Simplex Wrench Company
The Simplex Wrench Company is known primarily for their distinctive open-end wrenches with stepped sizes and a ratcheting action. These wrenches were offered by Snap-On in their Motor Tool Specialty catalogs of the mid 1920s, giving the company a national footprint for sales.
Simplex No. 11 7/16x15/16 Ratcheting Open-End Wrenches
The next two figures show examples of the Simplex No. 11 wrench, with differences in the markings and alloy steel content.
[Simplex No. 11 Ratcheting Open-End Wrench]
Fig. 311. Simplex No. 11 7/16x15/16 Ratcheting Open-End Wrench, with Inset for Reverse Detail, ca. 1924-1927.
Fig. 311 shows a Simplex No. 11 ratcheting open-end wrench with depressed panels and numerous forged-in markings. The front is marked "Simplex Ratchet" with "Chrome Vanadium", and the reverse shows "Simplex Wrench Co N.Y." plus patent notices and "Fastnut License".
The overall length is 6.8 inches, and the finish is plain steel with a few traces of the original nickel plating.
The first patent notice states "Pat. Jan. 1, 1924" and refers to patent 1,479,772, filed by W.H. Cook in 1922. A second notice states "Other Patents Pending", but the corresponding patents have not yet been found.
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