Show your Indestro and Duro-Chrome tools

LesserSon · Nov 20, 2017

I’ve searched the local flea markets, piecing together this set of 15° angle short DBEs. Thanks to Private Lugnutz’s generous donation of a missing size, I’ve got 1/4” to 7/8”.
Thanks, Lugz!
2018 Easter Egg Hunt

four.cycle · Nov 27, 2017

found earlier today at the bottom of a drawer:

Indestro 3702 1/8" x 4-1/8" screwdriver by four.cycle, on Flickr

four.cycle · Jan 1, 2018

Here's another example of a 1/2" hex drive set made by Indestro. Note the stars stamped on each side of the size marking. Note how the size is expressed on the sockets: " 9-16 " (as opposed to " 9/16 ".)
Note that if it were not for the "Indestro" script-type logo stamped on the 1/2" hex "ELL" wrench, you would have a hard time distinguishing it from the New Britain/None Better Set No. 3 shown at Alloy-Artifacts HERE: http://alloy-artifacts.org/newbritain-nonebetter.html (scroll down a bit)
The stars are the clincher: only Duro Chrome and Indestro did that to my knowledge. Note that it appears that not all of the sockets are stamped with the stars.

Indestro 1207 'Handy' 7-pc 1.2 hex drive SAE socket set 01.jpg

Indestro 1207 'Handy' 7-pc 1.2 hex drive SAE socket set 02.jpg

Indestro 1207 'Handy' 7-pc 1.2 hex drive SAE socket set 03.jpg

Indestro 1207 'Handy' 7-pc 1.2 hex drive SAE socket set 04.jpg

Indestro 1207 'Handy' 7-pc 1.2 hex drive SAE socket set - 1935 Indestro catalog pp 22.jpg

(* see discussion on hex-drive socket sets HERE:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=379446 )

tireninja83 · Jan 4, 2018

I have an indestro super #4786 locking standard screw remover I can't find anything about? Let me know if u know thanks

tireninja83 · Jan 4, 2018

Here's photo of tool thanks

four.cycle · Jan 5, 2018

^ That's actually a "screw starter". They're really quite handy if you have to replace a screw down in a hole.
I do not believe those were actually manufactured by Indestro. I'm more inclined to believe they were outsourced from Ullman. Visual comparison of that same item in various brands will most likely lead you to the same conclusion.

Ullman / Ullman Devices Corporation, 664 Danbury Road, Ridgefield CT 06877 / http://www.ullman-devices.com/

Indestro Screw Starter 4781 - 4791 - 1972 Indestro catalog No. 55 pp 44.jpg

tireninja83 · Jan 5, 2018

It only locks on flat tip going counter clockwise, other than that it loosens up the tool clockwise. And it's labeled indestro super u.s.a. 4786. I put better photos to show you I was kinda curious on year cause it seems everyone is unclear on super years but Idk. Thank you again

four.cycle · Jan 5, 2018

Indestro was touting their "Super Quality" socket sets as early as 1935. Later it became just "Indestro Super".

There's no way to determine what year it was made - they didn't put production codes on their products (or those they outsourced from other manufacturers.)
Looks exactly like the ones I have that I bought in the early 1970s.

It should hold the screw long enough for you to get the screw started (clockwise.)
It's possible the mechanism could be sticking. Might try a drop of light oil.

four.cycle · Jan 13, 2018

Indestro 350 "Vest Pocket" 8-pc 1/4" hex drive SAE socket set

1/4", 5/16", 11/32", 3/8", and 7/16" 6-point sockets, 1/4" square socket, round knurled socket, 1/4" hex "ell" wrench

stamped on bottom of holder "350 Indestro Mfg. Corp., Chicago Made in U.S.A." and "pat. 2065340" (patent applies to holder)

(* note that the 1948 catalog shows patent 2065341 which applied to a holder with the tabs that hold the sockets in different positions.)

Indestro 350 'Vest Pocket' 8-pc 1.4 hex drive SAE socket set 01.jpg

Indestro 350 'Vest Pocket' 8-pc 1.4 hex drive SAE socket set 02.jpg

Indestro 350 'Vest Pocket' 8-pc 1.4 hex drive SAE socket set 03.jpg

Indesto 350 'Vest Pocket' 8-pc 1.4 hex drive SAE socket set - 1948 Indestro catalog pp 25.jpg

Indestro 350 'Vest Pocket' 8-pc 1.4 hex drive SAE socket set - 1959 Indestro catalog pp 38.jpg

four.cycle · Jan 13, 2018

Indestro 1451 "Handy" 11-pc 1/2" hex drive SAE socket set

7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 7/8", 15/16" 12-point sockets, 1/2" "ell" handle, ratchet, and screwdriver adapter

stamped on bottom "pat. 1788535" (patent applies to holder. patent issued Jan. 13, 1931)

Note that earlier versions of the model 1451 "Handy" set use a different holder, which uses patent number 1912725 issued June 06, 1933.

Indestro 1451 'Handy' 11-pc 1.2 hex drive SAE socket set 01.jpg

Indestro 1451 'Handy' 11-pc 1.2 hex drive SAE socket set 02.jpg

Indestro 1451 'Handy' 11-pc 1.2 hex drive SAE socket set 03.jpg

Indestro 1451 1452 1.2 hex drive 'Handy' socket set - 1948 Indestro catalog pp 27.jpg

Indestro 1451 1452 1.2 hex drive 'Handy' socket set - 1959 Indestro catalog pp 39.jpg

* Note the holder on the model 1451 set shown in the 1948 catalog is designed differently than the holder for the model 1451 set shown in the 1959 catalog. *

four.cycle · Jan 13, 2018

Indestro 2104 "Pee Wee" 10-pc 3/8" hex drive SAE socket set

9/32", 5/16", 11/32", 3/8" 7/16", 15/32", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8" 6-point sockets, "ell" handle

stamped on bottom "2104 Indestro Mfg. Corp., Chicago Made in U.S.A." and "PAT. 2065340"

(* note that patent 2065340 applies also to the holder for the model 350 set above as well as others.)

Indestro 2104 10-pc 3.8 hex drive SAE socket set 01.jpg

Indestro 2104 10-pc 3.8 hex drive SAE socket set 02.jpg

Indestro 2104 10-pc 3.8 hex drive SAE socket set 03.jpg

Indestro 2104 2107 'Pee Wee' 3.8 hex drive SAE socket set - Indestro catalog No. 20 pp 64.jpg

(* note that while both the 1937 and 1948 catalogs show the model 2104 as a "Pee Wee" set, the early 1950s catalog No. 20 does not mention "Pee Wee".)

toolmutt · Jan 13, 2018

^^^^^^^^Very nice on all three!

bonneyman · Jan 13, 2018

I used to laugh at those old sockets sets but they have found a place in my work tools now.
The hex drive lends itself toward short tools utilizing a bit ratchet. The hex opening in the bit ratchet is 1/4", just perfect for a stubby 1/4" hex bit and a ground-down hex drive socket on the end. Some jobs are so tight this contraption is the only way to get parts out without disassembling half the unit.

Ole Slewfoot · Jan 15, 2018

Star Socket

four.cycle · Jan 19, 2018

Indestro 1239 "Handy" 9-pc 1/2" hex drive SAE socket set

As per both the 1935 and 1937 Indestro catalogs, the set originally contained six 12-point sockets: 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", and 7/8", the 1308 "Enclosed type" ratchet, "ell" handle, and screwdriver adapter.

This set does not appear in the 1948 Indestro catalog.

There are no markings on the holder or ratchet. The only markings on the sockets are the size stamps. The "ell" wrench is stamped "Made in U.S.A."

Note that the 3/4" and 7/8" sockets are not original to the set: the 3/4" socket is not Indestro, the 7/8" socket is a 6-point

Indestro 1239 'Handy' 9-pc 1.2 hex drive SAE socket set 01.jpg

Indestro 1239 'Handy' 9-pc 1.2 hex drive SAE socket set 02.jpg

Indestro 1239 'Handy' 9-pc 1.2 hex drive SAE socket set 03.jpg

Indestro 1239 'Handy' 9-pc 1.2 hex drive SAE socket set 04.jpg

Indestro 1229 1239 'Handy' 9-pc 1.2 hex drive SAE socket set - 1935 Indestro catalog pp 23.jpg

Indestro 1239 'Handy' 9-pc 1.2 hex drive SAE socket set - 1937 Indestro catalog pp 35.jpg

four.cycle · Jan 21, 2018

Indestro model 147 6-piece SAE "Flat Box End Wrench Set"

Indestro 147 6-pc SAE Flat Box End Wrench Set 01.jpg

Indestro 147 6-pc SAE Flat Box End Wrench Set 02.jpg

Indestro 147 6-pc SAE Flat Box End Wrench Set 03.jpg

Indestro 147 6-pc SAE Flat Box End Wrench Set 04.jpg

Indestro 147 148 Flat Box End Wrench Sets - 1935 Indestro catalog pp 27.jpg

Indestro 147 148 Flat Box End Wrench Sets - 1948 Indestro catalog No. 16 pp 51.jpg

Includes the following:
140 - 3/8" x 7/16"
141 - 1/2" x 9/16"
142 - 5/8" x 11/16"
143 - 3/4" x 25/32"
144 - 13/16" x 7/8"
145 - 15/16" x 1"

The set is held together with a tapered stepped screw and wing nut.

Each wrench is stamped on one side with the part number, size, and "Indestro Chicago, U.S.A.". The opposite side is blank.

The length of each wrench is noted in the catalog listings.

(* A similar set was made by Sherman Klove, photos of which are posted HERE: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=307815 )

dutchgray · Feb 4, 2018

Well I got the trio of ratchets
View media item 80317The 1/2 is my favourite, really nice feel for an old round head.

Outlawmws · Feb 4, 2018

I like the bottom handle style.. I have a 3/8 flex head that has been my go-to for decades. The only time it's not is if I need extra leverage; then its the SO.

four.cycle · Feb 5, 2018

very nice.

dutchgray · Feb 18, 2018

Got 6 DOE wrenches, metric, wanted some American made ones as they are thicker than the European ones I already own.
View media item 80876Notice one is stamped on the other side of the beam compared to the rest, there is some rust and quite a bit of chrome peel.
16-17
18-19
19-22
21-24
24-27
30-32 mm

four.cycle · Feb 18, 2018

^ looks like later-production Duro-Indestro ? :headscrat

(can't really make out any detail from the photo.)

dutchgray · Feb 18, 2018

four.cycle said:
^ looks like later-production Duro-Indestro ?

(can't really make out any detail from the photo.)

They are not real old, sorry about the not great photos
They are
43032A
42427A
42124A
41922A
41819A
41617A

Bought them for using which they will be fine for my needs.

four.cycle · Feb 18, 2018

No, not real old. My best guess is that they were made in the last years that Indestro was still in business.
The 43032A isn't even shown in the 1982 Catalog No. 60A, nor does it appear in the May 1 1984 Warehouse Distributor Net or User Net price lists:

Duro Indestro 40607A - 42426A metric open-end wrench - 1982 Duro Chrome Indestro catalog 60A pp .jpg

Duro Indestro 40607 - 42426A metric open-end wrench - May 1 1984 Duro Chrome Indestro WD net pri.jpg

Duro Indestro 40607 - 42426A metric open-end wrench - May 1 1984 Duro Chrome Indestro User Net p.jpg

* Warehouse Distibutor Net is the price from the factory to the wholesale distributor.
* User Net would be the equivalent to "MSRP" (there wasn't a huge margin on Indestro.)

The earlier production models were quite different in appearance. I bought This 12mm x 13mm open-end in 1971:

Indestro 41213 12mm x 13mm open end wrench 01.jpg

Indestro 41213 12mm x 13mm open end wrench 02.jpg

This is the later "Duro-Indestro" version from an Ebay listing:

Duro Indestro 41213A 12mm x 13mm open end wrench 01 (Ebay 252532614808).jpg

Duro Indestro 41213A 12mm x 13mm open end wrench 02 (Ebay 252532614808).jpg

Username already in use · Feb 18, 2018

Picked up this Indestro 3/8" drive #6272 ratchet today at the flea. Was totally locked up. A bit of penetrating oil and it's working as smooth as ever.

dutchgray · Feb 19, 2018

Thanks four.cycle for the information, the old ones look like more effort was put into their design.

four.cycle · Feb 19, 2018

apparently they were having some serious financial problems during their last few years of operation. one way to cut corners would be to reduce the amount of production process.
those in your photo look pretty stout, just not as dressy. amazing you were able to find that much of a "set".

Jamie in wv · Feb 19, 2018

A little set I picked up

four.cycle · Feb 20, 2018

^ that is really a nice set there. should you ever want to part with it let me know.

Jamie in wv · Feb 20, 2018

^ I would let them go sale or trade....pm me if you really want them I'll make you a good deal.

dutchgray · Feb 20, 2018

That set looks like it might have been used about twice in its life and never stored in a damp garage. Really great condition.

Jamie in wv · Feb 20, 2018

Yes I bought it at a pawn shop and it was in the bottom of a 19" craftsman box stuffed with a bunch of other things, I didn't see all of the goodies until I started unloading it, I buy 4 or 5 a month that way but most have more work in cleaning up the tools than I pay for them.
I don't think there has ever been a socket on the ratchet, or breaker bar.

bonneyman · Feb 24, 2018

Username already in use said:
Picked up this Indestro 3/8" drive #6272 ratchet today at the flea. Was totally locked up. A bit of penetrating oil and it's working as smooth as ever.

My favorite pear-head ratchet. :rocker:

notlob · Mar 1, 2018

A few Indestro items:

1/4" set

3/8" tri-wing

Note each center hole is a die for different size threads.

four.cycle · Mar 2, 2018

^ that's a nice brake rivet set there in the original box. and amazingly the plastic box on that little 1/4" drive set isn't all smashed up!
the wrench set is a "Nut and Rethreader Wrench Set". there are not a lot of intact sets like that. there was one listed on Ebay about a month ago and I forgot to bid on it! :wtf:

Indestro 112 119 Nut and Rethreader Wrench set - 1935 Indestro catalog pp 26.jpg

mcmlvif100 · Mar 3, 2018

Not mine and no affiliation. Fort Wayne, Indiana CL ad. Been posted for several weeks.

Vintage Indestro 1/2 ratchet and socket set - $50

text: (260) 241-5653

https://fortwayne.craigslist.org/tls/d/vintage-indestro-1-2-ratchet/6501187564.html

Tynee · Mar 7, 2018

I’m not an Indestro guy, but I’d be happy to facilitate if there’s anybody that’s dieing to have this from my local craigslist. https://lexington.craigslist.org/tls/d/socket-set/6522197903.html

Mgdoug3 · Mar 7, 2018

I picked up an Indestro Super 3275 and some other ratchets today off Craigslist. The Indestro is almost mint condition.

(Can't upload pictures at the moment.)

Mgdoug3 · Mar 8, 2018

Finally figured out how to add pictures.

four.cycle · Mar 8, 2018

^ looks to be in great condition! :thumbup:

d42jeep · Mar 9, 2018

I would have expected to see this thread in the vintage tool discussion, but here are a few Indestro tools I have sitting around. Unfortunately the ratchet was engraved by the previous owner.
-Don

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