Odd Williams 725 open end wrench

[Danglerb]

Picked this out a bundle of old wrenches. Whats odd is that each end has several sizes marked on it, and none seem right to me.

 

[michael murder]

That's because the measurement is a different system than the one used now. I got a bunch of wrenches like this from my grandpa. He explained there were several systems this might be one based off the size of the bolt, like the actual threaded part of the bolt. If it reads "3/8", that's how big the shaft of the bolt would be, not the head.

 

[michael murder]

http://www.wrenchingnews.com/wrench-logos/logos-page-1.html

At the bottom of the page is a little article on standards of measurements.

"SAE Initials: SAE (used with size in inches of bolt diameter i.e. I/2 SAE)
Society of Automotive Engineers (fine threaded nuts and bolts)
Found on older forged wrenches before the 1929 standard want into effect"

"USS Initials: USS (used with size in inches of bolt diameter i.e. I/2 USS)
United States Standard.
Found on older forged wrenches before the 1929 standard want into effect"

These are the two I most commonly come across and occasionally you see, "OC"

"OC Hex logo and initial C (used with size in inches of bolt diameter i.e. I/2OC)
Hex Cap Screw
Found on older forged wrenches before 1920 standard want into effect"

 

[Danglerb]

One end of this one is marked, 1/4 USS 5/16OC 5/16 SAE, no way would I have guessed this was an old wrench. The Williams mark shows a bit of wear, but the rest seems almost new. Cool find I guess, thanks for the link and info.

Wow, looks like its 1924 to 1927.
http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/williams-supercompany.html

 

[superautobacs]

Danglerb,

That 19mm wrench you have pictured for comparison--is that a Toyota or Nissan ... or simply a Made in Japan wrench?

 

[Danglerb]

HM Honda Motors by Kowa, and that is the I think 10mm end, see this thread for more info on them.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48457