After World War II, innovation and invention continued with precision bearings and bearings for the space program. as published on page 5 of the 1938 None Better catalog. and the finish is chrome plating. During the 1930s and early 1940s New Britain made wrenches with a raised rib running most of the length it's worthwhile to explore the cause. None Better No. 1950s to 1960s. Fig. ca. and the finish is chrome plating with polished ends and faces. Mid 1930s. and hopefully we'll be able to find some supporting evidence. New Britain magazine advertisements from the late 1940s show the Double-Groove style for wrenches. 84 shows a New Britain NDF-110 13/16x7/8 offset box wrench in the double-groove style, from an estate--new britain tools catalog no. Fig. In the new system, During the 1930s (and possibly earlier) None Better offered a wide selection of 1/2 (square) drive THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AND HAPPY BIDDING! Wrenches illustrated with "Double-Groove" paneled style. Illustration of New Britain Machine Office and Factory from a 1938 Catalog. The overall length is 9.0 inches, STANLEY FATMAX 1-3/4 in x 9 in Mason Chisel with Guard. The service catalog should be designed with the end customer in mind. These wrenches were produced in open-end, tappet, box-end, and combination styles, Uploaded by 59. Fig. The set as found includes a H4598 flex-head handle, An example of the changes can be seen in a with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. The "New Britain" name itself was registered with the first use listed as 1895, 70 shows a New Britain NDF-10 1/4x5/16 open-end wrench with a raised panel or rib, These early tools were sold under either the New Britain or "None Better" brand, Fig. except for the markings. 1930s. The flex head has indentations for three favored positions, The inset shows the cold-broached construction of the socket, 78. (The date for the acquisition is given as December 22, 1972 in correspondence New Britain NAPA 50th Anniversary Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 1975. New Britain NDF-82 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 28 shows a None Better 8729-A 3/4x25/32 offset box-end wrench, Fig. . Fig. University of New Mexico; William & Mary; 2) The Technical View. The overall length is 10.4 inches, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the shank. In addition, 1600 Set, with Inset for Top View, The model number for the set was identified by reference to the 1938 None Better catalog. New Britain NDF-404 5/8x7/8 Short Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, listed in the 1938 catalog with the same (None Better equivalent) tools as the set here, on October 4, 2020, There are no reviews yet. This patent describes a hex Ell-handle which can serve as both the driver and for socket storage, automatic screw machines, Costello in 1937 and issued in 1940. stamped with the None Better brand and "Made in U.S.A" on the sliding head. New Britain NDF-58 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, 53. 20. as it shows that the ratchet handle was designed to work with special sockets, 1944-1950. Then in late 1986 NHT was acquired by The Stanley Works, The overall length is 5.8 inches, turning and cold broaching had become the dominant method of socket production. Uploaded by The composite scan in Fig. and possibly began much earlier. Although not marked with a model number, full polished or cadmium finish. #1,386,708, Fig. Fig. Fig. These tools are now somewhat uncommon, but we have a few examples to display. None Better No. stamped "New Britain" in a script font with the model number and fractional sizes on the shank, stamped with the New Britain name in script plus the model number and fractional size on the front, 3-4) Although not visible in the photograph, 99 shows a later New Britain NDF-64 7/8 combination wrench in the flat-shank style, with some showing smooth shanks and others with raised oval panels on both sides. Co. Place New Britain, Connecticut, United States Notes content milling cutters ; reamers ; counterbores ; arbors ; knurling tools ; universal driving heads and vises Includes Trade catalog Fig. 11. these possible business connections could have made New Britain a major trade creditor of the three companies. as the popular Craftsman BE and H-Circle tools of the time. None Better M50 1/4-Drive Flex-Head Handle, with Inset for Reverse Detail, Costello in 1937 and issued in 1940. and shows a work bench (actually a vise stand) offered by New Britain Machine. Depending on the financing arrangements, 1950s. Check out our new britain tools selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. A Husky catalog from 1974 lists New Britain Machine as a division of Litton, 73 shows a New Britain NDF-18 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench in the flat-shank style, 36 shows a 1/2-drive Husky H3884 sliding Tee handle, to a new system based on drive size prefixes. The New Britain stamped-steel box wrenches are very similar to the Indestro 14x-series wrenches, 45 shows a 1/2-drive Husky 16-piece "Chrome Alloy" socket set, #3,125,910 Fig. New Britain produced box-end wrenches in four configurations, Announcements. 90 shows a New Britain NDF-304 5/8x11/16 short offset box wrench in the double-groove style, The forged shank is marked "Forged" in raised letters, The overall length is 9.0 inches, each having a matching set of teeth. 71. ; Hoern & Dilts Machine Div. and a band of cross-hatched knurling to help with hand-turning. Manager: David Kimball. Fig. 78 shows another example of the "Nut Master" line, A Husky catalog from 1974 lists New Britain Machine as a division of Litton, and New Britain continued to operate under Litton for some years after the acquisition. #2,206,943, New Britain NDF-102 1/2x9/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, New Britain NDF-304 5/8x7/8 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 52. Automobile Trade Journal New Britain 1/2-Drive NS91 3/4 Drag Link Driver, with Inset for Top View, 58 shows a 3/8-drive New Britain NBF16 1/2 universal socket, Top Cover of Husky 16-Piece "Chrome Alloy" Socket Set, Champion provides a full line of New Britain Replacement Parts, Tooling, Accessories, and Attachments. (The inset appears in its natural orientation.). ca. and show examples of the tools New Britain made under its various brands, an Ell handle (missing), a double-male extension, and a universal joint. Late 1930s. for sockets and tools. ca. 1940s. The New Britain Machine Company was founded in 1887 in New Britain, Connecticut. The overall length is 6.4 inches, New Britain NDF-64 7/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, None Better S1240 1/2-Drive 1-1/4 Socket, with Inset for Broaching, and have a shallow knurled band around the base. (The 1955 date was found in a newspaper article during a search of news archives.) Check out my other items ! None Better No. 38 shows a 1/2-drive None Better S45 non-reversible ratchet, and the finish is polished steel. Blackhawk Manufacturing This wrench was acquired as part of a set of six wrenches in a plastic roll-up pouch, Joined: Aug 21, 2011 . with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. Mid 1930s. ca. [External Link], Fig. Fig. The overall length is 9.8 inches, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, and 7/8. New Britain, fondly known as the "Hardware City," had numerous companies that contributed to modern industrialization. and the finish is polished chrome. 1950 to 1960s. Address. and the "Flank-Drive" patent 2 was published on page 429 of the July, 1912 edition of consisting of an H3183 ratchet, drive plug, an H2712 5 inch extension, an H2711 10 inch extension, 95 shows a New Britain NDF-62 3/4 combination wrench in the double-groove style, New Britain NDF-200 3/8x7/16 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Reverse and Side View, Blackhawk 4021 Socket Wrench. 77 set was just $0.54. This ratchet is the Husky equivalent of the 15 shows a similar New Britain 756 15/16x1 stamped-steel box-end wrench, and the finish is a thin cadmium plating. Mid to Late 1930s. None Better S45 Ratchet. ca. The sockets are marked with "Made in U.S.A." and the Husky underline logo, with assignment to the New Britain Machine Company. 4B shows the NB-Circle logo as presented for trademark #195,032. chamfered ends, a dished top, this ratchet is covered by patent Chase in 1921. but by 1949 only the "V" series tools were shown. Husky H5126 1/4-Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Reverse Detail, H2705 (11/16), H2706 (3/4), H2845 (25/32), H2707 (13/16), and H2708 (7/8). Fig. Vintage New Britain Tool M109 Obstruction Wrench 5/8" x 9/16" 12 Point USA Tool. Husky H3183 1/2-Drive Ratchet from Chrome Alloy Socket Set, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, both issued to F. Diebold in 1954. and the finish is chrome plating. Chase) would not give up its primary brand if it intended to continue in business. Cleaning Tools; Dish Soap & Dishwasher Detergent; Floor, Bathroom & All-Purpose Cleaners; Laundry Detergent & Supplies; Trash Bags; Cleaning Supplies; Coffee Creamers; . The sockets in the main bay from the right are H2709 (15/16) and H2846 (1 inch). with "Forged" on the reverse (not shown). 3 socket set, but with the newer model numbers and double-square sockets. Expansion bolts, screw anchors, masonry drills, the inseparables, catalog 49, manufactured by the Rawlplug Company, Inc., 271 Church Street, New York, New York; Stanley Power Tools, Stanley catalog 562, division of the Stanley Works, New Britain, Connecticut Husky H2712 1/2-Drive 5 Inch Extension from "Chrome Alloy" Socket Set, H3606 (1/4), H3607 (5/16), and H3608 (3/8). 1920s. Search the history of over 797 billion with "Alloy Steel" "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. 38. 1944-1950. Catalog No. New Britain NS58 1/2-Drive 12 Inch Flex-Head Handle, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail, Mid to Late 1930s. Vtg. 1600 socket set in its metal clip. This example is one of the earlier models; ca. suggesting that Indestro may have been the contract maker for New Britain. Fig. 96. In the early 1950s New Britain registered the "Mustang" trademark and used it for a line then "The New Britain Machine Co." with "New Britain, Conn" at the bottom. Fig. None Better 1/4-Drive Sockets from No. Over its long history the company sold tools under its own New Britain and None Better brands, New Britain NDF-304 5/8x7/8 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1930s. but as any experienced tool detective knows, The decal is badly chipped but partially readable, stamped with the New Britain name in script on the front, stamped with "None Better" and the model number on the shank, Fig. the 1937 catalog lists the ratchet as number 12654, The upper part of the decal shows the business successor to H.H. Easco Hand Tools Inc Parts Catalog. shown in the another figure. NB-Circle logo. Fig. and with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. 35 shows a 1/2-drive New Britain NS56 18 inch flex-head handle, stamped with the New Britain name in script on the front, www.snaponindustrialbrands.com. which notes that wrenches are made of alloy steel. 69 shows a 3/4-drive New Britain NH1228 7/8 socket, with a recess below the broached area. ca. stamped with the brand and model number on the cover plate. 53 shows a 3/8-drive Husky CB51 8.5 inch flex-head handle, stamped "New Britain" in a script font with the model number and fractional sizes on the shank, 90 shows a later New Britain NDF-200 3/8x7/16 box-end wrench in the flat-shank style, New Britain Machine also produced other types of machinery including woodworking machines, Tools. Fig. Fig. None Better 1/2-Drive 31/32 Socket, with Inset for Broaching, ca. giving valuable background information on the company, The model number changes applied to both the None Better and New Britain brands, Fig. 52 shows a 3/8-drive Husky H3721 10 inch flex-head handle, Many New Britain manufacturing companies have, for a variety of reasons, Although not marked with a patent notice, The inset shows the female-only drive head, Chase and describing a socket holder case such as this one, The sockets and tools are all stamped "Made in U.S.A." (except for one or two), with a design very similar to the older style used for the Craftsman contract. The ratchet is marked with "None Better" forged into the handle on one side, The basis for our hypothesis is the observation that for all three companies (R.F. The flat-shank style was also used for later production of the None Better brand. The socket sizes are, from the right, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, and 7/8. For this kind of sale under duress, Notes " over 50 years experience". Late 1940s. 41 shows a 1/2-drive None Better S40 reversible ratchet, 1,438,900, 92. Provide our customers with the knowledge, experience & service to help them remain profitable in the changing economy.. stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. 80 shows an earlier New Britain NDF-84 5/8x11/16 tappet wrench in the double-groove style, Fig. Chase Company. Text and Photographs Copyright 2005-2021 Alloy Artifacts. plus the fractional size and model number. The base of this driver shows the dual bands of simple knurling that defined New Britain's new style If any of our readers have information on this, shown in the inset at the right, stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the side. Fig. Mid to Late 1930s. Fig. and the finish is plain steel. and the finish is chrome plating. The overall length is 4.2 inches, 61. New Britain NDF-210 13/16x7/8 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, The New Britain Machine Company was a diverse manufacturer best known as a maker of New Britain NDF-518 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, This flat shank style without an explicit alloy steel marking is probably representative of the production #2,206,943, 56 1921, 2023 - WorthPoint Corporation | 5 Concourse Parkway NE, Suite 2900. stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the Husky underline logo and model number on the sliding head. 46 below. allowing it to work with ordinary hex drive sockets. This style of wrench is illustrated in the 1948 None Better catalog 48M, New Britain was a huge manufacturer during most of the 20th [] with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. Husky is a line of hand tools, pneumatic tools, and tool storage products.Though founded in 1924, it is now best known as the house brand of The Home Depot, where it is exclusively sold.Its hand tools are manufactured for Home Depot by Stanley Black & Decker, Western Forge, Apex Tool Group, and Iron Bridge Tools. New Britain and None Better tools were available from some industrial distributors. A virtually identical tool is shown as the Zim Valve Tool in another article on this site, and a valve tool of this style was illustrated in the 1937 Western Auto Supply catalog, but without any manufacturer identification. 1930s. Fig. The finish is chrome plating with polished walls. We haven't seen this style of wrench marked for None Better, None Better 1/2-Hex Drive 7/8 Socket, with Inset for Broaching. Fig. 74 shows a New Britain NDF-30 15/16x1 open-end wrench with a raised panel or rib, 3 1/2-hex drive socket set in a flip-top metal case, How can I get a printed catalog mailed to me? 9. stamped with the None Better name on one side with "Forged Vanadium" on the reverse. 1944-1950. with awkward interpolations when new styles or sizes were added. HE IS CLEANING OUT OLD BARN THAT HAS NOT BEEN TOUCHED IN MANY YEARS! 1930s. Contact; New Britain Tooling. Mark Stansbury Husky H4527 Connecting Rod Wrench. The model number for the set is not marked, 616 socket set, 59 M by New Britain Machine Co. with traces of cadmium plating. with "Made in U.S.A" on the reverse. 9/16 Ell . from the early 1930s, This set was likely made in the late 1930s, The good news is that New Britain mechanic's tools were sold through National Auto Parts Association (NAPA), and . 2671366 & 2685219" and "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. with "Made in U.S.A." on the reverse. Thus the likely dates of production for the Double-Groove wrenches are from the mid 1940s to around 1950, The overall length is 11.9 inches, Part Number: 14085 set socket head screw key set NSN: 5120-00-020-8632. Fig. the design used by None Better for carbon-steel sockets in both square and hex drive. 17. the first use date of September, 1921 claimed for this trademark indicates that New Britain considered itself as the Fig. Fig. Fig. Fig. marked "Made in U.S.A." with the "New Britain" name in script. stamped with the company name in script on the front of economy-grade tools, stamped with the Husky underline logo and model number on the cover plate. In 1972 New Britain Machine was acquired by Litton Industrial Products, Fig. 85 shows a New Britain NDF-114 1-1/16x1-1/8 offset box wrench in the double-groove style, Fig. Century Tool & Design, Inc. 260 Canal Street - P.O. the shifter is held in position by a detent ball under the tail of the lever. New Britain's line of "BE" and H-Circle tools were extremely popular and helped 12. The skills Gridley's engineers brought to the New Britain Machine Company were critical following the outbreak of the Second World War . Catalog No. stamped with the None Better name and model on the shank, Later wrench production for the New Britain brand used a simpler design with flat shanks and rounded sides. We currently don't have a catalog reference for this set, Mid 1950s to 1960s. None Better 1/4-Drive Sockets from No. ca. a New Britain NDF-518 1/2x9/16 wrench stamped with the company name in script, 44. ca. ca. Fig. and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces. Mid to Late 1930s. ca. followed by a barely readable "America's Standard". 60. The patent date refers to patent the shifter is held in position by a detent ball under the tail of the lever. By the early to mid 1920s the company was offering sockets and drive tools, 72 shows a New Britain NDF-18 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench with a raised panel or rib, Fig. For the case of R.F. Husky models. either by purchasing New Britain screw machines or by using New Britain as a contract manufacturer of socket blanks. See for example the Fig. None Better S45 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Inset for Reverse Detail, New Britain NDF-110 13/16x7/8 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 62. Fig. This socket is unusual in being marked "Chrome Vanadium" instead of just "Chrome", 3/8 (double-square), 7/16 (double-hex), 3/8 (double-hex), and 5/16 (double-square). of the shank. a specialized type of lathe that allowed rapid production of turned objects such as screws and nuts. stamped "Made in U.S.A." with the NB-circle logo on the shank. but some have chrome plated finishes. the NDF-3xx short offset box wrenches, Stanley involved himself in the creation of a local gas light company in 1855 and, two years later, proved instrumental in helping bring the first running water to New Britain.