Syracuse Wrench Company

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Syracuse Wrench Company was an early maker of socket sets and automotive tools based in Syracuse, New York.

Company History

The Syracuse Wrench Company was founded in 1906 and was advertising products by January of 1907, based on an advertisement found in a trade journal.

Fig. 1. 1909 Notice for Syracuse Wrench Company. [External Link]

Fig. 1 shows a notice stating that the Syracuse Wrench Company was established in 1906 as a maker of ratchet and socket wrenches, as published on page 560 of the 1909 issue of Motor Cyclopedia,

The text notes the capital as $10,000, and the company address is listed as 500-502 West Water Street in Syracuse.

However, the surname of the president is misspelled ("Yackel" should be "Yachel"), and other entries in the same publication give the address as 300-302 West Water Street or as Franklin and Water Streets, casting some doubt on the accuracy of the information.

The correct company officers are believed to have been Edward O. Yachel, president; Edward O. Yachel, Jr., vice-president; and Edgar H. Lewis, secretary and treasurer. The correct address appears to be 300-302 West Water Street, as this is at the intersection of Franklin and West Water.

Syracuse Wrench is listed in Kenneth Cope's book American Wrench Makers 1830-1930, 2nd Edition (AWM2e), which gives the founding year as 1907 and closing year as 1923. We haven't been able to confirm these dates from other sources, but the years seem reasonable based on other observations. The book shows illustrations for six different socket set models, but unfortunately (and uncharacteristically) does not provide a source or date for the illustrations.

Early Champion and Yala Socket Sets

Syracuse Wrench offered its early socket sets under the "Champion" and "Yala" brands.

Fig. 2. January, 1907 Advertisement for "Champion Ratchet Wrench" Socket Set. [External Link]

Fig. 2 shows a full-page ad for the Champion ratchet wrench, as published on page 171 of the January 1, 1907 edition of the Automobile Trade Directory. This is currently our earliest reference to the company's products.

The ad shows a "Champion Ratchet Wrench" No. 2 socket set in great detail, with examples of some of the possible configurations in the upper part of the illustration, and an inset showing the individual tools in the lower part. Note the text "Set No. 2" just above the inset.

The ratchet shown in the illustration is based on patent 873,977, filed by J.J. Albrecht in 1906 and issued in 1907.

The recent discovery (November 2015) of this ad has greatly improved our understanding of the company, as it rules out an earlier hypothesis that Syracuse Wrench might have been the successor to the Miller Combination Tool Company, another early socket maker. Instead, we can see that both of the companies were offering similar products in early 1907.

However, there was a close connection between the two companies, as will be seen shortly.

Syracuse Wrench also offered a smaller socket set under the "Yala" brand.

Fig. 3. 1908 Notice for Yala Wrench Set. [External Link]

Fig. 3 shows a notice for the Yala socket wrench set, as published on page 357 of the March 25, 1908 issue of The Horseless Age.

The Yala set was a smaller collection consisting of a ratchet, extension, universal, 10 regular sockets, a sparkplug socket, and a screwdriver bit, all furnished in a leather case.

It was probably intended as an emergency repair kit for early automobiles.

The "Champion" socket sets were typically furnished in wooden boxes, although a canvas roll version may have been available.

Fig. 4. 1909 Listing for "Champion Ratchet Wrench".

The scan in Fig. 4 shows a catalog listing for an early "Champion Ratchet Wrench" set in a wooden box, as published on page 83 of the 1909 catalog from A.J. Wilkinson & Company, a dealer of automobile supplies in Boston, Massachusetts.

The set consisted of hex and square sockets with a ratchet, Tee handle, and other tools.

This is currently our earliest catalog reference for Syracuse Wrench, although the company name is not directly stated.

Fig. 5. 1910 Listing for "Champion Ratchet Wrench".

The scan in Fig. 5 shows another early catalog listing for the Champion ratchet set, as published on page 539 of the H. Channon catalog No. 50 from 1910.

This set consisted of a ratchet, an extension, a drilling attachment, 8 hexagon sockets, and 8 square sockets. This set is somewhat simpler than the set offered in the Wilkinson catalog above, as it omits the Tee connector, one extension, and the universal joint.

As with the previous listing, Syracuse Wrench is not mentioned as the maker of the set.

One interesting aspect of the early socket sets made by Syracuse Wrench is that the sockets were made of malleable iron castings, typically with the socket size cast into the side. The sockets and tools in these early sets were sometimes finished in highly polished nickel plating, giving them a very different appearance than the more typical plain finishes offered by most other makers of that time.

Similarity to Miller Combination Tool "Giant" Set

The "Champion" socket set was notable for its striking resemblance to the "Giant" socket set produced by Miller Combination Tool, which began operations in Syracuse somewhat earlier than Syracuse Wrench.

In particular, the Tee handle closely resembles the Miller patent 845,717 of 1907, and the box of tools is arranged the same way as an early Miller Combination set. The main differences between the sets are the use of a different ratchet design and the use of malleable iron castings by Syracuse Wrench, instead of the brass (or "silver metal") castings of the earlier company.

The designs for the tools and the use of malleable iron castings make it obvious that Syracuse Wrench must have been highly influenced by the work of Charles Miller, whose patented designs were produced by Miller Combination Tool and later by the C.M.B. Wrench Company and the Charles Miller Company. These similarities led to an earlier hypothesis that Syracuse Wrench might have been the successor to the Miller Combination Tool business, as the latter company disappears from the public record after 1907.

However, it now appears that Syracuse Wrench simply licensed the Miller patents, and then acquired the patents when Miller Combination Tool was closing down. The next section will provide details gleaned from a court case.

A Royalty Lawsuit

We recently (2019) discovered a notice of legal proceedings against Syracuse Wrench that provides very valuable information regarding their connection with Miller Combination Tool.

Fig. 6. 1910 Notice of Royalty Lawsuit.

The scan in Fig. 6 shows a notice summarizing a lawsuit for non-payment of patent royalties, as found on page 7 of the February 17, 1910 edition of The Post-Dispatch of Syracuse.

The plaintiffs were Levi Silverman and Levi Elsohn, two of the founders of Miller Combination Tool.

As stated in the notice, the plaintiffs had sold patents to Syracuse Wrench and were due royalties of $0.25 per unit sold (plus a percentage of parts), and these royalties had been paid up until July [of 1909] but then had stopped. In their defense, the attorneys for Syracuse wrench claimed that there had been a breach of contract and that no royalties were due.

The decision in the case came about six months later and was summarized in a notice on page 5 of the August 5, 1910 edition of the same newspaper. The judge found in favor of the plaintiff Levi Silverman (only one plaintiff appeared at this time), and ordered an accounting of royalties on sales since July 1, 1909.

The summary of the decision provided additional information on the case, specifically that the patent in question had been turned over to Syracuse Wrench on July 1, 1907, and that the claimed breach of contract centered on the use of the same patent by the C.M.B. Wrench Company. The judge held that the plaintiff did not have a duty to bring action against C.M.B. Wrench.

As with any legal case, there's a lot of information to unpack here, especially given that we have only a brief summary without the supporting contractual documents. We'll try to offer an interpretation consistent with the known details.

First of all, the patents in question are certainly the Miller patents 845,716 and 845,717 that formed the basis of the Miller Combination Tool products. (Syracuse Wrench may have used only the latter patent though.)

The fact that Levi Silverman was able to license or sell the patents implies that Charles Miller must have granted him assignable contractual rights to the patents, presumably as part of the formation of Miller Combination Tool. (It wasn't simply an assignment, as the patents weren't issued until February of 1907, and then were assigned to a third party whose relationship with the others is not known.)

The judge's decision that Silverman did not have an obligation to take action against C.M.B. Wrench implies that Silverman had released all rights to the patents on the stated date. This suggests that the July 1, 1907 patent transfer date must be close to the dissolution date for Miller Combination Tool, as a company wouldn't release its key patents if it expected to continue in business.

We now want to refer back to the advertisement in Fig. 2 from January of 1907, which clearly shows the use of a Tee handle tool, the subject of Miller patent 845,717. The fact that Syracuse Wrench was already using the patent at an earlier time suggests that the rights to the patent(s) were first licensed, then later acquired when Miller Combination Tool was shutting down.

In summary we can see that this court case has provided us with confirmation of the use of the Miller patents by Syracuse Wrench, and has indirectly confirmed (or at least strongly suggested) the closing of Miller Combination Tool around July 1 of 1907.

The Viau "Auto Grip" Pipe Wrench

Another early product offered by Syracuse Wrench was a chain pipe wrench described by patent 850,696, filed by M.Z. Viau in 1907 and issued later that year.

Fig. 7. 1908 Notice for Viau Pipe Wrench. [External Link]

Fig. 7 shows a notice for a contract with Syracuse Wrench to produce the Viau "Auto Grip" wrench, as published on page 601 of the October 28, 1908 issue of The Horseless Age.

The Viau "Auto Grip" wrench was mentioned in several product directories published between 1908 and 1911, but we haven't found an advertisement yet.

A Capital Increase and Motorcycle Tools

Fig. 9. 1914 Notice for Syracuse Wrench Motorcycle Tools.

In late 1913 Syracuse Wrench increased its capital from $10,000 to $50,000, as noted on page iii [External Link] of the December 15, 1913 issue of Industrial World.

Fig. 9 shows a notice for Syracuse Wrench motorcycle tools, as published on page 41 [External Link] of the April 2, 1914 issue of Motorcycle Illustrated.

The top illustration shows the "E-Z" valve lifter, and the bottom illustration shows the "E-Z" cotter pin puller.

The Pressed-Steel Era

By late 1915 Syracuse Wrench was offering socket sets with pressed-steel sockets, the more typical construction used for sockets at that time.

Fig. 10. 1916 Notice for Champion No. 12 Set.

The composite scan in Fig. 10 shows a notice with an illustration of the "Champion Ratchet Wrench Set", as published on page 54 [External Link] of the December 1916 issue of The Accessory and Garage Journal.

The text describes the Champion No. 12 set, which consisted of a ratchet, an offset handle, an extension, a universal, 23 hex sockets, 11 square sockets, a spark plug socket, and six double-open wrenches. The set was provided in a wooden box, with a $12.00 list price.

Note that the ratchet visible in the illustration matches the Fine-Tooth Ratchet shown in a later figure.

Syracuse Wrench sockets were interchangeable with the standard Mossberg sockets, and it's not unusual to find Mossberg-marked sockets mixed into the sets.

Fig. 10B. 1917 Ad for Syracuse Champion No. 77 Set.

The scan in Fig. 10B shows an ad for the Syracuse Wrench Champion No. 77 socket set, as published on page 68 of the January, 1917 issue of Motor Boating.

The text notes that the set contained a ratchet, an extension, a universal, 10 standard sockets, and one spark-plug socket.

Fig. 11. 1918 Notice for Champion No. 99 Set.

The composite scan in Fig. 11 shows the Champion No. 99 "Garage Kit", as published on page 49 [External Link] of the February 15, 1918 issue of The Horseless Age.

The text describes the extensive collection of tools in this set, one of the largest sets offered by Syracuse Wrench. Although not stated in the text, the sockets in this set appear to be of pressed-steel construction.

The pressed-steel socket sets were supplied with two different types of ratchets, one with a distinctive Fine-Tooth Ratchet using a drive gear held in a pivoting carrier, and the other a more conventional No. 770 Ratchet with an 11/16 female drive gear and a formed sheet-metal body, similar to the Mossberg No. 355 ratchet. The sets with the conventional No. 770 ratchet are believed to have been produced later, as the tools in these sets were typically stamped with a model number and company logo, instead of the unmarked tools found in earlier sets.

In the absence of proper catalog information, the illustrations in Cope's AWM2e book provide an outline of some of the sets offered by Syracuse Wrench. Starting with the smallest set, the illustrations show the "Ford Special" with six sockets, the No. 77 Champion with 10 sockets, the No. 1 Champion with 16 sockets, the No. 6 Champion with 17 sockets, the No. 2 Champion with 19 sockets, and the No. 10 Champion with 30 sockets.

All of the sets include a ratchet, drive plug, and extension, and most include a universal joint as well. The ratchets in the illustrations are all of the Fine-Tooth Ratchet design.

Later Operations

We haven't found any notices or advertisements for Syracuse Wrench in the trade press after 1918.

The company was still listed in some industrial directories during the 1920s and 1930s, for products such as valve grinders and tool kits.

Patents

Trademarks

No trademarks are known to have been registered by Syracuse Wrench. The company used the brands "Yala" and "Champion" for its products.

Tool Identification

The identification of early tools from Syracuse Wrench may be difficult, as individual tools were generally unmarked, and socket sets were identified only by paper stickers.

Individual tools continued to be unmarked into the early pressed-steel era, but later production began to use stamped markings on the drive tools.

SW-Hex Logo

Fig. 12A. SW-Hex Logo.

Fig. 12A shows the SW-Hex logo as stamped on a tool.

This logo was typically stamped on the drive tools in later Syracuse Wrench socket sets.

References and Resources

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

The Syracuse Wrench Company is mentioned briefly in American Wrench Makers 1830-1930, 2nd Edition by Kenneth Cope (Astragal Press, 2002), referred to as AWM2e in the text.

Catalog Resources

Currently we don't have any catalogs from Syracuse Wrench.

Industrial Distributors

Syracuse Wrench socket sets were sold through some industrial distributors, including two who carried the earliest products from the company.

• Monnier Auto Supply 1909. The 1909 catalog from the Monnier Auto Supply Company of Detroit lists a No. 2 "Champion Ratchet Set" on page 63, although without identifying Syracuse Wrench as the maker.

• A.J. Wilkinson 1909. The 1909 catalog from A.J. Wilkinson & Company of Boston lists a "Champion Ratchet Wrench" set on page 83, although without identifying Syracuse Wrench as the maker.

• H. Channon 1910. The 1910 H. Channon catalog No. 50 lists a "Champion Ratchet Wrench" set on page 539, although without identifing Syracuse Wrench as the maker.

Malleable Iron Socket Sets

Socket sets made of malleable iron were probably the earliest tools offered by the Syracuse Wrench Company. Currently we have several examples of these sets being prepared for display.

1911 Advertisement for "Champion Ratchet Wrench" No. 2 Set

Earlier in this article we showed a 1907 advertisement for a "Champion Ratchet Wrench" set, which was identified as our earliest advertising reference for Syracuse Wrench. A very similar ad can be found on page 155 [External Link] of the January, 1908 edition of The Automobile Trade Directory. Both of these early advertisements identify the tools as a "Champion Ratchet Wrench" No. 2 set.

Fig. 12. 1911 Advertisement for "Champion Ratchet Wrench" Set. [External Link]

Fig. 12 shows a somewhat later ad for a "Champion Ratchet Wrench" socket set, published on page 581 of the July, 1911 edition of The Automobile Trade Directory.

The illustration shows the set in a wooden box with a label on the lid, which identifies it as a No. 2 set, although it's a bit difficult to read. The tools in the set appear to be same as those in the earlier advertisements and in the 1909 catalog listing above.

Syracuse Wrench Early "Champion Ratchet Wrench" No. 2 Socket Set

Our next figure shows a fine example of this same Champion No. 2 set.

Fig. 13. Syracuse Wrench Early No. 2 "Champion Ratchet Wrench" Socket Set, ca. 1907-1912.

Fig. 13 shows an early Syracuse Wrench "Champion Ratchet Wrench" No. 2 socket set of malleable iron construction.

The set consists of a ratchet, Tee head, two extensions, universal, screwdriver bit, drilling attachment, eight hex sockets, eight square sockets, and a spark plug (deep) socket. Of the tools in the set, only the ratchet is marked with the company name.

The printed label on the lid is marked "One Set" and "Champion Ratchet Wrench" at the top, with "Manufactured by Syracuse Wrench Co." and "Syracuse, N.Y. U.S.A." in the middle, and with "No. 2" and "Nickel Finish" at the bottom.

This set is nominally 5/8 square drive, with the sockets equipped with 5/8 square male drive tangs and the drive tools offering a matching 5/8 square opening.

The hex sockets have cast-in size markings using the U.S.S. Size Convention, and the openings have an approximate 1/32 oversize allowance. The marked and nominal sizes are, from the left, 1/4 (1/2), 5/16 (19/32), 3/8 (11/16), 7/16 (25/32), 1/2 (7/8), 9/16 (31/32), 5/8 (1-1/16), and 3/4 (1-1/4).

The square sockets also have cast-in size markings and follow the same sizes as the hex sockets. The marked and nominal sizes are, from the left, 1/4 (1/2), 5/16 (19/32), 3/8 (11/16), 7/16 (25/32), 1/2 (7/8), 9/16 (31/32), 5/8 (1-1/16), and 3/4 (1-1/4).

(Note that technically the square socket markings don't comply with the U.S.S. convention, since the U.S.S. sizes for square set screws actually have the across-flats size equal to the bolt size.)

The set was furnished in a nicely made wooden box with finger-jointed corners, with approximate dimensions 12.6 inches wide by 5.5 inches deep by 3.4 inches high. No markings were found on the outside of the box.

Syracuse Wrench 5/8-Drive Ratchet from No. 2 "Champion" Socket Set

Fig. 14. Syracuse Wrench Early 5/8-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1907-1912.

Fig. 14 shows the Syracuse Wrench 5/8-drive ratchet from the No. 2 "Champion" socket set, stamped with "Syracuse Wrench Co." and "Syracuse, N.Y." on the handle, with a "Pat. Dec. 17, '07" patent date on the back side.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The patent date refers to patent #873,977, filed by J.J. Albrecht in 1906 and issued in 1907.

The ratchet uses malleable iron construction for both the body and drive gear. The relatively coarse drive gear has 12 teeth and is equipped with a detent ball to hold a socket.

Syracuse Wrench 5/8-Drive Sliding Tee Head from No. 2 "Champion" Socket Set

Fig. 15. Syracuse Wrench 5/8-Drive Sliding Tee Head with Extension Cross-Bar, ca. 1907-1912.

Fig. 15 shows the unmarked 5/8-drive sliding Tee head from the Syracuse Wrench No. 2 "Champion" socket set, with the long extension inserted as a cross-bar.

The overall length of the extension cross-bar is 10.1 inches, and the height of the Tee head is 3.4 inches. The finish is nickel plating.

The Tee head has a 5/8 opening at the bottom for a socket (or extension), with a detent ball backed by a flat spring to secure the tool.

In addition to its use as a sliding Tee handle, the Tee head could be used as a short extension, with the ratchet driving the 5/8 tang at the top.

Syracuse Wrench 5/8-Drive 10 Inch Extension from No. 2 "Champion" Socket Set

Fig. 16. Syracuse Wrench 5/8-Drive 10 Inch Extension, ca. 1907-1912.

Fig. 16 shows the unmarked 5/8-drive 10 inch extension from the Syracuse Wrench No. 2 "Champion" socket set.

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The extension has a 5/8 opening for a socket, with a detent ball backed by a flat spring to secure the tool.

In operation, the square bar of the extension can slide freely in the ratchet drive gear, making this effectively a variable length extension.

Syracuse Wrench 5/8-Drive 6 Inch Extension from No. 2 "Champion" Socket Set

Fig. 17. Syracuse Wrench 5/8-Drive 6 Inch Extension, ca. 1907-1912.

Fig. 17 shows the unmarked 5/8-drive 6 inch extension from the Syracuse Wrench No. 2 "Champion" socket set.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The extension has a 5/8 opening for a socket, with a detent ball backed by a flat spring to secure the tool.

Syracuse Wrench 5/8-Drive Universal from No. 2 "Champion" Socket Set

Fig. 18. Syracuse Wrench 5/8-Drive Universal, ca. 1907-1912.

Fig. 18 shows the unmarked 5/8-drive universal from the Syracuse Wrench No. 2 "Champion" socket set.

The overall length is 3.8 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The universal has a 5/8 opening for a socket, with a detent ball backed by a flat spring to secure the tool.

Syracuse Wrench 5/8-Drive Screwdriver Bit from No. 2 "Champion" Socket Set

Fig. 19. Syracuse Wrench 5/8-Drive Screwdriver Bit, ca. 1907-1912.

Fig. 19 shows the unmarked 5/8-drive screwdriver bit from the Syracuse Wrench No. 2 "Champion" socket set.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Syracuse Wrench 5/8-Male Drive Hexagon Sockets from No. 2 "Champion" Socket Set

Fig. 20. Syracuse Wrench 5/8-Drive Hex Sockets, with Inset for Service Opening, ca. 1907-1912.

Fig. 20 shows the two largest 5/8-drive hex sockets from the Syracuse Wrench No. 2 "Champion" socket set, each marked with the (U.S.S.) size cast into the side.

The marked and nominal sizes are, from the left, 5/8 (1-1/16) and 3/4 (1-1/4). The finish is nickel plating.

Syracuse Wrench "Yala" Socket Set

The Syracuse Wrench "Yala" socket set was a compact collection of tools intended as an emergency repair kit for motorists. This set was one of the company's first products and came at a time when both automobiles and socket sets were still novelties.

Fig. 21. Syracuse Wrench "Yala" Socket Set, 1908.

Fig. 21 shows an early Syracuse Wrench "Yala" socket set in its leather case, consisting of a ratchet, extension, universal, screwdriver bit, seven hex sockets, and three square sockets. Originally the set would have included a spark plug (deep) socket as well, but this socket was missing when the set was acquired.

The set is marked with "Yala Auto" and "Syracuse Wrench Co." embossed on the top flap, as shown in the next figure. Of the tools in the set, only the ratchet is marked with the company name.

The sockets are all marked with the size cast into the side using the older U.S.S. Size Convention. The hex socket nominal sizes and markings are, from the left, 1-1/16 (5/8), 31/32 (9/16), 7/8 (1/2), 25/32 (7/16), 11/16 (3/8), 19/32 (5/16), and 1/2 (1/4). As the cast openings are slightly irregular, the measured sizes are generally a bit larger than the nominal size.

The square socket nominal sizes and markings are, from the left, 11/16 (3/8), 19/32 (5/16), and 1/2 (1/4).

The drive tools in the "Yala" set are basically identical to the examples shown for the early Champion No. 2 set in a later figure, so we will simply reference the Champion tools rather than adding repetitive photographs. The drive tools consist of Ratchet, a 10 Inch Extension, a Universal, and a Screwdriver Bit. As with the Champion No. 2 set, the tools and sockets in the "Yala" set use a nominal 5/8 square drive size.

Fig. 22. Top View of Syracuse Wrench "Yala" Socket Set, 1908.

Fig. 22 shows a top view of the "Yala" socket set in its leather case, marked with "Yala Auto" embossed in an oval design on the top flap, with "Syracuse Wrench Co." along the top edge and additional text along the bottom. The markings are shown in greater detail in the figure below.

The case is well made, with three clasps on the top to secure the cover and a wooden insert inside to hold the sockets. The dimensions of the case are approximately 11.0 inches long by 3.3 inches deep by 3.0 inches high.

Fig. 23. Detail for "Yala" Socket Set Embossed Label, 1908.

Fig. 23 shows a close-up view of the embossed label for the "Yala" socket set, marked with "Yala Auto" in script in the center of an oval design, with "Syracuse Wrench Co." along the top edge and "Syracuse, N.Y." partially readable along the bottom edge.

The "Sampson" Socket Set

The "Yala" Socket Set was acquired with a small paper flyer inside, which revealed an interesting alternate identity as the "Sampson" socket set, and provided valuable contextual information as well.

Fig. 24. Sampson Socket Set Flyer, 1908.

The scan in Fig. 24 shows the small flyer found with the "Yala" socket set, identifying the set as the "Sampson Socket Set" and providing a nice illustration and description.

Although this side of the flyer is not marked with a company name, the back side illustrates a grease gun offered by the Beckley-Ralston Company, an early dealer and distributor of automobile accessories based in the Chicago area. In addition, a careful look at the illustration for the Sampson set shows the Beckley-Ralston "BR Co." logo on the upper cover flap.

From this we can conclude that the "Yala" socket set was distributed by Beckley-Ralston as their "Sampson" set. A subtitle just below the illustration notes the set as "A 1908 Ratchet Extension Set for the Motorist", indicating that Beckley-Ralston was offering the set at an early date. (Our earliest published reference for the "Yala" set is from March of 1908.)

This flyer is significant in providing an early date for our "Yala" socket set, as well as demonstrating that Syracuse Wrench had established distribution channels by that time. Beckley-Ralston published catalogs for mail-order sales, and having B-R as a distributor would have given Syracuse Wrench a national footprint for sales.

Pressed-Steel Socket Sets

By late 1915 Syracuse Wrench was offering socket sets using pressed-steel sockets, the dominant technology for socket sets made before 1920.

Fig. 25. December, 1915 Notice for Champion No. 2 Socket Set. [External Link]

Fig. 25 shows an ad for the "Champion Ratchet Wrench" No. 2 socket set, as published on page 99 of the December, 1915 issue of Pacific Motor Boat.

The text lists the contents as consisting of a ratchet, extension bar, universal, 19 hex sockets, and a double-ended spark-plug socket.

We are fortunate to have a No. 2 Champion Socket Set for your viewing pleasure.

Fig. 26. 1916 Notice for Champion No. 10 Socket Set. [External Link]

Fig. 26 shows a notice for the "Champion Ratchet Wrench" No. 10 socket set, as published on page 27 of the December 10, 1916 issue of The Automobile Journal.

The text lists the contents as consisting of a ratchet, offset handle, extension, universal, 23 hex sockets, seven square sockets, and one spark-plug socket.

Fig. 27. 1916 Notice for Champion No. 99 Socket Set. [External Link]

Fig. 27 shows a notice for the No. 99 "Garage Set", as published on page 44 of the October, 1916 issue of The Accessory and Garage Journal. This was the company's largest socket set.

The company also produced a very similar No. 100 "Garage Set".

Syracuse Wrench "Ford Special" Pressed-Steel Socket Set

The smallest of the Syracuse Wrench socket sets was the "Ford Special Wrench" set, a collection of sockets and tools for Model T maintenance.

Fig. 28. Syracuse Wrench "Ford Special Wrench" Pressed-Steel Socket Set, ca. 1916+.

Fig. 28 shows a Syracuse Wrench "Ford Special Wrench" socket set, consisting of a fine-tooth ratchet, drive plug, extension, universal, five hex sockets, and two square sockets.

The printed label on the lid is marked "Ford Special Wrench" at the top, with "Manufactured by Syracuse Wrench Co." in the middle. The bottom line is only partially legible, but is likely "Syracuse, N.Y. U.S.A." by comparison with other sets.

The socket sizes are, from the left, 15/32, 17/32, 21/32, 23/32, 25/32, and 19/32 (square). The smaller square socket at the far left is a 17/32 size, intended primarily as a coupling for the universal and extension.

The "Ford Special" set was furnished in a wooden box with dimensions (in inches) 10.5 wide by 3.3 deep by 2.8 high. No markings were found on the outside of the box.

When acquired, this socket set was missing several of the original tools, and the sockets had all been replaced by Mossberg sockets of various sizes. The set was reconstructed for the photograph using two references: the illustration in Cope's AWM2e book, and a similar socket set produced by Syracuse Wrench for Smith & Hemenway. The illustration in AWM2e clearly shows this set with a ratchet, drive plug, extension, universal, six sockets, and an apparent coupling. The specific sizes for the sockets were obtained from the label of the No. 1971 "Ford Car Special Set", a version of this set produced for Smith & Hemenway.

Syracuse Wrench 1/2-Drive 8 Inch Extension

Fig. 29. Syracuse Wrench 1/2-Drive 8 Inch Extension.

Fig. 29 shows the unmarked 1/2-drive 8 inch extension from the Syracuse Wrench "Ford Special" set.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

One detail to note is that only one end of extension has a detent ball and stop tabs. This allows the opposite end to slide through the ratchet drive gear as a variable length extension.

Syracuse Wrench No. 2 "Champion" Pressed-Steel Socket Set

This next figure shows the pressed-steel version of the No. 2 "Champion Ratchet Wrench" set shown in a prior figure.

Fig. 30. Syracuse Wrench No. 2 "Champion" Pressed-Steel Socket Set.

Fig. 30 shows a Syracuse Wrench No. 2 "Champion" pressed-steel socket set, consisting of a fine-tooth ratchet, drive plug, universal joint, and a selection of 19 sockets (with several missing). The original set probably included an extension and possibly a spark-plug socket, as well as additional sockets to occupy the holes.

The printed label on the lid is marked "No. 2 Champion Ratchet Wrench" at the top, with "Manufactured by Syracuse Wrench Co." in the middle and "Syracuse, N.Y. U.S.A." at the bottom.

The 1915 advertisement shown above lists the hex socket sizes as 15/32, 1/2, 17/32, 19/32, 5/8, 21/32, 11/16, 23/32, 25/32, 13/16, 27/32, 7/8, 29/32, 31/32, 1, 1-1/32, 1-2/32, 1-5/32, and 1-9/32. The sockets in the photograph are, in the front row from the left, 17/32 (square), 15/32, and 1/2. The sockets in the middle row from the right are 19/32, 5/8, 21/32, 11/16, 13/16, and 27/32, and the sockets in the back row from the left are 29/32, 31/32, 1 Inch, and 1-9/32.

This set show signs of extensive replacement of sockets, as more than half of them (8 of 13) are marked with the Mossberg M-Diamond logo. The remaining five are presumed to be the original sockets supplied with the set, and these are marked with just the fractional size.

As a side note, it's not unusual to find numerous replacements in a pressed-steel socket set, as this type of socket (from any manufacturer) was prone to breakage. The predominance of Mossberg sockets is probably due to the ease of purchasing these as replacements.

The No. 2 Champion socket set was supplied in a wooden box with dimensions 11.5 inches wide by 5.5 inches deep by 3.0 inches high. No markings were found on the outside of the box.

Syracuse Wrench 1/2-Drive Fine-Tooth Ratchet

Fig. 31. Syracuse Wrench 1/2-Drive Ratchet Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 31 shows the 1/2-drive fine-tooth ratchet and drive plug acquired as part of the Syracuse Wrench No. 2 "Champion" pressed-steel socket set. The ratchet is unmarked.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This ratchet has a distinctive design with a pivoting sheet metal carrier holding the fine-tooth drive gear. A spring holds the drive gear in contact with pawl teeth in the end of the forged handle. This design is probably covered by a patent, but no patent date or number is marked and we haven't been able to locate a patent yet.

Syracuse Wrench Later No. 2 "Champion" Pressed-Steel Socket Set

Fig. 32. Syracuse Wrench Later No. 2 "Champion" Pressed-Steel Socket Set.

Fig. 32 shows a later edition of the Syracuse Wrench No. 2 "Champion" pressed-steel socket set, consisting of a No. 770 ratchet, a No. 752 extension, an unmarked universal joint, and a selection of 19 sockets (with two missing). The original set probably included a spark-plug socket as well.

This set no longer has a label for identification, but is believed to be the No. 2 Champion set by comparison with an earlier No. 2 Champion set.

The sockets in the front row are, from the left, 13/32, 15/32, 17/32, 19/32, 5/8, 21/32, 11/16, and 23/32. Continuing in the back row from the left, the sockets are 25/32, 27/32, 7/8, 29/32, 1 Inch, 1-1/32, 1-3/32, 1-5/32, and 1-9/32.

By comparison with the earlier No. 2 set, it's likely that the missing sockets are the 17/32 square and 31/32 hex sizes. (The 17/32 square would be needed as a coupling when using the universal with the extension.) In retrospect, the sockets should have been arranged differently for the photograph, with a gap at the far left in the front row and between the 29/32 and 1 inch sizes in the back row.

As with the previous example, this set has had some of the sockets replaced, with five of the 17 sockets marked with the Mossberg M-Diamond logo. The remaining 12 sockets are marked with the fractional size but no company identification.

The later No. 2 Champion set was supplied in a wooden box with dimensions (in inches) 12.7 wide by 5.6 deep by 2.7 high. No markings were found on the outside of the box.

One other minor detail to note: the hinges for the cover of this set are mounted on the top and bottom of the back rails. Earlier Syracuse Wrench sets generally mounted the hinges on the back side of the box.

Syracuse Wrench No. 770 11/16-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 33. Syracuse Wrench No. 770 11/16-Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 33 shows a Syracuse Wrench No. 770 ratchet with nominal 11/16-drive, acquired as part of the later No. 2 Champion pressed-steel socket set. The ratchet is stamped "Syracuse Wrench Co." and "Syracuse, N.Y. U.S.A." with the SW-Hex logo on each side.

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

In this ratchet the drive gear is broached with a nominal 11/16 square opening, suitable for driving standard pressed-steel sockets on the outer surface. The ratchet is similar in appearance and construction to the Mossberg No. 355 Ratchet.

Syracuse Wrench 1/2-Drive Universal

Fig. 34. Syracuse Wrench 1/2-Drive Universal.

Fig. 34 shows the unmarked 1/2-drive universal from the later Syracuse Wrench No. 2 Champion pressed-steel socket set.

The overall length is 3.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Syracuse Wrench No. 752 11/16-Drive 7 Inch Extension

Fig. 35. Syracuse Wrench No. 752 11/16-Drive 7 Inch Extension, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 35 shows an 11/16-drive Syracuse Wrench No. 752 7 inch extension from the later No. 2 Champion socket set. The shank is stamped "Syracuse Wrench Co." and "Syracuse, N.Y. U.S.A." with the SW-Hex logo on each side.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The extension has been forged with 11/16 and 1/2 square ends, with the larger end driven by a ratchet and the smaller end driving a socket from the inside. As can be seen in the photograph, the extension has been badly twisted by excessive torque.

Syracuse Wrench No. 852 11/16-Drive 9 Inch Extension

Fig. 36. Syracuse Wrench No. 852 11/16-Drive 9 Inch Extension, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 36 shows an 11/16-drive Syracuse Wrench No. 852 9 inch extension, stamped "Made in U.S.A." with two SW-Hex logos on the shank.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The extension has been forged with 11/16 and 1/2 square ends, with the larger end designed to be driven by a ratchet. The 1/2 end then drives a socket using the inner opening.

This extension was acquired as part of an unidentified socket set, which now appears that it may be a Syracuse Wrench No. 10 set.

Syracuse Wrench No. 10 "Champion" Pressed-Steel Socket Set

We recently acquired a Champion No. 10 socket set with pressed-steel sockets. The set is currently being prepared for display and will be added in the near future.

Syracuse Wrench No. 12 "Champion" Pressed-Steel Socket Set

We recently acquired a Champion No. 12 socket set with pressed-steel sockets. The set is currently being prepared for display and will be added in the near future.

Other Tools

Syracuse Wrench Valve Lapper

Fig. 39. Syracuse Wrench Valve Lapper, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail.

Fig. 39 shows a Syracuse Wrench valve lapper with an unusual swinging-handle design, marked with "Syracuse Wrench Co" and "Syracuse NY" forged into the handles.

The overall length is 15.8 inches, and the finish is black paint.