Pershing Nuclear Missile Spark-Proof Torque Wrench Kit

Cleco/Richmont U.S. Army Pershing Missile Spark-Proof Torque Wrench Kit, FSN 4935-791-0051, SP WHK-40

This U.S. Army Torque Kit, Wrench (Spark-Proof), identified by FSN 4935-791-0051, was specialized maintenance equipment used with the Pershing artillery guided missile system. The metal carrying case is marked Cleco Pneumatic, Houston, Texas, U.S.A., with the designation SP WHK-40.

Army Technical Bulletin TB 750-111, dated April 23, 1969, specifically identifies FSN 4935-791-0051 as the Torque Kit, Wrench (Spark-Proof) and includes it as part of the Pershing missile torque-control system.

The kit was designed around calibrated torque-wrench handles and a large selection of interchangeable Richmont Products wrench heads for correctly tightening fasteners and fluid-line fittings during missile-system maintenance.

Historical Significance

The Pershing was developed during the Cold War as a mobile U.S. Army ballistic-missile system. The original Pershing I entered service during the early 1960s and became an important part of the Army's missile force in Europe.

Precision maintenance was critical on a system that combined the missile itself with launch equipment, electrical systems, hydraulic and pneumatic components, guidance equipment, and specialized ground-support hardware. Many connections had to be tightened to controlled torque values rather than simply tightened by feel.

The Army therefore maintained dedicated torque-control equipment specifically for the Pershing system.

The history of this kit can be dated especially well. The April 1969 edition of TB 750-111 states that it replaced an earlier March 30, 1966 edition. This confirms that the torque kit was already documented during the Pershing I period.

Its April 1969 publication date also places it directly at the transition to Pershing 1A. The first continental U.S. Pershing unit began receiving Pershing 1A equipment in May 1969, followed by the transfer of the improved equipment to units in West Germany later that year.

For that reason, this kit is best associated with Pershing I and the early Pershing 1A transition period. It should not be described as Pershing II equipment.

What This Kit Is and Does

The SP WHK-40 is a fitted military torque-tool kit designed to provide different wrench configurations while using calibrated torque handles.

Instead of requiring a separate torque wrench for every style and size of fastener, the system used interchangeable heads that could be attached to a compatible torque-wrench handle.

The original kit included several types of attachments, including:

• Box-end wrench heads

• Open-end wrench heads

• Flare-nut wrench heads

• Ratchet attachments

• Square-drive adapters

• Other torque-wrench accessories

• Multiple SAE sizes ranging from small fittings to approximately 1"

These attachments allowed maintenance personnel to reach conventional nuts and bolts as well as fittings on tubing and fluid systems where a standard socket could not be used.

Richmont and Cleco

The Army technical bulletin specifically acknowledges Richmont Products, Cleco Division, Reed Roller Bit Company of Houston, Texas, for technical drawings used in preparing TB 750-111.

The surviving case is prominently marked:

• Cleco

• PNEUMATIC

• HOUSTON, TEXAS U.S.A.

• SP WHK-40

• 4935-791-0051

Original component documentation also lists a Richmont Products C-2380-2 wrench-kit case and numerous Richmont interchangeable wrench heads.

The combination of Army stock number, Cleco case markings, Richmont component numbers, and the Army calibration bulletin provides unusually strong documentation for this specialized kit.

Why "Spark-Proof" Matters

Spark-Proof is the Army's original nomenclature for this kit and appears directly in TB 750-111.

The term distinguished this tool set from ordinary maintenance tools for work in areas where the Army required specialized equipment.

Because this is vintage military equipment, the historic Spark-Proof designation should not be treated as a modern safety certification. The exact alloy, present condition, calibration status, and suitability for current hazardous-environment work have not been verified.

FSC 4935 Guided-Missile Equipment

The first four digits of the stock number are 4935.

Federal Supply Class 4935 is specifically assigned to:

Guided Missile Maintenance, Repair, and Checkout Specialized Equipment

This classification includes specialized checkout and test equipment designed for guided missiles and their support systems.

That classification is another important piece of evidence showing that this is not simply a commercial mechanic's tool set that happened to be purchased by the Army. It was cataloged as specialized guided-missile support equipment.

Key Features

• Official nomenclature: Torque Kit, Wrench (Spark-Proof)

• Federal Stock Number: 4935-791-0051

• Cleco/Richmont designation: SP WHK-40

• Federal Supply Class: 4935

• Application: Pershing artillery guided missile system

• Period: Cold War

• Documented during Pershing I service

• Documented during the 1969 transition to Pershing 1A

• Not identified as Pershing II equipment

• Manufacturer/technical association: Richmont Products / Cleco Division

• Cleco location: Houston, Texas, U.S.A.

• Metal military carrying case

• Interchangeable torque-wrench heads

• Box-end heads

• Open-end heads

• Flare-nut heads

• Ratchet and drive adapters

• Multiple SAE wrench sizes

• Army reference: TB 750-111

• Bulletin date: April 23, 1969

• Earlier TB 750-111 edition: March 30, 1966

Why This Item Matters

Most surviving Pershing artifacts are missile, launcher, electronic, or vehicle components. Specialized maintenance equipment is less obvious and is often separated from its original system after military service.

This kit documents the support equipment needed to keep one of the Army's most important Cold War missile systems properly maintained.

Its original Cleco case, guided-missile FSN, Army Spark-Proof nomenclature, Richmont attachments, and direct listing in TB 750-111 make it a particularly well-documented example of Pershing maintenance equipment.

It is also an excellent display piece for showing the level of precision required to maintain military missile systems beyond the more visible launchers and missiles themselves.

About This Item

The photographed case retains its original gray military-style finish and large Cleco Pneumatic markings. It shows scratches, chipped finish, staining, oxidation, dirt, and other signs of age and long-term military or industrial storage.

The kit contains an assortment of Richmont interchangeable torque-wrench attachments. Exact completeness should be determined from the photographs. Individual heads, torque handles, adapters, or accessories originally authorized for the complete military kit may be missing.

Calibration has not been verified. This vintage kit is being offered as collectible military maintenance equipment and should not be assumed to meet current calibration or spark-resistant safety requirements.

This listing is for the case and contents shown. Pershing missile components, launch equipment, calibration equipment, and other tools are not included unless specifically shown or stated.

Ideal For

• Pershing I missile collections

• Pershing 1A displays

• Cold War U.S. Army collections

• Guided-missile maintenance displays

• Army missile-system tool collections

• Cleco tool collections

• Richmont torque-wrench collections

• Military maintenance museums

• Missile ground-support equipment collections

• Historic calibration and precision-tool displays

• U.S. Army ordnance collections

Approx length 20", Approx width 15", Approx height7", Approx weight 0.5 lbs.

Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item's general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.

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