Alloy Steel Wrenches

Barcalo probably began producing alloy steel tools in the late 1920s. The earliest production used (and was marked for) chrome-molybdenum steel, but probably by the mid 1930s some chrome-vanadium tools were being made.

By the mid to late 1940s most of the tool production had shifted to a "special analysis" steel, most likely a carbon-manganese alloy similar to Indestro's "Select Steel" or Danielson's "Controlled Steel".

In this post-war era the only tools retaining a high-grade alloy were the combination wrenches, which used AISI 8645 steel branded as "Barcaloy". Barcalo registered "Barcaloy" as a trademark in 1946, with the first use date noted as April of 1945.

In the mid 1950s Barcalo again produced alloy-steel open-end wrenches, which also used the "Barcaloy" brand.

Open-End Wrenches

Barcalo produced a line of open-end wrenches with depressed panels and forged-in size markings, with chrome molybdenum alloy steel noted in the markings.

Barcalo 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, Chrome-Molybdenum Steel

Fig. 31. Barcalo Chrome-Molybdenum 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 31 shows a Barcalo 19/32x11/16 wrench with depressed panels for the markings, marked "Barcalo Buffalo USA" with "Forged Chrome Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 5.5 inches. Most of the finish has been lost, but the original finish may have been nickel plating.

Barcalo 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, Chrome-Molybdenum Steel

Fig. 32. Barcalo Chrome-Molybdenum 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 32 shows another example of the depressed panel design in alloy steel, a Barcalo 5/8x3/4 wrench marked "Barcalo-Buffalo-USA", with "Forged-Chrome-Molybdenum" on the back side.

The overall length is 7.7 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Barcalo 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, Chrome-Molybdenum

Fig. 33. Barcalo Chrome-Molybdenum 15/16x1 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 33 shows a Barcalo 15/16x1 open-end wrench, marked with "Barcalo Buffalo USA" and the sizes forged into depressed panels, with "Forged-Chrome-Molybdenum" in the back side panel.

The overall length is 10.6 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Barcalo 1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench with Raised Panels

Fig. 34. Barcalo 1725B 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. 1941-1945.

Fig. 34 shows a Barcalo 1725B 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench with raised panels, stamped with the model number on the face and "Barcalo-Buffalo-U.S.A." on the raised panel.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain finish and lack of alloy markings suggest production during the war years.

Barcalo 28S 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench with Raised Panels

Fig. 35. Barcalo 28S 5/8x25/32 Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1941-1945.

Fig. 35 shows a Barcalo 28S 5/8x25/32 open-end wrench with raised panels, stamped "Barcalo-Buffalo-U.S.A." on the raised panel, with the model number on the back side face.

The overall length is 7.7 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The plain finish and lack of alloy markings suggest production during the war years.

Tappet Wrenches

By the late 1920s or early 1930s Barcalo was offering tappet wrenches with asymmetrical offsets, a style that became popular in the 1920s. Tappet wrenches in this style were usually purchased in pairs, so that each opening size was available in either offset angle.

This type of tappet wrench was listed in the Barcalo catalog No. 22 of 1934, although at that time the finish options were cadmium plating or sand-blasted steel, instead of the nickel plating found on the examples here.

Examples of tappet wrenches in this asymmetrical style from other manufacturers can be seen in the sections on Blue Point Tappet Wrenches and Bonney "CV" Tappet Wrenches.

Barcalo Chrome-Molybdenum 7/16x17/32 Tappet Wrench

Fig. 36. Barcalo Chrome-Molybdenum 7/16x17/32 Tappet Wrench, ca. Late 1920s to 1930s.

Fig. 36 shows a Barcalo 7/16x17/32 asymmetrical-offset tappet wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Barcalo Buffalo" on the shank. In this model the smaller opening (7/16) is at the straight (non-offset) end of the wrench.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Barcalo Chrome-Molybdenum 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrenches

The next two figures show a matched pair of asymmetrical-offset tappet wrenches in the 1/2x9/16 size.

Fig. 37. Barcalo Chrome-Molybdenum 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, ca. Late 1920s to 1930s.

Fig. 37 shows a Barcalo 1/2x9/16 asymmetrical-offset tappet wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Barcalo Buffalo" on the shank. In this model the smaller opening (1/2) is at the straight (non-offset) end of the wrench.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Fig. 38. Barcalo Chrome-Molybdenum 1/2x9/16 Tappet Wrench, ca. Late 1920s to 1930s.

Fig. 38 shows a Barcalo 1/2x9/16 asymmetrical-offset tappet wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Barcalo Buffalo" on the shank. In this model the larger opening (9/16) is at the straight (non-offset) end of the wrench.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Barcalo Chrome-Molybdenum 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench

The next two figures show a pair of asymmetrical-offset tappet wrenches in the 5/8x11/16 size, with minor differences in marking.

Fig. 39. Barcalo Chrome-Molybdenum 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, ca. Late 1920s to 1930s.

Fig. 39 shows a Barcalo 5/8x11/16 asymmetrical-offset tappet wrench, stamped "Barcalo Buffalo, U.S.A." and "Chrome Molybdenum" on the shank. In this model the smaller opening (5/8) is at the straight (non-offset) end of the wrench.

The overall length is 8.2 inches. The finish is nickel plate, now worn through in several areas.

Fig. 40. Barcalo Chrome-Molybdenum 5/8x11/16 Tappet Wrench, ca. Late 1920s to 1930s.

Fig. 40 shows a Barcalo 5/8x11/16 asymmetrical-offset tappet wrench, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Barcalo Buffalo" on the shank. In this model the larger opening (11/16) is at the straight (non-offset) end of the wrench.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Barcalo Chrome-Molybdenum 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrenches

The next two figures show a pair of asymmetrical-offset tappet wrenches in the 3/4x7/8 size.

Fig. 41. Barcalo Chrome-Molybdenum 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrench, ca. Late 1920s to 1930s.

Fig. 41 shows a Barcalo 3/4x7/8 asymmetrical-offset tappet wrench in the straight-small version, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Barcalo Buffalo" on the shank. In this model the smaller opening (3/4) is at the straight (non-offset) end of the wrench.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Fig. 42. Barcalo Chrome-Molybdenum 3/4x7/8 Tappet Wrench, ca. Late 1920s to 1930s.

Fig. 42 shows a Barcalo 3/4x7/8 asymmetrical-offset tappet wrench in the straight-big version, stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Barcalo Buffalo" on the shank. In this model the bigger opening (7/8) is at the straight (non-offset) end of the wrench.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is nickel plating.

Barcalo [5528] 8-Piece Chrome-Molybdenum Tappet Wrench Set

Fig. 43. Barcalo [5528] 8-Piece Chrome-Molybdenum Tappet Wrench Set, ca. 1932-1934.

Fig. 43 shows a Barcalo [5528] 8-piece chrome-molybdenum tappet wrench set in a patented holder, marked "Barcalo" with "Drop Forged" and "Hardened" on a decal, and stamped "Pat. Nov. 3, 1931" and "No. 1830577" on the cover. (There's also a stamped "Barcalo Buffalo" marking under the decal.)

The metal holder measures 8.0 inches long and 3.1 inches wide, and is finished in red enamel.

The wrenches in the set (one is missing) were acquired separately and are shown in the previous figures. Each wrench is stamped "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Barcalo Buffalo" on the shank and is finished in nickel plating.

The metal holder is marked for patent #1,830,577, filed by C. Vallone in 1928 and issued on November 3, 1931.

The nicely-designed metal holder for this set was obviously intended specifically for this type of asymmetric-offset tappet wrenches. For example, the bottom of the case has four dimples acting as feet to hold it above the surface, so that the heads of the straight end of the wrenches can sink into the slots on the right side.

Some readers may recall that the patent for the Barcalo 6-Piece Open-End Wrench Set shown in another figure is the same as the patent marked on this set, although the two holders look rather different. What apparently happened was that after developing the customized holder for the tappet wrenches, Barcalo wanted to call it a "patented holder" right away and so marked the earlier patent.

Barcalo then applied for a patent on the new design, and the real patent for this tappet wrench holder was issued as #1,967,458 on July 24, 1934. Since the new patent would presumably have been marked after the issue date, we can estimate the date for this holder as 1932-1934.

Barcalo's 1934 catalog illustrates this holder with 8 cadmium-finished tappet wrenches as the model 5528 set, with a $1.45 wholesale price. (The nickel plated wrenches in our photograph are probably from a few years earlier.)

Box-End Wrenches

By 1934 Barcalo was offering chrome-molybdenum box-end wrenches in a deep-offset style.

Fig. 44. 1934 Catalog Listing for Barcalo Offset Box Wrench Sets.

The scan in Fig. 44 shows a catalog listing for Barcalo chrome molybdenum offset box wrench sets, as found in catalog No. 22 from 1934. (The pages aren't numbered, but this was at the end of the catalog.) The wrenches were available in sets of five or six, and in two finish options.

The illustration in this listing is significant, as it shows the wrenches marked "Chrome Molybdenum" on the shank with two size panels near the offset bends. (We made a very detailed scan, and the size fields are easily visible if you enlarge the image.) This is exactly the design used for some "mystery wrenches" that we found a number of years ago, and we are now ready to attribute the production to Barcalo.

The wrenches were available in six sizes: 3/8x7/16, 1/2x9/16, 5/8x11/16, 3/4x25/32, 13/16x7/8, and 15/16x1 inch.

By the late 1930s Barcalo had changed the design of its box wrenches to include a raised panel on the shank, and currently all of our marked examples are of this form.

[Barcalo] Chrome Molybdenum 3/8x7/16 Offset Box Wrench

The next two examples are former "mystery wrenches" that were finally identified (2021) as Barcalo production by the catalog illustration in Fig. 44 above. The scan in Fig. 45 below provides a close-up view of a small section of the illustration, clearly showing the wrench marked with "Chrome Molybdenum" flanked by two small oval "size panels".

Fig. 45. Detail from Catalog Illustration of Barcalo Offset Box Wrench.

Fig. 46. [Barcalo] Chrome Molybdenum 3/8x7/16 Offset Box Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 46 shows a [Barcalo] 3/8x7/16 offset box wrench, stamped with "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank. The fractional sizes are forged into two small "size panels" near the offset bends, a distinctive feature that helped to identify the maker of the wrench.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The absence of a Barcalo marking suggests that this wrench was made as contract production.

The identification of this wrench was assisted by the 1938 None Better catalog, which shows an illustration that appears to match this example. None Better is believed to have used Barcalo Manufacturing for contract production of wrenches, so that association suggested Barcalo as a possible maker of this wrench.

[Barcalo] Chrome Molybdenum 3/4x25/32 Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 47. [Barcalo] Chrome Molybdenum 3/4x25/32 Offset Box Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 47 shows a [Barcalo] 3/4x25/32 offset box wrench, stamped with "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Made in U.S.A." on the shank. The fractional sizes are forged into two small "size panels" near the offset bends, a distinctive feature that helped to identify the maker of the wrench.

The overall length is 11.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with some pitting due to rust.

The absence of a Barcalo marking suggests that this wrench was made as contract production.

[Barcalo] Chrome Molybdenum 15/16x1 Inch Offset Box Wrench

Fig. 48. [Barcalo] Chrome Molybdenum 15/16x1 Inch Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1930s.

Fig. 48 shows a [Barcalo] 15/16x1 inch offset box wrench, marked with "Chrome Molybdenum" and "Made in U.S.A." stamped on the shank, and with the fractional sizes forged into oval size panels near the offset bends.

The overall length is 14.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel, with possible remnants of cadmium plating.

The absence of a Barcalo marking suggests that this wrench was made as contract production.

"Forged Vanadium" 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench

By 1937 Barcalo was making box-end wrenches with a flat shank and raised oval panel, and with vanadium steel rather than the chrome-molybdenum alloy used previously. An ad on page 167 of the October 21, 1937 issue of Hardware Age shows the new style of box-end wrenches.

Fig. 49. Barcalo "Forged Vanadium" 5/8x11/16 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 49 shows a Barcalo 5/8x11/16 offset box-end wrench with raised oval panels, stamped "Barcalo-Buffalo-U.S.A." on the front panel, with "Forged Vanadium" and the fractional sizes stamped on the back side. (The inset has been left in its natural orientation.)

The overall length is 10.3 inches, and the finish is nickel plating with polished panels and ends.

A forged-in code "O" can be seen on the back side shank, to the left of the panel.

"Forged Vanadium" 15/16x1 Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 50. Barcalo "Forged Vanadium" 15/16x1 Offset Box Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 50 shows a Barcalo 15/16x1 offset box-end wrench with raised panels, stamped "Barcalo-Buffalo-U.S.A." on the front panel (lower inset, rotated for readability), with "Forged Vanadium" and the fractional sizes on the back side panel. The back side shank also has a forged-in "B" code visible at the right.

The overall length is 14.4 inches, and the finish is plain steel. (A former owner has added the black paint.)

3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 51. Barcalo 3/8x7/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1941-1945.

Fig. 51 shows a Barcalo 3/8x7/16 short offset box wrench with raised panels, stamped "Barcalo Buffalo U.S.A." on the panel, with "Forged" and the fractional sizes on the back side. (The lower inset has been rotated for readability.)

The overall length is 4.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The shank has a forged-in marking resembling a back sided "E" at the right of the panel, which together with the rough finish suggests production during the wartime years. (Snap-on used an "E" date code specifically for 1944.)

5/8x11/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench

Fig. 52. Barcalo 5/8x11/16 Short Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1941-1945.

Fig. 52 shows a Barcalo 5/8x11/16 short offset box-end wrench with raised panels, marked "-Barcalo-Buffalo-U.S.A." with "Forged" on the back side.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The wrench has a forged-in marking like a back sided "E", which together with the rough finish suggests production during the wartime years. (Snap-On used an "E" date code specifically for 1944.)

9/16x5/8 Halfmoon Box-End Wrench

Fig. 53. Barcalo 9/16x5/8 Halfmoon Box Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail.

Fig. 53 shows a Barcalo 9/16x5/8 halfmoon box-end wrench, marked with "Starter-Mainfold" and the fractional sizes forged into the shank, with "Barcalo-Buffalo-U.S.A." stamped on the back side panel. (The inset has been rotated for readability.)

The overall length is 7.1 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Combination Wrenches

Barcalo probably began production of combination wrenches in the mid to late 1930s. The wrenches were designed with a relatively wide rectangular shank and raised panels, and the known examples used chrome vanadium steel in the earlier years. (The 1940 catalog specifically noted the use of SAE 6140 chrome vanadium steel.)

Based on the experience with other tool companies, specific alloy markings were probably eliminated during the war years.

In the post-war era combination wrenches were made of SAE/AISI 8645 nickel chrome moly steel branded as "Barcaloy" in a script logo. (Barcalo registered "Barcaloy" in a script logo as a trademark, with the first use date noted as April of 1945.)

Barcalo's combination wrenches were among their highest quality tools. Many examples of these have been found with extensive wear to the finish and other signs of hard use, but almost invariably the box and open ends are still in good shape.

Chrome Vanadium 5/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 54. Barcalo Chrome Vanadium 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 54 shows a Barcalo 5/8 combination wrench, stamped "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the raised panel, with "Barcalo-Buffalo-U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 7.0 inches. The original finish was nickel plating, but most has been lost due to wear and rust.

The 1940 catalog noted the use of SAE(AISI) 6140 chrome vanadium steel for combination wrenches.

Chrome Vanadium 3/4 Combination Wrench

Fig. 55. Barcalo Chrome Vanadium 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 55 shows a Barcalo 3/4 combination wrench with raised panels, stamped "Barcalo-Buffalo-U.S.A." on the front panel with "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the back side.

The overall length is 9.0 inches. The original finish was nickel plating, but most has been lost due to wear and rust.

Chrome Vanadium 15/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 56. Barcalo 15/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 56 shows a Barcalo 15/16 combination wrench with raised panels, marked "Chrome Vanadium Steel" with "Barcalo-Buffalo-U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 12.0 inches. The finish is nickel plating with polished faces.

Post-War Wrenches

By the mid to late 1940s most of Barcalo's tool production had shifted to a "special analysis" steel, most likely a carbon-manganese alloy similar to Indestro's "Select Steel" or Danielson's "Controlled Steel". In this post-war era only the combination wrenches and a few heavy-duty box wrenches continued to be made of high-grade alloy steel.

In the post-war period the earlier raised panel design for box wrenches was replaced by a simple flat shank, based on illustrations in a catalog from the late 1940s.

Barcalo continued to offer multiple finish options, with most tools available in either nickel or chrome plating.

Open-End Wrenches

Five Piece Open-End Wrench Set in Tool Roll

Barcalo was well known as a maker of wrenches for tool kits, including kits for military vehicles. The next several figures will show a set of wrenches from a green canvas tool roll, believed to have been supplied for a military vehicle.

Fig. 57. Barcalo 5-Piece Open-End Wrench Set in Tool Roll, ca. mid 1940s to 1950s.

Fig. 57 shows a set of five wrenches in a green canvas tool roll, with each wrench stamped "Barcalo-Buffalo-USA" on the shank.

The wrench sizes are, from left to right, 3/8x7/16, 1/2x9/16, 19/32x11/16, 5/8x3/4, and 13/16x7/8.

The individual wrenches are shown in the next several figures.

Barcalo 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench from Tool Roll

Fig. 58. Barcalo 3/8x7/16 Open-End Wrench from Tool Roll, ca. Mid 1940s to 1950s.

Fig. 58 shows a Barcalo 3/8x7/16 open-end wrench from the tool roll, stamped "Barcalo-Buffalo-USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 4.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Barcalo 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench from Tool Roll

Fig. 59. Barcalo 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench from Tool Roll, ca. Mid 1940s to 1950s.

Fig. 59 shows a Barcalo 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench from the tool roll, stamped "Barcalo-Buffalo-USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 5.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Barcalo 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench from Tool Roll

Fig. 60. Barcalo 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench from Tool Roll, ca. Mid 1940s to 1950s.

Fig. 60 shows a Barcalo 19/32x11/16 open-end wrench from the tool roll, stamped "Barcalo-Buffalo-USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Barcalo 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench from Tool Roll

Fig. 61. Barcalo 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench from Tool Roll, ca. Mid 1940s to 1950s.

Fig. 61 shows a Barcalo 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench from the tool roll, stamped "Barcalo-Buffalo-USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 7.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Barcalo 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench from Tool Roll

Fig. 62. Barcalo 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench from Tool Roll, ca. Mid 1940s to 1950s.

Fig. 62 shows the largest wrench from the tool roll, a Barcalo 13/16x7/8 wrench stamped "Barcalo-Buffalo-USA" on the shank.

The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Barcalo 533C "Barcaloy" 15/16x1 Inch Open-End Wrench

In the mid 1950s Barcalo resumed making alloy-steel open-end wrenches, which were marked "Forged Barcaloy Steel".

Fig. 63. Barcalo 533C "Barcaloy" 15/16x1 Inch Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Mid 1950s.

Fig. 63 shows a Barcalo 533C 15/16x1 inch open-end wrench with raised oval panels, stamped "Barcalo-Buffalo-USA" on the front panel, with the model number and "Forged Barcaloy Steel" on the back panel.

The front faces have forged-in size panels with the fractional sizes.

The overall length is 10.7 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

Box-End Wrenches

Combination Wrenches

In the post-war era Barcalo adopted the brand "Barcaloy" for their high-grade alloy tools, which initially was used only for combination wrenches. Barcalo registered "Barcaloy" in a script logo as a trademark in 1946, with the first use date noted as April of 1945. (The trademark mentioned its use for both wrenches and pliers, so it's possible that some Barcaloy-branded pliers will be found.)

A catalog from the late 1940s identified "Barcaloy" as nickel chrome molybdenum steel, and actually gave the specific alloy as SAE 8645 steel. (Herbrand frequently used the very similar AISI 8642 alloy.)

Combination wrenches produced from 1945 through the early 1950s were marked with "Barcaloy" in a script logo, but later production may be found with "Barcaloy" in block letters.

Barcaloy 3/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 64. Barcalo "Barcaloy" 3/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1945 to Early 1950s.

Fig. 64 shows the smallest of the combination wrench series, a Barcalo 3/8 combination wrench. The raised panel is stamped with the size and "-Barcalo-Buffalo-USA-" on the front, with "-Forged-Barcaloy-Steel-" on the back side panel. Note the use of a script for the "Barcaloy" marking, although other examples may show block letters instead.

The overall length is 4.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Barcaloy 9/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 65. Barcalo "Barcaloy" 9/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1945 to Early 1950s.

Fig. 65 shows a Barcalo 9/16 combination wrench with raised panels, stamped with the fractional size and "Barcalo Buffalo USA" on the front, with "Forged Barcaloy Steel" using a script for "Barcaloy" on the back side.

The overall length is 6.2 inches. The finish is nickel plating with a yellowish tint, with highly polished faces and panels.

Barcaloy 5/8 Combination Wrench

Fig. 66. Barcalo "Barcaloy" 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1945 to Early 1950s.

Fig. 66 shows a Barcalo 5/8 combination wrench with raised panels, stamped with the fractional size and "Barcalo Buffalo USA" on the front, with "Forged Barcaloy Steel" using a script for "Barcaloy" on the back side.

The overall length is 6.9 inches. The finish is nickel plating with a yellowish tint, with highly polished faces and panels.

Later Barcaloy 5/8 Combination Wrench with Size Field

A later variation on the Barcalo combination wrench design placed the wrench size into a depressed box on the open end. This production detail is also found on transitional designs with "scooped" box ends based on a mid 1950s design patent, as noted in a later section. Production of the forged-in size field probably began in the early to mid 1950s.

Another slightly later marking change was the replacement of the "Barcaloy" script font with a block letter version. Based on the known examples, all examples of block letter Barcaloy also have the forged-in size field.

Fig. 67. Barcalo "Barcaloy" 5/8 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Early to Mid 1950s.

Fig. 67 shows an example with the size field, a Barcalo "Barcaloy" 5/8 combination wrench with the size field forged into the face. The front panel is stamped with "-Barcalo-Buffalo-USA-" and the size, and the back panel is stamped "-Forged-Barcaloy-Steel-" using a script for "Barcaloy".

The overall length is 6.9 inches, and the finish is a heavy plating with a yellowish tint.

Barcaloy 11/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 68. Barcalo "Barcaloy" 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1945 to Early 1950s.

Fig. 68 shows a Barcalo 11/16 combination wrench with raised panels, stamped with the fractional size and "Barcalo Buffalo USA" on the front, with "Forged Barcaloy Steel" using a script for "Barcaloy" on the back side.

The overall length is 7.7 inches. The finish is nickel plating with a yellowish tint, with highly polished faces and panels.

Barcaloy 3/4 Combination Wrench

Fig. 69. Barcalo "Barcaloy" 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1945 to Early 1950s.

Fig. 69 shows a Barcalo 3/4 combination wrench with raised panels, stamped with the size and "-Barcalo-Buffalo-USA-".

The back panel is stamped "-Forged-Barcaloy-Steel-" using a script for "Barcaloy", although other examples in this series may show block letters instead.

The overall length is 9.4 inches. The finish is a heavy plating with a yellowish tint, probably nickel or nickel and chrome.

Open+Box Wrenches

By 1953 Barcalo was offering "open+box" wrenches similar to the well-known "Auto-Kit" Wrenches made by J.P. Danielson. The open+box wrenches were offered in nested sets under the "Pocket-Pack" brand, for which Barcalo filed a trademark application and received Trademark 621,027.

The open+box wrenches are illustrated in catalog No. 32 from the mid 1950s, currently our only catalog reference for this style.

Other makers of this style include Auto-Kit and Indestro, and examples can be seen in the Auto-Kit No. 100 Open+Box Wrench and Indestro Chicago Open+Box Wrench.

In addition to producing open+box wrenches for their own brand, Barcalo also offered contract production, and an example can be seen as the Ward's Eclipse 4732 Open+Box Wrench.

5/8x3/4 Open+Box Wrench

Barcalo was one of several manufacturers to produce open+box wrenches, a style popular for automotive tool kits.

Fig. 70. Barcalo 5/8x3/4 Open+Box Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid to Late 1950s.

An example of this style is shown in Fig. 70, a Barcalo 5/8x3/4 open+box wrench marked with "Forged U.S.A." forged into the front panel, with "Barcalo Buffalo" on the back panel.

The fractional sizes are forged into the face and shank, as was typical for this style.

The overall length is 6.5 inches.

Later Barcalo Production

Barcalo tools may occasionally be found with features markedly different from the more common styles, including "scooped" box ends, raised/depressed panels, and even model numbers! (Most of the Barcalo's production wasn't marked with a model number.) At first it seemed very puzzling that the company would suddenly start producing tools of such different styles or features. However, with an understanding of the 1963 acquisition of Barcalo by Crescent Niagara, some of these new features are now thought to represent the company's post-acquisition production.

By 1964 Crescent Niagara had acquired the tool operations of Crescent, Billings & Spencer, Barcalo, and Bridgeport Hardware. Each of these individual companies had substantial design and manufacturing capabilities, and Crescent Niagara seems to have experimented with combining some of the tool designs from the various operations.

At least one of the new features was definitely developed in-house by Barcalo. In the mid 1950s Barcalo developed a distinctive style of tapered or "scooped" box end for wrenches, with the box end broached at an angle, instead of forging the box at an offset or bending the shank. This style was registered as design patent #D177,636, filed by W.R. Meier et al in 1955 and issued in 1956. The design patent also illustrates the wrench shank with raised panels of different lengths. (The patent reference was actually found in a Crescent catalog from 1967, as Crescent continued using the distinctive design after their acquisition of Barcalo.)

Barcalo's new design was definitely in production by 1958, based on notices in the January and December, 1958 issues of Popular Science. Barcalo referred to the new design as their "Taper Design Wrenches" and a photograph can be seen on page 164 [External Link] of the December, 1958 issue of Popular Science.

In this section we'll look at examples of this late Barcalo production.

Transitional 9/16 Combination Wrench with Size Field

In a previous figure we saw a combination wrench with a depressed size field on the open end, and later figures will show a modern style with a distinctive angled broaching of the box end, but without the size field. Positioned between these two styles, the present figure will show a transitional combination wrench, with both the size field and the angled broaching of the box end.

Fig. 71. Barcalo Transitional 9/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1958 to Early 1960s.

Fig. 71 shows a Barcalo 9/16 combination wrench in a less common transitional form, marked "Barcalo" on the raised panel with the size forged into the open face, and with "Forged U.S.A." on the back side (depressed) panel.

The overall length is 7.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces and ends.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the distinctive design of the box end. Note that the top of the box end is flat and flush with the shank, with the bottom protruding at an angle. Other manufacturers typically forge the box end at an angle, but Barcalo has forged it flat and then broached it at an angle.

The distinctive design for the box end is covered by design patent #D177,636, filed by W.R. Meier et al in 1955 and issued in 1956. The patent reference was actually found in a Crescent catalog from 1967, as Crescent had continued using the wrench design after their acquisition of Barcalo.

This example shows some apparent experimentation at Barcalo as they worked to develop the new wrench designs. In addition to the noted mix of features, the wrench has an odd combination of one raised and one depressed panel.

Transitional 3/4 Combination Wrench with Size Field

Fig. 72. Barcalo Transitional 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1958 to Early 1960s.

Fig. 72 shows another transitional example, a Barcalo 3/4 combination wrench with the size forged into the open face. The shank is stamped "Barcalo" on the raised panel, with "Forged USA" forged into the back side (depressed) panel.

The overall length is 11.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces and ends.

The distinctive design for the box end is covered by design patent #D177,636, filed by W.R. Meier et al in 1955 and issued in 1956.

Transitional 13/16 Combination Wrench with Size Field

Fig. 73. Barcalo Transitional 13/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1958 to Early 1960s.

Fig. 73 shows a Barcalo 13/16 combination wrench in a transitional style, marked with the size forged into the open face. The shank is stamped "Barcalo" on the raised panel, with "Forged USA" forged into the back side (depressed) panel.

The overall length is 10.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces and ends.

The distinctive design for the box end is covered by design patent #D177,636, filed by W.R. Meier et al in 1955 and issued in 1956.

Transitional 7/8 Combination Wrench with Size Field

Fig. 74. Barcalo Transitional 7/8 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1958 to Early 1960s.

Fig. 74 shows a Barcalo 7/8 combination wrench in a transitional style, marked with the size forged into the open face. The shank is stamped "Barcalo" on the raised panel, with "Forged USA" forged into the back side (depressed) panel.

The overall length is 11.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces and ends.

The distinctive design for the box end is covered by design patent #D177,636, filed by W.R. Meier et al in 1955 and issued in 1956.

Transitional 9/16 Combination Wrench with Raised Panels

Fig. 75. Barcalo Transitional 9/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Side View, ca. Early 1960s.

Fig. 75 shows a Barcalo 9/16 combination wrench with raised panels, stamped with "Barcalo" and the fractional size on the shank.

The overall length is 7.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The distinctive design for the box end is covered by design patent #D177,636, filed by W.R. Meier et al in 1955 and issued in 1956.

Barcalo 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench with Panels and Size Fields

Fig. 76. Barcalo 13/16x7/8 Open-End Wrench with Panels and Size Fields, with Inset for Back Side, ca. Late 1950s to Early 1960s.

Fig. 76 shows a later style of Barcalo open-end wrench, a Barcalo 13/16x7/8 wrench with raised and depressed panels and size fields. The wrench is stamped "Barcalo" on the front (raised) panel, with "Forged U.S.A." forged into the back side (depressed) panel. The fractional sizes are forged into small panels on the front faces.

The overall length is 9.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

With its raised and depressed panels and size fields on the faces, this open-end wrench matches the style of the "Taper Design" combination wrenches of the late 1950s and early 1960s, providing a reasonable estimate for the manufacturing date.

Barcalo 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench with Geometric Panels

Fig. 77. Barcalo 19/32x11/16 Open-End Wrench with Geometric Panels.

Fig. 77 shows yet another style of Barcalo open-end wrench, a Barcalo 19/32x11/16 wrench with geometric panels. The wrench is marked with "Barcalo-Buffalo" and "USA" forged into the shank, with the sizes forged into panels near the heads.

The overall length is 6.1 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

Post-Crescent Production

In its later years Barcalo produced wrenches with features not found in their earlier production. In particular, the tools were assigned model numbers instead of just size markings, and wrench handles were designed with full-width raised panels, sometimes with asymmetrical positions. These features are thought to represent the production after the acquisition by Crescent Niagara in 1963.

Barcalo TC08 1/4 Combination Wrench

Fig. 78. Barcalo TC08 1/4 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. 1963+.

Fig. 78 shows a Barcalo TC08 1/4 combination wrench with polished raised panels, stamped "Barcalo" with the fractional sizes on the front panel, with the model number and "Forged-Alloy-U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 3.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished panels and faces.

Barcalo TC22 11/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 79. Barcalo TC22 11/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1963+.

Fig. 79 shows a Barcalo TC22 11/16 combination wrench with polished raised panels, stamped "Barcalo" with the fractional sizes on the front panel, with the model number and "Forged-Alloy-U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 8.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished panels and faces.

The distinctive design for the box end is covered by the 1956 design patent #D177,636.

Barcalo TC24 3/4 Combination Wrench

Fig. 80. Barcalo TC24 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1963+.

Fig. 80 shows another example of the later production, a Barcalo TC24 3/4 combination wrench with polished raised panels. The shank is stamped with the Barcalo name and size on the front panel, with "Forged-Alloy-U.S.A." on the back side panel.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished panels and faces.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the distinctive "scooped" box end described by the 1956 design patent #D177,636.

Barcalo TC26 13/16 Combination Wrench

Fig. 81. Barcalo TC26 13/16 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1963+.

Fig. 81 shows a Barcalo TC26 13/16 combination wrench with polished raised panels, stamped "Barcalo" with the fractional sizes on the front panel, with the model number and "Forged-Alloy-U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 10.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished panels and faces.

The top inset shows a side view of the wrench, illustrating the distinctive "scooped" box end described by the 1956 design patent #D177,636. Another quirky feature of this example is that the top and bottom panels have different lengths.

Barcalo TS0810 Short Box-End Wrench

Fig. 82. Barcalo TS0810 1/4x5/16 Short Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1963+.

Fig. 82 shows a Barcalo TS0810 1/4x5/16 short box wrench with polished raised panels. The shank is stamped "Barcalo" with the fractional sizes on the front panel, with the model number and "Forged-Alloy-U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 4.3 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished panels.

Barcalo TS1214 Short Box-End Wrench

Fig. 83. Barcalo TS1214 3/8x7/16 Short Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1963+.

Fig. 83 shows a Barcalo TS1214 3/8x7/16 short box wrench with polished raised panels. The shank is stamped "Barcalo" with the fractional sizes on the front panel, with the model number and "Forged-Alloy-U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 4.8 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished panels.

Barcalo TB1820 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 84. Barcalo TB1820 9/16x5/8 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1963+.

Fig. 84 shows an example of a box-end wrench with "scooped" box ends, a Barcalo TB1820 9/16x5/8 box wrench with polished raised panels. The shank is stamped "Barcalo" with the fractional sizes on the front panel, with the model number and "Forged-Alloy-U.S.A." on the back side.

The overall length is 9.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plate with polished panels.

Barcalo TB3032 Box-End Wrench

Fig. 85. Barcalo TB3032 15/16x1 Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1963+.

Fig. 85 shows a Barcalo TB3032 15/16x1 box wrench with polished raised panels, stamped "Barcalo" with the fractional sizes on the front panel, with the model number and "Forged-Alloy-U.S.A." on the back side panel.

The overall length is 15.5 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished panels.

Contract Production

Barcalo was active as a contract manufacturer for automobile tool kits and as a supplier to retail stores such as Western Auto and Montgomery Ward. Barcalo also produced tools for New Britain Machine and possibly other tool companies.

None Better (New Britain Machine)

The "None Better" brand was used by New Britain Machine, a maker of tools and automatic screw machines.

None Better 4950 Offset Box-End Wrench

The next two figures show examples of Barcalo's production for the "None Better" brand.

Fig. 86. None Better 4950 5/8x11/16 Offset Box-End Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 86 shows a None Better 4950 5/8x11/16 offset box wrench with raised panels on the shank, stamped with the None Better name on one side with "Forged Vanadium" on the back side. (The inset appears in its natural orientation.)

The overall length is 10.3 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The design and construction of this wrench are virtually identical to an example from Barcalo, shown as the Barcalo "Forged Vanadium" Offset Box Wrench in an earlier section.

None Better 4739 Combination Wrench

Fig. 87. None Better 4739 7/16 Combination Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Late 1930s to Early 1940s.

Fig. 87 shows a None Better 4739 7/16 combination wrench with raised panels on the shank, marked "Chrome Vanadium Steel" on the back side panel.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

This wrench closely resembles the combination wrenches produced by Barcalo during the mid 1930s to early 1940s. See for example the Barcalo "Chrome Vanadium" 3/4 Combination Wrench in an earlier section.

Western Auto Supply

Western Auto Supply was a major retailer of automotive supplies and tools.

Western Auto Open-End Wrench

Our next figure shows an example of Barcalo's production for Western Auto Supply.

Fig. 88. Western Auto 1/2x9/16 Open-End Wrench, ca. 1940s.

Fig. 88 shows a Western Auto 1/2x9/16 open-end wrench of obvious Barcalo production, marked "Western Auto Stores" on the distinctive convex shank.

The overall length is 5.5 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

This tool can be recognized as Barcalo production by its distinctive convex shank, a style described by design patent #D111,094, issued in 1938.

Montgomery Ward

Montgomery Ward sold tools under a number of brand names, including Riverside, Master Quality, Lakeside, Eclipse, and Powr-Kraft.

Ward's Lakeside 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench

Our next figure shows an example of a Ward's Lakeside tool of apparent Barcalo production.

Fig. 89. Ward's Lakeside 5/8x3/4 Open-End Wrench.

Fig. 89 shows a Ward's Lakeside 5/8x3/4 open-end wrench, stamped "Wards Lakeside" on the shank.

The overall length is 7.6 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

This wrench resembles the Barcalo open-end wrench production such as the Barcalo Open-End Wrench, although the identification is not certain.

Ward's Eclipse 4732 3/4x7/8 Open+Box Wrench

This next figure shows an example of Barcalo production for the Ward's Eclipse tool line.

Fig. 90. Ward's Eclipse 4732 3/4x7/8 Open-Box Wrench, with Inset for Back Side Detail, ca. Mid 1950s to Early 1960s.

Fig. 90 shows a Ward's Eclipse 4732 3/4x7/8 open+box wrench, marked "Forged USA" in forged-in raised letters.

The overall length is 7.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The style of this wrench closely resembles the Barcalo Open-Box Wrench shown earlier.

Powr-Kraft 3/4 Combination Wrench

This next figure shows an example of Barcalo production for the Ward's "Powr-Kraft" brand.

Fig. 91. Powr-Kraft 3/4 Combination Wrench, with Insets for Side View and Back Side Detail, ca. 1958 to Early 1960s.

Fig. 91 shows a Powr-Kraft 3/4 combination wrench with raised and depressed panels, stamped "Powr-Kraft" on the front (raised) panel, with "Forged U.S.A." forged into the back side (depressed) panel.

The overall length is 9.4 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.