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Early Craftsman Tools and Their Makers

Sears registered its Craftsman trademark in 1927 and began offering a wide variety of tools under the Craftsman brand. These tools were manufactured by some of the leading tool companies of the time, and identifying these makers is a matter of some interest (and difficulty).

The manufacturers for some tools have been identified -- see our articles on New Britain or Hinsdale for example -- but the makers of other tools are not yet known. This page will show some examples of the tools for which the maker is not known, along with whatever information has been gathered so far.


Table of Contents

Introduction

Company History


Tools in Early Sears Catalogs

Sears was selling tools long before the Craftsman trademark was developed, and their comprehensive mail-order catalogs provide an excellent source of information on the types and brands of tools available. Because of the extensive catalog resources, this article will begin with some reviews of the tool sections of early Sears catalogs.


1929 Fall and Winter Catalog

The 1929 catalog shows only a limited number of Craftsman tools, almost exclusively in the woodworking category. There are Craftsman saws, axes, bit braces, and planes, but no open-end or adjustable wrenches, no pliers, and no socket sets. It does list a Craftsman tap and die set, however, so the Craftsman selection was expanding into the area of machinist's tools.

The catalog lists a number of other brands of tools, including Fulton, Millers Falls, Greenfield Tap & Die, and Merit.

Several socket sets are listed in the automotive supplies section, and though no brand name is given, these appear to be tools from Duro/Indestro. Other automotive tools include a number of fixed-socket wrenches and specialty tools.


1931 Spring and Summer Catalog

The 1931 Sears catalog includes about 15 pages of tools in the general hardware section, plus several additional pages in the automotive supplies section. A wide variety of tool brands can be found, including such names as Fulton, Merit, Pexto, Millers Falls, Hinsdale, and many others. This time was about four years after the Craftsman trademark was registered, and a number of Craftsman-branded tools were available, mostly in the area of woodworking -- saws, planes, files, axes, etc.

At this time Sears frequently offered other brands alongside the Craftsman tools, but almost always as a less-expensive alternative; Craftsman was clearly being groomed as the top-quality brand. Fulton and Merit were probably the most frequently noted alternative brands.

Within the category of mechanic's and automotive service tools, two notable absences deserve mention: there were no Craftsman brand socket sets available at this time, although other brands of socket sets were offered. In addition, no box-end wrenches of any brand were found.

Craftsman Tools

  • Slip-joint pliers, 7 in. $0.95
  • Craftsman Lineman's pliers, 7 in. $1.25
  • Craftsman Vanadium pliers, like Wilde Wrench Pliers, $1.00
  • Craftsman Vanadium Open-End Wrenches, 6-Piece set in holder $1.85
  • Adjustable Wrenches, 8 in Vanadium $0.65, 6 & 8 in. Double-ended, $1.10
  • Oxy-Acetylene welding set, $39.90
  • Tin snips
  • Vises, fixed and swivel base
  • Tap & Die Sets
  • Micrometers, Surface Gauges
  • Electric Drills and Hand Drills
  • Ratcheting Bit Braces
  • Claw and Ball-Pein Hammers, Axes
  • Saws, Miter Saws, Hacksaws
  • Chisels, Planes, Files

Durobilt Socket Sets

The automotive section lists several socket sets of the "Durobilt" brand, and based on the illustrations and brand name, these were almost certainly made by Duro Metal Products. (Duro Metal Products did register two very similar trademarks, Duro-Grip and Durolite.)

We recently acquired a Durobilt Socket Set and can now confirm that Duro Metal Products was the manufacturer. This set is the one referred to as the "36-Piece Wrench Set" in the 1931 Sears catalog, and is generally similar to other socket sets from this time, such as the Indestro No. 1536 Socket Set.

Also very interesting was the Durobilt "40-piece Super Socket" set in alloy steel, which advertised "Chrome Nickel Steel" for the sockets. These sets were available in both the standard 6-point sockets or with the new 12-point sockets at a slightly higher cost. (The 12-point sockets were called "Twin-Hex", a phrase seen in the Duro catalogs.)

These Durobilt socket sets are significant in several ways. They establish Sears Roebuck as a retailer of early Duro/Indestro products, and illustrate the type of socket sets sold by Sears prior to the first Craftsman models. In addition, these sets provide a benchmark for the change from hex to double-hex sockets in the mass markets.

Hinsdale Socket Sets

Hinsdale socket sets are listed by name in the general hardware/tools section of the catalog, with two sets offered.

  • 46 piece Mechanic's socket wrench set, ratchet, speeder, T-L handle, $5.85
  • 18 piece set, T-L handle + 17 sockets, sliding box, $0.98

Hinsdale Open-End Wrenches

Hinsdale Vanadium open-end wrenches are listed just below the Craftsman Vanadium open-ends, and at a somewhat lower price.

  • Hinsdale Vanadium Steel 5-Piece Wrench set, $1.15

Bobcat Socket Sets

Billings Open-End Wrenches

  • Billings 6-piece Engineer's Wrench set, $0.65

Pexto (Peck, Stow, & Wilcox or P.S.W.)

  • "Knife Handle" wrenches, 6 in. $0.55, 12 in. $1.15
  • Wire Splicing pliers

1932 Catalog No. 164

The 1932 catalog is generally similar to the 1931 edition, with the listings for tools split between a general hardware section (pages 920-931) and an automotive supplies section (pages 383-385).

The most notable addition (from our limited viewpoint, at least) is the inclusion of double-hex box wrenches, the first known offering of these tools by Sears. Page 385 in the automotive section lists six models of offset box wrenches, with sizes ranging from 3/8x7/16 up to 15/16x1, and with prices from 39 cents to 65 cents.

The illustration of the wrenches doesn't provide enough detail to guess at the manufacturer, but it shows a deep offset style, and an inset for the openings describes them as "Twin Hex or 12-Point". The wrenches are on the same page with a number of Duro-Bilt socket sets, known to have been made by Duro Metal Products.


Craftsman Adjustable Wrenches

Craftsman adjustable wrenches are listed on page 928, with the illustration showing a hexagonal gullet and a plain (non-reinforced) hanging hole. The description states that the wrenches are made of vanadium steel ("50% Thinner - 200% Stonger") and have a highly polished nickel plated finish. Sizes available were 4, 6, 8, and 10 inches in the single-ended style, with one 6-8 inch double-ended model.


Craftsman Vanadium Open-End Wrenches

Craftsman open-end wrenches are listed on page 929 in 13 sizes with industry standard model numbers, with the sizes ranging from 1723 (3/8x7/16) up to 1033C (15/16x1). The description states that the wrenches are made of vanadium steel and have a highly polished nickel plated finish.


Craftsman Vanadium Tappet Wrenches

Craftsman tappet wrenches are listed on page 929 in two sizes, model 1090 (1/2x9/16) and 1092 (5/8x11/16). The description states that the wrenches are made of vanadium steel and have a highly polished nickel plated finish.

The model numbers noted in the catalog suggest that these are references to the examples Craftsman 1090-D and Craftsman 1092-F shown later in this article.


Merit Wrenches

Merit wrenches are shown on pages 928 and 929 in adjustable, open-end, and right-angle styles.

The Merit adjustable wrenches have a hexagonal gullet and a plain (non-reinforced) hanging hole, and were available in sizes of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, and 18 inches. Double-headed adjustable wrenches were also available in sizes 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, and 10-12 inches.

The Merit right-angle wrenches closely resemble the examples shown as the Merit 2725B and Merit 2027 obstruction wrenches.


1935-1936 Catalog No. 171 (Fall and Winter)

The 1935-1936 catalog shows many significant changes in the mechanic's and automotive tools. Most notable are the socket sets sourced from New Britain Machine, described in our article on the Craftsman "BE" and H-Circle Tools, as well as sets identifiable as the "C-Series" shown later in this article. Box-end wrenches are also available, and most of the wrenches are shown as part of the "Craftsman Vanadium" line.

The logos on specific tools are not shown, but the text shows the Craftsman underline logo in use at this time.


1938 Craftsman Tools Catalog

This is the earliest known Sears catalog devoted exclusively to hand tools, mostly of the Craftsman brand but with some other brands listed. The cover shows a semi-transparent adjustable wrench in the foreground, with a streamlined automobile, train, and airplane in the blue background. The catalog has no obvious date, but the valve tappet table in the back lists automobiles up through the 1937 model years, so 1938 is probably a good guess. (Others have said 1939 or 1940 though.)

Whatever the year, the contents show a fully developed line of Craftsman mechanics tools, with the sockets and ratchets of the style described in our article on Craftsman "BE" and H-Circle Tools. The open-end and box-end wrenches resemble the Craftsman Vanadium examples shown later in this page, although the catalog illustrations don't show enough detail to actually see the logos.

On another interesting note, the "Dunlap" brand used by Sears makes an appearance in this catalog.


Open-End Wrenches

After our brief review of the Sears catalogs, the section will show various examples of Craftsman tools and related brands. We'll begin with open-end wrenches, as these were among the earliest Craftsman tool models offered.

Craftsman "Vanadium" Sub-Brand

During the 1930s Sears used the "Vanadium" mark as a sub-brand on many of its Craftsman tools, including open-end wrenches, box wrenches, and pliers. This use of Vanadium as a sub-brand was undoubtedly intended to draw attention to the alloy steel used for the tools. The tool-buying public of that time had learned to associate the common alloying elements -- vanadium, chromium, and molybdenum -- with the higher quality tools preferred by professional mechanics. References to the "Craftsman Vanadium" sub-brand began appearing in catalogs in 1931 or earlier.

In addition to the use of "Vanadium" as a brand, some Craftsman tools will be found with a "Craftsman Vanadium Steel" or "Chrome-Vanadium" marking. This type of usage is considered a descriptive term rather than a brand identification, and tools with these markings were likely produced before the "Craftsman Vanadium" brand became the standard. Currently we are assuming a 1928-1932 production range for open-end wrenches with these markings.

Craftsman "CI" Mark

Many of the early Craftsman wrenches are marked with a "CI" (or "Cl") code, generally as part of the forging for open-end wrenches, but in other cases stamped along with other markings. This code is believed to indicate a specific manufacturer for the tool, although the identity of the maker is not yet known. The "CI" code also appears on other brands of tools; see for example the Fulton wrench that is very similar to the Craftsman models.

Craftsman Early Chrome-Vanadium 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench

We'll begin with an example believed to be one of the earliest open-end wrenches with the Craftsman trademark.

[Craftsman Early Chrome-Vanadium 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 1. Craftsman Early Chrome-Vanadium 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1928-1932.

Fig. 1 shows an early Craftsman 15/16x1 open-end wrench, marked with "Craftsman" forged into the shank, with "Chrome-Vanadium" on the reverse.

The overall length is 10.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Craftsman Early "Vanadium Steel" C-1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench

[Craftsman Vanadium Steel C-1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 2. Craftsman "Vanadium Steel" C-1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1928-1932.

Fig. 2 shows a Craftsman C-1729 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, stamped with "Craftsman" in plain letters and "Made in U.S.A." on the face, with "Craftsman Vanadium Steel" on the shank.

The overall length is 7.7 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with polished faces.


Craftsman Early "Vanadium Steel" 1031 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench

[Craftsman Vanadium Steel 1031 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 3. Craftsman "Vanadium Steel" 1031 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1928-1932.

Fig. 3 shows a Craftsman 1031 25/32x7/8 open-end wrench, stamped "Craftsman Vanadium Steel" on the shank, with "Made in U.S.A." on the face.

The overall length is 8.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.


Craftsman Early "Vanadium Steel" C-1033-C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench

[Craftsman Vanadium Steel C-1033-C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 4. Craftsman "Vanadium Steel" C-1033-C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1928-1932.

Fig. 4 shows another early "Vanadium Steel" example, a Craftsman C-1033-C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, stamped "Craftsman Vanadium Steel" on the shank with "Made in U.S.A." on the face.

The overall length is 10.3 inches. The finish is nickel plating, with losses due to rust and pitting.


Craftsman Vanadium 1020 1/4x5/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of Craftsman Vanadium model 1020 open-end wrenches, with small but significant differences in marking and construction.

[Craftsman Vanadium 1020 1/4x5/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 5. Craftsman Vanadium 1020 1/4x5/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1931-1941.

Our first example of the Vanadium brand is shown in Fig. 5, a Craftsman Vanadium 1020 1/4x5/16 open-end wrench with depressed panels. The shank is marked with the Craftsman underline logo forged into one side, with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 3.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

This wrench has a relatively flat shank (excluding the panels) with square sides, and the edge retains some markings from the trimming process.


[Craftsman Vanadium 1020 AF 1/4x5/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 6. Craftsman Vanadium 1020 "AF" 1/4x5/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1931-1941.

The second example is shown in Fig. 6 at the left, a Craftsman Vanadium 1020 wrench with depressed panels, marked "Forged in U.S.A." with an "AF" code on the reverse.

The "AF" code is another recently noted marking on early Craftsman tools, and is generally stamped on the shank. The meaning is not yet known, but it may indicate a particular manufacturer. Other examples of the "AF" code can be seen on the Craftsman Vanadium 1729 Wrench in the next figure, and the Craftsman Vanadium Offset Box Wrench shown later in this article.

The shank of this wrench is more oval and rounded than the previous example, and the edges have been smoothly rounded after trimming. The differences in marking and construction suggest that these wrenches were made by different manufacturers.


Craftsman Vanadium 1723 "CI" 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench

[Craftsman Vanadium 1723 CI 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 7. Craftsman Vanadium 1723 "CI" 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1931-1941.

Fig. 7 shows a Craftsman Vanadium 1723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, marked with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" forged into the depressed panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code forged into the reverse. The faces are stamped with the fractional sizes on the front, with the industry-standard model number on the reverse.

The overall length is 4.2 inches. The finish is chrome plating, with losses from the faces due to wear.


Craftsman 1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next figures show several examples of the Craftsman 1725B wrench, illustrating both the earlier "Vanadium" sub-brand and the later non-Vanadium generation. In addition, the two vendor codes "CI" and "AF" are represented.

[Craftsman Vanadium 1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 8. Craftsman Vanadium 1725B "AF" 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1931-1941.

Fig. 8 shows an earlier Craftsman Vanadium 1725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench with depressed oval panels, marked with the Craftsman underline logo and Vanadium sub-brand forged into the front, with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse panel. An "AF" code similar to the previous example is stamped on the reverse.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the thin profile of the shank.

[Craftsman Vanadium 1725B CI 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 9. Craftsman Vanadium 1725B "CI" 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1931-1941.

Fig. 9 shows a similar Craftsman Vanadium 1725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench, but with the "CI" manufacturer's code. The shank is marked with the Craftsman underline logo and Vanadium sub-brand forged into the depressed oval panel, with the "CI" code and "Forged in U.S.A." forged into the reverse panel.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

An earlier example of the Craftsman 1725B wrench with the same "CI" code can be seen as the Craftsman "CI" 1725B Wrench.

The next two figures show later examples of Craftsman 1725B wrenches without the Vanadium sub-brand.

[Craftsman CI 1725B Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 10. Craftsman 1725B "CI" 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 10 shows a later Craftsman 1725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench, marked with the Craftsman underline logo and a "5" code forged into the shank, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

[Craftsman CI 1725B Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 11. Craftsman 1725B "CI" 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 11 shows another later Craftsman 1725B open-end wrench, marked with the Craftsman underline logo and an "N4" code forged into the depressed panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The forged-in "N4" code appearing on this example is frequently observed on Craftsman wrenches of wartime era production.


Craftsman 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrenches

The next several figures show examples of the Craftsman 1027 wrench from both Vanadium and non-Vanadium generations.

[Craftsman Vanadium 1027 CI 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 12. Craftsman Vanadium 1027 "CI" 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1931-1941.

Fig. 12 shows a earlier Craftsman 1027 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench, marked with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" forged into the depressed oval panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code forged into the reverse panel.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is polished steel.

[Craftsman 1027 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 13. Craftsman 1027 "CI" 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 13 shows a later Craftsman 1027 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench, marked with the underline logo forged into the shank, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.

[Craftsman 1027 CI Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 14. Craftsman 1027 "CI" 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 14 shows another later Craftsman 1027 open-end wrench, marked with the Craftsman underline logo and an "N" code forged into the shank, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel with roughly surfaced faces.

This wrench has only roughly finished faces and edges, in contrast to the finely ground and polished finish normally found on these Craftsman tools. The rough finish suggests production during the 1942-1945 wartime years.


Craftsman Vanadium 1729 "AF" 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench

[Craftsman Vanadium 1729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 15. Craftsman Vanadium 1729 "AF" 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1931-1941.

Fig. 15 at the left shows a Craftsman 1729 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, marked with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" forged into the depressed oval panel, and with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse panel. An "AF" code similar to the previous examples is stamped on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.6 inches, and the finish is polished steel.


Craftsman Vanadium 1731 "CI" 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench

[Craftsman Vanadium 1731 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 16. Craftsman Vanadium 1731 "CI" 3/4x13/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1931-1941.

Fig. 16 at the left shows a Craftsman 1731 3/4x13/16 open-end wrench. The shank has depressed oval panels with forged-in markings for the Craftsman underline logo and the Vanadium sub-brand, with "Forged in U.S.A." and the "CI" code on the reverse panel.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.


Craftsman 1031 "CI" 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench

[Craftsman 1031 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 17. Craftsman 1031 "CI" 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 17 shows a Craftsman 1031 25/32x7/8 open-end wrench, marked with the Craftsman underline logo forged into the shank, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.


Craftsman Vanadium 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the Craftsman 1033C wrench, both marked with the Vanadium sub-brand.

[Craftsman Vanadium 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 18. Craftsman Vanadium 1033C "CI" 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1931-1941.

Fig. 18 at the left shows a Craftsman 1033C 15/16x1 open-end wrench, marked with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" forged into the depressed panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code on the reverse panel.

[Craftsman Vanadium 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 19. Craftsman Vanadium 1033C 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1931-1941.

Fig. 19 shows another similar Craftsman 1033C open-end wrench, marked with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" forged into the depressed panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 9.9 inches. The finish is chrome plating, but with extensive losses due to rust.

This second example is unusual in not having a discernable manufacturer's code.


Fulton Brand Open-End Wrenches

The Sears catalogs frequently mention "Fulton" and "Merit" brand tools as lower-cost alternatives to the Craftsman selections, and the next figure shows an example of open-end wrenches with the Fulton brand. Merit brand wrenches will be shown in the next section.

Currently all of the known examples of Fulton open-end wrenches are marked with an "CI" code, a code also found on many Craftsman wrenches. This strongly suggests that the maker of the Fulton tools also produced Craftsman-branded tools.


Fulton "CI" 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench

[Fulton CI 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 20. Fulton "CI" 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 20 shows a Fulton 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench, marked with "Fulton" forged into the shank, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

Fulton "CI" 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench

[Fulton CI 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 21. Fulton "CI" 25/32x7/8 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse.

Fig. 21 shows a Fulton 25/32x7/8 open-end wrench, marked with "Fulton" forged into the shank, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code on the reverse.


Merit Brand Open-End Wrenches

The Sears catalogs frequently mention "Merit" brand tools as lower-cost alternatives to the Craftsman selections, and the next several figures show examples of open-end wrenches with the Merit brand.

Interestingly, several of the examples below are marked with an "AF" code, a code also found on a number of Craftsman brand tools. This strongly suggests that the maker of the Merit tools also produced Craftsman-branded tools.

Merit 2725B Obstruction Wrench

[Merit 2725B 1/2x9/16 Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 22. Merit 2725B 1/2x9/16 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 22 shows a rare Merit 2725B 1/2x9/16 obstruction wrench, marked with the model number and fractional sizes forged into the shank, with the Merit name on the reverse. (The inset has been rotated for readability.)

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Merit 2027 Obstruction Wrench

[Merit 2027 19/32x11/16 Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 23. Merit 2027 19/32x11/16 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 23 shows a rare Merit 2027 19/32x11/16 obstruction wrench, marked with the model number and fractional sizes forged into the shank, with the Merit name on the reverse. (The inset has been rotated for readability.)

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Merit 2031 Obstruction Wrench

[Merit 2031 25/32x7/8 Obstruction Wrench]
Fig. 24. Merit 2031 25/32x7/8 Obstruction Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 24 shows a rare Merit 2031 25/32x7/8 obstruction wrench, marked with the model number and fractional sizes forged into the shank, with the Merit name on the reverse. (The inset has been rotated for readability.)

The overall length is 9.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Merit "AF" 723 Open-End Wrench

[Merit AF 723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 25. Merit "AF" 723 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 25 shows a Merit 723 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench, marked with an "AF" code and the Merit logo on the front, with the model number and fractional sizes forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 4.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Merit "AF" 27 Open-End Wrench

[Merit AF 27 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 26. Merit "AF" 27 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 26 shows a Merit 27 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench, marked with an "AF" code and the Merit logo on the front, with the model number and fractional sizes forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of black paint.


Merit "AF" 729 Open-End Wrench

[Merit AF 729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 27. Merit "AF" 729 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 27 shows a Merit 729 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, marked with an "AF" code and the Merit logo forged into the shank, with the model number and fractional sizes forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel with traces of black paint.


Merit "AF" 1027 Open-End Wrench

The next figure shows a surprising example of the Merit brand, marked as using SAE 4140 chrome molybdenum steel.

[Merit AF 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 28. Merit "AF" 1027 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 28 shows a Merit 1027 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench, stamped with the Merit logo and "SAE 4140 Alloy Steel" on the front, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a small "AF" code on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.2 inches, and the finish is gray paint with polished faces.


Tappet Wrenches


1090F Tappet Wrench

[Craftsman 1090F 7/16x17/32 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 29. Craftsman 1090F 7/16x17/32 Tappet Wrench.

Fig. 29 at the left shows a Craftsman 1090F 7/16x17/32 tappet wrench, stamped "Craftsman Vanadium Steel" on the shank, with "Made in U.S.A." on the face.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished faces.


1090-D Tappet Wrench

[Craftsman 1090-D 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 30. Craftsman 1090-D 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 30 shows a Craftsman 1090-D 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Craftsman Vanadium Steel" on the front, with "Chrome-Vanadium-Steel" and the model number on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.


1092-F Tappet Wrench

[Craftsman 1092-F 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 31. Craftsman 1092-F 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench.

Fig. 31 shows a Craftsman 1092-F 5/8x1/16 tappet wrench, stamped "Craftsman Vanadium Steel" with the model number.

The overall length is 7.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Craftsman Vanadium "CI" No. 1 7/16x17/32 Tappet Wrench

[Craftsman Vanadium CI No. 1 7/16x17/32 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 32. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" No. 1 7/16x17/32 Tappet Wrench, with Insets for Reverse and Marking Detail.

Fig. 32 shows a Craftsman No. 1 7/16x17/32 tappet wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and model on one face, with Vanadium and "Forged in U.S.A." on the other face. The reverse shank is stamped with a "CI" code visible at the left.

The overall length is 9.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Craftsman Vanadium No. 2 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the Craftsman No. 2 tappet wrench, both marked with the "Vanadium" sub-brand but with different manufacturer codes.

[Craftsman Vanadium CI No. 2 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 33. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" No. 2 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 33 shows a Craftsman Vanadium No. 2 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and model on one face, with "Vanadium" and "Forged in U.S.A." on the other face. The reverse is stamped with an "CI" code, as seen in the inset.

The overall length is 9.9 inches. The finish is chrome plating with highly polished faces.

[Craftsman Vanadium AF No. 2 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 34. Craftsman Vanadium "AF" No. 2 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 34 shows another Craftsman Vanadium No. 2 tappet wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and model on one face, with "Vanadium" and "Forged in U.S.A." on the other face. The reverse is stamped with an "AF" code, as seen in the inset.

The overall length is 10.0 inches. The finish is plain steel, with traces of the original plated finish.


Later Craftsman "CI" No. 2 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench

[Craftsman CI No. 2 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench]
Fig. 35. Craftsman "CI" No. 2 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 35 shows a later version of the Craftsman "CI" No. 2 1/2x9/16 tappet wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and model on one face, with "Forged in U.S.A." on the other face. The shank has a forged-in code "N4" code visible at the left, and the reverse shank is stamped with a "CI" code (see inset).

The overall length is 9.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Box-End Wrenches

Box-end wrenches in the modern 12-point style were first offered in the 1932 Sears general catalog. These earliest box wrenches were not identified as Craftsman brand, but Craftsman-branded box wrenches followed soon afterwards, probably by 1933.

By the early 1930s the Craftsman open-ended wrenches were being marked with the "Craftsman Vanadium" subbrand and featured chrome plated finishes, and it's reasonable to assume that the box-end wrench models would be similarly marked and finished.


Craftsman Early X1 3/8x7/16 Box-End Wrench

[Craftsman X1 3/8x7/16 Angled Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 36. Craftsman X1 3/8x7/16 Angled Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1934.

Fig. 36 shows a rare early Craftsman X1 3/8x7/16 angled box-end wrench with a distinctive style. The reverse is stamped "Chrome Vanadium Steel" between an "X" and "1", presumed to be the model number.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish appears to be a thick cadmium plating.

This wrench has recently been identified as Hinsdale production for Craftsman, based on the very similar Hinsdale X4 Box Wrench.


Craftsman Early HD4 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench

[Craftsman HD4 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 37. Craftsman HD4 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1934.

Fig. 37 shows a rare early Craftsman HD4 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench with a round shank, stamped "Chrome Vanadium Steel" between an "HD" and "4", with "Craftsman" and the fractional sizes on the reverse. (The wrench is heavily pitted from rust, making the markings very difficult to read.)

The overall length is 10.6 inches. The original finish was chrome (or nickel) plating, although most of the finish has been lost due to rust.

As with the previous example, this wrench has been identified as Hinsdale production for Craftsman, in this case by its similarity to the Hinsdale HD series of offset box wrenches. The same model with the standard Hinsdale markings can be seen as the Hinsdale HD4 Offset Box Wrench.


Craftsman Early Vanadium 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

[Craftsman Early Vanadium 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box Wrench]
Fig. 38. Craftsman Early Vanadium 1/2x9/16 Short Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1934.

Fig. 38 shows a rare early Craftsman 1/2x9/16 short offset box wrench with depressed panels, marked with "Vanadium" and the fractional sizes forged into the front panel, with "Craftsman" and the fractional sizes forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 5.3 inches, and the finish is polished chrome plating.


Offset Box Wrenches


Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 3/8x7/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

[Craftsman Vanadium 3/8x7/16 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 39. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 3/8x7/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1941.

Fig. 39 at the left shows a Craftsman 3/8x7/16 offset box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and two "CI" codes on the reverse panel.

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends and faces.


Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

[Craftsman Vanadium CI 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 40. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1941.

Fig. 40 shows a Craftsman 1/2x9/16 offset box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and two "CI" codes on the reverse panel.

The overall length is 8.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Craftsman "CI" 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrenches

The next several figures show examples of Craftsman 5/8x11/16 offset box wrenches, beginning with an earlier "Craftsman Vanadium" example.

[Craftsman Vanadium CI 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 41. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1941.

Fig. 41 shows an earlier Craftsman Vanadium 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and two "CI" codes on the reverse.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

[Craftsman CI 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 42. Craftsman "CI" 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 42 shows a later Craftsman 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code stamped on the reverse.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

[Craftsman CI 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 43. Craftsman "CI" 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 43 shows another later Craftsman 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and two "CI" codes on the reverse. The shank also has a forged-in code "N4" visible at the left.

The overall length is 10.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Craftsman "CI" 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrenches

The next figures show two generations of the Craftsman 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench.

[Craftsman CI 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 44. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1941.

Fig. 44 shows an earlier Craftsman 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and two "CI" codes on the reverse panel.

The overall length is 11.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

[Craftsman CI 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 45. Craftsman "CI" 3/4x25/32 Offset Box-End Wrench Showing "N4" Forge Mark, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 45 shows a later Craftsman 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code stamped on the reverse. The shank also has a forged-in code "N4" visible at the right.

The overall length is 11.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.


Craftsman "CI" 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of Craftsman 13/16x7/8 offset box wrenches, both marked with the "CI" code.

[Craftsman Vanadium CI 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 46. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1941.

Fig. 46 shows an earlier Craftsman Vanadium 13/16x7/8 offset box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and two "CI" codes stamped on the reverse.

The overall length is 12.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished panels.

[Craftsman 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 47. Craftsman "CI" 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 47 shows a later Craftsman 13/16x7/8 offset box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and two "CI" codes stamped on the reverse. The reverse shank also has a forged-in code "N4" visible at the left.

The overall length is 12.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished panels.


Craftsman 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrenches

The next several figures show similar 15/16x1 offset box-end wrenches, with the two earlier ones marked with the "Craftsman Vanadium" sub-brand but bearing different manufacturing codes. The construction of the wrenches differs in subtle but important details, indicating that the tools were likely made by different vendors.

[Craftsman Vanadium CI 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 48. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1941.

Fig. 48 shows an earlier Craftsman 15/16x1 offset box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and two "CI" codes on the reverse.

The overall length is 14.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The detail to be noted here concerns the junction between the box end and the offset shank. Note that the top of the box end is flat right up to the junction, but the bottom projects below the join point. The side view shows that the offset shank joins the box end near the top.

[Craftsman Vanadium 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 49. Craftsman Vanadium "AF" 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1941.

Fig. 49 shows an earlier Craftsman 15/16x1 offset box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse.

The overall length is 14.4 inches.

Although not visible in the photograph, there is also a small "AF" code stamped on the shank. The "AF" code has been noted previously on the Craftsman Vanadium 1020 Wrench and Craftsman Vanadium 1729 Wrench.

This wrench shows a different type of junction between the box end and the offset shank. In this case, the shank appears to join closer to the middle of the box, so that the box end extends both above and below the junction. This results in a raised lip on both sides of the junction, rather than the flat top seen in the previous example.

Although the differences in the construction details of the "CI" and "AF" models may not appear significant when considered separately, they do indicate that the forging dies for the wrenches were likely developed by separate companies. Tool companies generally have a distinct style to their forging dies, and differences like those seen here would not arise accidentally.

If you look carefully at the "CI" model offset box wrenches shown in the figures above, you'll note the same type of junction with the flat top. This adds evidence that the "CI" models were all made by the same company, and that at least some of the "Craftsman Vanadium" tools came from a different company.


Later Craftsman "CI" 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench

[Craftsman CI 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 50. Craftsman "CI" 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 50 shows a later Craftsman 15/16x1 offset box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A" and two "CI" codes on the reverse.

The overall length is 14.4 inches.

This wrench is basically identical to the previous "CI" model, except for the absence of the "Vanadium" sub-brand marking.


Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 5/8x11/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

[Craftsman Vanadium CI 5/8x11/16 Short Offset Box Wrench]
Fig. 51. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 5/8x11/16 Short Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1941.

Fig. 51 shows an example of the short offset box wrench series, a Craftsman 5/8x11/16 short offset box wrench with raised oval panels. The wrench is marked with the Craftsman underline logo stamped on the raised panel, with "Vanadium" on the reverse panel. The shank also has a forged-in "CI" code visible at the right.

The overall length is 6.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.


Angled (Flat) Box Wrenches


Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 3/8x7/16 Short Box-End Wrench

[Craftsman Vanadium CI 3/8x7/16 Short Box Wrench]
Fig. 52. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 3/8x7/16 Short Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1941.

Fig. 52 shows a Craftsman 3/8x7/16 short box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo on the raised panel, with "Vanadium" on the reverse panel. The reverse shank also has a forged-in "CI" code visible at the left.

The overall length is 4.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.


Craftsman "CI" 1/2x9/16 Short Box-End Wrench

[Craftsman CI 1/2x9/16 Short Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 53. Craftsman "CI" 1/2x9/16 Short Box-End Wrench, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 53 shows a Craftsman 1/2x9/16 short box-end wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo on the raised panel.

The overall length is 4.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The wrench has a "CI" code forged into the shank.


Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 5/8x11/16 Short Box-End Wrench

[Craftsman Vanadium CI 5/8x11/16 Short Box Wrench]
Fig. 54. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 5/8x11/16 Short Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1941.

Fig. 54 shows a Craftsman 5/8x11/16 short box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo on the raised panel, with "Vanadium" on the reverse panel. The reverse shank also has a forged-in "CI" code visible at the left.

The overall length is 5.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.


Craftsman Vanadium 3/8x7/16 Box-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of Craftsman 3/8x7/16 box wrenches, one without a manufacturer's code.

[Craftsman Vanadium 3/8x7/16 Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 55. Craftsman Vanadium 3/8x7/16 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 55 shows a Craftsman Vanadium 3/8x7/16 box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse panel.

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

[Craftsman Vanadium CI 3/8x7/16 Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 56. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 3/8x7/16 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 56 shows a Craftsman Vanadium 3/8x7/16 box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and two "CI" codes on the reverse panel.

The overall length is 7.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.


Craftsman "CI" 1/2x9/16 Box-End Wrench

[Craftsman 1/2x9/16 Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 57. Craftsman "CI" 1/2x9/16 Box-End, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 57 shows a Craftsman 1/2x9/16 box wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo on the front panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and two "CI" codes on the reverse. The shank also has a forged-in code "A" visible at the left.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.


Craftsman Vanadium 5/8x3/4 Box-End Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of Craftsman 5/8x3/4 box wrenches, both marked with the "Vanadium" sub-brand but with different manufacturer's codes.

[Craftsman Vanadium CI 5/8x3/4 Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 58. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 5/8x3/4 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1941.

Fig. 58 shows a Craftsman Vanadium 5/8x3/4 offset box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and two "CI" codes on the reverse panel.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

[Craftsman Vanadium AF 5/8x3/4 Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 59. Craftsman Vanadium "AF" 5/8x3/4 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1933-1941.

Fig. 59 shows a Craftsman Vanadium 5/8x3/4 box wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse panel. The reverse shank is also stamped with an "AF" code to the right of the panel.

The overall length is 9.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.


Craftsman "CI" 13/16x7/8 Box-End Wrench

[Craftsman 13/16x7/8 Box-End Wrench]
Fig. 60. Craftsman "CI" 13/16x7/8 Box-End Wrench Showing "N4" Forge Mark, with Inset for Reverse, ca. 1942-1945.

Combination Wrenches

In the 1930s combination wrenches were a new wrench style, having been first offered in 1933 by Plomb Tool and almost simulataneously by Bonney. The new style became very popular and was quickly adopted by other tool makers.

Sears appears to have first offered Craftsman combination wrenches in 1936 or shortly thereafter. At this time Craftsman wrenches were all marked with the "Craftsman Vanadium" subbrand and featured chrome plated finishes, and we can presume that the first combination wrenches would be similarly marked and finished.

In the mid 1930s the standard wrench style used raised oval panels for box wrenches, but depressed oval panels panels for the open-end wrenches. With both an open end and a box end, combination wrenches could have gone with either style, but the decision was made to use raised panels similar to the box wrench models.

Craftsman's early combination wrenches were available in six sizes ranging from 3/8 up to 3/4 inch.


Craftsman "CI" 9/16 Combination Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the Craftsman 9/16 combination wrench.

[Craftsman Vanadium CI 9/16 Combination Wrench]
Fig. 61. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 9/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1936-1941.

Fig. 61 shows an earlier Craftsman 9/16 combination wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" on the front panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

[Craftsman CI 9/16 Combination Wrench]
Fig. 62. Craftsman "CI" 9/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 62 shows a later Craftsman 9/16 combination wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code stamped on the reverse.

The overall length is 6.7 inches. The finish is plain steel with polished panels and faces.

The plain finish and the absence of the "Vanadium" subbrand suggest production during the 1942-1945 wartime era.


Craftsman "CI" 5/8 Combination Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of the Craftsman 5/8 combination wrench.

[Craftsman Vanadium CI 5/8 Combination Wrench]
Fig. 63. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1936-1941.

Fig. 63 shows a Craftsman 5/8 combination wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" on the front panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

[Craftsman 5/8 Combination Wrench]
Fig. 64. Craftsman "CI" 5/8 Combination Wrench Showing "N4" Forge Mark, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 64 shows a later Craftsman 5/8 combination wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo on the raised panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code stamped on the reverse.

The overall length is 7.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished panels and faces.

Note that the above example has a forged-in "N4" code on the shank, in addition to its stamped "CI" marking on the reverse panel. The forged "N4" mark has been observed on a number of combination, open-end, and box-end wrenches, but the meaning (if any) is not yet known. The mark is generally found on tools also marked with the "CI" code, but more interesting is its presence on a wrench marked with the Craftsman double-line ("= Craftsman =") logo. (See the 19/32x25/32 Wrench in a later section.)

If the "N4" mark can be traced to a particular maker, it would help identify not only the "CI" tools, but also the earlier double-line tools before the Craftsman "V" code came into use.


Craftsman "CI" 11/16 Combination Wrenches

[Craftsman Vanadium 11/16 Combination Wrench]
Fig. 65. Craftsman Vanadium 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1936-1941.

Fig. 65 shows an earlier Craftsman 11/16 combination wrench with raised oval panels, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo and "Vanadium" on the front panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

[Craftsman CI 11/16 Combination Wrench]
Fig. 66. Craftsman CI 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 66 shows a later Craftsman 11/16 combination wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo on the front panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Craftsman "CI" 3/4 Combination Wrenches

The next two figures show examples of combination wrenches in the 3/4 size.

[Craftsman Vanadium CI 3/4 Combination Wrench]
Fig. 67. Craftsman Vanadium "CI" 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1936-1941.

Fig. 67 shows a Craftsman 3/4 combination wrench with raised oval panels, stamped "Craftsman Vanadium" on the front panel, with "Forged in U.S.A." and a "CI" code on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

[Craftsman Early 3/4 Combination Wrench]
Fig. 68. Craftsman Early 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 68 shows a later Craftsman 3/4 combination wrench, stamped with the Craftsman underline logo on one side, with "Forged in U.S.A." on the reverse. (The stamping machine apparently had a glitch and double-struck the markings.)

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel with polished panels and faces.

The plain finish and the absence of the "Vanadium" subbrand suggest production during the 1942-1945 wartime era.

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