Harrolds Question

[HeelSpur]

Is the H.J. Harrolds Tool Co. the same as the other Harrolds tools that have been posted here?
I ask because the Harrolds wrench has a tear drop shape hole at the end and this H.J. Harrolds that I picked up today has a round opening.




here is one from ebay;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Harrolds-Adjustable-Wrench-6-Inch-Made-In-USA-Tool-Harrolds-90A-tool-/161170634399?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item258684b69f

[rusty]

I think it is a slightly later (earlier?) name, probably.....

Elmer and Albert founded The Harrold Tool Co, Columbiana Ohio,
 H.J. Harrold is listed as president of H.J Harrold Tool Co...Columbiana Ohio around 1917 or so...
after which H.J.... became Harrold Tool & Forge Co

1921: Harrold Tool & Forge Co changed it's name again to Colonial Tool & Forge....
1923: Moved to Elkton, Md

(From patents, perhaps Harvey J. Harrold?)

 

[HeelSpur]

hmm, a little confusing to me.
So 2 bro's had 1 company and HJ another and they eventually merged?
This wrench seems to be newer and not built as well as the other Harrolds I have.

[rusty]

Very convoluted, I am finding mentions of HJ Harrold into the 1950's (Chain store Age etc), tho the address is a box number. Perhaps they started over after leaving...

Colonial Tool & Forge vanishes without a trace a year after moving to Elkton....

Have been puttering (again) with trying to trace the Harrold family tree, but I am starting to think half the residents of Columbiana were named Harrold....
 In 1804 it's easy, there are only 2, but by 1900 they are all over the place ;P

[Chillylulu]

Name all the nephews, cousins, etc. after the rich relative, maybe.

It may be a plan, but it is a long term plan.

Chilly

[bonneyman]

I'd be interested to know how this Harrold search pans out as well.

[lauver]

Me too. The info on HJ Harrold Tool Co & plain Harold marked tools is skimpy at best and full of unanswered questions.

Also the tool quality varies quite a bit.

I see Harrold hex drivers at the flea market fairly often.  These appear to be high quality and were probably made from about  1947 - 1960's.  I suspect these are surplus items from the Army base a few miles up the road.

I have a pair of Harrold pliers and a rolling head prybar/alignment tool and both of these examples appear to be of much lower quality. 

This difference in quality makes me think they were made by two different companies.  I'm sure, however, there could be other reasonable explanations.

[HeelSpur]

A couple of the Harrolds tools. I think I have a screwdriver or chisel to.

[HeelSpur]

Just to add a little Harrolds info., I ran across a Harrolds adjustable wrench that said "made in Germany" today. Didn't buy it, I think it was made of gold, at least that's what the seller thought.

[bonneyman]

I have also been scrounging around the net, trying to piece together some facts. Nothing of a breakthrough.

[Twertsy]

I know this is an old thread, but I recently acquired an 8" adjustable and did some research.  They were listed as late as 2002 as a subsidiary of Woodings-Verona (PA).  I found them as early as 1914 but they were in existence before that.  Here are some significant snippets from their history.

[RHARROLD]

Hi!  I was doing research on the Harrold Tool company and came across this thread.  I am a great, great (great?) granddaughter of Albert Harrold! My Aunt worked for Harrold Tool in the mid 80's - I think they were mainly fulfilling government contracts at that point. I have been on the hunt for Harrold tools for years.  Was in the Army in the late 80's and while in El Paso, Texas, came across a Harrold screwdriver.  If anyone knows where I can find any tools, please let me know!!   

[turnnut]

hi RHARROLD,   I just checked and there are 4 Harrold adjustable wrenches and 1 Harrold screwdriver on e-bay. 

[p_toad]

RHARROLD, welcome to the tool talk forums.   hope you have some success with your search for tools (unfortunately, i have none of those).

[bonneyman]

Welocme, RHARROLD.

Here's my meager Harrold driver collection. The top 3 in the pic.