My 1st Alligator Wrench, Sorta

[lauver]

Gang,

Just wanted to share a little wrench I picked up in a batch of tools.  It's 6" overall and has one open end and one alligator end.  I don't know if this is typical of alligator wrenches.  The only stamping I can find on the wrench is "INDIAN"; don't know if that is a brand, OEM, or what.  In spite of heavy rust and some abuse, I think it's a handsome specimen.  Here's a few pics for your tool savy eyes:





Is this wrench typical of the alligator type? What does Indian refer too?  Could this be an Indian motorcycle kit wrench?  Just wondering.

[lzenglish]

Nice! I hope it is part of an old Indian Motorcycle tool kit, but I don't know for sure.

Wayne

[jimwrench]

 Looks like it is for your motocycle (spelling is correct) Thats the way Indian motocycles are designated.

[lauver]

Thanks guys,

Now all I gotta do is find an Indian Motocycle and I'll be set.  Anybody got a vintage Indian laying around their garage?

[Wrenchmensch]

An Indian Motocycle flat steel wrench without the word Motocycle on it is uncommon.  I haven't seen one before.  The picture below shows the range of commonly found Indian wrenches, including flat ones.  The one in the middle shows the alligator wrench similar to the one you have, only it has "Indian Motocycles" stamped on it.

[lauver]

An Indian Motocycle flat steel wrench without the word Motocycle on it is uncommon.  I haven't seen one before.  The picture below shows the range of commonly found Indian wrenches, including flat ones.  The one in the middle shows the alligator wrench similar to the one you have, only it has "Indian Motocycle" stamped on it.

wrenchmensch,

Could it be a fake?  Or maybe there was an Indian tool company? 

At any rate, I like the looks of the Indian Motocycle wrenches you posted, especially the double box end wrenches

[lzenglish]

I found 2 Indian wrenches on ebay without the motorcycle script on them, so maybe there is more to the story.

Wayne

edit: I tried to give you a link, but it did not take, sorry! You can just google "Indian Motorcycle forum", and it will take you there.

[jimwrench]

 I doubt that its a fake: its not valuable enough for someone to go to that much trouble and way back iin yesteryear I think I've seen that stamping.

[Bus]

There is an excellent book on Indian Motocycles toolkit tools. I have a copy but can't find it right now. The flat steel "INDIAN" (in quotation marks) marked wrenches are thought to be aftermarket Indian wrenches. There are quite a few available but seem to hold their price. I think there have been at least one or two on Ebay ever since I got a computer in the Fall of 1998. Some variations do seem to be rare and I am still lacking one or two.

[lauver]

Gang,

It sounds like the consensus is leaning towards an aftermarket wrench. Seems plausable.  A similar situation exists with Ford kit wrenches, with many many variations.