Dunlap tools & boxes

[d42jeep]

Without pictures of the pliers in question, it's hard to make an identification but here are a couple of Dunlap tools Sears imported from Germany.
-Don

 

[Jim C.]

Okay, I'll let the cat out of the bag....these are re-labeled Lectrolite Corp. TruFit wrenches. I've studied Lectrolite extensively for a couple of reasons. Alloy Artifacts speculates that the LC stands for Letrolite Corp., but I'm very confident it's indeed what those initials stand for. These were made starting in the early 1950s, and were made in the very same Defiance Ohio plant that made the S-K wrenches up until its bankruptcy and acquisition by Ideal. The LC can be found on many contract wrenches from that era that have no brand name on them, sold by who knows how many companies--I know they sold a slew of them!

The Lectrolite 'fingerprint' is the length/shape of the recess and that odd sharp angle where the descending offset meets the box. Almost all that are not marked TruFit will have the little LC initials, but not all. Once you get an eye for them, you can instantly pick them out of a tool pile a mile away.

Lectrolite made the TruFit design double box ends for Sears starting sometime in the first half of the 1950s. They are first marked Dunlap until about 1958, when corporate decided to phase out the name on these kinds of wrenches, replacing it with just the plain SEARS name. The only difference I have observed is that the Dunlap/Sears/no-name contract versions appear to have a better finish than the TruFit marked, probably so Lectrolite could distinguish them from the high-end SK-Lectrolite within the brand itself, but did a better finish for the contract tools.

Around 1962, Sears changed manufacturers to overseas. You'll see many more Sears DBEs marked BF Japan (the BF code is still a mystery as to what mfr it represents). They are virtually identical in appearance to the LC USA Sears, so there's little doubt that Sears sent the mfr a sample of the LCs and said to copy them exactly. The reason for the changeover could be one of two factors. The date corresponds to the purchase of SK and the Lectrolite Corp. by Wayne Industries (this is when the LECTROLITE brand name disappeared, no doubt being seen as a bit odd, and was certainly redundant and confusing with regard to having that name on the SK line). It could very well be that Wayne either decided to end that contract or raised the prices beyond what Sears wanted to pay. I believe it might be the former because I think it less likely that Sears essentially counterfeited the LC TruFit design without some sort of nod from Wayne ("we're not going to make these for you under contract any more, but feel free to have anyone else make them because we ourselves are abandoning the design."). But it's also true that at around this same time, Sears management was making some major changes to its marketing/merchandising/branding strategies and so decided to move overseas with these wrenches, but I also think this less likely because I just don't see Wayne simply allowing Sears to rip off their Lectrolite TruFit design.

Anyway, that's the scoop as I know it. One more vintage tool secret released into the public domain.

Wow!! You really know your stuff about Lectrolite manufactured wrenches. Thanks for the detailed answer. I'm sure my dad still has a couple sets of Dunlap wrenches he bought at Sears most likely back in the 1960s. They might actually just say "Sears" on them. I'll have to look next time I'm there. I'll be looking for that "LC" mark on them.

Jim C.

 

[DadsTools]

Without pictures of the pliers in question, it's hard to make an identification but here are a couple of Dunlap tools Sears imported from Germany.
-Don

Thanks for the Dunlap/Germany photos. These look old, perhaps pre-WW2 since a lot of post-war stuff is marked West Germany up until reunification, which of course occurred after the Dunlap era. I don't see a lot of Dunlap mechanics hand tools down here in Florida. Don't know why, just rarely encounter them. Of those I see, they're all USA. But it doesn't surprise me that a few Dunlap were made in Europe, especially early ones. Ganymede was speculating on a possible Japan origin for a Dunlap pliers with no COO. I still think it would be surprising to find a Japan-made Dunlap hand tool since the two time periods don't line up well. Post-war Japan imported few traditionally USA-made products in earnest until the 1960s (they made lots of dime store stuff and cheap ceramics during the 1950s as well as a few mfrs cranking out cheap fishing tackle), and I believe by that time the Dunlap name on hardline hand tools was history.

Of course, a single artifact can turn the established historical view on its head (I've found a few items like that myself). That's the fun and sometimes frustration about collecting.

 

[ganymede]

D42jeep, dads tools,
What was I thinking.
I'll take a pic n post when I get back to the shop.

 

[ganymede]

Here they are. They are 9 1/4" long with 5 positions.

View media item 74424

 

[d42jeep]

Here are your pliers in the 1954 Craftsman catalog from Twertsy's site. The circle Y is likely an unidentified American manufacturers code. Maybe somebody will recognize the unique handle pattern. It doesn't look familiar to me.
-Don

 

[Username already in use]

In '54, with that slip joint design, those should be made by Champion DeArment... Channellock. Right?

 

[twertsy]

In '54, with that slip joint design, those should be made by Champion DeArment... Channellock. Right?

I think I have a CDA cat from '53 on my desk at home waiting for scan........I'll have to look if I can remember.

 

[bill300d]

Looks like a Champion DeArment

 

[Username already in use]

Looks like a Champion DeArment

Yep.
Here's a pair of Channellock branded needle nose side cutters with the same grip pattern.

 

[d42jeep]

I'm familiar with the Channellock pattern and the Dunlap pattern is different if you enlarge it a little. I'll check both collections later to see if I have anything matching.
-Don

 

[ganymede]

Thanks guys.
They aren't in my 60 catalogue.
The grip does look channelockish but the machining of grooves and finish work are horrid.
Also there's no reinforcing rib on the side which I think channelock had made by that time.

 

[d42jeep]

I checked my Dunlap and Channellock collections and came to some conclusions although I still don't know who made your pliers. Here are some Dunlap pliers with the same pattern and a bunch of Channellocks with their pattern. Even though they are similar they are definitely different. It does seem very likely that yours are made in the US as well.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

While I was out in the garage taking pictures, I took a few Dunlap and Lectrolite shots. Although the DBE wrenches that I have are similar, the area where the logos are marked are different sizes. The other wrenches are pretty close to identical but have slight differences. As another comparison, the Barcalo made PowrKraft combo is totally identical to its Barcalo made cousin. What does it all mean? I really don't know!
-Don

 

[DadsTools]

While I was out in the garage taking pictures, I took a few Dunlap and Lectrolite shots. Although the DBE wrenches that I have are similar, the area where the logos are marked are different sizes. The other wrenches are pretty close to identical but have slight differences. As another comparison, the Barcalo made PowrKraft combo is totally identical to its Barcalo made cousin. What does it all mean? I really don't know!
-Don

Here's my read on the photos and what they represent, Don:

Keep in mind that Lectrolite made a distinct design change to their handles sometime after WW2 in the late 1940s. This design change was on both the LECTROLITE brand and the economy TruFit brand. This new design on its top-tier wrenches persisted through the SK-Lectrolite era forward for all raised panels (Wayne, Dresser and beyond); I believe the new recessed handle TruFit design went until Symingtom Wayne ended the Lectrolite brands around 1962. Let's call these changed designs the "late" design as opposed to the previous "early" design.

Figures 1 & 2: Can't see the entire wrenches, but from what I can see, the top wrench is late TruFit design, while the lower wrench is of the early design (I believe all Lectrolite-marked wrenches of the post-war era were raised panel).

Figure 3: both late TruFit design. Notice what I mentioned earlier about the cointract wrenches for other companies (in this case Dunlap) have a better finish than those marked Trufit. Note the forging marks.

Figure 4: Both late TruFit. Again, note the forginh marks.

Figure 5 & 6: It's established that Barcalo made all wrenches with this distinct angled broach box no matter what brand name they might be marked with.

 

[d42jeep]

Thanks for your very enlightening reply. It's obvious that you have done quite a bit of research on these!
-Don

 

[DadsTools]

Thanks for your very enlightening reply. It's obvious that you have done quite a bit of research on these!
-Don

Thanks. My interest came from these no-name recessed handle wrenches my Dad was fond of for economy tools. When I inherited them, I was fascinated by who made them. It was only years later when I acquired a mint 5-pc DBE set of SEARS branded wrenches in their original holder with labeling and noticed they were identical to my Dad's no-names that started me on that avenue of research.

I think this information is uncommon knowledge only because Lectrolite/TruFit are not one of the 'glory' brands of the 1930s-60s and catalogs are scarce. So in a sense I was only picking up the crumbs off the master's table. Find a collectible that's fascinating to you but for which few others care and you'll always find examples both cheap and plentiful.

 

[bonneyman]

I picked up a Dunlap blowtorch at the Tahoe flea on Sunday. Here it is with my similar Craftsman torch and an image from the 1949 catalog.
-Don

Freaking nice, Don!

Nice history, DadsTools. I didn't realize Sears was going overseas so early. But I had read somewhere that Dunlap was discontinued/abandoned/whatever around 1961. Lines up pretty well with what you've shared.

 

[d42jeep]

Here is a really nice Tap & Die set that Pvt Lugz picked up for me at his local flea market and sent across the country. I was happy to see how many original pieces were still included. Thanks again, Lugz!
-Don

 

[leg17]

While I was out in the garage taking pictures, I took a few Dunlap and Lectrolite shots. Although the DBE wrenches that I have are similar, the area where the logos are marked are different sizes. -Don

In the 60's I bought a set of Dunlap DBE offsets, as Craftsman didn't offer them at the time.
This is what was in the pouch. Indestro

Beam looks exact but the recess is different. Identical basic design and not different enough to change the production parameters. Likely used the same bar stock spec, heat treat, etc.,.

I have since found the 'proper' Dunlap so I can sleep at night.

 

[d42jeep]

Nice set. I'm not sure but I think I have 5 of them. Here are 3 that I got at an estate sale earlier in the year.
-Don

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

Paulm12, my dad always had one of those little parts cabinets on his work bench on the farm filled with different sized rivets for sickle sections

 

[leg17]

Nice set. I'm not sure but I think I have 5 of them. Here are 3 that I got at an estate sale earlier in the year.
-Don

Dunlap offered a short set also.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Hadn't been on the thread in a while.. glad to see it alive and kicking .. and some pretty interesting tools ..

 

[rust in the eye]

What is this Dunlap tool for?

I'm guessing a seam roller of some sort.
The roller consists of six elements, all rotating independently, two pairs of toothed wheels which extend very nominally from a disc separating each pair.
There is a 1/2" hex head screw on either side, one is left hand thread, for replacing the wheels. Also two prongs which I wonder what are used for.

 

[crankshaftdan II]

Re: What is this Dunlap tool for?

I'm guessing a seam roller of some sort.
The roller consists of six elements, all rotating independently, two pairs of toothed wheels which extend very nominally from a disc separating each pair.
There is a 1/2" hex head screw on either side, one is left hand thread, for replacing the wheels. Also two prongs which I wonder what are used for.

Tool for truing up grinding wheels--referred to as a "Wheel Dresser" lots of companies made them and are quite common at garage sales/estates resale shops.

 

[rust in the eye]

^^ Thanks, Dan. I'll put it to use.

 

[d42jeep]

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Tin Medic alerted me to this Dunlap ignition wrench set on eBay so I picked it up. Both the wrenches and the roll are in pretty decent shape.
-Don

 

[four.cycle]

^ that's funny that you bought that.

I saw that listed and was going to post it in the "Ebay hot deal" thread, and then thought "Naww..... nobody gives a rip about Dunlap," so I let it slide by.

Have to change my thinking on that one, I guess.

That is a hell of a nice looking set, btw.

My Dunlap collection is limited to a little set of SAE open ends that I purchased mostly because I thought the clip was kind of interesting:

 

[d42jeep]

That set is quite similar to my early Barcalo chrome moly set and clip as well as the clip that holds my Punch and Chisel set. With the V marking on your Dunlap set, I assume they were made by Moore Drop Forge but the wrenches are very similar.
-Don

 

[four.cycle]

^ I believe you are correct about the "V" mark indicating they were made by Moore, but I have nothing to compare them against, so that's just my best guess.
Certainly there is no reason that they could not have been made by Moore.

Unfortunately my photos above don't show the difference in the holders - that Dunlap clip just has a "springy" flap that folds over the top and secures it to the other side.

 

[454ragtop]

Stumbled across this screwdriver at the flea market today. Was surprised to see the condition, and even more surprised to see it was a Dunlap.

 

[michaelwolson]

Not a tool but here's the motor off of my Craftsman 80 Drill press. I think it's the only dunlap branded item I own so far...Don't worry though it wont be my last.

 

[d42jeep]

Stumbled across this screwdriver at the flea market today. Was surprised to see the condition, and even more surprised to see it was a Dunlap.

Not a tool but here's the motor off of my Craftsman 80 Drill press. I think it's the only dunlap branded item I own so far...Don't worry though it wont be my last.

Be careful, guys. My Dunlap collection started with a $3.00 flea market toolbox and has taken on a life of it's own. I received these treasures from Pvt Lugz yesterday. Thanks, Lugz! The Barcalo dykes are cool too!
-Don

 

[michaelwolson]

Be careful, guys. My Dunlap collection started with a $3.00 flea market toolbox and has taken on a life of it's own. I received these treasures from Pvt Lugz yesterday. Thanks, Lugz! The Barcalo dykes are cool too!
-Don

Yeah it ***** too because I have been on a purchasing freeze currently but I've been seeing old dunlap a lot recently. I have been eyeballing a $20 dunlap 3 1/2" vise for quite some time but really don't need any more small vises. Are you in the Bay Area? You might get more joy out of it than I would...

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I received these treasures from Pvt Lugz yesterday. Thanks, Lugz!

You're quite welcome, Donlap, and I am quite happy with my end of the exchange - especially the early Xmas surprise K-D and ACTION pieces! Did you notice the strange "D" on the tiny ratcheting screwdriver? That's the only DUNLAP piece I have ever see with a "D" like that. I wonder if it was peculiar to that supplier.

 

[bonneyman]

Stumbled across this screwdriver at the flea market today. Was surprised to see the condition, and even more surprised to see it was a Dunlap.

Never seen a Dunlap spiral driver before.

 

[Maui]

D42jeep, those Dunlap motors sell for a surprising amount of money sometimes. I had a saw that I was selling on Craigslist and a guy contacted me and offered me $80 for just the Dunlap motor that was on it. I shipped it to him and replaced the motor with a different one I had on hand, and sold the saw to someone else.

 

[d42jeep]

Yeah it ***** too because I have been on a purchasing freeze currently but I've been seeing old dunlap a lot recently. I have been eyeballing a $20 dunlap 3 1/2" vise for quite some time but really don't need any more small vises. Are you in the Bay Area? You might get more joy out of it than I would...

Thanks for the heads up on the vise. My workbench space is minimal and there are already a couple of working vises bolted to it. I don't even have room to attach my Dunlap hand grinder.
-Don

 

[michaelwolson]

D42jeep, those Dunlap motors sell for a surprising amount of money sometimes. I had a saw that I was selling on Craigslist and a guy contacted me and offered me $80 for just the Dunlap motor that was on it. I shipped it to him and replaced the motor with a different one I had on hand, and sold the saw to someone else.

So I shouldn't have painted it brown and gold?

Damn...

Thanks for the heads up on the vice. My workbench space is minimal and there are already a couple of working vices bolted to it. I don't even have room to attach my Dunlap hand grinder.
-Don

Sounds similar to my situation...

And proof that we're pretty flooded here...

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/tls/d/vintage-dunlap-ignition-set/6387969916.html

https://goldcountry.craigslist.org/for/d/dunlap-4-drawer-parts-storage/6351472121.html

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/clt/d/vintage-items-at-great-prices/6386541023.html

Sorry, those aren't mine and are mostly too far to drive.