Specialty Tools

Herbrand produced a wide variety of specialty tools for automotive applications.

Special Wrenches

173 Valve Stem Wrench

Our next figure shows an unusual tool for servicing the valve stem lock nuts on certain early tires.

Fig. 191. Herbrand 173 11/16x3/4 Valve Stem Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 191 shows a Herbrand 173 11/16x3/4 valve stem wrench, marked "Van-Chrome" and "Made in U.S.A." on the front, with "For Use on Valve Stem Nuts Only" on the back side.

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

Although this wrench is similar to a flare-nut wrench, the wrench heads are tapered on both sides.

276 Battery Wrench

Fig. 192. Herbrand 276 9/16x5/8 Battery Wrench.

Fig. 192 shows a Herbrand 276 9/16x5/8 battery wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." on the paneled handle.

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

No. 1936 Starter & Manifold Half-Moon Box Wrenches

Herbrand offered several models of double-box wrenches with a half-moon or elbow shape, typically designed for servicing starter or manifold nuts, or other operations in tight places. The next several figures show examples of these wrenches.

Fig. 193. Herbrand No. 1936 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 193 shows a Herbrand No. 1936 9/16x5/8 half-moon wrench, marked "Starter & Manifold" with "Made in U.S.A." and "Van-Chrome" on the back side.

The overall length is 7.8 inches.

Fig. 194. Herbrand No. 1936 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 194 shows another example of the Herbrand No. 1936 half-moon wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with "8742" forged into the back side (see inset).

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of cadmium plating.

The inset shows the "8742" code forged into the back side, indicating the use of AISI 8742 steel. This steel is a triple alloy of nickel, chromium, and molybdenum, but with no vanadium, and Herbrand has accordingly omitted the Van-Chrome trademark.

No. 1940 Half-Moon Wrenches

Fig. 195. Herbrand "Van-Chrome" No. 1940 5/8x3/4 Half-Moon Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 195 shows another example of the half-moon style, a Herbrand No. 1940 5/8x3/4 half-moon box wrench with raised panels. The shank is stamped "Herbrand" and "Van-Chrome" on the front, with "Made in U.S.A." and the model number on the back side. (The markings are difficult to read due to the extensive pitting.)

The overall length is 7.4 inches. The original finish was probably nickel plating, but all traces have been lost due to extensive rust and pitting.

Fig. 196. Herbrand No. 1940 5/8x3/4 Half-Moon Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 196 shows another Herbrand No. 1940 5/8x3/4 half-moon box wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the raised panel, and with the number "8742" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with polished panels and ends.

The inset shows the marking "8742" forged into the back side, indicating the use of AISI 8742 steel. This steel is a triple alloy of nickel, chromium, and molybdenum, but with no vanadium in use, Herbrand has omitted the Van-Chrome trademark.

2146 Chrysler Starter & Manifold 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Box Wrench

Fig. 197. Herbrand 2146 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Box Wrench.

Fig. 197 shows a Herbrand 2146 9/16x5/8 half-moon box wrench, marked "Van Chrome" and "Made in U.S.A." with the Herbrand name in script.

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

The 1937 Herbrand catalog lists this tool for starter and manifold service on "late-model Chrysler" automobiles. It remained in production for a number of years, at least through 1954.

2410 1-1/4x1-7/16 Specialty Box-End Wrench

Fig. 198. Herbrand 2410 1-1/4x1-7/16 Specialty Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Marking Detail, 1934.

Fig. 198 shows a Herbrand 2410 1-1/4x1-7/16 specialty box-end wrench, stamped "Herbrand" and "Van Chrome" on the shank, with "Made in U.S.A." on the back side. The shank also has a forged-in code "DZ." on the left, shown as a close-up in the left inset.

The overall length is 20.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The 1937 Herbrand catalog lists this as a "Knuckle Support Yoke Wrench" for Buick and Oldsmobile service. The catalog description explains the work performed by this tool, then concludes with the statement "Ordinary wrenches are useless."

The forged-in code "DZ." is actually a Bonney Date Code, indicating that this tool was made for Herbrand by Bonney. The "Z" year code in the Bonney date code system indicates production in 1934.

1937 Chevrolet Main Bearing 5/8x3/4 Socket Wrench

Our next example is a specialty socket wrench intended for Chevrolet main bearing service.

Fig. 199. Herbrand 1937 5/8x3/4 Main Bearing Socket Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Detail, ca. 1933 to Early 1940s.

Fig. 199 shows a Herbrand 1937 5/8x3/4 double socket wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Van-Chrome" on the shank, with "Chevrolet Main Bearing" on the back side.

The overall length is 14.8 inches. The finish is nickel plating with polished ends, though now worn and darkened by rust.

The side view of the wrench in the top inset shows the angled socket ends, providing clearance for its intended application. The sockets have 12-point broachings.

A review of the Herbrand catalogs shows that this wrench was first introduced in the fall of 1932 to service 1929 through 1933 model year Chevrolet main bearings. Then with a further change by Chevrolet, this tool ended up only applying to early 1933 model year vehicles, and another specialty wrench was needed for the remainder of the model year!

2331 Ford Main Bearing 9/16x3/4 Socket Wrench

Previously we saw a specialty socket wrench for Chevrolet main bearing service, and this next figure illustrates the equivalent tool for Ford service.

Fig. 200. Herbrand 2331 9/16x3/4 Main Bearing Socket Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Detail.

Fig. 200 shows a Herbrand 2331 9/16x3/4 double socket wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Van-Chrome" on the shank, with "9/16 SQ Ford Main Bearing 3/4 HEX" on the back side.

The overall length is 15.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with polished ends.

The 9/16 socket has an 8-point broaching to service square nuts, and the 3/4 end has a 12-point broaching.

1327 5/8x11/16 Double-Flare Wrench

This next figure shows an example of a tool for refrigeration or air brake applications.

Fig. 201. Herbrand 1327 5/8x11/16 Double-Flare Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 201 shows a Herbrand 1327 5/8x11/16 double-flare wrench, stamped "Van Chrome" and "Made in U.S.A." with the Herbrand script logo on the shank, along with the model number and fractional sizes.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with a bad case of "chrome peel".

7/8 Ratcheting Flare-Nut Wrench

Fig. 201B. Herbrand 7/8 Ratcheting Flare-Nut Wrench, with Inset for Side View, 1967+.

Fig. 201B shows a Herbrand 7/8 ratcheting flare-nut wrench, stamped "Herbrand U.S.A." with the Triangle logo at the left. (Both sides have the same markings.)

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The Triangle logo indicates production as a division of Triangle Tool in 1967 or later.

In operation, the upper jaw tilts back (under spring tension) to allow the wrench to be slipped over a length of tubing or pipe, then the jaws snap shut on the flare fitting.

Although not marked with a patent notice, this wrench is described by patent #2,814,225, filed by Morley Mann in 1956 and issued in 1957. Wrenches of this design are known to have been produced by M.V. Engineering of Chicago under an "MV Ratch-It" brand.

Valve Tools

VL-530 Valve Lock Installer

Fig. 202. Herbrand VL-530 Valve Lock Installer, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 202 shows a Herbrand VL-530 valve lock installer, stamped "Fremont, Ohio" and "Made in U.S.A." with the Herbrand script logo, and with a "Pat. No. 2,091,500" patent notice.

The overall length is 8.4 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The design of this tool is described by patent #2,091,500, filed by I.J. Clark in 1936 and issued in 1937.

VL-540 Valve Lifter

Fig. 203. Herbrand VL-540 Valve Lifter, with Inset for Top View.

Fig. 203 shows a Herbrand VL-540 valve lifter, stamped "Fremont, Ohio" and "Made in U.S.A." with the Herbrand script logo, and with a "Pat. No. 2,119,128" patent notice.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The design of this tool is described by patent #2,119,128, issued to I.J. Clark in 1938.

Brake Tools

182 Short Brake Spring Pliers

The next figures show two examples of the Herbrand No. 182 short brake spring pliers.

Fig. 204. Herbrand No. 182 Brake Spring Pliers.

Fig. 204 shows a pair of Herbrand No. 182 short brake spring pliers, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on one handle.

The overall length is 8.4 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Fig. 205. Herbrand No. 182 Brake Spring Pliers, with Insets for Back Side Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 205 shows another very similar pair of short brake spring pliers, easily recognized as the Herbrand No. 182 model, but marked only with the stamped "Made in U.S.A." on one handle, and with a forged-in "8742" code on the back side.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The upper inset shows the "8742" code forged into the back side, indicating the use of AISI 8742 nickel-chrome-moly steel.

Also of interest is the indistinct marking in the lower inset, which appears to be "1340", a reference to AISI 1340 carbon steel. The "1340" marking appears to have been partially removed by grinding, suggesting that a forging die was remade to change the alloy specification.

The missing company name marking and cadmium finish suggest that this tool was made for a military contract during the 1942-1945 wartime era.

183 Brake Spring Pliers

Fig. 206. Herbrand 183 Brake Spring Pliers, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 206 shows a pair of Herbrand No. 183 brake spring pliers, stamped "Fremont, O. U.S.A." and "Van-Chrome" on one jaw (see inset).

The overall length is 14.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

188 Brake Spring Pliers

Fig. 207. Herbrand No. 188 Brake Spring Pliers.

Fig. 207 shows a pair of Herbrand No. 188 brake spring pliers stamped "Made in U.S.A." below the name and model number.

The overall length is 10.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

According to the 1937 catalog, the No. 188 pliers were designed for removing the tension lock-washers on Huck brakes, used on Chevrolet models in 1936 and later. These pliers remained in production for a number of years, and were still available in the 1960 catalog.

The 1937 catalog includes a "Patent Applied For" notice in the description for these pliers, but the corresponding patent (if issued) has not been found.

272 "Steeldraulic" Pliers

During the late 1920s and early 1930s, the "Steeldraulic" brand of mechanical brakes were used on several makes of automobiles, for example the Hupmobile. These brakes had an adjustment mechanism in an awkward position and required a special type of pliers to make the adjustment.

Fig. 208. Herbrand 272 Steeldraulic Pliers.

Fig. 208 shows a pair of Herbrand No. 272 "Steeldraulic" pliers, marked "Van-Chrome" on the handle.

The overall length is 5.3 inches.

The pliers have a heavy nickel plating, with a satin finish on the handles and polished in the jaw area.

A number of other companies also made Steeldraulic pliers, all similar in the design of the jaws (as required by the application), but with some variation in the handles. Some examples include the Blackhawk 2581 Pliers, Bonney 2581 Pliers, Duro-Chrome 2120 Pliers, Utica 516 Pliers, and Vacuum Grip No. 14 Pliers.

195 3/16x1/4 Brake Wrench

Fig. 209. Herbrand 195 3/16x1/4 Brake Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side.

Fig. 209 shows a Herbrand 195 brake wrench, stamped "Van-Chrome" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank, with "Brake Eccentric Wrench" on the back side.

The overall length is 5.5 inches.

The slotted openings have sizes 3/16x1/4. The 1937 catalog lists this tool for adjusting Bendix internal brakes.

242 15/16x1-1/16 Long Open-End Wrench for Brake Applications

Fig. 210. Herbrand 242 15/16x1-1/16 Long Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 210 shows a Herbrand 242 15/16x1-1/16 long open-end wrench for brake applications, stamped "Herbrand" and "Van-Chrome" on the shank, with "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 16.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

This wrench is listed in the Herbrand catalog 46-M from around 1933, where it is described as an "Extra Long" wrench for servicing anchor nuts on Bendix (and other) mechanical brakes.

255 Offset Single-Box Wrench

Fig. 211. Herbrand 255 Offset Box Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 211 shows a Herbrand 255 7/16 offset box wrench, marked "Made in USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 12.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The 1961 Herbrand catalog notes that this wrench was designed for adjusting the brakes on 1957 Chrysler autos.

264 Three-Way Brake Tool

Fig. 212. Herbrand 264 Three-Way Brake Tool, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. Mid 1960s to 1970s.

Fig. 212 shows a Herbrand 264 three-way brake tool, stamped "Herbrand" and "USA" on the tubular shank.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The 1966 catalog listed this tool for servicing Bendix brakes. The tubular shank has a hook at the end for removing brake shoe springs, and the dished end of the cross-bar is used to replace the springs. The slotted tip at the right is used for servicing anti-rattle springs.

270 Brake Wrench

Fig. 213. Herbrand 270 1/4x5/16 Brake Wrench, ca. 1960s.

Fig. 213 shows another brake specialty tool, a Herbrand 270 1/4x3/8 hex socket wrench marked "U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is nickel plate.

This tool was designed as a brake bleeder wrench, and the hex sockets have a hole drilled to allow air and brake fluid to escape.

This tool is listed in a 1966 Herbrand catalog, but not in the 1960 catalog, so it was apparently developed at a later point. Herbrand was known to recycle its model numbers on occasion, and their catalogs from the 1930s and 1940s have model 270 assigned to a brake pedal depresser.

301 Brake Spoons

Herbrand offered several models of brake spoons for adjusting the star nut on Bendix brakes.

The next figures show two generations of the Herbrand 301 brake adjusting spoon.

Fig. 214. Herbrand 301 Brake Spoon, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 214 shows a earlier Herbrand 301 brake spoon, stamped "Brake Tool" and "Made in U.S.A." with "Chrome-Alloy" on the back side.

The overall length is 7.4 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Fig. 215. Herbrand 301 Brake Spoon, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 215 shows a later example of the Herbrand 301 brake spoon, stamped "Made in USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

303 Brake Spoon

Fig. 216. Herbrand 303 Brake Spoon, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 216 shows a Herbrand 303 brake spoon, stamped with "Herbrand" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The 1961 catalog lists this as a "Star Nut Brake Tool" and recommends it for Chevrolet models (and other autos) with a narrow brake slot.

2333 Ford Brake 7/16x1/2 Double-Square Box Wrench

Fig. 217. Herbrand 2333 7/16x1/2 Double-Square Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking for Detail.

Fig. 217 shows a Herbrand 2333 7/16x1/2 double-square (8-point) box wrench for Ford brake applications, stamped "Van-Chrome" and "Made in U.S.A." on one side, with "7/16 SQ. Ford Brakes 1/2 SQ." on the back side.

The overall length is 11.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Brake wrenches with 7/16 and 1/2 8-point openings were standard for Ford applications. Similar tools made by other manufacturers include the Duro-Chrome 268 Brake Wrench.

2333V V-8 Ford Brake 7/16x1/2 Double-Square Box Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the Herbrand 2333V specialty box-end wrench, designed for V-8 Ford brake applications.

Fig. 218. Herbrand 2333V 7/16x1/2 Double-Square Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 218 shows a Herbrand 2333V 7/16x1/2 8-point box wrench with a stepped flat shank, stamped "Van-Chrome" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 14.5 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The top inset shows the stepped offsets in the shank, designed for better obstacle clearance in the V-8 Ford models. Brake wrenches with 7/16 and 1/2 inch 8-point openings were standard for Ford applications, but the addition of the stepped offsets made this wrench especially suitable for V-8 Fords.

Fig. 219. Herbrand 2333V 7/16x1/2 8-Point Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 219 shows another Herbrand 2333V 8-point brake wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 15.0 inches.

The wrench has a dull plated finish, which according to the 1937 catalog is a satin nickel finish. (Herbrand continued to use nickel plated finishes after most other tool companies had switched to chrome over nickel.)

Distributor Wrenches

2375 3/8-Drive 1/2 Distributor Wrench

Fig. 220. Herbrand 2375 3/8-Drive 1/2 Distributor Wrench, with Inset for Broaching.

Fig. 220 shows a 3/8-drive Herbrand 2375 1/2 distributor wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." on the shaft.

The overall length is 8.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

2376 3/8-Drive 9/16 Distributor Wrench

Fig. 221. Herbrand 2376 3/8-Drive 9/16 Distributor Wrench, with Insets for Detail.

Fig. 221 shows a 3/8-drive Herbrand 2376 9/16 distributor wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shaft.

The overall length is 9.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Torque Adapters

S-60 1/2-Drive Narrow-Sweep Torque Adapter

Fig. 222. Herbrand S-60 1/2-Drive 5/8 Narrow-Sweep Torque Adapter, with Insets for Side View and Broaching.

Fig. 222 shows a 1/2-drive Herbrand S-60 5/8 narrow-sweep torque adapter, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the "Van-Chrome" trademark.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The 1941 Herbrand catalogs lists this tool for Buick head-bolt applications, along with the corresponding S-63 wide-sweep model. (See next figure.) Other models were listed for Chevrolet service applications.

S-63 1/2-Drive Wide-Sweep Torque Adapter

Fig. 223. Herbrand S-63 1/2-Drive 5/8 Wide-Sweep Torque Adapter, ca. 1941.

Fig. 223 shows a 1/2-drive Herbrand S-63 5/8 wide-sweep torque adapter, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the "Van-Chrome" trademark.

The overall length is 5.9 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

This tool and the similar S-60 model (see figure above) were listed in the 1941 Herbrand catalog for Buick head-bolt applications.

Stud Extractors

820 1/2-Drive Stud Extractor

Stud extractors are specialty tools for removing broken studs, or for installing a new stud. There are several different designs for stud pullers in common use, of which the eccentric cam is probably the most common.

Fig. 224. Herbrand 820 1/2-Drive Stud Puller, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 224 shows a 1/2-drive Herbrand 820 stud extractor of the eccentric cam type, marked "Van-Chrome" with the Herbrand name in script.

The diameter of the body is 2.0 inches and the overall height is 2.1 inches. The finish is nickel plating.

The body is equipped with two holes for the stud with diameters of 0.50 and 0.75 inches.

To use the extractor, the stud to be removed (or installed) is inserted in the appropriate hole, with the cam moved to one side. The cam is then driven with a ratchet or breaker bar, and the eccentric pivot means that the cam will grip tighter as more force is applied.

Drain Plug Wrenches

193 Drain Plug Wrench

Fig. 225. Herbrand 193 Drain Plug Wrench.

Fig. 225 shows a Herbrand 193 drain plug wrench, marked "Van Chrome" with the Herbrand script logo, and with "Made in U.S.A." stamped in the shank.

The overall length is 8.2 inches.

194 Drain Plug Wrench

Fig. 226. Herbrand 194 Drain Plug Wrench.

Fig. 226 shows the complementary drain plug wrench, the Herbrand 194 with hex and double-square broachings. The wrench is stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shaft, and the overall length is 9.2 inches.

This wrench features two hex openings, each stepped to provide two sizes, plus three 8-point openings.

290 Clutch Drain Plug Wrench

Fig. 227. Herbrand 290 Clutch Drain Plug Wrench, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail, ca. Mid 1930s.

Fig. 227 shows a Herbrand 290 clutch drain plug wrench, stamped "Herbrand" and "Clutch Drain Wrench" on the shank.

The overall length is 7.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The 1935 Herbrand catalog 48-M lists this tool for Hudson and Essex service in the 1932 and 1933 model years, and also recommends it for Plymouth transmission plugs. The nominal sizes of the plugs are specified as 5/16 square and 7/16 hex, although the square plug on this example measured a little oversize at 0.33 inches.

2373 Drain Plug Box Wrench

Fig. 228. Herbrand 2373 2 Inch Drain Plug Box Wrench.

Fig. 228 shows a Herbrand 2373 drain plug wrench with a 2 inch opening, designed to service the crankcase drain plug on 1939 Ford and Lincoln automobiles. The shank is marked "Van-Chrome" and "Fremont, O. U.S.A." on a raised panel.

The overall length is 11.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Pliers

Slip-Joint Pliers

34-8 8 Inch Combination Pliers

Fig. 229. Herbrand 34-8 8 Inch Combination Pliers, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1950s.

Fig. 229 shows a pair of Herbrand 34-8 8 inch combination pliers, stamped "Fremont, Ohio" and "Made in U.S.A." near the pivot.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

These pliers are easily recognized as Utica production by the distinctive "3-Diamonds" gripping pattern on the handles. A similar Utica model can be see as the Utica 511-10 Combination Pliers.

35-7 Slip-Joint Pliers

Fig. 230. Herbrand 35-7 Slip-Joint Pliers.

Fig. 230 shows a pair of Herbrand 35-7 slip-joint pliers, marked Fremont Ohio" and "Made in U.S.A." near the pivot.

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

166 "Multi Grip" 10 Inch Waterpump Pliers

Fig. 231. Herbrand 166 "Multi Grip" 10 Inch Waterpump Pliers.

Fig. 231 shows a pair of Herbrand 166 10 inch waterpump pliers, marked "Van-Chrome" and "Multi Grip" with the Herbrand script logo.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

166-1/2 "Multi Grip" 10 Inch Waterpump Pliers

Fig. 232. Herbrand 166-1/2 "Multi Grip" 10 Inch Waterpump Pliers, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 232 shows a pair of Herbrand 166-1/2 10 inch waterpump pliers, stamped "Multi Grip" with the Herbrand script logo, with "Van-Chrome" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side. (The inset has been rotated for readability.)

The overall length is 9.5 inches closed and 10.0 inches fully extended. The finish is nickel plating.

The model 166-1/2 waterpump pliers provided six adjustment positions to fit a wider range of pump nut sizes.

167 "Multigrip Midget" 4.5 Inch Ignition Pliers

Fig. 233. Herbrand 167 "Multigrip Midget" 4.5 Inch Ignition Pliers, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 233 shows a pair of Herbrand 167 4.5 inch ignition pliers, stamped "Multigrip Midget" and "Van-Chrome", with "Patent Pending" on the back side. (The inset has been rotated for readability.)

The overall length is 4.6 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The patent corresponding to the pending status has not yet been identified.

Fixed-Pivot Pliers

31-7 Diagonal Cutters

The next two figures show examples of the Herbrand 31-7 diagonal cutters.

Fig. 234. Herbrand 31-7 7 Inch Diagonal Cutters, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 234 shows an earlier pair of Herbrand 31-7 7 inch diagonal cutters, stamped "Herbrand" and "Fremont, O. U.S.A." around the pivot.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Fig. 235. Herbrand 31-7 7 Inch Diagonal Cutters, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 235 shows a later pair of Herbrand 31-7 7 inch diagonal cutters, marked "USA" with the Herbrand name.

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

32-7 7 Inch Diagonal Cutters

The next two figures show examples of the Herbrand 32-7 diagonal cutting pliers.

Fig. 236. Herbrand 32-7 7 Inch Diagonal Cutters.

Fig. 236 shows a pair of Herbrand 32-7 7 inch diagonal cutters, stamped "Fremont, O. U.S.A." under the Herbrand name and model.

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

Fig. 237. Herbrand 32-7 7 Inch Diagonal Cutters, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 237 shows another pair of Herbrand 32-7 7 inch diagonal cutters, stamped "Herbrand" and "Fremont, Ohio" in a circle, with "Made in U.S.A." and the model number in the center.

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

These pliers were listed in the 1941 and later catalogs, but not in the 1937 catalog. Although not marked with an indication of the alloy steel, the 1941 catalog states that these were made of nickel molybdenum steel.

36-6 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers

Fig. 238. Herbrand 36-6 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers.

Fig. 238 shows a pair of Herbrand 36-6 6 inch needlenose pliers, marked "Herbrand USA" near the pivot.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

37-6 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers with Side Cutters

Fig. 239. Herbrand 37-6 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 239 shows a pair of Herbrand 37-6 6 inch needlenose pliers with side cutters, stamped "Herbrand" and "Fremont, O. USA" around the pivot.

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

178 "Multi-Duty" Compound Leverage Pliers

Fig. 240. Herbrand 178 "Multi Duty" Compound Leverage Pliers, with Inset for Side View, 1931.

Fig. 240 shows a pair of Herbrand 178 "Multi Duty" compound leverage pliers, stamped "Multi Duty" and "Fremont Since 1881" with the Herbrand script logo on the upper handle, with the model number and "Van-Chrome" on the lower jaw. The pliers are also stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the back side (not shown).

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

Specialty Pliers

158 Fender-Bolt Specialty Pliers

Fig. 241. Herbrand 158 Fender-Bolt Pliers, with Insets for Jaw Construction, ca. 1930s to 1940s.

Fig. 241 shows a pair of Herbrand 158 fender-bolt specialty pliers, stamped with "Van-Chrome" and the model number on the upper handle, with "Made in U.S.A." on the lower handle.

The overall length is 11.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

These pliers were designed for holding fender bolts with slotted heads, with the screwdriver blade held in place by the curved arms.

161 Chain Repair Pliers

Fig. 242. Herbrand 161 Chain Repair Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, 1931.

Fig. 242 shows a pair of Herbrand 161 chain repair pliers, stamped "Fremont, O." and "Since 1881" with the Herbrand script logo near the pivot.

The pliers are also marked with "Chrome Alloy" on one handle, with "Made in U.S.A." on the back side (see lower inset).

The overall length is 10.7 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The uncommon "Since 1881" marking is believed to indicate production in 1931, the 50th anniversary year for Herbrand.

An earlier example of chain repair pliers can be seen as the Herbrand Chain Repair Pliers.

175 Hose Clamp Pliers

Fig. 243. Herbrand 175 Hose Clamp Pliers.

Fig. 243 shows a pair of Herbrand 175 hose clamp pliers, marked "U.S.A." near the pivot.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

177 Battery Terminal Pliers

Fig. 244. Herbrand 177 Battery Terminal Pliers, with Insets for Top View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 244 shows a pair of Herbrand 177 battery terminal lifter pliers, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the lower handle, with an "8742" code forged into the back side (see right inset).

The left inset shows a view from the top, looking down the nose of the pliers.

The overall length is 10.7 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

In operation, the prongs of the lower jaw were placed under the battery terminal, with the upper jaw arm resting on top of the battery stud. Then as the handles are closed, the battery terminal is lifted off of the post.

Although not marked with a patent notice, these pliers are covered by patent #1,678,313, filed by R.L.S. Atkinson in 1925 and issued in 1928.

179 Battery Pliers

Fig. 245. Herbrand 179 Battery Pliers.

Fig. 245 shows a pair of Herbrand 179 battery pliers, marked "Chrome-Alloy" with "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The extensive corrosion and pitting is typical for tools of this type, due to the frequent contact with battery acid.

185 Parallel-Jaw Lock-Ring Pliers

Fig. 246. Herbrand No. 185 Parallel-Jaw Lock-Ring Pliers.

Fig. 246 shows a pair of Herbrand No. 185 parallel-jaw lock-ring pliers, stamped "USA" with the Herbrand script logo.

The overall length is 10.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Pliers of this type were intended primarily for removing the horseshoe-shaped locking clips used on some brake systems, although other applications are possible as well.

186 Horseshoe Lock-Ring Pliers

Fig. 247. Herbrand 186 Horseshoe Lock-Ring Pliers.

Fig. 247 shows a pair of Herbrand No. 186 lockring pliers, stamped "Made in U.S.A." near the pivot.

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

These pliers were intended primarily for removing the horseshoe-shaped locking clips used on some brake systems, although other applications are possible as well.

(The working tips of these pliers have been modified somewhat for some other purpose.)

Adjustable Wrenches

Herbrand produced a variety of adjustable "auto" wrenches and bicycle wrenches in its earlier years, and the company's 1918 catalog offered Crescent-style adjustable wrenches in a range of sizes. However, production of Crescent-style adjustable wrenches was later discontinued, and this style was not offered in the catalogs from the late 1920s through the 1930s.

Crescent-style adjustable wrenches reappeared in the 1941 catalog. The illustrations in the 1941 catalog show adjustable wrenches with raised panels on the shank, closely resembling the Utica production of this time period. In addition, the catalog description notes the better grip on square nuts made possible by the square opening of the wrench, instead of the more common hexagonal opening. Based on these features we have identified Utica as the contract producer of the Herbrand wrenches.

Early 21-6 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 248. Herbrand Early 21-6 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1941.

Fig. 248 shows an early Herbrand 21-6 6 inch adjustable wrench with web-like raised panels, stamped "Herbrand" and "Fremont, Ohio" on the front panel with the model number on the back side panel. The shank also has forged-in markings "Alloy Steel" on the front with "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

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

This wrench closely resembles the Utica production as illustrated by the Utica No. 91-10 Adjustable Wrench. Similar models produced by Utica for other customers include the Bonney BW8 Adjustable Wrench and the Plomb 708 Adjustable Wrench.

21-4 4 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 249. Herbrand 21-4 4 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 249 shows a Herbrand 21-4 4 inch adjustable wrench, stamped "Herbrand" with the model and "Made in U.S.A." on one side, with "4 In." and "Drop-Forged-Alloy" on the back side.

The overall length is 4.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

21-8 8 Inch Adjustable Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the 21-8 adjustable wrench model.

Fig. 250. Herbrand 21-8 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 250 shows a Herbrand 21-8 8 inch adjustable wrench, stamped "Herbrand" with the model and "Made in U.S.A." on one side, with "8 In." and "Drop-Forged-Alloy" on the back side.

The overall length is 8.0 inches.

Fig. 251. Herbrand 21-8 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 251 shows another Herbrand 21-8 8 inch adjustable wrench but with a chrome-plated finish. The shank is stamped "Herbrand" with the model and "Made in U.S.A." on one side, with "8 In." and "Drop-Forged-Alloy" on the back side.

The overall length is 8.0 inches and the maximum opening is 1.1 inches. The head thickness was measured at 0.44 inches.

The finish is chrome plating.

21-10 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 252. Herbrand 21-10 10 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 252 shows a Herbrand 21-10 10 inch adjustable wrench, stamped "Herbrand" with the model and "Made in U.S.A." on one side, with "10 In." and "Drop-Forged-Alloy" on the back side.

The overall length is 10.0 inches.

21-12 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 253. Herbrand 21-12 12 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 253 shows a Herbrand 21-12 12 inch adjustable wrench, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the handle, with "12 In." and "Drop-Forged-Alloy" on the back side (not shown).

The overall length is 12.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.4 inches. The maximum head thickness was measured at 0.71 inches.

The finish is cadmium plating.

Gear Pullers

Herbrand produced a variety of gear pullers and related specialty tools, including bar pullers, two- and three-jaw models, hub pullers, and presses.

832 Two-Jaw Gear Puller

Fig. 254. Herbrand 832 Two-Jaw Gear Puller, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 254 shows a Herbrand 832 two-jaw gear puller, marked "U.S.A." with the Herbrand name in script.

The overall length (exclusive of the pressure screw) is 4.1 inches.

The design of this puller is based on the classic patent #1,709,913, issued to R.A. Kaplan of OTC, and acknowledged in the Herbrand catalog.

The inset shows the back side of the connecting bar, with the rotating notched steel plate used to secure the pins.

Typically this style of puller uses nuts and bolts to secure the jaws, but the notched plate provides a quick and convenient mechanism for making changes.

840 Reversible Three-Jaw Gear Puller

Fig. 255. Herbrand 840 Reversible Three-Jaw Gear Puller.

Fig. 255 shows another Herbrand gear puller, a Herbrand 840 three-jaw puller with reversible jaws. The puller is marked with the Herbrand script logo and "U.S.A." on one of the connecting links.

The length of the pressure screw is 6.6 inches, and the length of the jaws is 4.9 inches.

As with the previous figure, this puller is based on the classic patent #1,709,913, issued to R.A. Kaplan of OTC and noted in the Herbrand catalog.

The reversible jaws provide a choice of a wide or narrow gripping surface, with the puller configured for the narrow end in the photograph. The jaws can also be turned over to grip on the inside edge if needed.

Wartime Production

During the wartime years of 1942-1945, material shortages sometimes forced changes in the finish or composition of tools. Changes to the finish usually meant substitution of cadmium for the standard nickel or chrome plating, and so were obvious on inspection. But when the tool steel itself had to be changed, Herbrand was unusually forthright by noting the specific alloy used.

Herbrand tools of apparent wartime production are frequently marked with a forged-in number "1340". This is a reference to AISI 1340 steel, a carbon-manganese alloy with good hardening properties, and a standard substitute for chrome alloys if the latter are unavailable or too expensive.

1723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench with AISI 1340 Steel

Fig. 256. Herbrand 1723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench with AISI 1340 Steel, ca. 1943-1945.

Fig. 256 shows a a Herbrand 1723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Herbrand" and "Made in U.S.A." with the model number and fractional sizes, but without the Van-Chrome trademark. The shank is also marked with a forged-in code "1340" visible at the left.

The overall length is 4.9 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The cadmium finish and later marking style (without the Van-Chrome trademark) suggest production in the later 1943-1945 wartime years.

The forged-in "1340" code indicates the use of AISI 1340 steel, a carbon-manganese steel with good hardening properties. Herbrand frequently used AISI 1340 steel as a substitute for chrome alloys during the wartime years.

1731-B 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench with 1340 Steel

Fig. 257. Herbrand 1731-B 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1943-1945.

Fig. 257 shows a Herbrand 1731-B 7/16x1/2 open-end wrench, stamped "Herbrand" and "Made in U.S.A." with the model number and fractional sizes, but without the Van-Chrome trademark.

The back side shank has a forged-in "1340" code, as seen in the inset.

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating over a rough forged surface.

The cadmium finish and later marking style (without the Van-Chrome trademark) suggest production in the later 1943-1945 wartime years.

The forged-in "1340" indicates the use of AISI 1340 steel, a carbon-manganese steel with good hardening properties. As we saw previously in a Herbrand 1723 Wrench, Herbrand sometimes used AISI 1340 steel as a substitute for chrome alloy steel during the wartime years.

5929 "Ultra-Box" 11/16x3/4 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 258. Herbrand 5929 "Ultra-Box" 11/16x3/4 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1943-1945.

Fig. 258 shows a Herbrand 5929 11/16x3/4 box-end wrench with raised parallelogram panels, stamped "Herbrand" and "Made in U.S.A." with the model number and fractional sizes on the front panel. The back side shank is marked with a forged-in "1340" code at the left and a "0" code at the right.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with extensive pitting due to rust.

This wrench is marked in the later style, without the "Van-Chrome" trademark and with a "1340" code indicating the use of AISI 1340 carbon-manganese steel.

The plain finish and "1340" code indicate wartime production, and the later marking style suggests the later 1943-1945 years.

S-11 1/2-Drive Slide-Shift Long-Handled Ratchet

In addition to their standard S-10 ratchet, Herbrand also offered a long-handled version, the model S-11 ratchet.

Fig. 259. Herbrand 1/2-Drive S-11 Slide-Shift Long Ratchet, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1944-1945.

Fig. 259 shows a 1/2-drive Herbrand S-11 long-handled ratchet with a slide shifter, marked "Made in U.S.A." with the Herbrand script logo, but without the Van-Chrome trademark. The overall length is 15.0 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

As is often the case, the cadmium finish indicates a wartime manufacturing date, but in addition other details point to manufacturing changes. In particular, the ratchet is not marked with the usual Van-Chrome trademark, and the number "1340" forged into the shank offers the explanation (see middle inset).

The forged-in "1340" indicates the use of AISI 1340 steel, a carbon-manganese alloy with good hardening properties, but not up to the standards of the chrome-vanadium or nickel-chrome-moly steels normally used by Herbrand. Wartime shortages sometimes forced the substitution of a lesser steel, and Herbrand recorded the change with the forged-in code.

In addition to the substitute steel, the ratchet shank and handle can be seen to be rather roughly finished, possibly due to a labor shortage or simply a change to meet the production demand.

Contract Production

Herbrand had large production facilities and probably did contract production work for a number of customers. Some contract production was marked simply with the H-Diamond logo without a specific brand, but in other cases the tools were marked with another company's brand name.

Western Auto Supply

Herbrand was a major supplier to Western Auto Supply, a nationwide retailer of automobile supplies and tools. Initially Herbrand tools were sold under the company's own brands, including MultiHex and Van-Chrome, but Herbrand later supplied tools marked with Western Auto brands such as "Chromium Vanadium", "Western Giant", and "ChromeXQuality".

Chromium Vanadium

In the early 1930s Herbrand tools were sold through Western Auto catalogs under the Herbrand name, and the catalog descriptions specifically mention the brands Van-Chrome and MultiHex. During this period Western Auto frequently used the term "Chromium Vanadium" as a brand name for their alloy-steel tools, and at least some of the Herbrand production for Western Auto was marked with this brand.

It's worth noting here that the "Chromium Vanadium" marking was also used extensively by Duro Metal Products, perhaps initially for their Western Auto contract production, but later for their own tools as well. Duro and Herbrand each had specific production characteristics, but in some cases there may be some uncertainty as to the maker of a particular tool.

Chromium Vanadium 1/2x9/16 Short Box-End Wrench

Fig. 260. Chromium Vanadium 1/2x9/16 Short Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 260 shows a 1/2x9/16 box-end wrench marked "Chromium Vanadium" with the fractional sizes.

The overall length is 4.6 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with polished ends.

This wrench closely resembles the Herbrand 6725-B Multihex Wrench shown earlier in this article.

Chromium Vanadium 5/8x11/16 Short Box-End Wrench

Fig. 261. Chromium Vanadium 5/8x11/16 Short Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 261 shows a similar example, a 5/8x11/16 box-end wrench marked "Chromium Vanadium" with the fractional sizes.

The overall length is 5.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with polished ends.

This wrench is very similar to the Herbrand 6727A Multihex Wrench shown in another figure, and the next figure below shows a side-by-side comparison of the two wrenches.

Fig. 262. Comparison of Herbrand 6727A Box Wrench (Bottom)
with Chromium Vanadium 5/8x11/16 Box Wrench (Top).

Fig. 262 shows a comparison between the Herbrand 6727A wrench on the bottom and the present 5/8x11/16 Chromium Vanadium wrench on the top. As the photograph illustrates, the design and construction are very similar, with the Herbrand 6727A having a slightly more refined finish. (The edges of the Chromium Vanadium wrench still show some trimming marks.)

ChromeXQuality

Western Auto had sold Herbrand tools through its catalogs since the early 1930s, and the early catalog descriptions specifically mention the brands Van-Chrome and MultiHex. Around 1936 Western Auto developed a private brand for tools called "ChromeXQuality", and Herbrand was chosen as a supplier for at least some of the items, as the figures below will show.

The other major suppliers for the ChromeXQuality line were Duro Metal Products and Vlchek Tool, and information on their tools can be found in the sections on Duro and Vlchek contract production.

ChromeXQuality 9/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 263. ChromeXQuality 9/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 263 shows a ChromeXQuality 9/16 combination wrench with depressed panels, stamped with "Chrome X Quality" on the front, with "Chromium Vanadium" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 6.0 inches.

The distinctive design marks this as Herbrand production, and the dimensions are virtually identical to the Herbrand 1218 "Multitype" Wrench shown in another figure.

ChromeXQuality 11/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 264. ChromeXQuality 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 264 shows a ChromeXQuality 11/16 combination wrench with depressed panels, stamped with "Chrome X Quality" on the front, with "Chromium Vanadium" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 7.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The distinctive design marks this as Herbrand production, and the dimensions are virtually identical to the Herbrand 1222 "Multitype" Wrench shown in another figure.

ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 265. ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 265 shows a ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 box wrench, stamped with "Chromium Vanadium" on the back side.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

This wrench has a distinctive angular shank of nearly the same thickness as the box end, the characteristics of the Herbrand "Angular Multihex" wrench series. An example can be seen in the Herbrand 5731-A Angular Multihex Wrench.

ChromeXQuality 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Box Wrench

Fig. 266. ChromeXQuality 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Box Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 266 shows a ChromeXQuality 9/16x5/8 half-moon box wrench for starter and manifold applications. The wrench is stamped with "Made in U.S.A." and "Chromium Vanadium" on the shank, with "ChromeXQuality" on the back side.

The overall length is 7.8 inches.

This wrench closely resembles the Herbrand 1936 Starter & Manifold Wrench shown in a previous figure. The 1937 Western Auto catalog offered the ChromeXQuality model for a $0.57 net price.

ChromeXQuality Tappet Wrench

Fig. 267. ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 267 shows a ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Chromium Vanadium" on the back side.

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

This dimensions of this wrench match very closely to those of the Herbrand H-2 Tappet Wrench shown in another figure.

ChromeXQuality V-8 Ford Brake Wrench

Fig. 268. ChromeXQuality 7/16x1/2 8-Point V-8 Ford Brake Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 268 shows a ChromeXQuality 7/16x1/2 8-point brake wrench for V-8 Ford applications, marked "Chromium Vanadium" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 14.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

This brake wrench has the same distinctive design as the Herbrand 2333V brake wrench shown in a previous figure.

ChromeXQuality Battery Pliers

Fig. 269. ChromeXQuality Battery Pliers, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 269 shows a pair of ChromeXQuality battery pliers, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Chromium Vanadium".

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

These pliers are nearly identical to the Herbrand 179 Battery Pliers shown above, with closely matching dimensions and curves in the handles.

ChromeXQuality 10 Inch Waterpump Pliers

Fig. 270. ChromeXQuality 10 Inch Waterpump Pliers, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 270 shows a pair of ChromeXQuality 10 inch waterpump pliers, stamped "Chromium Vanadium" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length (fully extended) is 10.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

These pliers are very similar to the Herbrand 166 "Multigrip" Pliers shown in an earlier figure.

Western Giant

The Western Giant brand was used by the western division of Western Auto Supply, initially for tires but later for accessories and tools. The brand is believed to have used for tools in the mid 1930s, prior to the introduction of the "ChromeXQuality" brand in 1936.

Western Giant 5/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 271. Western Giant 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1933-1935.

Fig. 271 shows a Western Giant 5/8 combination wrench with gently-sloped depressed panels, stamped with "Chromium Vanadium" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank, with "Western Giant" on the back side.

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

The distinctive design marks this as Herbrand production, and the dimensions are virtually identical to the Herbrand 1220 "Multitype" Wrench shown in another figure.

Montgomery Ward "Riverside"

Riverside was a registered trademark of Montgomery Ward and was used for various automobile-related items, including hand tools. Herbrand has recently been identified as one of their tool suppliers, based on the close similarity of the Riverside-marked tool shown below with the Herbrand equivalent.

Another known supplier for the Riverside brand was Duro Metal Products, and some examples of their tools can be seen on our page for Duro Contract Production.

Riverside 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 272. Riverside 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 272 shows a Riverside 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench, stamped with "Riverside" on the shank, with "Chromium Vanadium" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The marking with "Chromium Vanadium" bracketed by "Made in U.S.A." is very similar to other Herbrand contract production shown in this section.

The dimensions and construction of the wrench are very similar to the Herbrand H-3 Tappet Wrench.

Riverside 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 273. Riverside 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 273 shows a Riverside 1/2x9/16 short offset box-end wrench, stamped with "Riverside" on the shank, with "Chromium Vanadium" and the fractional sizes on the back side.

The overall length is 5.6 inches.

The wrench is very similar in dimensions and construction to the Herbrand 4725B Wrench, part of the "Multihex" series of box-end wrenches introduced by Herbrand in 1931.

Riverside 1/2x9/16 Short Box-End Wrench

Fig. 274. Riverside 1/2x9/16 Short Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 274 shows a Riverside 1/2x9/16 short box-end wrench, stamped with "Riverside" on the shank, with "Chromium Vanadium" and the fractional sizes on the back side.

The overall length is 4.6 inches, and the finish is nickel plating, with extensive losses due to wear.

The wrench is very similar in dimensions and construction to the Herbrand 6725-B Wrench, part of the "Multihex" series of box-end wrenches introduced by Herbrand in 1931. Another very similar wrench can be seen as the Chromium Vanadium 1/2x9/16 Short Box Wrench made as contract production for Western Auto.

Riverside 9/16x5/8 S-Shaped Box-End Wrench

Fig. 275. Riverside 9/16x5/8 S-Shaped Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 275 shows a Riverside 9/16x5/8 S-shaped box-end wrench, stamped with "Riverside" on the shank, with "Chromium Vanadium" and the fractional sizes on the back side.

The overall length is 8.0 inches.

The wrench is very similar in dimensions and construction to the Herbrand 7727 "Obstructo" Wrench, part of the "Obstructo" series of S-shaped box wrenches introduced by Herbrand in 1931.

Truth Tool

During the 1920s Herbrand was a supplier of tappet wrenches to Truth Tool.

Later in the 1930s Herbrand produced some specialty wrenches for Truth Tool, in particular the 18xx series of obstruction wrenches for brake service. Currently we don't have any examples of these tools to display, but the catalog illustrations closely resemble the Herbrand tools, and the description mentions the "Obstructo" brand name used by Herbrand.

T-2 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 276. Truth T-2 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1920s.

Fig. 276 shows a Truth T-2 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Vanadium" and "Tappet" with "Sold By Truth" and "Mankato, Minn." in between.

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

The marking style of this wrench is very similar to the Herbrand "Vanadium Tappet" wrenches of the mid 1920s, suggesting that this tool is likely contract production by Herbrand. The length is a bit shorter than the later examples of the corresponding Herbrand H-2 Tappet Wrench, but is close to the length of the earlier "Vanadium Motor Tappet" series. This suggests a production date in the mid 1920s.

Blackhawk

Herbrand is known to have supplied at least one tool to Blackhawk Manufacturing.

Blackhawk 15660 11/16x3/4 Half-Moon Wrench

Fig. 277. Blackhawk 15660 11/16x3/4 Half-Moon Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Marking Detail, ca. 1950s.

Fig. 277 shows a Blackhawk 15660 11/16x3/4 half-moon box wrench with raised panels, stamped with "Blackhawk" and "USA" on the front panel.

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

The raised parallelogram panels identify this as an example of Herbrand's "Ultrabox" design, and a similar example can be seen as the Herbrand No. 1940 Half-Moon Wrench.

The production by Herbrand suggests a manufacturing date in the 1950s, when Blackhawk was expanding its use of contract production.

Economy Tools: The Vi-Chrome Line

During the 1950s a number of tool manufacturers experimented with second brands of economy tools. Examples include the Bonney Bon-E-Con line and the Fleet and Challenger lines from Penens, part of the Proto empire.

Herbrand also introduced an economy line under the Vi-Chrome brand, and we'll look at some examples of these tools in this section.

Vi-Chrome 26800 3/8-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 278. Vi-Chrome 26800 3/8-Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 278 shows a 3/8-drive Vi-Chrome 26800 ratchet, marked "USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Vi-Chrome 12020 Combination Wrench

The next several figures show examples of combination wrenches marked with the Vi-Chrome brand, but easily recognizable as Vlchek production.

Fig. 279. Vi-Chrome 12020 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 279 shows a Vi-Chrome 12020 5/8 combination wrench, stamped "U.S.A." on the shank. A forged-in number "15" can also be seen on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Readers familiar with our Vlchek article should immediately recognize this wrench as an example of Vlchek production. The narrow oval shank, rounded edges on the box end, and forged-in number are all characteristic of Vlchek. (See for example the Vlchek WBE24 Combination Wrench.)

Vi-Chrome 12022 Combination Wrench

Fig. 280. Vi-Chrome 12022 11/16 Combination Wrench, ca. Mid to Late 1950s.

Fig. 280 shows a Vi-Chrome 12022 11/16 combination wrench, stamped "U.S.A." on the shank. A forged-in number "12" can also be seen on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 8.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Vi-Chrome 12024 Combination Wrench

Fig. 281. Vi-Chrome 12024 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. Mid to Late 1950s.

Fig. 281 shows a Vi-Chrome 12024 3/4 combination wrench, stamped "U.S.A." on the shank. A forged-in number "14" can also be seen on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 9.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Vi-Chrome 12028 Combination Wrench

Fig. 282. Vi-Chrome 12028 7/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. Mid to Late 1950s.

Fig. 282 shows a Vi-Chrome 12028 7/8 combination wrench, stamped "U.S.A." on the shank. A forged-in number "4" can also be seen on the shank at the left.

The overall length is 11.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Later Production

Herbrand's production from the late 1950s through the 1960s and later changed substantially, as the company worked to adjust to increased competition and changes in the tool industry. In the early 1960s the company was conglomerated with Bonney and Utica, and this required further changes to "harmonize" the product lines.

New Wrench Style

Herbrand redesigned its combination wrenches in the 1950s and adopted the familiar standard 15 degree angles for both ends. The new design also featured a V-shaped gullet for the open end, and the wrenches were given a full-polish finish.

The model numbers remained in the 12xx series, but with an appended code to indicate the new style: N for standard, L for long, S for short, and H for a 6-point (hex) broaching.

1224SH Short Combination Wrench

Fig. 283. Herbrand 1224SH 3/4 Short Combination Wrench.

Fig. 283 shows an example of the new style, a Herbrand 1224SH 3/4 short combination wrench with a 6-point broaching.

The wrench is marked "Van Chrome" with the Herbrand script logo, with "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

1218LH Long Combination Wrench

Fig. 284. Herbrand 1218LH 9/16 Long Combination Wrench.

Another example of the later style is shown in Fig. 284, a Herbrand 1218LH 9/16 long combination wrench with a 6-point broaching. The wrench is marked "Van Chrome" with the Herbrand script logo, with "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 8.3 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

Herbrand Canada

When the U.S. Herbrand operations were acquired by Kelsey-Hayes in the early 1960s, Herbrand's Canadian subsidiary remained independent and continued to produce tools. In earlier years Herbrand Canada had produced the same tools as the U.S. counterpart, but as an independent company the Canadian operations eventually cut back or eliminated local manufacturing in favor of tool imports from Asia.

The imported tools appear to be of good quality, but obviously do not represent a continuation of the drop-forging tradition at Herbrand. We have a few examples of these later tools and may post some as time permits.

J3 3/8-Drive Spinner Extension

Fig. 285. Herbrand 3/8-Drive J3 Spinner Extension, with Insets for Bottom and Top Views, ca. 1980s+?

Fig. 285 shows a 3/8-drive Herbrand J3 spinner extension, marked with "Herbrand" and the model number on the top.

The overall length is 1.1 inches, and the diameter of the spinner is 1.2 inches.

The finish is polished chrome plating.

Currently we don't have a catalog reference for this tool, but it is believed to be an example of the imported tools sourced through Herbrand Canada.