Land Rover 109
Well-known member
Many thanks Dave, clears thing up nicely.
British Tool Manufacturers
- Thread starter Dave455
- Start date
Many thanks Dave, clears thing up nicely.
Land Rover 109
Well-known member
Not sure, these are the first ones I have seen- not that that means a lot!
But it was not uncommon for a lot of similar items to be made by one maker and badged with various brands back in Britain- the fishing industry is a classic example- likes of J.W. Young & Sons making reels of a similar pattern branded for several companies.
Armstrong Stevens were a real old time manufacturer, going waaaay back, certainly to the Victorian era!
They were forging specialists and made all sorts of forgings, spanners being one of them.
They supplied a lot of tools for government contracts during the FIRST World War, and I have one or two that I believe date from between the wars.
I don’t have any spanners that I can positively date to post war, which is why I wondered if they just supplied for contracts.
I do have two G Clamps marked ‘Lion’ which was an Armstrong Stevens brand name, but I’ve only ever seen that on clamps!
Nice clamps - rounded corners so nicer to use than the Record!
They were forging specialists and made all sorts of forgings, spanners being one of them.
They supplied a lot of tools for government contracts during the FIRST World War, and I have one or two that I believe date from between the wars.
I don’t have any spanners that I can positively date to post war, which is why I wondered if they just supplied for contracts.
I do have two G Clamps marked ‘Lion’ which was an Armstrong Stevens brand name, but I’ve only ever seen that on clamps!
Nice clamps - rounded corners so nicer to use than the Record!
Dakkyz
Well-known member
A company called Deltec they make impact sockets I believe in the UK Never bought any of they're products but I believe a few things they produce are made in the UK.
Deltec make spanners and impact sockets.
The stuff they make ‘in house’ seems to be first class, but they seem to specialise in the larger sizes. I’ve seen their stuff in use on the railways, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you find it in factories and shipyards, but I don’t think they do much in automotive sizes!
The stuff they make ‘in house’ seems to be first class, but they seem to specialise in the larger sizes. I’ve seen their stuff in use on the railways, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you find it in factories and shipyards, but I don’t think they do much in automotive sizes!
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Dakkyz
Well-known member
They make all sizes 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, AF, Metric, Whitworth
I believe from 10mm to big sizes, don't think they offer sets.
They also offer tyreshop sets for tyre places.
Sent from my SM-G950F using The Garage Journal mobile app
I believe from 10mm to big sizes, don't think they offer sets.
They also offer tyreshop sets for tyre places.
Sent from my SM-G950F using The Garage Journal mobile app
george.dimm
Member
British Tool and Engineering Co. Ltd. (Britool Limited) first started production in 1908 and was incorporated in Wolverhampton in 1915 and, by 1920, had a large factory in Owen Road. Prior to 1937, it was a subsidiary of Jenks Bros. but, in 1937, Jenks Bros and British Tool Co Ltd were taken over by John Shaw and Sons (Wolverhampton) Ltd. and moved to a factory in Bushbury.
After pioneering the first full range of bi-hexagon ring and socket wrenches to be produced and marketed in England, the company rapidly gained a reputation for the manufacture of high quality engineers’ hand tools. Although they specialised in wrenches, they made all types of small hand tools.
Demand for Britool’s products grew between the 2 World Wars; indeed, Britool was the principal supplier of tools to the British armed forces, during the Second World War, supplying over 200 million wrenches, sockets and accessories. Following the war, Britool became the number one tightening tool brand in the UK and it has remained the number one choice of professional engineers ever since.
In 1967, Britool was referred to as the “manufacturing subsidiary of John Shaw and Sons (Wolverhampton) Ltd.” In 1969, it was taken over by James Neill and became a member of the James Neill Group of Companies. James Neill was a tool making conglomerate, based in Sheffield, which included not only Britool but Eclipse, M & W, P S Stubbs and Elliott Lucas. Neill’s claimed to be one of the major tool manufacturing organisations in the world.
In 1980, the company moved to its Walsall Road, Cannock factory where it made a vast range of hand tools. It was decided to introduce a new range of hand tools specifically designed by Britool’s top engineers for the professional automotive aftermarket.
A great deal of thought and planning went into this new range. Given that all precious metals carry a hallmark, the decision was made to commission a hallmark that would be stamped into the chrome of each tool to assure the quality to the customer. This new range of products was sold via a network of franchised tool dealers.
In 1991, Britool was bought by the International group Facom, Europe’s largest hand tool manufacturer. With the backing of Facom’s strong developmental facilities and vast technical expertise, Britool was able to keep its position as the brand of choice for all areas of engineering; from aerospace to industry and also into the automotive sector.
In 2001, Britool Ltd changed its name to Hallmark Tools Limited and a new company was formed called Facom Group. This company was selling its satin finished products to the industrial sector and the Hallmark range continued to be sold into the professional automotive aftermarket.
In April of that year, the original Britool company, now renamed Hallmark Tools, was sold to TradeMarque Tools Ltd who retained ownership of the Hallmark range. The franchise was dissolved and the range has been sold by mobile independent dealers and selected ecommerce sellers ever since.
We have continued to invest and develop the range whilst retaining the original DNA of its heritage by investing and providing top quality products at reasonable prices.
The highly thought of Hallmark range can always be identified by its hallmark
What's the difference between Britool Hallmark & Britool Expert?
These two ranges are not the same. The Britool Hallmark range is exclusively owned and distributed by TradeMarque Tools Ltd and The Expert range is owned by Stanley Black & Decker Ltd.
Recently Stanley Black & Decker have rebranded the Expert range to Expert by Facom and this range is mainly sold into the industrial sector.
The Hallmark range is mainly sold in Automotive market sector.
After pioneering the first full range of bi-hexagon ring and socket wrenches to be produced and marketed in England, the company rapidly gained a reputation for the manufacture of high quality engineers’ hand tools. Although they specialised in wrenches, they made all types of small hand tools.
Demand for Britool’s products grew between the 2 World Wars; indeed, Britool was the principal supplier of tools to the British armed forces, during the Second World War, supplying over 200 million wrenches, sockets and accessories. Following the war, Britool became the number one tightening tool brand in the UK and it has remained the number one choice of professional engineers ever since.
In 1967, Britool was referred to as the “manufacturing subsidiary of John Shaw and Sons (Wolverhampton) Ltd.” In 1969, it was taken over by James Neill and became a member of the James Neill Group of Companies. James Neill was a tool making conglomerate, based in Sheffield, which included not only Britool but Eclipse, M & W, P S Stubbs and Elliott Lucas. Neill’s claimed to be one of the major tool manufacturing organisations in the world.
In 1980, the company moved to its Walsall Road, Cannock factory where it made a vast range of hand tools. It was decided to introduce a new range of hand tools specifically designed by Britool’s top engineers for the professional automotive aftermarket.
A great deal of thought and planning went into this new range. Given that all precious metals carry a hallmark, the decision was made to commission a hallmark that would be stamped into the chrome of each tool to assure the quality to the customer. This new range of products was sold via a network of franchised tool dealers.
In 1991, Britool was bought by the International group Facom, Europe’s largest hand tool manufacturer. With the backing of Facom’s strong developmental facilities and vast technical expertise, Britool was able to keep its position as the brand of choice for all areas of engineering; from aerospace to industry and also into the automotive sector.
In 2001, Britool Ltd changed its name to Hallmark Tools Limited and a new company was formed called Facom Group. This company was selling its satin finished products to the industrial sector and the Hallmark range continued to be sold into the professional automotive aftermarket.
In April of that year, the original Britool company, now renamed Hallmark Tools, was sold to TradeMarque Tools Ltd who retained ownership of the Hallmark range. The franchise was dissolved and the range has been sold by mobile independent dealers and selected ecommerce sellers ever since.
We have continued to invest and develop the range whilst retaining the original DNA of its heritage by investing and providing top quality products at reasonable prices.
The highly thought of Hallmark range can always be identified by its hallmark
What's the difference between Britool Hallmark & Britool Expert?
These two ranges are not the same. The Britool Hallmark range is exclusively owned and distributed by TradeMarque Tools Ltd and The Expert range is owned by Stanley Black & Decker Ltd.
Recently Stanley Black & Decker have rebranded the Expert range to Expert by Facom and this range is mainly sold into the industrial sector.
The Hallmark range is mainly sold in Automotive market sector.
Unfortunately, Hallmark tools are not made in the U.K. A critical detail that, despite 15 paragraphs, the above bit of marketing waffle neglects to tell you.
I believe the original Britool Hallmark was, and I also believe it was exceptionally nicely finished, but I never got my paws on any.
I discovered the current Britool Hallmark about 10 or 15 years ago. Didn’t know what went on so rang them. Got the full spiel about how they used to be part of Britool etc etc, thought I’d struck gold and placed an order.
To say I was disappointed is an understatement. Screwdrivers were obviously rebranded Bost (o.k. but not old Britool quality) the rest felt like average to poor Taiwanese. I rang ‘em back and they admitted it was all imported. Needless to say, it all went back.
What’s the difference between Britool Hallmark and Britool Expert? Not one hell of a lot. Both imported tools. Neither the quality of the original. Both using the Britool name to peddle imported toot.
Sorry TradeMarque Tools, you’re not part of the solution! You, and companies like you, are the problem!
I believe the original Britool Hallmark was, and I also believe it was exceptionally nicely finished, but I never got my paws on any.
I discovered the current Britool Hallmark about 10 or 15 years ago. Didn’t know what went on so rang them. Got the full spiel about how they used to be part of Britool etc etc, thought I’d struck gold and placed an order.
To say I was disappointed is an understatement. Screwdrivers were obviously rebranded Bost (o.k. but not old Britool quality) the rest felt like average to poor Taiwanese. I rang ‘em back and they admitted it was all imported. Needless to say, it all went back.
What’s the difference between Britool Hallmark and Britool Expert? Not one hell of a lot. Both imported tools. Neither the quality of the original. Both using the Britool name to peddle imported toot.
Sorry TradeMarque Tools, you’re not part of the solution! You, and companies like you, are the problem!
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I like I how people develop amnesia and forget that for the 1990s and early 2000s Britool was antiquated sub par junk. The company needed a major cash infusion (again), new buildings, and all new tooling. The MAC Sabina plant had the same problem as did a number of Snap-on plants in Canada and New England. Companies always consolidate if it makes no financial sense to essentially rebuild a factory/brand from the ground up which really needed to happen in the case of Britool. In many instances the brand is more valuable than the physical assets.
The product coming out of Taiwan today is a hundred times better than anything Britool churned out.
The product coming out of Taiwan today is a hundred times better than anything Britool churned out.
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No amnesia
Britool was taken over by Facom in ‘91, and they took a decision to use the Britool name for their cheapest line.
Yes, it was ‘sub par junk’ from then on, but it wasn’t really Britool, it was Facom patterns with a cheaper finish, and possibly inferior materials.
The Britool management had done a pretty good job of trashing the company by then anyway. They had installed a new chroming facility which obviously wasn’t up to standard, and the very last of the British made Britool was dog rough.
Britool didn’t die of natural causes, it was definitely neglect and incompetence!
Think the last of the decent stuff was probably mid 80’s!
Sad thing is, at the same time all this was going on, I was working in the defence industry, and getting the highest quality chroming done locally, and relatively inexpensively. You just need to care enough to do it!
The Taiwanese stuff is probably as good as the early 90’s Facom era stuff, but to say it’s a hundred times better than anything Britool ever turned out is simply untrue. it’s not a patch on the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s stuff. I suspect, however, that very little of this ever made it to the U.S.
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RRA531Man
Member
Hi there Cryan,
re. "Now known as Bedford Steels the tools division was bought by Spear and Jackson in 1972."
That's so clarifying, I have just dug out from deep in my Dad's garage his prized Bedford 1/2" socket set, in an orange steel case labelled Spear and Jackson. It must have been from the takeover years.
59 piece with all 3 socket ranges, Whitworth, A/F and Metric. Only the ratchet handle mislayed, it will be in one of the workshop drawers I'm sure.
I'll post a couple of pictures if they are wanted.
Regards,
Robin.
re. "Now known as Bedford Steels the tools division was bought by Spear and Jackson in 1972."
That's so clarifying, I have just dug out from deep in my Dad's garage his prized Bedford 1/2" socket set, in an orange steel case labelled Spear and Jackson. It must have been from the takeover years.
59 piece with all 3 socket ranges, Whitworth, A/F and Metric. Only the ratchet handle mislayed, it will be in one of the workshop drawers I'm sure.
I'll post a couple of pictures if they are wanted.
Regards,
Robin.
richfinn
Well-known member
I worked in a garage in the early 90s in an old coal mining village in the north of England
A lot of our tools were ex NCB (National Coal Board) and it was mostly Britool from the 60s and 70s at a guess
It was good quality but no fancy chrome like American tools, maybe an industrial version??
I have a 1/2" ratchet that I "inherited" and its kind of a matte finish with a white "plastic" handle.
A lot of our tools were ex NCB (National Coal Board) and it was mostly Britool from the 60s and 70s at a guess
It was good quality but no fancy chrome like American tools, maybe an industrial version??
I have a 1/2" ratchet that I "inherited" and its kind of a matte finish with a white "plastic" handle.
RRA531Man
Member
Hi richfinn, you're probably correct there about the industrial plain finish. An unnecessary expense, chrome plating.
Fortunately my Dad's set was 'domestic' market so is beautifully smooth with rich shiny chrome.
It's also one of the few parts of his tool kit that he must have purchased, as it doesn't have any MoD phaeton arrows on it (he told me as a lad that it showed you which way to hold and use his tools). He didn't work for 40 years in a Royal Naval base for nothing!
Most of the Dad's tool kits in my home area had MOD, Lucas/Marconi-Elliott or GKN markings on them. Biggest employers and tool suppliers in the area.
Regards,
Robin.
Fortunately my Dad's set was 'domestic' market so is beautifully smooth with rich shiny chrome.
It's also one of the few parts of his tool kit that he must have purchased, as it doesn't have any MoD phaeton arrows on it (he told me as a lad that it showed you which way to hold and use his tools). He didn't work for 40 years in a Royal Naval base for nothing!
Most of the Dad's tool kits in my home area had MOD, Lucas/Marconi-Elliott or GKN markings on them. Biggest employers and tool suppliers in the area.
Regards,
Robin.
Britool supplied unplated tools during the war. But it’s not always realised that they continued to do this, as standard, well into the 50’s.
I have to say that those 50’s tools seem to be among the best ever made. The quality of the steel is absolutely awesome, as is the heat treatment. Despite the lack of plating they don’t seem prone to rust, which can only be down to the steel!
Some of the 50’s era chrome tools that I own have a very dark matte chrome. It’s an unusual finish, and I’ve known them to be confused with unplated tools, but they are definitely plated.
As far as I can determine, Britool supplied unplated tools for contracts right up till the end. I don’t know if this was a cost saving measure, or if it was a requirement in some industries. Certainly the tools from the petrochemical industry all seem to be this way, so maybe the coal industry too?
Although it’s generally thought that chrome tools last longer, I’m not sure that’s the case. Most of my oldest tools are unplated and they have lasted longer than their chrome equivalents.
I have Garrington adjustables of both types, and some of the chrome ones have damage or peeling chrome that can’t be sorted. The black ones don’t have such issues!
Bedford Tools were really nice!
The style of the tools was very well thought out. They generally had quite flowing lines which were great to use, as there were no sharp corners to catch yourself with, or get hung up on pipes and suchlike.
Good luck finding the ratchet. With a lot of British socket sets from that era, the ratchets were often the only parts of the set to wear out. If I encounter a set with a missing ratchet I tend to advise replacing the ratchet with a MAC one. (Conventional not ‘axis’) The styling of the MAC is very generic, they’re nicely made, and the chrome finish is superb!
Stahlwille sockets and accessories (particularly extensions) are similar in style to the Bedford, though the finish is satin, so no good for making up a set!
Given that list of employers I know, to within a few miles, where you are! Elliott’s stuff was first class. If I work on it I’m reminded how good the British aerospace component industry was in that era (and still is to be fair). Need to source a pair of Elliott fuel flow gauges, and a fuel flow amp, for a project..
RRA531Man
Member
Hi Dave455,
Good spot from the employers, I didn't want to be blatant and wondered if anyone would make the connections.
I could have added that my Grandfather moved East with his young family from Hampshire to work as a toolmaker for Short's on seaplanes, Pobjoys and then also into the Dockyard, but that would have made it too easy.
Sorry I can't help with the Elliott fuel flow project, no connection nor info. there. Good luck and thanks for the info. on ratchet handles if I cannot find my Dad's one.
Regards, Robin.
Good spot from the employers, I didn't want to be blatant and wondered if anyone would make the connections.
I could have added that my Grandfather moved East with his young family from Hampshire to work as a toolmaker for Short's on seaplanes, Pobjoys and then also into the Dockyard, but that would have made it too easy.
Sorry I can't help with the Elliott fuel flow project, no connection nor info. there. Good luck and thanks for the info. on ratchet handles if I cannot find my Dad's one.
Regards, Robin.
Sounds like your Grandfather had quite a career!
I have seen, but don’t own, some Bedford tools that appear to be an ‘aerospace’ grade. Obviously made of a different material, presumably to meet the torque/wall strength of the demanding SBAC TS48. These seem to be quite rare!
Time for a picture. This is a regular Bedford set from, I think, the early 70’s. Not as comprehensive as your Dad’s, but in the orange box.
Didn’t think I’d get my fuel flow gauges here! Always worth a mention!
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RRA531Man
Member
His Bedford/S+J dual designated socket set.
Did I say my Dad was a welding engineer/instructor in the dockyard? Hence the modified deep access socket, which is Britool.
His outside love though was woodwork, so there is wood dust and shavings in the tool case.
Did I say my Dad was a welding engineer/instructor in the dockyard? Hence the modified deep access socket, which is Britool.
His outside love though was woodwork, so there is wood dust and shavings in the tool case.
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MBfreak
MEMBER EMERITUS
Hi.
I sometimes try to work on small mechanical stuff like simple watches, mechanical speedos and rpm metersand the like.
I have some small tools made in England, absolutely wonderful quality.
I THINK they are from the 1950`s
Ola
I sometimes try to work on small mechanical stuff like simple watches, mechanical speedos and rpm metersand the like.
I have some small tools made in England, absolutely wonderful quality.
I THINK they are from the 1950`s
Ola
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Yes, Eclipse are fairly well known in the U.K.
They were originally a hacksaw blade maker, then they got into saw frames, then all manner of small engineers tools. Some of their tap wrench patterns are unique, and the quality was first class.
I have the same hand vice as yourself. I don’t use it often, but when I need it, nothing else will do. In fact, you have shamed me into cleaning it up!
I think you’re probably about right on date. Could have been later, I’m guessing up till 70’s, but hard to say as the patterns remained unchanged for so long.
Eclipse still exist, and still make decent hacksaw blades and frames, and some of the engineers tools, such as the pin vices shown. Quality of some is o.k. but some, such as tap wrenches, are a poor imitation of what went before. It’s the usual problem of the people in charge not knowing anything about their own tools.
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RRA531Man
Member
Hi Ola, MBfreak,
I too fiddle with watches.
Some Swiss, Japanese, but now have a fondness for Smiths (Cheltenham made).
These latter I have mostly sorted by a professional watch repairer, whose father was a toolmaker for Smiths.
I've met him too.
I also 'do' bicycles, classic cars and British motorcycles when the need and opportunity arises, if I'm not doing house maintenance.
Who has spare time?
Regards,
Robin
RRA531Man.
I too fiddle with watches.
Some Swiss, Japanese, but now have a fondness for Smiths (Cheltenham made).
These latter I have mostly sorted by a professional watch repairer, whose father was a toolmaker for Smiths.
I've met him too.
I also 'do' bicycles, classic cars and British motorcycles when the need and opportunity arises, if I'm not doing house maintenance.
Who has spare time?
Regards,
Robin
RRA531Man.
RRA531Man
Member
Hi Dave455,
arrived today,
V. Old ratchet handle.
Difficult to read clearly, but I think (hope) it is an early Bedford, stamped BEDFORDS (slightly smaller S), SHEFFIELD, ENGD (slightly smaller D)
Does this fit any marking pattern of their's you know of?
I have found some adverts and listing where 'Bedfords' appears in their naming, but no tool actual images.
I'll contact another time re. Smiths watches, it is too late to start now.
Regards,
Robin.
arrived today,
V. Old ratchet handle.
Difficult to read clearly, but I think (hope) it is an early Bedford, stamped BEDFORDS (slightly smaller S), SHEFFIELD, ENGD (slightly smaller D)
Does this fit any marking pattern of their's you know of?
I have found some adverts and listing where 'Bedfords' appears in their naming, but no tool actual images.
I'll contact another time re. Smiths watches, it is too late to start now.
Regards,
Robin.
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Yes, definitely an old Bedford!
If it’s a 3/8 drive, which I think it is, then I have seen another like it.
Bedford made a surprisingly large variety of ratchets, especially in 1/2 inch drive.
In 3/8 drive I have seen others like yours (which I seem to remember has fairly coarse teeth), and a version of a more modern design, which I have seen with both steel and a hard plastic handle.
I have seen very similar ratchets to yours by Picador, so whether Bedford made these themselves, or had them made, I couldn’t say.
I think yours dates from the 1960’s, but only because I don’t recall ever seeing that style new in the 70’s. I could be wrong...!
dutchgray
Well-known member
Got a couple of Eddies modern Smiths myself, but none of the originals.
RRA531Man
Member
Hi Dave455,
It is a 1/2 " drive. And yes it is quite a coarse ratchet, but a lovely positive click.
I suspected it was an outsourced handle as the branding is stamped before chroming rather than cast into the handle end recess.
And here are a few of my Smiths that came readily to hand.
My W10 isn't as tidy as yours, but they have become more expensive than I can justify.
Regards,
Robin.
It is a 1/2 " drive. And yes it is quite a coarse ratchet, but a lovely positive click.
I suspected it was an outsourced handle as the branding is stamped before chroming rather than cast into the handle end recess.
And here are a few of my Smiths that came readily to hand.
My W10 isn't as tidy as yours, but they have become more expensive than I can justify.
Regards,
Robin.
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Very nice collection!
The W10 belonged to my Father. He bought it in the early ‘70’s when his IWC needed a service, but ended up wearing it a lot. It’s still in good shape. I’ve done nothing more than have it serviced and change the strap.
The 60466E movement was probably the best movement Smiths ever produced. It featured a number of improvements on previous movements, (and they were no rubbish, being basically Cricklewood produced Le Coultre movements) so was very accurate, but was designed from the start for military use, so was far more rugged than any Jaeger!
Unfortunately, Smiths advertising and marketing was atrocious. Much like the British bike industry, they consistently underestimated their customers.
Being primarily an aircraft instrument maker, Smiths had a heritage, as well as technical abilities, that many reincarnated Swiss companies can only dream of. But despite being able to produce a watch as good as the W10, they persisted in emphasising the ‘value’ of their watches in a world that was buying Rolex and Omega.
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dutchgray
Well-known member
I know I should have bought a W10 a decade ago when I was still buying watches, I gave them up, tools are cheaper, I had a contact then who would have found me one if I had wanted. I did get to try on his Milsub though once.
I do own Jaeger Le Coultre master ultra thin, which is a tiny little thing of beauty, but sensibly bought it used.
I do own Jaeger Le Coultre master ultra thin, which is a tiny little thing of beauty, but sensibly bought it used.
I can’t believe the way prices shot up. I can remember seeing W10’s used for about £200, not that many years ago.
In all honesty, I think they were very undervalued then, for the quality, so maybe they’re finding their natural level now.
I envy your Jaeger. I have a soft spot for them, but I don’t think they’re good new right now, and the customer service is appalling, so used is the only sensible way to get one.
Don’t give up on buying watches if you see something you like. You don’t have to spend mega money. I suspect that the watches that will rocket up in value in years to come are the ‘tool’ watches of today!
Hi, I worked at John Bedford (Mowbray St) Sheffield 1971-3. The spanner works were a couple of miles away on Bernard Road.
We produced brick bolsters, cold chisels, hammers, punches and files. The cold chisels were quenched in Whale oil, the hammers in water.
I purchased (at discount) sockets, miniature ring spanners and torque wrenches (all sent over from Bernard Road) the torque wrenches were bought in from some other maker; they had a black plastic end-cap which turned to adjust the settings and were labeled Bedford but also had the SJ logo.
I also acquired (second hand) during the mid 70s a big set of Britool sockets, these are excellent and when struck have a unique "ring" to them.
We produced brick bolsters, cold chisels, hammers, punches and files. The cold chisels were quenched in Whale oil, the hammers in water.
I purchased (at discount) sockets, miniature ring spanners and torque wrenches (all sent over from Bernard Road) the torque wrenches were bought in from some other maker; they had a black plastic end-cap which turned to adjust the settings and were labeled Bedford but also had the SJ logo.
I also acquired (second hand) during the mid 70s a big set of Britool sockets, these are excellent and when struck have a unique "ring" to them.
That’s fascinating stuff!
I didn’t know what was produced where. I wasn’t even sure that Bedford made their own hammers in house, but you have answered that most conclusively
First hand knowledge such as yours is absolutely invaluable. Are you able to post any pictures of the tools?
Back then, Bedford tools were sold in Halfords. Hard to imagine now! I still have a 1/2” drive Sliding T, Extension, and 3/4 A/F socket that my Dad bought in that era to use as a wheel brace.
The miniature spanners were beautiful. A notch up on the Britool, especially in the smaller sizes. I have a couple of sets.
I'll post up a photo in a day or so, I don't know whether I've got any of their hammers. I remember the ball pein, and I think the club type, but hazy on others. I never visited the spanner works. The building is still there, Mowbray street/Ball street.
I remember that despite making quality tools, the marketing and presentation was poor (most Sheffield makers). When I was an apprentice coach builder around 1967, my firm's order for a set of Sheffield woodworking tools took 6 weeks to arrive and were either in plain cardboard boxes or in brown paper.
Bedford made a wide range of punches and cold chisels although some types had been discontinued when I was there. One was a large chisel but with a cranked end in the shape of a wood chisel, one of the most useful tools I've had, also some had diamond shaped ends.
I used to pass through the file cutting shop on route to the entrance, and I watched them preparing the base for a new (or used) cutting machine. Two wiry looking irishman dug out a square hole 5-6ft deep presumably to be filled with concrete, the vibration of these machines was intense, the noise like like a miniature kango but much faster! Mostly women operated the machines, the grinding of tools nearly all men.
I operated a big file-grinding machine set up for brick bolsters. It had about a 3ft diam. by 20 in wide encased wheel, and a very heavy steel tray (with water and green fluid) loaded with the work which ran two and fro under the wheel, so the actual grinding was submerged.
The chap who did the hardening and tempering of the hammers/chisels/punches was Czechoslovakian, probably a refugee from the uprising.
I remember that despite making quality tools, the marketing and presentation was poor (most Sheffield makers). When I was an apprentice coach builder around 1967, my firm's order for a set of Sheffield woodworking tools took 6 weeks to arrive and were either in plain cardboard boxes or in brown paper.
Bedford made a wide range of punches and cold chisels although some types had been discontinued when I was there. One was a large chisel but with a cranked end in the shape of a wood chisel, one of the most useful tools I've had, also some had diamond shaped ends.
I used to pass through the file cutting shop on route to the entrance, and I watched them preparing the base for a new (or used) cutting machine. Two wiry looking irishman dug out a square hole 5-6ft deep presumably to be filled with concrete, the vibration of these machines was intense, the noise like like a miniature kango but much faster! Mostly women operated the machines, the grinding of tools nearly all men.
I operated a big file-grinding machine set up for brick bolsters. It had about a 3ft diam. by 20 in wide encased wheel, and a very heavy steel tray (with water and green fluid) loaded with the work which ran two and fro under the wheel, so the actual grinding was submerged.
The chap who did the hardening and tempering of the hammers/chisels/punches was Czechoslovakian, probably a refugee from the uprising.
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Sorry for delay; here are some pics of some Bedford small spanners I bought around 1966, two being 10 BA and 1/8" AF.
Some sockets I bought second-hand around 1974, large Bedford chisels/punches and a ring spanner, two Britool and one Gordon.
Some sockets I bought second-hand around 1974, large Bedford chisels/punches and a ring spanner, two Britool and one Gordon.
four.cycle
Well-known member
Thanks for starting the thread, Dave455.
If any of you gentlemen are feeling overwhelmed by feelings of altruism, I have some holes in need of filling.
Below is what I've been able to cobble together thus far. Any additional information you might be able to provide will be greatly appreciated.
I am confused about the "Abingdon / King ****" relationship. Were/are they one and the same company? Or did they at some point in time exist as separate entities?
I am flummoxed by "Eclipse", because of the number of different products branded "Eclipse" which from visual comparisons were obviously not all made by the same company. Any clarification you might be able to provide on the British "Eclipse" brand would be appreciated.
I did not find any mention of "Thorex" on the Thor hammer site. Is that a moniker they used at some point? Are the tools actually branded with that name? Was there a "Thorex" logo?
Thanks very much.
The complete list (such as it is) is posted on the site HERE: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=478206
This is just a small snip - a work in progress - of "England" listings:
Abingdon / Abingdon Ecco Ltd. / (England) / Wrench /
Ambrose Shardlow / (England) / Ambrose Shardlow & Co., Ltd. / patent GB 217097 Jun 12 1924 Alfred Harry Farham /
Accles / (England) /
Armstrong Stevens / (England) / Armstrong, Stevens & Son Ltd., Willenhall, Staffordshire / patent GB 217097 Jun 12 1924 Alfred Harry Farham /
Bedford / (England) / http://www.bedfordsteels.co.uk/history.php / acquired by Spear & Jackson 1972 /
Brenco / (England) /
Britool / (England) / British Tool & Engineering Co. / acquired by Facom / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/british-tool-manufacturers.197480/page-4#post-8454281 /
Deltec / (England) / Deltec Industries, Unit 8, Wyrefields, Poulton Industrial Estate, Poulton, Lancashire / https://www.deltecindustries.co.uk/ / est. 1979 /
Eclipse / (England) / (see Spear & Jackson) /
Elliot-Lucas / (England) / Elliot-Lucas Ltd., 38 Summer Rd, Birmingham / "Elect" "Elvicta" / pliers / http://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/2014/05/gripping-tales-elliott-lucas-ltd.html /
Footprint / (Canada) / Footprint Products Ltd., 1700 Courtneypark Drive East, Unit 2, Mississauga, ON L5T 1W1 / http://footprintproducts.com/ / distributors of Footprint Komelon Mag-Lite Smiths /
Footprint / (England) / Footprint Tools / est. 1875 / closed 2009 (?) /
Garrington / (England) / John Garrington & Sons Ltd., Darlaston, Staffordshire / http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers-p2.html#garringtons / http://www.historywebsite.co.uk/articles/Darlaston/Garringtons.htm /
Gordon / (England) / Gordon Tools Ltd., Assam Works, Rockingham St., Sheffield / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/gordon-tools-sheffield-england.385513/ /
Hughes-Johnson / (England) / Hughes-Johnson Stampings, Ltd. / patent GB 217097 Jun 12 1924 Alfred Harry Farham /
Leytool / (England) / Leytonstone Jig & Tool Co., Leyton Works, High Road, Leyton, London /
Maun / (England) / Maun Industries Ltd., Hamilton Road, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire / https://www.maunindustries.com/ / pliers / est. 1944 /
Neill / (England) / Neill Tools Ltd., /
Polock / (England) /
Priory / (England) / punches and chisels /
Smith / (England) / Thomas Smith & Sons Ltd. of Saltley, Saltley Mill, Birmingham / "Snail" brand tools / http://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/2013/03/vanished-makes-snail-brand-tools.html /
Snail / (Snail brand see Smith, Thomas & Sons Ltd.) /
Spear & Jackson / (England) / Spear & Jackson UK Ltd., Atlas Way, Atlas North, Sheffield / Spear & Jackson, Eclipse / https://www.spear-and-jackson.com/ /
Swinborne / (England) / Swinborne, Braintree, Essex /
Thor / (England) / Thor Hammer Co. Ltd., Highlands Road, Shirley, West Midlands / https://www.thorhammer.com/ / hammers /
Tipco / (see Tipping) /
Tipping / (England) / C.R. Tipping & Co. Ltd., Lowfields Road, Leeds / "Tipco" /
Tyers / W. Tyers & Co. (England) / wrench set / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/the-tiny-tools-thread.347764/page-4#post-9287100 /
Visa / (England) / Visa Tools Ltd., Gibson House, Barrowby Lane, Garforth, Leeds / https://www.visatools.co.uk/ /
Williams / T. Williams / (England) / "Superslim" / http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers-p3.html#t-williams /
Wynn Timmins / Wynn Timmins & Co., Ltd., Commercial St., Birmingham, England / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...and-by-wynn-timmins-adjustable-wrench.483711/ /
last edited: 11/08/21 11:32 PST
If any of you gentlemen are feeling overwhelmed by feelings of altruism, I have some holes in need of filling.
Below is what I've been able to cobble together thus far. Any additional information you might be able to provide will be greatly appreciated.
I am confused about the "Abingdon / King ****" relationship. Were/are they one and the same company? Or did they at some point in time exist as separate entities?
I am flummoxed by "Eclipse", because of the number of different products branded "Eclipse" which from visual comparisons were obviously not all made by the same company. Any clarification you might be able to provide on the British "Eclipse" brand would be appreciated.
I did not find any mention of "Thorex" on the Thor hammer site. Is that a moniker they used at some point? Are the tools actually branded with that name? Was there a "Thorex" logo?
Thanks very much.
The complete list (such as it is) is posted on the site HERE: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=478206
This is just a small snip - a work in progress - of "England" listings:
Abingdon / Abingdon Ecco Ltd. / (England) / Wrench /
Ambrose Shardlow / (England) / Ambrose Shardlow & Co., Ltd. / patent GB 217097 Jun 12 1924 Alfred Harry Farham /
Accles / (England) /
Armstrong Stevens / (England) / Armstrong, Stevens & Son Ltd., Willenhall, Staffordshire / patent GB 217097 Jun 12 1924 Alfred Harry Farham /
Bedford / (England) / http://www.bedfordsteels.co.uk/history.php / acquired by Spear & Jackson 1972 /
Brenco / (England) /
Britool / (England) / British Tool & Engineering Co. / acquired by Facom / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/british-tool-manufacturers.197480/page-4#post-8454281 /
Deltec / (England) / Deltec Industries, Unit 8, Wyrefields, Poulton Industrial Estate, Poulton, Lancashire / https://www.deltecindustries.co.uk/ / est. 1979 /
Eclipse / (England) / (see Spear & Jackson) /
Elliot-Lucas / (England) / Elliot-Lucas Ltd., 38 Summer Rd, Birmingham / "Elect" "Elvicta" / pliers / http://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/2014/05/gripping-tales-elliott-lucas-ltd.html /
Footprint / (Canada) / Footprint Products Ltd., 1700 Courtneypark Drive East, Unit 2, Mississauga, ON L5T 1W1 / http://footprintproducts.com/ / distributors of Footprint Komelon Mag-Lite Smiths /
Footprint / (England) / Footprint Tools / est. 1875 / closed 2009 (?) /
Garrington / (England) / John Garrington & Sons Ltd., Darlaston, Staffordshire / http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers-p2.html#garringtons / http://www.historywebsite.co.uk/articles/Darlaston/Garringtons.htm /
Gordon / (England) / Gordon Tools Ltd., Assam Works, Rockingham St., Sheffield / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/gordon-tools-sheffield-england.385513/ /
Hughes-Johnson / (England) / Hughes-Johnson Stampings, Ltd. / patent GB 217097 Jun 12 1924 Alfred Harry Farham /
Leytool / (England) / Leytonstone Jig & Tool Co., Leyton Works, High Road, Leyton, London /
Maun / (England) / Maun Industries Ltd., Hamilton Road, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire / https://www.maunindustries.com/ / pliers / est. 1944 /
Neill / (England) / Neill Tools Ltd., /
Polock / (England) /
Priory / (England) / punches and chisels /
Smith / (England) / Thomas Smith & Sons Ltd. of Saltley, Saltley Mill, Birmingham / "Snail" brand tools / http://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/2013/03/vanished-makes-snail-brand-tools.html /
Snail / (Snail brand see Smith, Thomas & Sons Ltd.) /
Spear & Jackson / (England) / Spear & Jackson UK Ltd., Atlas Way, Atlas North, Sheffield / Spear & Jackson, Eclipse / https://www.spear-and-jackson.com/ /
Swinborne / (England) / Swinborne, Braintree, Essex /
Thor / (England) / Thor Hammer Co. Ltd., Highlands Road, Shirley, West Midlands / https://www.thorhammer.com/ / hammers /
Tipco / (see Tipping) /
Tipping / (England) / C.R. Tipping & Co. Ltd., Lowfields Road, Leeds / "Tipco" /
Tyers / W. Tyers & Co. (England) / wrench set / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/the-tiny-tools-thread.347764/page-4#post-9287100 /
Visa / (England) / Visa Tools Ltd., Gibson House, Barrowby Lane, Garforth, Leeds / https://www.visatools.co.uk/ /
Williams / T. Williams / (England) / "Superslim" / http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers-p3.html#t-williams /
Wynn Timmins / Wynn Timmins & Co., Ltd., Commercial St., Birmingham, England / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...and-by-wynn-timmins-adjustable-wrench.483711/ /
last edited: 11/08/21 11:32 PST
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Tony1
Member
From what I know “Abingdon” was the name of the forge that made King **** tools, although I can recall my late father (who worked in the industry up to the early ‘70s) refer to it as “Abingdon King ****”. Either way they are one and the same. The company closed in the late 80s/early 90s and the brand was bought by Smith Francis Tools who remain in existence.
“Eclipse” was part of the James Neil group in the late ‘70s. At that time the brand was attached to magnets, punches and a variety of metal cutting blades. Their range seemed to have contracted by that time as I have some tools (a pad saw and a “Shettak” sheet saw which were made earlier.
Hope this helps.
“Eclipse” was part of the James Neil group in the late ‘70s. At that time the brand was attached to magnets, punches and a variety of metal cutting blades. Their range seemed to have contracted by that time as I have some tools (a pad saw and a “Shettak” sheet saw which were made earlier.
Hope this helps.
Tony1
Member
A couple missing from your list:
“Woden” - manufacturers of vices based in Wednesbury; taken over by “Record” (based I think in Sheffield) who made vices, clamps, & wrenches in the mid ‘50s.
“Woden” - manufacturers of vices based in Wednesbury; taken over by “Record” (based I think in Sheffield) who made vices, clamps, & wrenches in the mid ‘50s.
King **** were originally the Abingdon Engineering Company.
They were a Victorian firm, and did all manner of things.
”King ****” was, I believe, the owners pet bulldog, and the name was chosen for the companies range of hand tools. They continued to make all sorts of things though, and I think were suppliers to the motor trade between the wars.
After the war, hand tools accounted for most of their production so the company name was changed to Abingdon King ****.