Description
WWII JOAR No. 18 Aircraft Electrical Conduit A.N. Fitting Wrench with Original Instructions
Item Overview
This WWII-era JOAR No. 18 conduit wrench was manufactured by J. C. Joyce & Associates of Los Angeles, California. It is a self-gripping, pass-over wrench designed for tightening and loosening A.N. aircraft electrical-conduit, conduit-plug, and tubing fittings. Its compact design allowed aircraft workers to reach fittings in crowded areas where ordinary wrenches were difficult to use. This listing includes the original instructions.
Identification and Features
The wrench is identified by the JOAR name and No. 18 model or size marking. No. 18 does not mean that the tool is 18 inches long, and it should not be treated as an A.N. dash-18 fitting designation. The exact fitting-size range for this model has not been confirmed.
- Brand: JOAR
- Model/size: No. 18
- Manufacturer: J. C. Joyce & Associates
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Tool type: Self-gripping pass-over conduit wrench
- Primary purpose: Aircraft electrical-conduit and tubing fittings
- Fitting type: Knurled or serrated A.N. aircraft fittings
- Operating direction: Clockwise or counterclockwise
- Included: Original instructions
- Period: World War II
How the JOAR Wrench Worked
The open jaws passed over the conduit so the tool could slide directly onto the fitting. Moving the handle advanced a camming shoe that gripped and turned the fitting. The self-gripping action allowed the wrench to work in either direction without being removed after each turn. A January 1944 trade description stated that JOAR conduit wrenches were intended to tighten or loosen aircraft fittings without marring or distorting them.
Aircraft Applications
JOAR conduit wrenches were developed for installing and servicing electrical conduit, plugs, and tubing fittings used on wartime aircraft. A founder-family account associates their development with conduit installation in early B-17 Flying Fortress bombers. However, no Boeing manual or military contract has been located that connects this exact No. 18 wrench to a specific B-17 model. It should therefore be described as a general WWII aircraft conduit tool rather than a confirmed B-17-only tool.
Historical Background
The conduit-wrench design was brought to production specialists in early 1942 and required additional engineering before it could be manufactured on a commercial scale. After the design was improved, the U.S. armed forces awarded a production contract, and J. C. Joyce & Associates was organized to produce the wrench. J.O. Manufacturing Company was formed in October 1942 to continue the business. Machinery magazine illustrated the JOAR conduit wrench in January 1944 and described it as a quick-action tool for aircraft fittings.
Condition
This is a vintage WWII-era aircraft tool with original instructions. The wrench and paper instructions may show finish wear, scratches, discoloration, oxidation, folds, stains, handling marks, or other signs of age and storage. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item. This listing is for one JOAR No. 18 wrench with instructions only; aircraft conduit, fittings, toolboxes, and other accessories are not included unless specifically pictured or stated.
Ideal For
This unusual tool is well suited for collections and exhibits covering WWII aircraft maintenance, military electrical systems, and specialized wartime hand tools.
- WWII aircraft-tool collections
- Military aviation maintenance displays
- A.N. aircraft-fitting research
- Historic hand-tool collections
- B-17 restoration research
- Aviation museums and educational exhibits
Approx length 9", Approx width 3", Approx height 0.5", Approx weight 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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