Show your Indestro and Duro-Chrome tools

[burnin53]

Nice set,Don.
Looks like I need to check my Indestro stash for a couple missing sockets.

 

[Old Radar]

I found this early (guessing 1920's) Indestro 1/2-inch drive hex set at the flea market this morning. Indestro hex drive sets are so common I quite frankly don't even bother looking at them let alone picking them up, but they are usually in those open style holders they made famous, where you can see the sockets, with a long pinned piece of formed sheet metal or sometimes the L-handle itself to lock them into place in the holder. I don't recall ever seeing an Indestro set in this kind of case before and I didn't expect to find Indestro pieces inside.

I looked through 4.c's period ad database and didn't see anything like it. They sold larger 1/2-inch hex and square drives sets in tapered or oblong steel containers with pop off lids, but no smaller sets in oblong-shaped end-hinged steel containers.

Typical for Indestro sets, one of the sizes is stamped different from the others.

Researching Indestro catalogs for my recent find (to be posted later) and having just reviewed several of the posts here, I found a possible reason why you haven't seen a hex set in the box you found this summer--the PO must have got more benefit from keeping his hex set in the box than his stubby knock out wheel pullers.



This may be old news to you, but I did a double take when I saw it and thought I would pass it along, just in case.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

This may be old news to you,...

Nope! Thanks for the tip. I think you're right. Kind of clever of the OP, because the sockets and L-handle fit like a glove in there.

 

[Old Radar]

As described on the 2020 Garage Sale Thread, here is the incomplete Indestro 6pt socket set I found a couple of days ago.

Missing the ratchet, screwdriver bit, the socket half of the valve grinder, along with the 1", 3/4" & 19/32" 6pts and all eight 8pt sockets. Since I don't have a catalog reference for this 6pt set I'm using the 12pt #1536 set in the 1935 catalog as a guide. That set has no 4pt sockets, so there's no telling how many 4pt sockets may have been included in this set. I found six 4pts from 7/8" to 3/8" and it's a good bet that at least the 3/4" is missing.

The decal is all but gone, so I may repaint and order a new decal.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Nice find old radar!

 

[Old Radar]

FrankLee--Thanks for re-posting the photos of your 6pt Indestro set from this summer here and here!! It's a beautiful set--more complete and in better shape than mine, but now I know what to strive for! I had thought my case might have been re-painted because the latches were painted and my smaller set from the same era is green. Now I see that's not the case at all.
Here's the smaller set I picked up at the beginning of the year:

 

[Old Radar]

Thanks OTG!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Missing the ratchet, screwdriver bit, the socket half of the valve grinder, along with the 1", 3/4" & 19/32" 6pts and all eight 8pt sockets. Since I don't have a catalog reference for this 6pt set I'm using the 12pt #1536 set in the 1935 catalog as a guide. That set has no 4pt sockets, so there's no telling how many 4pt sockets may have been included in this set. I found six 4pts from 7/8" to 3/8" and it's a good bet that at least the 3/4" is missing.

OR,
I can help you out on the ratchet, the entire valve grinder attachment and socket (you say you have the pinned attachment half, but I don't see it...), and probably all the hex sockets you are missing.

I respectfully suggest you rethink using that 1935 catalog as a guide, though, which I think is a mistake. That little corner area in the upper left part of your box will not hold the six (6) 8-point sockets shown and listed in the 1935 catalog, and, in earlier period ads, the No. 1536 set did not include any 8-point sockets. That corner corral area of the box in earlier ads for the No. 1536 set is much, much smaller, and it's intended for the valve grinder attachment socket, the short adaptor, the uni joint, and the screwdriver bit.

If you're still not convinced, count your hex sockets. You have seventeen (17), which is three (3) more than what the 1935 catalog No. 1536 set calls for. Why? Because the earlier sets had more hex or double-hex sockets and no star sockets. Besides the fit aspect, you would have more pieces than the 36 pieces that a No. 1536 set had.

Conversely, unlike the later 1935 catalog, which does not include 4-point sockets, the earlier ad shows exactly how many 4-point sockets and their sizes. Their presence in your set should be pointing you to earlier sets. You are missing two (2). Which ones are they? Because I can probably help you out there, too.

As I recommended on the GS thread, I suggest you use the ad I posted for Frank in the summer in this post linked here.

 

[Old Radar]

Thanks Lugz! I was starting to come to the realization last night that my set probably didn't include 8pt sockets. Thanks for the validation! You cited in your original post to Frank that the ad most likely came from the mid '30s, so I guess I didn't pay enough attention to the differences between it and the 1935 catalog entry--my error. The two 4pt sockets I'm missing are 3/4 & 7/16.

I accept your logical analysis and your gracious offer! I'll PM you to discuss trading options!

BTW, here is my valve grinder attachment soaking in PB Blaster.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I can smell the PB Blaster from here!

And sorry for the misleading ID. I think the ad has to be from the early 30s if not late 20's.

 

[Old Radar]

Has anyone got a #738 Super Quality 11/16 wrench,. I find no references here or on AA?

It is a long one piece tool, box end on the long handle, fixed forged in socket after the right angle bend, plated finish.

Similar to head wrench others made for Chevrolet engines.

Okay, I was going to pretend this didn't happen, because I was upset with myself for not recognizing a treasure while I was searching for another treasure. While reviewing some posts on this thread I came across Himber's question above and decided I would publicly cry in my beer.

While feverishly searching for all the sockets and drive tools for the hex version of the 6pt set posted above, I came across, failed to recognize and tossed back several odd-shaped tools that had no discernible maker's marks. I thought no more of them until I was searching through the 1935 Indestro catalog and saw this listing:

Needless to say I went back the next morning to search them out again but came up with only the T Handle Wrench. I'm 99.444% sure I saw all of the others the day before.



This is definitely my biggest "one that got away" this year--but that's part of what makes this all interesting, educational and fun!

Happy New Year everyone!

 

[d42jeep]

Thanks Lugz! I was starting to come to the realization last night that my set probably didn't include 8pt sockets. Thanks for the validation! You cited in your original post to Frank that the ad most likely came from the mid '30s, so I guess I didn't pay enough attention to the differences between it and the 1935 catalog entry--my error. The two 4pt sockets I'm missing are 3/4 & 7/16.

I accept your logical analysis and your gracious offer! I'll PM you to discuss trading options!

BTW, here is my valve grinder attachment soaking in PB Blaster.

I took a look through my matching sockets and it doesn’t look like you really need them unless any of mine are in better condition. I have a 4 point 1/2” and 5/8”. The hex is 1-1/8”. The tee is pitted from rust but the retaining balls are intact. You are welcome to any or all of them.
-Don

 

[Private Lugnutz]

OR,

Here are the pieces I have for your incomplete set. See Pic 1.

If you're that upset for missing them, I could probably be talked out of the Ford V8 tools in Pic 2 for some premium trade bait! The brake wrench and the main bearing wrench are newer (late 40's) though, and the connecting rod wrench is Duro, not Indestro.

 

[Old Radar]

Don & Lugz--Thanks! PM'd you both!

 

[humber2]

Okay, I was going to pretend this didn't happen, because I was upset with myself for not recognizing a treasure while I was searching for another treasure. While reviewing some posts on this thread I came across Himber's question above and decided I would publicly cry in my beer.

While feverishly searching for all the sockets and drive tools for the hex version of the 6pt set posted above, I came across, failed to recognize and tossed back several odd-shaped tools that had no discernible maker's marks. I thought no more of them until I was searching through the 1935 Indestro catalog and saw this listing:

Needless to say I went back the next morning to search them out again but came up with only the T Handle Wrench. I'm 99.444% sure I saw all of the others the day before.





This is definitely my biggest "one that got away" this year--but that's part of what makes this all interesting, educational and fun!

Happy New Year everyone!

Wow, that's a great start for the new year. Thank-you.

Now that I've had look in my 1938 Duro Catalog I see it listed as #273

 

[the king crew]

The only Indestro tool I have is a little Allen wrench powered socket set. #350

 

[d42jeep]

After passing my last one on to gpw_42, I found another reversing 1/2” drive Indestro ratchet with plug. I also found a couple of wartime half moon DBE wrenches from two different sellers.
-Don

 

[handmadeMI]

I recently bought a box with some random old sockets. There are a handful of Indestro 1/2 drive sockets. I have two that are the same size with the same part number. One has the knurling around the side and one has two bands. Just different production years?


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[Private Lugnutz]

Yes. The knurling is earlier. Mid to late 40s.

 

[Old Radar]

Here is my almost complete Indestro 1536 6pt set after the generous contributions from both Lugz and Don and a little cannibalization from my 1522 set. Thank you, Gentlemen!! I'm missing only the 19/32 socket--and a paint job and a new decal--all in good time.

 

[bonneyman]

Here is my almost complete Indestro 1536 6pt set after the generous contributions from both Lugz and Don and a little cannibalization from my 1522 set. Thank you, Gentlemen!! I'm missing only the 19/32 socket--and a paint job and a new decal--all in good time.

Cool!

 

[gearhead1960]

Picked these up at an Estate Sales a while back. They are unmarked, but have seen several posts elsewhere that ID these as Indestro. Any comfirmation on that? Also, would the paint be original or added by the PO? If not original, suggestions for cleaning off the paint? Evaporust? Thanks!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

They are definitely Indestro. They're not marked with the mfgrs name, but Select Steel was their brand. The hole is for a screw and wingnut. As for the paint, Evaporust will loosen and eventually strip oxide paint, but why not use a paint stripper solvent? That's what I use. It won't hurt the steel. Then just wash off and oil.

 

[gearhead1960]

They are definitely Indestro. They're not marked with the mfgrs name, but Select Steel was their brand. The hole is for a screw and wingnut. As for the paint, Evaporust will loosen and eventually strip oxide paint, but why not use a paint stripper solvent? That's what I use. It won't hurt the steel. Then just wash off and oil.

Thanks Lugz! Any idea on age?


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[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks Lugz! Any idea on age?

Believe it or not, they made these for decades. From the late 1930's through at least the 1960's. GJ'er four.cycle, who hasn't been around for awhile, might have some clues or theories about distinguishing the markings, but if you look on AA, even they punt. There are catalogs and ads in all those decades, but the problem is they reused the same generic artwork.

 

[d42jeep]

Speaking of four_cycle, he alerted me to this buy it now Duro ignition wrench set on eBay recently and I wasted no time ordering it. It arrived today. Theses sets are prized by wartime GMTK collectors. I replaced the Indestro pliers with Duro circle DC ones and added a vintage screwdriver.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

Since gearhead1960 posted his auto kit wrenches recently, I had reason to take a look at mine recently. The last picture shows a few variations.
-Don

 

[gearhead1960]

Since gearhead1960 posted his auto kit wrenches recently, I had reason to take a look at mine recently. The last picture shows a few variations.
-Don

Nice looking set Don! Looks like I need to clean mine up a bit to shine like yours

 

[LesserSon]

I think a couple Danielsons photobombed that last pic, Don!

 

[d42jeep]

Sneaky little devils. Typewriter font too. At least no Barcalos escaped.
-Don

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Nana nana nana nana, Nana nana nana mana, Batmaaaaan!"

 

[Oldtuleguy]

A duro powerkraft 1/4" ratchet

 

[gearhead1960]

They are definitely Indestro. They're not marked with the mfgrs name, but Select Steel was their brand. The hole is for a screw and wingnut. As for the paint, Evaporust will loosen and eventually strip oxide paint, but why not use a paint stripper solvent? That's what I use. It won't hurt the steel. Then just wash off and oil.

Hey Lugz, I need to buy some paint stripper. I'll probably go to HD or Lowes to buy it. Any suggestions as to a particular brand or type you would look for or conversely, stay away from? Thanks!

 

[captain14]

This is a set I found at a local thrift store.

The third photo has some PowerKraft pieces in the mix

 

[gearhead1960]

I took Lugz advise and removed the paint with some paint stripper. Here’s the result.



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[Private Lugnutz]

Those look terrific. Dramatically different. (I usually favor solid backdrops for photos, but I like that. The details in white are just fine enough to not detract from the wrenches. And the context - some kind of technical, mechanical drawing, is kind of fitting. Neat.)

 

[gearhead1960]

Those look terrific. Dramatically different. (I usually favor solid backdrops for photos, but I like that. The details in white are just fine enough to not detract from the wrenches. And the context - some kind of technical, mechanical drawing, is kind of fitting. Neat.)

Thanks Lugz. The backdrop is a 3' x 1' work matt with an exploded view of a M1 Garand. I got it from Tekmat, here's a link to the matt if you are interested. They have quite a few other products of interest also .

 

[Private Lugnutz]

See how un-distracting it is?! I didn't even notice the stock or the bolt chamber - all of which of course look obvious now!! It was just all little parts and numbers!

Tool photo backdrops are kind of a thing here. For me anyway. Almost like a signature. You begin to recognize tool owners by the backdrops without even looking at the name and avatar. That's a good one.

 

[gearhead1960]

See how un-distracting it is?! I didn't even notice the stock or the bolt chamber - all of which of course look obvious now!! It was just all little parts and numbers!

Tool photo backdrops are kind of a thing here. For me anyway. Almost like a signature. You begin to recognize tool owners by the backdrops without even looking at the name and avatar. That's a good one.

What's even better is when I have the real deal spread out on it.....

 

[Private Lugnutz]

What's even better is when I have the real deal spread out on it.....

Haha. I bet. Are the parts actual size? I kind of have a thing for lifesize outlines. I also have an M1 Garand around here somewhere. If I can just remember where I put the darn thing.