Walworth Company Walco Pipe Wrench 10 Inch Heavy Duty For Sale

Whether the Stillson type wrench was invented by Johan Petter Johansson or Daniel Stillson it is apparent that the Walworth Company where Stillson worked, employed bright, inventive people. Alphonse O. Brungardt, also of Walworth, invented an upgrade of the Stillson in 1932, patent number 1,862,002. “The object of the invention is to provide a forged wrench of exceptional strength and durability having relatively few parts; one which is of relatively light weight . . .” Mr. Brungardt incorporated “a process for making wrenches and . . . the formation if the bar or handle of wrenches intended for particularly hard service and therefore require exceptional strength.” This process would become patent 1,711,083. The result was a four-piece Stillson-type Wrench which was marketed as a Walco Pipe Wrench.The Wrench went into production in the early 1930s; “Plumbing and Heating Catalog, The Walco Pipe Wrench by Walworth Co.”, 1932. This model includes a removable lower jaw which allowed for replacement and greater longevity. Walworth’s focus moved away from wrenches to the manufacture of home and business heating systems which they make today. As late as 1960 the Walco Pipe Wrench was still being offered along with the Genuine Stillson Wrench. We do not know whether the Walco is identical to the original 1930s Wrench. There are forged-in date of manufacture on the Wrench body (43) and another on the movable jaw (42) making the Wrench a World War II era tool (see images).The Wrench is in remarkable condition, but will benefit from proper care and cleaning. There is little evidence of misuse and it is straight (see images). The jaws are sharp and close properly.We will ship the Wrench by USPS Ground Advantage on the next regular business day following receipt of payment.