Tool Talk
Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: PFSchaffner on July 24, 2015, 09:53:41 AM
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Here is a nice set of high-carbon steel (i.e. not alloy?)
stamped open-end wrenches marked "Aetna" with a cursive
logo. These have come up once before, I think, on this site,
where it was suggested that they might be promotional
items for Aetna Insurance (they're not, I think.) I have also seen
them mentioned on Garage Gazette, and on the Schwinn Bicycle
forum, but no one has ever been able to identify the company or
the date with any confidence.
(http://)
Notes:
(1) these are quite thick and strong for this type of wrench.
(2) the largest wrench in the set (1" x 7/8") replaces
the center hole with a Prestolite key.
(3) the remaining wrenches in the set replace the
center hole with a set of American-Form fine thread
(re)threading dies, arranged thus:
5/8" x 3/4" wrench has die marked 3/8 - 24.
1/2" x 9/16" wrench has die marked 5/16 - 24
3/8" x 7/16" wrnech has die marked 1/4 - 28
1/4" x 5/16" wrench has die marked 3/16 - 32
The last is quite unusual, I think: though GTD still
sold dies for coarse-thread sub-1/4" fractional sizes
in 1944, it had stopped selling the fine-thread ones
in favor of machine-screw sizes.
(4) For dating purposes, I see that the sizes are all
marked according to opening size, not nominal bolt size,
which (wrench people correct me) usually dates things to
post-1920, right? But the odd 3/16" die suggests pre-war,
maybe? And the explicit designation "carbon steel" suggests
that alloy steels had arrived on the scene, else there
was no reason to distinguish a non-alloy tool steel wrench?
So maybe 1920-1940??
(5) NOT, I think a promotional item for Aetna Insurance;
the logo does not come close to matching any of those
listed here:
http://www.aetna.com/about-aetna-insurance/assets/documents/seals-logos-of-aetna.pdf
(6) Do the fine threads suggest an automotive application?
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The triangular and square holes in the wrench center are most interesting. Heavier than most of these style wrenches. Agree with a pre-1925 date.
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to my old eyes, it looks more like; Aetma ???
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That is because it is cursive, the letters connect; flow together.
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Maybe the name is difficult to find because it is actually Ætna?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etna_Iron_Works
http://military.wikia.com/wiki/Etna_Iron_Works
Some others:
Old Aetna AUTOMOTIVE WRENCH 3/8 3/4 5/8 Carbon Steel USA Stamped Vintage Tool (Ebay)
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Wrench-lot-5-Aetna-Vlchek-A-76-International-IH-Shelley-antique-/151729297028
Hope this will help!
Lennard
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The odd holes are because they were more than likely fastened to bolt with a wing but and footed out to use them.
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- Yes I found some examples on eBay too, but they don't seem to add much information except that these things can be found.
- I'm skeptical of any connection with the Aetna Iron Works, since they seemed to have ceased production under that name in 1884, and these wrenches are surely a 20th century product, and probably an automotive one.
- the triangular holes are so designed because they are rethreading dies: the cutting teeth are on the flats; why triangular as opposed to hex or square? presumably the process that produced them contributed to the shape..
- And I assume that the square hole is a 3/8" Prest-o-lite key for acetylene headlights, which would agree with a date in the 20s, I think. Prest-o-lite experts please correct me.