Pliers

Fuller offered pliers in a variety of styles including combination, utility (waterpump), tongue-and-groove, lineman's, diagonal cutting, and needlenose.

Several manufacturers of Fuller pliers have been identified, in particular Nippon Riki/Lobtex (combination pliers), Maruto Hasegawa (lineman's, diagonal cutters, needlenose), and Itō Kōgu (diagonal cutters, needlenose).

In addition, KTC's Kyoto Kōki subsidiary is believed to have been a supplier of combination, waterpump, and tongue-and-groove pliers, although we don't have definitive evidence yet.

Fuller "Hobby" Pliers

Fig. 50. 1979 Catalog Listing for Fuller "Hobby" Pliers.

By the late 1970s Fuller was offering a line of pliers with a distinctive rounded body instead of the typical flat top and bottom with sharp edges.

The scan in Fig. 50 shows a catalog listing for Fuller "Hobby" pliers, as published on page A-50 of a 1979 "La Cross Roofing" catalog with a substantial selection of Fuller tools.

The distinctive rounded edges identify these as pliers as products of Itō Kōgu, a Japanese maker of pliers operating in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. In the mid 1970s the company received a Japanese "Good Design Award" for this rounded design.

The catalog listing shows a 715x series of small 4 inch models, including longnose pliers with side cutters, diagonal cutters, needlenose pliers, and end nippers.

Itō Kōgu also made these pliers in larger sizes, and somewhat later Fuller began offering the rounded design as its standard No. 192 pliers. An example can be seen as the Fuller 192-6 Needlenose Pliers with Side-Cutters.

Combination Pliers

Fuller offered standard slip-joint combination pliers as model 196 in sizes 6 and 8 inches, and also offered thin-nose combination pliers as model 191 in a 6 inch size.

Three different marking styles have been observed for combination pliers. The earliest style had "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" arranged in an oval, which was later followed by a similar marking with the model number in the center. The last marking style had "Fuller" along a curved arc with the model number below. Examples of the marking styles can be seen in the section on Slip-Joint Marking Styles.

Most Fuller combination pliers have a forged diamond-checkered gripping pattern on the handles, with "Japan" forged into the undersides. However, some variations in the pattern have been noted, and a completely different "Lobster" pattern has been observed as well.

The observed variations in markings and production characteristics suggest that Fuller had multiple suppliers for combination pliers. We are currently gathering examples in an attempt to sort out the variations.

Fuller also offered combination pliers in a "Golden Grip" series with yellow plastic hand grips, with models 111 (6 inches) and 112 (8 inches). In later years the hand grips were made in various colors including red, green, blue, and black.

Some observations of model 111 and 112 pliers with missing hand grips show handles with the same diamond-checkered gripping pattern found on model 196 pliers, indicating that these pliers were identical in construction.

Fuller 196 6 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers

The next several figures show three generations (plus a variation) of the Fuller 196 6 inch combination pliers.

Fig. 51. Fuller [196] 6 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1960s.

Fig. 51 shows an earlier pair of Fuller [196] 6 inch combination pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" along an oval arc.

The pliers are also marked with "Japan" forged into the undersides of the handles.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the forged diamond-checkered gripping pattern on the handles, with an "H" code at the tip.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

The absence of a model number marking suggests production in the 1960s.

We disassembled the pliers for cleaning and observed a hand-stamped "456" production code on both handles, as seen below.

Fig. 52. Close-up of Disassembled Pliers.

Fig. 52 shows a close-up of the disassembled pliers, illustrating the forged-in and stamped production numbers in the pivot area.

Both handles have a forged-in "14" code within a depressed oval, with a hand-stamped "456" code above and a "1" digit below.

Fig. 53. Fuller 196-6 6 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1970s.

Fig. 53 shows a later pair of Fuller 196-6 6 inch combination pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" along an oval arc, with the model number in the center.

The pliers are also marked with "Japan" forged into the undersides of the handles.

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

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

The model number marking suggests production in the mid 1970s.

We disassembled the pliers for cleaning and observed a hand-stamped "83" production code on both handles, as seen below.

Fig. 54. Close-up of Disassembled Pliers.

Fig. 54 shows a close-up of the disassembled pliers, illustrating the forged-in and stamped production numbers in the pivot area.

Both handles have a forged-in "Z4" code within a depressed oval, with a hand-stamped "83" code below.

Fig. 55. Fuller 196-6 6 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1970s.

Fig. 55 shows another later pair of Fuller 196-6 6 inch combination pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" along an oval arc, with the model number in the center.

The pliers are also marked with "Japan" forged into the undersides of the handles.

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

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

The model number marking suggests production in the mid 1970s.

We were not able to disassemble the pliers, but did observe a forged-in "8E" code and a stamped "10" code on one handle.

At first glance these pliers seem quite similar to the Fuller 196-6 Combination Pliers shown above, but closer inspection reveals some significant differences. For example, the rivet on these pliers is flush with the front surface, rather than projecting above, and the bolt has a pressed dimple in the end to prevent the nut from becoming loose.

Also note that the gripping pattern is subtly different from the above pair, with the diamonds slightly elongated in the transverse direction, and with the pattern extending to the end of the handle.

Another difference can be noted in the fonts used for the forged-in "Japan" marking, with these pliers using a simpler sans serif font with even spacing.

These differences allow us to conclude that these pliers were made by a different manufacturer than the previous example, and the dimple in the bolt identifies Nippon Riki/Lobtex as the maker. An earlier example of pliers made by Nippon Riki can be seen as the Fuller [196] "Lobster" 8 Inch Combination Pliers.

Fig. 56. Fuller 196-6 "BF" 6 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1977 to 1980s.

Fig. 56 shows a later pair of Fuller 196-6 6 inch combination pliers, stamped with "Fuller" along a curved arc, with the model number below.

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

Note that the pliers are also marked with "BF Japan" forged into the tips of the handles.

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

The third-generation marking style suggests production from 1977 to the 1980s.

Fuller 196 8 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers

The next several figures show three generations (and variations) of the Fuller 196 8 inch combination pliers, with differences in construction that suggest different makers.

Fig. 57. Fuller [196] 8 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1960s.

Fig. 57 shows an early pair of Fuller [196] 8 inch combination pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" near the pivot, and marked with "Japan" forged into the undersides of the handles.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the forged rectangular grid gripping pattern with a "lobster" in the center.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

The absence of a model number marking and the uncommon "lobster" gripping pattern suggest production in the 1960s or possibly late 1950s.

The "lobster" in the gripping pattern is easily recognized as the trademark of Nippon Riki/Lobtex, allowing us to identify Nippon Riki as the maker of the pliers. Another example of the company's pliers can be seen as the Nippon Riki 6 Inch Combination Pliers.

Note that the bolt has a pressed dimple in the end, which has slightly expanded the bolt to prevent the nut from becoming loose. This is a production characteristic of Nippon Riki/Lobtex.

Fig. 58. Fuller [196] 8 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1960s.

Fig. 58 shows another early pair of Fuller [196] 8 inch combination pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" along an oval arc near the pivot, and marked with "Japan" forged into the undersides of the handles.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the forged diamond-checkered gripping pattern. Note also the forged-in "H" code at the ends of the handles.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

The absence of a model number marking suggests production in the 1960s.

Fig. 59. Fuller 196-8 8 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1970s.

Fig. 59 shows a somewhat later pair of Fuller 196-8 8 inch combination pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" along an oval arc with the model number in the center.

The pliers are also marked with "Japan" forged into the undersides of the handles.

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

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

The second-generation marking style suggests production in the early to mid 1970s.

We disassembled the pliers for cleaning and noted that the pliers were not stamped with the matching production numbers sometimes observed on Fuller pliers.

Fig. 60. Fuller 196-8 "BF" 8 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1977 to 1980s.

Fig. 60 shows a later pair of Fuller 196-8 8 inch combination pliers, stamped with "Fuller" along a curved arc with the model number below.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the forged diamond-checkered gripping pattern. Note that "BF Japan" is forged into the tips of the handles.

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

The third-generation marking style with "Fuller" and the model number suggests production from 1977 to the 1980s.

We inspected the pivot area and did not find any stamped production codes.

The "BF Japan" marking on the tips of the handles needs some further discussion. The "BF" code was required for production for Sears, and since most suppliers to Fuller were also supplying tools to Sears, it's not uncommon for a "BF" code to appear accidentally on a Fuller tool. In this case though we think that the "BF Japan" marking was deliberate.

Our evidence for this is that similar pliers can be found marked as the Sears 30701 6 Inch Combination Pliers, with the Fuller diamond-checkered gripping pattern replacing the usual chevron pattern found on Sears pliers!

We think that this was an experiment to reduce production costs by eliminating some of the forging dies. By moving "BF Japan" to the handle tips and using the same gripping pattern for both Fuller and Sears, the dies needed for "Japan" or "BF Japan" on the undersides of the handles and for the chevron gripping pattern could be eliminated. This worked because Fuller didn't mind the extra "BF" marking and Sears probably welcomed the chance to use the different gripping pattern as a marketing experiment.

The experiment apparently ran only briefly on the Sears side, as Sears pliers with the diamond-checkered pattern are relatively rare. In addition, Sears began using plastic hand grips on all slip-joint pliers in 1978, so the "BF Japan" marking had to be moved again.

Fuller 191-6 "BF" 6 Inch Thin-Nose Combination Pliers

Fig. 61. Fuller 191-6 6 Inch Thin-Nose Combination Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1977 to 1980s.

Fig. 61 shows a later pair of Fuller 191-6 6 inch thin-nose combination pliers, stamped with "Fuller" along a curved arc with the model number below.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the thin nose and diamond-checkered gripping pattern. Note also that "BF Japan" is forged into the tip of the handle.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

The third-generation marking style suggests production from 1977 to the 1980s.

Utility (Waterpump) Pliers

Fuller offered slip-joint utility (waterpump) pliers with five adjustment positions as model 197 in a 9 inch size. The model 197 pliers were furnished with a diamond-checkered gripping pattern and a polished chrome finish.

Utility pliers were also available with a tongue-and-groove adjustment mechanism, with models 113 (10 inches) and 114 (12 inches) available as early as 1967. Additional sizes were offered in later years.

Fuller 197 9 Inch Utility Pliers

The next figures show three generations (plus variations) of the Fuller 197 utility pliers.

Fig. 62. Fuller [197] 9 Inch Utility Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1960s.

Fig. 62 shows an early pair of Fuller [197] 9 inch utility pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" along an oval arc on the upper handle, and marked with "Japan" forged into the underside of the upper handle.

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

The overall length is 9.6 inches closed and 10.0 inches fully extended. The finish is polished chrome.

The handles are also stamped with a "71" production code, as seen in the upper small inset. We verified that the other handle is stamped with the same number.

The absence of a model number marking suggests production in the 1960s.

Fig. 63. Fuller 197-9 9 Inch Utility Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. Early 1970s.

Fig. 63 shows a later pair of Fuller 197-9 9 inch utility pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" along an oval arc with the model number in the center.

The pliers are also marked with "Japan" forged into the undersides of both handles.

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

The overall length is 9.6 inches closed and 10.1 inches fully extended. The finish is polished chrome.

The handles are also stamped with a "329" production code, as seen in the upper small inset. We verified that the other handle is stamped with the same number.

The marking style on these pliers is a bit unusual, as the "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" marking is positioned transversely to the axis of the handle, the style more commonly used for combination pliers. Utility pliers typically placed the Fuller name aligned with the axis of the handle.

The odd marking style suggests that these pliers were produced when model numbers were first being added to pliers.

Fig. 64. Fuller 197-9 9 Inch Utility Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1970s.

Fig. 64 shows another later pair of Fuller 197-9 9 inch utility pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" plus the model number along the axis of the handle.

The pliers are also marked with "Japan" forged into the underside of the upper handle.

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

The overall length is 9.5 inches closed and 9.8 inches fully extended. The finish is polished chrome.

The handles have a stamped "166" production code near the pivot, as seen in the upper small inset. We verified that the other handle is stamped with the same number.

The second-generation markings on these pliers are placed along the axis of the handle, the standard orientation for utility pliers. But somewhat curiously, the model number is marked as "197-9½", even though the size was usually listed as 9 inches. This discrepancy may be due to the illustration in the 1976 catalog, which shows a card attached to the pliers identifying them as 9½ inch utility pliers.

Fig. 65. Fuller 197-9 "BF" 9 Inch Utility Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1977 to 1980s.

Fig. 65 shows a later pair of Fuller 197-9 9 inch utility pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and the model number along the axis of the handle.

The pliers are also marked with "BF Japan" forged into the tip of the upper handle.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the forged diamond-checkered gripping pattern with "BF Japan" at the tip.

The overall length is 9.5 inches closed and 10.1 inches fully extended. The finish is polished chrome.

The third-generation markings on these pliers suggest production from 1977 to the 1980s.

Tongue-and-Groove Utility Pliers

By 1967 Fuller was offering tongue-and-groove utility pliers as part of its "Golden Grip" series with yellow plastic hand grips. Our earliest reference for these pliers is a 1967 advertisement, which illustrated tongue-and-groove pliers in sizes 10 and 12 inches as well as combination pliers in sizes 6 and 8 inches.

Based on later references, the tongue-and-groove pliers were initially available in models 113 (10 inches) and 114 (12 inches). The range of sizes was later extended to include model 115 (6 inches) and model 117 (16 inches), and in later years the hand grips were made in additional colors including red, green, blue, and black.

With the pliers available as early as 1967, we think that there should be some examples available without model number markings. However, all tongue-and-groove pliers observed thus far (2024) have had model numbers. This may be an indication that model number markings were added to pliers much earlier than we thought.

Fuller 113 10 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Utility Pliers

The next figures show two generations of the Fuller 113 tongue-and-groove utility pliers, with minor differences in the markings.

Fig. 66. Fuller 113 10 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1970s.

Fig. 67 shows a pair of Fuller 113 10 inch tongue-and-groove pliers, stamped with "Fuller No. 113" over "Groove" and "Drop Forged" on the handle.

The pliers are also marked with "Japan" forged into the back side of the handle.

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

The overall length is 10.3 inches closed and 10.5 inches fully extended.

The finish is polished chrome plating with yellow ("Golden Grip") plastic hand grips.

We inspected the pivot area but did not find any stamped production codes.

The second-generation marking style suggests production in the early to mid 1970s.

Fig. 67. Fuller 113 10 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1977 to 1980s.

Fig. 67 shows a later pair of Fuller 113 10 inch tongue-and-groove pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and "No. 113" on the handle.

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

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

The overall length is 10.3 inches closed and 10.6 inches fully extended. The finish is chrome plating with yellow ("Golden Grip") plastic hand grips.

We inspected the pivot area but did not find any stamped production codes.

The third-generation marking style suggests production from 1977 to the 1980s.

Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers

Fuller offered lineman's side-cutting pliers as model 194 in sizes 7 and 8 inches.

Fig. 68. 1979 Catalog Listing for Fuller "Maruto" Lineman's Pliers.

Fig. 68 shows a 1979 catalog listing for Fuller "Maruto" lineman's side-cutting pliers, as published on page A-51 of the 1979 "La Cross Roofing" catalog, which offered a substantial selection of Fuller tools.

The pliers were available in sizes 7 and 8 inches.

In the illustration the "Maruto" marking is visible below the pivot, indicating production by Maruto Hasegawa.

Note that the pliers are illustrated with plastic hand grips.

Fuller [194] 7 Inch Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers

Fig. 69. Fuller [194] 7 Inch Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1960s.

Fig. 69 shows a pair of Fuller 7 inch side-cutting pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" around the pivot.

The pliers are also marked with "Japan" forged into the undersides of the handles.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the angled facets of the head and the nested diamonds gripping pattern on the handles.

The inseam between the handles is serrated to asssit with crimping wire splices.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

These pliers were listed as model 194 in the catalogs, as noted in the figure above.

The first-generation marking style without a model number suggests production in the 1960s.

The gripping pattern on these pliers is nearly identical to the "Nested Diamonds" pattern used for Sears Craftsman pliers from the late 1930s through the 1950s.

The pliers have the same gripping pattern and construction as the Fuller 194 8 Inch Side-Cutting Pliers, and are also very similar in construction to the Fuller "Maruto" 8 Inch Side-Cutting Pliers. Based on these comparisons we can conclude that these pliers were also made by Maruto Hasegawa.

Currently we don't have a catalog listing for side-cutting pliers with patterned handles, but will note that Fuller fixed-pivot pliers with patterned handles are relatively rare, suggesting production for only a limited period of time. We would speculate that Fuller may have offered patterned handles as an option on its side-cutting pliers at some point, before deciding to go with just plastic grips. The 1976 Fuller catalog illustrated fixed-pivot pliers only with plastic hand grips.

Early Fuller [194] "Maruto" 8 Inch Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers

Fig. 70. Fuller [194] "Maruto" 8 Inch Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1960s.

Fig. 70 shows an early pair of Fuller 8 inch side-cutting pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and "Maruto" around the pivot, with "Japan" on the back.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the angled facets of the head.

The inseam between the handles is serrated to assist with crimping wire splices.

The overall length is 8.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with plastic hand grips.

The "Maruto" marking indicates production by Maruto Hasegawa, a major maker of pliers based in Niigata, Japan.

These pliers were listed as model 194 in the catalogs, as noted in the catalog listing above.

The first-generation marking style without a model number marking (and with "Maruto" substituted for "Drop Forged") suggests production in the 1960s.

These pliers were acquired with plain roughly-finished handles, suggesting that they had originally been fitted with plastic hand grips. We have replaced the grips using heat-shrink tubing.

Fuller 194 8 Inch Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers

Fig. 71. Fuller 194 8 Inch Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. Early 1970s.

Fig. 71 shows a somewhat later pair of Fuller 194 8 inch side-cutting pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" plus the model number around the pivot.

The pliers are also marked with "Japan" forged into the undersides of the handles.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the angled facets of the head and the nested diamonds gripping pattern on the handles.

The inseam between the handles is serrated to assist with crimping wire splices.

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

A side-by-side comparison with the Fuller "Maruto" 8 Inch Side-Cutting Pliers showed that the two examples are nearly identical in construction and dimensions.

The gripping pattern on these pliers is nearly identical to the "Nested Diamonds" pattern used for Sears Craftsman pliers from the late 1930s through the 1950s.

Currently we don't have a catalog listing for side-cutting pliers with patterned handles, but will note that Fuller fixed-pivot pliers with patterned handles are relatively rare, suggesting production for only a limited period of time. We would speculate that Fuller may have offered patterned handles as an option on its side-cutting pliers at some point, before deciding to go with just plastic grips. The 1976 Fuller catalog illustrated fixed-pivot pliers only with plastic hand grips.

The model number marking suggests production in the 1970s or later, and the relative scarcity of patterned handles suggests production in the early 1970s.

Fig. 71B. Comparison of Fuller "Maruto" and Fuller 194 8 Inch Side-Cutting Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

We noted above that the Fuller 194 pliers were nearly identical to the Fuller "Maruto" pliers, and to emphasize the point we made a photograph comparing the two.

Fig. 71B shows a comparison of the Fuller "Maruto" and Fuller 194 8 inch side-cutting pliers, with the pliers stacked in the lower image and side-by-side in the upper image.

Based on the close resemblance, we are confident that the Fuller 194 pliers were also made by Maruto Hasegawa.

Later Fuller 194-8 8 Inch Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers

Fig. 72. Fuller 194-8 8 Inch Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1980s.

Fig. 72 shows a later pair of Fuller 194-8 8 inch lineman's side-cutting pliers, stamped with "Fuller" and "Japan" plus the model number around the pivot.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the angled facets of the head.

The insides of the handles have a short section with parallel sides, with serrations to assist with crimping wire splices.

The overall length is 8.3 inches, and the finish is polished steel with blue hand grips.

These pliers show some construction differences in comparison with the earlier lineman's pliers. For example, the clearance opening behind the cutters is elliptical instead of hexagonal.

Another difference is that the handles appear to meet in a "V" near the pivot, instead of showing a parallel inseam with serrations. (The pliers do have a short parallel section though.)

Also note that the flat area of the handles curves and extends down the handle and under the plastic hand grip, instead of terminating near the pivot.

These differences suggest that the pliers may have been supplied by a different manufacturer, and we are currently reviewing examples from other makers.

A close look at the illustration for lineman's pliers on page 19 [External Link] of the 1981 Fuller catalog shows a "V" shaped gap between the handles, which resembles the present example.

Diagonal Cutters

Fuller offered diagonal cutting pliers as model 190 in sizes 5, 6, and 7 inches, with the 7 inch size designed as a heavy-duty model with much wider jaws.

Fuller 190 "ITO" 6 Inch Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 73. Fuller 190 "ITO" 6 Inch Diagonal Cutters, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1970s.

Fig. 73 shows a pair of Fuller 190 6 inch diagonal cutters, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" around the pivot, with "Japan" and "ITO" on the back.

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is polished steel with red hand grips.

The "Ito" marking indicates production by Itō Kōgu, a Japanese maker of pliers operating in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.

Fuller [190] "Maruto" 7 Inch Heavy-Duty Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 74. Fuller [190] "Maruto" 7 Inch Heavy-Duty Diagonal Cutters, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1960s.

Fig. 74 shows a pair of Fuller [190] 7 inch heavy-duty diagonal cutters, stamped with "Fuller" and "Maruto" around the pivot, with "Japan" on the back of the handle.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with yellow hand grips.

The absence of a model number marking suggests production in the 1960s.

The "Maruto" marking indicates production by Maruto Hasegawa, a major maker of pliers based in Niigata, Japan.

Needlenose Pliers

Fuller offered needlenose pliers with side-cutters as model 192 in sizes 5, 6, and 8 inches.

Fuller [192] "Maruto" 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers with Side-Cutters

Fig. 75. Fuller [192] "Maruto" 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers with Side-Cutters, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1960s.

Fig. 75 shows a pair of Fuller [192] "Maruto" 6 inch needlenose pliers with side-cutters, stamped with "Fuller" and "Maruto" around the pivot, with an "F" code on the back.

The handles of the pliers are covered with vinyl plastic grips.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The absence of a model number marking suggests a production date in the 1960s.

The "Maruto" marking indicates production by Maruto Hasegawa, a major maker of pliers based in Niigata, Japan.

The stamped "F" code has been observed on similar tools in the same location, and appears to be specific to Maruto Hasegawa. Other letters "E" and "G" have been observed as well, suggesting that it may be a date code.

The absence of a model number marking suggests production in the 1960s.

Fuller 192 "ITO" 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers with Side-Cutters

Fig. 76. Fuller 192 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers with Side-Cutters, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. Mid 1970s.

Fig. 76 shows a pair of Fuller 192 6 inch needlenose pliers with side-cutters, stamped with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" around the pivot, with "BF Japan" and "ITO" on the back.

The handles of the pliers are covered with vinyl plastic grips.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

These pliers were found in a vehicle toolkit we used in the mid 1970s to 1980s.

The "ITO" marking was recently discovered (2024) to indicate production by Itō Kōgu, a Japanese maker of pliers operating in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.

The "BF" code strongly suggests that Itō Kōgu was also producing pliers for Sears Roebuck.

Fuller 192-6 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers with Side-Cutters

Fig. 77. Fuller 192-6 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers with Side-Cutters, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. 1980s.

Fig. 77 shows a later pair of Fuller 192-6 6 inch needlenose pliers with side-cutters, stamped with "Fuller" and the model number around the pivot, with "Japan" on the back.

The handles of the pliers are covered with vinyl plastic grips.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

These pliers have a distinctive rounded and tapered design that identifies the maker as Itō Kōgu. The company received a Japanese "Good Design" award in 1978 for various types of pliers in this rounded style, including this model.

Other Tools

Fuller 7218 "BF" 16 Ounce Claw Hammer

Fig. 78. Fuller 7218 16 Ounce Claw Hammer, with Insets for Marking Detail, ca. 1970s.

Fig. 78 shows a Fuller No. 7218 16 ounce claw hammer, stamped with "Fuller" plus "#7218" and "16oz" on the front, with "Japan-BF" on the back side.

The tubular steel handle is fitted with a rubber cushion grip, making the hammer comfortable to hold and use.

The overall length is 12.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This hammer is very similar to the Sears Companion No. 3812 "BF" Claw Hammer, and the presence of the "BF" code suggests that they were likely made by the same manufacturer.

The No. 7218 hammer was listed in the 1979 "La Cross Roofing" Fuller excerpt catalog.

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

Fuller Tool Fair

In the early 1960s Fuller used "Tool Fair" as a brand for tools, which were probably intended as inexpensive items to encourage impulse sales. We haven't found any advertisements for the brand, but "Tool Fair" was registered as a trademark in 1961.

One of the observed "Tool Fair" artifacts was a paper paint bucket with illustrations of tools on the side, and marked with "Tool Fair" in an oval outline, with a note below stating that it was a division of the Fuller Tool Company. We think that the paint bucket was probably filled with carded and pre-priced tools, to be positioned near the cash register in a hardware store or other retail shop.

Fig. 79A. 1984 Catalog Listing for Fuller No. 350 Tool Bucket.

It turns out that Fuller continued to use the "tool bucket" concept in later years, as the example in the next figure shows.

Fig. 79A shows a catalog listing for the No. 350 tool bucket, as published on page 4 of the 1984 Fuller catalog.

In this case the bucket is filled with "Jumbo" screwdrivers, but other buckets were available for other tools.

The bucket in the illustration is marked with "Fuller Tool Co." instead of "Tool Fair", but otherwise resembles the observed "Tool Fair" buckets.

We will add examples of "Tool Fair" tools as they become available.

Award Tools

The Award Tool Company was formed in 1963 by Martin H. Rieger, formerly a sales manager at Fuller Tool. The company operated independently only briefly, as by 1965 Award Tool had been acquired by Fuller Tool.

After the acquisition Fuller used "Award" as a second brand for tools, with most of the production done by KTC.

Based on the observed examples, production for the Award brand was identical to that for the main Fuller brand, but only the recessed oval and raised parallelogram panel styles have been found thus far.

Award "KTC" 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 80A. Award "KTC" 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Marking Detail, ca. Mid 1960s to Mid 1970s.

Fig. 80A shows an Award 15/16x1 open-end wrench with recessed oval panels, marked with "Chrome Vanadium" and the fractional sizes forged into the shank, with "Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo forged into the back side.

The overall length is 11.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The KTC-Oval logo indicates that the wrench was produced by the Kyoto Tool Company.

Award "KTC" 3/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 80. Award "KTC" 3/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View, ca. Mid 1960s to Mid 1970s.

Fig. 80 shows an Award 3/8 combination wrench with recessed oval panels, marked with "Award" and "Chrome Vanadium" plus the fractional size forged into the shank, with "Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo forged into the back side.

The overall length is 4.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Award "KTC" 7/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 81. Award "KTC" 7/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Mid 1960s to Mid 1970s.

Fig. 81 shows an Award 7/16 combination wrench with recessed oval panels, marked with "Award" and "Chrome Vanadium" plus the fractional size forged into the front panel, with "Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo forged into the back panel.

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

Award "KTC" 5/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 82. Award "KTC" 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Mid 1960s to Mid 1970s.

Fig. 82 shows an Award 5/8 combination wrench with recessed oval panels, marked with "Award" and "Chrome Vanadium" plus the fractional size forged into the shank, with "Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo forged into the back side.

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with losses due to wear.

The wrench in the next figure at first seemed to be a duplicate of the one above, but something looked a little bit off. Can you spot the difference?

Fig. 83. Award 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View.

Fig. 83 shows an Award 5/8 combination wrench with recessed oval panels, marked with "Award" and "Chrome Vanadium" plus the fractional size forged into the shank, with "Drop Forged" and "Japan" forged into the back side.

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

Note that this wrench is not marked with the KTC logo! At first we thought it was just an omission, but then started noticing other small differences — the shank is a little thicker, the box end is thicker, the markings are slightly larger.

After noticing all of the small differences, we realized that this wrench is a copy made by another Japanese manufacturer rather than KTC.

Award "KTC" 11/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 84. Award "KTC" 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Late 1970s to 1980s.

Fig. 84 shows an Award 11/16 combination wrench with raised parallelogram panels, stamped with "Award" and the fractional size on the front panel, with "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back side.

The shank is marked with a forged-in "U1" code visible at the left on the back side.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.