Garage Hangout

Tools And The Shop => Mechanic Hand Tools We Use => Topic started by: Hickory n Steel on Jan 22, 2025, 05:08 PM

Title: HWI ( now DoItBest ) Thorsen beam style combo wrenches
Post by: Hickory n Steel on Jan 22, 2025, 05:08 PM
I've wanted a set of the Thorsen beam styles for a long time,and recently these popped up quite cheap on Ebay.
I don't think anybody was familiar with the name, neither was I but at I definitely recognized the wrenches.
(https://i.postimg.cc/BnkS7K8f/20250122-165604.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZWPzC0Fw)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pdkHb5rd/20250122-165717-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GBBNv2k0)
Title: Re: HWI ( now DoItBest ) Thorsen beam style combo wrenches
Post by: Muddy on Jan 22, 2025, 06:58 PM
Good looking wrenches!
Title: Re: HWI ( now DoItBest ) Thorsen beam style combo wrenches
Post by: skfarmer on Jan 22, 2025, 07:05 PM
nice wrenches.

now what the hell is hwi?
Title: Re: HWI ( now DoItBest ) Thorsen beam style combo wrenches
Post by: Hickory n Steel on Jan 22, 2025, 08:57 PM
Quote from: skfarmer on Jan 22, 2025, 07:05 PMnice wrenches.

now what the hell is hwi?
Hardware Wholesalers Inc.
As I understand it they were a Co-op  hardware supply chain network so to speak,mom n pop hardware stores could join and have access to their distribution network / supply chain without having to change their name.
I guess they still work this way today,and you are not required to be called a DoItBest hardware.
Title: Re: HWI ( now DoItBest ) Thorsen beam style combo wrenches
Post by: Hickory n Steel on Jan 22, 2025, 09:03 PM
Quote from: Muddy on Jan 22, 2025, 06:58 PMGood looking wrenches!
I just wish I could get more of them.
I can find the Thorsens,but I'm not sure if HWI contracted anything other than these metrics and they're only a 6pc set anyways.
If I could get some SAE's too I'd replace the late Danahar NAPA's I have in my go box.
Those NAPA's are not great with the chrome peel on some of the box ends, I'm thinking they were factory second closeout or something because the finish varies.