Williams - Armstrong ----- Connection?

[twertsy]

This morning I was uploading some 9/32 drive tools to my site when I happened to notice just how similar the Williams and Armstrong drive tools are. AA mentions the similarity but carries it no further. Here are two tools I have in both brands; a straight driver and a hinge handle breaker. Note the model numbers: Driver - Williams NM-110 / Armstrong M-110; Breaker - Williams M-42 / Armstrong M-42.

The straight drivers work in the same manner. The handle pulls to disengage and spin freely, allowing them to operate as spinning handle extensions.

The hinge handle breakers are virtually identical.

So, the question is, has anyone else any tools from these manufacturers that resemble one another? I'm trying to identify a more formal connection.

Thanks!! Todd

 

[thehorse13]

Uh oh. Is someone actually warming up to the old Armstrong stuff? lol

I will have to sift through my Armstrong/Williams tools. I have plenty of both.

 

[Rileysan]

I have mistaken one brand for the other when sorting out some of my old DOE wrenches. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a formal connection ...

Brian

 

[3baygarage]

Twertsy, clearly those two drivers are similar but yet, not identical. Many of the socketry part #'s were the same across the board at times. This led me to believe that one made the other but I since think that is not the case. I know, this had all been covered before.

Yes, many tool companies sourced from others but I think the similarities thing has more to do will competition and "borrowing" ideas, keeping similar standard part #'s especially during war time,etc.

However, my neighbor who worked for Williams said with a big smile on his face that they made tools for EVERYBODY. I'm not quite sure how to take that. We have all heard they made some Craftsman if not more.

I have to wonder why at an estate sale here would there was a bucket of loose identical Bonney ball peen hammer heads? Did they travel from Ohio or Pennsylvania? Probably but who knows.

 

[Plombob]

I have a wrench stamped Armstrong Blackhawk.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I found an Armstrong-made cadmium-plated WWII-era 1/2-inch drive socket this morning that strongly reminded me of Williams, except for the ribbed knurling on the base. I can't seem to find any other vintage Armstrong sockets in my house right now, although I am pretty sure I have some somewhere.

This socket is marked "WRIGHT 800060" (which is a Wright Aeronautical part number). It's also marked with the Armstrong name and the arm-and-hammer MADE IN U.S.A. logo. No size marking, but it has a 3/4" service opening. The drilled tommy bar hole is a bit odd for a standard socket. I'm wondering if that's factory or custom.

Also check out the drive opening. It looks like it's been brazed to me, as if someone repaired the wear and tear from a drive tool.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I have wondered about the armstrong drive tools. I know they made wrenches for blackhawk, and thought maybe their drive tools were sourced elsewhere.

 

[RubiconJK]

Dredging up this thread after finding this Armstrong 1/2" drive S-1231, 31/32" socket today. I make a habit of picking up just about any knurled socket I find and bought this one because of the size. The numbering does remind me of Williams as others here have also said.

 

[yatg]

This socket is marked "WRIGHT 800060" (which is a Wright Aeronautical part number). It's also marked with the Armstrong name and the arm-and-hammer MADE IN U.S.A. logo. No size marking, but it has a 3/4" service opening. The drilled tommy bar hole is a bit odd for a standard socket. I'm wondering if that's factory or custom.

Was sorting through some garage sale finds from August and found a similar socket. Marked Wright 800060, arm and hammer logo but no Armstrong, and its 7/8" 12pt.