Bethlehem "Quickway" Socket Sets - Bethlehem Spark Plug Co.

[Private Lugnutz]

I recently installed a couple new exhibits to the Bethlehem Spark Plug Company wing of the Lugzonian. Introducing “Set C Special” and “Set F”…

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And here – together with their siblings, “Set A”, “Set C”, and “Set D” – is a family portrait. Lids down…

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…and lids up.

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I’ll be posting more details and photos tomorrow.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

So, here's more on the "Special C" Set

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Backstory: I acquired this set in a trade with GJ member Frakas for a c. 1930's NOS box of a dozen tiny Nicholson Swiss Pattern XF files. As you may or may not recall, Frakas, who lives near me, is the same guy who came up with the second Onli-1 wrench and sockets, which can be seen here, united with another Jersey guy Jim_No_Garage's empty and refinished Onli-1 case. He sent me a photo a few weeks ago and then Thanksgiving and other stuff just got in the way and we were finally able to make the trade. I was tortured with impatient curiosity about the ratchet.

I'm going to re-post four.cycle's Set "C" and Set "Special C" ad (1923) here as a reference so nobody has to scroll back to post 1

Here is a closer look at the contents.

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As the ads indicate, the Set "Special C" is the same set as a Set "C" - eight (8) sockets and an L-handle to turn them, with the addition of a ratchet and short "extension" (more accurately described as a long drive plug). Like Set "C", everything is 7/16-inch hex drive. In fact, I'm starting to think my Set "C" (posted on page 2 of this thread here), was probably a Set "Special C" missing its ratchet, because it included the short extension/drive plug, which is useless without a ratchet to turn it.

As with most Bethlehem sets, the pieces are a mix of fairly well- to poorly-preserved in terms of their thin copper oxide plating.

Here are the Set "C" and "C Special" cases side by side

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It's bad luck that the worst areas of rust stains on the lid happen to be in the area of the set marking, but I don't think it's actually marked on the lid with "Special C" or "C Special." It appears to read "SET C", just like the other case. My speculation is Bethlehem merely re-used the same exact cases and stuck the ratchet and extension inside for a "Special C" purchase.

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As the ads indicate, the sockets are the same sizes in both sets. My "Special C" set has seven (7) of the eight (8) - missing the socket with the 5/8" service opening. Like the "C" set, no markings of any kind. (Note: Only the "D" and "F" set sockets were marked with sizes.)

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Here again is that composite graphic I made that combines the Set "Special C" ratchets as they appear in various ads

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Unfortunately, the crude 9-tooth spring-pin pawl ratchet in this set is not the kind with the mysterious folding implement concealed in a sheath in the end of the handle. I was really looking forward to finding out what the hell is folded up in there! This ratchet is clearly ratchet #2. Note how the "brindled" copper/black finish even matches the artist's rendering of the finish!

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[Private Lugnutz]

Here’s the “F” - also advertised as “Big Boy” – set, “for trucks, tractors, and heavy machinery”.

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The backstory on this one is simple: for research purposes, I just couldn’t stand the thought of the BIN set on eBay a few weeks back going to someone who would bury it or not share the information here. It’s the first “F” set I have ever seen anywhere. Cost me a lot more than I am accustomed to paying for tools at flea markets, but worth every penny.

Here again is one of four.cycle’s ads (this one from 1927) as a reference.

Other than the ratchet in the “D” set (made for Bethlehem by Bonney, Herbrand, and at least one other tool & forge company), this “F” set is the only set Bethlehem sold that had handles branded with the company name. None of the pieces in the “A” and “C” sets are branded or marked in any way.

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The 8-inch Extension, 16-inch Extension, and 18-inch Sliding Tee spec out exactly as the ads say. The Sliding Tee is a beast and very well-made. The female drive ends on the extensions are basically sockets with 11/16" hex openings on either end press-fit (not forged or welded) onto the 11/16” hex bar stock. They have retained hardly any of the copper oxide finish, but there are enough spots to confirm that they were indeed originally coated with it.

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Everything – with one strange exception, which I’ll get to below, is 11/16-inch drive.

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Here are the sockets.

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Note that there are twelve (12) in this set, whereas the 1927 ad states nine (9). I’m guessing this set is a later production year, since there is no doubt that they’re all Bethlehem. What’s interesting is they all won’t fit in a row in the carry box. I am nesting the two smallest sockets inside the two largest. I don’t know if they came like that, but if they used the same box, it’s the only way they’ll fit snugly without just throwing them in on top of the handles.

The service openings are 1-1/2, 1-7/16, 1-3/8, 1-1/4, 1-1/8, 1-1/16, 1, 31/32, 15/16, and 7/8, 13/16, and 3/4 hex. Those last three are the sockets that are not listed in the set in the ad, which stops at 15/16.

It’s very hard to distinguish with the naked eye, but the hex drive opening in the socket with the 1-7/16” service hex opening (second from left) is actually milled at 9/16” diameter instead of 11/16”. As such, it’s useless. None of the handles will fit it. It was obviously a factory mistake.

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Here’s an even closer look at the sockets. The majority have little to no copper oxide remaining, and you can see how it's literally peeling on those that do have some. I have to avoid handing them or risk losing it all.

Interestingly, they use a slash to denote the fraction mark whereas the “D” set used a hyphen. I am speculating that it was either a different OEM or the same OEM and a different production year.

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The only other feature worth noting with this set is the lack of a lid. If you scroll up to the top of this post and look at the ad again, you’ll see that it did come with one. Unlike the other sets, it didn’t have hinges. It was removable. It’s shown resting on the ground with the tools. I’m guessing it was slightly larger and just overlapped the edges. I plan to make one out of sheet metal and paint it red, for consistency, and to keep dust out of the box.

 

[four.cycle]

Very cool.

The photo images I posted at the beginning of this thread are captioned with the wrong drive sizes. I'll see what I can do to get that corrected.

On your "Big Boy" "Set F", it appears the sockets not only vary in the way the sizes are stamped (slash vs. hyphen), but also in the knurling patterns.
I would speculate different production runs, perhaps?

On the "fold-out tool" missing from the "Special C" ratchet, what would possibly have been necessary? Could it have been just a screwdriver blade?

 

[Oldtuleguy]

We were just speculating on the ratchet collection thread that it may have been a spark plug gapper or a points file or both.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Very cool.

Thanks, BK. You know I'm going to be looking like crazy for the "B" and "E" sets now! Gotta have them all!

The photo images I posted at the beginning of this thread are captioned with the wrong drive sizes. I'll see what I can do to get that corrected.

In the meantime, I have updated my little 'set summary table' in post #4, here.

And it won't hurt to repeat it here:

* Set "A": 3/8-inch hex drive, in a little metal box
^ Set "B": 1/2-inch hex drive, in a "leather-like" case (six sockets are sizes from Set "D")
* Set "C": 7/16-inch hex drive, in a metal box with an L-handle (no ratchet)
* Set "C SPECIAL": 7/16-inch hex drive, in a metal box (with ratchet and ext/drive plug)
* Set "D": 1/2-inch hex drive, in a large metal box
^ Set "E": 1/2-inch hex drive (fifteen sockets all same sizes as set "D", but comes in a "leather-like" case with fewer handles and extensions)
* Set "F": 11/16-inch hex drive, in a metal carrier with swinging bail handle

* measured
^ inferred

On your "Big Boy" "Set F", it appears the sockets not only vary in the way the sizes are stamped (slash vs. hyphen), but also in the knurling patterns. I would speculate different production runs, perhaps?

I was actually referring to the difference between the Set "F" sockets and the Set "D" sockets - which all have a hyphen for the fraction (e.g., 31-32). But I see what you mean about the differences within the "F" set. The 1-1/2, 1-7/16, and 1-3/8 sockets have a horizontal fraction line, while the rest of the sockets have a slash. As for the knurling pattern, only the 31/32 has a cross cut. The others are all diagonals. I would tend to agree with you. Funny that the differences aren't random, though, with the horizontal fraction line being on the three largest sockets sequentially. All clearly made by same mfgr, but some different dies at work. And perhaps that 31/32 was flipped around and run through twice.

We were just speculating on the ratchet collection thread that it may have been a spark plug gapper or a points file or both.

And your point - that Bethlehem was initially and primarily a maker of spark plugs and accessories in that era, hence, something to go along with ignition work, is a very good one. It just seems like an odd combination with a 7/16-inch hex drive ratchet in a set of 7/16-inch hex drive tools, to me. Feeler gages etc usually came with midget tools. And they actually made a midget set (Set "A") explicitly aimed at electrical/ignition systems work.

We should start a pool! To make it more exciting when someone finally finds one of those ratchets and unfolds the danged thing!

On the "fold-out tool" missing from the "Special C" ratchet, what would possibly have been necessary? Could it have been just a screwdriver blade?

"Necessary" is the key word. That's what I was asking on the Ratchet thread. What makes the most sense for a ratchet? And is there any other or similar example from any Mfgrs? I might as well say here what I said there, that the only thing I can think of is some kind of clearance or seating/unseating tool.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Well I hope you find them. We are all curious to see them and you always post excellent pics!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Well I hope you find them. We are all curious to see them and you always post excellent pics!

Thanks, Otg! From your lips (er, fingers) to God's ears.

 

[four.cycle]

I'm taking the liberty of posting these for reference and comparison purposes only. this "Set D" appears to be complete. Eleven photos - two posts:







(* note that the "Set A" above is captioned "Set D" as it is a component of this particular "Set D". )
(* note that the "Set A" above contains both the "Ell" handle and the "Tee" handle with cross bar.)

 

[four.cycle]

(continued from above post)

 

[Private Lugnutz]

No label left on the outer lid, but that contents label under the lid is in the best condition I have seen yet. Note that the forge mark on the ratchet is not Bonney. Appears to be a more uncommonly seen Herbrand.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

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O little town of Bethlehem…

(Credit to Todd’s 3/4-inch drive ratchet North Star pic, which can be seen here.)

 

[twertsy]

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O little town of Bethlehem…

(Credit to Todd’s 3/4-inch drive ratchet North Star pic, which can be seen here.)

We obviously have too much time on our hands......,or its the Egg Nog...

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

 

[Private Lugnutz]

......,or its the Egg Nog...

That may have a little something to do with the excess jolliness today.

In this house, it's homemade, with a secret recipe and its own eponymous brand name.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

In this post (#83) above, I showed the contents of my Bethlehem "F" (11/16-inch drive) set, noting that it had three (3) more sockets than what were called out in the period ads for an "F" set that four.cycle posted. At the time, I surmised that it was probably a later, expanded version of the set with additional sizes.

It looks like I may have been partially right. A month ago I requested that Google Books unlock a 'snippet view' only issue of (Power Wagon, a Journal of the Motor Truck Industry (January 1928, Issue #277), linked here. It contains this ad for a Bethlehem "XF" set. This set was aimed at the same applications as the "F" set, but had additional larger sizes. (Note that this was after the merger with Splitdorf.)

 

[Private Lugnutz]

And, just when I thought I had collected all the Bethlehem sets except the elusive "B" set in the leather case, I also discovered that Bethlehem (Splitdorf at this time in 1928) also made a 1/2-inch square drive set! All their other sets, in four different drives sizes, are hex drive.

Unbeknownst to me at the time, the two copper-coated sockets that prompted my 'Curious Copper Caper' thread, which are 1/2-inch square drive, may be Bethlehem sockets after all!

 

[four.cycle]

I have to wonder if perhaps the introduction of the 1/2" square drive "Model K" might have been influenced by Snap-on's introduction of the interchangeable 1/2" square drive tools a few years prior.
Is it possible somebody at Bethlehem had some epiphany and realized that hex drive was going to go the way of the dodo ??

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I have to wonder if perhaps the introduction of the 1/2" square drive "Model K" might have been influenced by Snap-on's introduction of the interchangeable 1/2" square drive tools a few years prior.
Is it possible somebody at Bethlehem had some epiphany and realized that hex drive was going to go the way of the dodo ??

I think it's not only possible but highly probable that they saw the light or the writing on the wall, so to speak, with respect to the growing trend in square drive. But note that when BSP Co first started making all their interchangeable hex drive socket sets (1922), Blackhawk (1919), Walden (1920) and Snap-On (1920) were already making heavy-walled sockets in 1/2-inch square drive. So I see it more as BSP Co betting wrong and then trying to adapt to follow the leaders. It was a last desperate gasp, as 1929 was their last year in business. And at that late date, it's no wonder we don't see more of the square drive sets or pieces.

 

[four.cycle]

"...more as BSP Co betting wrong and then trying to adapt to follow the leaders..."

^ I think your assumption is probably correct.
Another one of those "too little, too late" deals, maybe.

I will be sure to make note of any 1/2" square drive Bethlehem sets if I should come upon them!

 

[four.cycle]

On the other hand.....

Both New Britain (None Better) and Indestro/Duro Chrome successfully marketed thousands (if not millions) of 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" hex drive sets at least up into the late 1950s (and possibly early 1960s.)

Sears/Dunlap did the same, but I am clueless on the time frame on those.
And then there were the post-WWII Japan-made knock-offs that were shipped over by the boatload, many of which are still out there in the second-hand market.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Both New Britain (None Better) and Indestro/Duro Chrome successfully marketed thousands (if not millions) of 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" hex drive sets at least up into the late 1950s (and possibly early 1960s.)

Good point. Are the customers different though? Were those sets being sold to garages, service centers, and mechanics? Or households?

 

[four.cycle]

Good point. Are the customers different though? Were those sets being sold to garages, service centers, and mechanics? Or households?

Target market was clearly the "household handyman". No question about that.
They were also cheap cheap cheap as near as I can tell from the old catalogs.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I think that's the difference.

 

[LesserSon]

I think that's the difference.

I’m not clear about your position, Lugz.
I have to admit I haven’t read every post here, but have you come to the conclusion that Bethlehem products were professional-grade? The ads I’ve seen https://books.google.com/books?id=S...=onepage&q=bethlehem spark plug socket&f=true
read more like a low-cost alternative retailers could offer to balky customers and do-it-yourselfers. What am I missing?

 

[LesserSon]

And did BSP ever manufacture socket sets? I thought they were all made by others (Bonney, etc).

 

[Private Lugnutz]

If you go back to the first couple posts you can peruse more ads, and you can read the label on my "D" set, and make your own assessment. I think they were targeting pros. The quality is professional grade, in my opinion, if we can even use that term in 1924. These are serious, robust, durable, and well-crafted tools.

As for OEM, the only piece known to be outsourced, definitively, is the 1/2-inch hex drive ratchet in the "D" set. It's possible that other pieces are, but they do have a figure of their sizable plant on their labels, and they never explicitly obviate in-house production in any period documents.

 

[LesserSon]

I see what you mean about the other ads. Hmmm.
2018 Easter Egg Hunt

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Recently picked up this quickway set. Looks pretty much unused, has the bonney ratchet.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Nice acquisition. That's Set D and Set A. I thought my label was in pretty good shape. That one is terrific. So clean! Remember where all the pieces go in the case, in particular the sockets, because that's the only way it all fits!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

It looks like a set a car owner might have purchased. Very interesting copper stripe pattern. Seems like I have seen that sliding t with a set screw design somewhere before...can't put my finger on it.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I was looking at the striping. My Set C ratchet (unicorn), also fairly unused, has that striped finish. The other pieces in my A, B, C, D, and F sets have a very uniform finish (or what's left of it, anyway). I think the pieces are fully copper plated, as advertised, and they washed that black stuff on in stripes. Very unique to say the least!

As for the D/A set market, I can see a car owner with one, but they were advertised for professional mechanics and, neatly, taxicab drivers!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Actually, the C set rat is more like a zig-zag pattern! Lol. See my post a page back here.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

It is a well made set, very sturdy. The ratchet looks similar to the ones marketed by bonney later in the twenties.I could see it a mechanic using it. It's just organized into such a compact set it seems like something you would keep in your car.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

The ratchet looks similar to the ones marketed by bonney later in the twenties.

The shank is different but the resemblance of the heads is unmistakable. Even the placement of the three screws is exactly the same. I wrote about the evolution of the ratchet - with examples - in a post on page 3 of this thread, linked here.

Note that Bethlehem used Hinsdale and at least one other source with an unknown forge mark for the same exact ratchet, though. It's not Bonney's design. And, when Bethlehem was using Bonney Forge as a source, Bonney was not even making its own socket set tools. That may be the most interesting thing about it. My theory, which I write extensively about on TA, is that Bonney used their forge work for Bethlehem Spark Plug to launch their entrée into the socket drive tools market. Whether they appropriated the design with or without permission/rights remains to be discovered.

 

[twertsy]

The shank is different but the resemblance of the heads is unmistakable. Even the placement of the three screws is exactly the same. I wrote about the evolution of the ratchet - with examples - in a post on page 3 of this thread, linked here.

Note that Bethlehem used Hinsdale and at least one other source with an unknown forge mark for the same exact ratchet, though. It's not Bonney's design. And, when Bethlehem was using Bonney Forge as a source, Bonney was not even making its own socket set tools. That may be the most interesting thing about it. My theory, which I write extensively about on TA, is that Bonney used their forge work for Bethlehem Spark Plug to launch their entrée into the socket drive tools market. Whether they appropriated the design with or without permission/rights remains to be discovered.

Not Hinsdale, but Herbrand.

Also, note the label on OTGs set ------ "Manufactured ONLY BY" I find that curious to say the least........Perhaps Bonney and Herbrand were supplying the ratchet forgings only and BSP was doing the final milling & assembly?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Yeah, yeah one of those H's.. Thanks for the catch.

As for the label, same as mine (see page 2) and all D sets that I have seen. As you already know, lots of old tools and equipment bears forge marks different than the manufacturer. I think the reference goes to exclusiveness from a marketing perspective, i.e., you can't buy a set like this from anyone else. I don't think their use of the word "only" belies their use of Bonney as a forge any more than any other manufacturer using other suppliers but putting their brand on the tool with "MADE BY." My opinion.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Got this stuff in a box of random junk. Looks like bethlehem tools but no branding

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Agreed. It looks like a Set C (7/16-inch drive) and all the pieces have lost their copper plating.

The Set C pieces weren't branded. I have a Set A (3/8), Set C (7/16), Set D (1/2), and Set F (11/16) and the only tools that are branded are the Set D ratchet and all the Set F handles (two extensions and a Sliding Tee). None of the sockets in any sets were branded.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Saw this one on ebay for 20$ so I bought it. Turns out the seller was only 3 miles away! Anyway looks like another set c. I guess this stuff comes in waves..

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Nice snag.

The Bethlehem unicorn - if you haven't read the whole thread - is the "Set C Special." It has a ratchet than nobody has ever seen, except in the ads, with a folding implement in the end of the handle, like a folding knife blade. Link to a summary post, here.