Tools

[Chuck Richardson]

When did the square block lettered, stamped out tools, i.e. "MAXWELL 3", etc., appear and how long were they used? What else was included in that tool set?

[dagunny]

I have the same type of question - I recently acquired some tools and one is stamped Maxwell-4 and a couple single ended flat wrenches are stamped Tappet Wrench. What year car do these associate with? Thx.

[kensams]

Well guys i have found out that there was a tractor company called maxwell a while back and these wrenches were made for the tractor...........its amazing that there are litteraly hundreds of the number 4 wrenched on ebay..they must still be stamping them out in tiawan.......yes i bought a few also...

[Guest pknighton]

I have many Maxwell parts books, 1905-25, having bought a Maxwell agency in Caney, Kansas that closed its doors rather than go Chrysler...literally closed the doors. It was like entering King Tut's tomb. Anyway, the parts books consistently list the Maxwell wrenches by the Williams numbers and illustrations shown look like the drop forged slant script wrenches up to 1921. After 1921, they list the wrenches as NO. 1, No. 2, No. 3, and No.4. I find no No. 5 listed although some claim there is a No. 5 wrench. I've never seen one. I have bought partial tool sets in the tool pouch for the 1921-25 Maxwell cars with these wrenches and the unique Maxwell hubcap-spindle nut combination wrench intact. I think that confirms the fact that Maxwell used the often seen Maxwell stamped out and numbered wrenches. I also have two styles of Maxwell script pliers. One is slant script and the other block letters like the numbered 1 to 4 wrenches. Both pliers are nickle plated.

[Chuck Richardson]

Thanks for the answer. The Maxwell agency was a great find. Were there any shop manuals, especially pre-1913? I have never seen one and have wondered.

[Guest pknighton]

Sadly no shop manuals at all. Only parts books. The individual opened his agency in 1914 and closed it in 1925 I believe, because he did not want to go to Chrysler. After Chrysler took it over, to retain a dealership, one had to buy a fixed amount of parts each year, and very small dealers sued Chrysler over this issue in Kansas and won.