Indestro Tools

[TheGrooveking]

I was a little curious as to the history of Indestro tools as that I was going through one of the tool boxes I inherited from my father and finding the rachets I used as a kid. I saw in some reading on this site that they were made in Chicago and that some forum members bought them at the company store. This makes me wonder as that my father moved to Chicago from Alabama in the early 60's and always wondered where my father got these tools at.

TheGrooveking

 

[Mickey O]

I grew up a few blocks from the plant (The Schwinn factory was a few blocks the other way), it was on Kildare on NW side I think the buildings are still there. I got my first ratchet there (see below), still have it. My neighbor owned a machine shop down the block and made stuff for them, I used to go there quite a bit. That was in the late 60's and early 70's, we moved in the mid 70's (neighborhood went to hell). They went out of business years ago, don't know exactly when.

 

[mark40sw]

http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/duro-indestro.html#history

 

[old salvage]

Mickey, nice original ratchet (pamphlet and all, Wow ). Do you remember if you bought it in the late 60's or early 70's ? I ask because I notice the shifter has 3 prongs and I've always wondered when they switched over from 4.

 

[Mickey O]

Mickey, nice original ratchet (pamphlet and all, Wow ). Do you remember if you bought it in the late 60's or early 70's ? I ask because I notice the shifter has 3 prongs and I've always wondered when they switched over from 4.

I think it might be a hodge-podge of Duro and Indestro, it was put together for me by one of the guys that worked there, it was '69 or '70 I believe. But they had those ratchets years before.

 

[TheGrooveking]

http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/duro-indestro.html#history

Great site, thanks for the link! I know my father bought a lot of stuff from Western Auto, which carried Indestro so that explains a possible place where he may have bought the tools. There was a Western Auto in Addison, Illinois that I would go to with my father in the mid 60's to mid 70's.

TheGrooveking

 

[old salvage]

I think it might be a hodge-podge of Duro and Indestro, it was put together for me by one of the guys that worked there, it was '69 or '70 I believe. But they had those ratchets years before.

Thank you.
I did not know that.

 

[wrenchr]

I have a soft spot for indestro tools!! The sockets are some tough SOB's!!!!

 

[CamarosRus]

I have sets of INDESTRO "SUPER" sockets that I got 35+ years ago.

1/2" Deep SAE, 1/2" Deep Metric, 1/2" Std Metric, and 1/2" Impact SAE.

Ive never been a pro mechanic and these are in Very Good Condition.

Is there any $$$ market for these INDESTRO (made In USA) Sockets ????

I'll sell them tomorrow if the money is right (in my mind) and I can replace with
TOPTUL, GEARWRENCH or GENIUS

 

[Elroy]

I'll sell them tomorrow if the money is right (in my mind) and I can replace with
TOPTUL, GEARWRENCH or GENIUS

Please don't take these comments personal but that would be like trading that bad *** wheel standing Camaro for a front wheel drive Honda with a fart pipe.

What is your thought process here ??

 

[Mickey O]

Certain Indestro tools are very desirable (or so I'm told), like certain Super's, Duro Chromes and complete tool kits, don't know about the sockets alone. But I'm with Elroy why would you want to get rid of quality US made tools for import junk?

 

[Rnz520]

Certain Indestro tools are very desirable (or so I'm told), like certain Super's, Duro Chromes and complete tool kits, don't know about the sockets alone. But I'm with Elroy why would you want to get rid of quality US made tools for import junk?

I am with him on this one, I love older US made sockets, tough as nails and they just have a sense of history to them. I would never replace them with shiny new Taiwan chrome, it might look pretty but tools that have battle scars get more respect.
This coming from someone that really likes Gearwrench products, but your trading an old, comfy, reliable BMW for a chinese Cheri(sp?)

 

[matthew]

I like 'em partly because they're a bit of an oddball, and partly because I had found my great grandfather's set similar to these when helping clean my Dad's garage:

He also has some Indestro Select metric sockets and a 6272 ratchet from the late '60's or early '70's.

There might be some unique pieces that could generate some money, but I don't think there's enough awareness of or a following for Duro / Indestro for them to have any significant value over any other comparable make of tool of a similar age. Might even be a slight disadvantage because compared to vintage SK or even Craftsman there's no warranty on them anymore... If you just want to trade for newer stuff, some people on this board might consider.

 

[CamarosRus]

Hello Men, I didnt have this thread subscribed and didnt see your above comments until now.

As I said above, IF the collector buyers or USA, USA, USA buyers want my INDESTRO sockets for a yet to be determined price I will gladly sell them. Never said I would replace them with Pittsburg/Harbor Freight.

I would replace them with 6pt GEARWRENCH or TOPTUL sockets and any $$$ leftover would go toward more G.W./TOPTUL pcs.

I understand how you feel about the Taiwanese "junk" so spare us your broken record speech.

Tonight I realized I had a std (not stubby but relative short IMHO) length set of 30yr old INDESTRO (non polished) metric combo wrenches from 9mm to 22mm (missing 13mm). These are numbered with the 44000 series such as 44008 - 44022.
I have another set of SK Metric so these have been laying around for ever. ANY opinion on value or desireability ? Pictures later.

FYI, The "Bad *** wheel standing Camaro was my "15 minutes of fame" 25 years ago. I still do the Camaros (the Yellow one for example) but these days restore to original.

 

[caper]

Indestro doesn't sell for big money,usually.I just picked up this practically NOS ratchet for 12.99 on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320475043331&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

 

[Mickey O]

Indestro doesn't sell for big money,usually.I just picked up this practically NOS ratchet for 12.99 on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320475043331&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Those are very nice ratchets.

 

[Paladin]

I like Indestro. One of my favorite 1/2" drive rats is an Indestro.

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

So if there are duro indestro tools on eBay....they are all older...even if new?

 

[ganymede]

So if there are duro indestro tools on eBay....they are all older...even if new?

Yes. They went under in the late 80's maybe 1990.

 

[four.cycle]

another old thread revival.

CamarosRus if you're still around and are looking to part with your Indestro sets please feel free to contact me via PM.

Mickey O if you're still around and you'd ever be willing to part with that #2875 please let me know.

old salvage if you're still around, as far as I know Indestro made the #2875 with the three-wing selector back into the mid-1960s. (note the " 6/63 " on the pamphlet stapled to Mickey O's ratchet.)

TheGrooveking if you're still around, Indestro supplied Western Auto with the "Wizard" brand of tools. Identical except for the name stamped on the tool.
(They also made some "Westcraft" for Montgomery Ward.)

pennsylvaniaboy: The company went out of business in 1990, so yes any "NOS" stuff on Ebay is at least 25 years old.
There are several "NOS" Duro-Indestro socket sets currently posted on Ebay. I've dealt with at least a few of those who currently have those sets listed.

(I've made inquiries regarding the first three sets I've listed below. They're all first rate stuff, and the same quality as the "Indestro Super".
See this post for photos: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5261997&highlight=shanks#post5261997

There's a heck of a set right now on there listed by a seller in Oklahoma City that is missing the 9/16" (actually it's got a longitudinal hairline crack in it. If you're patient you will be able to find a "Select" 9/16" 12-point to complete the set. It's listed as "used" but I've communicated with the seller and it's damn near new. $30 incl. shipping with a #6272 pear-head ratchet.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-IND...718109?hash=item1c5d426add:g:OTUAAOSwnipWVSN8

^ (Actually the sockets in that set are just stamped "Indestro" (not "Select" or "Super".) The plain "Indestro" stamped sockets were included in the "Classic" sets, an example of which can be found on Ebay for $100.)
If you wanted to expand that set and add the 15/16" and 1", you'd be able to find singles on there pretty easy in either "Select" or "Super" or possibly the plain "Indestro" label - you just have to pick through the listings. (OR there's a seller in the Chicago area who might be able to dig one up for you. PM me if you want the seller's "handle".)

Same seller has two NOS Duro-Indestro sets - $60 ea. incl. shipping:

13-pc 3/8" dr 6-pt metric: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-INDESTR...415783?hash=item1c5c86b2e7:g:AlkAAOSw~bFWQWkB

12-pc 3/8" dr 12-pt SAE: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-INDESTR...399305?hash=item1c5c867289:g:UGQAAOSwhcJWQVc6

========================================================

I have not dealt with this seller. I think his shipping prices are too high:

12-pc 1/2" dr 12-pt SAE: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Duro-In...011280?hash=item1a09f21b10:g:6l8AAOSwhcJWKsKS -- $25 + shipping OBO


13-pc 3/8" dr 6-pt metric: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Duro-In...011279?hash=item1a09f21b0f:g:a9cAAOSwI-BWIYYR $20 + shipping OBO

=========================================================

There was another 3/8" drive set on there earlier today - almost new - but it looks like it's gone.
I snagged the 1963 1/2" drive set a couple hours ago.
They're going pretty fast right now with people Christmas shopping.

=========================================================

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

another old thread revival.



There's a heck of a set right now on there listed by a seller in Oklahoma City that is missing the 9/16" (actually it's got a longitudinal hairline crack in it. If you're patient you will be able to find a "Select" 9/16" 12-point to complete the set. It's listed as "used" but I've communicated with the seller and it's damn near new. $30 incl. shipping with a #6272 pear-head ratchet.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-IND...718109?hash=item1c5d426add:g:OTUAAOSwnipWVSN8

^ (Actually the sockets in that set are just stamped "Indestro" (not "Select" or "Super".) The plain "Indestro" stamped sockets were included in the "Classic" sets, an example of which can be found on Ebay for $100.)
If you wanted to expand that set and add the 15/16" and 1", you'd be able to find singles on there pretty easy in either "Select" or "Super" or possibly the plain "Indestro" label - you just have to pick through the listings. (OR there's a seller in the Chicago area who might be able to dig one up for you. PM me if you want the seller's "handle".)

Same seller has two NOS Duro-Indestro sets - $60 ea. incl. shipping:

13-pc 3/8" dr 6-pt metric: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-INDESTR...415783?hash=item1c5c86b2e7:g:AlkAAOSw~bFWQWkB

12-pc 3/8" dr 12-pt SAE: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-INDESTR...399305?hash=item1c5c867289:g:UGQAAOSwhcJWQVc6

========================================================

I have not dealt with this seller. I think his shipping prices are too high:

12-pc 1/2" dr 12-pt SAE: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Duro-In...011280?hash=item1a09f21b10:g:6l8AAOSwhcJWKsKS -- $25 + shipping OBO


13-pc 3/8" dr 6-pt metric: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Duro-In...011279?hash=item1a09f21b0f:g:a9cAAOSwI-BWIYYR $20 + shipping OBO

=========================================================

There was another 3/8" drive set on there earlier today - almost new - but it looks like it's gone.
I snagged the 1963 1/2" drive set a couple hours ago.
They're going pretty fast right now with people Christmas shopping.

=========================================================

so $35 is too much to pay for a set of NOS indestro 1/2" dr sockets? if they are as good as people say, they should work and last just as good as snappy, sk, wright, williams etc. That's less then 1/2 of what comparable brands sell for, if not 25% of some brands. I doubt I would ever break a 1/2" shallow socket for the home garage.

 

[four.cycle]

no. $35 is cheap for either of those 1/2" drive sets.
you're looking at a much different number on the shipping costs than what I am seeing at my end.
shipping on that 1/2" drive set I cited just above is $22.55 for me.

this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Duro-In...=item1a09f21b10:g:6l8AAOSwhcJWKsKS&rmvSB=true

so if you can get it for $10 shipping, jump on it.

 

[winlinmac]

Who acquired Indestro?

 

[Bierisch]

Who acquired Indestro?

I actually don't think anyone did. And Alloy Artifacts doesn't elaborate on it as to if it was acquired or just closed.

 

[four.cycle]

^ Nobody "acquired" Indestro. They closed their doors, like many other tool manufacturers.

And NO, they did not "sell the name", nor were they or are they in any way affiliated with "Industro", an Asian-import line of hand tools.

 

[RagTopTA]

^ Nobody "acquired" Indestro. They closed their doors, like many other tool manufacturers.

And NO, they did not "sell the name", nor were they or are they in any way affiliated with "Industro", an Asian-import line of hand tools.

fourcycle, you around ?

 

[Da Beast]

I have a soft spot for indestro tools!! The sockets are some tough SOB's!!!!

I do as well. Just aquired a NOS set of deeps 1/2 to 1 1/4 that was still in original packaging.

 

[dutchgray]

I have a few bits of Indestro, 1/4" and 3/8" SAE socket set, 2 sets of Metric DBE, some ratchets, a few flair nut wrenches.
They are good solid tools, even as a Brit I appreciate tools that get the job done, importing from the US is very expensive for any brand but if they are relatively cheap to buy that helps. If spotted locally the name is practically unknown so is usually pretty cheap.
I actually kind of like that the name never got sold on, there is no cheap Chinese junk out there to sully their reputation.

 

[toolaholic]

I found this indestro in my garage . It used to belong to my best friends father who passed away in 1998. Deep offset 13/16 x 7/8.

 

[sk farmer]

I do as well. Just aquired a NOS set of deeps 1/2 to 1 1/4 that was still in original packaging.

nice grab. i won't get on you for using em..........but.

i hope you took some pics of them in the package. would love to see how they came from the factory. if i recall, they closed in the mid 80's and aout 85 was the last time i saw any new stuff.

there is still an odd piece of surplus floating around and a few years ago there was some mil surplus dbe metric sets but other than that old stuff. to be honest, i think much of the wrenches were damn near bulletproof with sockets being pretty good but the ratchets being a little frail. i have seen ratchets that don't work because of a tiny broken part in the reversing mechanism. the mechanism is ok but if you used them as a hammer or had a sharp hit to the selector it was done.

 

[NoahG]

If anyone is in Metro Detroit stop by Kitts Industrial Tools, there are plenty of Indestro wrenches and sockets in their bins, some of its TRW that's clearly Indestro. Last time I was in they still had full 3/8DR 12pt socket sets.

 

[Da Beast]

nice grab. i won't get on you for using em..........but.

i hope you took some pics of them in the package. would love to see how they came from the factory. if i recall, they closed in the mid 80's and aout 85 was

I didn't take pics. They were a loose shrink wrapped with 2 rows of 5 and 4 laying flat on top. A nice little cube. And I don't mind using them but they only get used on my vintage cars. I have other sets for around the property stuff.

The seller I got these off of, her dad was a factory rep and she's been going through his warehouse for the last 4 years. Pretty solid sockets. I have the offset wrench set and I use other ratchets.

 

[Da Beast]

^ Nobody "acquired" Indestro. They closed their doors, like many other tool manufacturers.

And NO, they did not "sell the name", nor were they or are they in any way affiliated with "Industro", an Asian-import line of hand tools.

Would be nice to know where all their molds and metal recipes went. I like the heavy weight of vintage tools. Yes I know modern can be just as strong, I just don't like how they feel. I'd support a company that brought back old styles and made a small line of solid USA made tools.

 

[The Fall]

I do as well. Just aquired a NOS set of deeps 1/2 to 1 1/4 that was still in original packaging.

Awesome find.

 

[WinMod21]

I just found a 7 inch, 3/8" drive [ Indestro Select 6270 ] ratchet in a toolbox this morning, with those push-up/in directional selectors on each side of the ratchet head. Of which I realized--upon using it again--I actually prefer over a top directional selector.