Alloy Artifacts  

Early Tappet Wrenches: The Introduction to Alloy Steel

Williams started experimenting with alloy steel some time in the early 1920s, when they began offering a series of thin open-ended wrenches designed for adjusting automobile valve tappets, commonly referred to as tappet wrenches. Although the tappet-adjusting application was similar to that served by the earlier check-nut wrenches, automobile service required smaller heads for clearance and longer shanks to avoid hot engine parts. The need for a strong thin wrench with a relatively small head was difficult to meet using the carbon steels available at that time, and as a result tappet wrenches became one of the earliest applications to use alloy steels.

Tappet wrenches had also been Armstrong's entry into alloy steel tools when they began producing chrome-nickel "Aero" tappet wrenches in 1920 or earlier. And tappet wrenches were probably Herbrand's first "Van-Chrome" alloy steel tools, claimed to have been made as early as 1919, but confirmed in the public record only from late 1923 onward.

[1923 Ad for Williams Tappet Wrenches]
Fig. 93. 1923 Ad for Williams Tappet Wrenches. [External Link]

By 1923 Williams was offering tappet wrenches in both carbon-steel and alloy steel versions, using model numbers in a 90-96 series. The wrenches were marked with "Williams Tappet Wrench" stamped or forged into one side, with "Alloy Steel" stamped on the back side for the alloy models. (The carbon-steel versions were distinguished by a "C" prefix to the model number.)

Fig. 93 shows an ad for a Williams No. 54 set of alloy steel tappet wrenches, as published on page 84 of the February 8, 1923 issue of Automotive Industries.

The alloy steel tappet wrench models were later reassigned to a 109x model number series, the same numbers used for the tappet wrenches in the "Superrench" product line.

Finally, by June of 1926 tappet wrenches had become part of the "Superrench" line. (See the section on "Superrench" Tappet Wrenches for more information.)


Early C90 7/16x1/2 Carbon-Steel Tappet Wrench

[Williams C90 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 94. Williams C90 7/16x1/2 Carbon-Steel Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Early 1920s to 1924.

Fig. 94 shows a Williams C90 7/16x1/2 carbon-steel tappet wrench, stamped with the JHW-Forged logo on the face. The back side is marked with "Williams Tappet Wrench" stamped on the shank, with the "C90" model number stamped on the face. Note that the opening sizes are not marked on the wrench.

The overall length is 5.9 inches, and the finish is polished steel.

The use of the JHW-Forged oval logo marking on this wrench indicates production in 1924 or earlier, as the oval logo was superseded by the Williams scroll trademark in 1924.


Early C92 9/16x5/8 Carbon-Steel Tappet Wrench

[Williams C92 9/16x5/8 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 95. Williams C92 9/16x5/8 Carbon-Steel Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1924-1925.

Fig. 95 shows a Williams C92 9/16x5/8 carbon-steel tappet wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is stamped with the "C92" model number on one side, with "Williams Tappet Wrench" stamped on the back side.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The back side faces are stamped "7/16 ⬡C 7/16 S.A.E." and "3/8 ⬡C 3/8 S.A.E.", references to the older Hex Capscrew and S.A.E. Size Conventions for the 5/8 and 9/16 openings, respectively.

The markings on the wrench provide an estimate of the manufacturing date, with the Williams scroll logo indicating production in 1924 or later, and the use of the older S.A.E. size markings indicating 1927 or earlier. In addition, since this carbon-steel model would have been obsolete after the introduction of the Superrench line in 1925, this wrench was probably made in 1924-1925.


Early 90 7/16x1/2 Alloy-Steel Tappet Wrench

The next figures show two generations of the model 90 tappet wrench, as it transitions into model 1090.

[Williams 90 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 96. Williams 90 7/16x1/2 Alloy-Steel Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1924-1925.

Fig. 96 shows a Williams 90 7/16x1/2 alloy-steel tappet wrench, stamped with "Made U.S.A." and the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank is stamped with the model number and "Alloy Steel" on one side, with "Williams Tappet Wrench" on the back side.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The back side faces are stamped "1/4 U.S.S. 5/16 ⬡C 5/16 S.A.E." and "1/4 ⬡C 1/4 S.A.E.", references to the older U.S.S., S.A.E., and Hex Capscrew Size Conventions corresponding to the 1/2 and 7/16 openings, respectively.

The use of the Williams Scroll logo on this wrench indicates production in 1924 or later.


Early 1090 7/16x1/2 Alloy-Steel Tappet Wrench

[Williams 1090 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 97. Williams 1090 7/16x1/2 Alloy-Steel Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1925.

Fig. 97 shows a somewhat later Williams 1090 7/16x1/2 alloy-steel tappet wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is stamped with the "1090" model number and "Alloy Steel" on one side, with "Williams Tappet Wrench" stamped on the back side.

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

The back side faces are stamped "1/4 U.S.S. 5/16 ⬡C 5/16 S.A.E." and "1/4 ⬡C 1/4 S.A.E.", references to the older U.S.S., Hex Capscrew, and S.A.E. Size Conventions.

The use of the "1090" model number suggests that this wrench is a late example of the series, probably produced just before (or slightly after) the introduction of the Superrench line in 1925.

An example of this model in the Superrench line can be seen as the Williams "Superrench" 1090 Tappet Wrench.


Early 92 9/16x5/8 Alloy-Steel Tappet Wrenches

The next three figures show examples of early Williams model 92 tappet wrenches.

[Williams 92 9/16x5/8 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 98. Williams 92 9/16x5/8 Alloy-Steel Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Early 1920s to 1924.

Fig. 98 shows an early Williams 92 9/16x5/8 alloy-steel tappet wrench, stamped with the JHW-Forged logo on the face. The shank is stamped with "Alloy Steel" on one side, with "Williams Tappet Wrench" on the back side.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The back side faces are stamped "7/16" and "3/8", implicit references to the S.A.E. Size Convention for the 5/8 and 9/16 openings, respectively.

The use of the JHW-Forged oval logo marking on this wrench indicates production in 1924 or earlier, as the oval logo was superseded by the Williams scroll trademark in 1924.

[Williams 92 9/16x5/8 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 99. Williams 92 9/16x5/8 Alloy-Steel Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Early 1920s to 1924.

Fig. 99 shows another similar Williams 92 9/16x5/8 alloy-steel tappet wrench, stamped with the JHW-Forged logo on the face. The shank is stamped with "Alloy Steel" on one side, with "Williams Tappet Wrench" on the back side.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The back side faces are stamped "7/16" and "3/8", implicit references to the S.A.E. Size Convention for the 5/8 and 9/16 openings, respectively.

The use of the JHW-Forged oval logo marking on this wrench indicates production in 1924 or earlier, as the oval logo was superseded by the Williams scroll trademark in 1924.

[Williams 92 9/16x5/8 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 100. Williams 92 9/16x5/8 Alloy-Steel Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1924-1925.

Fig. 100 shows a slightly later Williams 92 9/16x5/8 alloy-steel tappet wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is stamped with the "92" model number and "Tappet Wrench" on the front, with "Alloy Steel" on the back side.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with extensive pitting due to rust.

The back side faces are stamped "7/16 ⬡C 7/16 SAE" and "3/8 ⬡C 3/8 SAE", references to the older Hex Capscrew and S.A.E. Size Conventions for the 5/8 and 9/16 openings, respectively.

The use of the Williams Scroll logo on this wrench indicates production in 1924 or later.


Early 94 3/4x7/8 Alloy-Steel Tappet Wrench

[Williams 94 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 101. Williams 94 3/4x7/8 Alloy-Steel Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Early 1920s to 1924.

Fig. 101 shows an early Williams 94 3/4x7/8 alloy-steel tappet wrench, stamped with the JHW-Forged logo on the face, with "Alloy Steel" stamped on the shank. The shank is marked with "U.S.A." and the W-Diamond logo forged into the front, with "Williams Tappet Wrench" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The use of the JHW-Forged oval logo on this wrench indicates production in 1924 or before, as Williams began using the Williams scroll logo in 1924.


Early 96 15/16x1 Alloy-Steel Tappet Wrench

[Williams 96 15/16x1 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 102. Williams 96 15/16x1 Alloy-Steel Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Early 1920s to 1924.

Fig. 102 shows an early Williams 96 15/16x1 alloy-steel tappet wrench, stamped with the JHW-Forged logo on the face, with "Alloy Steel" stamped on the shank.

The back side is marked with "Williams Tappet Wrench" forged into the shank, with the "96" model number stamped on the face.

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

The use of the JHW-Forged oval logo on this wrench indicates production in 1924 or before, as Williams began using their new Williams scroll logo in 1924.


The Superrench Era

Despite being one of the largest tool companies in the early 20th century, J.H. Williams was not a driving force in the development of alloy steel tools. Although Williams had experimented with Alloy Steel Tappet Wrenches in the early 1920s, the company didn't fully commit to alloy tools until the introduction of their "Superrench" line in 1925.

By this time Bonney had been widely advertising its "CV" line of chrome-vanadium wrenches for almost three years, and Cornwell Quality Tools had been producing alloy steel tools since its founding in 1919. In addition, several other tool companies, including Armstrong, Herbrand, and Plomb, had been producing alloy steel wrenches since the early 1920s.

However, it's fair to say that the superb quality of the "Superrench" line immediately placed Williams in the front ranks of alloy tool producers. The "Superrench" tools combined top-grade chrome-molybdenum steel, advanced grinding and polishing production techniques, and a nickel-plated finish, placing them among the finest wrenches of the time.

Initially the Superrench line included only double-open engineers' wrenches, general-purpose "S" wrenches, single-ended construction wrenches, and offset structural wrenches. Tappet wrenches (which were already available in alloy steel) were added to the "Superrench" line in 1926, and angle-head "Superrench" obstruction wrenches were available by 1927.

Ignition wrenches ("Midget Superrenches") were available by 1928 in "Combination Electrical Sets" developed in collaboration with Husky Wrench. The first use date supplied with the "Midget" Trademark #277,309 even allows us to give May 17, 1928 as the precise date for the ignition "Superrenches".

In subsequent years Williams expanded and extended the line to include other wrench styles, as well as a full line of alloy-steel sockets and drive tools.

In this section we'll look at the tools that made up the early "Superrench" line, including open-end Engineer's wrenches, tappet wrenches, angle-head obstruction wrenches, and ignition wrenches. We'll explore the expansion of the line in the section on Extending the Superrench Line.

Manufacturing Dates

For estimating the manufacturing date of tools in the "Superrench" line, there are a couple of production details that can help identify early examples. When production of the "Superrench" line began in 1925, the standard finish was nickel plating, but this soon changed to chrome plating over nickel. According to a supplement to the Williams 20th Edition catalog published on November 1, 1927, the finish for the "Superrench" line had been changed from nickel to chrome plating by the time.

Another detail found on early examples is the use of the older U.S.S. or S.A.E. size conventions instead of the modern fractional (across-flats) sizing. A Williams 20th Edition catalog printed in late 1926 alludes to the impending adoption of the American Standard sizing convention, and implies that Williams will update its products when the standard is adopted. Although the exact date of the new standard is not yet known, it's likely that the change occurred in 1927. Bonney is known to have changed its wrench size markings to fractional sizing in early 1927.


Open-End Wrenches

Open-end wrenches in single- and double-ended styles were among the first tools offered in the Superrench line. The standard open-end "Superrench" models were numbered by adding an offset of 1000 to the industry-standard number for the particular wrench sizes. (See our table Industry-Standard Wrench Models for more information.)

Early Superrench Production

We'll begin this section with several examples believed to represent the earliest Superrench production. Early production is indicated by the use of the older conventions (U.S.S., S.A.E., or Hex Capscrew) for the opening size, by a model number marking stamped on the shank instead of the face, and by the use of a nickel instead of chrome plated finish.

In general these tools would have been produced between 1925 and 1927, with some further refinement possible depending on the particular features.

The older size conventions were replaced by across-flats markings in 1927, a change made across the tool industry and possibly encouraged by the government.

Later Williams open-end wrenches were always marked with the model number of the face, so a shank marking indicates production before the marking conventions had been fully decided.

A Williams catalog update dated 11/01/1927 notes the use of chrome-plated over nickel finishes by that time. However, determining the original finish of an older wrench is somewhat subjective, making this factor less reliable as an indication of production date.


Early 1023 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench

[Williams Early 1023 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 103A. Williams Early 1023 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Late 1926 to 1927.

Fig. 103A shows an early example of the Williams 1023 13/32x1/2 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number stamped on the other face.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 4.7 inches. The finish is chrome plating, with some losses due to rust and pitting.

The back side faces are stamped "3/16 U.S.S." and "1/4 U.S.S. 5/16 ⬡C 5/16 S.A.E.", references to the older size conventions.

The use of the older size conventions with the model number stamped on the face and a chrome finish suggests production in late 1926 to 1927.


Early 1025 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench

[Williams Early 1025 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 103B. Williams Early 1025 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1925-1926.

Fig. 103B shows an early Williams 1025 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number stamped on the other face.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 5.5 inches. The finish is nickel plating, with some losses due to peeling.

The back side faces are stamped "5/16 U.S.S." and "1/4 U.S.S. 5/16 ⬡C 5/16 S.A.E.", references to the older size conventions.

The use of the older size conventions with the model number stamped on the shank suggests production in 1925-1926.


Early 1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench

[Williams Early 1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 104. Williams Early 1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1925-1926.

Fig. 104 shows an early example of the Williams 1029 11/16x25/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, and with the model number stamped on the shank rather than the face.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 7.7 inches. The original finish was probably nickel plating, but most has been lost due to wear.

The back side faces are stamped "7/16 U.S.S." and "3/8 U.S.S.", references to the older U.S.S. Size Convention.

The use of the older size conventions with the model number stamped on the shank suggests production in 1925-1926.


Early 1731-A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench

[Williams Early 1731-A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 105. Williams Early 1731-A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1926-1927.

Fig. 105 shows an early example of the Williams 1731-A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number stamped on the other face.

The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 9.2 inches. The finish has been lost due to rust and pitting, leaving only a few traces of the original nickel (or possibly chrome) plating.

The back side faces are stamped "1/2 U.S.S. 5/8 ⬡C 9/16 S.A.E." and "1/2 ⬡C 1/2 S.A.E.", references to the older size conventions.

The use of the older size conventions with the model number stamped on the face suggests production in 1926-1927.


Early 1034 7/8x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench

[Williams Early 1034 7/8x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 106. Williams Early 1034 7/8x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1925-1926.

Fig. 106 shows an early Williams 1034 7/8x1-1/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, and with the model number stamped on the shank.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 10.7 inches. Most of the original finish has been lost due to rust and pitting, but a few traces of nickel plating can be seen on the left face.

The back side faces are stamped "5/8 U.S.S. 3/4 S.A.E." and "1/2 U.S.S. 5/8 ⬡C 9/16 S.A.E.", references to the older size conventions.

The use of the older size conventions with the model number stamped on the shank suggests production in 1925-1926.

This wrench was one of a small number of tools that were tested for alloy content using an XRF machine, and the results confirmed that the wrench was made using a chrome-molybdenum alloy similar to AISI 4140 steel. The interested reader can find more information at Test Results for Williams 1034.


1720 5/16x11/32 Open-End Wrench

After the early examples shown above, the remainder of this section will proceed in order of opening size, subject to availability.

[Williams 1720 5/16x11/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 107. Williams 1720 5/16x11/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 107 shows the smallest of the standard open-end models, a Williams 1720 5/16x11/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a code "II" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with losses due to rust.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.


1721 5/16x3/8 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1721 5/16x3/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 108. Williams 1721 5/16x3/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 108 shows a Williams 1721 5/16x3/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Alloy" and a code "II" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with losses due to rust.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.


1723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 1723 wrench.

[Williams 1723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 109. Williams 1723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 109 shows a Williams 1723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank has forged-in markings for the "Superrench" trademark on one side, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 4.3 inches. The original plated finish has been worn off.

[Williams 1723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 110. Williams 1723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 110 shows a later Williams 1723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 4.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The "Chrome-Alloy" marking suggests production from the mid 1930s to the early wartime years.


1023 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrenches

[Williams 1023 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 111. Williams 1023 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 111 shows an earlier Williams 1023 13/32x1/2 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank has forged-in markings for the "Superrench" trademark on one side, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 4.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

[Williams 1023 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 112. Williams 1023 13/32x1/2 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1947-1952.

Fig. 112 shows a later Williams 1023 13/32x1/2 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank has forged-in markings for the "Superrench" trademark on one side, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the back side.

The overall length is 5.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.


1025 (Special) 7/16x9/16 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1025 Special 7/16x9/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 113. Williams 1025 Special 7/16x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 113 shows a Williams 1025 Special open-end wrench with measured sizes 7/16x9/16, marked "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with "1025 Special" on the other face. The "Superrench" trademark is forged in raised letters with "Chrome-Molybdnum" on the back side, and both appear highlighted by red paint, a finish treatment noted on some other early Williams tools as well.

The overall length is 5.4 inches.

Did any of our readers notice that the back side marking is missing the "E" in molybdenum? This is the only wrench known with this misspelled marking -- if molybdenum needs to be shortened, it usually goes all the way to "Moly".


1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 1725B wrench.

[Williams 1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 114. Williams 1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 114 shows an earlier Williams 1725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

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

The "Chrome-Alloy" marking suggests production from the mid 1930s to the early wartime years.

[Williams 1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 115. Williams 1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 115 shows a later Williams 1725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Alloy" in raised letters on the back side.

The overall length is 6.2 inches. The original finish appears to have been gray paint, and traces of the remaining paint can be seen on the shank.

The painted finish suggests a production date during the 1942-1945 wartime years.

[Williams 1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 116. Williams 1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 116 shows another example of a later Williams 1725B open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "II" code forged into the back side.

The overall length is 6.1 inches. The finish is plain steel, with no trace of any prior plated finish. Note also that the wrench faces show parallel lines from a coarse grinding operation, indicating that the final grinding and polishing steps were skipped.

The rough surface of the faces and plain steel finish suggest a production date during the 1942-1945 wartime years.


1025 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1025 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 117. Williams 1025 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 117 shows a Williams 1025 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 5.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with losses due to rust.


1726 1/2x5/8 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams model 1726 Superrench.

[Williams 1726 1/2x5/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 118. Williams 1726 1/2x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 118 shows a Williams 1726 1/2x5/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with some loss due to wear.


[Williams 1726 1/2x5/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 119. Williams 1726 1/2x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 119 shows a somewhat later Williams 1726 wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" fogged into the back side.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "Chrome-Alloy" marking suggests production from the mid 1930s to the early wartime years.


1026 1/2x11/16 Open-End Wrench

The next figure shows one of the less common sizes in the Superrench line.

[Williams 1026 1/2x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 120. Williams 1026 1/2x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 120 shows a Williams 1026 1/2x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with some losses due to wear and rust.


1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 1727 wrench.

[Williams 1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 121. Williams 1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 121 shows an earlier Williams 1727 9/16x5/9 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank has forged-in markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 6.5 inches. The finish is chrome plating, although much has been lost due to rust.

[Williams 1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 122. Williams 1727 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 122 shows a later Williams 1727 9/16x5/9 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank has forged-in markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Alloy" and a "V" code on the back side.

The overall length is 6.6 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, with some loss due to wear and rust.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.


1027C 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1027C 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 123. Williams 1027C 9/16x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 123 shows a Williams 1027C 9/16x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

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

The "Chrome-Alloy" marking suggests production from the mid 1930s to the early wartime years.


1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench

The next figures show examples of the Williams model 1027 "Superrench" spanning several production periods.

[Williams 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 124. Williams 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 124 shows an earlier Williams 1027 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" in raised letters on the back side.

The overall length is 6.5 inches. The finish is chrome plating, with losses due to wear and rust.

[Williams 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 125. Williams 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1943-1945.

Fig. 125 shows a later Williams 1027 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the back side.

The overall length is 7.2 inches. The finish is plain steel, with no trace of any plated finish.

The plain finish suggests production during the 1942-1945 wartime years.

A close look at the "Alloy" marking on the back side shows the very faint remnants of a "Chrome-Alloy" marking -- the letters "CHR" can be seen to the left of "ALLOY", with "LOY" appearing to the right. This indicates that a forging die previously incised with "Chrome-Alloy" was remade by filling in the prior marking and replacing it with the new "Alloy" marking. This is a significant finding, as it shows a transition from the "Chrome-Alloy" to "Alloy" marking during the wartime years. The changed marking suggests production during the mid to later wartime years 1943-1945.

Given the interesting change to the alloy marking on this wrench, we were curious to see what kind of steel was actually used, so this wrench was included in a small batch of tools tested for alloy content using an XRF machine. The results indicated the use of a nickel-chrome-molybdenum alloy similar to AISI 8640 steel, a standard steel also used by Herbrand. This confirms that even though the wrench markings had been made generic, Williams continued to use high quality steel when available. The interested reader can find more information at Test Results for Williams 1027.


[Williams 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 126. Williams 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 126 shows another later Williams 1027 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the back side.

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

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.


1028 19/32x25/32 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1028 19/32x25/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 127. Williams 1028 19/32x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 127 shows one of the less common Superrench models, a Williams 1028 19/32x25/32 open-end wrench. The face is stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo, and the shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

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

The "Chrome-Alloy" marking suggests production from the mid 1930s to the early wartime years.


1027B 5/8x11/16 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1027B 5/8x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 128. Williams 1027B 5/8x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 128 shows a Williams 1027B 5/8x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the back side.

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

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.


1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 129. Williams 1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 129 shows a Williams 1729 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" in raised letters on the back side.

The overall length is 7.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.


1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrenches

The next several figures show examples of the Williams 1029 wrench.

[Williams 1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 130. Williams 1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1942-1943.

Fig. 130 shows an earlier Williams 1029 11/16x25/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 8.5 inches. The original finish was gray paint, and some remaining traces can be seen on the back side at the left.

The "Chrome-Alloy" marking and painted finish suggest production during the earlier wartime years, probably in the range 1942-1943.


[Williams 1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 131. Williams 1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1942-1943.

Fig. 131 shows another earlier Williams 1029 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel with a rough surface. Although it's a bit difficult to discern in the photograph, the wrench faces appear to have been flattened in a press after forging, but not ground and polished as was normally done in production.

The "Chrome-Alloy" marking and rough unfinished surface suggest production during the earlier wartime years, probably in the range 1942-1943.


[Williams 1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 132. Williams 1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1943-1945.

Fig. 132 shows a somewhat later Williams 1029 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the back side.

The overall length is 8.5 inches. The finish is plain steel with traces of gray paint, or possibly cadmium plating.

The "Alloy" marking and plain finish suggest production during the later wartime years, probably in the range 1943-1945.

This wrench was one of a small number of tools that were tested for alloy content using an XRF machine. The results indicate the use of a chrome-nickel-molybdenum alloy similar to AISI 8640, a standard steel also used by Herbrand for wartime production. The interested reader can find more information at Test Results for Williams 1029.

[Williams 1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 133. Williams 1029 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 133 shows a later Williams 1029 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the back side.

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

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.


1731 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 1731 wrench.

[Williams 1731 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 134. Williams 1731 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 134 shows an earlier Williams 1731 3/4x13/16 open-end wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 9.1 inches. The original plated finish is now missing in most areas due to rust and wear.

[Williams 1731 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 135. Williams 1731 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1943-1945.

Fig. 135 shows a later Williams 1731 3/4x13/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code on the back side.

The overall length is 9.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The "Alloy" marking and plain finish suggest production during the 1943-1945 wartime years.


1731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 1731A wrench.

[Williams 1731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 136. Williams 1731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 136 shows an earlier Williams 1731A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 9.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "Chrome-Alloy" marking suggests production from the mid 1930s to early 1940s.

[Williams 1731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 137. Williams 1731A 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1947-1952.

Fig. 137 shows a later Williams 1731A 3/4x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped with the "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" and an "II" code forged into the back side.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "Williams U.S.A." marking on this style of open-end wrench indicates production from about 1947 to 1952.

An earlier version of this model can be seen as the Williams Early 1731A Open-End Wrench. A later version in the flat shank style can be seen as the Williams 1731A Flat-Shank Open-End Wrench.


1031 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1031 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 138. Williams 1031 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 138 shows a Williams 1031 25/32x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with some losses due to rust.

A later version of this model can be seen as the Williams 1031 Ribbed-Style Open-End Wrench.


1032B 13/16x15/16 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1032B 13/15x15/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 139. Williams 1032B 13/16x15/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 139 shows a less commonly seen size, a Williams 1032B 13/16x15/16 open-end wrench. The face is marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo, and the shank has forged-in markings for "Superrench" on the front, with "Alloy" and a "V" code on the back side.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.


1732 13/16x1 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1732 13/16x1 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 140. Williams 1732 13/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 140 shows one of the less common sizes in the Superrench series, a Williams 1732 13/16x1 open-end wrench. The face is stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo, and the shank has "Superrench" forged into the front with "Chrome-Alloy" on the back side.

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

The "Chrome-Alloy" marking suggests production from the mid 1930s to early 1940s.


1033 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 1033 wrench, one of the less common Superrench models.

[Williams 1033 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 141. Williams 1033 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 141 shows an earlier Williams 1033 7/8x31/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the face with the W-Diamond logo. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 9.2 inches. The finish is chrome plating, but with extensive losses due to rust and pitting.

[Williams 1033 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 142. Williams 1033 7/8x31/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 142 shows a later Williams 1033 7/8x31/32 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the face with the W-Diamond logo. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the back side.

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


1033-A 7/8x15/16 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1033-A 7/8x15/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 143. Williams 1033-A 7/8x15/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1941-1942.

Fig. 143 shows one of the less common Superrench models, a Williams 1033-A 7/8x15/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the face with the W-Diamond logo. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

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

The shank of this wrench also has a stamped "USA" marking visible at the left, suggesting that this example may have been made for a government contract.


1733 7/8x1 Open-End Wrench

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 1733 wrench.

[Williams 1733 7/8x1 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 144. Williams 1733 7/8x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 144 shows a Williams 1733 7/8x1 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the face with the W-Diamond logo. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 10.8 inches. The original finish was chrome plating, but most has been lost due to rust.

[Williams 1733 7/8x1 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 145. Williams 1733 7/8x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 145 shows a later Williams 1733 7/8x1 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the face with the W-Diamond logo. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the back side.

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


1034 7/8x1-1/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show two examples of the Williams 1034 model, both from the wartime era but with interesting differences in markings.

[Williams 1034 7/8x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 146. Williams 1034 7/8x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1942-1943.

Fig. 146 shows an earlier Williams 1034 7/8x1-1/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the face with the W-Diamond logo. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 11.7 inches. The finish is plain steel with no traces of prior plating, and the faces of the wrench have a slightly rough surface texture.

The unplated finish and "Chrome-Alloy" marking suggest a manufacturing date during the earlier wartime years of 1942-1943.

[Williams 1034 7/8x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 147. Williams 1034 7/8x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1943-1945.

Fig. 147 shows a slightly later Williams 1034 7/8x1-1/16 open-end wrench, with the left face markings no longer legible but the model number visible on the right face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 11.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain finish and "Alloy" marking indicate production during the later wartime years of 1943-1945.

A close look at the "Alloy" marking on the back side reveals traces of a prior "Chrome-Alloy" marking — the faint outline of the letters "CHR" appear at the left, with "LLOY" at the right. This wrench, and a small number of similar examples, provide evidence that Williams changed its forging dies to the "Alloy" marking during the wartime years. (The other Williams examples are indexed under 'Changed "Chrome-Alloy" Marking'.)


1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show several generations of the Williams 1033C wrench.

[Williams 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 148. Williams 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1925-1927.

Fig. 148 shows a very early Williams 1033C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the face with the W-Diamond logo. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 10.7 inches. The finish appears to be nickel plating, with extensive losses due to wear and rust.

The back side faces are stamped "3/4 ⬡C 11/16 SAE" and "5/8 SAE", references to the older S.A.E. and Hex Capscrew size conventions.

[Williams 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 149. Williams 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 149 shows a later Williams 1033C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the face with the W-Diamond logo. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 10.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "Chrome-Alloy" marking suggests production from the mid 1930s to early 1940s.

[Williams 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 150. Williams 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 150 shows a somewhat later Williams 1033C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the face with the W-Diamond logo. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a "V" code on the back side.

The overall length is 10.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.


[Williams 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 151. Williams 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 151 shows another postwar example of the Williams 1033C wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the face with the W-Diamond logo. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" and an "II" code forged into the back side.

The overall length is 10.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

As with the previous example, the "Alloy" marking, chrome finish, and face marking place the production in the 1945-1947 range. The only notable difference between this and the previous wrench is the forged-in "II" code instead of a "V" code; however, the meaning of these codes is not yet known.


[Williams 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 152. Williams 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1947-1952.

Fig. 152 shows a later Williams 1033C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped with the "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a "V" code on the back side.

The overall length is 10.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face indicates a manufacturing date of 1947 to 1952. An example of the successor to this model can be seen as the Williams A1033C Ribbed-Style Open-End Wrench.


1034A 15/16x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1034A 15/16x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 153. Williams 1034A 15/16x1-1/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1942-1943.

Fig. 153 shows one of the less common Superrench models, a Williams 1034A 15/16x1-1/16 open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." on the face with the W-Diamond logo. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 11.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel. Note that the faces of this wrench have a rough surface texture with some grinding marks, and the edges show markings left by the coarse trimming and grinding operations.

The unplated finish and rough, semi-finished surfaces of this wrench suggest a manufacturing date during the wartime years, when possible labor shortages or production quotas may have resulted in some finishing operations being omitted. Based on our current understanding of this period, the rough finish and "Chrome-Alloy" marking indicate a manufacturing date during the earlier wartime years of 1942-1943.


1735 1x1-1/8 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1735 1x1-1/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 154. Williams 1735 1x1-1/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1947-1952.

Fig. 154 shows a Williams 1735 1x1-1/8 open-end wrench, stamped on one face with the "Williams U.S.A." logo. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a code "II" on the back side.

The overall length is 12.7 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, with some losses due to rust.

The "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face indicates a manufacturing date of 1947 to 1952.


1736A 1x1-5/16 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1736A 1x1-5/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 155. Williams 1736A 1x1-5/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 155 shows a Williams 1736A 1x1-5/16 open-end wrench, stamped with "Forged in U.S.A." and the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

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

The "Chrome-Alloy" marking suggests production from the mid 1930s to the early wartime years.


1037 1-1/16x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1037 1-1/16x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 156. Williams 1037 1-1/16x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1947-1952.

Fig. 156 shows a Williams 1037 1-1/16x1-1/4 open-end wrench, stamped on one face with the "Williams U.S.A." logo, and with "Superrench" and "Alloy" forged into the shank. A forged-in code "II" (not shown) is also marked on the back side of the shank.

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

The "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face indicates a manufacturing date of 1947 to 1952.


1737 1-1/8x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1737 1-1/8x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 157. Williams 1737 1-1/8x1-1/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 157 shows a Williams 1737 1-1/8x1-1/4 open-end wrench, stamped with "Forged in U.S.A." and the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 12.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.


1040 1-1/4x1-5/8 Open-End Wrench

[Williams 1040 1-1/4x1-5/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 158. Williams 1040 1-1/4x1-5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 158 shows a Williams 1040 1-1/4x1-5/8 open-end wrench, stamped with "Forged in U.S.A." and the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 13.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "Chrome-Alloy" marking suggests production from the mid 1930s to the early wartime years.


Open-End "S" Wrenches

The double-open "S" wrench was one of the initial styles offered when the "Superrench" line was first announced in 1925. The "S" wrench design is optimized for turning square nuts, which were widely used on large machinery and carriages during the 19th and early 20th centuries. But by 1925 the use of square nuts was declining rapidly, and the inclusion of this wrench style in the initial "Superrench" line seems surprising to us.

The Williams 20th Edition catalog from around 1926 listed open-end "S" wrenches under the heading "General Service Wrenches", apparently to distinguish them from their light-duty carbon-steel counterparts. A total of 20 models were available, ranging from model 1075B (3/8x7/16) up to model 1085B (1-1/8x1-1/4).


1077-S 7/16x1/2 Open-End "S" Wrench

[Williams 1077-S 7/16x1/2 Open-End S Wrench]
Fig. 159. Williams 1077-S 7/16x1/2 Open-End "S" Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 159 shows a Williams 1077-S 7/16x1/2 open-end "S" wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face.

The shank is stamped with the "Superrench" trademark on the front and "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces, though some finish has been lost to wear and rust.


1085 1x1-1/8 Open-End "S" Wrench

[Williams 1085 1x1-1/8 Open-End S Wrench]
Fig. 160. Williams 1085 1x1-1/8 Open-End "S" Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Marking Detail, ca. Mid 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 160 shows a Williams 1085 1x1-1/8 open-end "S" wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, as seen in the lower inset.

The shank is stamped with the "Superrench" trademark on the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

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


Tappet Wrenches

Tappet wrenches are a specialized form of open-end wrenches, designed with very thin heads and intended primarily for adjusting the lock nuts on valve tappets. Tappet wrenches are believed to have been the first alloy steel tools offered in the Williams catalogs, with four models (Nos. 90, 92, 94, and 96) available by about 1924, before the introduction of the "Superrench" line.

Based on the catalog illustrations, the earliest tappet wrenches were marked with "Williams Tappet Wrench" forged into the shank. Our section on Early Williams Tappet Wrenches provides more information on these tools.

Tappet wrenches were not included in the first announcement of the "Superrench" line, probably because they were already being offered in alloy steel. But by June of 1926 Williams had added tappet wrenches to "Superrench" line, using model numbers in a 109x series made by adding 1000 to the existing models. (Williams actually started updating the model numbers before adding the "Superrench" marking.) Additional numbers and letter suffixes were added over time.

[June, 1926 Notice for Williams Tappet Wrenches]
Fig. 161. June, 1926 Notice for Williams Tappet Wrenches. [External Link]

Fig. 161 shows a notice for Williams announcing the addition of tappet wrenches to the "Superrench" line, as published on page 846-A of the June, 1926 edition of Machinery.

[1927 Catalog Listing for Williams Tappet Wrenches]
Fig. 162. 1927 Catalog Listing for Williams Tappet Wrenches.

Fig. 162 shows a catalog listing for tappet wrenches, as published on page 15A of an insert dated November 1, 1927 for the Williams 20th Edition catalog.

The table shows 22 sizes ranging from model 1090A (3/8x7/16) up to model 1096 (15/16x1 inch).

The "Superrench" tappet wrenches were made with longer shanks than the earlier models, reflecting the greater strength of the chrome molybdenum alloy used for the tools.

For example, the Model 90 Tappet Wrench had a length of 6.0 inches, but this increased to 8.0 inches for the Model 1090 Tappet Wrench.


1090A 3/8x7/16 Tappet Wrench

[Williams 1090A 3/8x7/16 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 163. Williams 1090A 3/8x7/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1947-1959.

Fig. 163 shows an example of later production, a Williams 1090A 3/8x7/16 tappet wrench, stamped with the "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a "B" code forged into the back side.

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


1090 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of Williams 1090 tappet wrenches in the "Superrench" line.

[Williams Early 1090 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 164. Williams Early 1090 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1926-1927.

Fig. 164 shows an early Williams 1090 7/16x1/2 tappet wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the left face, with the model number stamped on the shank.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

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

The back side faces are stamped "1/4 SAE" and "5/16 SAE", references to the older S.A.E. Size Convention. The use of the older size markings and the nickel finish identify this wrench as an early example of Williams' "Superrench" production.

An example of this model from the earlier line of tappet wrenches can be seen as the 1090 "Williams Tappet Wrench".

[Williams 1090 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 165. Williams 1090 7/16x1/2 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 165 shows a somewhat later Williams 1090 7/16x1/2 tappet wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the left face, with the model number on the right face, and with the fractional sizes on the back side faces.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with extensive pitting due to rust.


1090D 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench

[Williams 1090D 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 166. Williams 1090D 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 166 shows a Williams 1090D 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the back side.

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


Early 1092-B 1/2x11/16 Tappet Wrench

[Williams Early 1092-B 1/2x11/16 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 167. Williams Early 1092-B 1/2x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1926-1927.

Fig. 167 shows an early Williams 1092-B 1/2x11/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the left face, with the "1092-B" model number stamped on the shank.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

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

The back side faces are stamped "3/8 USS" and "1/4 USS 5/16 ⬡C 5/16 SAE", references to the older U.S.S. and S.A.E. size conventions. The use of the older size markings and the model number stamped on the shank indicate a relatively early production date for this tappet wrench.


1092-F 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrenches

The next figures show several generations of the Williams 1092-F tappet wrench.

[Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 168. Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 168 shows a Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with losses due to wear.

[Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 169. Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 169 shows a later Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the back side.

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

The "Alloy" marking and chrome finish suggest production in 1945 or later, and the face marking places the production in 1947 or earlier.

[Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 170. Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1947-1959.

Fig. 170 shows another later Williams 1092-F 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench, stamped with the "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a "B" code forged into the back side.

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


1094 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 1094 tappet wrench.

[Williams Early 1094 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 171. Williams Early 1094 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1926-1927.

Fig. 171 shows an early Williams 1094 3/4x7/8 tappet wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the left face, and with the "1094" model number stamped on the shank. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

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

The back side faces are stamped "1/2 USS 5/8 ⬡C 9/16 SAE" and "1/2 ⬡C 1/2 SAE", references to the older U.S.S., Hex Capscrew and S.A.E. size conventions.

The use of the older size markings and the model number stamped on the shank indicate a relatively early production date for this tappet wrench.

[Williams 1094 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 172. Williams 1094 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945-1947.

Fig. 172 shows a Williams 1094 3/4x7/8 tappet wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the back side.

The overall length is 9.0 inches.


1096 15/16x1 Tappet Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 1096 tappet wrench.

[Williams 1096 15/16x1 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 173. Williams 1096 15/16x1 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1926-1927.

Fig. 173 shows an early Williams 1096 15/16x1 tappet wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the left face, with the "1096" model number stamped on the shank.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating, with extensive losses due to wear.

The back side faces are stamped "3/4 ⬡C 11/16 SAE" and "5/8 SAE", references to the older Hex Capscrew and S.A.E. size conventions.

The use of the older size markings and the model number stamped on the shank indicate a relatively early production date for this tappet wrench.

[Williams 1096 15/16x1 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 174. Williams 1096 15/16x1 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1947-1959.

Fig. 174 shows a later Williams 1096 15/16x1 tappet wrench, stamped with the "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "B" code forged into the back side.

The overall length is 9.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

An earlier version of this model can be seen as the Williams Early 1096 "Chrome-Molybdenum" Tappet Wrench.


Early "1034" [1096H] 7/8x1-1/16 Tappet Wrench

This next figure is an odd early example exhibiting the thin construction expected of a tappet wrench, but with a model number (possibly mis-stamped) designating a standard Superrench.

[Williams Early 1034/1096H 7/8x1-1/16 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 175. Williams Early "1034" [1096H] 7/8x1-1/16 Tappet Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1926-1927.

Fig. 175 shows an early Williams 7/8x1-1/16 thin open-end wrench with stamped model number 1034, with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the shank and "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The face is too pitted to show the markings clearly, but is stamped with the Williams name and "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 9.0 inches. The finish has been almost completely lost due to rust, but a few traces of nickel plating remain inside the openings.

The back side faces are marked "1/2 USS 9/16 SAE" and "5/8 USS 3/4 SAE", the notations expected for an industry-standard model 34 wrench under the old U.S.S. and S.A.E. Size Conventions.

The top inset illustrates the very thin profile of this wrench, showing that it was clearly intended as a tappet wrench. Williams catalogs as early as 1926 show tappet wrenches of this size with a 1096H model number, suggesting that this example was incorrectly stamped.


1096H "Special" 7/8x1-1/16 Tappet Wrench

[Williams 1096H Special 7/8x1-1/16 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 176. Williams 1096H Special 7/8x1-1/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1947-1959.

Fig. 176 shows a later tappet wrench in a less common size, a Williams 1096H Special 7/8x1-1/16 wrench stamped with the "Williams U.S.A." logo on the face.

The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 9.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with loss due to rust.


Angle-Head Obstruction Wrenches

During the mid 1920s various tool companies experimented with open-end wrenches with the heads offset at high angles in order to clear obstacles, and the resulting tools were commonly called angle-head obstruction wrenches. The variations involved different head angles, or placement of the openings on opposite sides, and each style had its advocates. The Williams design placed two different opening sizes at 75-degree angles, with both openings on the same side of the wrench.

[1927 Catalog Listing for Williams Obstruction Wrenches]
Fig. 177. 1927 Catalog Listing for Williams Obstruction Wrenches.

Williams offered its angle-head obstruction wrenches with the same paired sizes as the industry-standard open-end wrenches, and the model numbers were assigned by adding 2000 to the equivalent industry-standard number.

For example, a 1/2x9/16 wrench would be a number 725B in a standard open-end series, and therefore became a number 2725B in the obstruction series.

By 1927 Williams was offering 30 sizes of obstruction wrenches, ranging from model 2721 (5/16x3/8) up to 2033 (7/8x31/32).

Fig. 177 shows a catalog listing for Williams "Superrench" obstruction wrenches, as published on page 9B of an insert dated November 1, 1927 for the Williams 20th edition catalog.

The text notes the use of chrome-moly alloy steel and the 75 degree angled heads, and also mentions a patent pending status.

An additional four models were available in the 1933 Williams 21st Edition catalog.

The early catalog listings for obstruction wrenches include a patent pending notice, but despite an extensive search, no patent has been found. The pending status is noted in the catalogs from 1927 through 1931, and we will presume that wrenches marked with the pending notice were produced during this period. It's interesting to note that Bonney's early obstruction wrenches also mention a pending patent, but again no patent has been found.

Angle-head obstruction wrenches were offered at least through 1941, but by 1945 were no longer listed in the catalogs.

Angle-head obstruction wrenches similar to the Williams design were available from other manufacturers, and interested readers can view examples such as the Billings M-2030 Obstruction Wrench or Blackhawk-Armstrong 2029 Obstruction Wrench.

Alternate styles of obstruction wrenches were also available, and examples include the Bonney 2031 Obstruction Wrench, Cornwell AW18 Obstruction Wrench, and Herbrand 1827 Obstruction Wrench.

We'll begin the presentation with an early example of the angle-head obstruction style, as indicated by a patent pending notation and traces of a nickel plated finish.


2027C 9/16x11/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2027C 9/16x11/16 Angle-head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 178. Williams 2027C 9/16x11/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1927.

Fig. 178 shows an early Williams 2027C 9/16x11/16 angle-head obstruction open-end wrench. One face is marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 6.5 inches.

The finish was originally nickel plating, and some traces remain on the polished faces.

The use of a nickel finish would make this one of the earliest obstruction wrenches, as such finishes were discontinued (in favor of chrome over nickel) in 1927.

The patent pending status for the obstruction wrenches is noted in catalogs as early as 1927 and as late as 1931. The corresponding patent has not yet been found despite an extensive search of the patent records.


2021 5/16x13/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 2021 angle-head obstruction wrench.

[Williams 2021 5/16x13/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 179. Williams 2021 5/16x13/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 179 shows an early Williams 2021 5/16x13/32 obstruction open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in bold raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 4.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.

[Williams 2021 5/16x13/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 180. Williams 2021 5/16x13/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1932+.

Fig. 180 shows a later Williams 2021 5/16x13/32 angle-head obstruction open-end wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number stamped on the other face. The shank has the "Superrench" trademark forged in bold raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 4.2 inches, and the finish is black oxide.


2723 3/8x7/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2723 3/8x7/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 181. Williams 2723 3/8x7/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 181 shows an early Williams 2723 3/8x7/16 angle-head obstruction wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into one side, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 4.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with some losses due to wear.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.


2023 13/32x1/2 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2023 13/32x1/2 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 182. Williams 2023 13/32x1/2 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 182 shows an early Williams 2023 13/32x1/2 angle-head obstruction wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into one side, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 4.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with some losses due to rust.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.


2725 7/16x1/2 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2725 7/16x1/2 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 183. Williams 2725 7/16x1/2 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 183 shows an early Williams 2725 7/16x1/2 obstruction wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into one side, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with losses due to wear and rust.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.


2725B 1/2x9/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2725B 1/2x9/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 184. Williams 2725B 1/2x9/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1932+.

Fig. 184 shows a Williams 2725B 1/2x9/16 angle-head obstruction wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number stamped on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

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


2025 1/2x19/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2025 1/2x19/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 185. Williams 2025 1/2x19/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 185 shows an early Williams 2025 1/2x19/32 obstruction wrench, stamped "Made U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into one side, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 5.5 inches. The finish is chrome plating, with some losses due to wear and rust.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.


2727 9/16x5/8 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2727 9/16x5/8 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 186. Williams 2727 9/16x5/8 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 186 shows a Williams 2727 9/16x5/8 obstruction wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face (see top inset). The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side (bottom image).

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with minor losses due to wear.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.


2728 9/16x3/4 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2728 9/16x3/4 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 187. Williams 2728 9/16x3/4 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 187 shows a Williams 2728 9/16x3/4 obstruction wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face (see top inset). The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side (bottom image).

The overall length is 7.8 inches. The finish is chrome plating, but with extensive losses due to rust and corrosion.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.


2027 19/32x11/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2027 19/32x11/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 188. Williams 2027 19/32x11/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 188 shows a Williams 2027 19/32x11/16 obstruction open-end wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 6.5 inches. The finish is now plain steel, as the original plating has been lost to wear and rust.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.


2028 19/32x25/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2028 19/32x25/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 189. Williams 2028 19/32x25/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1932+.

Fig. 189 shows a Williams 2028 19/32x25/32 obstruction open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number stamped on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

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


2729 5/8x3/4 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2729 5/8x3/4 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 190. Williams 2729 5/8x3/4 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 190 shows a Williams 2729 5/8x3/4 obstruction open-end wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 7.8 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, with some losses due to rust.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.


2028S 5/8x25/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 2028S obstruction wrench.

[Williams 2028S 5/8x25/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 191. Williams 2028S 5/8x25/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 191 shows an earlier Williams 2028S 5/8x25/32 obstruction wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 7.8 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, with some pitting due to rust.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.

[Williams 2028S 5/8x25/32 Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 192. Williams 2028S 5/8x25/32 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1932+.

Fig. 192 shows a later Williams 2028S 5/8x25/32 obstruction wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number stamped on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 7.8 inches. This wrench has a light gray oxide finish, with no traces of a former plated finish.


2029 11/16x25/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2029 11/16x25/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 193. Williams 2029 11/16x25/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 193 shows a Williams 2029 11/16x25/32 obstruction wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

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

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.


2731A 3/4x7/8 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2731A 3/4x7/8 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 194. Williams 2731A 3/4x7/8 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1932+.

Fig. 194 shows a Williams 2731A 3/4x7/8 obstruction wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number stamped on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

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


2031 25/32x7/8 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2031 25/32x7/8 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 195. Williams 2031 25/32x7/8 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1932+.

Fig. 195 shows a Williams 2031 25/32x7/8 obstruction wrench, stamped with "Forged in U.S.A." and the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number on the other face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 9.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with losses due to wear.


2032 25/32x31/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench

[Williams 2032 25/32x31/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 196. Williams 2032 25/32x31/32 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 196 shows a Williams 2032 25/32x31/32 obstruction wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and a "Pat. Pendg" notation on the other face. The shank has forged raised-letter markings for the "Superrench" trademark, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 9.3 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, with some losses due to rust.

The patent pending notation suggests an early production date for this example, estimated to be 1927-1931 based on catalog listings.


2033A 7/8x15/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 2033A wrench.

[Williams 2033A 7/8x15/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 197. Williams 2033A 7/8x15/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1927-1931.

Fig. 197 shows an earlier Williams 2033A 7/8x15/16 obstruction wrench, stamped "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face, with the model number and "Pat. Pendg" on the other end. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark in forged raised letters, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 9.3 inches.

[Williams 2033A 7/8x15/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 198. Williams 2033A 7/8x15/16 Angle-Head Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1942-1945.

We began this section with an example believed to represent the earliest production of the Williams angle-head obstruction wrenches, so it's fitting now to close with an example that may be among the last wrenches produced. The wrench in the figure at the left was obtained as "new old stock" in its tattered paper wrapper, and the finish suggests production during the wartime years.

Fig. 198 shows a later Williams 2033A 7/8x15/16 angle-head obstruction wrench, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on the face. The shank is marked "Superrench" in forged raised letters, with "Alloy" and a forged-in code "V" on the back side.

The overall length is 9.3 inches. The finish is a greenish powder-coat paint, with polished but unplated faces.


Ignition Wrenches

At the smaller end of the Superrench line were various styles of ignition wrenches, with openings in the range of 3/16 to 9/16 inches. These were sometimes referred to as "Midget Superrenches". The moniker "ignition wrench" comes from the most common application for these miniature tools — working on the small electrical components in the ignition systems of early automobiles.

Williams initially offered ignition wrenches in a style with two openings of the same size, but with offset angles of 15 and 75 degrees, like a miniature version of a modern angle-head wrench. These wrenches were given 11xx model numbers beginning at model 1114, with the "xx" specifying the size in 64ths. The wrench sizes initially ranged from model 1114 (7/32) up to model 1132 (1/2), but the series was eventually extended to range from model 1112 (3/16) up to model 1136 (9/16).

The Williams ignition wrenches are believed to have been available by 1928, although currently our earliest Williams catalog reference from 1930. Certain combined Husky-Williams socket and wrench sets offered by industrial distributors include "Midget Superrenches" in the description, and these are believed to be the 11xx series wrenches illustrated in the next several figures. (The catalog description can be seen in a later section on the Collaboration with Husky Wrench.)

By 1937 Williams had added a second style of ignition wrenches. These wrenches were designed as miniature versions of the familiar double-open "Engineer's" wrenches, with two different opening sizes, both offset at 15 degrees to the axis. This second series also used 11xx model numbers, and initially four models were available in the range 1106 to 1109. Later additions to the series used letter suffixes for the new models.

We'll begin with the angle-head style ignition wrenches, as these were the first to be offered.


1112 "Midget Superrench" 3/16x3/16 Ignition Wrench

[Williams 1112 3/16x3/16 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 199. Williams 1112 3/16x3/16 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1942-1943.

Fig. 199 shows a Williams 1112 3/16x3/16 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" on the back side.

The overall length is 3.1 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

Note that the forged-in "Alloy" marking is off-center, and a closer look reveals traces of a "Chrome-" marking removed from the forging die. The changed marking suggests production in the 1942-1943 mid wartime years. The small number of tools found with an altered marking have been indexed with a 'Changed "Chrome-Alloy" Marking' entry.


1113 "Midget Superrench" 13/64x13/64 Ignition Wrench

[Williams 1113 13/64x13/64 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 200. Williams 1113 13/64x13/64 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1945-1959.

Fig. 200 shows a Williams 1113 13/64x13/64 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a "V" code on the back side.

The overall length is 3.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome-plated finish indicate production between 1945 and 1959.


1114 "Midget Superrench" 7/32x7/32 Ignition Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams 1114 ignition wrench.

[Williams 1114 7/32x7/32 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 201. Williams 1114 7/32x7/32 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1929-1930.

Fig. 201 shows an early Williams 1114 7/32x7/32 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank has forged-in markings "Superrench" on the front with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 3.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with losses due to wear.

This wrench was acquired as part of an early Williams No. 287 "Combination Electrical Wrench Set".

[Williams 1114 7/32x7/32 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 202. Williams 1114 7/32x7/32 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 202 shows a later example of the Williams 1114 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank has forged-in markings "Superrench" on the front with "Alloy" on the back side.

The overall length is 3.1 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome-plated finish indicate production between 1945 and 1959.


1115 "Midget Superrench" 15/64x15/64 Ignition Wrench

[Williams 1115 15/64x15/64 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 203. Williams 1115 15/64x15/64 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1945 to 1959.

Fig. 203 shows a Williams 1115 15/64x15/64 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face and with the model number on the other end. The shank has forged-in markings "Superrench" on the front, with "Alloy" and a code "II" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 3.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome-plated finish indicate production between 1945 and 1959.


1116 "Midget Superrench" 1/4x1/4 Ignition Wrench

[Williams 1116 1/4x1/4 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 204. Williams 1116 1/4x1/4 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Late 1920s to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 204 shows a Williams 1116 1/4x1/4 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank has forged-in markings "Superrench" on the front with "Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 3.1 inches, and the finish appears to be a black oxide coating over plain steel.


1118 "Midget Superrench" 9/32x9/32 Ignition Wrench

[Williams 1118 9/32x9/32 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 205. Williams 1118 9/32x9/32 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1945-1959.

Fig. 205 shows a Williams 1118 9/32x9/32 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank is marked with "Superrench" forged into the front, with "Alloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 3.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome-plated finish indicate production between 1945 and 1959.


1120 "Midget Superrench" 5/16x5/16 Ignition Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams model 1120 ignition wrench.

[Williams 1120 5/16x5/16 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 206. Williams 1120 5/16x5/16 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1930-1932.

Fig. 206 shows an early Williams 1120 5/16x5/16 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank is marked with "Superrench" forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 3.7 inches. The finish appears to be chrome plating.

This wrench was acquired as part of an early Williams No. 287A "Midget Electrical Set".

[Williams 1120 5/16x5/16 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 207. Williams 1120 5/16x5/16 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 207 shows a somewhat later Williams 1120 5/16x5/16 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank is marked with "Superrench" forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 3.7 inches. The finish appears to be chrome plating.


1122 "Midget Superrench" 11/32x11/32 Ignition Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Williams model 1122 ignition wrench.

[Williams 1122 11/32x11/32 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 208. Williams 1122 11/32x11/32 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1930-1932.

Fig. 208 shows an early Williams 1122 11/32x11/32 ignition wrench, marked with the W-Diamond logo stamped on one face. The shank is marked with "Superrench" forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

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

This wrench was acquired as part of an early Williams No. 287A "Midget Electrical Set".

[Williams 1122 11/32x11/32 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 209. Williams 1122 11/32x11/32 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1941-1943.

Fig. 209 shows a later Williams 1122 11/32x11/32 ignition wrench, marked with the W-Diamond logo stamped on one face. The shank is marked with "Superrench" forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

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

The plain finish suggests production during the early war years, after chrome finishes were discontinued but before the advent of the plain "Alloy" marking.


1124 "Midget Superrench" 3/8x3/8 Ignition Wrenches

The next figures show three generations of the Williams 1124 ignition wrench.

[Williams 1124 3/8x3/8 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 210. Williams 1124 3/8x3/8 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1930-1932.

Fig. 210 shows an early Williams 1124 3/8x3/8 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on left face, with the model number on the right face, and with the fractional sizes on the back side faces. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" logo forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

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

This wrench was acquired as part of an early Williams No. 287A "Midget Electrical Set".

[Williams 1124 3/8x3/8 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 211. Williams 1124 3/8x3/8 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1941-1943.

Fig. 211 shows a slightly later Williams 1124 3/8x3/8 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on left face, with the model number on the right face, and with the fractional sizes on the back side faces. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" logo forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

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

The cadmium finish suggests a wartime production date, and the "Chrome-Alloy" marking suggests the earlier 1941-1943 wartime years.

[Williams 1124 3/8x3/8 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 212. Williams 1124 3/8x3/8 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1945-1959.

Fig. 212 shows a later Williams 1124 3/8x3/8 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on left face, with the model number on the right face, and with the fractional sizes on the back side faces. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" logo forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a code "II" forged into the back side.

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

The "Alloy" marking and chrome-plated finish indicate production between 1945 and 1959.


1128 "Midget Superrench" 7/16x7/16 Ignition Wrenches

The next several figures show two generations of the Williams model 1128 ignition wrench.

[Williams 1128 7/16x7/16 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 213. Williams 1128 7/16x7/16 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1930-1932.

Fig. 213 shows a early Williams 1128 7/16x7/16 ignition wrench, stamped "U.S.A." and the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

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

This wrench was acquired as part of an early Williams No. 287A "Midget Electrical Set".

[Williams 1128 7/16x7/16 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 214. Williams 1128 7/16x7/16 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1942-1943.

Fig. 214 shows a later Williams 1128 7/16x7/16 ignition wrench, stamped "U.S.A." and the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked "Superrench" in raised letters, with "Alloy" and a "V" code forged into the back side.

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

This wrench was acquired as part of a Williams 1291P Midget Electrical Set, a collection containing 1/4-drive sockets and handles, a selection of ignition wrenches, and a pair of miniature pliers. The mix of finishes in the set suggests a 1942-1943 mid wartime production date.

[Williams 1128 7/16x7/16 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 215. Williams 1128 7/16x7/16 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1943-1945.

Fig. 215 shows a similar Williams 1128 7/16x7/16 ignition wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with "Superrench" forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a dot code forged into the back side.

The overall length is 4.5 inches. The finish is plain steel, and rough machining marks remain on the faces.

The plain steel finish and rough machined surfaces indicate production during the wartime years, and the "Alloy" marking suggests the 1943-1945 time frame.


1132 "Midget Superrench" 1/2x1/2 Ignition Wrenches

The next figures show three generations of the Williams model 1132 ignition wrench.

[Williams 1132 1/2x1/2 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 216. Williams 1132 1/2x1/2 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1929-1930.

Fig. 216 shows an early Williams 1132 1/2x1/2 ignition wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with "Superrench" forged into the front, with "Chrome-Molybdenum" forged into the back side.

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

This wrench was acquired as part of an early Williams No. 287 "Combination Electrical Wrench Set".

[Williams 1132 1/2x1/2 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 217. Williams 1132 1/2x1/2 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1942-1943.

Fig. 217 shows a somewhat later Williams 1132 1/2x1/2 ignition wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with "Superrench" forged into the front, with "Chrome-Alloy" forged into the back side.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain steel finish suggests a wartime production date, and the "Chrome-Alloy" marking suggests the earlier 1942-1943 wartime years.

[Williams 1132 1/2x1/2 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 218. Williams 1132 1/2x1/2 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1945-1959.

Fig. 218 shows a later Williams 1132 1/2x1/2 ignition wrench, stamped "U.S.A." with the W-Diamond logo on one face. The shank is marked with "Superrench" forged into the front, with "Alloy" and a code "II" forged into the back side.

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

The "Alloy" marking and chrome-plated finish indicate production between 1945 and 1959.


1106 "Midget Superrench" 13/64x7/32 Ignition Wrench

The next several figures show examples of the later style of ignition wrenches designed as miniature double-open wrenches. These were available early enough that examples with "Chrome-Alloy" markings may exist, but we haven't found any yet.

[Williams 1106 13/64x7/32 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 219. Williams 1106 13/64x7/32 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1945-1959.

Fig. 219 shows a Williams 1106 13/64x7/32 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank has forged-in markings "Superrench" on the front, with "Alloy" and a code "II" on the back side.

The overall length is 3.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome-plated finish indicate production between 1945 and 1959.


1107 "Midget Superrench" 15/64x1/4 Ignition Wrench

[Williams 1107 15/64x1/4 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 220. Williams 1107 15/64x1/4 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1945-1959.

Fig. 220 shows a Williams 1107 15/64x1/4 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank has forged-in markings "Superrench" on the front, with "Alloy" and a code "II" on the back side.

The overall length is 3.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome-plated finish indicate production between 1945 and 1959.


1108A "Midget Superrench" 1/4x5/16 Ignition Wrench

[Williams 1108A 1/4x5/16 Ignition Wrench]
Fig. 221. Williams 1108A 1/4x5/16 Ignition Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1945-1959.

Fig. 221 shows a Williams 1108A 1/4x5/16 ignition wrench, stamped with the W-Diamond logo on one face with the model number on the other end. The shank is marked with the "Superrench" trademark forged into the front, with "Alloy" forged into on the back side.

The overall length is 3.5 inches. The finish is chrome plating, but with extensive losses revealing the copper underplating.

The "Alloy" marking and chrome-plated finish indicate production between 1945 and 1959.


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