Metco

[ihredo4]

I got a Metco wrench a few days ago and can't seem to find any info on it. Does anyone know anything about them? A search here shows wrenchs and a pair of pliers with that name but not much more. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Do you mean Matco?

 

[ihredo4]

I thought I looked at it wrong also. It is METCO and MADE IN USA.

 

[bmxr4life87]

Pics or it didnt happen

 

[woody 73]

You got it right the first time, I found a wrench last week and it was indeed called a Metco darn I thought Matco made a mistake on their wrench but it was not a mistake! I tried doing a search but I did not find any information. If you do find any information I would like to learn more about that old wrench.

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

I was bored...

 

[MAD]

I have one Metco, raised panel, 5/8" x 3/4" double box end wrench.

Sorry, no solid info on the brand. I got it in a box lot of used tools.

 

[lbgradwell]

Metco was a brand used by the "Metal Engineering Company" of Chicago. Not much information seems to exist on the company, but they operated from at least 1949 through 1954.

Here's an ad from 1949 featuring Blacknwhitepit's rack above...:

Metal Engineering Company also manufactured a Vise-Grip-like locking plier/wrench under the brand name Metcoid "Lever Jaw" and employing US Patent 2,592,807 by Harold T. Jones.

Here's an ad from 1954:

 

[woody 73]

First time maybe about six months ago I found a Metco wrench and I too thought it ment to say Matco (as in they made a stamping mistake); but alas it was not a mistake.
I have never seen anymore Metco tools but they must be out there.

 

[DRhodes]

It really gets confusing when you add "Mecto" into the mix. Yes its spelled Mecto and is different then "Metco" and "Matco".

Although Mecto tools are not well known, they were forged from high quality steel in the 70's. They have a "truck brand" feel to them but are known for chrome peel when used heavily. They were made in a factory in Greenfield Ohio. They made tools for other companies (like John Deere) before selling out. They were bought by K-D Tools, moved to a plant in SC, but eventually KD shut the line down. I personally have a decent collection of "Mecto" and will try to get some pictures posted when I get a chance.

Sorry I cant help you much on the "Metco" brand but I wanted to share this information so others dont confuse the brands.

 

[ihredo4]

Thanks to all of you who replied. This is an interesting line that I think I will start collecting. If anything would become available let me know please.

 

[bluebolt]

There is also Metcoid! I have a few Metco and Metcoid.

 

[lbgradwell]

Dude.

 

[waggie]

anyone find Snop-an or Snab-on wrenches?

 

[DRhodes]

Here are the pictures that I promised.

As you can see - they are a great looking wrench. I put a newer Cornwell wrench beside them so you can compare a "truck brand" to the Mecto.

 

[davesnothere]

So there's matco, metco and mecto too?!

 

[DRhodes]

So there's matco, metco and mecto too?!

That is correct - it gets very confusing.

 

[JASTECH]

Need fresh air now.

 

[HammerRed]

I came across some Metco wrenches in my bosses tool box. They are almost mac clones, which were made in my home town of washington court house ohio and the next town over sabina, ohio. Greenfield is 15 miles away. nobody knows the history not even some of its residents. I will try to go their library and dig up some history of metco tools. My wife is from greenfield, ohio.

 

[3baygarage]

I came across some Metco wrenches in my bosses tool box. They are almost mac clones, which were made in my home town of washington court house ohio and the next town over sabina, ohio. Greenfield is 15 miles away. nobody knows the history not even some of its residents. I will try to go their library and dig up some history of metco tools. My wife is from greenfield, ohio.

Don't you mean MECTO?

Can't begin to describe how funny I find this thread. It got funnier since the first reading a while back when I found it while googling Metcoid.

 

[crankshaftdan II]

Don't you mean MECTO?

Can't begin to describe how funny I find this thread. It got funnier since the first reading a while back when I found it while googling Metcoid.

Might as well bring back another old thread--found these in my stash-think I may have a few of their wrenches-will post them up if found. Neat looking design with the lines-look almost like art deco tools???

 

[otherphone]

I have one Metco, raised panel, 5/8" x 3/4" double box end wrench.

Sorry, no solid info on the brand. I got it in a box lot of used tools.

I just got that same one!!! Thats how i found this thread ,,,, thing is solid , not as thin walled as i like

 

[woody 73]

I thought you might enjoy an old post story...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=344271

 

[fatfillup]

Haha, this thread will never die


Thanks for the info, very interesting indeed

 

[DadsTools]

Here's a long DBE METCO 15/16 to 1. Looks to be very good quality. Very reminiscent of the old S-K raised panel long DBE.

Wish I could find a good home for it, but no one seems to have much interest in this name. I've been sticking this in one storage box after another over the years without deciding what to do with it. She's definitely an orphan. Sometimes I'll put together a set of USA wrenches from different makers and sell them cheap for a backup/beater/car trunk set--this may be it's ultimate fate.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

So are metco and metcoid the same company? I ran into some metcoid stuff recently and it sparked my interest

 

[middleofnowhere1]

They do have a sleek, artistic look

 

[middleofnowhere1]

I didn't remember I had this one.