3baygarage
Well-known member
Pretty cool
The Ancient and Independent Order of Oddfellows (Adjustables, that is...)
- Thread starter Private Lugnutz
- Start date
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Nice thread Lugz, and some incredible finds! I'll have to get some pics together!
Last edited:
Provincial
Well-known member
Sunday I chanced upon an interesting quick-adjusting pipe wrench. It is made by the WINNER TOOL CO. PUYALLUP, WASH. For a while, I thought it might be unique, but I now see that HeelSpur showed one in post #27. 
Mine is in quite good shape, including what looks like original red paint in the recessed part of the handle. It is very easy to adjust. You just push the grooved part of the movable jaw toward the handle to disengage the teeth and slide it to the desired position. I haven't tried it yet, but suspect the hook on the movable jaw is to unjam the works after it has been stressed.
I saw that it was made in the Northwest, and wanted it. The same vendor had a Model T era spotlight that would be interesting to a friend of mine, and I was able to negotiate a price for the two that was very affordable.
Mine is in quite good shape, including what looks like original red paint in the recessed part of the handle. It is very easy to adjust. You just push the grooved part of the movable jaw toward the handle to disengage the teeth and slide it to the desired position. I haven't tried it yet, but suspect the hook on the movable jaw is to unjam the works after it has been stressed.
I saw that it was made in the Northwest, and wanted it. The same vendor had a Model T era spotlight that would be interesting to a friend of mine, and I was able to negotiate a price for the two that was very affordable.
Attachments
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Your intuition is correct. According to the patent (W.T. Long, 1,540,642, 1925), that is the release. Apparently there is quite a strong, curved spring inside the wedge-adjust housing. Nice regional find, and thanks for posting, because in moving on from HeelSpur's flurry of contributions, we never did examine that one further.
Winner also made a lever-adjust plier-wrench, also patented (1,408,524) by Mr. Long, in 1922.Provincial said:
Where does it hook on the car? Before you give it to him, please post a photo on the 'Paraphernalia' thread.Provincial said:
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I snagged this tiny Baxter Patent at the flea market this morning. I'm going to keep it with Big Brother on my 1899 Metal Worker article display panel for now. More on these unusual adjustables and a link to even further reading in post #1.
Attachments
3baygarage
Well-known member
Nice find. It even says Baxter on it. Being a small one, even more unique.
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Yessir!
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I found an Imperial Angle wrench today; my second as it turns out...
I went digging through some of the weird examples of wrenches I have to find the first one (almost by accident, it was buried ) and this one is apparently a later version Any Angle, and this one has the name, Patent, AND Lima O. instead of Bloomington Ill.
The design changed quite a bit while retaining the essentials of the concept:
Some of the others ferreted out while digging:
I went digging through some of the weird examples of wrenches I have to find the first one (almost by accident, it was buried ) and this one is apparently a later version Any Angle, and this one has the name, Patent, AND Lima O. instead of Bloomington Ill.
The design changed quite a bit while retaining the essentials of the concept:
Some of the others ferreted out while digging:
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Nice find, Outlaw. What's the wrench third from the bottom (the only one facing to the right)?
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I wish I knew. Not a single mark on it...
four.cycle
Well-known member
Private Lugnutz -
I am a bit dismayed that I am only discovering the existence of this thread a year and a half late.
However, had I known of it earlier, I would most likely not have recognized the examples in your first few posts, nor would I have understood their significance in the larger picture.
The reason I took upon myself the task of creating "the list" was because during my middle-of-the-night Ebay searches, I was coming across names of manufacturers I'd never heard of before, every one of which would send me down yet another rabbit hole, looking for the "who when where" part of the story.
Your allegorical statement at the front end of this thread is most certainly not lost on me.
Just as those who tried to "invent a better mousetrap", enterprising men (beginning with Henry King in 1832 - patent 7254X) have been trying to come up with the "perfect wrench".
As you noted, some of them were quite successful, and their earlier inventions are still with us today - the "Stillson" designed pipe wrench is still ubiquitous and in use by plumbers well into the 21st Century.
Others, notwithstanding the creator's ingenuity, have been relegated to the dustbin of obscurity.
When the "wagon wrench" became the "nut wrench", and then subsequently the "bicycle wrench", the inventors really started getting their pencils sharp.
How can one not admire the genius of the Boos Patent Wrench? Or the Gellman "Polly"? Or any number of oddball creations that except for a small group of obsessed collectors have no significance at all?
Again, part of me wishes I'd known of this thread earlier, and part of me is glad I've only just discovered it and that I've already done the homework on almost all of the examples shown thus far.
As crguy notes, it is the odd and obscure which are really the more fascinating (and garner higher selling prices - if you're in it for the money.)
==
a couple notes:
twertsy's "G in a diamond" example (post #19) was made by the Gendron Iron Wheel Co., 518-540 Superior, Toledo, OH - a bicycle manufacturer - patent 476629 - my example above does not have the "spoke dog".
Your mysterious "SUL" wrench is indeed German, but that one was one of those four-o'clock-in-the-morning rabbit holes, and when I finally figured out it was not U.S. made, I closed the browser and abandoned the search.
Outlawmws' open-screw bicycle wrench above might be British made. Possibly Abingdon / King ****. I see them now and then on Ebay but it's not ringing any bells right now.
BK
I am a bit dismayed that I am only discovering the existence of this thread a year and a half late.
However, had I known of it earlier, I would most likely not have recognized the examples in your first few posts, nor would I have understood their significance in the larger picture.
The reason I took upon myself the task of creating "the list" was because during my middle-of-the-night Ebay searches, I was coming across names of manufacturers I'd never heard of before, every one of which would send me down yet another rabbit hole, looking for the "who when where" part of the story.
Your allegorical statement at the front end of this thread is most certainly not lost on me.
Just as those who tried to "invent a better mousetrap", enterprising men (beginning with Henry King in 1832 - patent 7254X) have been trying to come up with the "perfect wrench".
As you noted, some of them were quite successful, and their earlier inventions are still with us today - the "Stillson" designed pipe wrench is still ubiquitous and in use by plumbers well into the 21st Century.
Others, notwithstanding the creator's ingenuity, have been relegated to the dustbin of obscurity.
When the "wagon wrench" became the "nut wrench", and then subsequently the "bicycle wrench", the inventors really started getting their pencils sharp.
How can one not admire the genius of the Boos Patent Wrench? Or the Gellman "Polly"? Or any number of oddball creations that except for a small group of obsessed collectors have no significance at all?
Again, part of me wishes I'd known of this thread earlier, and part of me is glad I've only just discovered it and that I've already done the homework on almost all of the examples shown thus far.
As crguy notes, it is the odd and obscure which are really the more fascinating (and garner higher selling prices - if you're in it for the money.)
==
a couple notes:
twertsy's "G in a diamond" example (post #19) was made by the Gendron Iron Wheel Co., 518-540 Superior, Toledo, OH - a bicycle manufacturer - patent 476629 - my example above does not have the "spoke dog".
Your mysterious "SUL" wrench is indeed German, but that one was one of those four-o'clock-in-the-morning rabbit holes, and when I finally figured out it was not U.S. made, I closed the browser and abandoned the search.
Outlawmws' open-screw bicycle wrench above might be British made. Possibly Abingdon / King ****. I see them now and then on Ebay but it's not ringing any bells right now.
BK
Attachments
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
It's been 7 months since I wrote that, and I'm still not holding my breath, but I am breathing a little easier! If, as my saying goes, "One of anything is just one, two is a pair, but three is a collection," I am now just one "Auto-Grip" wrench away from a collection! Picked up this 10-incher at the flea market this morning.
Attachments
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Maybe #3 will only take 6 months! 
3baygarage
Well-known member
This Walworth pipe wrench resided in the basement at the old house. It was probably my grandfather’s. I can still hear and see my uncle cursing this thing up and down while trying to use it on the basement plumbing when I was a kid.
I snagged it out of there and gave it a light cleaning.
The Ben Watts patent as found on Datamp dates to 1918. There‘s also a reissue of the patent two years later.
I snagged it out of there and gave it a light cleaning.
The Ben Watts patent as found on Datamp dates to 1918. There‘s also a reissue of the patent two years later.
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
That's a nice one. Family heirloom even better! 
BAUER'S PAT. - MAR. 10, 85 - P. D. & CO. PHILA. (Paine, Diehl and Co.) - - 13" two piece handle self adjusting plier type wrench with a pin that fits into one of four holes to change adjusting range. US patent granted Mar. 10, 1885 by John C. Bauer of London, England.
DSCF3821 (2) by wvwheaties, on Flickr
DSCF3820 (2) by wvwheaties, on Flickr
DSCF3821 (2) by wvwheaties, on Flickr
DSCF3820 (2) by wvwheaties, on Flickr
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
That's a neat one, HeelSpur.
QUIXET RAPID RENCH [sic] TRADEMARK - THE S & A MFG. CO. BOSTON - PAT. APL'D FOR - - 7.75" quick adjust rack wrench.
DSCF3823 (2) by wvwheaties, on Flickr
DSCF3825 (2) by wvwheaties, on Flickr
DSCF3823 (2) by wvwheaties, on Flickr
DSCF3825 (2) by wvwheaties, on Flickr
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Another goodie, with a cool logo.
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Picked up this Cochran/SPEEDNUT knockoff at the flea this morning. Branded "INSTANT-GRIP". Made in "WESTERN-GERMANY", which is a less typical version of a West Germany marking, sometime between 1949 and 1990. My hunch is older end of that timeline, probably 50's maybe 60's. Not as vintage as I would like, or most other examples of self-adjusting wrenches on this thread, but I thought it was notable for using the same rack-and-pinion mechanism. No lock button.
Attachments
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I recently sent GJ member bbbarracuda an Armstrong 5/16" square machine wrench for opening and closing the chuck on one of his antique wooden hollow-handled multi-bit tools. I was not expecting anything in return, but he sent me something that probably makes the blind trade a little lop-sided in my favor - a c. 1928 Wade Wrench Company adjustable wrench!
Marked 'WADE WRENCH CO WHITE PIGEON MICH' on the brand side...
...and 'DROP FORGED PAT'D' on the flip side.
Anything from a place with a name as cool as White Pigeon would be an instant snag for me, anyway, but it's even neater that it's an early adjustable (plier or self-adjust type category).
Wade described it in his patent as an easy adjustable wrench designed for gripping wire, small rods, and nuts of various sizes (the capacity is quite large), as well as easy to ratchet (quick release, quick re-grip method). He was very proud of the flush pivot, the ********** style handle action, and the low profile, which I have to admit, with good reason. They are all great features. This wrench is as well-made as it is handsome.
Patent is 1,677,909. See last pic for patent diagram summary I appropriated from DATAMP, and see more info at the DATAMP page linked here.
DATAMP does not provide an explanation for the F-Circle markings at the end of the handle, but I suspect whoever it belongs to was the foundry Wade used.
According to the GJ search engine, the only mention of Wade Wrench Co on GJ is in 4.c's Mfgrs List thread, linked here. Which makes this a FOAK here. So consider my fancy tickled.
I attached a few additional thumbnails below.
Marked 'WADE WRENCH CO WHITE PIGEON MICH' on the brand side...
...and 'DROP FORGED PAT'D' on the flip side.
Anything from a place with a name as cool as White Pigeon would be an instant snag for me, anyway, but it's even neater that it's an early adjustable (plier or self-adjust type category).
Wade described it in his patent as an easy adjustable wrench designed for gripping wire, small rods, and nuts of various sizes (the capacity is quite large), as well as easy to ratchet (quick release, quick re-grip method). He was very proud of the flush pivot, the ********** style handle action, and the low profile, which I have to admit, with good reason. They are all great features. This wrench is as well-made as it is handsome.
Patent is 1,677,909. See last pic for patent diagram summary I appropriated from DATAMP, and see more info at the DATAMP page linked here.
DATAMP does not provide an explanation for the F-Circle markings at the end of the handle, but I suspect whoever it belongs to was the foundry Wade used.
According to the GJ search engine, the only mention of Wade Wrench Co on GJ is in 4.c's Mfgrs List thread, linked here. Which makes this a FOAK here. So consider my fancy tickled.
I attached a few additional thumbnails below.
Attachments
Last edited:
3baygarage
Well-known member
Nice example.
I crossed paths with the Wade patent while researching this similar mystery wrench at the top here. I grabbed one to compare to but never followed up on that thread with the Wade topic.
I crossed paths with the Wade patent while researching this similar mystery wrench at the top here. I grabbed one to compare to but never followed up on that thread with the Wade topic.
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I knew I had seem something like it before, and very recently (right? or was that yet another one and someone else?) but couldn't find it, and couldn't remember where and who.
That is the first version (1,648,037/Nov 1927) they made with a cap pin pivot. It was not Wade's patent, but it was assigned to his company. Apparently Wade's patent (1,677,909/Jul 1928) was an improvement on that. But note that Wade submitted his patent two years before the other one was granted.
Nice pairing!
DATAMP has a write-up on both with links between the pages.
Last edited:
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Hmmm, a similar variant: Eagle Claw Tool Co, Pat'd 1912 - A slip joint version:
Found the patent: https://www.datamp.org//patents/displayPatent.php?pn=1016296&id=15912
Not sure why the tips have this cut on them:
Found the patent: https://www.datamp.org//patents/displayPatent.php?pn=1016296&id=15912
Not sure why the tips have this cut on them:
bbbarracuda
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2008
- Messages
- 709
Those cleaned up great! Glad you like them, I got the machine wrench today also.I recently sent GJ member bbbarracuda an Armstrong 5/16" square machine wrench for opening and closing the chuck on one of his antique wooden hollow-handled multi-bit tools. I was not expecting anything in return, but he sent me something that probably makes the blind trade a little lop-sided in my favor - a c. 1928 Wade Wrench Company adjustable wrench!
Marked 'WADE WRENCH CO WHITE PIGEON MICH' on the brand side...
...and 'DROP FORGED PAT'D' on the flip side.
Anything from a place with a name as cool as White Pigeon would be an instant snag for me, anyway, but it's even neater that it's an early adjustable (plier or self-adjust type category).
Wade described it in his patent as an easy adjustable wrench designed for gripping wire, small rods, and nuts of various sizes (the capacity is quite large), as well as easy to ratchet (quick release, quick re-grip method). He was very proud of the flush pivot, the ********** style handle action, and the low profile, which I have to admit, with good reason. They are all great features. This wrench is as well-made as it is handsome.
Patent is 1,677,909. See last pic for patent diagram summary I appropriated from DATAMP, and see more info at the DATAMP page linked here.
DATAMP does not provide an explanation for the F-Circle markings at the end of the handle, but I suspect whoever it belongs to was the foundry Wade used.
According to the GJ search engine, the only mention of Wade Wrench Co on GJ is in 4.c's Mfgrs List thread, linked here. Which makes this a FOAK here. So consider my fancy tickled.
I attached a few additional thumbnails below.
Always enjoy a trade. Thanks!!
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Hope it works!That's what gives them the "Bolt Holder" patent name. I have an Eagle Claw, too, but it looks a little different than yours (not slip joint, 90* offset), with a different logo, and more like pliers.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Lugz, Your's are a lot closer to the Patent drawings.
3baygarage
Well-known member
Lugz, the earlier of the two Wade patents looks like the closest thing to the mystery tool, but the drawing looks just slightly different in shape, and the pivot is depicted like a flat head screw instead of a rivet. That was the conclusion I stopped at when I was looking into these.
3baygarage
Well-known member
Not to get too far off track into the pliers side of things, but since you guys started it 
, another tool that goes CHOMP!...
-Bledsoe-
, another tool that goes CHOMP!...-Bledsoe-
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
That's a beast!
I see what you mean about the distinctions, 3bay, but I think those are just things that changed from design to manufacturing.
I agree, Outlaw.
I see what you mean about the distinctions, 3bay, but I think those are just things that changed from design to manufacturing.
I agree, Outlaw.
3baygarage
Well-known member
Diamond Wrench Co.
”nut and buggy wrench”(as called on Datamp)
8-1/2”
Inventor - Henry A. Thompson
marked STEEL FORGED PORTLAND,ME
There‘s diamond stamped on the opposite side.
Found this at an estate sale some years back.
Far from a good example for the markings, but it works great!
The dynamic jaw slides freely and tightens with the wing nut.
No evidence of a spring on this model, as seen in related patents.
”nut and buggy wrench”(as called on Datamp)
8-1/2”
Inventor - Henry A. Thompson
marked STEEL FORGED PORTLAND,ME
There‘s diamond stamped on the opposite side.
Found this at an estate sale some years back.
Far from a good example for the markings, but it works great!
The dynamic jaw slides freely and tightens with the wing nut.
No evidence of a spring on this model, as seen in related patents.
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Nice one!
3baygarage
Well-known member
Thanks Lugz. That was a lucky find, as was this. Quite far from museum quality, but also great functioning, this flea market find from a couple years ago.
Fowle & Co. of New York, NY nut wrench, referred to as the Hewet Union Wrench.
The markings on the top jaw are quite faint from pitting, just barely identifiable, and not really visible by photo.
Patented in 1864
Inventer Henry Wheaton Hewet
The “fluted” portion of the handle turns, adjusting the bottom jaw.
Fowle & Co. of New York, NY nut wrench, referred to as the Hewet Union Wrench.
The markings on the top jaw are quite faint from pitting, just barely identifiable, and not really visible by photo.
Patented in 1864
Inventer Henry Wheaton Hewet
The “fluted” portion of the handle turns, adjusting the bottom jaw.
four.cycle
Well-known member
very cool on the Diamond.
(*more on Diamond here:
Diamond / Diamond Wrench & Tool Co., Portland, ME / patent 234091 Nov 2 1880 & 286653 Oct 16 1883 Henry Artemas Thompson / https://toolarchives.com/index.php/node/119 /
(I have a Hewet around here somewhere.... tiny thing... much different than yours, though.)
(*more on Diamond here:
Diamond / Diamond Wrench & Tool Co., Portland, ME / patent 234091 Nov 2 1880 & 286653 Oct 16 1883 Henry Artemas Thompson / https://toolarchives.com/index.php/node/119 /
(I have a Hewet around here somewhere.... tiny thing... much different than yours, though.)
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Making its GJ debut, I present....(drum roll, please)... the Gordon Automatic!
The static jaw, the moving jaw, and the shank are forged steel. The handle (which is also the housing for the spring-loaded "automatic" mechanism) is pressed steel assembled with rivets. That rack of teeth engages a rack of teeth inside the housing. The dynamic jaw is connected to a vey powerful spring. When you push your thumb on that pinned ring, it releases the tension and the jaw can be adjusted. If you push it and you're not holding the jaw to make minute, tooth by tooth adjustment, it will fly back hard like shacking an M16!
The static jaw, the moving jaw, and the shank are forged steel. The handle (which is also the housing for the spring-loaded "automatic" mechanism) is pressed steel assembled with rivets. That rack of teeth engages a rack of teeth inside the housing. The dynamic jaw is connected to a vey powerful spring. When you push your thumb on that pinned ring, it releases the tension and the jaw can be adjusted. If you push it and you're not holding the jaw to make minute, tooth by tooth adjustment, it will fly back hard like shacking an M16!
Last edited:
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
3baygarage
Well-known member
That’s a cool one Lugz. It’s fun to see how each of these odd fellows works.
Old Radar back in post #76 showed his 12” Craftsman Tool Co. wrench. I was looking at this and a few other wrenches in the garage today.
Craft 6”
The Craftsman Tool Co. Conneaut, Ohio
The moving lower jaw when compressed
downward, is forced upward by an internal spring, allowing the toothed wheel to attack its prey.
Old Radar back in post #76 showed his 12” Craftsman Tool Co. wrench. I was looking at this and a few other wrenches in the garage today.
Craft 6”
The Craftsman Tool Co. Conneaut, Ohio
The moving lower jaw when compressed
downward, is forced upward by an internal spring, allowing the toothed wheel to attack its prey.
OP
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I keep hoping to run into one of those but no such luck yet.
3baygarage
Well-known member
This one was posted in the Keystone thread.
Heelspur posted an example of a wrench earlier in this thread that comes apart quickly for adjustment. This is a slower method, but still a fairly quick one. A knurled thumbscrew is removed and placed in a different position to adjust this tool.
Keyco 7”
The Keystone Mfg. Co. Buffalo,Ny
Patent Applied For
Keyco
While I don’t have an example, this looks just like the commonly seen Footprint made in England wrench.
Not sure if there is any relationship between Keystone and Footprint but I found this add issuing a warning about imitators amusing!
Heelspur posted an example of a wrench earlier in this thread that comes apart quickly for adjustment. This is a slower method, but still a fairly quick one. A knurled thumbscrew is removed and placed in a different position to adjust this tool.
Keyco 7”
The Keystone Mfg. Co. Buffalo,Ny
Patent Applied For
Keyco
While I don’t have an example, this looks just like the commonly seen Footprint made in England wrench.
Not sure if there is any relationship between Keystone and Footprint but I found this add issuing a warning about imitators amusing!
3baygarage
Well-known member
One of these just popped up on the forum IIRC, but I need a little help finding it. Was it the Garage Sale thread?
Other than having seen some of these over the years and hearing or saying that’s a kinda cool, the impression this leaves is slightly > “Oxwallish“. Nothing much for info on this 6” slim jaw wheeled wonder.
Other than having seen some of these over the years and hearing or saying that’s a kinda cool, the impression this leaves is slightly > “Oxwallish“. Nothing much for info on this 6” slim jaw wheeled wonder.