Self Adjust Wrenches

[Lewill2]

The self adjust wrench topic came up in the 6 and under picture section. I had to take a picture of some of my self adjust wrenches to share. As you can see several fall in the 6 and under range but several are over 6 inches. The biggest is almost 16 inches long and is marked Clipper 14. Next is a J. W. Calef patented Samson made by P. Lowentraut Newark NJ. To the left of the Calef is a 5 inch just marked "Self Adjust". 5 different Speednut wrenches, 2 are Cochran, one Pat Pend and one with the patent info. An 8 1/2 inch spring loaded Speednut and a 6 1/2 inch spring loaded Speednut with what is left of the leatherette case.  5th row down on the right is a Webb and Hildreth Co spring loaded with serrated jaws that is about 7 inches long.  6th row left is a L G Automatic Red Chief at 8 inches long, to the right is a German made self adjust with tools inside. The end that screws off is 2 pieces and the tools fit into the end cap. Bottom left is an all brass that is one of my favorites but is unmarked. Bottom right are the tools that fit the German tool handle.

[Lewill2]

An interesting thing about the brass wrench is that it uses a link between the handle and the moveable jaw instead of a gear arrangement that most of them use.

[jimwrench]

Neat collection

[turnnut]

real nice collection that you have shown. there are a few that I have never seen before.

the idea of these wrenches are still alive today, even Sears has what they call the rapid pipe wrench.
made by Virax tools of France.  the company started in 1920, in 1981, they became a part of the
FACOM group.  that name keeps popping up.
the new pipe wrenches are 10" 14" & 18"

a few other non American brands show up here & there.

I enjoy seeing OLD WRENCHES.   thank you.

[mikeswrenches]

Very nice!!  Thanks for sharing.

Mike

[Plyerman]

All I can say is Wow! Those are some nice ones you got there Lewill.

Question: Why do you suppose these were so popular at one time (enough so that many different companies made them) but then everybody stopped making them at about the same time?

[DM11]

Nice wrenches!

[Nolatoolguy]

Nice group of wrenches. Thanks for posting.

[ouray19]

Very nice collection. thanks for sharing