Other Tools

Striking Tools

Punches, chisels, and hammers were among the first tools produced by Vlchek Tool, and pliers would have been made as soon as the automobile tool kit business started to develop.

[X872] Standard 1/8 Pin Punch

Fig. 141. Vlchek [X872] 1/8 Pin Punch.

Fig. 141 shows a Vlchek [X872] standard 1/8 pin punch, stamped "Vlchek Standard" and "Made in U.S.A." on the square shank. The model number isn't marked on the tool, but the catalog identifies this as model X872.

The overall length is 5.0 inches.

Standard 1/8 Tapered Punch

Fig. 142. Vlchek Standard 1/8 Tapered Punch, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 142 shows a Vlchek standard 1/8 tapered punch, stamped "Vlchek Standard" and "Made in U.S.A." on the square shank.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is gray paint.

Standard 1/4 Tapered Punch

Fig. 143. Vlchek Standard 1/4 Tapered Punch, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 143 shows a Vlchek standard 1/4 tapered punch, stamped "Vlchek Standard" and "Made in U.S.A." on the square shank.

The overall length is 11.8 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

Ballpeen Hammer

Fig. 144. Vlchek Ballpeen Hammer.

As a former blacksmith operation, you would expect Vlchek Tool to be an expert in hammers, and hammers were in fact one of their earliest products. The hammer shown in Fig. 144 is a ballpeen model marked "Vlchek" and "Made in U.S.A.", and is probably from an automobile tool kit.

The length of the head is 3.8 inches; the handle had been shortened, so the original length is not known.

Pliers

Vlchek had a long history of producing combination pliers, as these tools were an important part of most automotive tool kits.

6 Inch Combination Pliers

Fig. 145. Vlchek 6 Inch Combination Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 145 shows a pair of Vlchek 6 inch combination pliers, marked with "Forged in U.S.A." forged into the handles, and with the V-Shield logo stamped on the handles.

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

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers. Note the fairly rough finish of the pliers, with remnants of the trimming operation visible on the handles.

These pliers were likely made as part of an automotive tool kit.

8 Inch Combination Pliers

Fig. 146. Vlchek 8 Inch Combination Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 146 shows a pair of Vlchek 8 inch combination pliers, stamped with "Vlchek" and "Made in U.S.A." in a banner logo on the handle, with "Forged in U.S.A." forged into the handles. The handles also have forged-in codes "19" and "18" (not shown).

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

PHC208 Hose Clamp Pliers

Fig. 147. Vlchek PHC208 Hose-Clamp Pliers.

Fig. 147 shows the Vlchek model PHC208 pliers, marked "Hose Clamp" with "Forged in U.S.A." on the handles.

A careful look at the handle shows a forged-in number "18". The finish appears to be cadmium plate over the rough forged steel.

[PFH309] 10 Inch Utility and Pump Pliers

Fig. 148. Vlchek [PFH309] 10 Inch Heavy-Duty Waterpump Pliers, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 148 shows a pair of Vlchek [PFH309] 10 inch waterpump pliers, stamped "Vlchek Made in U.S.A." on one handle with "Alloy Steel" on the other.

Although not marked on this example, the PFH309 model number was identified by the 1952 catalog, where this model is listed as the "Heavy Duty Utility and Pump Pliers".

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

The model PFH309 pliers were listed in the 1952 catalog, which noted the use of chrome molybdenum steel and a chrome plated finish. The alloy steel marking and plain finish of this example suggest production during the 1942-1945 wartime years.

Contract Production

The previous sections have looked at tools marked as Vlchek products, or at least not marked explicitly with another company's brand. In this section we'll look at examples of tools made for sale as other brands.

Caterpillar

Vlchek produced tools for Caterpillar, probably intended for tool kits or as special service tools. These tools can be recognized by the distinctive model numbers beginning with a number and letter, e.g. 1Bxxxx.

1A1442 (Caterpillar) 9/16x9/16 Tappet Wrench

This next figure shows a Vlchek tappet wrench believed to have been produced for Caterpillar.

Fig. 149. Vlchek 1A1442 9/16x9/16 Tappet Wrench.

Fig. 149 shows a Vlchek 1A1442 9/16x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Vlchek" on the shank. The shank also has a forged-in number "7" visible at the right.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is black paint.

The wrench appears to be made of alloy steel despite the lack of markings to that effect; the metal is not as hard as would be expected for carbon steel construction.

1B3036 3/4x3/4 Single-Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 150. Vlchek 1B3036 3/4x3/4 Single-Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1930s.

Fig. 150 shows a Vlchek 1B3036 3/4x3/4 single-offset box wrench, stamped with "Vlchek" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank.

The overall length is 12.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The model number on this wrench suggests that it was made as contract production for Caterpiller, which often assigned model numbers beginning with a number and letter.

Craftsman

Vlchek produced tools for the Sears Craftsman brand as well as its secondary brands Fulton, Merit, and Dunlap. The currently known Vlchek production for Sears is identified by the use of a "BT" manufacturer's code, but it's possible that other codes could have been used as well.

Craftsman "BT" 1/2-Drive Reversible Ratchet

The next two figures show examples of the Craftsman "BT" 1/2-drive reversible ratchet.

Fig. 151. Craftsman "BT" 1/2-Drive Reversible Ratchet, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1936-1937.

Fig. 151 shows a Craftsman "BT" 1/2-drive reversible ratchet, marked with "Drop Forged" forged into the handle, and with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the back side. The head is stamped with the Craftsman block logo, and the small "BT" manufacturing code is (faintly) visible between the two screws at the bottom of the head.

The overall length is 9.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with extensive pitting due to rust.

This ratchet has a rather unusual arrangement for the shift lever, in which the lever arm passes through a hole in the forged body so that it can be actuated from the opposite side. Readers familiar with the Vlchek Tool Company will recognize this immediately as the Vlchek WSSR10 Reversible Ratchet, and a comparison of the photographs shows that the tools are basically identical except for the markings. Vlchek had been offering this ratchet model since about 1934.

Apart from the unusual shift lever, the ratchet is a well made but conventional dual-pawl design with a 28-tooth drive gear.

Fig. 152. Craftsman "BT" 1/2-Drive Reversible Ratchet, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. 1936-1937.

Fig. 152 shows another example of the Craftsman "BT" 1/2-drive reversible ratchet, marked with "Drop Forged" forged into the handle, and with "Made in U.S.A." forged into the back side. The head is stamped with the Craftsman block logo and a small "BT" manufacturer's code.

The overall length is 9.6 inches, and the finish is nickel plating, with losses due to wear and rust.

The Craftsman "BT" ratchet was first listed in the 1936 Sears Spring and Summer catalog as item number 6155 with a $1.98 price. This ratchet is significant as the first 1/2-drive reversible ratchet offered under the Craftsman brand. The "BT" ratchet became available around the same time as the transition from the C-series socket tools to the "BE" series, but as neither of these socket lines included a reversible ratchet in 1/2-drive, Sears offered this as an alternative.

Sears later included the "BT" model as the standard ratchet in otherwise all "BE" style socket sets, which must have been somewhat embarrassing for New Britain Machine. Then around 1938 New Britain Machine finally offered its own "BE" reversible ratchet and the socket sets became all "BE" again.

Craftsman "BT" 6 Ounce Ballpeen Hammer

Fig. 153. Craftsman "BT" 6 Ounce Ballpeen Hammer, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 153 shows a Craftsman "BT" 6 ounce ballpeen hammer, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.", and with a "BT" manufacturer's code below.

The overall length is 11.6 inches, and the length of the head is 2.7 inches. The finish is plain steel.

The "BT" code has been identified as the manufacturer's code for Vlchek Tool, a well-known maker of hammers and striking tools as well as wrenches.

Fulton, Merit, and Dunlap

Vlchek produced a number of tools for the Sears Fulton, Merit, and later Dunlap brands.

Merit 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 154. Merit 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1937-1938.

Fig. 154 shows a Merit 1/2x9/16 offset box-end wrench with raised panels, stamped with the Merit name and a "BT" manufacturer's code on the front panel, with "Chrome Molybdenum" on the back side panel.

The overall length is 4.9 inches, and the finish is nickel plating, with extensive losses due to wear and rust.

The "BT" code has been identified as the manufacturer's code for Vlchek Tool. This tool is very similar to the Vlchek WBC1618 Offset Box Wrench, but is slightly shorter then the Vlchek examples.

Currently we don't have a catalog reference for this tool. The production date was estimated based on the assumption that the Merit brand was superseded by the Dunlap brand in 1938.

Merit 6216 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Box Wrench

During the mid 1930s the Sears catalogs offered various types of automotive specialty wrenches in the section for general mechanic's tools. Typically these were listed under the Fulton or Merit brands, although sometimes the catalog listings didn't specify a brand name. This next figure shows an example of a Merit brand specialty wrench.

Fig. 155. Merit 6216 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Box-End Wrench, ca. Mid 1930s.

Fig. 155 shows a Merit 6216 9/16x5/8 half-moon box-end wrench, stamped with the Merit name and a "BT" manufacturer's code on the shank.

The overall length is 6.8 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The "BT" code has been identified as the manufacturer's code for Vlchek Tool. An example of this tool marked for Vlchek can be seen as the Vlchek WBM1820 Half-Moon Box Wrench.

This style of half-moon wrench was frequently used for starter and manifold service, or for general work as an obstruction wrench.

Fulton 6216 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Box Wrench

This next figure shows the same model 6216 half-moon wrench, but marked for the Fulton brand.

Fig. 156. Fulton 6216 9/16x5/8 Half-Moon Box-End Wrench, ca. 1930s.

Fig. 156 shows a Fulton 6216 9/16x5/8 half-moon box-end wrench, stamped with "Fulton" and a "BT" manufacturer's code on the shank.

The overall length is 6.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel, possibly with traces of cadmium plating.

The "BT" code has been identified as the manufacturer's code for Vlchek Tool. An example of this tool marked for Vlchek can be seen as the Vlchek WBM1820 Half-Moon Box Wrench.

This style of half-moon wrench was frequently used for starter and manifold service, or for general work as an obstruction wrench.

Merit "BT" 10 Inch Waterpump Pliers

Fig. 157. Merit 10 Inch Waterpump Pliers, ca. 1930s.

Fig. 157 shows a pair of Merit 10 inch waterpump pliers, stamped with the Merit name and a "BT" code.

The overall length is 9.8 inches fully extended, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The "BT" marking has been identified as the manufacturer's code for Vlchek Tool. An example of Vlchek's production can be seen as the Vlchek [PFH309] Waterpump Pliers.

ChromeXQuality

The "ChromeXQuality" (or "Chrome X Quality") brand was a mystery for quite a while, but was finally been identified as an unregistered brand of Western Auto Supply. The 1937 Western Auto catalog offered ChromeXQuality (or just "Chrome-X") tools as their top-of-the-line brand, and stated that they were "lifetime tools with a free replacement guarantee." The ChromeXQuality catalog items included wrenches in open-end, box-end, and combination styles, sockets and drive tools, several types of pliers, and other tools.

The identification of Western Auto as the owner of the brand fits well with the known examples, as many of the tools collected thus far were apparently made by either Duro/Indestro or Vlchek, the same pattern seen with the Wizard and Westcraft brands. In 1937 the Wizard brand was being used for batteries and other automobile supplies, but not yet for tools; it seems likely that the success of the Chrome-X tool line lead to the Wizard brand being extended to include tools.

Based on Western Auto historical sources, the ChromeXQuality brand was used from 1936 to 1939, after which the company switched to their favored "Wizard" brand. We'll use this range as the estimated manufacturing date for the examples below.

In addition to Vlchek and Duro/Indestro, Herbrand has been recently identified as a third producer of ChromeXQuality tools. Additional information on these tools is available in the sections on Duro and Herbrand contract production.

ChromeXQuality 2731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench with "Western Auto" Marking

We'll begin with an unusual example marked for both ChromeXQuality and Western Auto. This wrench would have saved us a lot of trouble in tracking down the ChromeXQuality brand if it had shown up earlier.

Fig. 158. ChromeXQuality 2731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench with Dual Markings, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 158 shows an unusual dual-marked ChromeXQuality 2731A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped with "Chrome X Quality" on the shank and with "Western Auto Stores" on the back side. The faces are stamped with the fractional sizes, with "Chrome Molybdenum" and the model number on the back side.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with extensive pitting due to rust.

This wrench can be identified as Vlchek production by the general construction and the use of the "Chrome Molybdenum" marking with larger initial letters. In addition, Vlchek is known to have used the 2xxx model series for its open-end wrenches, whereas other markers typically used this series for obstruction wrenches.

ChromeXQuality W1012 5/16x3/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 159. ChromeXQuality W1012 5/16x3/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 159 shows another ChromeXQuality tool of Vlchek production, a 5/16x3/8 open-end wrench with the Vlchek model number W1012. The head is marked "Chrome Moly" and the shank is stamped with a "KV" code, presumably an indication of the Vlchek source.

The overall length is 4.8 inches.

The forged-in number is "3".

ChromeXQuality W1416 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 160. ChromeXQuality W1416 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 160 shows a similar ChromeXQuality 7/16x1/2 open-end wrench with the Vlchek model number W1416, stamped "Chrome Moly" on the face with a "KV" code on the shank to indicate the Vlchek source. The shank has a forged-in number "4" at the left.

The overall length is 5.3 inches.

ChromeXQuality W1820 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 161. ChromeXQuality W1820 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 161 shows a ChromeXQuality 9/16x5/8 open-end wrench with the Vlchek model number W1820, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" on one face with a "KV" code stamped on the shank. The shank has a forged-in number "2" at the left.

The overall length is 6.4 inches.

ChromeXQuality 90A 7/16x17/32 Tappet Wrench

The next two figures show examples of ChromeXQuality tappet wrenches.

Fig. 162. ChromeXQuality 90A 7/16x17/32 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 162 shows a ChromeXQuality 90A 7/16x17/32 tappet wrench, stamped "ChromeXQuality" on the shank, with "Chrome Molybdenum" on the back side shank and "Made in U.S.A." and the model number on the back side faces. The back side shank also has a forged-in number "2" visible at the left.

The overall length is 8.0 inches.

ChromeXQuality 92 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 163. ChromeXQuality 92 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 163 shows a ChromeXQuality 92 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped with "Chrome Molybdenum" and a "KV" code on the shank, with "Made in U.S.A." and the model number on the faces. The shank also has a forged-in number "11" visible at the left.

The overall length is 8.1 inches.

ChromeXQuality WBE18 9/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 164. ChromeXQuality WBE18 9/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 164 shows a ChromeXQuality 9/16 combination wrench, marked with the brand and fractional size on the raised panel, with "Chrome Molybdenum" and "WBE18" on the back side panel.

The overall length is 7.4 inches.

The example here can be readily identified as Vlchek production by the sharply rounded box end, the forged-in number "1", and the Vlchek WBE18 model number.

ChromeXQuality WBE24 3/4 Combination Wrench

Fig. 165. ChromeXQuality WBE24 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 165 shows a ChromeXQuality WBE24 3/4 combination wrench with raised panels, stamped with "Chrome X Quality" and the fractional size on the front panel, with "Chrome Molybdenum" and "WBE24" on the back side panel.

The overall length is 9.7 inches.

The example here can be readily identified as Vlchek production by the sharply rounded box end, the forged-in number "3", and the Vlchek WBE24 model number.

ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 166. ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 166 shows a ChromeXQuality 1/2x9/16 offset box-end wrench, stamped with "Chrome X Quality" and the fractional sizes on the raised panel, with "Chrome Molybdenum" on the back side panel.

The overall length is 8.5 inches. The finish is plain steel with pitting due to rust, and with possible traces of a plated finish.

This wrench can be identified as Vlchek production by the general construction, and by the use of the "Chrome Molybdenum" marking with taller leading letters.

ChromeXQuality 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 167. ChromeXQuality 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 167 shows a ChromeXQuality 5/8x11/16 offset box-end wrench, stamped with "Chrome X Quality" and the fractional sizes on the raised panel, with "Chrome Molybdenum" on the back side panel.

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

This wrench can be identified as Vlchek production by the general construction, and by the use of the "Chrome Molybdenum" marking with taller leading letters.

The deep offset construction makes this wrench similar to the Vlchek early WBA series models, an example of which can be seen as the Vlchek WBA 2425 Box Wrench.

ChromeXQuality 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 168. ChromeXQuality 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 168 shows a ChromeXQuality 3/4x25/32 offset box-end wrench, stamped with "Chrome X Quality" and the fractional sizes on the raised panel, with "Chrome Molybdenum" on the back side panel.

The overall length is 11.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with traces of a plated finish.

This wrench can be identified as Vlchek production by the general construction, and by the use of the "Chrome Molybdenum" marking with taller leading letters.

ChromeXQuality 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 169. ChromeXQuality 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 169 shows a ChromeXQuality 13/16x7/8 offset box-end wrench with raised panels, stamped with "Chrome X Quality" and the fractional sizes on the front panel, with "Chrome Molybdenum" on the back side panel. The shank also has a forged-in "X" mark visible at the left.

The overall length is 12.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished panels and ends.

This wrench can be identified as Vlchek production by the general construction, and by the use of the "Chrome Molybdenum" marking with taller leading letters.

ChromeXQuality 1/2 Inch Flat Chisel

Fig. 170. ChromeXQuality 1/2 Inch Flat Chisel, with Inset for Side View, ca. 1936-1939.

Fig. 170 shows a ChromeXQuality flat chisel with a 1/2 inch octagonal shank, stamped with "Chrome X Quality" and a "KV" code on the shank.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

That concludes our brief look at the ChromeXQuality tools produced by Vlchek. In the next section we'll look at Vlchek tools marked with the "Wizard" and "Westcraft" brands, the successors to the ChromeXQuality mark.

Wizard and Westcraft

The Western Auto Supply Company sold mechanic's hand tools under the brands Wizard and Westcraft, both of which were registered trademarks. Vlchek was a supplier for the wrenches sold under these brands, as can be seen from the great similarities in design and construction with the Vlchek-marked tools. Note also that the pieces below have a small "V" mark stamped on them.

As a side note, Western Auto sourced its sockets and ratchets for these lines from Duro/Indestro, showing very tasteful purchasing on the part of their buying agents. The Duro-sourced Wizard and Westcraft pieces have a small "D" marked on them. (See our article on Duro's Contract Production for more detail.)

Wizard HR2062 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 171. Wizard HR2062 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1953 to Late 1950s.

Fig. 171 shows a Wizard model HR2062 13/16x7/8 open-end wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." and "Alloy" on the back side, along with a small "v" source code.

The overall length is 9.25 inches.

The wrench handle features a distinctive design with a central polished area and curved arcs at either end. This design was apparently developed for Western Auto, as the only examples known are for Wizard or Westcraft branded items.

The curved-arc design of this example was noted in a Western Auto Supply catalog from late 1953. The illustrations in that catalog shows Wizard open-end, box-end, and combination wrenches all with handles of this style. We're not yet sure how long this decorative style remained in production, but it may have been used through the late 1950s.

Wizard HR2201 3/8x7/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 172. Wizard HR2201 3/8x7/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1953 to Late 1950s.

Fig. 172 shows a Wizard HR2201 3/8x7/16 offset box-end wrench, marked "Alloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side, along with a small "v" code.

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

The forged-in number is "11".

The shank of this wrench has a distinctive design with a polished center bracketed by lines, which was first noted in a Western Auto catalog from late 1953.

Wizard H2103 7/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 173. Wizard H2103 7/16 Combo Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 173 shows a Wizard H2103 7/16 combination wrench, marked "Wizard Hi-Torque" with "Forged U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 5.0 inches.

This tool is readily identified as Vlchek production by the sharply rounded box end and the forged-in number, as well as the "v" mark on the back side.

Wizard H2106 5/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 174. Wizard H2106 5/8 Combo Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 174 shows a Wizard H2106 5/8 combination wrench, stamped with "Wizard Hi-Torque" and the fractional sizes on the shank, with "Forged U.S.A." and a "v" code on the back side. The shank is also marked with a forged-in number "1" visible at the left.

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

This tool is readily identified as Vlchek production by the sharply rounded box end and the forged-in number, as well as the "v" mark on the back side.

Westcraft WBC1012 5/16x3/8 Box-End Wrench

The next few examples show tools marked with Westcraft, the sister brand to Wizard. (Western Auto appears to have used them interchangeably.)

Fig. 175. Westcraft WBC1012 5/16x3/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

In Fig. 175 we see a Westcraft WBC1012 5/16x3/8 offset box-end wrench, marked "Chrome Moly" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side, along with a small "v" code. The overall length is 4.1 inches.

The finish is chrome plate with polished ends, and the forged-in number is "23".

Westcraft WBC1214 3/8x7/16 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 176. Westcraft WBC1214 3/8x7/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 176 shows a Westcraft WBC1214 3/8x7/16 offset box-end wrench, marked "Chrome Moly" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side, along with a small "v" code. The back side shank also has a forged-in number is "42" visible at the left.

The overall length is 4.7 inches.

Westcraft WBH1922 19/32x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 177. Westcraft WBH1922 19/32x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Late 1940s to 1950s.

Fig. 177 shows a Westcraft WBH1922 19/32x11/16 offset box-end wrench, stamped with "Westcraft" and the model number on the shank, with "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Made in U.S.A." and a small "v" code on the back side. The back side shank also has a forged-in code "1" visible at the left.

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

The overall design, Vlchek standard model number, and small "v" manufacturer's code identify this wrench as production by Vlchek. Interestingly though, the "Chrome Molybdenum" marking does not have the taller initial letters usually used by Vlchek.

By 1949 the Vlchek catalog noted the use of alloy steel, but not specifically chrome molybdenum steel, for this model, though of course Western Auto could have requested the specific steel.

Westcraft WBH2628 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 178. Westcraft WBH2628 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 178 shows a Westcraft WBH2628 13/16x7/8 long offset box-end wrench, marked with a Vlchek model WBH2628. The back side is marked "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Made in U.S.A.", and has a small "v" code.

The overall length is 13.4 inches.

Westcraft WBH3032 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 179. Westcraft WBH3032 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 179 shows a Westcraft WBH3032 15/16x1 long offset box-end wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Made in U.S.A." with a small "v" code, and with "Westcraft" and the model number on the back side. The shank also has a forged-in code "19" visible at the left.

The overall length is 15.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

This wrench is basically identical (except for markings) to the standard Vlchek WBH3032 Offset Box Wrench.

Westcraft HR2080 5/16x3/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 180. Westcraft HR2080 5/16x3/8 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 180 shows a Westcraft HR2080 5/16x3/8 open-end wrench, marked "Alloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank, with a small "v" code in between. The overall length is 4.3 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, and the forged-in number is "60".

Westcraft W1416 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 181. Westcraft W1416 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 181 shows a Westcraft W1416 7/16x1/2 open-end wrench, marked "Alloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank, with a small "v" code in between. The overall length is 5.4 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, and the forged-in number is "55".

Westcraft W2526 25/32x13/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 182. Westcraft W2526 25/32x13/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 182 shows a Westcraft W2526 25/32x13/16 open-end wrench, marked "Alloy" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank with a small "v" code on the face.

The overall length is 9.2 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, and the forged-in number is "13".

Westcraft HR2285 3/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 183. Westcraft HR2285 3/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1953 to Late 1950s.

Fig. 183 shows a Westcraft model HR2285 3/8 combination wrench with a narrow shank, stamped with "Westcraft" and the model number and fractional sizes on the shank, with "Made in U.S.A." and "Alloy" plus a small "v" code on the back side. The shank also has a forged-in number "7".

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

The wrench handle shows the distinctive design previously see in the Wizard HR2062 example. This design was noted in a Western Auto catalog from late 1953.

Westcraft WBE20 5/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 184. Westcraft WBE20 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1947-1953.

Fig. 184 shows a Westcraft WBE20 5/8 combination wrench with a flat shank, stamped with "Westcraft" and the model number and fractional size on the shank, with "Chrome-Alloy" and "Made in U.S.A." and a small "v" code on the back side. The shank also has a forged-in number "4" visible at the left.

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

The flat shank on this wrench indicates a manufacturing date from around 1947 to 1953.

Westline 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench

Western Auto also sold tools under the "Westline" brand, an unregistered mark found mostly on lower-priced tools.

Fig. 185. Westline 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 185 shows an example of the Westline brand, a Westline 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench with a paneled shank. The wrench is marked with "Westline" and the fractional sizes forged into the shank, with "Drop Forged U.S.A." on the back side. The back side shank also has a forged-in number "1" visible at the left.

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

This wrench is basically identical (except for markings) to the Vlchek 19/32x11/16 Panelbar Wrench shown in an earlier section.

Westline 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 186. Westline 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 186 shows a Westline 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench with a paneled shank, marked with "Westline" and the fractional sizes forged into the shank, with "Drop Forged U.S.A." forged into the back side. The back side shank also has a forged-in number "1" visible at the left.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This wrench is basically identical (except for markings) to the Vlchek 5/8x3/4 Panelbar Wrench shown in an earlier section.

Tiger Tools (Gamble Stores)

The "Tiger Tools" brand was used for a line of tools sold in Gamble Stores, a retail chain operated by Gamble-Skogmo, Incorporated. The company also published mail-order catalogs, typically as the Gamble's Auto Supply & Tool Catalog.

The Tiger Tools brand appears to have been used for a relatively brief period in the late 1930s to early 1940s. Gamble-Skogmo also used the Artisan brand for its tools, and examples can be seen in our article on Artisan.

Tiger Tools Combination Wrenches

Fig. 187. 1940 Catalog Listing for Tiger Tools Combination Wrenches.

The scan in Fig. 187 shows a listing for Tiger Tools combination wrenches, as published on page 48 of the 1940 Gamble's Auto Supply catalog.

The text notes the use of chrome molybdenum steel, as would be expected for production by Vlchek.

The illustration shows the wrenches with raised oval panels.

We are fortunate to have several examples of Tiger Tools combination wrenches closely resembling the catalog illustration.

Tiger Tools WBE14 7/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 188. Tiger Tools WBE14 7/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 188 shows a Tiger Tools WBE14 7/16 combination wrench, stamped with "Tiger Tools" and the fractional sizes on the raised panel, with "Chrome-Alloy" and the model number on the back side. The shank also has a forged-in number "2" visible at the left.

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

Tiger Tools WBE16 1/2 Combination Wrench

Fig. 189. Tiger Tools WBE16 1/2 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 189 shows a Tiger Tools WBE16 1/2 combination wrench, stamped with "Tiger Tools" and the fractional sizes on the raised panel, with "Chrome Alloy" and the model number on the back side. The shank also has a forged-in number "3" visible at the left.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Tiger Tools WBE22 11/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 190. Tiger Tools WBE22 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 190 shows a Tiger Tools WBE22 11/16 combination wrench, stamped with "Tiger Tools" and the fractional sizes on the raised panel, with "Chrome-Alloy" and the model number on the back side. The shank also has a forged-in number "2" visible at the left.

The overall length is 8.9 inches. The finish is nickel plating, with some losses due to wear.

Tiger Tools WBE24 3/4 Combination Wrench

Fig. 191. Tiger Tools WBE24 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 191 shows a Tiger Tools WBE24 3/4 combination wrench, stamped with "Tiger Tools" and the fractional sizes on the raised panel, with "Chrome-Alloy" and the model number on the back side.

The shank also has a forged-in number "3" visible at the left.

The overall length is 9.6 inches. The finish is plain steel with traces of the original nickel plating.

This wrench is very similar to the ChromeXQuality WBE24 3/4 Combination Wrench made by Vlchek for Western Auto Supply.

Tiger Tools [WBC1214] 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 192. Tiger Tools 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 192 shows a Tiger Tools 3/8x7/16 short offset box wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with "Tiger Tools" on the front panel, with "Chrome-Alloy" and the fractional sizes on the back side.

This example doesn't have a forged-in number, but the back side of the shank has a forged-in asterisk at the left.

The overall length is 4.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

This wrench is similar to the Vlchek WBC1214 Short Offset Box Wrench, but is somewhat shorter.

Montgomery Ward's Master Quality

Montgomery Ward sold tools under a number of brand names, including "Master Quality" and "Riverside". Vlchek produced wrenches for the Master Quality brand, as did other manufacturers such as Bridgeport Hardware.

Master Quality 11/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 193. Master Quality 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 193 shows a Master Quality 11/16 combination wrench, stamped with the Montgomery Ward MW logo on the front, with "Alloy Steel" and "Made in U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 8.9 inches.

Vlchek production is indicated by the sharp radius on the box end, the wide flat shank (compare to this WBE18 wrench), and the forged-in number "4".

Speed-Hed

The next examples are for an unfamiliar brand called "Speed-Hed", showing a type of combination wrench with a cut-away open end. The modified open end provides a type of ratcheting action and is sometimes called a "speed wrench", hence the brand name "Speed-Hed".

A patent search found that these wrenches are described by patent 2,652,735, filed in 1949 and issued to G.W. Wilder in 1953. (This was strictly a lucky find while searching for a different wrench patent.) No assignment was noted in the patent document, but the filing and issue dates at least provide a time frame.

An online search turned up 1948 and 1950 references to this brand being produced by Thorsen Manufacturing, and some articles even discussed the specific machinery used for production by Thorsen. However, all of the examples of Speed-Hed wrenches we've seen have production characteristics that indicate Vlchek as the maker.

Fig. 194A. 1952 Ad for Speed-Hed Ratcheting Combination Wrench.

The scan in Fig. 194A shows an advertisement for Speed-Hed wrenches, as published on page 258 of the January, 1952 issue of Popular Science. The advertisement notes the ratcheting action, without the need to remove the wrench from the nut.

This was part of a larger ad for the Central Tool Company of San Francisco, possibly a surplus tool dealer.

Note that the illustration closely resembles a Vlchek wide-shank combination wrench.

Since some of our "Speed-Hed" examples are marked for Thorsen Tools, it's likely that Thorsen initially made the wrenches, then later found it more cost effective to source the tools from Vlchek. The wide-shank style in the illustration indicates that Vlchek was making the tools by 1952.

Thorsen Speed-Hed 784-1 3/4 Ratcheting Combination Wrench

Fig. 194B. Thorsen Speed-Hed 784-1 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Side View, ca. Early 1950s.

Fig. 194B shows a Thorsen Speed-Hed 784-1 3/4 combination wrench with a ratchet-action open end, stamped with "Speed-Hed" and "Pat. Appl'd For" on the front, with "Thorsen Tools" and "Oakland - Calif" on the back.

The shank is also marked with a forged-in number "8" visible at the left.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with some losses due to rust.

The patent pending status refers to patent #2,652,735, filed by G.W. Wilder in 1949 and issued in 1953.

The design and construction of this example strongly suggest Vlchek as the manufacturer, as does the forged-in number "8" near the open end. Note in particular that both the open and box end have a fairly sharp grinding radius, and the box end is quite thin, only slightly thicker than the shank.

This example is made in Vlchek's wide-shank style, which was in production from the late 1940s until 1952. Since the early Speed-Hed wrenches were only available in sizes up to 9/16, this larger wrench is likely from the early 1950s.

An example of Vlchek's production in the wide-shank style can be seen as the Vlchek WBE22 11/16 Wide-Shank Combination Wrench.

Thorsen Speed-Hed 774-0 7/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 195. Thorsen Speed-Hed 774-0 7/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset Showing Back Side Detail, ca. 1953 to Mid 1950s.

Fig. 195 shows a Thorsen Speed-Hed model 774-0 7/16 combination wrench, stamped "Pat. Appld For" on the front, with "Thorsen Tools - Oakland - Calif" on the back.

The overall length is 6.3 inches.

The wrench shows the contour and design typical of Vlchek, including the sharp grinding radius on both the box and open ends. The forged-in number is "11".

The narrow-shank combination wrench style indicates production in 1953 or later.

Although this wrench has a "patent applied" notation, the wrench construction points to a 1953 to mid 1950s manufacturing date. Our earliest reference to the narrow-shank combination wrench style is from late 1953, and presumably Thorsen Tools would have made the wrenches in the earlier years. (As a side note, it's not unusual for a tool to be marked "patent applied for" even after the patent has been issued.)

A similar example can be seen as the Thorsen Speed-Hed 780-0 5/8 Ratcheting Combination Wrench in our article on Thorsen.

Speed-Hed 776-0 1/2 Combination Wrench

Fig. 196. Speed-Hed 776-0 1/2 Combination Wrench, ca. 1953 to Mid 1950s.

Fig. 196 shows a Speed-Hed model 776-0 1/2 combination wrench, stamped "Pat. Appld For" on the front, but with no markings on the back.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the forged-in number is a "13".

The absence of a marking for Thorsen (or another maker) on this example suggests that the "Speed-Hed" brand was being marketed independently of any particular manufacturer.

Other Contract Production

Several examples are known of wrenches marked "SW" on the face as an apparent brand, with construction and markings that indicate Vlchek production.

Although the identity or meaning of the "SW" mark is not definite, it's likely that the "SW" represents Stevens Walden, a company known to use Vlchek for contract production (see below).

SW 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 197. SW 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 197 shows a 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench with "SW" stamped on each face, with the V-Shield logo and "Forged in U.S.A." in raised letters on the shank. The overall length is 4.2 inches.

The finish is chrome plate, and the forged-in number is "44".

SW 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 198. SW 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 198 shows another example, a 7/16x1/2 open-end wrench marked "U.S.A." on one face and "SW" on the other, with "Forged in U.S.A." in raised letters on the shank. The overall length is 5.1 inches.

The finish is chrome plate, and the forged-in number is "12".

SW 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 199. SW 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 199 shows a third SW example, a 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench marked "SW" on both faces, with "Forged in U.S.A." in raised letters on the shank. The overall length is 6.1 inches.

The finish is chrome plating, and the forged-in number is "17".

Walden 2156A 13/16 Combination Wrench

This next example is a bit unusual: a Vlchek-made wrench marked for Walden, a tool manufacturer generally not known to use contract production, at least in its early years. Walden (or Walden-Worcester) was an important tool maker in the early 20th century, and continued to operate as a supplier of industrial tools into the 1990s. In its later years the company was formally incorporated as Stevens Walden and sometimes used "Stevens Walden" as a brand. (See our article on Walden-Worcester for more information.)

Fig. 200. Walden 2156A 13/16 Combination Wrench, ca. 1953 to Early 1960s.

Fig. 200 shows a Walden 2156A 13/16 combination wrench, stamped "U.S.A." and "Alloy" on the shank.

The overall length is 10.5 inches.

The wrench shows the expected Vlchek production characteristics, with a thin box end and a sharp grinding radius on both ends; the comparable Vlchek model would be WBE26. The forged-in number (a bit faint, but definitely present) is a "3".

The narrow shank indicates production from 1953 onward.