The "Select Steel" Brand
In an earlier section we explored the early
Indestro "Chicago" Era
of the "Select Steel" line of economy tools.
Indestro continued to offer this line in the post-war years,
using the same distinctive "Streamlined" design which had been trademarked in 1937.
By this time the line of tools had evolved into a "Select Steel" brand,
with the Indestro name no longer consistently marked,
but implicit via the streamlined design trademark.
By the early 1950s even the "Select Steel" moniker was no longer being marked on the box-end wrenches,
although it remained in use in the catalogs.
So far it appears that the tools without "Select Steel" markings are at least marked with
the standard model numbers for the line,
which provide positive identification for the tools.
These tools were widely sold through hardware stores and other channels
and were apparently highly successful products,
based on the large numbers of tools to be found.
The tools displayed in this section were made over a relatively long period of time,
from the mid 1940s through the 1970s (or beyond),
and therefore not surprisingly exhibit a range of marking styles and production features.
Unfortunately the catalog illustrations for the "Select Steel" line tended to be rather generic,
so that in general we don't have the information needed to make fine-grained estimates of
production dates from changes in markings or production features.
Our approach here will be to select tools with a wide range of marking and production styles,
and where possible make comments on factors suggesting production dates.
Catalog Coverage
Currently our catalog coverage for the "Select Steel" tools in the post-war era is rather limited,
as our first Indestro catalog during this period is not until 1956.
We have some coverage from the Duro catalogs,
but Duro only offered a subset of the "Select Steel" line.
A review of the Indestro (and Duro) catalogs found that the "Select Steel" tools were
no longer listed after about 1964,
the approximate date of Indestro's catalog No. 22A.
In addition,
our catalogs do not show any listings for the Indestro Select socket tools,
even though we have strong evidence that these tools were in production by the early 1960s.
However, we have found newspaper advertisements for Indestro Select socket tools into
at least the early 1970s.
These observations suggest that Indestro removed the "Select Steel" line from their
regular catalogs but continued to offer the tools through some alternate channel,
possibly a wholesale catalog directed at hardware stores or other consumer retail outlets.
In an earlier edition of this article we wrote
"Finding such a catalog would be very helpful in filling in the later history of the tools,
and we hope that one will turn up at some point",
and that hope has recently (2021) come to fruition —
the Indestro "Select Steel Tools" catalog No. 2 has been added to our catalog resources.
As expected, the Select Steel Tools catalog pulls together the entire Select Steel line in one place —
socket tools in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive,
the older hex-drive socket sets in metal clips and plastic pouches,
wrenches in open-end, box-end, and combination styles,
and a modest selection of chisels and punches.
The catalog also offers various display racks and "merchandisers" to assist retail outlets
in selling the tools.
The Select Steel Tools catalog No. 2 has the same "almost 50 years" length of service statement
as Indestro catalog No. 22A,
providing an estimated publication date of 1964.
Open-End Wrenches
In this section we'll explore the "Select Steel" open-end wrenches in the post-war era.
Earlier examples of the line can be in the section on
Indestro "Chicago" Open-End wrenches.
Construction and Marking Styles
In reviewing the collected examples of open-end wrenches we have attempted to classify the
tools into groups based on construction and marking details.
Thus far we have identified four major groups as follows.
Transitional.
These examples closely resemble the earlier Indestro "Chicago" wrenches,
but with "Indestro Chicago-U.S.A." replaced by "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front.
The finish is either plain steel or cadmium plating,
and the marked model number is a pure industry-standard number,
without a prefix to indicate the finish.
These wrenches are believed to have been made in the 1944-1945 wartime years.
Examples can be seen as the
Indestro "Select Steel" No. 21 Open-End Wrench
and
Indestro "Select Steel" No. 31 Open-End Wrench.
Post-War.
This group of wrenches are marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side.
The front faces are marked with the fractional sizes,
with the larger opening at the left.
The back side faces are marked either with "Indestro" and the model number,
or with just the model number.
The model numbers are marked with a prefix to indicate the finish,
which is either "P" for chrome plating or "0" for cadmium plating.
Most of the wrenches in this section fall into this catagory.
Forged-In Sizes.
In this group the fractional sizes are forged into both the front and back side panels,
and the larger opening is on the right.
The forged-in text shows some variation due to the space required for the sizes,
but will typically be either "Made in U.S.A." or "Forged in U.S.A." on the front panel,
with "Forged Select Steel" or "Select Steel" on the back side.
The examples collected thus far are not marked with the company name or model number,
and the observed finish is chrome plating.
An example can be seen as the
Indestro "Select Steel" 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench.
Late Style.
In what is presumed to be the last style,
the forged-in markings have been reduced to just "Forged U.S.A." on the front panel.
The front faces are stamped with the fractional sizes,
with the larger opening on the right.
The back side faces are stamped with "Indestro" and the model number.
Examples can be seen as the
Indestro "Forged U.S.A." P727 Open-End Wrench and
Indestro "Forged U.S.A." 033C Open-End Wrench.
The four style groups have been listed in plausible chronological order,
although there may have been some overlap.
The one constant through all these changes is that the wrenches retain the streamlined depressed panels
forged into both sides.
Finish Options
One of the changes for the post-war period was that finish options were reflected in the
actual marked model numbers.
In earlier years the catalogs had provided prefix letters for the available finishes,
but the wrenches were marked with just the industry-standard model number,
regardless of finish.
In the later years the observed finishes are chrome plating, indicated by a "P" prefix,
and cadmium plating, indicated by a "0" prefix.
By 1956 (or earlier) the standard finish for "Select Steel" open-end wrenches was chrome plating,
which was indicated by a "P" prefix in the catalogs and on the wrenches.
Currently we do not have catalog listings showing a cadmium finish option.
It's possible that Indestro catalogs from the late 1940s or early 1950s (currently unavailable)
may have offered cadmium finishes,
or else the observed cadmium-finished wrenches may have been contract production not covered by the catalogs.
We have tentatively attributed wrenches with cadmium finishes to the late 1940s to early 1950s,
but will update these estimates if better information becomes available.
Indestro "Select Steel" [P/0]720 5/16x11/32 Open-End Wrenches
Fig. 495 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" 0720 5/16x11/32 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with the model number on the back side left face.
The overall length is 3.7 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
Fig. 496 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" P720 5/16x11/32 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with "Indestro" and the model number on the back side faces.
The overall length is 3.8 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Indestro "Select Steel" No. 21 5/16x13/32 Open-End Wrench
Fig. 497 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" No. 21 5/16x13/32 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with the model number on the back side left face.
The overall length is 3.8 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The construction and marking style of this wrench closely resemble the earlier Indestro "Chicago" generation,
with "Indestro Chicago-U.S.A." replaced by "Made in U.S.A." on the front panel.
(See for example the similar
Indestro "Chicago" No. 721 Open-End Wrench.)
In particular,
the use of a pure industry-standard model number without a finish prefix follows the earlier convention.
This wrench was likely made in the 1944-1945 wartime years and provides evidence of the
transition to generic markings during the wartime period.
Indestro "Select Steel" P722 5/16x7/16 Open-End Wrench
Fig. 498 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" P722 5/16x7/16 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with "Indestro" and the model number on the back side faces.
The overall length is 3.6 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Indestro "Select Steel" [P/0]723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrenches
The next figures show three generations of the Indestro No. 723 3/8x7/16 wrench,
beginning with a transitional example from the late wartime period.
Fig. 499 shows
an early Indestro "Select Steel" No. 723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with the model number on the back side left face.
The overall length is 4.5 inches,
and the finish is plain steel,
possibly with traces of cadmium plating.
The construction and marking style of this wrench closely resemble the earlier Indestro "Chicago" generation,
with "Indestro Chicago-U.S.A." replaced by "Made in U.S.A." on the front panel.
(See for example the similar
Indestro "Chicago" No. 25 Open-End Wrench.)
In particular,
the use of a pure industry-standard model number without a finish prefix follows the earlier convention.
This wrench was likely made in the 1944-1945 wartime years and provides evidence of the
transition to generic markings during the wartime period.
Fig. 500 shows
a somewhat later Indestro "Select Steel" 0723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with the model number on the back side left face.
The overall length is 4.5 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
Fig. 501 shows
a later Indestro "Select Steel" P723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with the model number on the back side left face.
The overall length is 4.5 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Indestro "Select Steel" [P]725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrenches
The next figures show four generations of the Indestro No. 725B 1/2x9/16 wrench,
beginning with a transitional example from the late wartime period.
Fig. 502 shows
an earlier Indestro "Select Steel" No. 725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with the model number on the back side left face.
The overall length is 5.5 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The construction and marking style of this wrench closely resemble the earlier Indestro "Chicago" generation,
with "Indestro Chicago-U.S.A." replaced by "Made in U.S.A." on the front panel.
(See for example the similar
Indestro "Chicago" No. 25 Open-End Wrench.)
In particular,
the use of a pure industry-standard model number without a finish prefix follows the earlier convention.
This wrench was likely made in the 1944-1945 wartime years and provides evidence of the
transition to generic markings during the wartime period.
Fig. 503 shows
a somewhat later Indestro "Select Steel" 0725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with "Indestro" and the model number on the back side faces.
The overall length is 5.3 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
Fig. 504 shows
a somewhat later Indestro "Select Steel" P725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with "Indestro" and the model number on the back side faces.
The overall length is 5.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Fig. 505 shows
a later Indestro "Select Steel" [P725B] 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench with forged-in sizes,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Forged Select Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 5.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
In this later example the fractional sizes are forged into both sides of the shank,
and the company name and model number are not marked.
Indestro ["Select Steel"] P727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrenches
The next figures show two generations of the Indestro P727 wrench,
with differences in the forged-in markings.
Fig. 506 shows
an earlier Indestro "Select Steel" P727 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench with streamlined depressed panels,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with "Indestro" and the model number on the back side faces.
The overall length is 6.4 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Fig. 507 shows
a later Indestro P727 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench,
marked with "Forged U.S.A." forged into the front panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with the model number and "Indestro" on the back side faces.
The overall length is 6.4 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Note that the heads of this wrench are significantly oversized in relation to the milled opening,
suggesting that one forging die was being used to make blanks for several wrench sizes.
Indestro "Select Steel" [P/0]27 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrenches
The next four figures show examples of the "Select Steel" No. 27 19/32x11/16 wrench,
with differences in the markings and finish.
Fig. 508 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" 027 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with the model number on the back side left face.
The overall length is 6.3 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
The cadmium finish and unpolished faces suggest production during the late 1940s to mid 1950s.
Fig. 509 shows
another Indestro "Select Steel" 027 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with "Indestro" and the model number on the back side faces.
The overall length is 6.3 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
This example shows that some wrenches with cadmium finishes were also marked with the Indestro name.
Fig. 510 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" P27 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are stamped on the front faces,
with "Indestro" and the model number on the back side faces.
The overall length is 6.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Fig. 511 shows
a later Indestro "Select Steel" [P27] 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench with forged-in sizes,
marked with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Select Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 6.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
In this later example the fractional sizes are forged into both sides of the shank,
and the company name and model number are not marked.
Indestro "Select Steel" P729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench
The next figures show two generations of the Indestro No. 729 5/8x3/4 wrench.
Fig. 512 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" P729 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The front faces are stamped with the fractional sizes,
with "Indestro" and the model number on the back side faces.
The overall length is 7.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Fig. 513 shows
a later Indestro "Select Steel" [P729] 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench with forged-in sizes,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 7.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
In this later example the fractional sizes are forged into both sides of the shank,
and the company name and model number are not marked.
Indestro "Select Steel" No. 31 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench
Fig. 514 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" No. 31 25/32x7/8 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The front faces are stamped with the fractional sizes,
with the model number on the left face of the back side.
The overall length is 8.5 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
The construction and marking style of this wrench closely resemble the earlier Indestro "Chicago" generation,
with "Indestro Chicago-U.S.A." replaced by "Made in U.S.A." on the front panel.
(See for example the similar
Indestro "Chicago" No. 33-B Open-End Wrench.)
In particular,
the use of a pure industry-standard model number without a finish prefix follows the earlier convention.
This wrench was likely made in the 1944-1945 wartime years and provides evidence of the
transition to generic markings during the wartime period.
Indestro "Select Steel" [P/0]731B 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrenches
The next figures show two generations of the Indestro No. 731B 13/16x7/8 open-end wrench.
Fig. 515 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" 0731B 13/16x7/8 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The front faces are stamped with the fractional sizes,
with the model number on the back side left face.
The overall length is 8.3 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
Fig. 516 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" P731B 13/16x7/8 open-end wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The front faces are stamped with the fractional sizes,
with "Indestro" and the model number on the back side faces.
The overall length is 8.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Indestro "Forged U.S.A." 033C 15/16x1 Inch Open-End Wrench
This next figure provides an example of Indestro's late production,
with the forged-in markings reduced to just "Forged U.S.A." on one panel.
Fig. 517 shows
a later Indestro 033C 15/16x1 inch open-end wrench,
marked with "Forged U.S.A." forged into the front panel.
The front faces are stamped with the fractional sizes,
with the model number and "Indestro" on the back side faces.
The overall length is 9.3 inches,
and the finish is cadmium or zinc plating.
Open+Box Wrenches
The "open+box" wrench style combined open and box ends of different sizes and became popular in the
early 1930s for automobile toolkits.
Indestro's early production of this style can be seen in the section on
Indestro "Chicago" Open+Box Wrenches.
Note that although the open+box wrenches were assigned 90x catalog numbers from the beginning,
the numbers are not known to have been marked on the tools.
As with the other "Select Steel" tools,
open+box wrenches were available in sets of various sizes.
An example of one of these sets can be seen as the
Indestro 900-5A Open+Box Wrench Set.
Construction and Marking Styles
In the post-war era the open+box wrenches remained relatively unchanged for many years.
The standard markings were "Made in U.S.A." forged into the streamlined depressed panel on the front,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel,
and with the fractional sizes forged into small "size panels" on the back side.
Later production made minor changes to the markings.
The "Made in U.S.A." marking was changed to "Forged U.S.A." on the front panel,
with "Select Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel,
replacing the "size panels" of the previous generation.
Finish Options
The standard finish was chrome plating with polished faces,
and no other finishes have been observed on the collected examples.
Indestro "Select Steel" 3/8x7/16 Open+Box Wrench
Fig. 518 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" 3/8x7/16 open+box wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are forged into small panels on the back side.
The overall length is 4.1 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
This wrench was acquired as part of the
Indestro 900-5A Open+Box Wrench Set.
Indestro "Select Steel" 7/16x1/2 Open+Box Wrench
The next figures show two generations of the Indestro 7/16x1/2 open+box wrench.
Fig. 519 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" 7/16x1/2 open+box wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are forged into small panels on the back side.
The overall length is 4.5 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
This wrench was acquired as part of the
Indestro 900-5A Open+Box Wrench Set.
Fig. 520 shows
a later Indestro "Select Steel" 7/16x1/2 open+box wrench,
marked with "Forged U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Select Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 4.5 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Indestro "Select Steel" 1/2x9/16 Open+Box Wrench
Fig. 521 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" 1/2x9/16 open+box wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are forged into small panels on the back side.
The overall length is 5.1 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
This wrench was acquired as part of the
Indestro 900-5A Open+Box Wrench Set.
Indestro "Select Steel" 9/16x5/8 Open+Box Wrench
The next figures show two generations of the Indestro 9/16x5/8 open+box wrench.
Fig. 522 shows
an earlier Indestro "Select Steel" 9/16x5/8 open+box wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are forged into small panels on the back side.
The overall length is 5.9 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
This wrench was acquired as part of the
Indestro 900-5A Open+Box Wrench Set.
Fig. 523 shows
a later Indestro "Select Steel" 9/16x5/8 open+box wrench,
marked with "Forged U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Select Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 5.9 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Indestro "Select Steel" 5/8x3/4 Open+Box Wrench
The next figures show two generations of the Indestro 5/8x3/4 open+box wrench.
Fig. 524 shows
an earlier Indestro "Select Steel" 5/8x3/4 open+box wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are forged into small panels on the back side.
The overall length is 6.6 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
This wrench was acquired as part of the
Indestro 900-5A Open+Box Wrench Set.
Fig. 525 shows
a later Indestro "Select Steel" 5/8x3/4 open+box wrench,
marked with "Forged U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Select Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 6.6 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Indestro "Select Steel" 3/4x7/8 Open+Box Wrench
The next figures show two generations of the Indestro 3/4x7/8 open+box wrench.
Fig. 526 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" 3/4x7/8 open+box wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The fractional sizes are forged into small panels on the back side.
The overall length is 7.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Fig. 527 shows
a later Indestro "Select Steel" 3/4x7/8 open+box wrench,
marked with "Forged U.S.A." forged into the front panel,
with "Select Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 7.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Indestro "Select Steel" 900-5A 5-Piece Open+Box Wrench Set
Indestro offered sets of open+box wrenches of varying sizes,
with the tools secured by a bolt and wing-nut.
Fig. 528 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" 900-5A 5-piece open+box wrench set,
stamped "Set No. 900-5A" on the metal clip,
with "Indestro Mfg. Corp" and "Chicago U.S.A." on the back side (not shown).
The wrench sizes are 3/8x7/16, 7/16x1/2, 1/2x9/16, 9/16x5/8, and 5/8x3/4.
Each wrench is marked with "Made in U.S.A." forged into one panel,
with "Drop Forged Select Steel" forged into the other panel,
and with the sizes forged into small panels.
The overall length is 6.6 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Box-End Wrenches
The "Select Steel" box wrenches were offered in three styles:
short angled, long (standard) offset, and short offset.
The table below shows the model numbers and sizes for the wrenches in each style.
Note that although the model numbers were listed in the catalogs from the beginning,
the numbers were not marked on tools until later,
probably beginning in the late 1940s or early 1950s.
Construction and Marking Styles
The box wrenches underwent significant changes in the forged-in markings during the post-war years,
more so than for the other tool types in the "Select Steel" line.
One of the more signficant changes was the relatively early omission of the "Select Steel" marking itself.
We have attempted to categorize the collected examples into groups,
with a presumed ordering based on the evolution of the markings.
Late Wartime Transitional.
This group applies only to the angled box wrenches,
which were marked "Indestro Chicago-U.S.A." in their initial production beginning in 1937.
By 1944-1945 the markings had been changed to match the offset box wrenches,
with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into one panel,
and with "Forged Select Steel" on the back side panel.
Examples can be seen as the
Indestro 919 Angled Box Wrench
and
Indestro 922 Angled Box Wrench.
Post-War "Select Steel".
The initial post-war production retained the same markings as the late wartime era,
with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into one panel,
with "Forged Select Steel" on the back side.
This group can be distinguished by its modern chrome plated finish,
instead of the plain or cadmium finishes of the wartime years.
We were a bit surprised to find that examples from this group seem to be somewhat uncommon,
with only two examples found in our rather large collection of wrenches.
This suggests that they were produced for only a short period,
leading to an estimated date range from 1946 to the late 1940s.
Examples can be seen as the
Indestro "Select Steel" [913] Offset Box Wrench
and
Indestro "Select Steel" [914] Offset Box Wrench.
Early Transitional Number Marking.
The first significant change was the replacement of the "Forged Select Steel" marking
with "Forged No. 91x Steel" for the particular model number,
with the opposite side retaining the "Made in U.S.A." marking.
This generation of box wrenches was the first to be marked with the catalog model number.
The estimated production date range for this group is from the late 1940s to early 1950s.
Examples can be seen as the
Indestro No. 925 Angled Box Wrench
and
Indestro No. 934 Short Offset Box Wrench.
Indestro Number Marking.
The next change was the replacement of "Made in U.S.A." by "Forged in U.S.A." on one panel,
with "Indestro No. 9xx" for the particular model number on the opposite panel.
This was the first generation in which all box wrench types were marked with the "Indestro" name,
and the company name marking remained for all subsequent production.
The estimated production date range for this group is from the early 1950s to early 1960s.
Examples can be seen as the
Indestro No. 911 Offset Box Wrench
and
Indestro No. 932 Short Offset Box Wrench.
Indestro Select Brand.
In 1961 Indestro filed a trademark for "Select Steel Tools" and began using "Indestro Select" as a brand.
The new Indestro Select brand was used for socket tools and box wrenches,
but is not known to have been marked on open-end or open+box wrenches.
The box wrench markings were changed by replacing "Indestro No. 9xx" with "Indestro Select",
and then squeezing the model number (without the "No." prefix) into "9xx Forged in U.S.A." on the opposite side.
The Indestro Select brand was used for only a relatively short period,
resulting in an estimated manufacturing date range from 1961 to the mid 1960s for this group.
Examples can be seen as the
Indestro Select No. 921 Angled Box Wrench,
Indestro Select No. 913 Offset Box Wrench,
and
Indestro Select No. 933 Short Offset Box Wrench.
"Forged U.S.A." Marking.
In the last group the "Forged in U.S.A." marking has been simplified to "Forged U.S.A.",
with "Indestro 9xx" for the particular model number on the opposite panel.
The estimated production date range for this group is from the mid 1960s onward.
Examples can be seen as the
Indestro No. 921 Angled Box Wrench,
Indestro No. 915 Offset Box Wrench,
and
Indestro No. 916 Offset Box Wrench.
Finish Options
In the post-war era the only documented finish for box wrenches was chrome plating,
and all of the collected examples with post-war marking styles have chrome finishes.
One additional finishing detail is worth mentioning.
The Indestro catalogs from around 1956 and 1964 offered box wrench sets with an option for
polished or unpolished heads,
and the wrenches in this section include examples of both polished and unpolished ends.
Indestro "Select Steel" [No. 919] 1/4x5/16 Short Angled Box Wrench
Fig. 529 shows
an early Indestro "Select Steel" [No. 919] 1/4x5/16 short angled box wrench
with streamlined depressed panels,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 3.7 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
The cadmium finish and "Made in U.S.A." marking suggest production during the 1944-1945 wartime years.
This wrench provides evidence that the earlier "Indestro - Chicago" marking was discontinued
during the wartime years.
An earlier version of this model can be seen as the
Indestro "Chicago" 1/4x5/16 Short Angled Box Wrench.
Indestro [Select] No. 921 3/8x7/16 Short Angled Box Wrenches
The next figures show two generations of the Indestro No. 921 box wrench,
beginning with an example of the Indestro Select brand,
a brand believed to have been used briefly in the early to mid 1960s.
Fig. 530 shows
an Indestro Select No. 921 3/8x7/16 short angled box wrench,
marked with "921 Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro Select" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 4.4 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
This wrench has 6-point openings,
a feature of the smaller box wrenches from the mid 1950s (or earlier) onward.
Fig. 531 shows
an Indestro No. 921 3/8x7/16 short angled box wrench,
marked with "Forged U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro 921" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 4.4 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
This wrench has 6-point openings,
a feature of the smaller box wrenches from the mid 1950s (or earlier) onward.
Indestro "Select Steel" [No. 922] 1/2x9/16 Short Angled Box Wrench
Fig. 532 shows
an early Indestro "Select Steel" [No. 922] 1/2x9/16 short angled box wrench
with streamlined depressed panels,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Forged Select Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 5.3 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
The cadmium finish and "Made in U.S.A." marking suggest production during the 1944-1945 wartime years.
This wrench provides evidence that the earlier "Indestro - Chicago" marking was discontinued
during the wartime years.
An earlier version of this model can be seen as the
Indestro "Chicago" 1/2x9/16 Short Angled Box Wrench.
Indestro No. 925 13/16x7/8 Short Angled Box Wrench
Fig. 533 shows
an Indestro No. 925 13/16x7/8 short angled box wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Forged No. 925 Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 8.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
This wrench appears to be a transitional form,
with the earlier "Forged Select Steel" replaced by "Forged Steel" and the model number,
but retaining the "Made in U.S.A." marking on the front panel.
Indestro [Select] No. 911 3/8x7/16 Offset Box Wrenches
The next figures show two generations of the Indestro No. 911 wrench,
including an example of the Indestro Select brand.
Fig. 534 shows
an earlier Indestro No. 911 3/8x7/16 offset box wrench with 6-point openings,
marked with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro No. 911" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 7.8 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
Fig. 535 shows
a later Indestro Select No. 911 3/8x7/16 offset box wrench with 6-point openings,
marked with "911 Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro Select" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 7.8 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
Indestro No. 912 1/2x9/16 Offset Box Wrench
Fig. 536 shows
an Indestro No. 912 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench,
marked with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro No. 912" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 8.8 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating,
with some losses due to wear.
Indestro ["Select Steel"/Select] No. 913 5/8x11/16 Offset Box Wrenches
The next figures show three generations of the Indestro No. 913 5/8x11/16 box wrench.
Fig. 537 shows
an earlier Indestro "Select Steel" [No. 913] 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Forged Select Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 10.0 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
Fig. 538 shows
a slightly later Indestro No. 913 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench,
marked with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro No. 913" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 10.0 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
Fig. 539 shows
a later Indestro Select No. 913 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench,
marked with "913 Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro Select" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 10.0 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
Indestro ["Select Steel"] No. 914 3/4x25/32 Offset Box Wrenches
The next figures show three generations of the Indestro No. 914 box wrench.
Fig. 540 shows
an earlier Indestro "Select Steel" [No. 914] 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Forged Select Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 11.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
Fig. 541 shows
a somewhat later Indestro No. 914 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench,
marked with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro No. 914" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 11.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
Fig. 542 shows
a later Indestro No. 914 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench,
marked with "Forged U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro 914" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 11.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
Indestro [Select] No. 915 13/16x7/8 Offset Box Wrenches
The next figures show two generations of the Indestro No. 915 box wrench.
Fig. 543 shows
an earlier Indestro Select No. 915 13/16x7/8 offset box wrench,
marked with "915 Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro Select" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 12.7 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
Fig. 544 shows
a later Indestro No. 915 13/16x7/8 offset box wrench,
marked with "Forged U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro 915" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 12.6 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
Indestro No. 916 15/16x1 Inch Offset Box Wrenches
The next figures show two generations of the Indestro No. 916 box wrench.
Fig. 545 shows
an earlier Indestro No. 916 15/16x1 Inch offset box wrench,
marked with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro No. 916" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 14.4 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
Fig. 546 shows
a later Indestro No. 916 15/16x1 Inch offset box wrench,
marked with "Forged U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro 916" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 14.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
Indestro No. 932 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box Wrench
Fig. 547 shows
an Indestro No. 932 1/2x9/16 short offset box wrench,
marked with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro No. 932" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 5.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
Indestro [Select] No. 933 5/8x11/16 Short Offset Box Wrenches
The next figures show two generations of the Indestro No. 933 wrench,
including an example of the Indestro "Select" brand,
a brand used briefly in the early to mid 1960s.
Fig. 548 shows
an earlier Indestro No. 933 5/8x11/16 short offset box wrench with streamlined depressed panels,
marked with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro No. 933" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 6.1 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
Fig. 549 shows
a slightly later Indestro Select No. 933 5/8x11/16 short offset box wrench with streamlined depressed panels,
marked with "933 FRGD. U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro Select" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 6.1 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
Indestro No. 934 3/4x25/32 Short Offset Box Wrenches
The next figures show two generations of the Indestro No. 934 wrench,
with differences in the forged-in markings.
Fig. 550 shows
an Indestro No. 934 3/4x25/32 short offset box wrench,
marked with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Forged No. 934 Steel" forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 7.1 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
This wrench appears to be a transitional form,
with the earlier "Forged Select Steel" replaced by "Forged Steel" and the model number,
but retaining the "Made in U.S.A." marking on the front panel.
Fig. 551 shows
a slightly later Indestro No. 934 3/4x25/32 short offset box wrench,
marked with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Indestro No. 934" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 7.2 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.
Combination Wrenches
By 1956 Indestro was offering combination wrenches as part of its "Select Steel" line.
The scan in Fig. 552 shows
a listing for "Select Steel" combination wrenches,
as found on page 62 of the 1956 Indestro catalog No. 20.
The wrenches were available in 16 sizes ranging from model 1069 (1/4) up to 1084 (1-1/4).
The standard finish was chrome plating with polished faces.
A later catalog extended the wrench sizes to model 1089 (1-5/8).
Indestro "Select Steel" 1069 1/4 Combination Wrench
Fig. 553 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" 1069 1/4 combination wrench,
marked with "1069 Select Steel" and the fractional size forged into the front panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional size forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 3.6 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
Indestro "Select Steel" 1070 5/16 Combination Wrench
Fig. 554 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" 1070 5/16 combination wrench,
marked with "Forged Select Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes forged into the back side panel.
The model number is forged into a small "size panel" on the front face.
The overall length is 4.1 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
Indestro "Select Steel" 1072 7/16 Combination Wrench
Fig. 555 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" 1072 7/16 combination wrench with streamlined depressed panels,
marked with "1072 Select Steel" and the fractional size forged into the front panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional size forged into the back side panel.
The "Indestro" company name is stamped on the back side face.
The overall length is 5.1 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
Indestro "Select Steel" 1073 1/2 Combination Wrench
Fig. 556 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" 1073 1/2 combination wrench,
marked with "1073 Select Steel" and the fractional size forged into the front panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." and the fractional size forged into the back side panel.
The overall length is 5.8 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
Indestro "Select Steel" 1076 11/16 Combination Wrenches
The next two figures show examples of the Indestro 1076 combination wrench,
with differences in the finish.
Fig. 557 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" 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." and the sizes forged into the back side panel.
The model number is forged into a small "size panel" on the front face.
The overall length is 8.2 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
An example of this model marked for Western Auto's "Westline" brand can be seen as the
Westline 1076 Combination Wrench.
Fig. 558 shows
another Indestro "Select Steel" 1076 11/16 combination wrench,
marked with "Forged Select Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Made in U.S.A." and the sizes forged into the back side panel.
The model number is forged into a small curved panel on the front face.
The overall length is 8.1 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
Indestro "Forged U.S.A." 01077 3/4 Combination Wrench
Fig. 559 shows
an Indestro 01077 3/4 combination wrench,
marked with the fractional size forged into the front panel,
with "Forged U.S.A." and the size forged into the back side panel.
The front face is stamped with the model number,
with "Indestro" on the opposite face.
The overall length is 9.1 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with a matte surface.
The leading "0" of the model number apparently indicates the matte finish of the chrome plating.
Indestro "Select Steel" 1078 13/16 Combination Wrenches
The next two figures show examples of the Indestro 1078 combination wrench,
with differences in the finish.
Fig. 560 shows
an Indestro "Select Steel" 1078 13/16 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." and the sizes forged into the back side panel.
The model number is forged into a small curved panel on the front face.
The overall length is 10.1 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Fig. 561 shows
another Indestro "Select Steel" 1078 13/16 combination wrench,
marked with "Forged Select Steel" and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel,
with "Made in U.S.A." and the sizes forged into the back side panel.
The model number is forged into a small curved panel on the front face.
The overall length is 10.1 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
Indestro "Forged U.S.A." 1079 7/8 Combination Wrench
Fig. 562 shows
an Indestro 1079 7/8 combination wrench,
marked with the fractional size forged into the front panel,
with "Forged U.S.A." and the fractional size forged into the back side panel.
The front face is stamped with the model number,
with "Indestro" on the opposite face.
The overall length is 11.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Indestro Select Socket Tools
In the early 1960s Indestro introduced an "Indestro Select" line of sockets and drive tools,
parallel to the Indestro Super line but presumably at a somewhat lower price point.
The date of the introduction is based on the filing of a trademark for "Select Steel Tools",
which claimed a first use date in March of 1961,
but unfortunately we don't have catalog coverage to provide better detail.
The socket tools were initially marked with "Indestro Select" as a brand,
but the "Select" was soon dropped in favor of just the Indestro name.
The exact usage period for the "Indestro Select" brand is not known,
but is likely in the range of 1961 to the mid 1960s.
The Indestro Select brand was also used for "Select Steel" box wrenches,
although again apparently only briefly,
as examples are relatively uncommon.
There seems to be some ambiguity as to whether the Indestro Select socket tools were made
using a lesser grade of steel or whether the price points were achieved by simplified manufacturing.
The Indestro catalog 55-M from 1971 did not have any "Select Steel" or "Indestro Select" headings,
but certain socket tools from the "Select" line were available.
For example, the 6472 Reversible Ratchet was listed on page 11,
and the top of the page noted that the tools were forged from alloy steel.
These considerations suggest that the "Select" may have been dropped to avoid association with the older
carbon-manganese "Select Steel" socket tools.
It would be interesting to test some of the "Indestro Select" tools for alloy content to see what kind of
steel was being used.
The Indestro Select socket tools were available in the 1/4-drive 60xx model series, 3/8-drive 62xx model series,
and 1/2-drive 64xx model series.
We have a number of examples of these tools and will fill out this section as time permits.
Indestro Select tools were also available in the M.P.I. Socket Sets described in a later section.
Indestro Select 6470 1/2-Drive Reversible Ratchet
Fig. 563 shows
an Indestro Select 6470 1/2-drive reversible ratchet,
stamped with "Indestro Select" and the model number on the handle panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." the back side panel.
The overall length is 9.9 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The ratchet mechanism has a 30-tooth drive gear with a pawl biased by a spring-loaded ball.
The forged ratchet body has a slot milled to hold the drive gear and pawl,
and the tool appears to have been assembled by pressing the drive stud and pawl pin into place.
Page 8 of the 1962 Indestro catalog 22A has a listing for a No. 3239 ratchet of this same design,
which would have been part of the Indestro Super line.
But the listing is stamped "Discontinued See Select Steel No. 6470",
indicating that some designs had been moved over to the Select line by then.
Indestro 6472 1/2-Drive Reversible Ratchet
Fig. 564 shows
an Indestro 6472 1/2-drive reversible ratchet,
stamped with "Indestro U.S.A." and the model number on the cover plate.
The overall length is 10.3 inches,
and the finish is polished chrome.
The ratchet mechanism has a 30-tooth drive gear,
with the drive gear and pawl secured within the forged body by a bi-lobed cover plate.
The model number identifies this ratchet as part of the Indestro Select line,
although the brand is not marked.
The 6472 ratchet was listed on page 11 of Indestro catalog 55-M from 1971,
a page devoted mostly to tools in the Indestro Super line,
and with the top of the page noting that the tools were forged from alloy steel.
This suggests that the "Select" socket tools were being made from alloys comparable to those for the "Super" line.
A similar model 6471 female-drive reversible ratchet was also available.
The 6472 ratchet was listed on page 26 of Indestro catalog No. 60 from 1982,
showing that some tools of the Select line were still available into the 1980s.
Indestro Select 6464 1/2-Drive 5 Inch Extension
Fig. 565 shows
an Indestro Select 6464 1/2-drive 5 inch extension,
stamped with the model number plus "Indestro Select" and "U.S.A." on the drive head,
as seen in the composite inset.
The overall length is 5.0 inches,
and the finish is polished chrome.
Indestro Select 64xx 1/2-Drive 12-Point Sockets
Fig. 566 shows
a group of two Indestro Select 1/2-drive 12-point sockets,
with models and sizes 6432 (1 inch) on the left and 6434 (1-1/16) on the right.
The sockets are stamped with "Indestro Select" and "U.S.A." plus the model and fractional size
on the base.
The finish is polished chrome.
The top inset shows the broached interior of the sockets.
Note the annular shelf of displaced metal at the base of the broached area,
a characteristic of Duro's Hot-Broaching Process.
The sockets have a straight-wall design with two decorative grooves on the base.
Indestro 6632 1/2-Drive 1 Inch 12-Point Deep Socket
Fig. 567 shows
an Indestro 6632 1/2-drive 1 inch 12-point deep socket,
stamped "Indestro" and "U.S.A." with the model number and size.
The finish is polished chrome.
The inset shows the broached interior of the socket,
with the annular shelf of displaced metal at the base of the broached area.
Indestro Select 85001 1/2-Drive 16-Piece Socket Set
Fig. 568 shows
an Indestro Select 85001 1/2-drive 16-piece socket set in its metal box,
consisting of a No. 6470 reversible ratchet, a No. 6464 extension,
11 No. 64xx sockets from 7/16 to 1-1/16,
and a No. 6626 13/16 deep socket.
The set originally contained a universal joint as well.
The socket models and sizes are, from the left,
6414 (7/16), 6416 (1/2), 6418 (9/16), 6420 (5/8), 6422 (11/16), 6424 (3/4), 6426 (13/16), 6428 (7/8),
6430 (15/16), 6432 (1 inch), and 6434 (1-1/16).
The sockets are stamped "Indestro Select" and "U.S.A." with the model number and size,
and the finish is polished chrome.
This set was originally acquired as just the empty box and has been reconstructed from our inventory.
The large sticker on the inside cover notes the set as a "Select Steel Socket Set",
and the text box at the right lists the contents of the set,
although without model numbers.
We have followed the list of contents as a guide in replacing the tools.
The set as pictured is missing the universal joint,
and we have substituted a No. 6464 5 inch extension for the specified 2.5 inch extension.
Indestro Select 6270 3/8-Drive Reversible Ratchet
Fig. 569 shows
an Indestro Select 6270 3/8-drive reversible ratchet,
stamped with "Indestro Select " and the model number on the flat handle,
with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side.
The overall length is 7.5 inches,
and the finish is polished chrome.
The Indestro Select brand marking suggests production from 1961 to the mid 1960s.
Indestro [Select/Duro] 6228 3/8-Drive 1 Inch Sockets
Fig. 570 shows
a group of three Indestro 6228 3/8-drive 1 inch 12-point sockets,
illustrating three generations of this socket model.
The brand markings are, from the left, "Indestro Select", "Indestro", and "Duro-Indestro",
and all of the sockets are stamped "U.S.A." with the model number and size.
The finish is polished chrome.
Indestro 6224UV 3/8-Drive 3/4 6-Point Universal Socket
Fig. 571 shows
an Indestro 6224UV 3/8-drive 3/4 6-point universal socket,
stamped "Indestro" and "U.S.A." with the model number and fractional size.
The overall height is 2.1 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
Indestro 6050 1/4-Drive Flex Handle
Fig. 572 shows
an Indestro 6050 1/4-drive flex handle,
stamped with "Indestro" and the model number on the flat handle,
with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side.
The overall length is 6.0 inches,
and the finish is polished chrome.
The model number identifies this tool as part of the Indestro Select line,
although the brand is not marked.
Late Production
This section will present scattered snapshots of Duro/Indestro's late production,
roughly from 1960 onward,
but extending earlier for context as needed.
Late Combination Wrenches
Duro's experiments with thin format and "Dart" style combination wrenches were explored in an earlier section on
Duro Combination Wrenches.
By 1951 Duro had hedged its bets on the concept of "thin" combination wrenches.
The 22xx series wrenches listed in 1951 Duro catalog No. 35 were still called "thin",
but had substantially thicker heads than the earlier generation,
and were only slightly thinner than the "Dart" style standard combination wrenches.
More information on this intermediate generation can be found in the section on
22xx Thicker Thin Wrenches.
By 1961 Duro's 22xx combination wrenches were no longer being called "thin",
and for some of the larger sizes the head thickness was increased further.
In addition, four larger sizes were added to extend the series up to model 2243 (1-1/4).
Around this same time Duro created a series of short format combination wrenches,
using the same model numbers but with an "S" suffix.
The short wrenches were available in sizes ranging from 2227S (1/4) up to 2237S (3/4).
The scan in Fig. 573 shows
a catalog listing for Duro-Chrome short and long combination wrenches,
as published on page 28 of the 1961 Duro-Chrome catalog No. 37-m.
The table on the left shows the short series wrenches,
which were available in sizes from model 2227S (1/4) up to 2237S (3/4).
The table on the right shows the long (or standard) series wrenches,
which were available in sizes from model 2231 (3/8) up to 2243 (1-1/4).
Note that both tables include a column showing the thickness of the open end,
an unusual addition to a table of wrench sizes.
We take this to mean that Duro had finally realized that customers didn't want light-duty
combination wrenches,
and thus added the thickness column to assure potential buyers that these models now had properly hefty heads.
Changes in 1959
The changes documented in the 1961 Duro catalog had probably already occurred by 1959.
If we compare the 1961 Duro catalog listing above with the
1959 Indestro Catalog Listing for the corresponding 77x combination wrenches,
we find that the two brands have the exact same specifications for length and head thickness.
This strongly suggests that the Duro 22xx and Indestro 77x series shared the same production line,
which would have provided economies of scale,
and which would imply that the changes to Duro's line documented in 1961 had probably arrived by 1959.
After the changes for the 1959/1961 spec,
Duro was in the awkward position of offering two functionally equivalent lines of standard combination wrenches,
the older "Dart" 20xx series and the now-standard 22xx series.
The "Dart" series was apparently not very popular (examples are scarce),
and the company had probably discontinued it by the mid 1960s.
The 22xx line of long "Standard" combination wrenches continued until around 1972,
when they were superseded by a 33xx model number series in which the lower two digits
encoded the size in 32nds.
The 33xx series extended the size range up to model 3364 (2 inches).
Summary of Combination Wrench Thickness Changes
From our exploration of the Duro/Indestro thin combination wrenches we can see that the evolution of the wrenches
from thin to standard thickness took place in three generations.
But since the information on the different generations is scattered across several sections in this article,
we have produced the table below to summarize the changes in the head thickness over time.
The table includes data for both Duro's 020xx/22xx series and for the corresponding Indestro 77x series.
For comparison,
we have included Duro's tappet wrench head thickness spec from the 1951 Duro catalog.
The catalogs of the 1930s and 1940s did not specify the head thickness of the wrenches,
so the table entries for early wrenches are based on measurements,
when examples are available.
Where multiple examples were available the range of measurements is given.
Several observations can be drawn from the data presented in the above table.
Where measured values are available,
the early wrenches are seen to be substantially thinner than the first published spec from 1951,
with differences on the order of 20 to 30 percent or more.
A second observation is that for wrenches of size 3/4 and under,
the 1951 spec already fully anticipated the required thickness expressed in the 1959/1961 spec.
(The 5/8 wrench actually got slightly thinner from 1951 to 1959.)
Finally, for wrench sizes 13/16 through 15/16,
the 1959/1961 spec made an additional increase in head thickness.
The later spec also extended the series up to the 1-1/4 inch size.
The above table may be helpful in estimating the production date for some combination wrenches.
Thin combination wrenches (comparable to tappet wrenches) were made in 1950 or earlier,
with standard thickness wrenches made from 1951 onward.
Within the standard thickness group,
the head thickness increased in 1959 for sizes 13/16 to 15/16,
and sizes 1 inch and above were first offered in 1959.
Duro-Chrome 2237 3/4 Combination Wrench
Fig. 574A shows
a Duro-Chrome 2237 3/4 combination wrench,
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 side face.
The back side face also has a stamped "G" code visible at the left.
The overall length is 10.1 inches,
and the head thickness was measured at 0.31 inches.
The finish is black oxide, a non-standard finish for this model.
The measured head thickness is close to the specified value for the Duro 2237 wrench
in 1951 or later.
We originally thought that this wrench might have been made during the wartime years,
but the head thickness indicates production in 1951 or later.
The black oxide finish and stamped "G" code may indicate production for a government contract.
Duro-Chrome 2237B 13/16 Combination Wrench
Fig. 574B shows
a Duro-Chrome 2237B 13/16 combination wrench,
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 side face.
The overall length is 10.4 inches,
and the head thickness was measured at 0.32 inches.
The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The measured head thickness is slightly less than the 11/32 inch value (about 0.34)
reported in the 1961 catalog,
but also greater than the 19/64 inch value (about 0.30) in the 1951 catalog.
Another example of the 2237B wrench had a measured head thickness of 0.33 inches,
close to the 0.34 spec in the 1961 catalog.
Duro-Chrome 2238 7/8 Combination Wrench
Fig. 575 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2238 7/8 combination wrench,
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 11.3 inches,
and the head thickness was measured at 0.36 inches.
The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The measured head thickness is very close to the 23/64 inch value (about 0.36)
specified in the 1961 catalog.
Duro-Chrome 2239 15/16 Combination Wrench
Fig. 576 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2239 15/16 combination wrench,
stamped with "Duro-Chrome" and "Forged in U.S.A." on the front face,
with the model number and size on the back face.
The overall length is 12.2 inches,
and the head thickness was measured at slightly under 0.37 inches.
The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The measured head thickness is close to the 3/8 inch value (0.375)
specified in the 1961 catalog.
Duro-Chrome 2240 1 Inch Combination Wrench
Fig. 577 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2240 1 inch combination wrench,
stamped with "Duro-Chrome" and "Forged in U.S.A." on the front face,
with the model number and size on the back face.
The overall length is 13.2 inches,
and the head thickness was measured at 0.38 inches.
The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The measured head thickness is slightly under the 25/64 inch value (about 0.39)
specified in the 1961 catalog.
This wrench is one of the larger sizes first documented in the 1961 catalog,
but probably available by 1959.
Duro-Chrome 2236S 11/16 Short Combination Wrench
Fig. 578 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2236S 11/16 short combination wrench,
stamped with "Duro-Chrome" and "Forged in U.S.A." on the front face,
with the model number and size on the back face.
The overall length is 7.6 inches,
and the head thickness was measured at 0.30 inches.
The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The measured head thickness is very close to the 19/64 inch value (about 0.30)
specified in the 1961 catalog.
Duro short handle combination wrenches were first documented in the 1961 catalog,
but were probably available by 1959.
Duro-Chrome 3330 15/16 Combination Wrench
By 1972 Duro had replaced the 22xx long handle series with a 33xx model series in which the last two digits
encoded the opening size in 32nds.
The 33xx wrenches were available in models 3312 (3/8) up to 3364 (2 inches).
Fig. 578B shows
a Duro-Chrome 3330 15/16 combination wrench,
stamped with the fractional size and "U.S.A." on the shank,
with the model number and "Duro-Chrome" on the back side.
The overall length is 12.3 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating,
with some losses due to wear or rust.
Close examination of the construction of this wrench suggests signs of a company in decline.
The once finely polished faces are now just ground flat,
with fine grinding marks visible on the head in the photograph.
The faces meet the side of the head in a fairly sharp edge,
which will likely lead to a "chrome peel" failure of the finish.
The long-standing marking convention of "Forged in U.S.A." along a curved arc on the head has been replaced
with linear stampings on the shank,
probably to save on the cost of making marking dies for each size of wrench head.
(We have seen examples of the 33xx series with the older face markings,
so the changes seen in this wrench came later.)
In earlier years Duro/Indestro provided thick triple-plated finishes for long service,
but the chrome plating on this wrench is very thin and is already failing,
even though this is wrench is not particularly old.
Based on these construction issues,
we think this wrench was probably made toward the end of Duro/Indestro's history.
Indestro Super 77x Combination Wrenches
The evolution of the Indestro Super combination wrenches followed a path similar to their Duro counterparts,
with everything playing out within the 77x model series.
The earliest Indestro combination wrenches were very thin,
comparable to a tappet wrench,
and more information can be found in the section on
Indestro Combination Wrenches.
The 1952 Indestro catalog No. 20 appears to show the older thin series 77x combination wrenches,
but doesn't actually state that the wrenches are thin, and the head thickness is not specified.
These wrenches are believed to be of intermediate thickness,
and probably matched the specs for the Duro 22xx series published in 1951.
(See the section on the Duro
22xx Thicker Thin series of that time.)
By 1959 Indestro catalog No. 22 was offering 77x combination wrenches with standard thickness heads,
using the same model numbers as the earlier thin wrenches.
The scan in Fig. 579A shows
the listing for Indestro Super short and long handle combination wrenches,
as published on page 25 of Indestro catalog No. 22 from 1959.
The short handle wrenches were a new series first offered in this catalog
and were denoted by an "S" suffix to the model number.
The series ranged from model 767S (1/4) up to 777S (3/4).
For the long handle 77x series,
the range of sizes had been extended with models 780 (1 inch) through 783 (1-1/4).
As noted in the catalog listing,
wrench sizes 3/8 and under had 6-point openings instead of the standard 12-point openings.
Note that the table of specifications now includes a column to show the thickness of the open end.
Indestro's evolution from thin to standard thickness wrenches appears to have three generations,
with very thin wrenches in the late 1930s and 1940s,
thicker wrenches in the early to mid 1950s,
and standard wrenches first documented in the 1959 catalog.
A summary table showing the head thickness changes
was displayed earlier in this section.
The next several figures will show examples of Indestro's late production of standard combination wrenches.
Indestro Super 778 7/8 Combination Wrench
Fig. 579 shows
an Indestro Super 778 7/8 combination wrench,
stamped with "Indestro" and "Super" along a curved arc on the front face,
with "U.S.A." plus the model number and size on the back face.
The overall length is 11.3 inches,
and the head thickness was measured at 0.36 inches.
The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The measured head thickness is very close to the 23/64 inch value (about 0.36)
specified in the 1959 catalog.
A second example of the 778 wrench in our collection has a head thickness of 0.32 inches,
slightly under the specification from the 1951 Duro catalog.
Indestro Super 779 15/16 Combination Wrench
Fig. 579B shows
an Indestro Super 779 15/16 combination wrench,
stamped with "Indestro" and "Super" along a curved arc on the front face,
with "U.S.A." plus the model number and size on the back face.
The overall length is 12.3 inches,
and the head thickness was measured at 0.36 inches.
The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The measured head thickness is slightly less than the 3/8 inch value (0.375)
specified in the 1959 catalog.
A second example of the 779 wrench in our collection had a head thickness of 0.33 inches,
close to the value in the 1951 Duro catalog,
suggesting that it might have been made in the intermediate generation of the early 1950s.
Indestro [Super] 771S 3/8 Short Combination Wrench
Fig. 580 shows
an Indestro [Super] 771S 3/8 short combination wrench,
stamped with "U.S.A." and "Indestro" along a curved arc on the front face,
with the model number and fractional size on the back face.
(Note that the "Super" marking has been omitted from this wrench,
probably because of the small head size.)
The overall length is 4.8 inches,
and the head thickness was measured at 0.20 inches.
The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The measured head thickness is very close to the 13/64 inch value (about 0.203)
specified in the 1959 catalog.
Indestro Super 772S 7/16 Short Combination Wrench
Fig. 580A shows
an Indestro Super 772S 7/16 short combination wrench,
stamped with "Indestro" and "Super" along a curved arc on the front face,
with "U.S.A." plus the model number and fractional size on the back face.
The overall length is 5.1 inches,
and the head thickness was measured at slightly over 0.21 inches.
The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The measured head thickness is very close to the 7/32 inch value (0.21875)
specified in the 1959 catalog.
Indestro Super 773S 1/2 Short Combination Wrench
Fig. 580B shows
an Indestro Super 773S 1/2 short combination wrench,
stamped with "Indestro" and "Super" along a curved arc on the front face,
with "U.S.A." plus the model number and fractional size on the back face.
The overall length is 5.7 inches,
and the head thickness was measured at 0.24 inches.
The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The measured head thickness is close to the 15/64 inch value (about 0.234)
specified in the 1959 catalog.
Indestro Super 777S 3/4 Short Combination Wrench
Fig. 580C shows
an Indestro Super 777S 3/4 short combination wrench,
stamped with "Indestro" and "Super" along a curved arc on the front face,
with "U.S.A." plus the model number and fractional size on the back face.
The overall length is 8.2 inches,
and the head thickness was measured slightly under 0.32 inches.
The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The measured head thickness is very close to the 5/16 inch value (0.3125)
specified in the 1959 catalog.
Indestro Super 731A 9/16x5/8 Offset Box Wrench
Duro/Indestro made box wrenches with streamlined raised panels for many decades
after the 1937 introduction,
but in later years this important stylistic touch was dropped.
Late production can be recognized by flat shanks with a rectangular cross-section.
Fig. 581 shows
an Indestro Super 731A 9/16x5/8 offset box wrench,
stamped with "Indestro Super" and the fractional sizes on the flat shank,
with "Forged in U.S.A." and the model number on the back side.
The overall length is 9.4 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
Duro-Chrome 2021 1/4x5/16 Ignition Box Wrench
Duro produced miniature box wrenches in two models,
the No. 2021 1/4x5/16 model seen in this next figure and a No. 2022 9/32x11/32 model.
These wrenches were designed for work on ignition systems or other small equipment.
The ignition box wrenches were listed as early as the 1946 Duro catalog.
Fig. 582 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2021 1/4x5/16 miniature box wrench,
marked "Duro-Chrome" on the streamlined raised panel,
with "Forged in U.S.A." on the back side.
The overall length is 3.8 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
The present example still retains the streamlined raised panel,
but is otherwise rather crudely forged and finished,
suggesting a later production date.
Ratcheting Box-End Wrenches
In the early 1960s Duro began offering ratcheting box-end wrenches
with a distinctive clam-shell case with "streamlined" raised panels.
Duro had supplied wrenches in this style to the Sears Craftsman brand since 1949
and belatedly decided to offer them under the Duro-Chrome brand as well.
The scan in Fig. 583 shows
the catalog listing for the ratcheting box wrenches,
as published on page 30 of the 1961 Duro-Chrome catalog No. 37-m.
The wrenches were available in six sizes ranging from
model 0701 (1/4x5/16) up to 0708 (13/16x7/8).
An example of this style made for Craftsman can be seen as the
Craftsman "D.I." 3/8x7/16 Ratcheting Box Wrench.
Indestro offered the same series of wrenches (with the same model numbers) in its catalogs,
also beginning in the early 1960s.
The Duro/Indestro catalogs did not state the alloy content for the ratcheting box wrenches,
although the Craftsman catalogs noted the use of alloy steel for their version.
The finish for the wrenches was listed as "brightly plated" in the catalogs of the early 1960s,
which probably meant cadmium (or possibly zinc) plating.
By the 1970s the finish was listed as chrome plating.
After 1969 Duro apparently lost its supplier contract with Sears,
as the Duro-style ratcheting box wrenches were no longer listed in the Craftsman catalogs.
These wrenches were still listed in the 1971 Indestro and 1976 Duro catalogs,
but by 1982 the Duro/Indestro catalog was illustrating ratcheting box wrenches in the laminated style
made by A&E Manufacturing.
(We've seen examples marked with the 1950 Lang patent.)
Thus it's likely that sometime during the late 1970s Duro/Indestro swtiched from making their own
ratcheting box wrenches to using a contract manufacturer.
Indestro 0702 3/8x7/16 Ratcheting Box-End Wrench
Fig. 584A shows
an Indestro 0702 3/8x7/16 ratcheting box wrench,
stamped "Indestro" on the raised panel,
with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the body.
The overall length is 6.2 inches,
and the finish is cadmium (or possibly zinc) plating.
The wrench is constructed from symmetrical pieces riveted together,
and the markings on both sides are the same.
The box ends on this wrench have hexagonal openings.
The 1961 Indestro catalog noted that the wrenches were "brightly plated",
but in 1971 the catalog noted a chrome plating.
The cadmium finish on this example suggests production in the early to mid 1960s.
Duro-Chrome 0704 5/8x11/16 Ratcheting Box-End Wrench
Fig. 584B shows
a Duro-Chrome 0704 5/8x11/16 ratcheting box wrench,
stamped "Duro-Chrome" on the raised panel,
with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the body.
The overall length is 8.7 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
The wrench is constructed from symmetrical pieces riveted together,
and the markings on both sides are the same.
The chrome plated finish suggests production from the mid 1960s onward.
Duro-Chrome 0705 5/8x3/4 Ratcheting Box-End Wrench
Fig. 584C shows
a Duro-Chrome 0705 5/8x3/4 ratcheting box wrench,
stamped "Duro-Chrome" on the raised panel,
with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the body.
The overall length is 8.7 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
The wrench is constructed from symmetrical pieces riveted together,
and the markings on both sides are the same.
The chrome plated finish suggests production from the mid 1960s onward.
Duro-Chrome 0708 13/16x7/8 Ratcheting Box-End Wrench
Fig. 584D shows
a Duro-Chrome 0708 13/16x7/8 ratcheting box wrench,
stamped "Duro-Chrome" on the raised panel,
with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the body.
The overall length is 9.8 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
The wrench is constructed from symmetrical pieces riveted together,
and the markings on both sides are the same.
Indestro 0708 13/16x7/8 Ratcheting Box-End Wrench
Fig. 584E shows
an Indestro 0708 13/16x7/8 ratcheting box wrench,
stamped "Indestro" on the raised panel,
with "Made in U.S.A." and the fractional sizes on the body.
The overall length is 9.8 inches,
and the finish is chrome plating.
The wrench is constructed from symmetrical pieces riveted together,
and the markings on both sides are the same.
Post-Modern Sockets
Sometime in the late 1950s or early 1960s Duro began making changes to their socket design,
with the result that some of the more refined features of the earlier sockets were lost.
These changes may have been driven by the need to reduce costs under competitive pressures.
The specific changes noted are:
- Replacement of cross-hatched knurling with plain (parallel) knurling.
- Replacement of tapered walls with straight walls.
- The collapse of separate Duro and Indestro brands into dual-marked sockets.
The next figure illustrates these design changes.
Duro-Chrome 1/2-Drive Sockets Showing Progressive Changes
Fig. 585 shows
a progression of socket design changes,
starting from the reference socket on the left,
a Duro-Chrome 1619 with tapered walls and a finely cross-hatched knurled band.
The second socket is a Duro-Chrome 1618 and still has tapered walls,
but the fine cross-hatching has been replaced with a simpler straight (parallel) knurled band.
The illustrations in Catalog 37-M from around 1961 show that this change had been
made by this time.
The third socket from the left is marked as a Duro-Chrome 1626.
Note that this socket now has straight instead of tapered walls,
thereby losing what had long been touted as an important feature for working in tight places.
The illustrations in catalog No. 40 from 1972 show 16xx sockets with straight walls and parallel knurling.
The final change is shown in the rightmost socket,
which similarly has straight walls,
but is now dual-marked as both a Duro-Chrome 1634 and a Duro-Indestro 1234.
Duro-Chrome 5725 3/8-Drive 9-Piece Socket Set
Fig. 586 shows
a Duro 5725 3/8-drive 9-piece socket set in its metal holder.
The socket models and sizes are, from the right,
4408H (1/4), 4410H (5/16), 4412H (3/8), 4414H (7/16), 4416H (1/2), 4418H (9/16), 4420H (5/8),
4422H (11/16), and 4424H (3/4).
The sockets are stamped "Duro-Chrome" and "U.S.A." on the base,
and the finish is chrome plating.
This socket set was listed in Duro catalog No. 40 from around 1972.
Duro-Chrome 44xxH 3/8-Drive 6-Point Sockets from 5725 Set
Fig. 587 shows
the two largest sockets from the Duro 5725 3/8-drive socket set,
with models and sizes (from the right) 4422H (11/16) and 4424H (3/4).
The sockets are stamped with "Duro-Chrome" plus the model number and fractional size on the base.
The finish is polished chrome.
The socket design has straight walls with a knurled band at the base,
and the construction is hot-broached,
with an annular shelf of displaced metal at the base of the broached area.
"M.P.I." Socket Sets
Sometime in the mid to late 1960s Indestro introduced socket sets with a molded plastic insert to organize the tools,
which were referred to as "M.P.I." sets in advertising.
The M.P.I. packaging was used for both Indestro Super chrome-alloy socket sets
and for Indestro Select socket sets.
The M.P.I. sets were advertised in newspapers and trade publications in the late 1960s and early 1970s,
and the sets are listed in Indestro catalog No. 55 from 1971.
Currently our earliest reference is from June of 1968.
Duro offered M.P.I. sets as well,
which it referred to as "nested" sets.
Currently we're unsure of the introduction date due to a lack of catalog coverage and advertisements.
Duro catalog No. 40 from 1972 lists M.P.I. "nested" sets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2-drive,
but the listings in our copy of the catalog are stamped "Suspended".
The M.P.I. sets from both Duro and Indestro appear to have been discontinued by the late 1970s,
although we haven't found the latest date of availability.
If any of our readers have found ads illustrating M.P.I. sets in the mid to late 1970s,
please let us know via email.
Indestro Select "M.P.I." Socket Sets
The Indestro Select M.P.I. socket sets were available in the 1/4-drive 61xx model series, 3/8-drive 63xx model series,
and 1/2-drive 65xx model series.
The scan in
Fig. 588 shows
a newspaper ad for various Indestro Select M.P.I. socket sets,
as published on page 21 of the June 20, 1968 edition of the Indiana Gazette
of Indiana, Pennsylvania.
This is currently our earliest advertising reference to the M.P.I. sets.
The sets are the 3/8-drive No. N6332 at the upper left,
1/2-drive No. N6540 at the upper right,
1/2-drive No. N6541 at the lower left,
and 1/4-drive No. N6120 at the lower right.
All of the headings mention "Select Steel",
although at this time the tools may not have been marked with "Select".
The descriptions note the metal box with a molded plastic insert to organize (or "nest") the tools.
An example of an
Indestro Super M.P.I. N7732 Socket Set
can be seen in the next figure.
If any of our readers have found advertisements for M.P.I. sets earlier than this June 1968 example,
please let us know via email.
Indestro Super N7732 3/8-Drive "M.P.I." 23-Piece Socket Set
The scan in Fig. 589 shows
a listing for an Indestro N7732 3/8-drive "M.P.I." 23-piece socket set,
as published on page 10 of Indestro catalog 55 from 1971.
The illustration shows the tools "nested" in their plastic insert,
and the text "Indestro MPI" can be seen in the upper left corner.
The graphics style of the label in this illustration was used from around 1971 onward.
Fig. 590 shows
an Indestro Super N7732 3/8-drive "M.P.I." 23-piece socket set
in its original case.
The set consists of a No. 2775 ratchet, No. 2781 flex handle, No. 2730 3 inch extension,
No. 2733 6 inch extension, No. 2797 universal joint,
eleven regular sockets from 3/8 to 1 inch, six deep sockets from 7/16 to 3/4,
and a 13/16 spark plug socket.
The sockets in the top row are all double-hexagon (except for the smallest)
and have models and sizes
2712H (3/8 hexagon), 2714 (7/16), 2716 (1/2), 2718 (9/16), 2720 (5/8), 2722 (11/16),
2724 (3/4), 2726 (13/16), 2728 (7/8), 2729A (15/16), and 2729B (1 inch).
The deep sockets in the middle row (to the right of the universal joint)
have models and sizes 2742 (7/16), 2743 (1/2), 2744 (9/16), 2745 (5/8), 2746 (11/16), and 2747 (3/4).
The 13/16 spark plug socket at the far right has model number 2748HS.
All of the tools and sockets are stamped "Indestro Super" and "U.S.A." and have a polished chrome finish.
The set as acquired was complete and in very good condition.
Two of the regular sockets (the 7/16 and 1/2 sizes) have a different style than the others,
with two grooves at the base instead of a knurled band,
and may be later replacements by the original owner.
(The two-groove style was used for the Indestro Select line of sockets,
but the sockets in this set are marked Indestro Super.)
The set was furnished in a metal box with dimensions 19 inches wide by 7.4 inches deep by 1.5 inches high.
A plastic label covers the inside of the lid and identifies this as an "Indestro 23 Piece M.P.I. Socket Wrench Set",
and a detail box at the lower right provides the N7732 model number and a list of the component pieces.
The label for this set is very similar to that shown in a
1968 ad for Indestro Select Steel socket sets,
for which the corresponding model was N6332.
Sets with labels in this graphics style were advertised as late as February of 1970,
which provides the basis for our production date estimate.
Duro "Nested" Socket Sets
Duro referred to its versions of the M.P.I. sets as "nested" sets.
Currently we don't have an example to display,
but have included a catalog listing to show the style.
The scan in Fig. 591 shows
two examples of Duro's "nested" socket sets,
as published on page 15 of catalog No. 40 from 1972.
The text refers to the molded plastic insert as providing a "nest" for the tools.
Two 1/2-drive socket sets are listed, the N5840 set with 13 pieces,
and the N5841 set with 16 pieces.
The illustrations show a sticker on the inside cover with the Duro-Chrome logo.
These two sets were still listed in the 1974 M-215 price list,
but our copy of catalog No. 40 has the nested sets stamped "Suspended",
so they were apparently discontinued sometime in the mid to late 1970s.
Other Late Production
We'll use this last section as a catch-all for any late production that doesn't fit into the prior categories.
Adjustable Wrenches
Duro and Indestro began offering Crescent-style adjustable wrenches in the early 1950s
and initially used
Utica Drop Forge & Tool
as a contract supplier.
These early adjustable wrenches had square gullets and a raised ridge around the hanging hole.
By the late 1960s or early 1970s the company had switched to J.H. Williams as the supplier
of its adjustable wrenches.
The wrenches supplied by Williams can be recognized by the hexagonal gullets and a square shoulder
on the rack of the moveable jaw.
In its earlier years Duro/Indestro seldom if ever offered products made by other companies,
as Duro/Indestro was generally close to,
if not the lowest cost producer of the tools it offered.
But as Duro/Indestro broadened its line in the late 1950s to 1960s,
tools that sold in lower volumes and had not been previously offered were likely sourced
as contract production from other companies.
Indestro Super 3586A 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench
Fig. 592 shows
an Indestro Super 3586A 6 inch adjustable wrench,
stamped "Indestro Super" and "U.S.A." on the shank,
with "6 In." and "Forged Alloy Steel" on the back side.
The overall length is 6.1 inches,
and the maximum opening is 0.8 inches.
The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
The top inset shows the square shoulder of the keyway for the sliding jaw,
a patented feature of the J.H. Williams adjustable wrenches.
The raised ridge around the hanging hole is a characteristic of Williams production in 1968 or later.
Currently our earliest Duro/Indestro catalog documentation of adjustable wrenches
supplied by Williams is from the early 1970s.
Duro-Chrome 2087A 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench
Fig. 593 shows
a Duro-Chrome 2087A 8 inch adjustable wrench,
stamped "Duro-Chrome" and "U.S.A." on the shank,
with "8 In." and "Forged Alloy Steel" on the back side.
The overall length is 8.2 inches,
and the maximum opening is 1.0 inches.
The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.
One construction detail to note is the square-shouldered keyway for the sliding jaw,
visible in the top inset.
The square shoulder was a patented feature of the J.H. Williams adjustable wrenches,
and this detail plus the general construction identify Williams as the maker of this wrench.
A similar example can be seen as the
Williams AP-8 "Superjustable" Wrench.
The raised ridge around the hanging hole is a characteristic of Williams production in 1968 or later.
Currently our earliest Duro/Indestro catalog documentation of adjustable wrenches
supplied by Williams is from the early 1970s.
"Rib Joint" and "Groove Joint" Tongue-and-Groove Pliers
By 1959 Indestro was offering tongue-and-groove pliers,
an important innovation for pliers first developed by Channellock in the 1930s.
The 1959 Indestro catalog No. 22 called them "Rib Joint" pliers,
which identifies the maker as
Utica Drop Forge & Tool.
(See the catalog listing for
Utica "Rib-Joint" Pliers.)
In the early 1950s Utica had developed a patented method of directly forging
the interlocking ribs for tongue-and-groove pliers,
allowing them to be efficiently and inexpensively manufactured.
The "Rib Joint" pliers were initially available in sizes 6.5 and 10 inches,
plus a 5 inch ignition plier.
By the 1970s Indestro was referring to its tongue-and-groove pliers as "Groove Joint",
which signifies that the supplier had changed to the
Diamond Calk Horseshoe Company.
Diamond had been an early licensee of the 1952 Utica patent
2,622,464
and had made tongue-and-groove pliers since 1952 under the "Groove Joint" brand,
which it later registered as a trademark.
Indestro Super 3443 "Groove Joint" 12 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Pliers
Fig. 594 shows
a pair of Indestro Super 3443 12 inch tongue-and-groove pliers,
stamped "Indestro Super" and "Made in U.S.A." on the handle.
The overall length is 12.5 inches when fully opened,
at which point the jaw opening is approximately 2.2 inches.
The finish is chrome plating with polished jaws and plastic hand grips.
Close inspection of the pliers shows that the arcuate ribs were formed by forging rather
than being cut with a milling machine,
a process described by patent
2,622,464,
issued in 1952 to W.V. Daugherty of Utica Drop Forge & Tool.
This was an important second-generation patent for tongue-and-groove pliers.
Indestro initially offered tongue-and-groove pliers under the "Rib Joint" name
in sizes 6.5 and 10 inches,
plus a 5 inch ignition plier.
By 1971 Indestro catalog No. 55 was offering "Groove Joint" tongue-and-groove pliers in sizes
6, 10, 12, and 16 inches.
The name change was significant,
as "Groove Joint" was a trademark of the
Diamond Calk Horseshoe Company.
Diamond had been an early licensee of the 1952 Utica patent and had made
"Groove Joint" pliers since 1952.
An example of Diamond's production can be seen as the
Diamond HL112 12 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Pliers,
which closely resemble the Indestro 3443 pliers.
Indestro 267 Ball Joint Separator
This next figure shows a tool sometimes called a "pickle fork",
which is used as a wedge to separate the tapered shank of a ball joint from the front axle assembly.
Fig. 595 shows
an Indestro 267 ball joint separator,
stamped with "Indestro" and "U.S.A." on the shank.
The shank is also stamped with a stylized "8" code,
recognizable as a Snap-on style date code for 1978.
(See the section on
Snap-on Date Codes for more information.)
The overall length is 11.7 inches,
and the finish is cadmium plating.
Our earliest reference for this tool is the Indestro catalog No. 55 from 1971.
The tool was also offered as the Duro No. 2367 ball joint separator.
The presence of a date code marking suggests that this tool was contract production from
a supplier to Snap-on.
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