Ward Master Tools

[Brentocool]

I Have a 1/2" socket set and ratchet that was handed down to me from My father. I use the ratchet daily at work and really like it. Strong and smooth. does anybody know any history on these? I know there old. American made.

Sorry wrong catagory!

 

[Brentocool]

Really? Nothing? I was thinking that maybe Montgomery Wards?

 

[RedVise]

Alloy Artifacts reports Bridgeport Hardware Manufacturing made them for Montgomery Ward.
I used a vintage set of WARDS 1/2" sockets this week, driven by a Husky 1/2" ratchet.
My 3/8" ratchets are both Penncraft. Every bit Made in USA.

Brian L.

 

[Ocho]

Alloy Artifacts reports Bridgeport Hardware Manufacturing made them for Montgomery Ward.
I used a vintage set of WARDS 1/2" sockets this week, driven by a Husky 1/2" ratchet.
My 3/8" ratchets are both Penncraft. Every bit Made in USA.

Brian L.

Cool! I too, would like to find out more. I picked up a Ward Master tool box last week that had some sockets and a couple of open end wrenches in it.

 

[930dreamer]

I bought some sockets and one is a "Wards socket" 1-1/8".

 

[Lump]

I've got a bunch of Wards, Riverside, Powerkraft, and Ward Master tools. I'm going to make some lists in a couple of weeks and put some on the Garage Journal classifieds.

Happy 2012!

 

[lbgradwell]

Alloy Artifacts reports Bridgeport Hardware Manufacturing made them for Montgomery Ward.

I am not aware of Bridgeport ever making sockets and ratchets - just wrenches.

I Have a 1/2" socket set and ratchet

You'd need to post some pictures of your set, but known contract-makers of Ward Master tools are Duro/Indestro, Wright and Truth. It's almost a certainty your set will have been made by one of these three companies...

 

[matthew]

Pictures, please !

My Grandfathers old 1/2" drive set is mostly WardMast'r, with a couple of sockets and the ratchet replaced. I've always been curious what the ratchet originally looked like. Guess I'll have to go find the box and see which pieces are needed...

 

[Brentocool]

I'm not at work today but if you look at this photo its laying on top. Has a hole in the handle.

 

[Brentocool]

This thing is Bullet Proof!!! I have been using it 30 years and dont know how long my dad owned it? And the shift Is done with your thumb, efortless!!

 

[RedVise]

I am not aware of Bridgeport ever making sockets and ratchets - just wrenches.

I stand corrected, wrenches it is.

Brian L.

 

[JASTECH]

Gosh, Monkey Wards. My 2nd guitar came from there along with many toys and clothes. My Dad may have some of those tools. I think my first bicycle came from there too, the brand is Royce. Thanks for bringing thoughts back!

 

[lbgradwell]

I will bet heavily that is a Duro/Indestro-made ratchet..

 

[930dreamer]

Every time I search Alloy Artifact I stumble upon more tool information.

I have a Ward's CV socket but it isn't marked Riverside.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I have a Power Kraft staple gun from my grandpa. It's a rebranded Swingline (which is also marked on the side)

 

[lowbucktruck]

I gave a full set of Powr-Kraft wrenches to my FIL for Christmas (the big ones, 7/8 on up to 1 1/2 "). Found them at an estate sale. After a bit of research on Alloy Artifacts, I discovered that those big wrenches were made for Wards by Barcalo-Buffalo. (same company that made Barcaloungers)

The big wrenches did polish up real nice on my buffing wheel! FIL's first tool set was from Monkey Wards.

 

[RRmech]

My go-to 17", 1/2" drive breaker bar is an old WARD MASTER.
If I had to make a guess on it's origin, I'd probably say WRIGHT.

Steve

 

[oak_park]

I will bet heavily that is a Duro/Indestro-made ratchet..

You'd win that bet! The ratchet posted is indeed an Duro/Indestro. Wards contracted with Duro/Indestro for wrenches, ratchets, sockets, etc. But they also used others like Wright too. Wards Master Quality items are fairly collectible and bring decent money on Ebay.

 

[RRmech]

Just picked up a 3/8" drive, 9" long Wardmaster socket extension.
It looks identical to an older 1/2" drive Wright socket extension that I own.

Steve

 

[neonnblack]

Here is one for you guys any info on this one? I cant really tell if somone threw that sprocket selector on their cause it broke or what?? maybe its stock i dont know.

 

[PowderKeg]

Here is one for you guys any info on this one? I cant really tell if somone threw that sprocket selector on their cause it broke or what?? maybe its stock i dont know.

That's a Wright sourced ratchet design - patented 1955 A.P. Stone for Wright Tool and Forge. I've seen a few different knob styles, some held with a screw like yours, others smaller without a screw.

 

[neonnblack]

Thanks for the info!

 

[tool pack rat]

i have alot of wards tools, wardmaster is just one of them is ther a list somewhere that i can see which year each brand was used

 

[four.cycle]

keep this link handy at all times

and this one

I do not know if any "timeline" has been documented for the various brands that Montgomery Ward sold - they sold hand tools under a number of different brand names, all of which can be found under W in that first link. ("W" for Ward, NOT "M" for Montgomery.)