Show your Indestro and Duro-Chrome tools

[Catfishdan]

I know very little about Duro-Chrome, but this struck me as interesting. Two ratchets I have, both with the same handle and patent number, but different heads. One is 1/4" drive male with 1/4" female on the reverse side and plain steel. The other is 3/8" female, but still has a selector switch and looks like cad plating. The 1/4" is model no. 4487 and the 3/8" has no model no.
Any ideas on what's going on here?





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[d42jeep]

I know very little about Duro-Chrome, but this struck me as interesting. Two ratchets I have, both with the same handle and patent number, but different heads. One is 1/4" drive male with 1/4" female on the reverse side and plain steel. The other is 3/8" female, but still has a selector switch and looks like cad plating. The 1/4" is model no. 4487 and the 3/8" has no model no.
Any ideas on what's going on here?





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Dan,
Both ratchets are likely wartime. Duro used both finishes during the war and made both drive sizes using the same handles. Some came with removable plugs like your example. Indestro did the same thing but with a different style handle. Here are a 3/8” drive set and a 1/4” drive set.
-Don

 

[Catfishdan]

Dan,
Both ratchets are likely wartime. Duro used both finishes during the war and made both drive sizes using the same handles. Some came with removable plugs like your example. Indestro did the same thing but with a different style handle. Here are a 3/8” drive set and a 1/4” drive set.
-Don

Thanks Don. That makes sense. That's why the 1/4" seems too big and the 3/8" seems too small.

 

[four.cycle]

They not only used the same body on those for both the 1/4" and 3/8" drive, but Indestro used the same part number on both the 1/4" drive "Midget" and 3/8" drive "Cub" ratchet: 2888.

I suppose that worked back in the day when purchase orders were all hand-written and notations could be made in the margins.

There's another thread here with photos of the various iterations of that "pressed flange" ratchet (built under patent 1902878) HERE:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36699

 

[DD T/A]

but Indestro used the same part number on both the 1/4" drive "Midget" and 3/8" drive "Cub" ratchet: 2888.

That is just ridiculous.

 

[four.cycle]

^ It's also a cause of some confusion, for obvious reasons.

In order to preserve continuity here, I'm not going to delete those previous posts.
I am taking the liberty of re-posting the same set again because the previous photos lacked any definition on the detail. This set of photos more clearly shows the detail, in particular the part number stamped on the ratchet.

This is a repeat of post # 639, but with new photos:

Indestro model 7602 1/4" drive SAE set

(* The red box, as I noted somewhere else, dates back to the mid-late 1950s. Prior to that the 1/4" drive sets were packed in a blue box (as shown in the 1948 catalog No. 16.)

(* This set contains the "unobtainium" 2889 reversible 1/4" male drive pressed-flange chromed ratchet with knurled round handle - a miniature version of the 1/2" drive 3201 (both built under patent number 1902878.) The set is missing the spinner (which in this case would have been the early clear yellow-handled model 2873.)

(* Note that the 3/16" chromed socket is stamped "D I", belying the myth that all Duro / Indestro product stamped "D I" was wartime vintage. *)

(* I had previously thought this set contained the wrong ratchet, but after finding a copy of a 1958 Shapleigh Hardware Co. catalog listing for the 7602 set containing this style ratchet, I believe the ratchet is actually original to the set. There does exist, however, the question as to why it would not have contained the later 2875 round-head-fine-tooth model, which was shown in an early 1950s catalog (Indestro catalog No. 20) being touted as "new", having been patented August 17, 1954. *)

(* Note that (what is believed to be) the 1959 Indestro catalog No. 22 shows the model 7602 set containing the 2875 RHFT ratchet (patent 2686582 *)

Indestro 7602 1/4" drive SAE socket set 02 01 by four.cycle, on Flickr

Indestro 7602 1/4" drive SAE socket set 02 02 by four.cycle, on Flickr

Indestro 2889 1/4" drive reversible pressed flange ratchet (pat 1902878)(late) 01 by four.cycle, on Flickr

Indestro 2889 1/4" drive reversible pressed flange ratchet (pat 1902878)(late) 02 by four.cycle, on Flickr

 

[four.cycle]

Indestro model 350 "Vest Pocket" 8-pc 1/4" hex drive SAE socket set with metal holder (patent 2065340)

(* This is another copy of the earliest version of this set, in which the "ell" handle is stamped "Pat. Pend." While it does contain the correct assortment of sockets, it appears the previous owner needed a bit more clearance on an 11/32" nut. See also post #648 below for visual comparisons to later 350 sets. * )

Indestro 350 'Vest Pocket' 8-piece 1/4" drive SAE socket set (early Pat Pend)(pat 2065340) 01 by four.cycle, on Flickr

Indestro 350 'Vest Pocket' 8-pc 1/4" drive SAE socket set (early Pat Pend)(pat 2065340) 02 by four.cycle, on Flickr

 

[four.cycle]

Indestro 350 "Vest Pocket" 8-pc 1/4" hex drive SAE socket set with holder (Patent 2065340)

The top one is the earliest version - the "ell" handle is stamped "Pat Pend"
The lower one is a later version - the "ell" handle has the patent number stamped on it.
Versions made later had both the part number and patent number, as well as Indestro's name, stamped on the bottom of the stamped steel holder. (see set at bottom)

At the bottom is the third (and last) iteration of the Indestro 350 "Vest Pocket" set, having no markings on the "ell" handle, but both the Indestro name and patent number stamped on the bottom of the holder.

(* Note that the earlier (upper) set does not contain the correct assortment of sockets *)

(* Note that the 1948 catalog snip shows a different patent number - 2065341 - which was essentially the same design but with the retaining tabs reversed. I have yet to be able to find a copy with that patent number. Oddly, the 1948 catalog illustration shows a holder identical to both those shown here. *)

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Whitworth indestro set

 

[four.cycle]

^ that socket tray and the ratchet looks more Dunlap-ish.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

The El Handle Says indestro, But Nothing Else Is labeled

 

[four.cycle]

^ that would be the "ell" handle out of a model 350 "Vest Pocket" set like I posted just above.
That ratchet, though, looks more like Dunlap to me. Check photos posted by d42jeep in the "1/4" socket set" thread I just started yesterday and do a visual comparison. That side-by-side tray also looks Dunlap-ish.
Only Dunlap I own is an old Moore Drop Forge made open-end wrench set - but I believe d42jeep has a couple of their socket sets.

A couple examples from a quick ebay search:

 

[four.cycle]

that last Whitworth set - more images from that ebay listing:





I'm thinking Dunlap.
Skinnier shank on the ratchet than the Indestro 1308 (or Duro Chrome 673) (see post below)
Three rivets holding both examples together - matches yours.
Only difference I'm seeing is that the ebay example is stamped with maker's name and yours is a no-name version (which doesn't come as any surprise.)

 

[four.cycle]

Indestro 1452-K (partial) 1/2" hex drive SAE socket set

(* Set is incomplete - missing all of the 1/4" hex drive sockets and "ell" handle. *)
(* The laminated ratchet is a model 1308 Indestro - equivalent to the model 673 Duro Chrome. *)
(* The 1452-K set would contain the same tools as the 1452, but was supplied in a vinyl pouch instead of the stamped steel holder. See catalog snips below. *)

Indestro 1452-K (partial) 1/2" hex drive SAE socket set 01 by four.cycle, on Flickr

 

[Oldtuleguy]

So unmarked dunlap with indestro ell handle? Seems likely given the ebay evidence....

 

[four.cycle]

yeah.. that's what it looks like.

if it's any consolation, I need one of those "ell" handles for a set that's missing it.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Dunlap, indestro, it's a cool set either way!

 

[four.cycle]

Nothin' wrong with Dunlap. It was Sears "second" line the sold as a price-point line alongside Craftsman. I have a set of open-end wrenches - made by Moore Drop Forge. No idea who made those socket sets.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Maybe indestro

 

[four.cycle]

not a clue!

 

[Visey]

I just dredged up this little Indestro box, unfortunately it is empty.

 

[four.cycle]

Well, I've definitely got stuff to fill it up if you ever decide to part with it!

 

[d42jeep]

I didn’t have Indestro so I put mostly Duro-Chrome in mine. I’m sure that BK could make a complete set in yours.
-Don

 

[Mr. T]

Here’s my torque wrench, with original packaging.





Still using it btw.

 

[Odes]

I won this on eBay I bid on it on a Does anybody know what it is? I’m thinking preset torque wrench maybe the seller said it has
Manzel #7345 on the handle I tried looking it up but no luck


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[four.cycle]

Well... that's certainly an interesting twist.
Looks like you've got the drive head of an Indestro model 2889 1/4" female drive pressed-flange ratchet affixed to the business end of some sort of "clicker" type torque wrench.



The only thing I got from a Google search for "Manzel 7345" was this Manzel model 7345L wrench for adjusting Ford automatic transmissions.

 

[twertsy]

Looks like Manzel started in Buffalo ca. 1939 and moved to MI ca. 1957. The particularly specialized in specialty tools for Fords. At least in the early '50's, they were sold by Cornwell dealers. Not a whole hell of a lot of info out there on the company.

I believe the name of the company was actually Manzel Brothers Co. By 1956 they are a subsidiary of Houdaille Industries.

By the way, I stumbled on this post whilst doing research........what a great overview of Ford tool markings: http://pvmafc.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=6577

 

[Odes]

Thanks for the info. I had to buy it just to see what it was that showed up


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[Username already in use]

Cross post some wartime (X) SUPER-QUALITY DBE goodness from the 'show your DBEs' thread.

 

[d42jeep]

Here are the Indestro short metric wrenches from my user toolbox.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

Quite some time back, I was given one of these unmarked 1/2” drive Ell handles. It wasn’t until later on that I saw the image below from a Duro catalog and realized the Ell must have been made by Duro.
-Don

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I see what you mean. Has that pinch like the one in that catalog.

 

[bonneyman]

Quite some time back, I was given one of these unmarked 1/2” drive Ell handles. It wasn’t until later on that I saw the image below from a Duro catalog and realized the Ell must have been made by Duro.
-Don

I found a Craftsman L like that - don't have a clue what I'm going to do with it.

 

[d42jeep]

I found a Craftsman L like that - don't have a clue what I'm going to do with it.

My suggestion is to list it on eBay. That's what I've done with the ones I've found and they usually go for more than I expect. Don't ask me why.
-Don

 

[four.cycle]

^ yeah... they're collector items. particularly the ones marked " =CRAFTSMAN= " (with the pointy "A") - they go for nutty prices on Ebay.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Does not seem like a tool thats used much anymore

 

[Glen Vassallo]

A wrench that I found recently.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I found a Craftsman L like that -

My suggestion is to list it on eBay.

^ yeah... they're collector items.

Good to know. I've never seen a Craftsman of that type in the wild. I've had the older, fat shank Craftsman BE and (H) Ell handles, from the 30's, with only the short Ell end having the drive stud. I'm guessing they went to the sleeker double end in 1941. It was a GTMK staple.

Does not seem like a tool thats used much anymore

They disappeared in the mid to late 50's. Oddly, some modern European tool systems still have them or the same concept.

There's a pretty good thread on the subject by type with lots of different brand examples on the General Discussion forum, linked here.

 

[RagTopTA]

I found a Hinsdale set that I think has that same L handle, I will look tonight. Also I bought a set of older craftsman 1/2 drv deep sockets that only came with an L handle in the case with the.I shall check it out as well.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

As I talked about in the Ell handle thread I linked above, the term L- or Ell-handle is a little limiting, imo, for the double-ended jobbies, since they could function upright, like a T handle (or a half-T handle, if you will) and the other way, laterally, with the short end doing the work, like a true L handle that has an actual knurled handle.

Speaking of Hinsdale, they and Duro were the only two mfgrs I know of who made a really cool version, with a sheath-like handle that pivoted from one shank to the other in T or L position. I would love to find one of those kind in the wild.