Show your Indestro and Duro-Chrome tools

[d42jeep]

Lots. I have some similar Duro marked ones as well. Lots of other configurations of D-I sets to choose from also to say nothing of D-I based GMTKs

-Don

 

[four.cycle]

^ And among all of your mix of various "D - I" sets - in either Duro or Indestro - there are how many different finishes?

1. plain steel with a kinda-sorta shiny look
2. plain black steel - like old Walden Worcester black
3. cad finish (like the set I just posted)

I have plated polished "D - I" around here somewhere I'm sure - it would have to be Indestro.

Then there's no part number with "D - I", part number with "D - I", and then there's manufacturer's name or no manufacturer's name.

did I miss any?

was metals allocation during wartime and the period immediately thereafter such that they were scrambling from one week to the next with the materials they had at their disposal and that might be why we see so many different flavors? or is my mind wandering too far in the middle of the night?

 

[d42jeep]

Seems like you have the variety summed up pretty well. I only have educated guesses, no facts. I think that the earliest D-I sockets were the cad plated version that your set seems to be. Cadmium dust was known to be dangerous even back then but was a popular, legal and inexpensive way to prevent steel tools rusting. At some point during the war black oxide treatment was invented as an alternative to cad plating and was widely accepted. Some of the sockets we see now as plain steel may simply have started out as black oxide but my best guess is that wartime necessity made rustproofing less necessary and plain steel was acceptable. The fairly rare chrome plated D-I sockets were possibly postwar overstock, plated to allow Duro to sell them off before resuming regular Duro and Indestro separate production.
I elected to populate my first GMTK with Cad plated D-I sockets.
It seems like most of these D-I sets I’ve seen have been black oxide.
Chrome plated D-I sockets.
Wartime catalog page discussing wartime restrictions.
-Don

 

[four.cycle]

Seems like you have the variety summed up pretty well.

I think there were actually no fewer than five different finishes (aside from all the variations in markings):
- dull cad finish
- dull plain steel finish
- shiny (but not plated) steel finish
- dark black finish (as I mentioned in the thread - kind of looking like old black Walden stuff)
- plated and polished

.... all of which were marked "D - I"

Maybe I am imagining things.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

Thanks men. I always thought it was the blackening my tong with the end of a pencil back in grade school, or all the bbs from my rabbits that I swallowed back when I hunted in the 1970s. But now all the dust in my shop from wire wheel cleaning all these Cadmium tools. I will taking my shop vac and dust mask a little more serious and clean my shop.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

...no fewer than five different finishes (aside from all the variations in markings):
- dull cad finish
- dull plain steel finish
- shiny (but not plated) steel finish
- dark black finish (as I mentioned in the thread - kind of looking like old black Walden stuff)
- plated and polished

I have Fed Specs dated 1943 that include all the acceptable finishes. Three of the five on your empirically derived list for "-D-I-" marked tools are on it. Your fourth (polished plain steel) is not. Polishing or buffing of any kind was actually expressly prohibited. My hunch on that, which is not confined to "-D-I-" tools, has always been a late war relaxation, or, like some instances of chrome-plating, your fifth category, special dispensation, requiring a special customer contract rating and approval. In my findings, almost always aviation related.

The "dark black finish" is almost certainly black ox, as Don alluded to, although there is some really dark plain wartime steel, too. My favorite.

Other finishes specified and seen but not typically used by DI include paint and phosphates, usually zinc. Those are even chalkier than cadmium.

Otherwise, I have nothing to add or qualify in anything your or Don have posted.

At some point during the war black oxide treatment was invented as an alternative to cad plating

Hey, @four.cycle, Don didn't point out the niftiest aspect of that seminal article, found by me, with no small amount of elation and pride, after many, many hours of page-by-page, article-by-article reading of dozens of issues of that magazine.

(Pssst. Hint: look at the byline! )

 

[d42jeep]

It’s pretty easy to polish up the plain steel sockets to make them look prettier.
Here are some polished plain steel Plomb sockets.
I’m still waiting for my royalty checks for the black oxide process!
-Don

 

[matthew]

How many different iterations of "D -I" could there possibly have been within a span of only 5 or 6 or 7 years?

Even wartime aside, would I be right in observing that D-I seems to have been run rather pragmatically?

People love things that neatly categorize and classify and match. If it was me running things, I have no doubt my pedantic tendencies would rule, and I’d have a very Germanic sort of order. I just have to stop and appreciate - the purpose of this forum is to appreciate this stuff, right? - that what attracts me to Indestro is the stuff that’s more like art - the interesting oddities, inconsistencies, variations… the tri-wing ratchet heads or wide open ends on wrenches are not necessarily better than a vintage Proto or Wright, but are just unique Indestro sculptures…

 

[four.cycle]

"... unique Indestro sculptures ..."

Somewhere around here is an old set of double-box-ends that appear to have been run through the final "fit and finish" process by a jeweler - the workmanship is that nice.

==

"...Polishing or buffing of any kind was actually expressly prohibited..."

There's the "aha!" moment for me.
There was a reason I wanted you to weigh in on this one - I'd have never figured that out - I'm out of the "military" loop part of it and it's just not on my radar screen.

Examining that, then, and looking at Don's two examples above, we have to ask "How'd they get so shiny?"
What are the odds that a whole mess of guys decided to take it upon themselves to put all their 1/2" drive sockets on a buffer wheel just to make 'em look pretty? I mean... come on... really...

Which begs the question: maybe.... plain steel that's been "buffed" by use over the years? Like the blade of my garden shovel - it just gets shinier and shinier? Black oxide coating that got rubbed/scrubbed/polished off?

==

"... oddities, inconsistencies, variations ..."

... are all fine in the art world - we expect that.

Where the problem comes in is when the new member signs up, posts his set, and asks "What have I got here?"
I'd rather have the correct information than only being able to make a wild guess.
My pedantry rules my universe.

 

[d42jeep]

Somewhere around here is an old set of double-box-ends that appear to have been run through the final "fit and finish" process by a jeweler - the workmanship is that nice.

==



There's the "aha!" moment for me.
There was a reason I wanted you to weigh in on this one - I'd have never figured that out - I'm out of the "military" loop part of it and it's just not on my radar screen.

Examining that, then, and looking at Don's two examples above, we have to ask "How'd they get so shiny?"
What are the odds that a whole mess of guys decided to take it upon themselves to put all their 1/2" drive sockets on a buffer wheel just to make 'em look pretty? I mean... come on... really...

Only a seriously disturbed person would take a set of ugly plain steel sockets and have them professionally polished.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

The evaporust removed what was left of the shiny black finish on the G series Wrenches. I removed everything down to bare metal and will refinish with black enamel. I did a little cleanup on the pouch as well. -Don

I have completed this set to my satisfaction other than finding an unobtainium Duro marked screwdriver.
-Don
Painted them glossy black.
Back in the roll with placeholder screwdriver.
Found the missing G3110 pliers in the basement.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

I have completed this set to my satisfaction other than finding an unobtainium Duro marked screwdriver.
-Don
Painted them glossy black.
Back in the roll with placeholder screwdriver.
Found the missing G3110 pliers in the basement.

Those look great. I am not having much success with the evaporust. And what paint. Would the cook stove paint help hold longer?

 

[d42jeep]

Are you leaving the items in the evaporust overnight? As long as it’s a relatively fresh batch I get excellent results. I just found an old black spray can that had been sitting in the garage. Maybe Plasticoat? I think that cook stove paint would be a good choice. Probably hold up better.
-Don

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

Are you leaving the items in the evaporust overnight? As long as it’s a relatively fresh batch I get excellent results. I just found an old black spray can that had been sitting in the garage. Maybe Plasticoat? I think that cook stove paint would be a good choice. Probably hold up better.
-Don

Yea. Been leaving over night but it was a can that was on sale, maybe old. Try again sometime.

 

[d42jeep]

I usually replace mine about once a year with a fresh batch. I’ve been buying it on Amazon.
-Don

 

[four.cycle]

Indestro screwdrivers - all ca. early 1970s

.... there are more around here somewhere... [

 

[S-K Tool Fanatic!]

Those are sweet, would love to find some of them some day.

 

[d42jeep]

Nice group. Any spinners?
-Don
I removed the markings from one of the D-I spinners. It took hours!
I like the amber handle one.

 

[four.cycle]

^ Yes. Many 2873's around here with white/clear handles. Maybe two or three (?) with yellow handles (those are tough.) only one of the later dark blue and clear.

 

[StillTooManyHobbies]

I found this little Indestro Classic 7785MM set this summer. Only missing the 6272 ratchet. I think it's from the 1980's, but not sure. Not my area of interest, but thought I would post it. It could be adopted if someone is interested.

 

[MisterEd]

4487 Duro-Chrome Cub Speedster 3/8 Inch Drive Ratchet

 

[d42jeep]

I have a couple different styles of 3/8” drive ratchet. I put the style like yours in my made up 3/8” drive set.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

4487 Duro-Chrome Cub Speedster 3/8 Inch Drive Ratchet

The kind of work I would do, that oil hole lets to much room for era. I would have to clean it out every other use.

 

[Etchase]

The kind of work I would do, that oil hole lets to much room for era. I would have to clean it out every other use.

They are unserviceable, but not sealed so you can at least soak them.

 

[MisterEd]

The kind of work I would do, that oil hole lets to much room for era.

Like other old tools it's remarkable how well it works even now 70 or 80 years later. Obviously, despite being made more cheaply by sealing them they were still made to a high standard. To us, the design and age makes it another small piece of old tool art to add to the Accumulation.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

Like other old tools it's remarkable how well it works even now 70 or 80 years later. Obviously, despite being made more cheaply by sealing them they were still made to a high standard. To us, the design and age makes it another small piece of old tool art to add to the Accumulation.

I agree. Very well said.

 

[Etchase]

I wonder if maintaining the tolerances for two press fits was cheaper then the two screws. People opening them up probably led to failures. Maybe it was a trade off.

 

[d42jeep]

Though totally unsophisticated they are among the most reliable of designs as long as they are kept lubricated. I have a bunch of them in various drive sizes and very few have not worked perfectly. Most of those were squared away with some WD40 followed by a few drips of 3 in 1 oil.
Don

 

[four.cycle]

Indestro Select 85010 15-pc. 3/8" drive SAE socket set

The five-digit 80000-series part number indicates this set was marketed as a special promotional item - that part number won't be found in any Indestro catalog or price list.
The ratchet is Indestro's model 6270 "open gear" model.
This set is missing the 13/16" spark plug socket.

 

[four.cycle]

Tru-Test 13-pc 3/8" drive SAE socket set - manufactured by Indestro Mfg. Corp., Chicago.

Only the glued-on paper label shows the "Tru-Test" name. The tools are all marked "Indestro Select".
This set is missing the 6626 13/16" socket.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Indestro Select 85010 15-pc. 3/8" drive SAE socket set

Funny how 99.9% of the "later" sets you and other guys show here or on other threads (Walden, SK, P-K, etc) do nothing for me, but that is a big wow. When was that made, 4.c? 60s?

 

[S-K Tool Fanatic!]

Tru-Test 13-pc 3/8" drive SAE socket set - manufactured by Indestro Mfg. Corp., Chicago.

Only the glued-on paper label shows the "Tru-Test" name. The tools are all marked "Indestro Select".
This set is missing the 6626 13/16" socket.

Is the label in the wrong spot? Or is the little socket divider supposed to be in the lid?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

@four.cycle Lemme know if you need this (No. 3711, 1/2") for a set. It's the only reason I picked it up. If not, I'll try to flip it for some cash. It's a little mangled near the ferrule, and someone took a file to the flats on the blade, but overall decent with a strong marking.

 

[beatcad]

I don't collect INDESTRO tools, but I do collect 50s/60s body tools.
These are INDESTRO.
come to think of it I have an indestro store tool board if someone wants to trade for a handful of magic beans.

 

[d42jeep]

I found this Indestro 1/4” drive ratchet at a sale this morning. Nice working ratchet.
-Don

 

[four.cycle]

Funny how 99.9% of the "later" sets you and other guys show here or on other threads (Walden, SK, P-K, etc) do nothing for me, but that is a big wow. When was that made, 4.c? 60s?

Funny you should ask....

I would have thought earlier, but;
The 1961 Indestro Select catalog No. 2 shows their 3/8" drive "Select" sets containing the 6270 ("open gear") ratchet.
The trademark for "Select Steel" tools claims first use of 1961.
We do have a postal zone, though, so I'm thinking... ca. 1961 - 1962 (?)

Is the label in the wrong spot?[/qyote]

No, the label is in the correct place - on the inside of the lid.
Indestro included a small label inside all their sets explaining "This is the top, blah blah.."
(I'll have to find an example .. )

@Private Lugnutz - not that i don't appreciate the offer, but that's going to be more advantageous for your "tradesies" than it would b for me to toss it into a set of sockets - especially with yellow handle. :thumbup;

 

[Private Lugnutz]

No, the label is in the correct place - on the inside of the lid.
Indestro included a small label inside all their sets explaining "This is the top, blah blah.."
(I'll have to find an example .. )

Either I'm misunderstanding you misunderstand @S-K Tool Fanatic! or we're all living in Indestro's Upside Down Land!

I can't wait to see Indestro's explanation. That is clearly the compartment with the label, not the lid. Even if you ignore the socket divider, you can see which half (the lid) has the little spot-welded tab-clasp and which half (the compartment) has the slight receptacle for the little spot-welded tab-clasp to press into. I assumed you placed the tools inside the lid so we could read the label.

 

[four.cycle]

^ Sorry you lost me there... I'll have to find a set with that label still relatively intact and get a picture of it. It is, admittedly, a bit whacky, but I can understand why they thought it was a good idea (for the purposes of displaying the tool set.) Ultimately results in the label inside the lid being completely destroyed.

 

[bonneyman]

They are unserviceable, but not sealed so you can at least soak them.

Would an ultrasound session work on those? I have a few and always wondered about that.

 

[Etchase]

Would an ultrasound session work on those? I have a few and always wondered about that.

Seems like a great idea!