Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: superzstuff on May 22, 2012, 01:40:18 PM

Title: Craftsman rotary jaw wrench
Post by: superzstuff on May 22, 2012, 01:40:18 PM

Very interesting pipe wrench, spring loaded jaw with rotating tooth wheel. I was just wondering if it is the Sears Craftsman or since it is marked 1907 if it was a seperate company.

Title: Re: Craftsman rotary jaw wrench
Post by: lbgradwell on May 22, 2012, 03:53:23 PM

Not connected to Sears. Sears did not acquire the Craftsman name until 1927...

Title: Re: Craftsman rotary jaw wrench
Post by: Papaw on May 22, 2012, 09:08:15 PM

I think it was just Craft. It is in Cope's book, but I'm at work and can't look.

Title: Re: Craftsman rotary jaw wrench
Post by: lauver on May 23, 2012, 08:25:14 AM

Super,

Those two phillips head screws on your wrench look oddly out of place and likely don't belong there.  You might want to find some unplated slotted machine screws to replace them.

Title: Re: Craftsman rotary jaw wrench
Post by: Papaw on May 23, 2012, 08:48:30 AM

Craft- per Cope
Made by Craftsman Tool Co. of Conneaut,OH, from a patent by George Heckling in 1907.
Also in Schulz, #63 and #664. Was also made by Attwood Wrench Tool and Stamping from 1912 to 1914. They ceased operation in 1914 and the wrench line was taken over by Craftsman Tool Co.
Patent # 870781

Title: Re: Craftsman rotary jaw wrench
Post by: jimwrench on May 23, 2012, 09:05:08 AM

 Heres a photo of acouple of craft wrenchs showing screw Lauver was referring to. Looks like a pan head slotted screw.

Title: Re: Craftsman rotary jaw wrench
Post by: superzstuff on May 23, 2012, 05:53:57 PM

Thanks for the info. I will replace the screws and hang it on the wall of fame.

Title: Re: Craftsman rotary jaw wrench
Post by: dimwittedmoose51 on May 23, 2012, 09:54:23 PM

I did some research on line about the factory in Connehuaut OH, and eventually got a phone call back from an ER Dr. who is the official Conneaut OH Historian.  He talked me ear off about the factory and its history.  don't remember his name, but if you go to Conneaut's webpage and look up "history" or something of that sort, you may get a call too.  He said the 6" and the 24" models are the real collectible ones.  My 12" is pretty plain Jane and maybe worth $70 tops.

DM&FS