Kraeuter & Company

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Slip-Joint Pliers
• Fixed-Pivot Pliers and Cutters
• Wrenches
• Striking Tools
• References and Resources
• What's New (Last Updated Nov. 1, 2009)
  Recent changes to this page:

  • 11/01/2009: Added Kraeuter 743-8 Angle-Head Pliers.
  • 10/13/2009: Added Kraeuter 1821 7 Inch Lineman's Universal Pliers.
  • 10/07/2009: Added Kraeuter 1821-5-1/2 5.5 Inch Lineman's Universal Pliers.
  • 10/06/2009: Added Kraeuter 1671 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers.
  • 10/05/2009: Added Kraeuter 1850-6 Giant Nippers.
  • 10/04/2009: Added Kraeuter 2801-7 "Dreadnought" Lineman's Pliers.
  • 09/27/2009: Added Kraeuter 1356-6 Combination Pliers.
  • 09/06/2009: Added Kraeuter 451-8 Glass Pliers.
  • 07/26/2009: Added Kraeuter 1801-6 Lineman's Pliers.
  • 04/30/2009: Added Kraeuter 1841-8 "Button's Pattern" Pliers.
  • 04/06/2009: Added Kraeuter "US" 8 Inch Wire Cutting Pliers.
  • 02/18/2009: Added early advertisement.
  • 08/08/2008: Updated catalog resources.
  • 08/04/2008: Added Kraeuter 1771-7 Extra Long Nose Pliers.
  • 06/23/2008: Added a Kraeuter A1619 Open-End Wrench.
  • 02/14/2008: Added Kraeuter 1834-6 1/2 Lineman's Pliers.
  • 01/24/2008: Added a Kraeuter 1202-13 Bearing Scraper.
  • 12/11/2007: Added Kraeuter "US 1918" Wire Cutting Pliers.
  • 12/02/2007: Added Kraeuter 1721-6 Long Nose Side-Cutting Pliers.
  • 11/04/2007: Added Kraeuter K-Diamond 1380-7 Lineman's Pliers.
  • 10/15/2007: Added Kraeuter 1851-5 Giant Nippers.
  • 10/11/2007: Added Kraeuter Early 1801-8-1/2 Lineman's Pliers.
  • 10/03/2007: Added Kraeuter 1850-5 Giant Nippers.
  • 09/28/2007: Added Kraeuter 4501-4 1/2 Diagonal Cutters.
  • 09/07/2007: Added Kraeuter 1601-4 1/2 Short Flat-Nose Pliers.
  • 07/17/2007: Added Kraeuter Early 1841-8 "Button's Pattern" Pliers.
  • 06/10/2007: Added a Kraeuter 403-5/8 Wood Chisel.
  • 04/19/2007: Added a Kraeuter 430-1 Flat Chisel.
  • 04/06/2007: Added a Kraeuter 430-3/4 Flat Chisel.
  • 04/04/2007: Added a Kraeuter 635-1/2 Cape Chisel.
  • 03/29/2007: Added Kraeuter 351-7 Brake Spring Pliers and a Kraeuter 342-1/2 Star Drill.
  • 03/27/2007: Added Kraeuter 4700-7 Diagonal Cutters.
  • 03/12/2007: Added Kraeuter 1880-10-1/2 Fencing Pliers.
  • 02/23/2007: Added Kraeuter 40-6 Thin-Nose Pliers.
  • 02/20/2007: Added Kraeuter 1831-6-1/2 Electrician's Pliers, Kraeuter 1661-6 Needlenose Pliers, and a Kraeuter 330 1/2 Inch Chisel.
  • 02/19/2007: Added patent table.
  • 02/16/2007: Added Kraeuter 1801-8-1/2 Lineman's Pliers.
  • 01/27/2007: Added Kraeuter 948 Battery Pliers.
  • 01/02/2007: Added Kraeuter 1591-4 1/2 Milliner's Flat-Nose Pliers.
  • 12/16/2006: Added Kraeuter 1751-6 Flat-Nose Pliers.
  • 12/14/2006: Added Kraeuter 4501-6 Diagonal Cutters.
  • 12/10/2006: Added Kraeuter 1741-6 Flat-Nose Pliers and Kraeuter 356-8 Slip-Joint Pliers.
  • 12/09/2006: Added Kraeuter 1831-7 Lineman's Pliers and Kraeuter 2601-5 Diagonal Cutters.
  • 12/06/2006: Added Kraeuter 1973-7 Slip-Joint Pliers.
  • 12/04/2006: Added Kraeuter 1671-6 Needlenose Pliers.
  • 12/03/2006: Added Kraeuter 356-6 Pliers.
  • 12/01/2006: Moved to separate page.
  • 11/29/2006: Added Kraeuter 1641-5 Short Needlenose Pliers.
  • 11/27/2006: Added Kraeuter 1850-7 End Nippers.
  • 11/19/2006: Added Kraeuter 1863-9 Pliers.
  • 11/14/2006: Added Kraeuter K-Diamond 1380-6 Lineman's Pliers.
  • 10/10/2006: Added Kraeuter "US" Fence-Cutting Pliers,
  • 09/12/2006: Added a Kraeuter A2428 Open-End Wrench.
  • 08/21/2006: Added a Kraeuter K9/16 Single-Offset Wrench.
  • 08/15/2006: Added a Kraeuter A2225 Open-End Wrench.
  • 08/14/2006: Added Kraeuter 1973 Slip-Joint Pliers.
  • 08/10/2006: Added Kraeuter "Victor" 305-7 Slip-Joint Pliers.
  • 08/09/2006: Added several Kraeuter tools, Kraeuter 356-6 Slip-Joint Pliers, Kraeuter A1416 Open-End Wrench, Kraeuter A1820 Open-End Wrench, and a Kraeuter B2426 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench.

Introduction

Kraeuter & Company was an early tool maker, established in the mid nineteenth century and probably best known for their high quality pliers.

Company History

Kraeuter & Company was established in 1860 and incorporated in 1907, and is probably best known as a maker of high quality pliers. Its products included pliers, chisels, punches, striking tools, wrenches, and other specialty tools.

Kraeuter Advertisement from 1904 Hardware Dealers' Magazine.

By 1904 Kraeuter was producing a range of tools and hardware items, including ticket punches, chisels, and pliers. The small advertisement at the left from the July 1904 issue of the Hardware Dealers' Magazine shows the company's popular "The Victor" universal slip-joint pliers, a model that remained in production for many years.

In the mid 1920s Kraeuter placed advertisements in some of the popular magazines of the day. A full-page ad in the May 1924 issue of Popular Science on page 93 provides a snapshot of the company's products at the time. Included in the illustration are the No. 1661 Needle Nose Pliers, No. 356 Slip-Joint Pliers, No. 1973 Slip-Joint Pliers, No. 1831 Electrician's Side-Cutting Pliers, and No. A1618 Open-End Wrench.

Patents

Trademarks

Slip-Joint Pliers

305-7 "The Victor" 7 Inch Slip-Joint Universal Pliers

Fig. 1. Kraeuter 305-7 "The Victor" 7 Inch Universal Pliers, with Insets for Handle Pattern and Detail.

Fig. 1 shows a pair of Kraeuter 305-7 "The Victor" 7 inch slip-joint universal pliers, stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." on the handle, with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

356-6 6 Inch Combination Pliers

Fig. 2. Kraeuter 356-6 6 Inch Combination Pliers, with Insets for Handle Pattern and Detail.

Fig. 2 shows the Kraeuter No. 356-6 slip-joint pliers, stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." on the handle, with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The handle pattern for these pliers is a dimpled field with a central diamond.

1356-6 6 Inch Combination Pliers with "Don't Slip" Pattern

Fig. 3. Kraeuter 1356-6 6 Inch Combination Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 3 shows a pair of Kraeuter No. 1356-6 slip-joint combination pliers, stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." on the handle, with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The handle pattern is a geometric design referred to as "Don't Slip" in the Kraeuter catalogs. This pattern was registered as design patent #D46,682, issued to A.A. Kraeuter in 1914.

356-6 6 Inch Combination Pliers with "Don't Slip" Pattern

Fig. 4. Kraeuter 356-6 6 Inch Combination Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 4 shows a later version of the Kraeuter 356-6 6 inch combination pliers, stamped with the company name on the side, and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

The handles are forged with a geometric pattern referred to as "Don't Slip" in the 1939 catalog. This pattern was registered as design patent #D46,682, issued to A.A. Kraeuter in 1914.

356-8 8 Inch Combination Pliers

Fig. 5. Kraeuter 356-8 8 Inch Combination Pliers, with Inset for Handle Pattern.

Fig. 5 shows a much later pair of Kraeuter 356-8 8 inch slip-joint combination pliers, stamped with the company name and "U.S.A." near the pivot.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

These larger pliers have a three working positions for the slip-joint mechanism.

1863-9 9 Inch Slip-Joint Gas and Burner Pliers

The standard "gas and burner" plier design incorporated rounded gripping surfaces for holding pipes, plus a smaller grip on the nose for adjusting burners. These models were generally made with a fixed pivot, and an example of the standard design can be seen in the Utica 1300 Gas and Burner Pliers.

Fig. 6. Kraeuter 1863-9 9 Inch Slip-Joint Gas and Burner Pliers, with Inset for Handle Pattern, ca. 1922.

Fig. 6 shows a rare pair of Kraeuter 1863-9 9 inch gas and burner pliers in an unusual slip-joint configuration, marked "Kraeuter U.S.A." on the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 8.9 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Kraeuter has extended the basic design by adding a slip joint, a wire-cutting slot, and a screwdriver blade at the handle end.

The Kraeuter 1863-9 pliers were listed in the 1922 C.W. Marwedel industrial catalog, at a price of $18.20 per dozen.

1973-5-1/2 5.5 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers with Side Cutters

Fig. 7. Kraeuter 1973-5-1/2 5.5 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Insets for Handle Pattern and Detail.

Fig. 7 shows a pair of Kraeuter model 1973-5-1/2 5.5 inch slip-joint combination pliers with side cutters, marked "Grip-Kut Junior" and "Pat. Pending" on the reverse (not shown). The overall length is 5.6 inches.

The finish is nickel plating. The handles have a forged-in "Kraeuter U.S.A." marking on the inside surface, as shown in the lower inset.

The 1939 Kraeuter catalog lists this model as a combination side cutting plier, and refers to the handle pattern as the "Don't Slip" design. A larger 1973-7 model was also available (see the next figure), and pliers with smooth handles were available as models 1972-x.

The patent corresponding to the pending marking has not been found yet.

1973-7 7 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers with Side-Cutters

Fig. 8. Kraeuter 1973-7 7 Inch Slip-Joint Combination Pliers, with Inset for Handle Pattern.

Fig. 8 shows a much later pair of Kraeuter model 1973-7 slip-joint pliers, marked "USA" on the handle. The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The handle pattern resembles the "Don't Slip" pattern seen in the previous figure, but has now been greatly simplified.

40-6 6 Inch Slip-Joint Thin-Nose Pliers

Fig. 9. Kraeuter 40-6 6 Inch Slip-Joint Thin-Nose Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 9 shows a pair of Kraeuter model 40-6 slip-joint thin-nose pliers, marked "USA" on the handle.

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

743-8 8 Inch Slip-Joint Angle-Head Pliers

Fig. 10A. Kraeuter 743-8 8 Inch Angle-Head Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 10A shows a pair of Kraeuter 743-8 8 inch slip-joint angle-head pliers, stamped "USA" on the handle, with company name and model number on the reverse.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

351-7 Slip-Joint Brake Spring Pliers

Fig. 10B. Kraeuter 351-7 Slip-Joint Brake Spring Pliers, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

Fig. 10B shows a pair of Kraeuter model 351-7 slip-joint brake spring pliers, marked with the company name and model number, and with "Pat. Appl'd For" on the reverse.

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

Fixed-Pivot Pliers

Kraeuter "US" 8 Inch Fence-Cutting Pliers

The next several figures show examples of Kraeuter wire-cutting pliers, believed to have been made as fence-cutters for the military in the first World War.

Fig. 11. Kraeuter "US" 8 Inch Fence-Cutting Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 11 shows a pair of Kraeuter "US" 8 inch fence-cutting pliers, with markings "Kraeuter & Co. Inc." and "Newark, N.J." plus "Pat. Pend." forged into the handle. The forged-in letters "U" and "S" are also visible at the left.

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

The pliers have serrated cutting edges placed close to the pivot pin for leverage.

Kraeuter "US" 11 Inch Fence-Cutting Pliers

The next two figures show examples of long-handled Kraeuter wire-cutting pliers, believed to been made as fence-cutters for the military in the first World War.

Fig. 12. Kraeuter "US" 11 Inch Fence-Cutting Pliers, ca. 1915-1918.

Fig. 12 shows an earlier pair of Kraeuter wire-cutting pliers. The pliers have forged-in markings "Kraeuter & Co. Inc." and "Newark NJ" with a "Pat Pend" notation, and the letters "U" and "S" on both sides.

The overall length is 11.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The pliers have the cutting edges placed very close to the pivot pin, which together with the long handles would provide the leverage needed for cutting hard wire.

The patent for these pliers has not yet been found after a fairly extensive search. The next figure shows another example of this model, but marked "1918" instead of the pending notation, suggesting that the patent might have been issued in 1918.

Fig. 13. Kraeuter "US 1918" 11 Inch Fence-Cutting Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. 1918.

Fig. 13 shows a somewhat later model with forged-in markings "Kraeuter & Co. Inc." plus "U.S." and "1918".

The overall length is 11.0 inches. The finish is plain steel with extensive pitting due to rust. (The pliers were electrolytically de-rusted.)

Early 1841-8 8 Inch Button's Pattern Pliers

The next two figures show examples of the 1841 "Button's Pattern" pliers.

Fig. 14. Kraeuter 1841-8 8 Inch Button's Pattern Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 14 shows an early pair of Kraeuter "Button's Pattern" pliers in the 8 inch size, marked "Kraeuter & Co." near the pivot, and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is polished steel.

The handle pattern has a dimpled background with a central diamond, and the diamond is stamped with the Kraeuter "K" initial.

The model number is not marked on this early example, but these pliers are listed as Model 1841-8 "Button's Pattern" pliers in Kraeuter catalog No. 15 and others. The Button's design featured both flat and rounded gripping surfaces, plus three cutting notches at the sides and center.

Fig. 15. Kraeuter 1841-8 8 Inch Button's Pattern Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 15 shows another example of the Kraeuter 1841-8 "Button's Pattern" pliers, marked "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot (see lower inset), and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is polished steel.

The handle pattern has a dimpled background with a raised central diamond.

Early 1821-5-1/2 5.5 Inch Lineman's "Universal" Pliers

Fig. 16. Kraeuter 1821-5-1/2 5.5 Inch Lineman's "Universal" Pliers, with Insets for Side View, Construction, and Marking Detail.

Fig. 16 shows a pair of the Kraeuter 1821-5-1/2 5.5 inch lineman's "universal" pliers, incorporating flat and rounded gripping surfaces, Button's cutters, and screwdriver and awl tips on the handles. The pliers are marked with "Kraeuter" and the model number near the pivot, and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is polished steel, with some pitting due to rust.

Early 1821[-7] 7 Inch Lineman's "Universal" Pliers

Fig. 17. Kraeuter 1821[-7] 7 Inch Lineman's "Universal" Pliers, with Insets for Side View, Construction, and Marking Detail.

Fig. 17 shows a pair of the Kraeuter 1821[-7] 7 inch lineman's "universal" pliers, incorporating flat and rounded gripping surfaces, Button's cutters, and an awl tip on the handle. (The other handle would have had a screwdriver tip, but it was apparently broken off or removed.) The pliers are stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot, with the model number "No. 18??" only partially readable. The handles are also marked with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside.

The overall length is 7.3 inches, and the finish is polished steel.

1801-6 Lineman's Pliers

Fig. 18. Kraeuter 1801-6 Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 18 shows a pair of Kraeuter 1801-6 lineman's pliers, stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Made in U.S.A." over the pivot. The handles are also marked with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside, shown as a close-up in the lower inset.

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

The upper inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the dimpled handle pattern with the central diamond.

1801-8-1/2 Lineman's Pliers

The next figures show two generations of the Kraeuter 1801-8 1/2 Lineman's Pliers.

Fig. 19. Kraeuter 1801-8-1/2 Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 19 at the left shows an earlier pair of Kraeuter 1801-8 1/2 lineman's pliers, stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." over the pivot (see lower inset). A forged-in marking "Forged Steel" appears on the underside of the handles, as shown in the middle inset.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The upper inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the dimpled handle pattern with the central diamond.

Fig. 20. Kraeuter 1801-8-1/2 Lineman's Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 20 shows a much later example of the Kraeuter 1801-8 1/2 pliers, stamped with the company name and "USA" over the pivot.

The overall length is 8.4 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

1831-6-1/2 Electrician's Pliers

Fig. 21. Kraeuter 1831-6-1/2 Electrician's Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 21 shows a pair of Kraeuter 1831-6-1/2 electrician's pliers, marked "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot, and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The top inset shows a side view of the pliers, to illustrate the head design and handle pattern. The dimpled handle with a raised diamond logo (called simply "knurled handles" in catalogs) is believed to be one of Kraeuter's earlier handle patterns.

This model was listed in the 1925 Dunham Catalog in nominal sizes of 4, 5, 6-1/2, 7, and 8 inches.

1831-7 Lineman's Pliers

Fig. 22. Kraeuter 1831-7 Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

1834-6 1/2 Lineman's Pliers

Fig. 23. Kraeuter 1834-6 1/2 Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 23 shows a pair of Kraeuter 1834-6 1/2 lineman's pliers, stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot, and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

2801-7 "Dreadnought" 7 Inch Lineman's Pliers

Fig. 24. Kraeuter 2801-7 "Dreadought" 7 Inch Lineman's Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 24 shows a pair of Kraeuter 2801-7 "Dreadnought" 7 inch lineman's pliers, stamped "Dreadnought" and "Nickel Steel" over the pivot, and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 7.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

K-Diamond 1380-7 Lineman's Pliers

In later years Kraeuter introduced the "K-Diamond" line of economy tools, a selection of popular styles produced with simpler finishes to allow lower prices.

Fig. 25. Kraeuter K-Diamond 1380-7 Lineman's Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 25 shows an example of the K-Diamond line, a pair of Kraeuter 1380-7 lineman's pliers, stamped "Newark, N.J." near the pivot with the K-Diamond logo in the center. The reverse is also stamped "USA" (not shown).

The overall length is 7.0 inches. The finish is black oxide, with pitting on the surface due to rust.

K-Diamond 1380-6 Lineman's Pliers

Fig. 26. Kraeuter K-Diamond 1380-6 Lineman's Pliers.

The overall length is 6.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

1641-5 Short Needlenose Pliers with Side Cutters

Fig. 27. Kraeuter 1641-5 Short Needlenose Side-Cutting Pliers, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

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

1661-6 Short Needlenose Pliers with Side Cutters

Fig. 28. Kraeuter 1661-6 Short Needlenose Side-Cutting Pliers, with Inset for Reverse Detail.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

1671[-6] 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers

The next two figures show examples of the Kraeuter 1671 pliers.

Fig. 29. Kraeuter 1671-6 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers, with Insets for Handle Pattern and Marking Detail.

Fig. 29 shows a pair of Kraeuter 1671-6 6 inch needlenose pliers, stamped "USA" on the pivot with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 5.9 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

The upper inset shows the pattern forged into the handle, a dimpled field with a central diamond.

Fig. 30. Kraeuter 1671 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers, with Insets for Handle Pattern and Marking Detail.

Fig. 30 shows a later pair of Kraeuter 1671 6 inch needlenose pliers, stamped "Kraeuter" and "USA" around the pivot.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

1721-6 Long-Nose Pliers with Side Cutters

Fig. 31. Kraeuter 1721-6 Long-Nose Side-Cutting Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 31 shows a pair of Kraeuter 1721-6 long nose side-cutting pliers, stamped "Kraeuter USA" near the pivot, and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 5.9 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This style of pliers has a flat wide tip and was recommended by the Kraeuter catalog for electrical work.

1771-7 Extra Long Nose Pliers

Fig. 32. Kraeuter 1771-7 Extra Long Nose Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 32 shows a pair of Kraeuter 1771-7 extra long nose pliers, stamped "Kraeuter USA" with the model number near the pivot, with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 6.7 inches, although the tip may have been shortened slightly by grinding. The finish is plain steel with some pitting due to rust, but the catalog lists the original finish as "Blue Temper".

The upper inset shows a side view of the pliers, illustrating the "Don't Slip" pattern on the handles.

1591-4 1/2 Milliner's Flat-Nose Pliers with Side Cutters

Fig. 33. Kraeuter 1591-4 1/2 Milliner's Flat-Nose Side-Cutting Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Detail.

Fig. 33 at the left shows a pair of Kraeuter 1591-4 1/2 Milliner's flat-nose side-cutting pliers, marked "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot, and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 4.4 inches, and the finish is polished steel.

The handles have a dimpled pattern with a central raised diamond, and one handle is drilled for a hanging loop, as shown in the lower inset.

Kraeuter 1601-4 1/2 Short Flat-Nose Pliers

Fig. 34. Kraeuter 1601-4 1/2 Flat-Nose Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 34 at the left shows a pair of Kraeuter 1601-4 1/2 flat-nose pliers, marked "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot, and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 4.5 inches, and the finish is polished steel with some nickel plating remaining.

The handles have a dimpled pattern with a central raised diamond. This model is similar to the previous No. 1591 pliers, but without the side-cutting edges.

Kraeuter 1741-6 Flat-Nose Pliers

Fig. 35. Kraeuter 1741-6 Flat-Nose Pliers, with Inset for Side View.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Kraeuter 1751-6 Flat-Nose Pliers with Side Cutters

Fig. 36. Kraeuter 1751-6 Flat-Nose Side-Cutting Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Kraeuter 1850-5 "Giant Nipper" 5 Inch End Nippers

Fig. 37. Kraeuter 1850-5 "Giant Nipper" 5 Inch End Nippers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 37 at the left shows an early pair of Kraeuter 1850-5 5 inch end nipper pliers, somewhat amusingly marked as "Giant Nipper" near the pivot, and with "Kraeuter" and the model number on the reverse. The handles have "Kraeuter, U.S.A." forged into the underside (see middle inset).

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is black paint.

The top inset illustrates the Kraeuter "Don't Slip" geometric gripping pattern on the handles. This pattern was registered as design patent #D46,682, issued to A.A. Kraeuter in 1914.

Kraeuter 1851-5 "Giant Nipper" 5 Inch End Nippers

Fig. 38. Kraeuter 1851-5 "Giant Nipper" 5 Inch End Nippers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 38 shows a very similar early pair of Kraeuter 1851-5 "Giant Nipper" pliers, marked with "Kraeuter USA" and the model number on the reverse, and with "Kraeuter, U.S.A." forged into the underside (see middle inset).

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is polished steel, now darkened with the effects of age and rust.

The 1850 and 1851 models were identical except for the finish, which was black paint and the "Kraeuter" finish, respectively. The catalog described the Kraeuter finish as polished steel with black oxide for the knurled areas.

Kraeuter 1850-6 "Giant Nipper" 6 Inch End Nippers

Fig. 39. Kraeuter 1850-6 "Giant Nipper" 6 Inch End Nippers, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail.

Fig. 39 shows a pair of Kraeuter 1850-6 6 inch end nippers, stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number near the pivot, with "Giant Nipper" on the reverse. The handles are also marked with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside.

The overall length is 6.4 inches. The finish is plain steel, with extensive pitting due to rust.

The top inset illustrates the Kraeuter "Don't Slip" geometric gripping pattern on the handles. This pattern was registered as design patent #D46,682, issued to A.A. Kraeuter in 1914.

Kraeuter 1850-7 7 Inch End Nippers

Fig. 40. Kraeuter 1850-7 End Nippers, with Inset for Jaw Detail.

Fig. 40 shows a later pair of Kraeuter 1850-7 7 inch end nippers, stamped "Kraeuter" and "USA" near the pivot.

The overall length is 7.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Kraeuter 1880-10-1/2 Fencing Pliers

Fig. 41. Kraeuter 1880-10-1/2 Fencing Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Jaw Detail.

Fig. 41 shows an early pair of Kraeuter 1880-10-1/2 fencing pliers, marked "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot, and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles (not shown).

The handles of these pliers have been shortened by a former owner, leaving the remaining overall length at 9.3 inches. (The original length was probably close to the nominal 10.5 inch size.) The finish is plain steel.

Kraeuter 2601-5 Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 42. Kraeuter 2601-5 Diagonal Cutters, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

Kraeuter 4501-4 1/2 Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 43. Kraeuter 4501-4 1/2 Diagonal Cutters, with Inset for Side View.

The overall length is 4.7 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

Kraeuter 4501-6 Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 44. Kraeuter 4501-6 Diagonal Cutters, with Inset for Side View.

The overall length is 6.3 inches, and the finish is black oxide.

Kraeuter 4700-7 Diagonal Cutters

Fig. 45. Kraeuter 4700-7 Diagonal Cutters, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 45 shows a pair of Kraeuter 4700-7 diagonal cutters, marked "USA" with the K-Diamond logo.

The overall length is 7.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Kraeuter 948 Battery Pliers

Fig. 46. Kraeuter 948 Battery Pliers.

Fig. 46 shows a pair of Kraeuter 948 battery pliers, stamped "Kraeuter" and "U.S.A." around the pivot.

The overall length is 7.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Kraeuter 451-8 Glass Pliers

Fig. 47. Kraeuter 451-8 Glass Pliers, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 47 shows a pair of Kraeuter 451-8 glass pliers, stamped "Kraeuter" near the pivot, and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Wrenches

Kraeuter produced a distinctive line of open-end and S-shaped wrenches with carefully forged raised-letter markings, including the K-Diamond logo. The wrenches were polished flat after forging to highlight the markings, giving them a striking appearance. But as carbon-steel tools, these fine wrenches were rendered obsolete by the alloy-steel tools developed in the 1920s.

Although the manufacturing dates are not known, this style of Kraeuter wrenches were listed in the 1925 Dunham Catalog. The figures below will show examples of these wrenches.

A1416 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 48. Kraeuter A1416 7/16x1/2 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 48 shows our first example, a Kraeuter A1416 7/16x1/2 open-end wrench, marked "Kraeuter U.S.A." with the K-Diamond logo. (In subsequent figures we'll call this the "standard Kraeuter marking".)

The overall length is 5.0 inches.

A1619 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 49. Kraeuter A1619 1/2x19/32 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 49 shows a Kraeuter A1619 1/2x19/32 open-end wrench with the standard Kraeuter markings.

The overall length is 5.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

A1820 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 50. Kraeuter A1820 9/16x5/8 Open-End Wrench.

The overall length is 6.1 inches.

A2225 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 51. Kraeuter A2225 11/16x25/32 Open-End Wrench.

The overall length is 7.1 inches.

A2428 Open-End Wrench

Fig. 52. Kraeuter A2428 3/4x7/8 Open-End Wrench.

The overall length is 7.9 inches.

B1214 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 53. Kraeuter B1214 3/8x7/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench.

The overall length is 6.2 inches.

B1618 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 54. Kraeuter B1618 1/2x9/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench.

B2022 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 55. Kraeuter B2022 5/8x11/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench.

B2426 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 56. Kraeuter B2426 3/4x13/16 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench.

B2832 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench

Fig. 57. Kraeuter B2832 7/8x1 S-Shaped Open-End Wrench.

O1820 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 58. Kraeuter O1820 9/16x5/8 Tappet Wrench.

K9/16 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 59. Kraeuter K9/16 9/16 Single-Offset Box-End Wrench, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 59 shows a very rare Kraeuter model K9/16 size 9/16 single-offset box-end wrench, marked "Made in U.S.A." on the round shank.

The overall length is 10.9 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished ends, now mostly worn away.

This wrench is a bit of a mystery, as Kraeuter is not known to have made box-end wrenches of this type. Single-offset box wrenches enjoyed some popularity during the late 1920s and 1930s, but had been discontinued by most manufacturers by 1950 or before. A 1939 catalog from Kraeuter listed mostly pliers and striking tools, but only a few of the older carbon-steel wrenches.

Thus it's not clear when (or why) Kraeuter would have produced this wrench.

Scraping and Striking Tools

1202-13 Bearing Scraper

Fig. 60. Kraeuter 1202-13 Bearing Scraper, with Insets for Reverse and Marking Detail.

Fig. 60 shows a Kraeuter 1202-13 bearing scraper with a wooden handle, stamped "Made in USA" and "Patd. 3-09-10" on the shank.

The overall length is 12.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The patent date refers to patent #953,171, filed in 1909 by A.A. Kraeuter and issued in 1910.

330-1/2 Flat Chisel

Fig. 61. Kraeuter 330 1/2 Inch Chisel.

Fig. 61 shows a Kraeuter 330-1/2 chisel, marked "USA" on the octagonal shank.

The overall length is 5.9 inches.

430-3/4 Flat Chisel

Fig. 62. Kraeuter 430-3/4 Flat Chisel.

Fig. 62 shows a Kraeuter 430-3/4 flat chisel, marked "USA" on the octagonal shank.

The overall length is 7.0 inches.

430-1 Flat Chisel

Fig. 63. Kraeuter 430-1 Flat Chisel.

Fig. 63 shows a Kraeuter 430-1 flat chisel, marked "USA" on the octagonal shank.

The overall length is 8.4 inches.

635-1/2 Cape Chisel

Fig. 64. Kraeuter 635 1/2 Inch Chisel, with Inset for Side View.

Fig. 64 shows a Kraeuter 635-1/2 cape chisel, marked "USA" on the octagonal shank.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

403-5/8 Wood Chisel

Fig. 65. Kraeuter 403-5/8 Wood Chisel, with Inset for Side View and Marking Detail.

Fig. 65 shows a Kraeuter 403-5/8 wood chisel, marked "USA" on the octagonal shank.

The overall length is 10.4 inches.

342-1/2 Star Drill

Fig. 66. Kraeuter 342-1/2 Star Drill, with Inset for Marking Detail.

Fig. 66 shows a Kraeuter 342-1/2 star drill, marked "USA" on the octagonal shank.

The overall length is 12.0 inches.

References and Resources

Photographs and observations of particular tools are based on items in the Alloy Artifacts collection.

Catalog Coverage

Product information was obtained from several Kraeuter catalogs, as summarized in the table below. The catalogs note that the company was established in 1860 and incorporated in 1907, and list their address as 569 Eighteenth Avenue, Newark, New Jersey.

Industrial Distributors

Kraeuter tools were sold through industrial and automotive distributors, and the catalogs of these companies provide descriptions and illustrations of the tools available at that time. The list below shows a sampling of these distributor catalogs.

• Tower & Lyon 1904. The 1904 catalog No. 12 of the Tower & Lyon Company has an extensive listing (26 pages) of Kraeuter tools. The listings include ticket punches, machinists calipers, gas pliers, the Victor universal pliers, chisels, and even carpet stretchers! This catalog is available as a reprint and is probably the best early catalog resource for Kraeuter tools.

• Central Automobile Supply 1916. A 1916 catalog from Central Automobile Supply (Des Moines, Iowa) lists several pages of Kraeuter tools. Two pages of pliers include model numbers 305, 356, 1621, 1631, 1721, 1781, 1801, 1850, 1863, 1873, 1903, 1923, 2601, and 2801. The handle patterns in the illustrations show most models with dimpled handles and a central raised diamond, but the No. 2801 "Dreadnaught" pliers have the new (at that time) "Don't Slip" pattern.

  Other tools listed include bearing scrapers, chisels, punches, and the No. 356 adjustable alligator wrench. Regarding the chisels, the catalog notes that they are forged of nickel steel, and states "... considered by experts the best chisel line ever made."

• Chandler & Farquhar 1919. The 1919 catalog from the Chandler & Farquhar Company, an industrial distributor, lists three pages of Kraeuter pliers.

• Marwedel 1922. The 1922 catalog No. 11 from the C.W. Marwedel Company, an industrial supplier, lists one page of Kraeuter pliers. The models shown are No. 356 (four sizes), No. 1356 (two sizes), No. 1863-9, and No. 1873-7. The catalog also offers one model of bent nose slip joint pliers, but doesn't indicate the model number.

• Dunhan, Carrigan & Hayden 1925. The 1925 catalog No. 73 from the Dunham, Carrigan & Hayden Company, a wholesale hardware supplier, includes six pages of Kraeuter pliers and two pages of Kraeuter wrenches.

• Sligo Iron Store 1930. The 1930 catalog No. 70 from the Sligo Iron Store Company lists a number of models of Kraeuter pliers. The catalog listings include the No. 356 combination pliers, Nos. 1903 and 1933 thin-nose pliers, Nos. 1661, 1671, and 1771 needlenose pliers, No. 1801 Lineman's pliers, and No. 1851 giant end nippers.

Advertisements

• A full-page ad in the May 1924 issue of Popular Science on page 93 shows some of the company's products at the time, including the No. 1661 Needle Nose Pliers, No. 356 Slip-Joint Pliers, No. 1973 Slip-Joint Pliers, No. 1831 Electrician's Side-Cutting Pliers, and No. A1618 Open-End Wrench.

Patent and Trademark Information

Patent information was obtained from the U.S. Patents and Trademarks Office (USPTO) web site at uspto.gov. Patent documents were obtained from sites offering free downloads, notably freepatentsonline.com.

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