1801-6 6 Inch Lineman's Pliers
Fig. 52 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1801-6 6 inch lineman's pliers,
stamped "Kraeuter" and "Made in U.S.A." over the pivot.
The handles are also marked with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside,
shown as a close-up in the lower inset.
The overall length is 6.3 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The upper inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the dimpled handle pattern with the central diamond.
The absence of a "Newark" marking and the older "Forged Steel" marking suggest production
in the late 1910s to early 1920s.
1801-7 7 Inch Lineman's Pliers
Fig. 53 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1801-7 lineman's pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number over the pivot,
and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles (see lower inset).
The overall length is 7.2 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the Kraeuter "Don't Slip" gripping pattern on the handles.
This design is covered by the Kraeuter 1914 patent
#D46,682.
The 1925 Dunham, Carrigan Catalog
illustrates this model with the older Dimple-Diamond handle pattern,
but distributor catalogs don't always show up to date illustrations.
1801-8-1/2 8.5 Inch Lineman's Pliers
Fig. 54 shows
an earlier pair of Kraeuter 1801-8 1/2 lineman's pliers,
stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." over the pivot (see lower inset).
A forged-in marking "Forged Steel" appears on the underside of the handles,
as shown in the middle inset.
The overall length is 8.6 inches,
and the finish is black oxide.
The upper inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the dimpled handle pattern with the central diamond.
Fig. 55 shows
a much later example of the Kraeuter 1801-8 1/2 pliers,
stamped with the company name and "USA" over the pivot.
The overall length is 8.4 inches,
and the finish is black oxide.
The circular marking style indicates production from the mid 1940s onward.
By 1946 the model 1801 pliers were part of the "Industrial" line,
with a simplified finish.
1831-6-1/2 6.5 Inch Lineman's or Electrician's Pliers
Fig. 56 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1831-6-1/2 6.5 inch lineman's or electrician's pliers,
marked "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot,
and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 6.6 inches,
and the finish is black oxide.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
to illustrate the head design and handle pattern.
The dimpled handle with a raised diamond logo (called simply "knurled handles" in catalogs)
is believed to be Kraeuter's earliest handle pattern.
This model was listed in the
1925 Dunham, Carrigan Catalog
in nominal sizes of 4, 5, 6-1/2, 7, and 8 inches,
with the older Dimple-Diamond handle pattern.
(Note though that illustrations in distributor catalogs may not be up to date.)
1831-7 7 Inch Lineman's Pliers
Fig. 57 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1831-7 7 inch lineman's pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number near the pivot,
and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 7.2 inches,
and the finish is black oxide.
The "Don't Slip" handle pattern and "Kraeuter U.S.A." marking on the underside
of the handles suggest production in the mid 1920s or later.
1831-8 "Supreme" 8 Inch Lineman's Pliers
Fig. 58 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1831-8 "Supreme" 8 inch lineman's pliers,
stamped "Supreme" with "Kraeuter" and the model number near the pivot,
with "Made in U-S-A" on the back side.
The overall length is 8.0 inches,
and the finish is black oxide.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the "Don't Slip" gripping pattern on the handles.
These pliers do not have the "Kraeuter U.S.A." marking
forged into the underside of the handles.
Kraeuter's 1946 catalog lists the model 1831 pliers as part of the "Supreme" line,
suggesting a post-war production date.
1834-6 1/2 6.5 Inch Lineman's Pliers
Fig. 59 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1834-6 1/2 6.5 inch lineman's pliers,
stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot,
and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 6.5 inches,
and the finish is nickel plating.
Early [2801-6] "Dreadnought" 6 Inch Lineman's Pliers
Fig. 60 shows
an early pair of Kraeuter [2801-6] "Dreadnought" 6 inch lineman's pliers,
stamped with "Dreadnought" partially legible across the pivot,
with "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." on the back side face.
The handles of the pliers are marked with
"Forged Nickel Steel" forged into the undersides (see lower right inset).
The overall length is 6.5 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The back side face is also stamped with a "Pat's Pending" patent notice,
believed to be a reference to the Kraeuter 1914 design patent
#D46,682
describing the "Don't Slip" gripping pattern on the handles.
This handle design was apparently first used for the model 2801 "Dreadnought" pliers,
as a 1916 catalog from Central Auto Supply shows the 2801 pliers with the "Don't Slip" pattern,
but other Kraeuter pliers with the older Dimple-Diamond pattern.
(The listing from the catalog can be seen as the
1916 Catalog Listing for No. 2801 Pliers.)
The use of nickel steel in these 1914 pliers is currently our earliest reference to
the usage of alloy steel in hand tools.
Kraeuter's use of "Dreadnought" appears to have been intended as a brand denoting nickel alloy steel,
as it was also used for
nickel alloy chisels.
However, "Dreadnought" is not known to have been registered as a trademark.
2801-7 "Dreadnought" 7 Inch Lineman's Pliers
The next two figures show two generations of the Kraeuter 2801 "Dreadnought" lineman's pliers in the 7 inch size.
Fig. 61 shows
an earlier pair of Kraeuter 2801-7 "Dreadnought" 7 inch lineman's pliers,
stamped "Dreadnought" and "Nickel Steel" over the pivot,
with "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." below.
The handles are also marked with "Forged Nickel Steel" forged into the undersides (see lower inset).
The overall length is 7.1 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The top inset shows the "Don't Slip" gripping pattern on the handles,
a design covered by the Kraeuter 1914 patent
#D46,682.
This handle design was actually first used for the 2801 "Dreadnought" pliers
and appeared in catalogs as early as the 1916 (Central Auto Supply),
a time when other Kraeuter plier models were using the older Dimple-Diamond pattern.
The "Newark" and "Forged Nickel Steel" markings with the "Don't Slip" gripping pattern
suggest production in the range 1914-1921.
The Kraeuter "Dreadnought" pliers are notable as very early examples of the use of nickel alloy steel
in hand tools.
Fig. 62 shows
a later pair of Kraeuter 2801-7 "Dreadnought" 7 inch lineman's pliers,
stamped "Dreadnought" and "Nickel Steel" over the pivot,
and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 7.1 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
These pliers have the Kraeuter "Don't Slip" gripping pattern on the handles,
a design covered by the Kraeuter 1914 patent
#D46,682.
This handle design was actually first used for the No. 2801 "Dreadnought" pliers
and appeared in catalogs as early as the 1916 (Central Auto Supply),
a time when other Kraeuter plier models were using the older Dimple-Diamond pattern.
2801-8-1/2 "Dreadnought" 8.5 Inch Lineman's Pliers
Fig. 63 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 2801-8-1/2 "Dreadnought" 8.5 inch lineman's pliers,
stamped "Dreadnought" and "Nickel Steel" over the pivot,
with "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." below.
The handles are also marked with "Forged Nickel Steel" forged into the undersides.
The overall length is 8.5 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The top inset shows the "Don't Slip" gripping pattern on the handles,
a design covered by the Kraeuter 1914 patent
#D46,682.
This handle design was actually first used for the 2801 "Dreadnought" pliers
and appeared in catalogs as early as the 1916 (Central Auto Supply),
a time when other Kraeuter plier models were using the older Dimple-Diamond pattern.
The "Newark" and "Forged Nickel Steel" markings with the "Don't Slip" gripping pattern
suggest production in the range 1914-1921.
The Kraeuter "Dreadnought" pliers are notable as very early examples of the use of nickel alloy steel
in hand tools.
1821[-7-1/2] 7.5 Inch Lineman's "Universal Combination" Pliers
Kraeuter also produced a model 1821 series of "universal combination" pliers that are similar to the
lineman's style.
The next figures show several generations of the Kraeuter 1821 pliers in various sizes and with different handle patterns.
Fig. 64 shows
an earlier pair of the Kraeuter 1821[-7-1/2] 7.5 inch lineman's "Universal Combination" pliers,
incorporating flat and rounded gripping surfaces, side cutters, Button's cutters,
and originally awl and screwdriver tips on the handles.
(The handle tips have been broken off on this example.)
The pliers are stamped "Kraeuter & Co." near the pivot,
with the likely "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." marking only partially visible.
The handles are also marked with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside,
shown as a close-up in the lower inset.
The measured overall length is 6.6 inches,
but with the handle tips the original length was likely 7.3 inches.
The finish is plain steel,
with extensive pitting due to rust.
These pliers were made with the "Dimple-Diamond" gripping pattern used by Kraeuter
as its earlier handle pattern.
The handle pattern is paired with a "Forged Steel" marking on the underside of the handles.
Note that these pliers were fitted with a limit pin,
visible as the small circle obstructing the "RA" in the "KRAEUTER" marking.
This pin was used to limit the opening of the pliers so that the Button's cutting slots
come into alignment,
although in this example the limit pin has been broken (or worn off) so that the pliers open fully.
The limit pin feature was also noted on the
Kraeuter Early 1821 Universal Combination Pliers
shown in another figure.
Fig. 65 shows
a somewhat later pair of the Kraeuter 1821[-7-1/2] 7.5 inch lineman's "Universal Combination" pliers,
incorporating flat and rounded gripping surfaces, side cutters, Button's cutters,
and an awl tip on the handle.
(The other handle should have had a screwdriver tip,
but it has been broken off or removed.)
The pliers are stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot,
with the model number "No. 18??" only partially readable.
The handles are also marked with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside.
The overall length is 7.3 inches,
and the finish is polished steel.
The "Beauty Handles" pattern on these pliers is a geometric design similar to the Kraeuter "Don't Slip" pattern,
but described by the later design patent
#D59,602,
filed by A.A. Kraeuter in 1920 and issued in 1921.
Our earliest reference to the No. 1821 pliers with the "Beauty Handles" gripping pattern is a Kraeuter catalog
from around 1921.
The handle pattern and older "Newark" marking on this example suggest production around 1921.
Fig. 66 shows
another pair of the Kraeuter 1821-7-1/2 7.5 inch lineman's "Universal Combination" pliers
in better condition.
The jaws incorporate both flat and rounded gripping surfaces, side cutters, and Button's cutting slots,
and the handles include an awl tip and a screwdriver blade.
The pliers are stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot,
with the model number as "No. 1821-7 1/2" below (see middle inset).
The handles are also marked with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside,
as shown in the lower inset.
The overall length is 7.3 inches,
and the finish is polished steel.
The "Beauty Handles" pattern on these pliers is a geometric design similar to the Kraeuter "Don't Slip" pattern,
but described by the later design patent
#D59,602,
filed by A.A. Kraeuter in 1920 and issued in 1921.
Our earliest reference to the No. 1821 pliers with the "Beauty Handles" gripping pattern is a Kraeuter catalog
from around 1921.
The handle pattern and older "Newark" marking on this example suggest production around 1921.
1821-8 8 Inch Lineman's "Universal Combination" Pliers
Fig. 67 shows
a pair of the Kraeuter 1821-8 8 inch lineman's "Universal Combination" pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number across the pivot.
The handles are also marked with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside,
as shown in the lower inset.
The overall length is 7.8 inches,
and the finish is plain steel,
with extensive pitting due to rust.
The "Beauty Handles" gripping pattern on these pliers is a variant of the "Don't Slip" pattern,
described by the design patent
#D59,602,
filed by A.A. Kraeuter in 1920 and issued in 1921.
Our earliest reference to the No. 1821 pliers with the "Beauty Handles" gripping pattern is a Kraeuter catalog
from around 1921.
The handle pattern with "Forged Steel" on the underside, but without a "Newark" marking,
suggest production in the early to mid 1920s.
The features of this model include both flat and rounded gripping surfaces, side cutters,
Button's cutting slots,
and awl and screwdriver tips on the handles.
1821-5-1/2 5.5 Inch Lineman's "Universal Combination" Pliers
Fig. 68 shows
a later pair of the Kraeuter 1821-5-1/2 5.5 inch lineman's "Universal Combination" pliers,
incorporating flat and rounded gripping surfaces, Button's cutters,
and screwdriver and awl tips on the handles.
The pliers are marked with "Kraeuter" and the model number near the pivot,
and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 5.5 inches,
and the finish is polished steel,
with some pitting due to rust.
The "Beauty Handles" pattern on these pliers is a 1921 variant of the familiar Kraeuter "Don't Slip" pattern,
described by the later design patent
#D59,602,
filed by A.A. Kraeuter in 1920 and issued in 1921.
Our earliest reference to the No. 1821 pliers with the "Beauty Handles" gripping pattern is a Kraeuter catalog
from around 1921.
The 1929 Kraeuter catalog shows the No. 1821 pliers still retaining the "Beauty Handles" pattern,
while most other models had been converted to the "Don't Slip" pattern.
The handle pattern together with "Kraeuter U.S.A." on the underside
suggest production from the mid 1920s into the 1930s.
Button's Pattern Pliers
Button's Pattern pliers were a style of wire-cutters first introduced by
J.M. King & Company in the late 1860s.
These pliers were typically produced with two or three wire-cutting slots
situated at the sides or between the jaws.
Button's pliers were very popular during the 19th century and remained in production
through at least the mid 20th century.
Kraeuter's most popular Button's pliers were the 1841 model series,
which remained in production from around 1910 (or earlier) until at least the 1940s.
The 1841 pliers had two distinctive production features not found in pliers from other makers,
the first of which is that the cutting slot between the jaws was set at a right angle to the faces.
Pliers from other makers (including the original J.M. King pliers) typically set the slot
at an angle to the faces.
This feature continued until around the mid to late 1940s,
but later versions of the pliers have been observed with an angled slot.
The other distinctive Kraeuter feature is that the angled edge of the head was ground with a
curved surface,
rather than the flat surface used by other makers.
The curve in this surface can be seen in the transition where the angled edge
meets the parallel sides of the head,
appearing as a curved transition from dark to light in a side view of the pliers.
This feature is best illustrated in the top inset of the
Kraeuter 1841-10 Button's Pliers,
but present in all known examples of this model series.
Early 1841-6-1/2 6.5 Inch Button's Pattern Pliers
Fig. 69 shows
an early pair of Kraeuter 1841-6-1/2 Button's Pattern pliers in the 6.5 inch size,
stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot,
and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 6.4 inches,
and the finish is polished steel.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the "Dimple-Diamond" gripping pattern on the handles.
This was the earliest handle pattern used by Kraeuter.
The middle left inset shows a close-up of the jaw construction,
illustrating a detail peculiar to the Kraeuter Button's pliers.
Note that the center cutting slot is oriented at a right angle to the face of the pliers,
in contrast to the slightly angled slot found on the original J.M. King Button pliers.
Early 1841-8 8 Inch Button's Pattern Pliers
The next two figures show examples of the 1841 "Button's Pattern" pliers.
Fig. 70 shows
an early pair of Kraeuter [1841] 8 inch "Button's Pattern" pliers,
marked "Kraeuter & Co." near the pivot,
and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 8.2 inches,
and the finish is polished steel.
The handle pattern has a dimpled background with a central diamond,
and the diamond is stamped with the Kraeuter "K" initial.
The model number is not marked on this early example,
but these pliers are listed as Model 1841-8 "Button's Pattern" pliers in Kraeuter catalog No. 15 and others.
The Button's design featured both flat and rounded gripping surfaces,
plus three cutting notches at the sides and center.
Fig. 71 shows
another early example of the Kraeuter 1841-8 "Button's Pattern" pliers,
marked "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot (see lower inset),
and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 8.2 inches,
and the finish is polished steel.
The handle pattern has a dimpled background with a raised central diamond.
1841-10 10 Inch Button's Pattern Pliers
The next figures show two generations of the Kraeuter 1841 pliers in the 10 inch size.
Fig. 72 shows
an earlier pair of Kraeuter 1841-10 10 inch "Button's Pattern" pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter & Co" and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot,
and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 9.8 inches,
and the finish is black oxide on polished steel.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the "Dimple-Diamond" gripping pattern on the handles.
This was the earliest handle pattern used by Kraeuter.
The middle left inset shows a close-up of the jaw construction,
illustrating a detail peculiar to the Kraeuter Button's pliers.
Note that the center cutting slot is oriented at a right angle to the face of the pliers
(parallel to the jaws),
in contrast to the slightly angled slot found on the original J.M. King Button pliers.
Fig. 73 shows
a later pair of Kraeuter 1841-10 10 inch "Button's Pattern" pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number near the pivot,
and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 9.8 inches,
and the finish is black oxide on polished steel.
These pliers have the Kraeuter "Don't Slip" gripping pattern on the handles,
a design covered by the Kraeuter 1914 patent
#D46,682.
The middle inset shows a close-up of the jaw construction,
illustrating a detail peculiar to the Kraeuter Button's pliers.
Note that the center cutting slot is oriented at a right angle to the face of the pliers
(parallel to the jaws),
in contrast to the slightly angled slot found on the original J.M. King Button pliers.
The angled slot in the King pliers can be seen clearly in the
J.M. King 8 Inch Button Pliers.
Other makers of Button pliers generally followed the King design,
as for example the
Vaughan & Bushnell Button's Pattern Pliers
and
Utica Early Button's Pattern Pliers.
(Later Utica Button's Pattern pliers used a novel design with two angled slots between the jaws.)
Kraeuter's use of the right-angle slot between the jaws is an important detail and will be
helpful in identifying Kraeuter's contract production.
Later 1841-8 8 Inch Button's Pattern Pliers
This next figure shows an example of the later construction of the model 1841 pliers.
Fig. 74 shows
a later pair of Kraeuter 1841-8 8 inch "Button's Pattern" pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number around the pivot,
with "USA" in the center.
The overall length is 8.0 inches,
and the finish is plain steel,
with extensive pitting due to rust.
These pliers have plain handles, without the gripping pattern found on the earlier examples.
There also are no markings on the underside of the handles.
The middle left inset shows a close-up of the cutting slot between the jaws.
Note that on these later pliers the slot is at an angle to the jaws.
The circular marking style indicates production from the mid 1940s or later.
The model 1841 pliers were part of Kraeuter's "Industrial" line from the mid 1940s onward.
1880-10-1/2 Fencing Pliers with Button's Cutters
Fig. 75 shows
an early pair of Kraeuter 1880-10-1/2 fencing pliers with Button's style cutters,
stamped "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot,
and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 10.3 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
1850-5 "Giant Nipper" 5 Inch End Nippers
The next several figures show examples of Kraeuter's 1850 series of end nippers.
Kraeuter offered end nippers in the 1850 and 1851 model series,
which were identical except for the finish,
which was black paint and "Kraeuter Finish", respectively.
Fig. 76 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1850-5 5 inch end nipper pliers,
somewhat amusingly marked as "Giant Nipper" near the pivot,
and with "Kraeuter" and the model number on the back side.
The handles have "Kraeuter, U.S.A." forged into the underside (see middle inset).
The overall length is 5.5 inches,
and the finish is black paint.
The top inset illustrates the Kraeuter "Don't Slip" geometric gripping pattern on the handles.
This pattern was registered as design patent
#D46,682,
issued to A.A. Kraeuter in 1914.
1850-6 "Giant Nipper" 6 Inch End Nippers
Fig. 77 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1850-6 6 inch end nippers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number near the pivot,
with "Giant Nipper" on the back side.
The handles are also marked with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside.
The overall length is 6.4 inches.
The finish is plain steel,
with extensive pitting due to rust.
The top inset illustrates the Kraeuter "Don't Slip" geometric gripping pattern on the handles.
This pattern was registered as design patent
#D46,682,
issued to A.A. Kraeuter in 1914.
1850-7 "Giant Nipper" 7 Inch End Nippers
The next figures show two generations of the 1850-7 end nippers.
Fig. 78 shows
an earlier pair of Kraeuter 1850-7 7 inch end nippers,
stamped with "Giant Nipper" near the pivot,
with "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark N.J. U.S.A." on the back side (see middle inset).
The handles are also marked with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside.
The overall length is 6.9 inches,
and the finish is plain steel with traces of black paint.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the "Dimple-Diamond" gripping pattern on the handles.
Fig. 79 shows
a somewhat later pair of Kraeuter 1850-7 7 inch end nippers,
stamped with "Giant Nipper" near the pivot,
with "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." on the back side (see middle inset).
The handles are marked with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside.
The overall length is 7.1 inches,
and the finish is plain steel with traces of black paint.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the "Don't Slip" gripping pattern on the handles.
These pliers have an unusual combination of markings,
with both "Newark, N.J." stamped on the side and "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the handles.
Previously we had thought that the Newark marking had been discontinued before the
"Kraeuter U.S.A." marking was adopted,
but this example shows that there was some overlap.
1850-7 "Supreme Nipper" 7 Inch End Nippers
Fig. 80 shows
a later pair of Kraeuter 1850-7 "Supreme" 7 inch end nippers,
stamped with "Supreme Nipper" near the pivot,
with "Kraeuter" and the model number on the back side (see middle inset).
The handles have a smooth underside with a stamped "9" digit.
The overall length is 7.0 inches,
and the finish is plain steel with some remaining black paint.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the "Don't Slip" gripping pattern on the handles.
The "Supreme" marking on these model 1850 pliers is somewhat unexpected,
as it was the similar model 1851 nippers that were given the "Supreme" designation
in the 1946 catalog.
The models 1850 and 1851 nippers differ only in the finish though,
so possibly this example was just mismarked.
1850-7 7 Inch End Nippers
Fig. 81 shows
a later pair of Kraeuter 1850-7 7 inch end nippers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number in a circle,
with "USA" in the center.
The overall length is 7.1 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The circular marking style indicates production in the mid 1940s or later.
The model 1850 pliers were part of Kraeuter's "Industrial" line from 1946 onward.
1851-5 "Giant Nipper" 5 Inch End Nippers
The 1851 end nipper models were identical to the 1850 series except for the "Kraeuter Finish",
which the catalogs described as polished steel with black oxide for the knurled areas.
Fig. 82 shows
an early pair of Kraeuter 1851-5 "Giant Nipper" 5 inch end nipper,
marked with "Kraeuter USA" and the model number on the back side,
and with "Kraeuter, U.S.A." forged into the underside (see middle inset).
The overall length is 5.5 inches,
and the finish is polished steel,
now darkened with the effects of age and rust.
The model 1850 and model 1851 nippers were identical except for the finish,
which was black paint and the "Kraeuter" finish, respectively.
The catalog described the Kraeuter finish as polished steel with black oxide
for the knurled areas.
1851-7 "Giant Nipper" 7 Inch End Nippers
Fig. 83 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1851-7 7 inch end nippers,
stamped with "Giant Nipper" near the pivot,
with "Kraeuter USA" and the model number on the back side (see lower inset).
The handles are also marked with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside.
The overall length is 6.9 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the Kraeuter "Don't Slip" geometric gripping pattern on the handles.
This pattern was registered as design patent
#D46,682,
issued to A.A. Kraeuter in 1914.
2601-5 5 Inch Diagonal Cutters
Fig. 84 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 2601-5 5 inch diagonal cutters,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and "USA" across the pivot,
with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 5.0 inches,
and the finish is black oxide.
The top inset illustrates the Kraeuter "Don't Slip" geometric gripping pattern on the handles.
This pattern was registered as design patent
#D46,682,
issued to A.A. Kraeuter in 1914.
2601-6 6 Inch Diagonal Cutters
Fig. 85 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 2601-6 6 inch diagonal cutters,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number across the pivot,
with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 6.1 inches,
and the finish is black oxide.
The top inset illustrates the Kraeuter "Don't Slip" geometric gripping pattern on the handles.
This pattern was registered as design patent
#D46,682,
issued to A.A. Kraeuter in 1914.
Kraeuter 4501-4-1/2 4.5 Inch Diagonal Cutters
Fig. 86 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 4501-4-1/2 diagonal cutting pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number around the pivot,
with "USA" across the center.
The overall length is 4.7 inches,
and the finish is black oxide.
The circular marking style indicates production from 1946 onward.
The model 4501 diagonal cutting pliers were listed as early as the 1939 catalog,
and by 1946 were part of the "Industrial" line established by Kraeuter in the mid 1940s.
4501-6 Diagonal Cutters
Fig. 87 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 4501-6 diagonal cutting pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number around the pivot,
with "USA" across the center.
The overall length is 6.3 inches,
and the finish is black oxide.
The circular marking style indicates production from 1946 onward.
The model 4501 diagonal cutting pliers were listed as early as the 1939 catalog,
and by 1946 were part of the "Industrial" line established by Kraeuter in the mid 1940s.
2611-6.5 6.5 Inch Heavy-Duty Diagonal Cutters
Fig. 88 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 2611-6.5 heavy-duty diagonal cutting pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number across the pivot,
and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 6.7 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the "Don't Slip" gripping pattern on the handles.
The model 2611 pliers were not listed in the 1934 catalog,
having apparently been superseded by the similar model 4611 pliers.
Round-Nose, Flat-Nose, and Needlenose Pliers
1611-6 6 Inch Round Nose Pliers
Fig. 89 shows
an early pair of Kraeuter 1611-6 6 inch round nose pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot,
and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 6.1 inches,
and the finish is polished steel.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the "Dimple-Diamond" gripping pattern on the handles.
This was the earliest handle pattern used by Kraeuter.
The dimpled gripping pattern and "Newark" marking suggest production in the range 1910-1920.
1621-6 6 Inch Long Needlenose Pliers
Fig. 90 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1621-6 6 inch long needlenose pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number around the pivot,
with "USA" across the center.
The overall length is 6.5 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The circular marking style indicates production from the mid 1940s or later.
The model 1621 pliers were part of Kraeuter's "Industrial" line from the mid 1940s onward.
1631-5-1/2 5.5 Inch Bent Needlenose Pliers
Fig. 91 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1631-5-1/2 5.5 inch bent needlenose pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number across the pivot,
with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 5.6 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The top inset illustrates the Kraeuter "Don't Slip" geometric gripping pattern on the handles.
This pattern was registered as design patent
#D46,682,
issued to A.A. Kraeuter in 1914.
1641-5 5 Inch Short Needlenose Pliers with Side Cutters
Fig. 92 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1641-5 5 inch short needlenose pliers with side-cutters,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number around the pivot,
with "USA" in the center.
The back side is stamped "Kraeuter" and "Industrial" around the pivot.
The overall length is 5.5 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The circular marking style indicates production from the mid 1940s or later.
The model 1641 pliers were part of Kraeuter's "Industrial" line from the mid 1940s onward.
1661-6 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers with Side Cutters
Fig. 93 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1661-6 6 inch needlenose pliers with side-cutters,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number around the pivot,
with "U.S.A." in the center.
The overall length is 6.3 inches,
and the finish is black oxide.
The circular marking style indicates production from the mid 1940s or later.
The model 1661 pliers were part of Kraeuter's "Industrial" line from the mid 1940s onward.
1671[-6] 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers
The next two figures show examples of the Kraeuter 1671 pliers.
Fig. 94 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1671-6 6 inch needlenose pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and "USA" across the pivot,
with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 5.9 inches,
and the finish is black oxide.
The upper inset shows the pattern forged into the handle,
a dimpled field with a central diamond.
These pliers are unusual in retaining the "Dimple-Diamond" gripping pattern
with the forged-in "Kraeuter U.S.A." marking.
Fig. 95 shows
a later pair of Kraeuter 1671 6 inch needlenose pliers,
stamped "Kraeuter" and "USA" around the pivot.
The overall length is 6.0 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The circular marking style indicates production from the mid 1940s or later.
The model 1671 pliers were part of Kraeuter's "Industrial" line from the mid 1940s onward.
1691-6 6 Inch Needlenose Pliers
Fig. 96 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1691-6 6 inch needlenose pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and "USA" and the model number across the pivot,
and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 6.0 inches,
and the finish is polished steel.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the "Don't Slip" gripping pattern forged into the handles.
1711-5 Long-Nose Pliers
Fig. 97 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1711-5 5 inch long-nose pliers,
marked with "Kraeuter & Co." and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." stamped across the pivot,
with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 5.3 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the "Dimple-Diamond" gripping pattern on the handles.
This was the earliest handle pattern used by Kraeuter.
The inside of the handles are fitted with posts apparently used to hold a spring,
but the spring was missing when the tool was acquired.
1721-6 6 Inch Long-Nose Pliers with Side Cutters
Fig. 98 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1721-6 6 inch long nose side-cutting pliers,
stamped "Kraeuter USA" near the pivot,
and with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 5.9 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
This style of pliers has a flat wide tip and was recommended by the Kraeuter catalog
for electrical work.
1771-7 7 Inch Extra Long Nose Pliers
The next several figures show examples of the model 1771 pliers spanning two generations of production.
Fig. 99 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1771-7 7 inch extra long nose pliers,
stamped "Kraeuter USA" with the model number across the pivot,
with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 6.7 inches,
although the tip may have been shortened slightly by grinding.
The finish is plain steel with some pitting due to rust,
but the catalog lists the original finish as "Blue Temper".
The upper inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the "Don't Slip" pattern on the handles.
Fig. 100 shows
another similar pair of Kraeuter 1771-7 7 inch extra long nose pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number across the pivot,
with "Kraeuter U.S.A." forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 6.8 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The upper inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the "Don't Slip" gripping pattern on the handles.
Fig. 101 shows
a later pair of Kraeuter 1771-7 7 inch extra long nose pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number around the pivot,
with "USA" across the center.
The overall length is 7.1 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the smooth handles found in later production of this model.
The circular marking style indicates production from the mid 1940s or later.
The model 1771 pliers were part of Kraeuter's "Industrial" line from the mid 1940s onward.
1591-4-1/2 4.5 Inch Milliner's Flat-Nose Pliers with Side Cutters
Fig. 102 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1591-4-1/2 4.5 inch Milliner's flat-nose side-cutting pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot,
and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 4.4 inches,
and the finish is polished steel.
The handles have a dimpled pattern with a central raised diamond,
and one handle is drilled for a hanging loop,
as shown in the lower inset.
1601-4 4 Inch Flat-Nose Pliers
The model 1601 flat-nose pliers were available in the five sizes 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, and 6 inches.
Fig. 103 shows
a diminutive pair of Kraeuter 1601-4 4 inch flat-nose pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot,
and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 4.0 inches,
and the finish is polished steel with black oxide.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the dimpled gripping pattern with a central raised diamond.
The model 1601 pliers are similar to the model 1591 pliers,
but without the side-cutting edges.
1601-4-1/2 4.5 Inch Flat-Nose Pliers
Fig. 104 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1601-4-1/2 4.5 inch flat-nose pliers,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and "Newark, N.J. U.S.A." near the pivot,
and with "Forged Steel" forged into the underside of the handles.
The overall length is 4.5 inches,
and the finish is polished steel with some nickel plating remaining.
The top inset shows a side view of the pliers,
illustrating the dimpled gripping pattern with a central raised diamond.
1741-6 6 Inch Long Flat-Nose Pliers
Fig. 105 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1741-6 6 inch flat-nose pliers,
marked with "Kraeuter" and the model number around the pivot,
with "USA" across the center.
The overall length is 6.1 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The circular marking style indicates production from the mid 1940s or later.
The model 1741 pliers were part of Kraeuter's "Industrial" line from the mid 1940s onward.
Kraeuter 1751-6 6 Inch Long Flat-Nose Pliers with Side Cutters
Fig. 106 shows
a pair of Kraeuter 1751-6 6 inch long flat-nose pliers with side cutters,
stamped with "Kraeuter" and the model number around the pivot, with "USA" across the center.
The back side is stamped with "Kraeuter" and "Industrial" around the pivot.
The overall length is 6.1 inches,
and the finish is plain steel.
The circular marking style indicates production from the mid 1940s or later.
The model 1751 pliers were part of Kraeuter's "Industrial" line from the mid 1940s onward.
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