SW-1004 Ratchet Action speed wrench

[alton1911]

I have not had a lot of time to post pics but I still find stuff I have questions about. I know this is certainly not the first time these wrenches have been discussed on garage journal. After reviewing these threads I have not seen any post that was more than guesses. I may have missed something in history but I have gathered these were dated around 1971. The nagging obvious question is Who is SW? Is there ratchet ends appear almost exaggerated. Mine looks almost new. Anyway, I hope someone here has can clear this up for me. I know there were other wrenches with similar designs that received patents. This just says “Pats. Pending “. ‘71 seems pretty late for this design to be receiving a patent.
As always, Thanks in advance,
alton1911

 

[davethorik]

SW= most likely Stevens Walden?
If so, AA says they were in operation to about 1990.
http://alloy-artifacts.org/walden-worcester.html

 

[notlob]

this appears to be the patent:

https://patents.google.com/patent/US3757614

 

[d42jeep]

Here are a couple of Craftsman examples with basically the same idea. I think I have some similar Thorsen wrenches too.
-Don

 

[davethorik]

You can buy this style wrench from Snap-on today (https://store.snapon.com/Reversible...-Open-End-Combination-Wrench-Set-P736876.aspx), although the consensus on here seems to be they're not that great for general service use, but may be good for certain specialized tasks.

I would characterize these as a tool design 'fad.' Much in the same sense as index-head ratchets.

I believe the Craftsman examples Don posted were considerably longer than the "standard" raised panel combo, which gave them an advantage.

That all being said, I would have grabbed the SW too, just for the huh! factor.

 

[alton1911]

I believe you are all correct. I like the look of it. I also own the stray craftsman wrench with that style. I like the longer pattern wrenches. The SW wrench in question, looks like they could not have delivered a more generic script style.

Thanks,
alton1911

 

[DadsTools]

I also have a "Speed-Hed" made for Thorsen Tools from the 1950s. Same open end design. This was discussed on another GJ thread too. The earliest reference to this "ratcheting" open end scheme was a patent from the 1910s, so it's been around for a very long time. I think Craftsman still makes a set, at least they did up to quite recently.

 

[DadsTools]

this appears to be the patent:

https://patents.google.com/patent/US3757614

This patent is of a later design incorporating an additional cutouts at the 'crotch' of the opening and in various other places in an attempt to combine the features of a ratcheting head with a flank drive head. It's clear from the drawings that the patentee was trying to cover every possible variation using these additional cutout lobes. That would make the claims rather broad in its scope, especially given that it's just a variation on a ratcheting theme over 100 years old and the Loctite and flank drive designs of the 1960s. This is the kind of patent that paints such a broad stroke that it would be tough to defend if ever seriously challenged by a big hitter.

 

[d42jeep]

I had a chance to take a picture of my Thorsen versions.
-Don

 

[notlob]

There is a SW-1001 speed wrench on eBay right now with the patent number 3762244. The patent is dated October 2, 1973, and was initially assigned to Specialty Tools Inc. of Oklahoma City. (?)

eBay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RATCHET-ACTION-SPEED-WRENCH-USA-3-8-x-7-16-SW-1001/123062986732?hash=item1ca72027ec:g:ImYAAOSwsGdax89G

Patent
https://patents.google.com/patent/US3762244

 

[notlob]

Threads about this "speed wrench" configuration come up fairly regularly.

Here is the oldest patent for this type of wrench that I have located (1891):

https://patents.google.com/patent/US463137A/en

Here is a link to a 1953 patent for another "speed wrench" that includes numerous links to prior and later patents for similar wrenches:

https://patents.google.com/patent/US2652735A/en
Scroll down to Patent Citations (9)

 

[leg17]

SW-100# Ratchet Action Speed Wrench
Specialty Tools, Oklahoma City

Some encountered are marked PATS. PENDING
These are sometime seen with a nickel type plating rather than the usual chrome.

 

[leg17]

SW-100# Ratchet Action Speed Wrench
Specialty Tools, Oklahoma City

Some are marked US PAT 3520107 as is this forged set in a green vinyl pouch.

 

[leg17]

SW-100# Ratchet Action Speed Wrench
Specialty Tools, Oklahoma City

Some are marked US PAT. 3762244 as is this forged set in a red vinyl pouch.

 

[leg17]

SW-100# Ratchet Action Speed Wrench
Specialty Tools, Oklahoma City

Some are marked PAT. NO. 3762244
This Metric set in a purple vinyl pouch is stamped and finely finished rather than forged.

 

[leg17]

SW-100# Ratchet Action Speed Wrench
Specialty Tools, Oklahoma City

The styling elements of these forged wrenches bring to mind a particular style of BARCALO. Could be the supplier??