Osaka Tankō: Osaka Forging Company

Osaka Tankō was a drop forge operator best known for its wrenches marked with a bold "OSAKA TANKO" forged into the shank. Despite the name however, the company operated in Nagoya City in Aichi prefecture, not in Osaka itself.

The company was established in 1939 with a factory in Moriyama ward of Nagoya City. Currently no information is available on what products were made in the pre-war and early post-war era.

JIS Certification

By the early 1950s the company was producing open-end wrenches, and in November of 1952 the company received JIS certificate 1978 for class B4630 (open-end wrenches). The record for this certification can be seen in the section for the 1952 Summary for Class B4630.

Osaka Tankō was one of the first companies to receive certification for class B4630 and its certification number 1978 is known to have been marked on some early wrenches.

OEM Tool Kits

By 1960 the company was supplying wrenches for OEM vehicle tool kits. (Vehicle tool kits may account for some of the tools found in the U.S. without a "Japan" marking.)

Discontinued Manufacturing

In November of 1981 Osaka Tankō released its JIS 1978 registration in class B4630 and discontinued manufacturing activities. The record for the JIS release can be seen in the section for the 1951-11 Monthly Record.

Outsourced Production

After the manufacturing operations closed down, the associated distributor Maruti Company, Ltd. remained in operation, and production of the "OSAKA TANKO" brand was outsourced to other manufacturers. Outsourced production continued until 2007.

Outsourced production is known to have been done by Miki Netsuren and possibly by Showa Spanner.

Our information for the company was found on the CWC Japanese web site. We'll add more information if it becomes available.

JIS Certification History

The company received JIS certificate 1978 for class B4630 (open-end wrenches) in November of 1952.

The factory location was in Moriyama ward of Nagoya City in Aichi prefecture.

View Company History with Factories for Osaka Tankō.

View JIS Certification Events for Osaka Tankō.

Tool Identification

Tools made by Osaka Tankō were usually marked "OSAKA TANKO" along with a T-Circle forge mark. The company also marked some tools with a "King" logo in a script font.

Contract production by Osaka Tankō can be identified by the T-Circle forge mark. (The graphic for the forge mark is entered as "T○" in the ID field of the JIS database.)

Tools made for Osaka Tankō as outsourced production will also be marked "OSAKA TANKO", but will have an additional forge mark identifying the production partner, as required for JIS compliance. (See our section on JIS Compliance for further details.)

One of the outsourcing partners is known to be Miki Netsuren, and we hope to identify others as well.

T-Circle Logo

Fig. 44 shows an idealized T-Circle mark constructed using vector graphics.

Fig. 45. T-Circle Forge Mark.

Fig. 45 shows the T-Circle forge mark as found on a Osaka Tanko 32mm Single-Open Wrench.

Selected Tools

Osaka Tanko 17mm Single-Open Wrench

Fig. 46A. Osaka Tanko 17mm Single-Open Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Marking Detail, ca. 1982-2007.

Fig. 46A shows an Osaka Tanko 17mm single-open wrench, marked "OSAKA TANKO" with the T-Circle logo forged into the shank, with the JIS-Circle+H logo and "ALLOY STEEL" forged into the back side.

The back side also has a small forge mark visible at the right, identified as the 3-Blocks logo of Miki Netsuren.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish appears to be a gray lacquer.

The forge mark for Miki Netsuren indicates that this wrench was made as contract production for Osaka Tankō sometime between 1982 and 2007.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

Osaka Tanko 32mm Single-Open Wrench

Fig. 46. Osaka Tanko 32mm Single-Open Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1982-2007.

Fig. 46 shows an Osaka Tanko 32mm single-open wrench, marked with "OSAKA TANKO" and the metric size forged into the front, with "ALLOY STEEL" and the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the back side.

The overall length is 10.7 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The shank is also marked with the T-Circle forge mark between "OSAKA" and "TANKO".

The back side also has a small forge mark to the right of "STEEL", identified as the 3-Blocks logo of Miki Netsuren.

The forge mark for Miki Netsuren indicates that this wrench was made as contract production for Osaka Tankō sometime between 1982 and 2007.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

Ouchi Tekkōjo

Ouchi Tekkōjo (大内鉄工所) was a maker of wrenches and socket tools operating in Osaka Prefecture.

The company was founded in 1941 and operated at 2-6 Takaida Hondori, Fuse City (布施市高井田本通2 ノ6) in Osaka Prefecture.

The "LONG" trademark

The company used "LONG" as a brand, and on March 6, 1952 the company received Japanese trademark 26-11504 for "LONG" in an oval outline.

New Factory in Kawachi City?

Sometime before 1965 Ouchi apparently established a new factory at Kawachi City, as this was the location noted on a later JIS certification.

JIS Certification

The company received JIS certificate 565060 for class B4630 sometime between May 10 and August 14 of 1965, with the factory address listed as 838 Wakae Minami, Kawachi City in Osaka Prefecture. The record for this certification can be seen in the section for the 1967 Certified List for Class B4630. (For inexplicable reasons the official 1967 Certified List omits the date of the certification, and for this company the Monthly Report only shows a date range.)

Discontinued Operations

The company's JIS certification was revoked sometime between April 1, 1968 and March 31, 1969, which likely indicates that the company had closed.

JIS Certification History

View Company History with Factories for Ouchi Tekkōjo.

View JIS Certification Events for Ouchi Tekkōjo.

Riken Kaki Kōgyō (RK)

Riken Kaki Kōgyō (理研化機工業) is a tool maker well known as the supplier of tool kit wrenches for motorcycles, in particular for Honda Motors.

The company was founded in 1955 in Kita-ku, Tokyo to manufacture motorcyle parts and tools, and by 1956 was making auto parts and tools as well.

Information for the company can be found (in Japanese) at Riken Kaki [External Link].

Tool Identification

Tools supplied by Riken Kaki were typically marked with the RK-Circle logo, which consists of the text "RK" with nested semi-circles above and below,

RK-Circle Logo

Fig. 47. RK-Circle Logo.

Fig. 47 shows the RK-Circle logo, as found on a Honda Motors 10x14mm Open-End Wrench.

[RK] Honda Motors 10x14mm Open-End Wrench

This next tool will probably be familiar to anyone who has owned a Honda motorcycle.

Fig. 48. Honda Motors 10x14mm Open_End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 48 shows a Honda Motors 10x14mm open-end wrench, marked with the Hm-Oval Honda logo and the metric sizes forged into the front, with the RK-Circle logo flanked by parallel lines forged into the back side.

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

This wrench is one of the tools supplied in the toolkit for Honda motorcycles, and the RK-Logo indicates that the wrench was supplied by Riken Kaki Kōgyō.

Shin Sanda Kōgyō

Shin Sanda Kōgyō (新サンダー工業) or "New Thunder Industry Company" was a maker of pipe wrenches and other pipe tools operating in Osaka City. The company is known to have been active in the 1950s.

Currently our only references to the company are for JIS certification 2722 for class B4606 (pipe wrenches), issued in 1953, plus a snippet from the late 1950s found during a Google search, as noted below.

｢サンダー工業((株))大阪市福島區大開町 4- 32 (電)此花( 46 ) 3963 (事業)サンダー印パイプレンチ・チェントング製造立昭和 27 年 11 月授權卡) 1 万株平加生野金子正信 27 年 9 月 4 億 2,451 万円 28 年 3 月 6 億 5,571 万円利盒發行棟資本金 5,000 株｣

The snippet notes the company as the maker of a "サンダー印" ("thunder seal") pipe wrench, and mentions an award in November of 1951.

The address is noted as 4-32 Daikai-cho, Fukushima-ku in Osaka City.

Established as Daidō Kōki

Based on observations of JIS certifications, it appears that Shin Sanda was initially established as the Daidō Kōki (大同工機) company and was in operation by the early 1950s.

Daidō Kōki received JIS certificate 1451 on May 13, 1952, probably for class B4604 (adjustable wrenches). The record for this certification can be seen in the section for the 1952 Summary for Class B4604.

The address for the JIS certification was given as 4-33 Daikai in Osaka City, right next to the Shin Sanda factory, suggesting the business succession.

Daidō Kōki is not listed in the 1955 JIS summary, leading to our hypothesis that after the reorganization into Shin Sanda, the company discontinued making adjustable wrenches and released its JIS 1451 registration. [Editor's note: it would be good to find the release for 1451.]

Shin Sanda Kōgyō was still registered as JIS 2722 in the 1964 JIS Certified List, which can be seen in the section for the 1964 Certified List for Classes B4604 and B4606.

JIS Certification History

View Company History with Factories for Shin Sanda Kōgyō.

View JIS Certification Events for Shin Sanda Kōgyō.

Showa Supana (SDF)

Showa Supana (昭和スパナ) was a drop-forge operator and maker of wrenches operating in Edogawa, Tokyo.

Early Operations

The company was established in 1937 in Edogawa, and by 1940 was offering wrenches as Showa Tanzo Kōgyō (Showa Forging Industries).

In 1942 the company registered "SDF" for "Showa Drop Forge" as Japanese trademark #352,046.

In 1949 the company was incorporated as Showa Supana Seizo (Showa Spanner Manufacturing), with its head office at 4-2 Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuuo and factory at 1-765 Nishi-Ichinoe, Edogawa.

JIS Certification

The company received JIS certificate 1974 for wrenches under standard B4630 in 1952. The record for this certification can be seen in the section for the 1952 Summary for Class B4630.

Showa Supana was one of the first seven companies to receive JIS certification in class B4630.

Closure

On November 10, 1987 Showa Supana relinquished its JIS certification, indicating that the company had closed, possibly due to bankruptcy. This was just one year before the end of the Showa era in Japan.

Our information for the company was found on the CWC Japanese web site. We'll add more information if it becomes available.

JIS Certification History

Only one JIS certification is known for Showa Supana, JIS 1974 for class B4630 (open-end wrenches) on November 10, 1952.

View Company History with Factories for Showa Supana.

View JIS Certification Events for Showa Supana.

Tool Identification

Tools made by Showa Supana were typically marked with "Showa" in an oval, or with a trademark consisting of an "S" with "D" and "F" enclosed. The trademark will be referred to as the SDF-Logo in the text.

Some tools may be marked with just "SDF".

SDF-Logo

Fig. 49. SDF-Logo from Trademark #352,046.

Fig. 49 shows the SDF-Logo as it was presented for Japanese trademark #352,046.

Fig. 50. SDF-Logo Forge Mark.

Fig. 50 shows the SDF-Logo forge mark, as found forged into an SDF 21x23mm Open-End Wrench.

Showa 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 51. Showa 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 51 shows a Showa 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, marked with "Showa" in an oval logo and "JTF" forged into the shank, with "119" and "Japan" forged into the back side.

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

SDF 21x23mm Open-End Wrench

Fig. 52. SDF 21x23mm Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Marking Detail.

Fig. 52 shows an SDF 21x23mm open-end wrench with a paneled shank, marked with the SDF-Logo and the metric sizes forged into the front, with "Chrome Alloy" and the JIS-Circle+S logo forged into the back side.

The overall length is 8.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The small inset shows a close-up of the SDF-Logo forge mark.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

Sugimoto Tankō

Sugimoto Tankō (杉本鍛工) was established in 1958 as one of the makers of "Fuji Peace" brand tools and operated in Nishiodagawa-ku, Osaka City.

Sugimoto Tankō was the manufacturing division of Fuji Kikō (冨士機工), which had been established in 1949. In 1954 Fuji Kikō set up two factories to make wrenches, Ishihara Tankō (石原鍛工) and Fuji Netsuren Seisakusho (富士熱錬製作所), then in 1958 established Sugimoto Tankō and another company, Fuji Kōgu Seisakusho (富士工具製作所).

Tools sold under the "Fuji Peace" brand included open-end wrenches, box-end wrenches, and fixed socket wrenches. Production by Sugimoto Tankō was marked with "FJP" in a logo.

JIS Certification

In 1963 the company received JIS certification number 9589 for class B4630 (open-end wrenches), with the factory address given as 3-1540 Himejimacho, Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka (大阪市西淀川区姫島町3-1540). The record for this certification can be seen in the 1963-09 Monthly Report for JIS 9589 and later in the 1964 Certified List for Class B4630.

Discontinued Operations

The company is believed to have closed around 1970, although no revocation of the JIS certification has been found.

JIS Certification History

View Company History with Factories for Sugimoto Tankō.

View JIS Certification Events for Sugimoto Tankō.

Nittan Kōki and Super Tool

The Super Tool Company is a Japanese manufacturer of general hand tools, plumbing tools, and factory maintenance equipment, with operations in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.

The company was founded in 1918 in Kitahatago-cho, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, but the early company name and founder are unknown. Early products included pliers and other tools.

Incorporation as Nittan Kōki

In 1942 the company was incorporated as the Nittan Kōki Company, Ltd. in Takasu-cho, Sakai City and began production of work tools and forgings.

Factories at Takasu and Kitashimizu

At this time the main factory was at Takasu-cho, with a secondary factory at Kitashimizu-cho in Sakai City.

Early JIS Certification

In 1952 the company received JIS certification number 1447 for class B4604 (adjustable wrenches), and this number can be found marked on some wrenches. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1952 Summary for Class B4604.

"Super Head" Wrenches

In 1954 the company released a "Super Head" combination wrench with a ratchet-action open-end, based on the same Wilder patent as the "Speed-Hed" wrenches sold in the US by Thorsen Tools and others.

In 1955 the company released a gear puller.

New Factory at Minamishimizu

In 1957 the head office and factory moved to Minamishimizu-cho in Sakai City, and the secondary factory was closed after integrating the operations into the main factory. By this time the company's production system had integrated all functions including forging, machining, heat treating, and finishing. [Editor's note: should have JIS re-certification for factory move?]

In 1960 the company received JIS certification 7254 for class B4632 (box-end wrenches) (両口めがねレンチ, literally "double eyeglasses wrench"). However, the certificate hasn't been found and the exact date is unknown.

In 1962 the company received JIS certification number 8976 for class B4630 (open-end wrenches).

In 1963 the company began offering grip pliers and snap-ring pliers.

In 1964 the forging operations were moved to a new factory in Minoyama, Sakai City.

Name Change and Factory in Minoyama

In 1965 the company became the Super Tool Company, Ltd., and the head office and main factory was relocated to Minoyama, Sakai City.

The factory change was recorded by the JIS system, and on October 20, 1965 the company received JIS certificate 1447 for class B4606 (pipe wrenches).

In 1966 the company adopted a quality control system and a lifetime warranty for products with the "Super" mark.

Later product offerings included torque wrenches around 1970 and plumbing tools around 1975.

In 1976 the company received JIS certification 576033 for class B4643 (bolt cutters) and certification 576130 for class B4636-1 (socket wrenches).

JIS Release for Adjustable Wrenches

On May 18, 1989 Super Tool released its JIS certificate 1447 for class B4604 (adjustable wrenches). [Editor's note: were adjustable wrenches outsourced or discontinued?]

Continuing Operations

Further information can be found at the Super Tool [External Link] website.

Our history is based on the timeline provided on the company's Japanese website and on information found at the CWC site.

JIS Certification History

Super Tool (as Nittan Koki) received its JIS certificate 1447 for adjustable wrenches in 1952, before the distinction between JIS-N "ordinary" and JIS-H "strong" classes had been formalized. The company is known to have used the JIS "H" marking on later wrenches, suggesting that there should have been a later certification for JIS-H.

View Company History with Factories for Super Tool.

View JIS Certification Events for Super Tool.

[Editor's note: missing early JIS cert 7254 for class B4632, around 1960.]

Trademarks

Super Tool was extremely prolific in its use of Japanese trademarks, with many of them based on variations of "SUPER" in a diamond outline. The table below shows a few of the Japanese trademarks.

Tool Identification

In 1948 the company received a Japanese trademark for "Super" in a diamond logo, using a script font for "Super". In later years the trademark was generally presented using block letters and can be found forged into (or possibly stamped on) tools. We will refer to this as the Super-Diamond logo in the text.

Super-Diamond Logo

Fig. 53. Super-Diamond Logo.

Fig. 53 shows the Super-Diamond logo, as forged into the shank of the Super 200mm Adjustable Wrench in the next figure.

Super Tool 200mm (8 Inch) Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 54. Super Tool 200mm (8 Inch) Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 54 shows a Super Tool 200mm (8 inch) adjustable wrench, marked with "Vanadium Steel" and the Super-Diamond logo forged into the shank, with "Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the back.

The shank also has forged-in codes "1-02" and "1447" to the right of the JIS logo.

The finish is chrome plating.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the maximum opening is 1.0 inches. The maximum head thickness was measured at 0.53 inches.

The "1447" marking is the company's JIS certification number under the B4604 standard, first received in 1952.

Some design and construction differences were noted for this wrench, when compared with examples from other Japanese makers. In particular, note that the gullet is square rather than hexagonal, allowing a closer grip on square nuts. Another difference is that the adjusting knurl is secured with a press-fit pin rather than a threaded rod. The hole for the pin is drilled through to the top, allowing the pin to be removed with a drift punch in the event replacement is necessary.

Three Peaks Giken Company

The Three Peaks Giken Company (スリーピークス技研) is a Japanese manufacturer specializing in nippers and pliers, with operations in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

Koyama Iron Works

The company was founded by Seishichi Koyama (小山清七) in April of 1940 as the Koyama Iron Works (小山鐵工所), with products including industrial machinery and machine tools. The company's first factory was at 2525 Tajima in Sanjo City, with about 115 square meters of space.

By 1947 the company had resumed operations after the war and was producing parts for machine tools and sewing machines.

In November of 1952 the company was reorganized as Koyama Iron Works Company, Ltd. with Tetsuro Koyama (小山鐵郎) as Representative Director.

New Factory at 204 Tajima

In July of 1953 the company moved its factory to 204 Tajima, Sanjo City, with approximately 218 square meters of space.

In March of 1955 the company moved its head office to the factory location, and in April of 1955 began making parts for sock knitting machines.

New Factory at 121 Tajima

In July of 1960 the company built a new factory at 121 Tajima in Sanjo City with approximately 525 square meters of space.

In July of 1963 the head office relocated to 121 Tajima.

In August of 1964 the company built a new two-story factory with a steel frame, with 440 square meters of space. [Editor's note: where was this factory?]

Pliers Manufacturing

In November of 1965 the company established a tool manufacturing division and began production of heavy-duty pliers, in sizes 150mm, 175mm, and 200mm. In May of 1966 the company increased its capital to expand the pliers manufacturing operations.

JIS Certification

In December of 1967 the company received JIS certificate 367229 for B4635 (heavy-duty pliers).

In March of 1969 a new pliers factory was built with an area of 345 square meters. [Editor's note: where was this factory?]

Contract Production for "Truecraft" Brand

By the late 1960s or early 1970s the company was supplying pliers for the "Truecraft" brand managed by the Daido Corporation. An example of their production can be seen as the Truecraft K-358-G 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers, which are stamped with the company's 3-Peaks-Circle logo.

In January of 1972 the company received JIS certification 371247 for B4631 (longnose or "radio" pliers), and JIS 371248 for B4635 (heavy-duty nippers). [Editor's note: which factory for the new JIS certifications?]

New Factory at 2171 Tsukanome

In May of 1975 the company completed a new factory at 2171 Otsuki, Tsukanome, Sanjo City, in the Sanjo Metal Industrial Park. The head office was relocated to the new facilty, and the combined office and factory space was approximately 2670 square meters.

On December 5, 1975 the company received JIS certification 367229 for B4623 (pliers), B4625 (diagonal nippers), B4631 (radio pliers), and B4635 (heavy-duty nippers). The record for these certifications can be seen in the 1999 Summary for Super-Class B010.

In September of 1980 the company received JIS certification 367229 for B4625 (diagonal nippers).

As a side note, while reviewing the JIS data we noticed that Wakui Seisakusho (涌井製作所), another maker of pliers, also listed 2171 Tsukanome as their factory address in a 1981 JIS certification. [Editor's note: was this company a subsidiary of Three Peaks, or were they just leasing space in the factory?]

Name Change to Three Peaks Giken

In April of 1993 the company changed its name to the Three Peaks Giken Company, Ltd.

JQA Certification

In May of 2007 the company received JIS certification JQ0307006 from the JQA, for JIS classes B4623 (side-cutting pliers), B4625 (diagonal nippers), B4631 (longnose pliers), and B4635 (heavy-duty nippers).

In February of 2019 Koichi Koyama (小山公一) was appointed as Representative Director.

Further information can be found on the 3.Peaks [External Link] website. Our history was adapted from the company's profile on their website.

JIS Certification History

View Company History with Factories for Three Peaks Giken.

View JIS Certification Events for Three Peaks Giken.

Tool Identification

Tools made for the company's own production will typically be marked "Three Peaks" or "3.Peaks".

Contract production will be stamped with the 3-Peaks-Circle logo.

3-Peaks-Circle Logo

Fig. 55. 3-Peaks-Circle Logo.

Fig. 55 shows the 3-Peaks-Circle logo stamped on the Truecraft K-358-G Lineman's Pliers in the next figure.

Truecraft K-358-G 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers

This next figure shows an example of pliers made by Three Peaks as contract production for the Truecraft brand, a brand owned by the Daido Corporation.

Fig. 56. Truecraft K-358-G 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Edge View and Construction Detail, ca. 1960s to 1975.

Fig. 56 shows a pair of Truecraft K-358-G 8 inch lineman's pliers, stamped "Truecraft" with the model number on one side, with "Japan" and the 3-Peaks-Circle logo on the back side.

The overall length is 8.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The leading "K" of the Truecraft model number indicates production up to around 1975.

The lower inset shows a close-up of the 3-Peaks-Circle logo, a design showing three mountain peaks within a circle. We were unfamiliar with this meaning of this logo, but one of our readers from Japan kindly sent an explanation with a link to the company's website.

These pliers are listed on page 3 of the 1973 Truecraft catalog, and with a close look at the illustration the 3-Peaks-Circle logo can be seen!

Three Peaks 200 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers

In addition to offering contract production, Three Peaks also provides tools under their own name, as the next figure illustrates.

Fig. 57. Three Peaks 200 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View.

Fig. 57 shows a pair of Three Peaks 200 8 inch lineman's pliers, stamped with "Three Peaks Cp" and the JIS-Circle logo around the pivot.

The face is also stamped with "TD" and the 3-Peaks-Circle logo, with "Japan" on the opposite side.

The overall length is 8.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Note that the JIS symbol is followed by an "H", indicating "Strong" or "heavy-Duty" grade. This may allow an estimate of the production date.

Tōa Tankōsho

Tōa Tankōsho (東亜鍛工所) was a maker of wrenches operating in Ishikawa prefecture.

The company was founded in 1944. Its factory was located at 2 Iburihashi in Enuma-gun, Ishikawa prefecture, based on records from a later JIS certification.

The company used "TOA" and "TOATANKO" as brands for its wrenches, and production was sometimes marked with an I-diamond symbol.

JIS Certification

On November 10, 1952 the company received JIS certification 1980 for class B4630 (open-end wrenches), and was one of the first seven companies to be certified in this class. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1952 JIS Summary for Class B4630.

The company sometimes marked its JIS number on wrenches as "No. 1980" or just "1980".

Contract Production

Toa was an OEM supplier for some vehicle manufacturers, in particular Daihatsu. The company was also a supplier to the Japan Self-Defence Force (SDF) and was noted in a 1959 SDF publication.

Discontinued Operations

Based on bank records, the company probably closed around 1966. Our history is based on information on the CWC site.

JIS Certification History

View Company History with Factories for Tōa Tankōsho.

View JIS Certification Events for Tōa Tankōsho.

Toho Kōki Company: HIT and Strong HIT Brands

The Toho Kōki Company is a Japanese drop-forger and toolmaker best known for its "HIT" brand tools, including Crescent-style adjustable wrenches, pipe wrenches, and bolt cutters.

The company was established as the Kawakami Seisakusho by Seiichi Kawakami in 1926 and operated in Minato-ku, Osaka as a maker of machine parts.

By 1934 the company was making forged adjustable wrenches, pipe wrenches, and open-end wrenches.

New Factory in Kami

In 1938 the company moved its head office and factory to Kami, Hirano-ku, and reorganized as the Toho Kōki Company, Ltd.

First JIS Certification

On June 28, 1951 the company received JIS certification 657 for class B4604 (adjustable wrenches), and in this same year began using chrome-molybdenum alloy steel for adjustable wrenches. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1951 JIS Summary for Class B4604.

JIS Certification for Pipe Wrenches

On May 13, 1952 the company received JIS certification 1452 for class B4606 (pipe wrenches). This certification was noted first in a 1952 JIS Summary and then in a 1955 JIS Summary. The 1955 Summary noted that the certification was for JIS-H or "Strong" grade.

JIS Strong "H" Class

By around 1954 the company had passed the new JIS "Strong" class testing and added an "H" suffix on certain of its adjustable wrenches. [Editor's note: it seems that there should be a new JIS certificate from around this time.]

JIS Certification for Class B4630

In 1958 the company received JIS certificate 6039 for class B4630 (open-end wrenches). The 1982 JIS report lists the factory address as 5-9-14 Kami Minami, Hirano Ward, Osaka City. (Note that earlier JIS reports have an incorrect 6036 number for this certificate.)

Toho Forging Company

In 1961 the forging division became independent as Toho Forging Company, Ltd., with operations in Yamatokoriyama, Nara prefecture, Japan.

In 1965 the company began a full-scale export program, and its "HIT" brand products became popular in 50 countries around the world.

In 1966 the company received JIS certificate 566035 for class B4643 (bolt cutters) and 566036 for class B4632 (box-end wrenches).

New Factory in Yamatokoriyama

In 1984 the company began relocating to a new factory in Yamatokoriyama, Nara Prefecture, and as a result all of its JIS certifications were temporarily revoked.

By 1985 the new factory was in operation, and on June 13, 1985 Toho Koki regained JIS certification for adjustable wrenches, retaining its original (657) number.

By 2000 the company had decided not to continue production of adjustable wrenches, and on July 12, 2000 Toho Koki relinquished its JIS certification for this class. After this point adjustable wrench production was outsourced.

Continuing Operations

Toho Koki continues in operation today and is located in Yamatokoriyama, Nara prefecture, Japan. The company maintains a website (in Japanese and English) at www.hittools.co.jp [External Link], which provides a page with extensive information on the Company History [External Link].

JIS Certification History

Toho Koki has a very eventful JIS certification history, including multiple classes of tools, temporary revocations due to a factory move, and even a rare relinquishment.

Factory locations were in Minato-ku (港区) and Kami (加美) in Osaka prefecture, and in Yamatokoriyama (大和郡山) in Nara prefecture.

View Company History with Factories for Toho Kōki.

View JIS Certification Events for Toho Kōki.

Trademarks

Toho Koki has several trademarks registered in Japan, including "HITROI", "HITLOY", and a logo with "HIT" in the center of a gear, referred to as the HIT-Gear logo on this site.

The "HITROI" trademark has a curious story. Like most English speakers, when we first saw "HITROI" we were a bit puzzled about the meaning. (HITROI? Hit Roy? Who is Roy, and why would I want to hit him?) But after learning about the "HITLOY" trademark, it all became clear.

In the early 1950s Toho Koki had started using chrome-molybdenum steel for their wrenches and wanted to get a trademark along the lines of "Bonaloy" or "Armaloy". They were thinking of "HITLOY", but since the Japanese language doesn't have distinct "L" and "R" sounds, when "HITLOY" was written in katakana it was then romanized to "HITROI".

Then after discovering that the "HITROI" trademark didn't evoke any connections with alloy for English speakers, Toho Koki filed the "HITLOY" trademark shortly afterwards.

Tool Identification

The company used "HIT" as a brand in the pre-war era, and in the early 1950s registered "HITROI" and "HITLOY" as trademarks.

Later adjustable wrenches were typically marked "Strong HIT", with "Strong" emphasizing the JIS-H ("Strong" class) certification.

Tools from Toho Koki are frequently marked with the HIT-Gear logo.

HIT-Gear Logo

Fig. 58. HIT-Gear Logo.

Fig. 58 shows the HIT-Gear logo forged into a tool.

Hit 21x26mm Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 59. Hit 21x26mm Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 59 shows a Hit 21x26mm offset box-end wrench, marked with the fractional sizes and "HIT" forged into the front, with "Chrome Molybdenum" and the fractional sizes forged into the back side. (The inset shows the markings in their natural upside-down position.)

The shank is also marked with the JIS-Circle logo forged into front.

The overall length is 14.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the domestic market.

"HITROI" 150mm (6 Inch) Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 60. Hit "HITROI" 150mm (6 Inch) Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 60 shows a Hit "HITROI" 150mm (6 inch) adjustable wrench, marked with "HITROI" and "Alloy" plus the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the shank, with "Toho Koki Co." and "Japan" plus the HIT-Gear logo forged into the back side.

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

"Strong HIT" 200mm (8 Inch) Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 61. "Strong HIT" 200mm (8 Inch) Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail.

Fig. 61 shows a "Strong HIT" 200mm (8 inch) adjustable wrench, marked with "Strong HIT" and the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the shank, with "Cr-Mo Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the HIT-Gear logo forged into the back side.

The shank also has a forged-in code "657" to the right of the JIS logo.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with some losses due to rust.

The "657" code is Toho Koki's original JIS certification number for adjustable wrenches, first received in 1951.

"Strong HIT" 300mm (12 Inch) Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 62. "Strong HIT" 300mm (12 Inch) Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Back Side and Edge View.

Fig. 62 shows a "Strong HIT" 300mm (12 inch) adjustable wrench, marked with "Strong HIT" and the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the shank, with "Cr-Mo Drop Forged" and "Japan" plus the HIT-Gear logo forged into the back side.

The shank also has a forged-in code "657" to the right of the JIS logo.

The overall length is 12.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating, with some losses due to rust.

The "657" code is Toho Koki's original JIS certification number for adjustable wrenches, first received in 1951.

HIT 300mm (12 Inch) Bolt Cutters

Fig. 63. HIT 300mm (12 Inch) Bolt Cutters.

Fig. 63 shows a pair of HIT 300mm (12 inch) bolt cutters, marked with "HIT" and "12 Forged Steel" plus the JIS-Circle logo forged into the upper handle, with "300" and "CAP. 5MM 3/16" forged into the lower handle.

The jaw cross-piece is stamped with "HIT" and the JIS-Circle logo on the front, with "Japan" on the back side (not shown).

The overall length is 12.7 inches, and the finish is red paint.

Top Kōgyō Company

The company was established in 1939 as the Hokuetsu Machine Works Company, with an initial location at 1-525 Oaza-Sanjo, Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan. By 1943 the company was making forgings for aircraft parts for the Nakajima Aircraft Company.

New Factory at 2624 Tajima

In 1944 the company changed its name to the Nakajima Precision Forging Company, and by November of 1945 was manufacturing forged tools. By this time the company's factory was located at 2624 Tajima in Sanjo.

In 1949 the company adopted "TOP" as a brand for adjustable (monkey) wrenches.

In July of 1950 the company began an association with tool dealers from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. This association likely included Meisei Tsushō, an export marketing and distribution company which established the Daido Corporation U.S.A. in 1951. (See our notes on Meisei Tsushō for additional information.)

First JIS Certification

On June 28, 1951 Nakajima Precision Forging received JIS certificate 656 for adjustable wrenches (class B4604). The record for this certification can be seen in the 1951 JIS Summary for Class B4604. [Editor's note: this is not mentioned in the company's history, but should be.]

On November 16, 1953 the company received JIS certificate 2717 for class B4614 (combination pliers).

Production for Meisei Tsushō

During the 1950s Nakajima Precision Forging became an early production partner of Meisei Tsushō and began producing adjustable wrenches for the Truecraft Tool Company of Chicago, which were probably distributed through the Daido Corporation U.S.A. [Editor's note: this is not mentioned in the company's history.]

In 1961 the company built a forging factory to increase production. [Editor's note: where was the factory?]

Name Change to Top Kōgyō

In September of 1963 the company changed its name to the Top Kōgyō Company.

On September 15, 1964 the company received JIS certificate 364148 for class B4630 (open-end wrenches). The record for this certification can be seen in the 1967 Certified List for Class B4630.

In December of 1966 the company received JIS certification. [Editor's note: for what products?]

Contract Production for Truecraft Brand

During the 1960s and 1970s Top Kōgyō was a major production partner for the Truecraft brand of the Daido Corporation. The company supplied adjustable wrenches and several kinds of pliers, and possible other kinds of tools as well.

New Factory at Tsukanome

In August of 1981 the company moved its forge and die operations to the Tsukanome Kinzoku Kōgyō Industrial Park in Sanjo City, and by July of 1982 had fully relocated the forging operations to Tsukanome. In 1983 and 1984 the company received a number of JIS certifications for the Tsukanome factory.

By 1987 Tsukanome had become the company's main factory.

In 1987 the company signed a contract with Klein Tools for production of adjustable wrenches.

On January 11, 2002 the company received JIS certification for combination wrenches (class B4651), but the certification number isn't known yet.

Continuing Operations

The company's website (in Japanese) is at Top Kōgyō Company [External Link]. Our history was adapted from the company's historical timeline.

JIS Certifications

TOP Kōgyō is known to have received JIS certifications in classes B4604 (adjustable wrenches), B4630 (open-end wrenches), and B4651 (combination wrenches). Oddly though, the certification number for the B4651 class has not been found.

Factory locations were at Tajima in Sanjo City and Tsukanome, all in Niigata prefecture.

View Company History with Factories for TOP Kōgyō.

View JIS Certification Events for TOP Kōgyō.

Trademarks

Top registered a number of Japanese trademarks plus at least one US trademark, for "TOP" in stylized text.

Selected Tools

Top 10x12mm Open-End Wrench

Fig. 64. Top 10x12mm Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 64 shows a Top 10x12mm open-end wrench with depressed oval panels, marked with the "Top" oval logo and the JIS-Circle+S logo forged into the front panel, with a code (possibly "8-AI") forged into the back panel.

The shank is also marked with the metric sizes forged into the front.

The overall length is 5.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with a matte surface.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

Top 12x14mm Open-End Wrench

Fig. 65. Top 12x14mm Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 65 shows a Top 12x14mm open-end wrench with depressed oval panels, marked with "Top" and the JIS-Circle+S logo forged into the front panel, with "Chrome Vanadium" forged into the back panel.

The shank is also marked with the metric sizes forged into the front.

The overall length is 5.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

Liner Top 17x19mm Open-End Wrench

Top Kōgyō offers a series of "Liner Spanners", but we're uncertain of their defining characteristics other than being open-end wrenches. The next two figures show examples of Liner wrenches.

Fig. 66. Liner Top 17x19mm Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 66 shows a Liner Top 17x19mm open-end wrench with depressed oval panels, marked with "Liner Top" forged into the front panel, with a "7-JI" code and the JIS-Circle+S logo forged into the back panel.

The shank is also marked with the metric sizes forged into the front.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with a matte surface.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

Liner Top 21x23mm Open-End Wrench

Fig. 67. Liner Top 21x23mm Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 67 shows a Liner Top 21x23mm open-end wrench with depressed oval panels, marked with "Liner Top" forged into the front panel, with a "7-HI" code and the JIS-Circle+S logo forged into the back panel.

The shank is also marked with the metric sizes forged into the front.

The overall length is 8.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with a matte surface.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

Top 36x41mm Specialty Box-End Wrench

Fig. 68. Top 36x41mm Specialty Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 68 shows a Top 36x41mm specialty box-end wrench with laterally offset openings, somewhat similar to an S-shaped wrench.

The wrench is marked with "Top" and the metric sizes forged into the front, with "Chrome Vanadium" and the sizes forged into the back side.

The overall length is 18.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

[Top] Truecraft Tool 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 69. [Top] Truecraft Tool 6 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1950s.

Fig. 69 shows shows a Truecraft Tool 6 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Truecraft Tool Company" and "Japan" forged into the front, with "Drop Forged Alloy Steel" and "TOP" forged into the back.

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

The "TOP" marking indicates production by Top Kōgyō, which during the 1950s was still known as the Nakajima Precision Forging Company.

This wrench is a rare example of a tool made for the (American) Truecraft Tool Company prior to the acquisition of the "Truecraft" trademark by the Daido Corporation.

[Top] Truecraft F208 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench

Fig. 70. [Top] Truecraft F208 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Insets for Edge View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1960s to 1975.

Fig. 70 shows a [Top] Truecraft F208 8 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Drop Forged Tool Steel" and "Top" forged into the shank, with "Truecraft Tool" and "Japan" forged into the back side.

The back side is also stamped with the "F208" model number on a small raised panel.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the maximum opening is 0.9 inches. The head thickness was measured at 0.47 inches.

The finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The leading "F" of the model number indicates production up to around 1975.

The "Top" marking indicates production by the Top Kōgyō Company. The forged-in code "8-84" below the "Top" marking resembles a date, but the meaning is not known.

[Top] Truecraft K506 6 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Pliers

Fig. 71. [Top] Truecraft K506 6 Inch Tongue-and-Groove Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1960s to 1975.

Fig. 71 shows a pair of [Top] Truecraft K506 6 inch tongue-and-groove pliers, stamped with "Truecraft" and the model number on the upper handle, with "Forged" and "Top Japan 71A" on the botton handle.

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

The leading "K" of the model number indicates production up to around 1975.

The "Top" marking indicates production by the Top Kōgyō Company, and a check of their web site found similar pliers were made in the past, although now discontinued.

Tsunoda Company

Tsunoda (株式会社 ツノダ) is a maker of pliers and other tools operating in Tsubame, Niigata prefecture.

The company was founded in 1964 as a maker of pliers. [Editor's note: what was the initial location? Who was the founder?]

Reorganization as Tsunoda Kōgu Seisakusho

In 1972 company was reorganized as the Tsunoda Kōgu Seisakusho Co., Ltd. (株式会社角田工具製作所).

New Factory at Yoshida-cho

In 1979 the head office factory moved to Yoshida-cho at 1535-5 Shimonakano, Yoshida-cho, Nishikanbara-gun, Niigata Prefecture.

JIS Certification

On April 22, 1982 the Yoshida factory received JIS certificate 382015 for pliers in classes B4623, B4625, B4631, and B4635.

New Factory at Tsubame

In June of 1988 the company opened a second factory at 270 Suginayanagi, Tsubame City, Niigata Prefecture. The Tsubame factory produced pliers, wrenches, and other tools.

On December 12, 1989 the Tsubame factory received JIS certificate 389067 in class B4626. (Company history says September.)

Name Change to Tsunoda

In 2004 the company changed its name to the Tsunoda Company (株式会社 ツノダ).

JQA JIS Certification

On March 30, 2007 Tsunoda's Yoshida factory received JQA certificate JQ0306029 for classes B4623, B4625, B4631, and B4635, with class B4625 noted as strong grade.

On August 13, 2007 Tsunoda's Tsubame factory received JQA certificate JQ0307020 for classes B4614 and B4626.

Continuing Operations

The company maintains a website (in Japanese and English) at Tsunoda Company [External Link]. Our history was adapted from the historical timeline on the company's site.

JIS Certification History

The JIS-certified factory locations were in Yoshida and Tsubame.

View Company History with Factories for Tsunoda Company.

View JIS Certification Events for Tsunoda Company.

Wakui Seisakusho

Wakui Seisakusho was a maker of pliers operating in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture. Currently we don't have much information about the company, but it was defintely in business during the 1950s and is believed to have closed in 2013.

JIS Certification

The company received JIS certificate 6037 in June of 1958 for pliers, based on a later certification. We don't have a record for this certification, but the JIS number places it at that time.

We don't have any information on the company's early factory location.

New Factory in Tsukanome

By the early 1980s the company was operating at 2171 Tsukanome in Sanjo City.

On January 29, 1981 the company received JIS certificate 6037 for classes B4623, B4631, and B4635 at the Tsukanome factory. The record for this certification can be seen in the 1999 JIS Summary for Super-Class B010.

[Editor's note: this is the same factory address as that for Three Peaks Giken.]

Discontinued Operations

The CWC site reports that the company closed in 2013 due to bankruptcy.

JIS Certification History

View Company History with Factories for Wakui Seisakusho.

View JIS Certification Events for Wakui Seisakusho.

Yamaco Company

The Yamaco Company operates in Kano, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka Prefecture as the maker of a wide variety of forged and machined products, including vehicle components, construction hardware, and hand tools.

The company was established in 1946 as the Yamamoto Kōgu Seisakusho by Toshiro Yamamoto (山本利郎), with operations in Hiraoka City, Osaka Prefecture.

New Factory at Rokumanji

In 1952 the company was incorporated as the Yamaco Company, Ltd. and moved the head office factory to Rokumanji-cho, Higashi-Osaka City.

JIS Certification

In June of 1953 the company received JIS certificate 2356 for adjustable wrenches, according to the company's website. Currently our earliest record for JIS 2356 is the 1964 Certified List for Class B4604, and it reports a date of January 30, 1954.

When we found this record we were puzzled by the date discrepancy and by the fact that the Yamaco registration doesn't appear in the 1955 and 1962 summaries for class B4604 as it seemingly should.

The explanation turns out to be that Yamaco's early adjustable wrenches were made with a 15 degree offset angle (optimized for hexagonal nuts) rather than the more common 23 degree offset, and early JIS testing used a separate class B4605 for 15 degree adjustable wrenches. A record for Yamaco's JIS test can be seen in the 1953-09 Monthly Report for Class B4605, although the date and JIS number are not shown.

The use of a separate class explains why Yamaco's registration wasn't reported in the summaries for class B4604.

On January 30, 1954 the JIS administration folded class B4605 into class B4604, allowing notes to indicate the jaw angle. The inclusion of Yamaco in the 1964 Certified List with a modified date indicates that the class B4605 registration was being accepted into class B4604 on that date. However, Yamaco's 1964 entry didn't include a note about the offset angle.

Note that if class B4605 moved into B4604 in early 1954, Yamaco still should have been in the 1955 and 1962 summaries, so the delay until 1964 was probably an administrative oversight.

The correct date for Yamaco's original registration turns out to be June 20, 1953, although we didn't learn this until finding a revocation for a factory change in 1981, which can be seen as the 1981-10 Monthly Report for JIS 2356 Revoke.

Contract Production

Yamaco provided extensive contract manufacturing services, and the CWC site has many examples of adjustable wrenches made for various customers.

Yamaco's adjustable wrenches include examples marked "Partially Forged" or "Semi Forged" with a JIS "P" suffix, which presumably have malleable iron bodies with a forged moveable jaw.

New Factory at Kano

In May of 1977 the company relocated its factory to the Kano Industrial Park (東大阪市加納工業団地) in Higashi-Osaka City.

JIS Revoke/Restore for Kano Factory

In October of 1981 Yamaco was re-certified for class B4604 at the Kano factory. The records can be seen in the 1981-10 Monthly Report for JIS 2356 Revoke and 1981-10 Monthly Report for JIS 2356 Restore.

The restoration of JIS 2356 added a note for "strong grade" or JIS-H.

Release of JIS 2356?

By 1999 Yamaco was no longer listed under class B4604 in the 1999 Summary Report, suggesting that the company had discontinued production of adjustable wrenches and released its JIS registration. However, no record of the release has been found, so the exact date and circumstances are not known.

ISO9001 Certification

In 2002 the company obtained ISO9001 certification.

Continuing Operations

The company continues in business today with their head office at 4-3-26 Kano, Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture, and additional information can be found at the Yamaco Company [External Link] website. Our history was adapted from the historical timeline on the company's site.

JIS Certification History

Yamaco received JIS certification 2356 for 15 degree adjustable wrenches (class B4605) on June 20, 1953. Because of the different class, this certification doesn't show up on summaries for class B4604 in 1955 and 1962, but is listed in the 1964 Certified List under class B4604.

The factory locations were in Rokumanji and Kano.

View Company History with Factories for Yamaco Company.

View JIS Certification Events for Yamaco Company.

[Yamaco] Hi-Test 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench

This next figure shows an example of the "Hi-Test" brand used by Hi-Test Premier Products, an importer and mail-order retailer in New York City.

Fig. 72. Hi-Test 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 72 shows a Hi-Test 8 inch adjustable wrench, marked with "Hi-Test" and "Chrome Molybdenum" forged into the front, with "Fully Drop-Forged" and "Highest J.I.S. Indust. Stand." plus the JIS-Circle+H logo forged into the back side.

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

The shank is also marked with a forged-in "Y.K." code below the JIS-Circle mark.

When we posted this wrench, we thought it would be a good test for the hypothesis that there are no anonymous JIS tools, and that presumably the "Y.K." marking below the JIS-Circle logo would identify the maker. That turned out to be the case, as "YK" is the identifying mark for the Yamaco Company.

Other Tool Makers

This section will show examples of tools from other Japanese brands for which the manufacturer is not yet known.

If any of our readers have information on the companies that made these tools, please let us know via email.

[Unknown Maker] Asahi 17x19mm Open-End Wrench

This next example has an interesting "Asahi" script logo and "Rising Sun" logo not seen before, but the maker is currently unknown. ("Asahi" is very popular as a brand name in Japan.)

Fig. 73. Asahi 17x19mm Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 73 shows an Asahi 17x19mm open-end wrench, marked with "Asahi" in a script logo forged into the front, with a "Rising Sun" logo and the metric sizes forged into the back side.

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

This wrench is fairly roughly finished, suggesting that it might have been part of a vehicle tool kit.

The absence of a "Japan" marking on this tool indicates that it was originally produced for the Japanese domestic market.

[Unknown Maker] Japanese 19/32x5/8 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 76. Japanese 19/32x5/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 76 shows a 19/32x5/8 open-end wrench with depressed oval panels from an unknown Japanese maker.

The shank is marked with the fractional sizes forged into the front panel, with "Drop Forged Alloy Steel" and "Japan" forged into the back panel.

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

This wrench is very well made, with precisely formed panels and crisply forged markings.

[Unknown Maker] Japanese 11/16x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 77. Japanese 11/16x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side.

Fig. 77 shows an 11/16x3/4 open-end wrench with depressed oval panels from an unknown Japanese maker.

The shank is marked with the fractional sizes forged into the front panel, with "Drop Forged Alloy Steel" and "Japan" forged into the back panel.

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

This wrench is very well made, with precisely formed panels and crisply forged markings.

Weil "Adjustamatic" 8 Inch Self-Adjusting Wrench

Fig. 78. Weil "Adjustamatic" 8 Inch Self-Adjusting Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Mid 1960s to 1970s.

Fig. 78 shows a Weil 8 inch self-adjusting wrench, marked with "Weil" and "Adjustamatic" forged into the shank, with "Forged Chrome Vanadium" and "Japan" forged into the back.

The shank is also marked with a "T" code forged into the front, with a "77A" code forged into the back.

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

The wrench is fitted with a flat spring to keep the jaw closed.

A notice for the "Adjustamatic" wrench appeared in a 1966 issue of Popular Mechanics, with the Weil Tool Company noted in Woodmere, New York. The company appears to have been active from the mid 1960s through the 1970s.