Craftsman manufacturer help required

[plumber84]

I’ve recently acquired this vintage Craftsman adjustable wrench and really am impressed with quality and build quality. The only information I can gather on the history of this tool is from the amazing Alloy-Artifacts website. They estimate the wrench is of 1950s vintage but are unable to identify the maker whose manufacturer code is a Y-circle? The code appears on a Dunlap 8” adjustable wrench of slightly differing design. Any input on the identity of this specific manufacturer would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance

 

[WWheeler]

Craftsman Hand Tool Manufacturers & Date Ranges
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84807

[...]
Early Craftsman Series (generally pre-1947, some exceptions):
[...]
Y-circle = possibly Ridge Tool, ca. ? - ?
[...]

That's all I got. That's obviously a guesstimate and not sure anyone knows any better than that.

 

[plumber84]

Craftsman Hand Tool Manufacturers & Date Ranges
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84807



That's all I got. That's obviously a guesstimate and not sure anyone knows any better than that.

Possible Ridge tool? Did ridgid ever make adjustable wrenches? The only example of Ridgid adjustables I’ve seen were either re-badged Crescent and later Western-Forge

 

[WWheeler]

Possible Ridge tool? Did ridgid ever make adjustable wrenches? The only example of Ridgid adjustables I’ve seen were either re-badged Crescent and later Western-Forge

Ridge Tool

Not Ridgid

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=ridge tool adjustable wrench

Edit: I guess you're right. Google found me the alloy-artifacts link below. Ridgid is Ridge. News to me, but in any case they definitely made adjustables (or is the one pictured below a rebadged crescent/western forge? ):

http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers-p3.html#ridge

 

[3baygarage]

Aside from Dunlap adjustables, it’s also on that era =Dunlap= pipe wrenches.

 

[3baygarage]

Another one I remember is it’s on this old Craftsman tire lever I picked up in 2014. These are old pics from the 2014 GS thread.

The Y in a circle is way over on the left on the flat part of the tool. You can see it if you expand the first pic.

 

[plumber84]

Another one I remember is it’s on this old Craftsman tire lever I picked up in 2014. These are old pics from the 2014 GS thread.

The Y in a circle is way over on the left on the flat part of the tool. You can see it if you expand the first pic.

So Y-circle was a maker of adjustable wrenches, pipe wrenches and tyre levers I don’t think many companies of that era made pipe wrenches and adjustables did they? The problem with the Y-circle adjustable wrenches is that they are quite unique by design and have no compatible equivalent, the dunlap wrenches do aren’t quite as unique and possibly share some recognisable features with another maker. Further investigation required.

Many thanks so far guys

 

[plumber84]

Sifting through some Dunlap tools threads brought up the name Mckraig-Hatch with regards to them being the OEM of Dunlap pipe wrenches, though I have no pictures of the pipe wrenches to compare, the adjustable wrenches have a very similar overall shape/pattern. Alloy-Artifacts notes that MckraigHatch,s catalogue offered adjustable wrenches in sizes 4-16”. I’ve included some comparison pictures between the Craftsman Y-circle and Mckraig-Hatch adjustables, notably the head and handle shapes seem very similar indeed and Mckraig-Hatch manufactured both adjustable and pipe wrenches simultaneously. Mystery solved hopefully, see what you guys

 

[3baygarage]

Ok, think I found that thread you mentioned.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191631

The picture indeed shows two Dunlap pipe wrenches with Jaws that read McKaig Hatch. Photo courtesy of member Turmlos, though I rotated it to read the jaw easier.

There are also McKaig hatch pipe wrenches marked MFD. BY McKaig Hatch. Second pic shows an old McKaig hatch on ebay.

Your theory could be solid.

It’s hard for me to look at any adjustable wrenches and compare, it would be much easier in hand. One of the tools I find most difficult for some reason.

This discussion should be in the vintage section to get more interested eyes on it.

 

[3baygarage]

Aha!

McKaig Hatch Circle Y Stamped later style pipe wrench,found in Ebay completed listings.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-14-034-P-R-R-McKaig-Hatch-ADJUSTABLE-PIPE-WRENCH-/123320218330?redirect=mobile&nma=true&si=L1m5sVtGbQwRW204pUBzseHhKMw%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

So now, is it McKaig Hatch, or are we back to Ridge Tool? please bring on the pipe wrench experts.

 

[plumber84]

Aha!

McKaig Hatch Circle Y Stamped later style pipe wrench,found in Ebay completed listings.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-14-034-P-R-R-McKaig-Hatch-ADJUSTABLE-PIPE-WRENCH-/123320218330?redirect=mobile&nma=true&si=L1m5sVtGbQwRW204pUBzseHhKMw%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

So now, is it McKaig Hatch, or are we back to Ridge Tool? please bring on the pipe wrench experts.

Mckaig-Hatch Stilson type pipe wrench and Dunlap stilson type pipe wrench, I think we’ve cracked the case of the mysterious maker Y-circle

 

[3baygarage]

Well that would be something. Hope you are right about MH.

I sent a pm to Lauver who heads the Craftsman mfr. and date chart.

Hopefully he can provide some insight as to how Ridge Tool was determined.

 

[plumber84]

Well that would be something. Hope you are right about MH.

I sent a pm to Lauver who heads the Craftsman mfr. and date chart.

Hopefully he can provide some insight as to how Ridge Tool was determined.

A closer look at the font used on both 12” adjustable wrenches would indicate they look exactly the same to

 

[WWheeler]

That's some serious internet sleuthing 3bay. Well done!

Hopefully Lauver does update that thread but it hasn't been touched in years.

While he's at it it'd be nice if the newer apex/danaher taiwan (L) and china (A) manufacturer codes and date codes added too. Buried in the pages of comments on his thread the thought is that AA is 2011, AB 2012, and so on. I've also seen what looks to be a date code of Z which I suspect is 2010. Lauver's post identifies LZ as danaher taiwan but there have been other tools like made in USA Western Forge (WF code) screwdrivers with the Z on it too. There'a also a lot of A WF, B WF, codes etc all the way to Z WF codes in Lauver's post that I suspect are also date codes in front of the WF manufacturer code just as my WF AE screwdriver I suspect means it was made by Western Forge in 2015.

 

[twertsy]

Just my humble opinion, but I think the diversity of tools marked with the Y-circle only lends credence to my theory of the codes being applicable to contracts, rather than manufacturers. I believe I have some Y-circle pieces laying around and will see if I can dig them up.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[kythri]

Hopefully Lauver does update that thread but it hasn't been touched in years.

Agreed.

I believe Lauver was keeping the same thread over at thegaragegazette.com updated more frequently than here, but that site crashed, and was rebuilt at garagegazette.com.

Haven't checked to see if they've restored that thread or not, but it may be available via archive.org:

http://www.thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=867

Not sure if it's just me, but plugging that into the Wayback Machine isn't loading any content for me at the moment, nor does it seem to be in the Google Cache (Google has links to the dead site, but they're not displaying the cache option).

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I have nothing to add on the Circle-Y code. For what it's worth to the discussion, I am not convinced that McKaig-Hatch pipe wrench was made by Ridge. The shape of the wash plate is definitely not Ridge. As a caveat, I have not closely studied 1950's and later Ridge pipe wrenches, so I will want to go back and re-look that. But I would find it awfully strange if they changed it, since they actually trademarked the wash plate and its shape. It was a very important branding feature to them. On the other hand, the only mfgr who made pipe wrenches that resembled the Ridge style (vs. the Stillson style) was Erie, and that is an unlikely source for Craftsman.

 

[WWheeler]

I have nothing to add on the Circle-Y code. For what it's worth to the discussion, I am not convinced that McKaig-Hatch pipe wrench was made by Ridge. The shape of the wash plate is definitely not Ridge. As a caveat, I have not closely studied 1950's and later Ridge pipe wrenches, so I will want to go back and re-look that. But I would find it awfully strange if they changed it, since they actually trademarked the wash plate and its shape. It was a very important branding feature to them. On the other hand, the only mfgr who made pipe wrenches that resembled the Ridge style (vs. the Stillson style) was Erie, and that is an unlikely source for Craftsman.

Pretty sure 3Bay's evidence points to the Craftsman adjustable being made by McKaig-Hatch, not a McKaig-Hatch made by Ridge. Lauver had posted in the Craftsman manufacturer code thread a suspicion that the Y Circle was Ridge, but that seems to be incorrect at this point.

At least that was until Twertsy posted and now we await to see what he digs out of his freaking immense museum-worthy collection.

 

[twertsy]

Pretty sure 3Bay's evidence points to the Craftsman adjustable being made by McKaig-Hatch, not a McKaig-Hatch made by Ridge. Lauver had posted in the Craftsman manufacturer code thread a suspicion that the Y Circle was Ridge, but that seems to be incorrect at this point.

At least that was until Twertsy posted and now we await to see what he digs out of his freaking immense museum-worthy collection.

My daughter is home from college for the weekend so I will dig on Sunday or next week.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I was replying to this...

So now, is it McKaig Hatch, or are we back to Ridge Tool? please bring on the pipe wrench experts.

 

[3baygarage]

Just my humble opinion, but I think the diversity of tools marked with the Y-circle only lends credence to my theory of the codes being applicable to contracts, rather than manufacturers. I believe I have some Y-circle pieces laying around and will see if I can dig them up.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

That’s a different take on things. I’m certainly curious to see what you turn up.

I have nothing to add on the Circle-Y code. For what it's worth to the discussion, I am not convinced that McKaig-Hatch pipe wrench was made by Ridge. The shape of the wash plate is definitely not Ridge. As a caveat, I have not closely studied 1950's and later Ridge pipe wrenches, so I will want to go back and re-look that. But I would find it awfully strange if they changed it, since they actually trademarked the wash plate and its shape. It was a very important branding feature to them. On the other hand, the only mfgr who made pipe wrenches that resembled the Ridge style (vs. the Stillson style) was Erie, and that is an unlikely source for Craftsman.

That’s interesting trademark info. I noticed the plate shape is different, but didn’t think past it possibly being them going for a slightly different look.

Anyhow, without having them side by side, I hope Lauver can tell us more about the Ridge theory. I need to browse throught the Mfr. and date thread.

 

[plumber84]

I have nothing to add on the Circle-Y code. For what it's worth to the discussion, I am not convinced that McKaig-Hatch pipe wrench was made by Ridge. The shape of the wash plate is definitely not Ridge. As a caveat, I have not closely studied 1950's and later Ridge pipe wrenches, so I will want to go back and re-look that. But I would find it awfully strange if they changed it, since they actually trademarked the wash plate and its shape. It was a very important branding feature to them. On the other hand, the only mfgr who made pipe wrenches that resembled the Ridge style (vs. the Stillson style) was Erie, and that is an unlikely source for Craftsman.

Mckaig-Hatch seem to have made their own pipe wrenches and on behalf of Sears Dunlap

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Mckaig-Hatch seem to have made their own pipe wrenches and on behalf of Sears Dunlap

That may be so. My sole contribution, again, FWIW, is that the pipe wrench in question is probably not a Ridge. Very similar in resemblance, which perhaps explains the source of a Circle-Y = Ridge postulation.

Good luck, guys.

 

[d42jeep]

Here are Ridgid heavy duty pipe wrenches and a Stillson pipe wrench made by Ridge. I concur with Lugz that it is extremely unlikely that the McKaig Hatch pipe wrench was made by Ridge. None of my Dunlap adjustable wrenches resemble the Craftsman example shown.
-Don

 

[woody 73]

Very interesting post indeed, let me check my stash of tools maybe I can find some examples and hunt down some more information.

 

[WWheeler]

Here are Ridgid heavy duty pipe wrenches and a Stillson pipe wrench made by Ridge. I concur with Lugz that it is extremely unlikely that the McKaig Hatch pipe wrench was made by Ridge. None of my Dunlap adjustable wrenches resemble the Craftsman example shown.
-Don

But again, I don't think anyone in this thread had suggested that a McKaig Hatch pipe wrench was made by Ridge. After pointing that out Lugz says he was replying to this post by 3Bay:

I was replying to this...

So now, is it McKaig Hatch, or are we back to Ridge Tool? please bring on the pipe wrench experts.

But there 3Bay was saying that after showing pretty good evidence, a McKaig Hatch pipe wrench with the same Y Circle that's on the Craftsman adjustable this thread is about, indicating the Craftsman is more likely it was made by McKaig Hatch instead of Ridge Tool as was listed as the possible manufacturer in the 'Craftsman Hand Tool Manufacturers & Date Ranges' thread by Lauver, hence the laughing smiley after Ridge. I'm just sayin'

Anywho, all that may well be moot if Twertsy is correct in post 7. Looks like we will have to wait to see.

 

[twertsy]

But again, I don't think anyone in this thread had suggested that a McKaig Hatch pipe wrench was made by Ridge. After pointing that out Lugz says he was replying to this post by 3Bay:



But there 3Bay was saying that after showing pretty good evidence, a McKaig Hatch pipe wrench with the same Y Circle that's on the Craftsman adjustable this thread is about, indicating the Craftsman is more likely it was made by McKaig Hatch instead of Ridge Tool as was listed as the possible manufacturer in the 'Craftsman Hand Tool Manufacturers & Date Ranges' thread by Lauver, hence the laughing smiley after Ridge. I'm just sayin'

Anywho, all that may well be moot if Twertsy is correct in post 7. Looks like we will have to wait to see.

I have several tools that contradict the codes being manufacturer specific. Off the top of my head I have a 1/2" drive universal joint marked K-circle that resembles no other SK uni I've ever seen, plus its the only non 3/4 drive circle K tool I've ever seen. Also, I don't think anyone can make a solid case for the BT ratchet NOT being made by New Britain. As for circle Y, I know I have a Cman pipe wrench, but I think I may have other tools bearing that mark.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[d42jeep]

In order to minimize further criticism, I will just post some pictures and others may form their own conclusions. From here I will be heading back to the vintage tool discussion where I belong and usually hang out, except for Lugz’ 2018 garage sale thread.
-Don

 

[twertsy]

Here is an 8" I Circle pipe. Looks like a forge Mark at the end of the handle? Pic 3. Of course, now that I look closely, could be T Circle?

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[plumber84]

Judging by the evidence gathered on this thread I’m fairly confident we’ve identified the maker behind Y-circle, I’ve emailed Alloy-Artifacts to get their take on the evidence gathered and hope to hear from them soon

 

[twertsy]

Judging by the evidence gathered on this thread I’m fairly confident we’ve identified the maker behind Y-circle, I’ve emailed Alloy-Artifacts to get their take on the evidence gathered and hope to hear from them soon

Good luck with that! Some people don't like to be "helped."

 

[plumber84]

Good luck with that! Some people don't like to be "helped."

We can but try, if nothing else it’s testament to the collaborative knowledge and efforts of GJ members

 

[kythri]

Agreed.

I believe Lauver was keeping the same thread over at thegaragegazette.com updated more frequently than here, but that site crashed, and was rebuilt at garagegazette.com.

Haven't checked to see if they've restored that thread or not, but it may be available via archive.org:

http://www.thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=867

Not sure if it's just me, but plugging that into the Wayback Machine isn't loading any content for me at the moment, nor does it seem to be in the Google Cache (Google has links to the dead site, but they're not displaying the cache option).

Well, http://web.archive.org is functional again today, but doesn't have anything archived newer than 2015, it seems.

Here's the link:

http://web.archive.org/web/20150421...=30831943b13537c332fcbb415c72b91f&topic=867.0

 

[kythri]

Correction, here's the newest from web.archive.org, dated 2016:

http://web.archive.org/web/20160307161719/http://thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=867.0

1st post last updated 12/19/15 per the post, most recent post in the thread is 03/04/16.

 

[3baygarage]

Plumber, it’s a worthy topic for discussion around here.

Twertsy, you just led me to examine a whole bunch of those older Craftsman pipe wrenches on Ebay. Many look like a T while some are clearly a Y. Maybe the Y just got flattened a bit.

Correction, here's the newest from web.archive.org, dated 2016:

http://web.archive.org/web/20160307161719/http://thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=867.0

1st post last updated 12/19/15 per the post, most recent post in the thread is 03/04/16.

Cool. Oddly, the last post it gives us from ‘16 was Lugz!

 

[plumber84]

Plumber, it’s a worthy topic for discussion around here.

Twertsy, you just led me to examine a whole bunch of those older Craftsman pipe wrenches on Ebay. Many look like a T while some are clearly a Y. Maybe the Y just got flattened a bit.



Cool. Oddly, the last post it gives us from ‘16 was Lugz!

The Dunlap pipe wrenches with Mckaig-Hatch moveable jaws you posted are the biggest giveaway, also the adjustable wrenches are practically identical, the Craftsman version was obviously a brand specific version made for sears