro-Chrome 34x 1/4 Male Drive Sockets
The special ratchets used for refrigeration service were generally furnished with 1/4 female drive,
which means that an adapter stud would be needed to use conventional sockets.
Duro provided a more convenient alternative by making special 1/4 male-drive sockets
in the sizes and broachings commonly needed in this application.
Fig. 437 shows
two examples of the 1/4 male drive Duro-Chrome 34x socket series,
each marked "U.S.A." with the "Duro-Chrome" trademark.
The models and sizes are 341 (3/16) on the left and 344 (5/16) on the right,
and both sockets have square (4-point) broachings.
Duro-Chrome 338 5/8 Gland Nut Tee Wrench
Fig. 438 shows
a Duro-Chrome 338 5/8 gland nut wrench with a sliding Tee-handle,
marked "U.S.A." with the "Duro-Chrome" trademark.
The lengths of the socket and handle are 1.9 and 3.7 inches, respectively.
That completes our brief tour of Duro's refrigeration specialty tools.
In the next section we'll see some examples of Duro/Indestro contract production,
tools produced by Duro but marked for other companies.
Contract Production
The previous sections have looked at Duro and Indestro tools marked with their own
trademarks or informal brands.
Duro/Indestro was also very active as a contract manufacturer for other companies,
and these contract tools were generally marked with the other companies' trademarks.
In this page we'll look at some examples of Duro/Indestro production marked for other companies.
The examples below are representative of the contract production,
but there are likely many more examples that have yet to be identified.
Perfection
The 1933 Western Auto catalog offered a series of six offset box wrenches under the heading "Perfection Quality",
listed right under the section for their top-quality Van-Chrome Multihex offset box wrenches.
The catalog noted that the Perfection wrenches were of identical shape and size as the Multihex line,
but were available at a significant discount, $2.98 for the set of six,
compared with $4.85 for the Multihex.
A later check found the same "Perfection" wrenches also available in the 1932 Western Auto catalog.
We've found a few wrenches marked "Perfection" and believe that these are the items sold by Western Auto.
The wrenches are very similar to the
Indestro Polygon examples,
and also closely resemble the Herbrand Multihex wrenches.
These observations suggest that the "Perfection" wrenches were made by Duro as intentional copies
of the Herbrand models,
probably in an attempt to win more business from Western Auto.
The "Perfection" marking appears to have been used only briefly,
as it wasn't mentioned in the 1934 Western Auto catalog.
But the catalog did offer a second line of "Standard Quality" chrome-vanadium offset box wrenches,
and these are believed to be the "Perfection" wrenches rebranded as the Indestro "Polygon" line.
More information on "Perfection" wrenches can be found in our article on Western Auto Supply at
Western Auto CV Box Wrenches.
Perfection P-27 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench
Fig. 439 shows
a Perfection P-27 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench,
stamped "Perfection" with the fractional sizes on the front,
with "Chromium-Vanadium" on the back side.
The overall length is 9.9 inches,
and the finish is nickel plating,
with extensive losses due to rust.
Chromium Vanadium
In 1931 Western Auto Supply began using "Chromium Vanadium" as an informal brand for its line
of alloy steel tools.
Both Duro and Indestro became major suppliers for the line,
initially as separate companies,
and the tools produced for Western Auto were generally stamped "Chromium Vanadium".
Since chrome-vanadium steel was Duro/Indestro's preferred alloy steel at the time anyway,
the "Chromium Vanadium" markings were retained on many Indestro tools for most of the 1930s,
and continued well after Western Auto had stopped using the full element names as a brand.
(In 1934 and later Western Auto generally used a descriptive term such as "Chrome-Vanadium Steel"
in its catalogs.)
The continued use of the "Chromium Vanadium" marking raises some ambiguity as to whether any particular tool
was made as contract production,
for Western Auto or for other companies such as Montgomery Ward,
or whether it was just part of Indestro's normal production.
In this section we'll show some examples believed to date to the first half of the 1930s,
before the advent of the "ChromeXQuality" marking covered in the next section.
[Indestro] Chrome-Vanadium N696 "Junior Mechanics" 25-Piece Socket Set
This next figure shows a significant socket set made for Western Auto Supply in 1935,
just before the start of the "ChromeXQuality" era.
Fig. 440 shows
an [Indestro] "Chrome-Vanadium Steel" N696 socket set
with a substantial collection of 1/2-drive socket tools,
plus a set of miniature 1/4-drive tools in the small box at the left.
The 1/2-drive tools consist of a ratchet and drive plug, a 6 inch extension,
a double-female universal, a screwdriver bit,
and 10 double-hex sockets from 7/16 to 15/16.
Our set is missing one of the original 1/2-drive tools,
an 11 inch flex handle.
The socket sizes are, from the left,
7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 21/32, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, and 15/16.
The sockets are stamped with "Chromium Vanadium" and the fractional size on the base.
The tools in the set are unmarked,
except for a patent number on the ratchet,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends or heads.
Fig. 441 shows
the 1/4-drive socket set included with the N696 set,
originally consisting of a flex handle and nine sockets,
with mixed double-hex and double-square broachings.
Our set is complete except for the missing cross-bar and 5/16 double-hex socket.
The socket sizes are, from the right,
1/4, 9/32, 1/4 (square), 5/16 (missing), 11/32, 5/16 (square), 3/8, 3/8 (square), and 7/16.
The sockets are marked only with the fractional size.
The flex handle is unmarked and has an overall length of 5.9 inches.
The finish is chrome plating.
Fig. 442 shows
a close-up of the decal on the inside of the lid of the N696 socket set.
The text reads "Deluxe Quality Tools" and "Chrome-Vanadium Steel" with
"Western Auto Supply Co." at the bottom.
The set is supplied in a steel box with a spot-welded divider for the sockets.
The overall dimensions are 14.8 inches wide by 6.2 inches deep by 1.8 inches high.
The dimensions of the 1/4-drive set box
are 6.6 inches wide by 2.6 inches deep by 1.0 inches high.
The full set is listed in the
1936 Auto Owners' Thrift Book (Eastern edition) catalog
as the N696 25-piece "Junior Mechanics' Complete Set",
and based on the description there our set is missing a 1/2-drive 11 inch flex handle,
a cross-bar for the 1/4-drive flex handle,
and one 1/4-drive socket.
(The catalog listing can be seen in the section on
ChromeXQuality Socket Tools.)
In addition, the largest socket in our set is 15/16,
rather than the 7/8 size stated in the 1936 listing.
The pressed-flange ratchet in the set is a generic version of the Indestro 3202 female-drive ratchet,
a tool widely used for contract production from 1933 up to the 1950s.
The ratchet has a 16-tooth drive gear and is basically identical to the
Indestro Pressed-Flange Ratchet
shown in another section.
The unmarked 6 inch extension can be seen in greater detail as the
Indestro 3216 6 Inch Extension.
The unmarked universal can be seen in greater detail as the
Indestro 3214 Double-Female Universal.
This model was still available in the 1935 Indestro catalog,
but was later discontinued in favor of the 3217 male-female universal.
The unmarked screwdriver bit in the set serves an additional purpose as an extra drive plug
for use with the double-female universal.
The manufacturing date for our N696 set can be estimated fairly precisely by a combination of
production and marking details.
The sockets in the set are a mix of older cold-broached and newer hot-broached construction,
with the latter using Duro's patented
Hot-Broaching Process.
Since Duro filed the hot-broach patent in 1935,
it's reasonable to assume that they would have begun producing hot-broached sockets in that year.
The mix of construction styles in the set implies that the cold-broached sockets were pulled from inventory,
leading to 1935 as the likely production year.
Further confirmation of the 1935 production comes from the marking on the decal for the set,
as seen in Fig. 442 above.
The set has a gold-colored diamond-shaped decal on the inside of the lid,
very similar to the decals observed on ChromeXQuality sets such as the
ChromeXQuality N693 Set.
But the decal for our N696 set is marked "Chrome-Vanadium Steel" in place of "ChromeXQuality",
implying production somewhat before 1936.
A catalog review provides additional evidence to support a 1935 production date.
The 1934 Western Auto (Eastern edition) catalog offered an N696 socket set,
but with only 1/2-drive components, and with two additional drive tools.
Currently we don't have a 1935 catalog,
but the 1936 (Eastern edition) catalog listed the N696 set with both 1/2-drive components
and the 1/4-drive miniature set included.
The components of our set as acquired are therefore consistent with production some time after 1934.
[Indestro] 1/2-Drive Cold-Broached Sockets from N696 Set
Fig. 443 shows
a group of three 1/2-drive cold-broached sockets from the N696 set,
with sizes from the left 11/16, 7/8, and 15/16.
The sockets are stamped with "Chromium Vanadium" and the fractional size on the base.
The sockets are designed with tapered upper walls and have two bands of simple knurling around
the base.
The finish is a mix of polished chrome on the upper walls and cadmium plating on the lower walls.
The top inset shows the drive end of the sockets,
illustrating the sharp edges of the 1/2 square broached opening.
Although it would be desirable to have relieved or tapered edges to the opening,
in order to help depress a friction ball,
adding such a taper would require a costly extra machining operation.
The lower inset shows the interior of the sockets,
with irregular fragments of metal visible at the base of the broached area.
Although difficult to see in the photograph,
the "teeth" show some chatter marks from the broaching operation.
Of the ten 1/2-drive sockets in the N696 set,
four sockets (with sizes 7/16, 11/16, 7/8, and 15/16) are of older cold-broached construction.
These are presumed to have been earlier production remaining in inventory when the set
was assembled.
[Indestro] 1/2-Drive Hot-Broached Sockets from N696 Set
Fig. 444 shows
a group of three 1/2-drive hot-broached sockets from the N696 set,
with sizes from the left 21/32, 3/4, and 13/16.
The sockets are stamped with "Chromium Vanadium" and the fractional size on the base.
The sockets are designed with tapered upper walls and have two bands of simple knurling around
the base.
The finish is a mix of polished chrome on the upper walls and cadmium plating on the lower walls.
The top inset shows the drive end of the sockets,
illustrating the tapered edges of the square opening.
These tapered edges make it easier to insert a drive tool by helping to depress the friction ball.
Duro's hot-broaching process used a specially shaped mandrel to taper the edges of the drive end
during broaching.
The lower inset shows the interior of the sockets.
Note the annular shelf of displaced metal visible at the base of the broached area,
a characteristic of Duro's hot-broaching process.
ChromeXQuality
The "ChromeXQuality" marking was a mystery for quite a while,
as a number sockets and drive tools of apparent Duro production had been found,
but no information on the mark could be located.
This mark has now been identified as a brand used by Western Auto during the late 1930s.
A 1937 Western Auto catalog shows many examples of the ChromeXQuality brand,
sometimes written as "Chrome-X Quality" or just "Chrome-X".
This brand was their top-of-the-line at the time,
and the catalog notes that these tools were made of chrome-molybdenum or chrome-vanadium steels.
Western Auto offered a lifetime free replacement guarantee for ChromeXQuality tools.
Based on Western Auto historical sources,
the ChromeXQuality mark first appeared in 1936.
The line of tools proved successful,
but in 1940 Western Auto switched to the "Wizard" brand name for their top-tier tools.
The relatively short usage interval for ChromeXQuality is actually fortunate for us,
as it allows the manufacturing date to be estimated as 1936-1939 for tools with this mark.
Most of the known examples of ChromeXQuality tools can be readily identified as
Duro/Indestro or Vlchek production,
and recently Herbrand was identified as a third producer.
Other producers may have been used as well,
particularly for certain specialty tools.
Additional information can be found in the section on
ChromeXQuality
in our article on
Western Auto Supply.
ChromeXQuality N693 1/2-Drive Socket Set
Fig. 445 shows
an early ChromeXQuality N693 1/2-drive socket set,
consisting of a flex-head handle and eight double-hex sockets.
The set is marked with a decal on the inside cover,
displaying the ChromeXQuality brand with "Deluxe Vanadium Steel Tools",
and with "Western Auto Supply Co." at the bottom.
The socket sizes are, from right to left,
7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 19/32, 5/8, 21/32, 11/16, 3/4, and 13/16.
Each socket is marked with "ChromeXQuality" and "Vanadium Steel",
but without a model number.
The flex handle is marked with "Chromium Vanadium" on the shank.
The set is contained in a sturdy metal case with a divider to keep the sockets in place.
The dimensions are 12.4 inches long by 2.8 inches deep by 2.1 inches high.
The set as acquired was missing the 7/16, 1/2, 11/16, and 3/4 sockets,
and also included an extra 1-1/16 socket of the same style.
The missing sizes have been replaced from inventory with sockets of the same style and markings.
The set is not marked with a model number,
but the N693 model and standard contents were identified by reference to the
Western Auto Supply catalogs for 1936 and 1937.
The 1936 catalog referred to this model as the "Beginner's Socket Set",
but by 1937 it was being called the "Auto Owner's Set".
ChromeXQuality 1/2-Drive Double-Hex Sockets
Fig. 446 shows
the three largest 1/2-drive double-hex sockets from the ChromeXQuality N693 socket set.
The sizes are, from right to left, 11/16, 3/4, and 13/16.
The sockets are stamped with "Chrome X Quality" and "Vanadium Steel" plus the fractional size,
but without a model number.
The finish is chrome plating.
The sockets have a distinctive and functional design,
with a raised band of cross-hatched knurling at the bottom to assist with hand turning.
The markings are placed in a polished band at the base bracketed by narrow troughs,
which contrasts nicely with the matte finish of the tapered upper walls.
The upper inset shows the interiors of the sockets.
Note the ring of material at the base of the broaching,
a characteristic of Duro's Hot-Broaching Process.
The distinctive socket design and lack of model numbers indicate earlier production,
likely 1936-1937.
Later ChromeXQuality sockets had the same design and model numbers as the
standard Indestro production of the time.
ChromeXQuality 1/2-Drive Flex-Head Handles
The next two figures show examples of 1/2-drive flex handles supplied with ChromeXQuality sets,
beginning with the tool from the N693 set.
Fig. 447 shows
the 1/2-drive flex-head handle from the ChromeXQuality N693 set,
marked with "Chromium Vanadium" stamped on the shank.
The overall length is 11.6 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
The flex handle is equipped with a fixed male drive stud on the handle end,
allowing it to be used as an extension with a female-drive ratchet.
(Female drive ratchets were still quite common in the mid to late 1930s,
but were being replaced by male drive tools.)
In addition to the male drive stud,
the handle has a cross-bar hole to allow use as a Tee-handle.
This flex handle closely resembles the illustration in a 1937 Western Auto catalog,
and is basically identical to the standard Indestro 3221 flex handle of that period.
An example of the Indestro model can be seen as the
Indestro "Chromium-Vanadium" 3221 Flex Handle.
Fig. 448 shows
another example of a 1/2-drive ChromeXQuality flex-head handle,
stamped "ChromeXQuality" and "Vanadium Steel" on the shank.
The overall length is 11.6 inches.
The finish was originally chrome plating,
though much has now worn off;
a close look at the photograph shows that this tool has led a hard life.
As with the previous example,
the handle of this tool is equipped with both a cross-bar hole and a 1/2-drive stud.
These features allow use as a Tee-handle (with a cross-bar) and as an extension with a female-drive ratchet.
(Female drive ratchets were still quite common in the mid to late 1930s.)
ChromeXQuality N694 1/2-Drive Socket Set
This next figure shows a ChromeXQuality N694 socket set,
similar to the N693 set but with several more drive tools.
Fig. 449 shows
a ChromeXQuality N694 1/2-drive socket set,
consisting of a ratchet, a screwdriver bit/drive plug, a 10 inch extension,
and eight double-hex sockets ranging from 7/16 to 13/16.
The set is marked with a decal on the inside cover,
displaying the ChromeXQuality brand with "Deluxe Vanadium Steel Tools",
and with "Western Auto Supply Co." at the bottom.
The socket models and sizes are, from the right,
1214 (7/16), 1216 (1/2), 1218 (9/16), 19/32, 1220 (5/8), 21/32,
1222 (11/16), 1224 (3/4), and 1226 (13/16).
All except two of the sockets are marked with "Chromium Vanadium" plus a 12xx model number
and fractional size.
The two exceptions, 19/32 and 21/32,
are in the older style without model numbers and are marked "ChromeXQuality" and "Vanadium Steel".
The ratchet is unmarked except for a patent number,
but is the standard
Indestro No. 3202 Ratchet as supplied for contract production.
The No. 3211 10 inch extension is stamped "Chromium Vanadium" and "Made in U.S.A." around the shank.
The set as acquired was complete except for the 19/32 socket,
which we replaced from inventory to match the style of the 21/32 socket.
In addition, the set came with an extra tool,
a No. 3206 Sliding Tee Handle marked "Chromium Vanadium".
The set is contained in a sturdy metal box with a spot-welded divider to secure the sockets.
The dimensions are 11.1 inches long by 4.5 inches deep by 1.8 inches high.
Indestro [No. 3202] 1/2-Drive Ratchet from N694 Set
Fig. 450 shows
the Indestro [No. 3202] 1/2-drive ratchet and drive plug from the ChromeXQuality N694 set,
marked with "Pat. No. 1,902,878" on the cover plate.
The overall length is 9.4 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
The forged body, pressed-flange construction, and patent marking identify this as a standard
Indestro No. 3202 Ratchet,
which was typically unmarked (except for the patent notice) when supplied as contract production.
The patent marking refers to patent
#1,902,878,
filed by McNaught and Peterson in 1932 and issued in 1933.
The patent describes a method of assembling a ratchet by crimping the flanges of the forged body,
avoiding the need for screws to secure the cover plates.
This ratchet has a relatively coarse 16-tooth drive gear,
which was typical for early production.
Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" No. 3211 1/2-Drive 10 Inch Extension
Fig. 451 shows
the Indestro No. 3211 1/2-drive 10 inch extension from the ChromeXQuality N694 set,
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.
Although not marked with the company name,
the No. 3211 extension was listed in the 1937 Indestro catalog
as part of Indestro's "Super Quality" line of chrome-vanadium tools.
Indestro "Chromium Vanadium" No. 3206 1/2-Drive Sliding Tee Handle
Fig. 452 shows
the Indestro No. 3206 1/2-drive sliding Tee handle acquired with
(but not a standard part of) the ChromeXQuality N694 set.
The shank is stamped with the model number and "Made in U.S.A.",
with "Chromium Vanadium" on the sliding head.
The overall length is 10.2 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
Although not marked with the company name,
the No. 3206 sliding Tee handle was listed in the 1937 Indestro catalog
as part of Indestro's "Super Quality" line of chrome-vanadium tools.
ChromeXQuality N705 3/8-Drive Socket Set
Fig. 453 shows
a ChromeXQuality N705 3/8-drive socket set with most of its original sockets,
but missing several drive tools.
The decal on the inside cover reads "Deluxe ChromeXQuality Vanadium Steel Tools" with
"Western Auto Supply Co." at the bottom.
The original contents included a ratchet, a flex handle, an extension, a screwdriver bit,
seven double-hex sockets, and three double-square sockets.
The set as acquired had all of the sockets except for the 9/16 double-hex size,
but included only the ratchet as a drive tool.
The hex socket models and sizes are, from the left,
2712 (3/8), 2714 (7/16), 2716 (1/2), 2718 (9/16, missing), 2720 (5/8), 2722 (11/16), and 2724 (3/4).
The model number for the set was identified by reference to the 1938 Western Auto catalog.
The tools in the set are not marked with the ChromeXQuality brand,
but carry the standard markings for the Indestro "Super Quality" line of the late 1930s.
This is believed to indicate a later production date for the set;
in order to keep costs down,
socket sets for Western Auto were filled from standard Indestro production,
leaving only the decal to indicate the specific brand.
The dimensions of the box (in inches) are 9.5 long by 3.2 wide by 1.3 high.
Chromium Vanadium 27xx 3/8-Drive Double-Hex Sockets
Fig. 454 shows
the double-hex sockets from the ChromeXQuality N705 set,
all marked "Chromium Vanadium" with model numbers and the fractional sizes.
The model numbers and sizes are, from the left,
2712 (3/8), 2714 (7/16), 2716 (1/2), 2720 (5/8), 2722 (11/16), and 2724 (3/4).
One socket is missing from the set, the model 2718 9/16 size.
Based on the model numbers and markings on the sockets,
these are the standard 3/8-drive sockets offered by Indestro as part of
its "Super Quality" product line in the late 1930s.
Chromium Vanadium 2724 3/8-Drive 3/4 Double-Hex Socket
Fig. 455 shows
more detail for the 2724 3/4 socket in the above figure.
The interior of the socket (see right inset) illustrates the typical hot-broached construction
used by Duro/Indestro from 1935 onward.
Indestro No. 2888 3/8-Drive Ratchet
Fig. 456 shows
the Indestro No. 2888 3/8-drive ratchet from the N705 set,
marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Pat. No. 1,902,878" on the cover plate,
with "No. 2888" on the back side (see lower inset).
The overall length is 6.2 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
As was often the case for contract production,
the ratchet is not marked with a company name or brand,
but can be readily identified as Indestro production by the pressed-flange construction and
#1,902,878 patent notice.
In addition, the model No. 2888 is listed as a 3/8-drive ratchet in the Indestro
Super Quality (later Indestro Super) product line.
Other examples of ratchets made with the pressed-flange construction method include the
Duro No. 678D Ratchet
and
Indestro No. 3202 Ratchet.
ChromeXQuality 3/4-Drive 1-3/8 12-Point Socket
This next figure shows a rare example of a 3/4-drive ChromeXQuality socket,
currently the only one we've found.
Fig. 457 shows
a ChromeXQuality 3/4-drive 1-3/8 socket,
stamped with "ChromeXQuality" and the fractional size.
The inset shows the broached interior of the socket.
Note the annular shelf of displaced metal at the base of the broached area,
a characteristic of Duro's
Hot-Broaching Process.
One wall of the drive end of the socket can be seen in the inset,
and an oval indentation is visible in the center of the wall.
(All four walls have indentations.)
These indentations give the friction ball of a drive stud a better grip on the socket,
and probably would have required an extra machining step.
The drive end of this socket (not shown) has sharp edges at the drive opening,
a somewhat unexpected finding given that relieved edges were easy to add during hot broaching.
Our explanation for this is somewhat subtle and begins by noting that the drive-end indentations
were likely formed by cutting a groove in the drive end while the socket blank was still on the screw machine.
But if the drive end had then been hot-broached,
the hot metal flow from the broaching would have filled in the indentations.
Thus even though the service opening was hot-broached,
the drive end had to be cold-broached to preserve the indentations,
resulting in a drive opening with sharp edges.
Additional discussion of this curious mix of cold and hot broaching can be found with the
Super-Quality [2248] 3/4-Drive Socket.
The existence of this socket is highly significant,
as it shows that Western Auto Supply actually ordered private-branded 3/4-drive tools
from their contract vendors.
We haven't found any Western Auto catalog listings for heavy-duty 3/4-drive tools,
but have hypothesized that they were available on special order.
If Western Auto ordered contract production of the tools,
that suggests that there were special catalogs showing such items.
ChromeXQuality 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench
Fig. 458 shows
a ChromeXQuality 1027 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench,
stamped with "Vanadium Steel" and the model number on the front faces,
with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the back side.
The overall length is 7.2 inches,
and the finish is nickel or chrome plating.
The use of the "Forged in U.S.A." marking along a curved arc
identifies this wrench as Duro production.
ChromeXQuality 3/8x7/16 Offset Box-End Wrench
The 1937 Western Auto catalog listed a group of six deep offset box-end wrenches
in their ChromeXQuality brand,
with sizes ranging from 3/8x7/16 up to 15/16x1.
The text noted that they were chrome-molybdenum or chrome-vanadium steel,
and were offered with a lifetime free replacement guarantee.
We have acquired several examples of these wrenches,
all of Duro/Indestro production,
as the following figures will show.
Fig. 459 shows
a ChromeXQuality 3/8x7/16 offset box-end wrench with raised parallelogram panels,
stamped with "ChromeXQuality" and the fractional sizes on the front panel,
with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.
The overall length is 7.7 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends and panels.
The wrench can be identified as Duro/Indestro production by the design of the
box-end forgings and general construction,
the raised parallelogram panels,
and the use of a slanted font for the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking.
ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench
Fig. 460 shows
a ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 offset box-end wrench with raised parallelogram panels,
stamped with "ChromeXQuality" and the fractional sizes on the front panel,
with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.
The overall length is 8.8 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends and panels.
The wrench can be identified as Duro/Indestro production by the design of the
box-end forgings and general construction,
as well as the use of the slanted script for the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" mark.
ChromeXQuality 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench
Fig. 461 shows
a ChromeXQuality 5/8x11/16 offset box-end wrench with raised parallelogram panels,
stamped with "ChromeXQuality" and the fractional sizes on the front panel,
with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.
The overall length is 10.0 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends and panels.
The wrench can be identified as Duro/Indestro production by the design of the
box-end forgings and general construction,
as well as the use of the slanted script for the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" mark.
Western Auto offered these wrenches at extremely attractive prices,
ranging from $0.42 for the 3/8x7/16 size to $0.69 for the 15/16x1.
By comparison,
the 1938 Duro-Chrome catalog listed prices of $0.90 and $1.95 for their "Handy-Twin-Hex"
equivalent wrenches (models 2051 and 2056 respectively.)
ChromeXQuality 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench
Fig. 462 shows
a similar ChromeXQuality 3/4x25/32 offset wrench with raised parallelogram panels,
stamped with "ChromeXQuality" and the fractional sizes on the front panel,
with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.
The overall length is 11.4 inches,
and the finish is chrome plate with polished ends and panels.
The wrench can be identified as Duro/Indestro production by the design of the
box-end forgings and general construction,
as well as the use of the slanted script for the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" mark.
ChromeXQuality 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench
In Fig. 463 we see the largest of the group of wrenches,
a ChromeXQuality 15/16x1 offset box wrench with raised parallelogram panels,
stamped with "ChromeXQuality" and the fractional sizes on the front panel,
with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.
The overall length is 14.4 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends and panels,
with some finish loss and pitting due to rust.
The wrench can be identified as Duro/Indestro production by the design of the
box-end forgings and general construction,
as well as the use of the slanted script for the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" mark.
ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Box-End Wrench
The ChromeXQuality line also included straight box wrenches,
as the next figure illustrates.
Fig. 464 shows
a ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 box-end wrench with raised parallelogram panels,
stamped with "ChromeXQuality" and the fractional sizes on the front panel,
with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.
The overall length is 7.9 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends and faces.
The wrench can be identified as Duro production by the design and construction,
and the use of a slanted font for the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking.
ChromeXQuality 3/4x7/8 Box-End Wrench
Fig. 465 shows
a ChromeXQuality 3/4x7/8 box-end wrench with raised parallelogram panels,
stamped with "ChromeXQuality" and the fractional sizes on the front panel,
with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.
The overall length is 11.1 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends and faces.
The wrench can be identified as Duro production by the design and construction,
and the use of a slanted font for the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking.
Wizard and Westcraft
Wizard and Westcraft were registered trademarks of the Western Auto Supply Company,
and both marks were used for a line of hand tools.
Duro/Indestro was a major supplier for these lines,
as was Vlchek Tool of Cleveland and possibly other companies.
(See our article on Vlchek Contract Production
for more information.)
The Duro tools known to be sourced for Western Auto include ratchets, sockets, drive tools,
tappet wrenches, and some double-box wrenches.
The Wizard brand was the immediate successor of the ChromeXQuality mark shown previously,
and was generally (or exclusively) used for their top-quality tools.
Wizard H2833 1/2-Drive Ratchet
Fig. 466 shows
a Wizard H2833 1/2-drive fine-tooth ratchet,
stamped with a small "D" and "Wizard" on the handle in the top image,
with "Forged in U.S.A." in the bottom image.
The overall length is 10.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating
The ratchet mechanism is marked with patent #2,686,582,
issued in 1954 to Odlum and Hosford of Duro Metal Products.
(This patent will be seen on most of the Duro and Indestro fine-tooth ratchets.)
A check of the Indestro catalog for 1964 shows that this closely resembles the model 3277 ratchet.
A similar model 3275 ratchet was available with a knurled handle.
Wizard H2178 Tappet Wrench
Fig. 467 shows
a Wizard model H2178 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench.
The back side is marked "Alloy Steel" and "Forged in U.S.A.",
and the overall length is 8.4 inches.
The wrench is finished in a bright chrome plate.
The particular identifying marks for Duro/Indestro include the small "D" next to the Wizard brand,
and the "Forged in U.S.A." notation on a curved arc, as seen in the inset.
Wizard HR2192 Box-End Wrench
Fig. 468 shows
a Wizard model HR2192 1/2x9/16 offset double-box wrench,
stamped with "Wizard" and the model number with a small "D" code at the left,
with "Alloy Steel" and "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side.
The overall length is 5.1 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
The identification as Duro/Indestro production relies on the "D" code
and the construction details,
as the modern Duro/Indestro wrench design no longer included the distinctive "streamline" motif.
Westcraft 19/32x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench
Fig. 469 shows
a Westcraft 19/32x11/16 deep offset box wrench,
marked "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side.
The overall length is 9.4 inches.
Although not marked with the small "D" notation,
this wrench can be clearly identified as Duro/Indestro production by the
streamlined raised panel,
a motif previously seen on many examples.
Westcraft HR2820 1/2-Drive Flex-Head Handle
Fig. 470 shows
a 1/2-drive Westcraft HR2820 flex-head handle.
The knurled handle has a cross-bar hole,
and the end is broached for 1/2-drive.
The overall length is 12.0 inches.
The finish is plain steel,
indicating that this tool was likely manufactured in 1943-1945.
The distinctive head shape marks this as Duro/Indestro production,
and the closest models are the Duro-chrome 666D and Indestro 3221.
However, these models were made with male drive studs on the end at least until 1941;
the Westcraft female broach may have been a special order,
or possibly the models had been changed by then.
(The mid 1950s catalogs show the Duro-chrome 666D flex handle with a female broach.)
Westline 0725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench
Western Auto also sold tools under the "Westline" brand,
typically used for lower priced "economy" tools.
Fig. 471 shows
a Westline 0725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench with streamlined depressed panels,
marked with "Westline" and a "D" code forged into the shank,
with "Forged in U.S.A." forged into the back side.
The overall length is 5.3 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
Westline "Select Steel" 1076 11/16 Combination Wrench
Fig. 472 shows
a Westline 1076 11/16 combination wrench with streamlined depressed panels,
marked with "Forged Select Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the back side panel.
The wrench is also marked with the model number forged into the front face,
with "Westline" stamped on the back side face.
The overall length is 8.2 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
This wrench is an example of Duro/Indestro's "Select Steel" line of economy tools.
Additional examples can be seen in the section on the
"Select Steel" Brand.
Riverside
Riverside was a trademark of Montgomery Ward and was used for a variety of automobile-related
supplies and products, beginning in 1912.
At some point automobile tools were offered as well,
and some of the collected examples of Riverside tools are clearly of Duro/Indestro production.
It's not known which other companies may have sourced tools as well.
A 1935 Montgomery Ward catalog shows a number of socket sets and tools of likely Duro production.
The illustration for a 35-piece Chrome-Vanadium socket set shows a Duro-style ratchet,
with sockets matching the
Ward's Riverside examples.
The catalog also shows box-end wrenches that closely resemble the examples in the next figures.
Riverside 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench
Fig. 474 shows
a Riverside 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench with raised oval panels,
stamped with "Riverside" between two decorative triangles on the front panel,
and with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" and the fractional sizes on the back side panel.
The overall length is 8.2 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
Production by Duro/Indestro is indicated by the use of a slanted font for "Chrome Vanadium Steel",
as well as the hexagonal shank and general construction of the wrench.
Riverside 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrenches
Fig. 475 shows
a Riverside 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench,
marked with decorative triangles (meaning unknown) on a raised panel,
and with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the back side panel.
The overall length is 11.2 inches,
and the finish is a heavy cadmium plating.
Production by Duro/Indestro is indicated by the use of a slanted font for "Chrome Vanadium Steel",
as well as the hexagonal shank and general construction of the wrench.
Fig. 476 shows
another Riverside 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench,
similar to the previous example but without raised panels on the shank.
The wrench is stamped with decorative triangles on the front
with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.
The overall length is 11.2 inches.
The finish is a chrome or possibly nickel plate with a yellowish tint,
now worn through in places.
As with the previous example,
production by Duro/Indestro is indicated by the general construction
and the use of a slanted font for "Chrome Vanadium Steel".
Riverside "Compact Utility" 1/2-Drive Socket Set
The 1935 Montgomery Ward catalog offered a number of socket sets in both chrome-vanadium steel
and in carbon steel.
Based on the illustrations, all of the sets (with one possible exception) were made by Duro/Indestro.
The scan in Fig. 477 shows
a listing for a "Compact Utility" socket set,
as found on page 460 of the 1935 Montgomery Ward Spring-Summer catalog No. 122.
This set included both 1/2-drive and 1/4-drive components.
The text lists the 1/2-drive parts as a ratchet, a sliding Tee handle, an extension,
and nine double-hex sockets.
The 1/4-drive parts are listed as a flex handle and nine sockets,
but the illustration shows only eight sockets.
The text notes that the set was supplied with a steel box measuring 13-7/8 by 5-3/4 by 1-5/8 inches,
complete with a carrying handle.
We acquired a set that closely matches the illustration and which carries a decal for the Riverside brand,
a trademark used by Montgomery Ward.
Our set was missing the 1/4-drive components,
but had most of the specified 1/2-drive parts, including a few extras.
The ratchet and sockets in the set identify the set as Duro/Indestro production,
and the sockets are a mix of cold-broached and hot-broached construction,
providing a 1935-1936 manufacturing date estimate for the set.
Fig. 478 shows
a rare Riverside "Compact Utility" socket set retaining most of its original 1/2-drive parts,
but missing the 1/4-drive components.
The set as pictured consists of a forged-body ratchet with its drive plug, a sliding Tee handle, an extension,
a universal, and eight 1/2-drive double-hex sockets.
The socket sizes are, from the left,
7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 21/32, 3/4, 15/16, and 1 inch.
The sockets are all marked "Ward's" and "Chromium Vanadium" with the fractional size.
Based on the catalog listing,
the set appears to be missing the 11/16 and 13/16 sockets and has an extra 7/16 socket.
In addition,
the former owner has added a model 3217 universal.
Fig. 479 shows
the top cover of the Ward's Riverside "Compact Utility" set,
conveniently fitted with a sturdy handle.
The brown metal box measures 14.1 inches long by 5.9 inches wide by 1.7 inches high.
A careful look at the sockets in the photograph shows that the largest socket was cold-broached,
but the others were made using Duro's patented
Hot-Broaching Process.
Duro filed its patent for socket construction in 1935 and received patent
#2,027,922 in 1936,
suggesting a 1935-1936 production date for the set.
Duro 1/2-Drive Pressed-Flange Ratchet from Riverside "Compact Utility" Socket Set
Fig. 480 shows
the Duro 1/2-drive pressed-flange ratchet and drive plug from the Riverside "Compact Utility" set.
The ratchet is marked with patent
#1,902,878 on the cover plate,
a reference to the well-known Duro patent for pressed-flange ratchet construction.
The overall length is 10.2 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
The ratchet mechanism has a 16-tooth drive gear,
a relatively coarse pitch consistent with an early production date.
The forged body of the ratchet closely matches the illustration in the Montgomery Ward catalog.
Note that the design is distinct from the well-known
Duro 678D or
Indestro 3202 models,
indicating that Montgomery Ward was a sufficiently important customer to warrant a custom forging die
for the ratchet handle.
Ward's "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive Sockets from "Compact Utility" Set
Fig. 481 shows
the two largest Ward's "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-drive sockets from the "Compact Utility" set.
The sizes are 15/16 at the left and 1 inch at the right,
and both sockets are stamped "Ward's" and "Chromium Vanadium" on the base.
The socket on the left has a scalloped ring of displaced metal,
a characteristic of Duro's patented hot-broached construction.
The socket on the right though has only small bits of metal at the base
of the broached area,
indicating cold-broached construction.
Ward's Riverside "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-Drive Sockets
Some of the production for the Riverside brand was marked with both "Ward's" and "Riverside",
as the next figure illustrates.
Fig. 482 shows
two Ward's Riverside "Chromium Vanadium" 1/2-drive double-hex sockets,
with sizes 1-1/16 on the left and 1-1/8 on the right.
The sockets are marked "Ward's Riverside" and "Chromium Vanadium" with the fractional size,
and the finish is chrome plating.
The top inset shows the interior of the sockets,
illustrating the hot-broached construction with a scalloped ring of displaced metal.
These sockets were acquired separately rather than as part of a set,
but are very similar to the Ward's "Chromium Vanadium" sockets from the Riverside "Compact Utility" set.
The inclusion of the "Riverside" brand on the sockets probably indicates later production.
Ward's Master Quality
Montgomery Ward used the "Master Quality" brand for its top grade of tools,
and Duro/Indestro have been identified as one of the suppliers of Master Quality tools.
Ward's Master Quality 84-4783 1/2-Drive Reversible Ratchet
Fig. 483 shows
a Ward's Master Quality 84-4783 1/2-drive reversible ratchet,
stamped with the Ward's "M|W" logo and model number on the cover plate,
with "Wards Master Quality" forged into the handle.
The back side cover plate is stamped "Pat. No. 1,902,878",
with "Wards Master Quality" forged into the back side handle.
The overall length is 10.2 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
The patent notice refers to patent
#1,902,878,
issued in 1933 to McNaught and Peterson with assignment to Duro Metal Products.
The ratchet mechanism has a 36-tooth drive gear,
a much finer pitch than the earlier ratchet models.
Powr-Kraft
In the 1930s Montgomery Ward offered a broad line of power tools under the "Powr-Kraft" trademark,
and in later years the brand was extended to include hand tools.
Duro was one of the manufacturers selected to supply sockets and drive tools
for the Powr-Kraft line,
as the next figure illustrates.
Powr-Kraft 1/2-Drive Sockets
Fig. 484 shows
a group of 1/2-drive Powr-Kraft 12-point sockets,
each marked "Powr-Kraft 100" and "84-4865" with a small "D" code.
The sizes are, from the left, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, and 15/16.
Cross Country
Another name occasionally seen on older tools is the "Cross Country" (or "Cross-Country") brand.
Currently most (or perhaps all) of the known examples appear to have been made by Duro or Indestro,
and the general time frame appears to be the 1930s or early 1940s.
Based on our research,
the Cross Country tools are believed to have been made for Sears Roebuck.
The Sears catalogs used the Cross Country brand extensively for various automotive supplies and accessories,
including such items as oil, grease, polishing wax, batteries, and tire pressure gauges.
Catalog listings for the brand are known from 1919 (or earlier) through at least the 1940s.
Our suspicions regarding the origin of Cross Country tools were finally confirmed by the
discovery of tool listings for this brand in the 1933 Sears Fall-Winter catalog.
This catalog lists Cross Country socket sets and several types of wrenches on page 496
of the automotive supplies section,
and the following 1934 Spring-Summer catalog lists Cross Country socket sets and wrenches
on page 416.
Since other Sears catalogs from slightly earlier or later didn't offer tools in the Cross Country brand,
we can presume that the Cross Country tools were made only for a brief time in 1933 and 1934.
Cross Country 3/4x7/8 Box-End Wrench
Fig. 485 shows
a Cross Country 3/4x7/8 box-end wrench,
stamped with "Cross Country" between two geometric symbols,
with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" in a slanted font on the back side.
The overall length is 11.1 inches,
and the finish is plain steel,
with traces of chrome plating.
This wrench can be identified as Indestro production by the
use of the slanted font for the "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking.
This example is currently the earliest observed usage of the slanted font marking.
Cross Country 1831 3/4x3/4 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench
Fig. 486 shows
a Cross Country 1831 3/4x3/4 angle-head open-end wrench,
often called an obstruction wrench.
The wrench is marked "Chrome Vanadium Steel" with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side,
as shown in the inset.
The overall length is 7.5 inches.
This wrench is readily identified as Duro production by the model number 1831,
listed as a 3/4x3/4 obstruction wrench in the Duro-Chrome catalogs.
In addition,
the "Forged in U.S.A." marking along a curved arc is a reliable indicator of Duro production.
An example of this model branded for Duro-Chrome can be seen as the
Duro-Chrome 1831 Obstruction Wrench.
Cross Country No. 3 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench
Fig. 487 shows
a Cross Country No. 3 tappet wrench with size 5/8x11/16,
marked "Chrome Vanadium Steel" with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side.
The overall length is 8.6 inches.
This wrench can identified as Duro production by the curved-arc "Forged in U.S.A." marking
and other construction features.
The model number also follows the Duro/Indestro numbering for tappet wrenches;
the Duro-Chrome 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench was a D-3,
and the corresponding Indestro Super-Quality model was a T-3.
Tiger Tools (Gamble Stores)
Gamble-Skogmo, Incorporated operated a chain of Gamble Stores,
which sold a variety of home furnishings and auto accessories,
including automotive service tools.
The company used the "Tiger Tools" brand for a line of tools including open-end wrenches,
box-end wrenches, combination wrenches, adjustable wrenches, and socket sets.
The brand was in use from the late 1930s through at least the early 1940s.
Before showing examples of "Tiger Tools" wrenches made by Duro/Indestro,
we'll present a listing from the 1942 Gamble's catalog in which the company can be identified
by the distinctive streamlined panels on deep offset wrenches.
(A similar listing appeared in the 1940 catalog as well,
but the illustration wasn't as clear.)
Other known suppliers to the Tiger Tools brand include Diamond, S-K, and Vlchek.
Tiger Tools Deep Offset Box-End Wrenches
The scan in Fig. 488 shows
a listing for Tiger deep offset box wrenches,
as published on page 40 of the 1942 Gamble's Mail Order catalog.
The dart-like streamlined panels on the wrenches closely resemble the known production by Duro/Indestro.
The "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking on the panels is visible in the illustration.
The raised panels in the illustrations seemed to have some additional markings,
so we magnified the image to get a better look.
To our surprise,
the panels were marked with numbers recognizable as the S-K model numbers for offset box wrenches!
The scan in Fig. 489 shows
a close-up of the panel on the largest wrench,
in which the number "33030" can be seen at the left.
This is the S-K model number for the 15/16x1 inch offset box wrench!
We originally added this catalog illustration as a way of proving that Duro/Indestro provided contract production
for Tiger Tools,
but got a lot more information than expected.
The illustration also proves that Duro/Indestro provided contract production for S-K (which was not unexpected),
and then indirectly provided production to Tiger Tools via S-K.
To add to the intrigue,
the illustration in Fig. 488 also appeared in the 1940 Gamble's catalog,
but the panels on the wrenches were indistinct and seemed to have been air-brushed,
as though the catalog layout person realized that they shouldn't be publishing unnecessary detail.
We suspect that the 1942 illustration is based on the photograph from 1940,
as Duro/Indestro production for S-K was expected at that time.
Tiger Tools 5/8x11/16 Deep Offset Box-End Wrench
Fig. 490 shows
a Tiger Tools 5/8x11/16 deep offset box-end wrench with raised panels,
stamped "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the front panel,
with "Tiger Tools" and the fractional sizes on the back panel.
The overall length is 9.8 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
The top inset shows an edge view of the wrench,
illustrating the deeply offset box ends.
The dart-like streamlined raised panels are characteristic of Duro/Indestro production.
The "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking and chrome plated finish suggest production from the
late 1930s to early 1940s.
Tiger Tools 3/4x25/32 Deep Offset Box-End Wrenches
The next two figures show examples of Tiger Tools 3/4x25/32 offset box wrenches,
but with a significant difference in the markings.
Fig. 491 shows
a Tiger Tools 3/4x25/32 deep offset box-end wrench with raised panels,
stamped "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the front panel,
with "Tiger Tools" and the fractional sizes on the back panel.
The overall length is 11.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
The top inset shows an edge view of the wrench,
illustrating the deeply offset box ends.
The dart-like streamlined raised panels are characteristic of Duro/Indestro production.
The "Chrome Vanadium Steel" marking and chrome plated finish suggest production from the
late 1930s to early 1940s.
Fig. 492 shows
a Tiger Tools 3324 3/4x25/32 deep offset box-end wrench with raised panels,
stamped with "Made in U.S.A." and the model number on the front panel,
with "Tiger Tools" and the fractional sizes on the back panel.
The overall length is 11.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating,
with some loss due to rust.
The top inset shows an edge view of the wrench,
illustrating the deeply offset box ends.
This second wrench is nearly identical to the first example in dimensions and construction,
confirming its production by Duro/Indestro.
The markings are different though,
and the "3324" model number is the key to understanding the difference.
This number has been identified as the model number used by the
Brazil Tools division of S-K
for the 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench included as part of a 71-piece "Mechanics' Tool Chest".
(The S-K equivalent would be the Model 33024 Offset Box Wrench.)
Brazil Tools provided extensive contract production to the Gamble Stores chain,
and a catalog listing for the
71-Piece Mechanics' Tool Chest
can be found in our article on S-K.
The illustration of the 71-piece set shows a group of six offset box wrenches,
one of which would have been the 3324 wrench.
The presence of the Brazil Tools model number "3324" on this second wrench
means that the wrench was "secondary" contract production,
first supplied by Duro/Indestro to S-K,
then supplied by S-K's Brazil Tools to Gamble's Tiger Tools.
We always like to think that the tools posted on this site have a story to tell,
but this wrench has a more interesting story than most.
Craftsman
Duro had a long association with Sears Roebuck that included supplying socket sets
in the late 1920s and wrenches for the "Cross-Country" brand in the mid 1930s.
Surprisingly though,
Duro's production for the Craftsman brand was very limited,
with the only known tools being tappet wrenches and ratcheting box-end wrenches.
Craftsman Vanadium "Curved Arc" No. 3 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench
Fig. 493 shows
a Craftsman Vanadium No. 3 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench,
stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and model number in a curved arc on the right face,
with "Vanadium" and "Forged in U.S.A." in a curved arc on the left face.
The overall length is 10.0 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
This wrench is not marked with a manufacturer's code,
but the "Forged in U.S.A." marking along a curved arc is a stylistic trait that
serves to identify Duro/Indestro production.
(See the Duro-Chrome D-3 Tappet Wrench for an example.)
In this case Duro/Indestro has extended the curved markings to include the Craftsman logo
and "Vanadium" as well.
Craftsman "D.I." 3/8x7/16 Ratcheting Box Wrench
Fig. 494 shows
a Craftsman 3/8x7/16 ratcheting box wrench with raised panels,
stamped with the Craftsman double-line logo on the panel.
The body is stamped "Made U.S.A." at the left,
with "Reg. U.S. Pat. Off." and a "D.I." code at the right.
The overall length is 6.2 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
The construction of the wrench uses symmetrical stamped steel formed panels
held together by rivets.
The raised panel in the center of each half is a distinctive feature
also found in the Duro/Indestro production of ratcheting box wrenches,
although Duro/Indestro used a "streamlined" dart-shaped panel.
The "D.I." manufacturer's code is derived from "Duro Indestro".
Craftsman ratcheting box wrenches in this style were first offered in the 1949 Craftsman catalog
and remained available through the 1969 catalog.
Duro initially made the tools only for the Craftsman brand,
but by the 1960s was offering them in the Duro and Indestro catalogs.
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