Fuller Tool Company

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Fuller Tool Company was founded in 1937 as a maker of screwdrivers and expanded to offer a line of tools for hardware stores and similar retail outlets. In the late 1950s the company was one of the pioneers in Japanese tool imports and became a significant distributor of Japanese tools.

Company History

The Fuller Tool Company was founded in May of 1937 by Bernard Fuller in Whitestone, New York, a section of Queens. (The founding date is based on the first use date in a later trademark filing.) The company's early products included screwdrivers and nut drivers.

The company was incorporated on July 26, 1946.

Fig. 1. 1944 Ad for Fuller Screwdrivers.

During the 1940s and 1950s the company advertised its screwdrivers in publications such as Hardware Age, Popular Mechanics, and Popular Science.

The scan in Fig. 1 shows an ad for Fuller "De Luxe" screwdrivers, as published on page 36 of the December 7, 1944 issue of Hardware Age.

Note that the list of sales offices below the illustration already includes an office in Montreal. Fuller Tool would later open a subsidiary in Canada, and eventually the company moved to Canada.

Tool Imports

By the late 1950s Fuller had started importing tools from England and other countries in Europe, but then discovered that Japan had great untapped potential for tool exports.

In 1957 Bernard Fuller attended an industrial exhibition in Tokyo and soon afterwards began importing tools from Japan. Our information on this early visit comes from the published history of KTC, who later became Fuller's most important production partner.

Currently we don't have any specific information on the Fuller's earliest Japanese imports, but some tantalizing clues can be found in a Japanese book written by an anonymous tool industry insider. The book notes that Fuller had early discussions with two companies in Osaka regarding a contract for adjustable wrenches.

According to the book, Fuller selected one of the companies to supply adjustable wrenches but chose the other company to supply hammers instead. Then somewhat later, Fuller selected a third company in Niigata prefecture as an additional supplier of adjustable wrenches.

Based on later information, the early supplier of adjustable wrenches in Osaka would have been Toho Kōki, the well known maker of "HIT" adjustable wrenches and other tools. The supplier of hammers was found (somewhat indirectly) to be Nippon Riki/Lobtex, a major tool company in Osaka that also makes "Lobster" brand adjustable wrenches.

Fig. 2. 1960 Notice for Fuller Adjustable Wrenches.

The scan in Fig. 2 shows a notice for Fuller adjustable wrenches in a merchandising stand, as published on page 28 of the October, 1960 edition of Hardware World.

Although the markings are too small to read, the adjustable wrenches in the illustration are almost certainly of Japanese origin. A close look at the illustration reveals that the wrenches have an angled transition at the fixed jaw and a plain hanging hole without a ridge, production characteristics that will help us identify the maker.

We think that the wrenches in the illustration were probably made by Sanjō Kikai Seisakusho, a manufacturer based in Niigata prefecture, Japan. More information can be found in the section on Adjustable Wrenches.

The KTC Contract

By 1961 Fuller Tool was using the Kyoto Tool Company (KTC) of Japan as a contract manufacturer of Fuller brand tools. Production by KTC included adjustable wrenches, open-end wrenches, and combination wrenches, and the contract with Fuller Tool was important enough that KTC includes it in their online history.

KTC's published history (in Japanese) includes an interesting story of the origin of the Fuller contract. According to KTC, in 1960 Bernard Fuller visited the KTC factory in person and took some sample wrenches back with him, then upon returning home sent the wrenches to Sears Roebuck to be evaluated. As a result of this visit, in 1961 KTC and Fuller established their export agreement, and KTC supplied tools to Fuller for many years.

The tools sent to Sears for testing also had far-reaching effects, as this served as an introduction for KTC and set in motion events that would lead to the Sears "BF" series of Japanese import tools.

When we first read about Fuller providing sample tools to Sears for testing, we were surprised and a bit puzzled. Fuller was a small company selling primarily to hardware stores, and Sears (with their tool department) was a much larger competitor. Why would a small company tip off their competitor to a highly capable (but relatively unknown) Japanese manufacturer?

The answer turned out to be surprising as well. KTC's contract with Fuller was not merely an agreement to sell a certain quantity of tools at a certain price, but was in effect a business development agreement making Fuller Tool the exclusive U.S. distributor for KTC's contract production. In the early 1960s KTC was extremely interested in developing exports to the United States, and rather then just sell a few tools to a small company, they decided to help Fuller build an extensive Japanese import business, with KTC as the prime contractor.

With this new understanding, the wrenches sent to Sears were effectively a sales call, with Fuller ready to supply any quantity at attractive prices. Sears was definitely interested, and a short time later placed a sample order for adjustable wrenches. (More on this later.)

For Fuller itself KTC began supplying open-end and combination wrenches in a recessed panel design with forged-in markings. This was the same design KTC used for its own open-end wrenches at the time, and the Fuller production was likely made from the same steel and to the same high quality standards. (KTC also made open-end wrenches for Toyota in the same design.)

In addition to wrenches, it's likely that KTC's Kyoto Kōki subsidiary made slip-joint pliers for Fuller, although we haven't yet found definitive evidence.

The Fuller Orient Corporation

By 1962 Fuller had established the Fuller Orient Corporation as a subsidiary to handle the growing volume of Japanese imports. We have a report that Fuller Orient hired the owner of a Japanese tool distributor as its vice-president, but haven't found independent confirmation yet.

We've found references to Fuller Orient in congressional hearings for the "Trade Expansion Act of 1962", which included an extensive weekly inventory of hand tool imports from various countries by a wide variety of companies. The weekly imports can be seen beginning on page 1975 [External Link] of the congressional hearings report.

The table below shows the imports consigned to Fuller Orient from April through June of 1962.

The weekly inventory reports for Fuller Orient show that the Japanese import business was already booming even at this early date.

The establishment of the Fuller Orient subsidiary was an important step in the transformation of Fuller Tool from a small manufacturer into a significant distributor of imported goods.

Production Contract with Toho Kōki

In 1962 Fuller Orient made a $15,000 investment in Toho Kōki, which was reported in the 1963 "Annual Report on Foreign Capital" from the Japanese Department of Trade and Industry. We take this as an indication that Fuller had an ongoing production contract with Toho Kōki, possibly dating back a number of years.

Toho Kōki is known to have supplied adjustable wrenches for the Fuller brand, and in addition supplied "Dunlap" and "Sears" brand wrenches to Sears Roebuck.

A Trial Order

By 1962 discussions with Sears Roebuck had advanced to the point that Sears placed a trial order with Fuller. Sears sometimes chose to do a test marketing experiment when evaluating a potential new vendor, and an example of this from much earlier can be seen in the "P-Circle" wrenches made by Wilde Tool in the mid 1940s.

The present trial order included adjustable wrenches, which turned out to be marked for the "Dunlap" brand. Both KTC and Toho Kōki supplied wrenches for the trial order, and examples can be seen as the [KTC] Dunlap "Japan" 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench and [Toho Kōki] Dunlap "Japan" 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench.

The test marketing was apparently a success, and soon afterwards Sears began its "BF" series of Japanese import tools.

A Visit by KTC

In 1963 Sojiro Yamazaki, one of the founders of KTC, made a visit to Fuller Orient as part of a trip to several U.S. cities.

Fig. 3. 1963 Notice for Visiting Buyer.

An announcement of the trip was found in a column for "Visiting Buyers and Officials", which listed the Fuller Orient Corporation as the local contact.

Fig. 3 shows a notice of the impending visit by Yamazaki, as published on page 28 of the October 28, 1963 issue of International Commerce.

The text notes that Sojiro Yamazaki of KTC would be in New York beginning on October 29, and would be traveling to Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Detroit.

Although we don't have further details of this trip, it's likely that KTC would have been planning to expand its production facilities to prepare for the expected high volume of orders from Sears.

Country of Origin Labeling

In 1963 the FTC issued a cease-and-desist order against Fuller for complaints including improper labeling of country of origin. The FTC order notes that at that time Fuller was importing tools from Japan, England, Holland, Italy, and Portugal.

The Sears "BF" Series

In 1964 Sears began importing tools from Japan using a "BF" manufacturer's code, which greatly expanded the market for Japanese tools in the United States. KTC became the primary manufacturer of wrenches for the "BF" series, and Fuller Tool was involved through its Fuller Orient subsidiary, which was the importer for KTC's production. (It seems obvious that the "BF" almost certainly represents the initials of Bernard Fuller.)

In addition to acting as the importer, Fuller Tool was probably a beneficiary of the "BF" series by gaining quantity pricing for its own purchases of tools from the same Japanese manufacturers. We can offer evidence for this by noting that a number of Fuller tools have been observed with "BF Japan" markings in addition to the Fuller markings, indicating that the tools came from the same production line as the tools for Sears. Examples can be seen as the Fuller 192 "BF" Needlenose Pliers and Fuller 7218 "BF" 16 Ounce Claw Hammer.

The Sears "BF" line began modestly in 1964 with a selection of pliers, carbon-steel wrenches, adjustable wrenches, and Stillson-pattern pipe wrenches. The line expanded significantly in the following years, with notable additions including claw hammers in 1966, heavy-duty pipe wrenches in 1968, Arc-joint pliers and Craftsman combination wrenches in 1969, bolt cutters in 1973, and vises in 1975.

More information on the "BF" series can be found in our article on Distributor "BF".

Manufacturing Partners

Although KTC made many of the tools for the "BF" series, they didn't make everything, and one of our challenges is to identify the other makers of "BF" tools.

Our starting point is to look for the manufacturing partners for Fuller itself. Fuller would have had a financial incentive to source its tools from the same manufacturers supplying tools to Sears, due to better pricing for quantity purchases and possible savings on shipping costs. As noted previously, a number of Fuller tools have been found marked "BF Japan", strong evidence that they came from the same production line supplying tools to Sears.

Another reason to look to Fuller is that the company had a relaxed attitude towards allowing manufacturers to mark their name or brands on its tools, which makes it easy to identify the maker.

KTC is the best known example of a company marking its brand on production for Fuller, but others include Toho Kōki ("HIT") for adjustable wrenches, Itō Kōgu ("ITO") for pliers, Maruto Hasegawa ("Maruto") for pliers, and Hokuyo Sangyō ("Sanki") for adjustable wrenches. (In earlier years "Sanki" wrenches would have been supplied by Sanjō Kikai Seisakusho, the parent company of Hokuyo Sangyō.)

As it turns out, all of these companies are believed to have been suppliers to the Sears "BF" series as well.

Fuller's dual branding may have been offered as an incentive or to gain better pricing. Japanese manufacturers were very interested in developing export markets in the 1960s, and selling tools through Fuller would have helped the companies gain brand recognition.

Another manufacturing partner we've discovered is Nippon Riki (Lobtex) as a supplier of claw hammers. The connection was found through a similar dual branding for the Globemaster brand, and then identified through the similarity of the tools. In addition, we've found Fuller combination pliers with Nippon Riki's "Lobster" logo forged into the handles.

We hope to discover other Japanese suppliers to Fuller, with the expectation that makers for Fuller are likely to have been makers for Sears "BF" tools as well.

Acquisition of Award Tool Company

In 1965 Fuller Tool acquired the Award Tool Company of Flushing, New York. Award Tool appears to have been an importer and reseller of tools, similar to the operations of Fuller Tool by that time.

Our information on the Award Tool Company comes from a small notice regarding Martin H. Rieger, the founder of Award Tool.

Fig. 4. 1969 Notice for Award Tool.

The scan in Fig. 4 shows a notice indirectly mentioning the Award Tool Company, as published on page 28 of the June 1, 1969 issue of Hardware Age.

The text notes that Martin H. Rieger had become president of Steelcraft Tools, having previously been the executive vice president of the Award Tool Company.

The notice provides additional background information that Award Tool had been founded by Rieger in 1963, and that Award had been a subsidiary of the Fuller Tool Company since 1965.

Prior to founding Award Tool, Rieger had been an employee of the Fuller Tool Company, and in 1947 was promoted to the position of sales manager at Fuller.

As a side note, the Steelcraft Tool Company was later acquired by the Daido Corporation, a Japanese company best known for its "Truecraft" tools.

Award Tool filed a trademark application for "AWARD" on April 16, 1964, with the first use date noted as April 1, 1964 and serial #191,242. The application was published on October 20, 1964, and the company received trademark #782,779 on January 5, 1965. The applicable goods were listed as screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches.

Fuller Pipe Wrenches

Fig. 5. 1967 Advertisement for Fuller Tool.

By 1967 Fuller was offering heavy-duty (Ridgid pattern) pipe wrenches, the result of a development project at KTC initiated at Fuller's request.

The scan in Fig. 5 shows an ad for Fuller, as published on page 91 [External Link] of the July 15, 1967 issue of Hardware Age.

The illustration shows a display rack with four sizes of "Super Quality" Ridgid-pattern pipe wrenches. Fuller later offered Stillson-pattern pipe wrenches, also sourced from KTC.

Note that the illustration also shows "Golden Grip" pliers in combination and waterpump styles. The ad offers an assortment of the pliers as catalog No. 110, suggesting that the individual pliers were probably in the 11x series.

The 1976 Fuller catalog offered heavy-duty pipe wrenches in sizes 8, 10, 14, 18, and 24 inches, and Stillson-pattern pipe wrenches in sizes 8, 10, 14, and 18 inches.

An example can be seen as the Fuller 14 Inch Heavy-Duty Pipe Wrench.

In addition to the pipe wrenches from KTC, Fuller is known to have offered Stillson-pattern wrenches made by Super-Ego in Spain, which were marked with "Fuller" and "BF Spain" forged into the handle.

Fuller as Distributor

As Fuller's imports expanded in selection and volume, the company's operations would have changed from that of a pure-play manufacturer of screwdrivers to be more like a distributor, with products sourced from many different manufacturers. The company's catalogs from the early 1980s show a wide range of products, including screwdrivers, open-end and combination wrenches, adjustable wrenches, pipe wrenches, pliers, socket sets, bolt cutters, C-clamps, twist drills, hammers, bit braces, wood chisels, and vises.

Cost Reduced Wrenches

The 1970s were a time of raging inflation, and by late in the decade Fuller and KTC made some changes to their wrench design that appear to have been driven by a need for cost reduction. The forging dies for the recessed panel style would have been fairly expensive to make due to the forged-in markings, and by 1979 the older style had been replaced by raised parallelogram panels with stamped markings.

Around the same time Fuller added a second line of wrenches with raised oval panels and stamped markings, which were were sold only in sets. More information can be found in the section on Production Dates for Raised Oval Wrenches.

Later Operations

KTC's production for Fuller continued into the late 1980s.

In the 1990s Fuller Tool moved its operations to Montreal, Canada, and in 1995 Fuller was acquired by Johnson Level, a Canadian company.

Patents

We haven't found any patents issued to or used by the Fuller Tool Company.

Trademarks

Manufacturing Dates

Fuller tools were not marked with a general date code and estimation of production dates must be made based on design, markings, or other factors.

The following list includes factors that may be helpful in estimating the date of a tool.

• Maker's Marks. Early Fuller tools often included a brand marking for the manufacturer, with HIT, Sanki, KTC, Maruto, and ITO having been frequently observed. These marks appear to have continued into the 1970s, but probably not beyond except for KTC.

• "Thin Pattern" Adjustable Wrenches. Fuller adjustable wrenches from the late 1950s to early 1960s are believed to have been marked with "Thin Pattern" on the back, and without the "No. <size>" marking found on later wrenches.

• Recessed Oval Panels. Fuller open-end and combination wrenches from the early 1960s were made with recessed oval panels and forged-in markings. This style was still being illustrated in the 1976 catalog.

• Absence of Model Number Markings. Early Fuller tools were generally not marked with a model number. Some tools (such as wrenches) never received model number markings, but others (such as pliers) eventually were marked with model numbers. We don't have any specific information on when model number markings were added, but for now the absence of a model number marking on a tool known to have markings later will suggest production in the 1960s.

• "Golden Grip" Slip-Joint Pliers. By 1967 slip-joint pliers with yellow plastic handgrips were being offered in a "Golden Grip" series, which included two sizes of combination pliers and two sizes of tongue-and-groove (waterpump) pliers. An assortment of the pliers was available as catalog No. 110, suggesting that the individual pliers were in the 11x series known later for plastic handgrips.

• 19x Model Numbers for Pliers. By the 1970s it's likely that pliers were being marked with 19x model numbers. The observed model numbers are 190 (diagonal cutters), 191 (thin-nose), 192 (needlenose), 194 (lineman's), 196 (combination), and 197 (utility or waterpump).

  We don't know the exact starting date for the model numbers, and it's possible that model numbers were being marked in the late 1960s.

• 11x Series Slip-Joint Pliers with Plastic Handgrips. By 1976 a separate 11x series of slip-joint pliers with plastic handgrips was available, with 111-112 for combination pliers and 113-115 for tongue-and-groove waterpump pliers. The 11x series may have been offered as early as 1967 for the "Golden Grip" pliers. (Fixed-pivot pliers had plastic handgrips from the beginning.)

• 751x Series Miniature "Hobby" Pliers. By 1976 a 751x series of miniature "hobby" pliers was available, with a rounded design that indicates production by Itō Kōgu.

• Third-Generation Markings on Pliers. By around 1977 Fuller had changed to a third-generation marking for pliers with just "Fuller" and the model number. (See the Third-Generation Marking Style below.)

• "BF Japan" on Handle Tips. Around the same time as the change to third-generation markings, Fuller combination pliers were made with "BF Japan" forged into the handle tips, instead of "Japan" forged into the undersides of the handles.

• Parallelogram Panels. By 1979 open-end and combination wrenches were being illustrated with raised parallelogram panels.

• Wrench Sets in Plastic Pouches. By 1981 Fuller was offering sets of open-end and combination wrenches in plastic pouches. The wrenches were available in both standard and metric sizes, and the catalog illustration appears to show wrenches with raised oval panels. These sets are believed to be the source of the raised oval panel wrenches.

• Model 195 End Nippers. By 1984 end nippers were available as model 195.

• "Extra Strong" Adjustable Wrenches. By 1984 some adjustable wrenches were being illustrated with "Extra Strong" markings.

Marking Styles for Slip-Joint Pliers

Slip-joint pliers have been observed with three distinct marking styles, and these styles may help to estimate production dates when other factors don't apply. There was some variation in the styles depending on whether the markings were for combination pliers or utility pliers.

Fig. 6A. First-Generation Markings for Combination Pliers.

Fig. 6A shows an example of the first-generation markings for Fuller combination pliers, as observed on the Fuller [196] 8 Inch Combination Pliers.

For both combination pliers and utility pliers, the first-generation markings were characterized by "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" along an oval arc.

Fig. 6B. First-Generation Markings for Utility Pliers.

Fig. 6B shows an example of the first-generation markings for Fuller utility pliers, as observed on the Fuller [197] 9 Inch Utility Pliers.

For both combination pliers and utility pliers, the first-generation markings were characterized by "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" along an oval arc.

Fig. 7A. Second-Generation Markings for Combination Pliers.

Fig. 7A shows an example of the second-generation markings for Fuller combination pliers, as observed on the Fuller 196-8 Combination Pliers.

For combination pliers the second-generation markings were characterized by "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" along an oval arc, with the model number in the center.

Fig. 7B. Second-Generation Markings for Utility Pliers.

Fig. 7B shows an example of the second-generation markings for Fuller utility pliers, as observed on the Fuller 197-9 Utility Pliers.

Utility pliers typically placed "Fuller" and the model number on the top line, with "Groove" and/or "Drop Forged" below.

Fig. 8A. Third-Generation Markings for Combination Pliers.

Fig. 8A shows an example of the third-generation markings for Fuller combination pliers, as observed on the Fuller "BF" 196-8 Combination Pliers.

For combination pliers the third-generation markings placed "Fuller" along a curved arc with the model number below.

Fig. 8B. Third-Generation Markings for Utility Pliers.

Fig. 8B shows an example of the third-generation markings for Fuller utility pliers, as observed on the Fuller 113 "BF" Tongue-and-Groove Utility Pliers.

Utility pliers typically placed "Fuller" (in straight text) on the top line with the model number below.

Based on the markings above, the key change between the first and second generations was the addition of the model number, and the change between the second and third generations was the omission of "Drop Forged". We would like to be able to estimate when these changes occurred, but thus far it has been difficult to find specific dates for the changes.

We have weak evidence that the addition of model number might have occurred as early as 1967, based on an advertisement for the "Golden Grip" series of tongue-and-groove pliers. Thus far all observed examples of these pliers have had model numbers with second or third-generation markings. In the absence of better information, for now we are using a 1960s estimate for the first-generation markings.

For the transition from the second to third generation we can offer evidence that the change had probably occurred by 1977. At some point Fuller changed the gripping pattern on its combination pliers to include "BF Japan" forged into the tips of the handles, instead of having "Japan" forged into the undersides. The reason for the otherwise unnecessary "BF" marking appears to have been to allow for a marketing experiment in which the same pliers would be offered under both the Fuller and the Sears brands. A small number of Sears combination pliers have been observed with Fuller's gripping pattern and "BF Japan" on the handle tips, such as the Sears 30701 6 Inch Combination Pliers.

(Being able to sell the same pliers under both brands would have offered production efficiencies, by eliminating the forging dies for the Sears gripping pattern and for the "Japan" markings on the undersides of the handles.)

To estimate the date of these changes, we first note that all observed Fuller pliers with "BF Japan" on the handle tips have third-generation markings, and all observed Fuller combination pliers with third-generation markings have "BF Japan" on the handle tips. These observations strongly suggest that the change to third-generation markings occurred at about the same time as the change to place "BF Japan" on the handle tips.

On the Sears side the examples with "BF Japan" on the handle tips are relatively rare, suggesting a limited time of availablility. We know that in 1978 Sears began requiring plastic handgrips on all slip-joint pliers, which implies that the experiment to place "BF Japan" on the handle tips must have commenced prior to 1978. Obviously there would be no point in placing markings on the handle tips if they were going to be covered with plastic handgrips.

We can combine these observations to conclude that the change to the Fuller third-generation markings had probably occurred by 1977.

References and Resources

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

Catalog Resources

Industrial Distributors

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

Wrenches

Fuller offered wrenches in open-end and combination styles and these wrenches are among the most common and familiar Fuller tools.

Currently all of our examples of Fuller wrenches were made by KTC. KTC's production for Fuller goes back to the early 1960s, and based on KTC's reputation we would expect these to be high quality tools.

Wrenches made by KTC have been observed in the three styles described in the list below. We have offered production date estimates based in part on catalog references, but with some degree of uncertainty due to limited catalog resources.

• Recessed Oval Panels

  Wrenches with recessed oval panels represent the earliest production period and were likely made from 1961 into the mid 1970s. Wrenches in this style were made with forged-in markings, and the known examples are marked for chrome vanadium steel.

  These wrenches closely resemble KTC's own JIS-certified open-end wrenches of the 1960s, as shown on page 8 [External Link] of the 1966 KTC catalog. The wrenches are also very similar to KTC's OEM production for Toyota Motor, and example of which can be seen as the Toyota Motor 14x17mm Open-End Wrench.

  KTC's production of this time used nickel-chrome-vanadium steel, and we think it's likely that the Fuller wrenches were made of the same steel, but marked simply as "Chrome Vanadium" to be more familiar to the U.S. market.

  Currently we don't have Fuller catalogs from the 1960s, but a section below will offer further evidence for the 1960s origin of this style based on retail pricing. The recessed oval panel wrenches were still illustrated in a 1976 Fuller catalog, suggesting an extended production period.

• Raised Oval Panels

  The second style was characterized by raised oval panels and stamped markings. Wrenches in this style were typically marked as "Drop Forged" for open-end wrenches or "Forged Alloy" for combination wrenches, but no specific alloy references are known.

  Another characteristic of this style is a forged-in "Fx" manufacturing code, with the "F" prefix believed to indicate a Fuller-specific forging die.

  The stamped markings and less specific (or absence of) alloy references suggest that this style was intended for lower cost production.

  Currently we don't have a clear catalog reference for this style, but the wrenches are believed to have been supplied only as sets in plastic pouches. A section below will provide the evidence for this hypothesis and offer production date estimates.

• Raised Parallelogram Panels

  The third style is characterized by raised paralleogram panels and stamped markings, with production commencing in the late 1970s. The earliest published reference is in a 1979 catalog, as noted in the figure below.

  Wrenches in this style were usually marked with a specific alloy as either "Chrome Vanadium" or "Chrome Molybdenum", although a small number of examples marked "Alloy Steel" have been observed.

  Based on paired comparisons with the raised oval group, the larger wrenches in this group were somewhat longer. For example, a 5/8 parallelogram panel wrench was 7.8 inches long, compared to 7.0 inches for the oval panel wrench.

  This style has a forged-in manufacturing code of the form "Ux".

After this brief description of the observed wrench styles, the sections below will provide additional information related to production dates.

1979 Catalog Listing with Parallelogram Panels

Fig. 9. 1979 Catalog Listing for Fuller Combination Wrenches.

Let's start with the most direct evidence: a dated catalog reference showing a specific wrench style.

Fig. 9 shows a 1979 catalog listing for Fuller combination wrenches with raised parallelogram panels, as published on page A-54 [External Link] of a 1979 La Cross Roofing catalog.

The text notes that the wrenches were drop forged of chrome vanadium steel, and also mentions that the wrenches are individually packaged on cards.

This catalog is currently the earliest known published reference showing the use of parallelogram panels on Fuller wrenches.

At this time the available sizes ranged from 3/8 to 3/4, but larger sizes were offered in later years. Later catalogs also noted the use of chrome molybdenum steel, and both alloys have been observed on wrenches.

Production Dates for Recessed Oval Panel Wrenches

We identified the recessed oval panel style as the earliest style based on its close resemblance to KTC's production of the mid 1960s. But it turns out that we can offer an independent estimate of the production date for a particular wrench, due to the fortuitous availability of the original packaging and price.

Fig. 9B. Fuller 11/16 Combination Wrench in Original Package, ca. 1964.

We were able to acquire a Fuller 11/16 recessed-panel combination wrench in its original plastic pouch, which was printed with a $1.19 price. By analyzing changes in retail pricing, we can offer strong evidence for the 1960s origin of this particular wrench.

Fig. 9B shows the Fuller 11/16 combination wrench in its original plastic pouch, marked with "Fuller" and the $1.19 price near the top.

If we had Fuller catalogs from the 1960s we could just check to see when 11/16 combination wrenches were offered at the $1.19 price. But since no Fuller catalogs are available for this period, we can use the Sears Craftsman catalogs as a proxy instead.

In the 1979 Fuller catalog listing above the 11/16 combination wrench is priced at $3.09, or approximately 2.6 (3.09/1.19) times the price of the earlier wrench.

If we check the 1978-1979 Craftsman catalog, we find that the Craftsman combination wrench is priced at $3.39. Then if we divide that by 2.6 ($3.39/2.6), we get $1.30 as the estimated Craftsman price in the year the Fuller wrench was sold.

If we now check Craftsman catalogs from the 1960s for prices of 11/16 Craftsman combination wrenches, we find $1.19 in 1960, $1.29 in 1964, and $1.39 in 1966. The price closest to $1.30 is from 1964, which becomes our estimate for the production date of this particular wrench.

This price comparison exercise provides strong evidence that the recessed panel wrenches were available in the mid 1960s. This wrench style was still being illustrated in the 1976 Fuller catalog, providing a 1960s to mid 1970s production date estimate.

The wrench in the package can be seen in greater detail as the Fuller "KTC" 11/16 Combination Wrench.

Production Dates for Raised Oval Panel Wrenches

Thus far we have provided reasonable estimates for the production dates of the recessed oval panel and raised parallelogram panel wrench styles. However, the production dates for the raised oval style are uncertain in the absence of a specific catalog reference.

One factor is clear though: the raised oval panel wrenches were the cheapest, both in terms of production cost and in customer perception. Raised oval panels are the most generic paneled form, and the absence of specific alloy markings (or even "alloy" at all) leave open the possibility of lesser grades of steel. Even the lengths are shorter for the larger sizes.

The raised oval wrenches are also the most commonly seen examples, suggesting that they were offered at lower prices or sold in some manner that would lead to higher sales volume.

After a careful review of the Fuller catalogs, we now think that the raised oval panel wrenches were sold only as sets of wrenches in plastic pouches, and were probably priced at a substantial discount to the individual wrenches listed in the catalogs. Please refer to the catalog listing below for details on these sets.

Fig. 10. 1981 Catalog Listing for Fuller Standard and Metric Wrench Sets.

Fig. 10 shows a 1981 catalog listing for Fuller standard and metric wrench sets, as published on page 15 [External Link] of the 1981 Fuller Tool catalog.

Four sets were available, with Nos. 1373 and 1473 for metric combination and open-end wrenches, and Nos. 1374 and 1474 for standard combination and open-end wrenches.

All of the sets consisted of six wrenches supplied in a plastic pouch.

We can offer strong evidence that the wrench sets in plastic pouches are the source of the raised oval panel wrenches. Although the catalog doesn't illustrate the individual wrenches in the sets, if the illustration above is enlarged the wrenches can be seen with the outline of an oval panel. In addition, a number of online photographs have been found for Fuller wrench sets in plastic pouches, and these were populated with wrenches of the raised oval panel style.

Further evidence can be found in the "Alloy Steel" text in the upper left corner of the listing, which contrasts with the "Chrome Molybdenum" text used to describe Fuller's individually priced wrenches. (The previous page in the catalog lists individual wrenches.) The less-specific alloy reference implies that the wrenches in sets are different from the individual wrenches, and were probably sold at lower prices.

The above listing shows that the wrench sets were offered in metric sizes, and from a catalog review these were the only metric wrenches offered by Fuller, at least up through 1984. Thus a customer needing metric wrenches would have had to buy one of these wrench sets, and this would help explain the observed large numbers of raised oval panel wrenches. As expected, all of our examples of Fuller wrenches in metric sizes are in the raised oval panel style.

The listing for wrench sets shows that the range of sizes in the sets was more restricted than the sizes available as individual wrenches. In particular, combination wrenches in sets topped out at 14mm and 11/16, and open-end wrench sets were limited to 17mmx19mm and 11/16x3/4. We have a few examples of wrenches larger than these sizes, and in all cases the larger wrenches are not in the raised oval style.

From the above considerations, we are confident that the wrenches in the raised oval panel style were sold as part of the above wrench sets. The 1981 catalog is currently our earliest reference for the wrench sets, but production probably began shortly after the raised parallelogram wrenches were introduced, leading to a 1980s date estimate.

Summary of Production Dates

We can summarize the date estimates for the three styles as follows:

• Recessed Oval Panels: 1960s to Mid 1970s;
• Raised Parallelogram Panels: Late 1970s to 1980s;
• Raised Oval Panels: 1980s.

Based on these production date estimates, we can see that the Fuller wrenches can be regarded as two distinct generations (recessed oval, raised parallelogram) plus an alternate and likely lower cost style (raised oval).

Open-End Wrenches

Fuller "KTC" 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 11. Fuller 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1980s.

Fig. 11 shows a Fuller 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with "Fuller" and the fractional sizes on the front panel, with "Forged Alloy" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back panel.

The back side of the shank also has a forged-in "F20" code visible at the right.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Based on our current understanding, this wrench would have been originally sold as part of a No. 1474 six-piece wrench set.

Fuller "KTC" 11/16x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 12. Fuller 11/16x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1980s.

Fig. 12 shows a Fuller 11/16x3/4 open-end wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with "Fuller" and the fractional sizes on the front panel, with "Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back panel.

The back side of the shank also has a forged-in "F24" code visible at the right.

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

Based on our current understanding, this wrench would have been originally sold as part of a No. 1474 six-piece wrench set.

Fuller "KTC" 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 13. Fuller 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1960s to Mid 1970s.

Fig. 13 shows an early Fuller 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench with recessed oval panels, marked with "*Fuller*" and "Chrome Vanadium" plus the fractional sizes forged into the front, with "Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo forged into the back.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with extensive losses due to wear and rust.

Fuller "KTC" 15/16x1 Inch Open-End Wrench

Fig. 14. Fuller 15/16x1 Inch Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Late 1970s to 1980s.

Fig. 14 shows a Fuller 15/16x1 inch open-end wrench with parallelogram panels, stamped with "Fuller" and the fractional sizes on the front panel, with "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back panel.

The back side of the shank also has a forged-in code "U02" visible at the right.

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

Fuller "KTC" 13x15mm Open-End Wrench

Fig. 15. Fuller 13x15mm Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1980s.

Fig. 15 shows a Fuller 13x15mm open-end wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with "Fuller" and the metric sizes on the front panel, with "Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back panel.

The back side of the shank also has a forged-in "F35" code visible at the right.

The overall length is 5.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Based on our current understanding, this wrench would have been originally sold as part of a No. 1473 six-piece wrench set.

Fuller "KTC" 17x19mm Open-End Wrench

Fig. 16. Fuller 17x19mm Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1980s.

Fig. 16 shows a Fuller 17x19mm open-end wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with "Fuller" and the metric sizes on the front panel, with "Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back panel.

The back side of the shank also has a forged-in "F79" code visible at the right.

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

Based on our current understanding, this wrench would have been originally sold as part of a No. 1473 six-piece wrench set.

Combination Wrenches

We have a good selection of Fuller combination wrenches, and examples are available for all three production styles.

Fuller "KTC" 3/8 Combination Wrenches

The next figures show two styles of the Fuller 3/8 combination wrench.

Fig. 17. Fuller 3/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Late 1970s to 1980s.

Fig. 17 shows a Fuller 3/8 combination wrench with raised parallelogram panels, stamped with "Fuller" and the fractional size on the front panel, with "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back panel.

The back side of the shank also has a forged-in "U2" code visible at the left.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces and ends.

Fig. 18. Fuller 3/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1980s.

Fig. 18 shows a Fuller 3/8 combination wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with "Fuller" and the fractional size on the front panel, with "Forged Alloy" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back panel.

The back side of the shank also has a forged-in code "F2" visible at the left.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces and ends.

Based on our current understanding, this wrench would have been originally sold as part of a No. 1374 six-piece wrench set.

Fuller "KTC" 7/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 19. Fuller 7/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View, ca. 1980s.

Fig. 19 shows a Fuller 7/16 combination wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with "Fuller" and the fractional size on the front panel, with "Forged Alloy" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back panel.

The back side of the shank also has a forged-in code "F4" visible at the left.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces and ends.

Based on our current understanding, this wrench would have been originally sold as part of a No. 1374 six-piece wrench set.

Fuller "KTC" 1/2 Combination Wrench

Fig. 20. Fuller 1/2 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View, ca. 1980s.

Fig. 20 shows a Fuller 1/2 combination wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with "Fuller" and the fractional size on the front panel, with "Forged Alloy" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back panel.

The back side of the shank also has a forged-in code "F6" visible at the left.

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

Based on our current understanding, this wrench would have been originally sold as part of a No. 1374 six-piece wrench set.

Fuller "KTC" 9/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 21. Fuller 9/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View, ca. 1960s to Mid 1970s.

Fig. 21 shows an early Fuller 9/16 combination wrench with recessed oval panels, marked with "*Fuller*" 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 top inset shows a side view of the wrench.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces and ends.

Fuller "KTC" 5/8 Combination Wrenches

The next figures show two styles of the Fuller 5/8 combination wrench.

Fig. 22. Fuller 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View, ca. Late 1970s to 1980s.

Fig. 22 shows a Fuller 5/8 combination wrench with raised parallelogram panels, stamped with "Fuller" and the fractional size on the front panel, with "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back panel.

The back side of the shank also has a forged-in "U0" code visible at the left.

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

Fig. 23. Fuller 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1980s.

Fig. 23 shows a Fuller 5/8 combination wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with "Fuller" and the fractional size on the front panel, with "Forged Alloy" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back panel.

The back side of the shank also has a forged-in "F6" code visible at the left.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces and ends.

Based on our current understanding, this wrench would have been originally sold as part of a No. 1374 six-piece wrench set.

Fuller "KTC" 11/16 Combination Wrenches

The next figures show three styles of the Fuller 11/16 combination wrench.

Fig. 24A. Fuller 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View, ca. 1960s to Mid 1970s.

Fig. 24A shows an earlier Fuller 11/16 combination wrench with recessed oval panels, marked with "Fuller" and "Chrome Vanadium" forged into the front panel, with "Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo forged into the back panel.

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

Fig. 24B. Fuller 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View, ca. Late 1970s to 1980s.

Fig. 24B shows a later Fuller 11/16 combination wrench with raised parallelogram panels, stamped with "Fuller" and the fractional size on the front panel, with "Chrome Vanadium" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back panel.

The back side of the shank also has a forged-in "U1" code visible (upside-down) at the left.

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

Fig. 25. Fuller 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1980s.

Fig. 25 shows a Fuller 11/16 combination wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with "Fuller" and the fractional size on the front panel, with "Forged Alloy" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back panel.

The back side of the shank also has a forged-in "F2" code visible at the left.

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

Based on our current understanding, this wrench would have been originally sold as part of a No. 1374 six-piece wrench set.

Fuller "KTC" 3/4 Combination Wrench

Fig. 26. Fuller 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1970s to 1980s.

Fig. 26 shows a Fuller 3/4 combination wrench with raised parallelogram panels, stamped with "Fuller" and the fractional size on the front panel, with "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Japan" plus the KTC-Oval logo on the back panel.

The back side of the shank also has a forged-in "U4" code visible at the left.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces and ends.

Adjustable Wrenches

Adjustable wrenches were one of Fuller's earliest Japanese imports, with production probably going back to the late 1950s. These wrenches were an important product for the company from the 1960s onward.

Earlier production of Fuller adjustable wrenches typically had an additional marking for the maker's brand, with "HIT", "KTC", and "SANKI" having been observed thus far. The brand markings probably continued into the mid 1970s.

Early "Thin Pattern" Adjustable Wrenches

Observations of Fuller adjustable wrenches have found a small number of examples with markings that differ from the more common marking styles. These rare examples are marked "Fuller Drop Forged" on the front, with "Thin Pattern" and "Chrome Alloy Steel" on the back, and are missing the "No. <size>" marking that served as the model number for Fuller's adjustable wrenches.

Our hypothesis is that these wrenches are among the earliest Fuller adjustable wrenches and were probably made beginning in the late 1950s, a period for which we have scant information on Fuller's products.

The wrenches observed thus far have had forged-in markings for either "HIT" or "SANKI" near the hanging hole. The "HIT" marking is the well known trademark for Toho Kōki, which is known to have had a production contract with Fuller.

The "SANKI" marking is a familiar brand found on wrenches made by Hokuyo Sangyō. However, at this early date the "SANKI" wrenches would have been produced not by Hokuyo Sangyō, but by its parent company Sanjō Kikai Seisakusho. Sanjō Kikai registered "SANKI" as a Japanese trademark in 1950, and in the late 1950s and early 1960s Hokuyo Sangyō was still just the sales division for the parent company.

Fig. 27. 1960 Notice for Fuller Adjustable Wrenches.

The scan in Fig. 27 shows a notice for a Fuller adjustable wrench display, as published on page 60 of the September 8, 1960 issued of Hardware Age.

The text notes that the display holds two wrenches for each of the sizes 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches.

A close look at the illustration reveals that the wrenches have an angled transition at the fixed jaw and a plain hanging hole.

Unfortunately the resolution of the illustration is too low to allow the markings to be read, but the production characteristics are sufficient to identify the maker. Based on observed examples, we are confident that the wrenches in the illustration match the Fuller "SANKI" wrenches being produced by Sanjō Kikai at this time.

Early Fuller "SANKI" 10 Inch Thin-Pattern Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 28. Early Fuller "SANKI" 10 Inch Thin-Pattern Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Construction Detail, ca. Late 1950s to Early 1960s.

Fig. 28 shows an early Fuller 10 inch thin-pattern adjustable wrench, marked with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" forged into the front, with "Thin Pattern" and "Chrome Alloy Steel" forged into the back.

The shank is also marked with "SANKI" forged along a curved arc near the hanging hole, with "Japan" along a curved arc on the back side.

The lower inset shows a close-up of the open jaws, illustrating the angled transition at the corner of the fixed jaw and the corresponding angled cutaway of the movable jaw.

The overall length is 10.2 inches and the maximum opening is 1.2 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

We removed the pin securing the worm gear and noted that it is threaded on the inside end.

The markings on this wrench suggest an early production date. The "Thin Pattern" marking is rare for Fuller wrenches and suggests a contrast with a "thick" pattern, presumably a carbon steel (or non-alloy) wrench. We haven't seen a non-alloy Fuller adjustable wrench, but "Thin Pattern" would be a reminder that alloy-steel wrenches are thinner and lighter.

Another detail to note is that the wrench is not marked with "No. <size>", the "model number" marking found on most other Fuller wrenches.

Some readers may have already noticed another detail worth mentioning, which is that this wrench has a 15° jaw offset angle, instead of the more common 22.5° offset. The 15° offset was Sanki's preferred construction during the 1950s and 1960s.

The early markings suggest a production date in the late 1950s to early 1960s. During that period the "SANKI" marking would indicate production by Sanjō Kikai Seisakusho, the parent company of Hokuyo Sangyō. Sanjō Kikai turned over production of "SANKI" wrenches to Hokuyo Sangyō in 1964.

Early Fuller "HIT" 8 Inch Thin-Pattern Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 29. Early Fuller "HIT" 8 Inch Thin-Pattern Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Construction Detail, ca. Late 1950s to Early 1960s.

Fig. 29 shows an early Fuller 8 inch thin-pattern adjustable wrench, marked with "Fuller" and "Drop Forged" forged into the front, with "Thin Pattern" and "Chrome Alloy Steel" forged into the back.

The shank is also marked with "Japan" forged along a curved arc near the hanging hole, with "HIT" along a curved arc on the back side.

The lower inset shows a close-up of the open jaws, illustrating the rounded corner of the fixed jaw and the inset convex cutaway of the movable jaw

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.0 inches. The finish is chrome plating, with extensive losses due to wear and rust.

We observed that the pin securing the worm gear is threaded on the outside end, a characteristic of production by Toho Kōki.

Several details for this wrench suggest an early production date. The "Thin Pattern" marking is rare for Fuller wrenches and suggests a contrast with a "thick" pattern, presumably a carbon steel (or non-alloy) wrench. We haven't seen a non-alloy Fuller adjustable wrench, but "Thin Pattern" would be a reminder that alloy-steel wrenches are thinner and lighter.

Another detail to note is that the wrench is not marked with "No. <size>", the "model number" marking found on most other Fuller wrenches. In addition, the finish is very thin and is deteriorating, in contrast to the heavy plated chrome finishes found on most other Fuller wrenches.

Based on these marking and construction differences, we think it's plausible that this wrench was made in the late 1950s to early 1960s.

Standard Adjustable Wrenches

After our brief introduction to the early Fuller adjustable wrenches, for the remainder of this section we'll look at examples of the later and more common wrenches.

These wrenches were typically marked with "Fuller Chrome Alloy" and "No. <size>" on the front, with "Full Drop Forged" on the back, along with "Japan" and a maker's mark near the hanging hole.

A later variant marking had "No. <size>" and "Fuller Extra Strong" on the front, with "Forged Chrome Vanadium" or "Forged Alloy Steel" on the back.

Adjustable wrenches were available in sizes 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches, with a 15 inch size available later.

Fuller No. 10 "SANKI" 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 30. Fuller No. 10 "SANKI" 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, Construction Detail, and Marking Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1960s.

Fig. 30 shows a Fuller No. 10 10 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Fuller" and "Chrome Alloy No. 10" forged into the front, and with "Full Drop Forged" and "JAPAN" forged into the back side.

The shank is also marked with "SANKI" forged along a curved arc near the hanging hole, as seen in the small upper inset.

The lower inset shows a close-up of the jaw construction, illustrating the angled transition at the corner of the fixed jaw and the corresponding angled cutaway on the movable jaw.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.1 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "SANKI" marking indicates production either by Sanjō Kikai Seisakusho in earlier years or by Hokuyo Sangyō in 1964 or later. This wrench closely resembles the Fuller "SANKI" 10 Inch "Thin Pattern" Adjustable Wrench shown in an earlier figure, and also matches the illustration of wrenches on a rack at the beginning of this section.

One construction detail to note is that the pin securing the worm gear is threaded on the inside end, as can be seen in the close-up photograph below. The pin diameter was measured as 4.80mm across the threads and 4.97mm in the interior section. The inside threads are a characteristic of Sanki production.

Another important detail is that there is no ridge round the hanging hole, a design choice that suggests earlier production. (Early "Thin Pattern" wrenches by Sanki also had a plain hole.) Notice though that the diameter of Sanki's hole is substantially smaller than what would fit within the outer ridge of the shank. In contrast, KTC's plain hanging hole is larger and goes close to the edge of the outer ridge, as can be seen in the Fuller No. 12 "KTC" Adjustable Wrench.

If the proportions of this wrench appear to be a bit strange, your eyes aren't deceiving you. This wrench has a 15 degree jaw offset angle (Sanki's preferred design) instead of the more common 23 degree offset. Also note that the handle of the wrench has a relatively constant width, instead of expanding slightly toweard the end.

Fig. 31. Close-up of Jaw Parts for Fuller "SANKI" 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench.

Fig. 31 shows a close-up of the disassembled jaw parts for the Fuller "SANKI" 10 inch adjustable wrench. From top to bottom, the parts are the movable jaw, the worm gear, a small spring, and the threaded pin.

Note that the pin is threaded on the inside (non-slotted) end.

Fuller No. 8 "HIT" 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 32. Fuller No. 8 "HIT" 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Construction Detail, ca. 1960s.

Fig. 32 shows a Fuller No. 8 8 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Fuller No. 8" and "Chrome Alloy" forged into the front, and with "Full Drop Forged" forged into the back side.

The shank is also marked with "HIT" forged along a curved arc near the hanging hole, with "JAPAN" forged along a curved arc on the back side.

The lower inset shows a close-up of the open jaws, illustrating the rounded corner of the fixed jaw and the inset convex cutaway of the movable jaw

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.0 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "HIT" marking indicates production by Toho Kōki, a well known maker of adjustable wrenches using the "HIT" trademark. Toho Kōki was an early production partner for Fuller, with production probably going back to the late 1950s.

One detail noted for this wrench is that the pin securing the worm gear is threaded on the outside (slotted) end, a characteristic of Toho Kōki production.

Fuller No. 8 "KTC" 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 33A. Fuller No. 8 "KTC" 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, Construction Detail, and Marking Detail, ca. Mid 1960s to Early 1970s.

Fig. 33A shows a Fuller No. 8 8 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Fuller No. 8" and "Chrome Alloy" forged into the front, with "Full Drop Forged" forged into the back side.

The back side is also marked with the KTC-Oval logo and "JAPAN" forged along a curved arc near the hanging hole.

The lower inset shows a close-up of the open jaws, illustrating the rounded corner of the fixed jaw and the inset convex cutaway of the movable jaw.

Note also the full width of the tailpiece of the movable jaw.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.0 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

We removed the pin securing the worm gear on this wrench and noted that it is threaded on the inside end.

This wrench is very similar to the KTC 200mm Adjustable Wrench displayed in our article on KTC, and also closely resembles the illustration on page 11 [External Link] of the 1966 KTC catalog. Note in particular the details of the jaw construction, the full width of the tailpiece of the movable jaw, the "spear type" jaw outline, and the absence of a ridge around the hanging hole. (More information can be found in the section on KTC Construction Details.)

KTC is known to have relied heavily on Hokuyo Sangyō ("Sanki") for production of adjustable wrenches during the 1970s, but we believe that this wrench is an example of KTC's own production. This conclusion is based on the close match of all features with the 1966 catalog illustration and the relatively large hanging hole compared to Sanki.

One more factor favoring KTC production is the presence of the KTC-Oval marking, but as evidence this is less conclusive than some readers might imagine. All of KTC's production partners were authorized to replicate the KTC-Oval logo and regularly did so on contract production for KTC.

Fuller No. 12 "KTC" 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 33B. Fuller No. 12 "KTC" 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, Construction Detail, and Marking Detail, ca. Mid 1960s to Early 1970s.

Fig. 33B shows a Fuller No. 12 12 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Fuller No. 12" and "Chrome Alloy" forged into the front, with "Full Drop Forged" forged into the back side.

The back side is also marked with the KTC-Oval logo and "JAPAN" forged along a curved arc near the hanging hole.

The lower inset shows a close-up of the open jaws, illustrating the rounded corner of the fixed jaw and the inset convex cutaway of the movable jaw.

The overall length is 12.0 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.4 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

We were able to remove the pin securing the worm gear on this wrench and noted that it is threaded on the inside end. The pin diameter was measured as 4.86mm across the threads and 4.96mm in the interior section.

This wrench is a nearly perfect embodiment of the "KTC Style" of adjustable wrenches as expressed on page 11 [External Link] of the 1966 KTC catalog. Note in particular the details of the jaw construction, the full width of the tailpiece of the movable jaw, and the absence of a ridge around the hanging hole.

In addition, the jaws of the wrench have a "spear type" outline, a design change introduced by KTC in the mid 1960s.

KTC is known to have relied heavily on Hokuyo Sangyō ("Sanki") for production of adjustable wrenches during the 1970s, but we believe that this wrench is an example of KTC's own production. This conclusion is based on the close match of all features with the 1966 catalog illustration and the relatively large hanging hole compared to Sanki.

One more factor favoring KTC production is the presence of the KTC-Oval marking, but as evidence this is less conclusive than some readers might imagine. All of KTC's production partners were authorized to replicate the KTC-Oval logo and regularly did so on contract production for KTC.

Fuller No. 6 "SANKI" 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 34. Fuller No. 6 "SANKI" 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, Construction Detail, and Marking Detail, ca. 1970s.

Fig. 34 shows a Fuller No. 6 6 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Fuller" and "Chrome Alloy No. 6" forged into the front, and with "Full Drop Forged" forged into the back side.

The shank is also marked with "SANKI" forged into the front, with "JAPAN" forged into the back side.

The lower inset shows a close-up of the open jaws, illustrating the angled transition at the corner of the fixed jaw and the angled inset at the corner of the movable jaw.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the maximum opening is 0.8 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "SANKI" marking indicates production by Hokuyo Sangyō.

We were able to remove the pin securing the worm gear and verified that it is threaded on the inside end.

Fuller No. 8 "Extra Strong" 8 Inch (200mm) Adjustable Wrench

By 1981 the Fuller catalogs had started illustrating adjustable wrenches with an "Extra Strong" marking on the front.

Fig. 35. Fuller No. 8 "Extra Strong" 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, Construction Detail, and Marking Detail, ca. 1980s to 1990s.

Fig. 35 shows a later Fuller No. 8 8 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Fuller Extra Strong" forged into the front, and with "Forged Chrome Vanadium" and "Japan" forged into the back side.

The center inset shows a close-up of the open jaws, illustrating the angled transition at the corner of the fixed jaw and the angled inset at the corner of the movable jaw.

The bottom inset shows a close-up of the cross-point head of the pin securing the worm gear.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.0 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Unlike the earlier examples in previous figures, this wrench is not marked with the maker's brand.

We were not able to remove the pin securing the worm gear, but the smooth bore indicates that it is threaded on the inside end. The smooth bore and use of pin with a cross-point head strongly suggest production by Hokuyo Sangyō. An example of the use of a cross-point head can be seen in the Sanki 250mm Adjustable Wrench.

Pipe Wrenches

By the mid 1960s Fuller was offering heavy-duty (Ridgid pattern) pipe wrenches produced by KTC, the result of an intensive development project initiated at Fuller's request.

Fuller "Super/Quality" 14 Inch Heavy-Duty Pipe Wrench

Fig. 36. Fuller 14 Inch Heavy-Duty Pipe Wrench, with Insets for Back Side, Side View, and Marking Detail, ca. Late 1960s to 1980s.

Fig. 36 shows a Fuller 14 inch heavy-duty (Ridgid pattern) pipe wrench, marked with "Fuller" and "Super/Quality" cast into the front, and with the same markings plus "Japan" cast into the back side.

The movable jaw is marked with "Drop Forged" (partially visible) and the KTC-Oval logo forged into one side, with graduations for the opening size on the other side.

The overall length is 12.5 inches closed and approximately 15.6 inches fully extended. The finish is plain steel and red paint.

This wrench is nearly identical (except for markings) to the Sears 30852 "BF" 14 Inch Pipe Wrench.