ES Tools (Combo Wrench)

[MuddyTaco]

I was going though some of my Dad's older tools the other day, and stumbled upon some wrenches that I don't even remember him owning. One old Snap-On 9/16" ~ 1/2" open end (it's either from 1967 or 1987, but the "7" is so worn that it is hard to tell.) Along with the random Williams, Proto, Diamond, vintage Thorsen, SK-Wayne, Craftsman, and Mac Tool. The majority of his tools are made in either Taiwan or India. Ugh.

He also had a couple of Japanese-made wrenches by Fuller, Cen-Tech, and even a few that just say "JAPAN" on them with no other markings. Weird.

But, the one that has me intrigued, is a small, roughly 5.5" long, 1/2" Combo wrench by ES-Tools. It says "Forged" and "U.S.A." on the back. The beam is scalloped out on the top and bottom. I am guessing that is to save weight? Whatever the case, it feels fantastic in the hand. The edges are nicely rounded over, and it has decent polish to the finish. It says "ES-Tools" up on the open end of the wrench, not on the beam itself; which is different.

Anyways, do any of you know anything about this brand? I can't find anything on Google. A search on here didn't turn up much either. There are a few for sale on Ebay, mostly Ignition Wrenches, but there are a few that look like this one, as well..

 

[lardy1]

Pics?

 

[woody 73]

I have done so many stories ES sounds familiar; like maybe I ran across it before out in the wild, but I might not have located any information about it???

I did a story about Cen tech:

Cen-tech

A few notes: This post goes out to GJ member Four Cycle, without his work I would be even more lost then I am; so special thanks for all your hard work. If not vintage then it is a very early made tool from the 1970's. I am not sure about the Harbor freight connection at this time ? maybe...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[woody 73]

I picked up a really cool looking screwdriver yesterday, wouldn't you know it, a few other dribs and drabs from other members and I just killed that story, but the screwdriver was cool looking anyhow.

Any pictures of the ES mark?

 

[3baygarage]

They’re out there, seen a number of them. Had a large combo wrench I sold years ago. It was a very, very heavy duty wrench with excellent finish. I think they were gov. surplus of some kind. Always wondered if they were related to Easco.

 

[woody 73]

Now I really need go see some pictures.

 

[MuddyTaco]

Oh, sorry. Here are two pics...

 

[MuddyTaco]

I have done so many stories ES sounds familiar; like maybe I ran across it before out in the wild, but I might not have located any information about it???

I did a story about Cen tech:

Cen-tech

A few notes: This post goes out to GJ member Four Cycle, without his work I would be even more lost then I am; so special thanks for all your hard work. If not vintage then it is a very early made tool from the 1970's. I am not sure about the Harbor freight connection at this time ? maybe...

www.garagejournal.com

Thank you for the link to your story about Cen-Tech tools..

 

[3baygarage]

Oh, sorry. Here are two pics...

That's different than the smooth shank combos I'm thinking of. It looks more like the style of an Indestro.

 

[woody 73]

It sure looks like indestro stamped their blanks for a contract with ES-tools

 

[MuddyTaco]

Yeah, after looking at various Indestro wrenches on Ebay, they do look a lot alike..

 

[gola_51780]

I have your answer. I used to work for emporium specialties in Austin PA. there we made many tools, wire forms, sockets for snap on and our own home brand es tools wrenches and pliers. I have personally worked in the wrench department from forging to sizing and deflashing. we did our own chroming , but never worked in that department. es tools was owned by the owner marvin dupris

 

[RTM]

1976 trademark, first use 1975. Thomas register lists them as still kicking in 2002.

Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office

books.google.com