Alloy Artifacts  

Fairmount Tool and Forging Company

[Fairmount Logo from 1933 Catalog]
Fairmount Logo from 1933 Catalog.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Fairmount Tool and Forging was a tool maker and drop-forger in Cleveland, Ohio. The company became well known as a manufacturer of automobile tool kits and also specialized in tools for automobile body work.

Company History

Fairmount Tool and Forging was founded in December of 1917 in Cleveland, Ohio.

[1917 Notice of Founding of Fairmount Tool and Forging]
Fig. 1. 1917 Notice of Founding of Fairmount Tool and Forging. [External Link]

Fig. 1 shows a notice of the company's founding, as published on page 436d of the December, 1917 edition of Industrial Management.

The text notes the company officers as J. Wentworth Smith, B.G. Gilmore, and Charles W. Yarham.

A later listing in a 1931 "Corporations and Directors" directory confirms that Fairmount Tool and Forging was incorporated in 1917, with J. Wentworth Smith as President.

[1918 Ad for Fairmount Tool & Forging]
Fig. 2. 1918 Ad for Fairmount Tool & Forging. [External Link]

Fig. 2 shows an ad for Fairmount Tool and Forging, as published on page 539 of the January, 1918 issue of the Chilton Automobile Directory, just shortly after the founding of the company.

It lists the company address as 10585 Quincy Avenue in Cleveland and notes their products as tools, tool kits, and forgings.

[1921 Ad for Fairmount Valve Lifter]
Fig. 3. 1921 Ad for Fairmount Valve Lifter. [External Link]

Fig. 3 shows an ad for a Fairmount valve lifter, as published on page 959 of the May, 1921 edition of the Hardware Dealers' Magazine.

A careful look at the illustration reveals that the FTF-Triangle logo was already in use, even earlier than the date claimed in a later trademark.


Automobile Tool Kits

Automobile tool kits were an important product for Fairmount.

[1925 Catalog Listing for Fairmount No. 350 Tool Kit]
Fig. 4. 1925 Catalog Listing for Fairmount No. 350 Tool Kit.

The scan in Fig. 4 shows a catalog listing for a Fairmount No. 350 tool kit, as published on page 378 of the 1925 Williams Hardware Company catalog.


Auto Body Work Tools

By 1928 Fairmount was offering hammers and dollies for auto body work. A small brochure from 1928 lists their automobile body tools and offers their new auto body work instruction manual "The Key to Metal Bumping" for $0.25 postpaid. (As an aside, this little book became very popular, and remains in print today!)

The brochure shows the use of an inverted diamond logo enclosing the "FTF" company initials.


Acquisition of U.S. Hame Company

At some point Fairmount acquired the U.S. Hame Company of Buffalo, New York, the maker of a pipe wrench which was originally produced by Lawson Manufacturing of Cleveland.

Production of the Lawson pipe wrench continued under Fairmount.


Acquisition by Houdaille Industries

Based on information printed in the 1953 Third Edition of "The Key To Metal Bumping", by 1953 Fairmount had become a subsidiary of Houdaille Industries, an industrial conglomerate.

Acquisition by Martin Sprocket and Gear

Fairmount remained as a division of Houdaille until July of 1984, when the company was acquired by the Martin Sprocket and Gear Corporation. The Fairmount operations were renamed as the Martin Tools division, and the line of tools continues in production today under the Martin brand.


Patents

A check for patent records turned up two patents assigned to Fairmount, one for a valve spring lifter and the other for a wrench set holder.


Trademarks

[1952 Trademark Application for Fairmount]
Fig. 5. 1952 Trademark Application for Fairmount "FTF" Logo.

Fairmount used a distinctive "FTF" logo as a forge mark, which consisted of the letters "FTF" (with the left one reversed) inside an inverted triangle.

In March of 1949 the company filed a trademark application for the design, with the first use date claimed as February of 1923.

The scan in Fig. 5 shows the application for the Fairmount "FTF" logo, as published on page 234 of the July 8, 1952 issue of the Official Gazette.

The trademark was issued as #567,302 on December 2, 1952.

On August 23, 1951 Fairmount filed a trademark application for "Lawson", and with it claimed ownership of trademark #286,485.

Fairmount Tool and Forging: Registered Trademarks
Text Mark or Logo Reg. No. First Use Date Filed Date Issued Notes
Lawson 286,485 01/01/1926 06/25/1931 08/25/1931 For wrenches.
Issued to U.S. Hame Company, Buffalo, New York.
Serial 316,305.
Lawson 564,151 01/01/1920 08/23/1951 09/16/1952 For wrenches.
Address listed as Buffalo, New York.
Claims ownership of Trademark #286,485.
Serial 617,987. Published May 20, 1952.
Cancelled in 1958.
FTF [Logo] 567,302 02/01/1923 03/22/1949 12/02/1952 For hand tools: wrenches, hammers, pliers, punches, dolly blocks.
Serial 575,855. Published July 8, 1952.
Actually used as early as May, 1921.

Tool Identification

Fairmount tools are generally easy to identify based on stamped or forged-in markings.


FTF-Triangle Logo

[FTF-Triangle Logo]
Fig. 6. FTF-Triangle Logo from Trademark #567,302.

Fairmount tools may be marked with "FTF" in an inverted triangle, referred to as the FTF-Triangle logo in the text.

The scan in Fig. 6 shows the FTF-Triangle logo as it was presented in a trademark application filed in 1949.


References and Resources

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


Catalog Coverage

Fairmount Tool and Forging: Catalog Resources
Publication Year Format Notes
      283 "New Tools for Modern Methods" (1928, Brochure):
283 1928 Brochure No copyright, dated 1928 based on catalog number. 4 pages.
Fold-out brochure, cover notes "New Tools for Modern Methods".
Available for Download [External Link] from ITCL.
Lists hammers, dollies, and other tools for auto body work.
Earliest reference to body work manual "The Key to Metal Bumping".
      335 Fairmount Tools (1933, Full):
335 1933 Full No copyright, dated 1933 based on catalog number. 32 pages + price list.
Came with price list dated May 1, 1933 applying to catalog 335.
Available for Download [External Link] from ITCL.
Lists ISN series open-end wrenches in S.A.E. 1040 carbon-steel.
Lists 1xxx ISN series epen-end wrenches in chrome-moly steel.
No box-end wrenches.
      770 Fairmount Houdaille (1971, Full):
770 1971 Full Copyright 1971. Fairmount division of Houdaille Industries. 43 pages.
Includes Price List No. 1573 dated May 29, 1973.
Available for Download [External Link] from ITCL.
      1573 Fairmount Houdaille Price List (1973, Full):
1573 1973 Full Copyright 1971, dated May 29, 1973. Price List No. 1573.
Applies to catalogs Nos. 660, 667, 770, and 777.
Available for Download [External Link] from ITCL.

Industrial Distributors

Fairmount tools were available from some industrial distributors. We'll add references as time permits.


Carbon Steel Tools


Fairmount 9 Inch Auto Wrench

[Fairmount 9 Inch Auto Wrench]
Fig. 7. Fairmount 9 Inch Auto Wrench.

Fig. 7 shows a Fairmount 9 inch auto wrench, marked with "Fairmount Cleve" forged into the shank.

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


Fairmount 11 Inch Auto Wrench

[Fairmount 11 Inch Auto Wrench]
Fig. 8. Fairmount 11 Inch Auto Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 8 shows a Fairmount 11 inch auto wrench, marked with "Fairount Cleve" and "USA" forged into the shank.

The overall length is 11.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Did anyone notice the typo on this wrench? Years after taking the photograph, we finally noticed that the "M" is missing from the forged-in company name!


Fairmount "Protane" 308 5/8x5/8 Spark Plug Wrench

[Fairmount Protane 308 5/8x5/8 Spark Plug Wrench]
Fig. 9. Fairmount "Protane" 308 5/8x5/8 Spark Plug Wrench.

Fig. 9 shows a Fairmount 308 9/16x9/16 spark plug wrench, marked with "Protane Corpn" forged into the shank, with "Fairmount Cleve." forged into the back side.

The overall length is 9.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Fairmount "Cleve" 1-7/16x2-1/8 Hub Wrench

[Fairmount Cleve 1-7/16x2-1/8 Hub Wrench]
Fig. 10. Fairmount "Cleve" 1-7/16x2-1/8 Hub Wrench.

Fig. 10 shows a Fairmount hub wrench with a 1-7/16 open end and a 2-1/8 hex box opening, marked with "Fairmount Cleve." forged into the shank.

The overall length is 8.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Fairmount "Cleve" 1/2x9/16 Inline Socket Wrench

This next figure shows an early type of socket wrench intended to be turned with an open-end or adjustable wrench.

[Fairmount Cleve 1/2x9/16 Inline Socket Wrench]
Fig. 11. Fairmount "Cleve" 1/2x9/16 Inline Socket Wrench, with Inset for Construction.

Fig. 11 shows a Fairmount 1/2x9/16 inline socket wrench, stamped "Fairmount Cleve." on the shank.

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

The hex socket openings have been forged into a bar of steel, and the 1/2 square shank has been ground to size and hardened to withstand the turning force.


ISN Open-End Wrenches

[1933 Catalog Listing for Fairmount ISN Open-End Wrenches]
Fig. 12A. 1933 Catalog Listing for Fairmount ISN Open-End Wrenches.

The scan in Fig. 12A shows a catalog listing for Fairmount open-end engineer's wrenches in industry-standard numbers, as published on page 24 of catalog 335 from 1933.

The text at the top notes that the wrenches were drop-forged from S.A.E. 1040 steel, a medium-carbon tool steel.


Fairmount 723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench

[Fairmount Cleve 723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 13. Fairmount "Cleve" [723] 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 13 shows a Fairmount open-end wrench with measured sizes 3/8x7/16, corresponding to the industry-standard No. 723 model. The wrench is marked with "Fairmount Cleve." forged into the shank.

The overall length is 3.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Fairmount 25 "Ford" 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench

[Fairmount 25 Ford 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 14. Fairmount 25 "Ford" 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 14 shows a Fairmount 25 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench produced for Ford, stamped on the face with "Made in U.S.A." and the Fairmount logo, and with the Ford script logo as well (see inset). The shank is marked "Fairmount, Cleve." in forged raised letters.

The overall length is 5.4 inches, and the finish is black paint.


Fairmount 26 1/2x11/16 Open-End Wrench

[Fairmount 26 1/2x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 15. Fairmount 26 1/2x11/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 15 shows an open-end wrench in a somewhat unusual size, a Fairmount 26 1/2x11/16 open-end wrench. The face is stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Fairmount logo, and the shank has "Fairmount U.S.A." in forged raised letters.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is black paint.


Fairmount 730-A 5/8x7/8 Open-End Wrench

[Fairmount 730-A 5/8x7/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 17. Fairmount 730-A 5/8x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 17 shows a Fairmount 730-A 5/8x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Fairmount logo on the face, with "Fairmount U.S.A." forged into the shank.

The overall length is 8.7 inches, and the finish is black paint. This wrench was found with some of its protective cosmoline coating still on the faces, suggesting that it received little or no use.


Fairmount "Cleve" 731 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench

[Fairmount Cleve 731 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 18. Fairmount "Cleve" 731 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 18 shows a Fairmount 731 3/4x13/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the face, and with "Fairmount Cleve." forged into the shank.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.


Fairmount "Cleve" 1/2x9/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

[Fairmount Cleve 1/2x9/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 19. Fairmount "Cleve" 1/2x9/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 19 shows a Fairmount 1/2x9/16 S-shaped open-end wrench, marked with "Fairmount Cleve." forged into the shank.

The overall length is 7.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Fairmount 629D 5/8x3/4 Check-Nut Wrench

[Fairmount 629D 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 20. Fairmount 629D 5/8x3/4 Check-Nut Wrench.

Fig. 20 shows a Fairmount 629D 5/8x3/4 check-nut wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the face.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is black paint.


Fairmount 207A 1-5/32 Single-Open "Spud" Wrench

[Fairmount 207A 1-5/32 Single-Open Spud Wrench]
Fig. 21. Fairmount 207A 1-5/32 Single-Open Spud Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 21 shows a Fairmount 207A 1-5/32 single-open "spud" wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 16.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with pitting due to rust.


Fairmount "Lawson" 8 Inch Angle-Head Pipe Wrench

[Fairmount Lawson 8 Inch Pipe Wrench]
Fig. 22. Fairmount "Lawson" 8 Inch Angle-Head Pipe Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View.

Fig. 22 shows a Fairmount "Lawson" 8 inch angle-head pipe wrench, marked with "Lawson" and "Forged Steel" forged into the shank, with "Fairmount Tool & Forging Inc." and "Cleveland Ohio Made in U.S.A." forged into the back side.

The shank is also marked with a forged-in FTF-Triangle logo.

The overall length is 8.0 inches closed and about 9.3 inches fully extended. The finish is black paint.

The Lawson pipe wrench design is covered by patent #1,362,014, filed by G.C. Lawson in 1920 and issued later that year.

The Lawson pipe wrench was originally produced by Lawson Manufacturing. Lawson was later acquired by the U.S. Hame Company of Buffalo, and at some point Fairmount acquired the U.S. Hame Company. Production of the Lawson pipe wrench continued under Fairmount.


Alloy Steel Tools

By the early 1930s Fairmount was offering tools made of alloy steel. Catalog No. 335 from 1933 notes the use of chrome-vanadium steel for chisels, chrome-molybdenum steel for open-end wrenches, and unspecified alloys for some other tools.


Open-End Wrenches

[1933 Catalog Listing for Fairmount Chrome-Molybdenum Open-End Wrenches]
Fig. 23A. 1933 Catalog Listing for Fairmount Chrome-Molybdenum Open-End Wrenches.

The scan in Fig. 23A shows a catalog listing for Fairmount chrome-molybdenum open-end wrenches, as published on page 25 of catalog 335 from 1933.

These wrenches were assigned ISN model numbers offset by 1000, the same numbering convention used by industry leaders J.H. Williams and Bonney Forge & Tool for their alloy-steel open-end wrenches.

The catalog does not specify the finish of the wrenches, but based on observed examples the finish was likely nickel plating.

In later years Fairmount marked its alloy-steel wrenches with "Chrome-Alloy" and/or "Fairalloy" rather than the more specific marking used in 1933.

In 1933 the distinction between Fairmount's carbon-steel and alloy-steel open-end wrenches was very clear, with carbon-steel (S.A.E. 1040) models bearing regular ISN model numbers, and chrome-molybdenum wrenches bearing 1xxx ISN numbers.

In later years though Fairmount used regular ISN numbers for alloy-steel wrenches, and this can be a cause of confusion, especially for tools made during the wartime years when alloy content was not necessarily marked.


Fairmount 723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench

This next example is not marked for alloy content, but is believed to be made of alloy steel based on the length. (Fairmount's carbon-steel 723 wrench had a length of about 3.9 inches.)

[Fairmount 723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 23B. Fairmount 723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 23B shows a Fairmount 723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Fairmount logo on one face.

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

The plain finish suggests production during the wartime era.


Fairmount 1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the Fairmount 1727 wrench, with minor differences in the markings.

[Fairmount 1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 24A. Fairmount 1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1930s.

Fig. 24A shows a Fairmount 1727 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Fairmount Cleveland" on the face. The shank is stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" on the front, with "Fairmount Cleve" on the back side.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating, with losses due to wear and rust.

[Fairmount 1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 24B. Fairmount "Twin Coach" 1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1930s.

Fig. 24B shows another Fairmount 1727 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Twin Coach" and "Fairmount Cleveland" on the shank, with "Chrome Molybdenum" on the back side.

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

The "Twin Coach" marking is made in a distinctive format, suggesting that it is the logo for a specific customer.


Fairmount "Fairalloy" 27-C 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench

[Fairmount Fairalloy 27-C 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 25. Fairmount "Fairalloy" 27-C 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 25 shows a Fairmount 27-C 9/16x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Fairmount logo on the face. The shank has forged-in markings "Chrome-Alloy" on the front, but partially ground off, with "Fairalloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.


Fairmount 28-S 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench

This next example is not marked for alloy content, but is believed to be made of alloy steel based on the shape of the head and the relatively long length. (Fairmount's carbon-steel 28-S wrench had a length of about 6.9 inches.)

[Fairmount 28-S 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 25B. Fairmount 28-S 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 25B shows a Fairmount 28-S 5/8x25/32 open-end wrench, stamped on the face with "Made in U.S.A." and the Fairmount logo. The back side shank has a forged-in code "A" (not shown).

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

The plain finish suggests production during the wartime era.


Fairmount "Fairalloy" 731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench

[Fairmount Fairalloy 731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 26. Fairmount "Fairalloy" 731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 26 shows a Fairmount 731A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Fairmount logo on the face. The shank is marked with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the front, with "Fairalloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 9.2 inches. The original finish was chrome plating, but much has been lost due to wear and rust, with traces of the copper undercoating visible in some areas.


Box-End Wrenches


Fairmount 8727 9/16x5/8 Offset Box-End Wrench

[Fairmount 8727 9/16x5/8 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 27. Fairmount 8727 9/16x5/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 27 shows a Fairmount 8727 9/16x5/8 offset box-end wrench, marked "U.S.A." with the model number and fractional sizes.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of black paint.


Fairmount 8039S 1-1/4x1-3/8 Offset Box-End Wrench

[Fairmount 8039S 1-1/4x1-3/8 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 28. Fairmount 8039S 1-1/4x1-3/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 28 shows a Fairmount 8039S 1-1/4x1-3/8 offset box-end wrench, marked "U.S.A." with the model number and fractional sizes.

The overall length is 18.6 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.


Fairmount 9723 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

[Fairmount 9723 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 29. Fairmount 9723 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 29 shows a Fairmount 9723 3/8x7/16 short offset box-end wrench, marked "U.S.A." with "Fairalloy" and the model number on the back side. (Note that the lower inset has been rotated for ease of viewing.)

The overall length is 4.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Fairmount 9725B 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

[Fairmount 9725B 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 30. Fairmount 9725B 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 30 shows a Fairmount 9725B 1/2x9/16 short offset box-end wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with "Fairalloy" and the model number on the back side. (Note that the lower inset has been rotated for ease of viewing.)

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


Fairmount 9727 Special 5/8x3/4 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

[Fairmount 9727 Special 5/8x3/4 Short Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 31. Fairmount 9727 Special 5/8x3/4 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Detail.

Fig. 31 shows a Fairmount 9727 "Special" 5/8x3/4 short offset box-end wrench, marked "U.S.A." with "Fairalloy" and "9727 Spec" on the back side. (Note that the lower inset has been rotated for ease of viewing.)

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The "Spec" marking probably indicates a special-order item, as the 9727 model number would normally indicate 9/16x5/8 openings, according to the Industry-Standard Wrench Sizes.


Specialty Tools


Fairmount AN8505-17 1-5/16x1-3/8 Thin Hydraulic Wrench

[Fairmount AN8505-17 1-5/16x1-3/8 Thin Hydraulic Wrench]
Fig. 32. Fairmount AN8505-17 1-5/16x1-3/8 Thin Hydraulic Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 32 shows a Fairmount AN8505-17 1-5/16x1-3/8 thin hydraulic wrench, stamped with the Fairmount logo and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

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

The AN series model number indicates that this wrench was likely made for a military contract, but currently we don't have any information on the specific application.


Fairmount AN8505-19 1-7/16x1-1/2 Thin Hydraulic Wrench

[Fairmount AN8505-19 1-7/16x1-1/2 Thin Hydraulic Wrench]
Fig. 33. Fairmount AN8505-19 1-7/16x1-1/2 Thin Hydraulic Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 33 shows a Fairmount AN8505-19 1-7/16x1-1/2 thin hydraulic wrench, marked with "Fairmount U.S.A." forged into the front, with the AN series model number forged into the back side.

The overall length is 9.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with some of the original black paint.

The AN series model number indicates that this wrench was likely made for a military contract, but currently we don't have any information on the specific application.


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