300man
Member
I read several posts in a couple of old threads to do with the Key Model wrenches dating back 10 years or so using the search tool.
So figured time to start a new one.
From what I can tell doing research on the internet and finding old pictures, auction descriptions and advertisements there are at least 2 slightly different versions of the Key Model.
Both versions were offered in the 28" , 36", 48" and special order 72" lengths.
Seems the earliest version may or may not have had the Oct. 20, 1903 date on the upper jaw...and the stylish Key Model Trade Mark stamped in the main arm.
One documented difference of the earliest wrenches is that the tail of the adjuster where it extends beyond the strap was threaded and a hex nut was used as a stop to keep the adjuster captive. The other difference is the length of theses wrenches are closer to the actual advertised length.
The later key model wrenches had the stylish script Coes logo stamped on the strap. The adjuster where it passed through the strap was not threaded and had a plain sleeve or bushing that was pinned through the adjuster where it extended beyond the strap. These later versions in the 28" and 36" size were longer than originally advertised. The 28" actual size ranged from 31 to 32 inches and the 36" actual size was in the 38 to 39 1/2 inch range. I can't say exactly when the production changes were made but somewhere around 1920 would be a good estimate.
I recently found one of the later model 36" Coes Key Model Wrenches with the script logo on the strap and plain bushing adjuster keeper. It in fact measures 39 1/4 inches.
I have read that there was a book published by the man who tracked down one of two 72 inch models known. It may have these details about the Key Model wrenches included in the book?
So figured time to start a new one.
From what I can tell doing research on the internet and finding old pictures, auction descriptions and advertisements there are at least 2 slightly different versions of the Key Model.
Both versions were offered in the 28" , 36", 48" and special order 72" lengths.
Seems the earliest version may or may not have had the Oct. 20, 1903 date on the upper jaw...and the stylish Key Model Trade Mark stamped in the main arm.
One documented difference of the earliest wrenches is that the tail of the adjuster where it extends beyond the strap was threaded and a hex nut was used as a stop to keep the adjuster captive. The other difference is the length of theses wrenches are closer to the actual advertised length.
The later key model wrenches had the stylish script Coes logo stamped on the strap. The adjuster where it passed through the strap was not threaded and had a plain sleeve or bushing that was pinned through the adjuster where it extended beyond the strap. These later versions in the 28" and 36" size were longer than originally advertised. The 28" actual size ranged from 31 to 32 inches and the 36" actual size was in the 38 to 39 1/2 inch range. I can't say exactly when the production changes were made but somewhere around 1920 would be a good estimate.
I recently found one of the later model 36" Coes Key Model Wrenches with the script logo on the strap and plain bushing adjuster keeper. It in fact measures 39 1/4 inches.
I have read that there was a book published by the man who tracked down one of two 72 inch models known. It may have these details about the Key Model wrenches included in the book?
