Tool Talk

Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: Bus on February 15, 2014, 12:44:57 AM

Title: Gas Torch Wrenches
Post by: Bus on February 15, 2014, 12:44:57 AM

While cataloging the Wrenching News Spring Auction I found a Stillson type pipe wrench with an Otto Bernz - Always Reliable imprint it is marked 18 but only measures 15.5" with the jaws fully closed. It is lot 605 in the catalog.

Links to the catalog are at: www.wrenchingnews.com (http://www.wrenchingnews.com)

Checking back I found a Trimo spud wrench with the same imprint listed in the 2008 Don Ervin Auction. It is Lot 141 in the second photo. Anybody have any information on the Always reliable brand?

The last photo shows a cast wrench about 8.5" long that has been in my collection for several years. I would guess that it was to be used on a torch. Anybody know for sure?

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd3/buswrench/message-board/Otto-Bernz-PW.jpg)

0605. OTTO BERNZ CO. - ALWAYS RELIABLE - 18 - - 15.75" Stillson type pipe wrench from the blow torch folks.

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd3/buswrench/ervin-2007/0130-142.jpg)

0141. TRIMO TRIMONT MFG. CO. - ROXBURY, MASS / SPUD - PAT'D 12-19-11(etc.) - - 11" Trimo spud wrench like above but also marked OTTO BERNZ CO. INC. - ALWAYS RELIABLE.

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd3/buswrench/message-board/Otto-Bernz-wrench.jpg)

Title: Re: Gas Torch Wrenches
Post by: mvwcnews on February 15, 2014, 02:43:09 PM

As to time frame, OTTO BERNZ Co.  Newark, NJ shows up in 1922 Engineering Directory under 'Wrenches, Adjustable.' and several other tool categories.   The odd Otto Bernz wrench came from Frank Kingsbury's collection.

A 1921 ad in American Artisan & Hardware Record claims BERNZ was established in 1876 ( http://books.google.com/books?id=dH09AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA70&img=1&zoom=3&hl=en&sig=ACfU3U0AQDBy9uwjVhLFUNrdS5iw4k7G5Q&ci=106%2C795%2C424%2C260&edge=0 )

Is this the same company that evolved into "BernzOMatic"?