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The Stanley Works, in 1936, introduced a new line of non-sparking tools made of an alloy of copper containing 2 to 2 1/2 percent beryllium. Beryllium is an element (atomic element number 4) discovered around 1848. It is found in a series of complex minerals, usually in silicates. Stanley stated in its advertising that the presence of beryllium in this new alloy imparted remarkable qualities in that it could be formed and machined in a soft condition and, after heat treating, resulted in a tough, hard material of high tensile strength, similar to spring-tempered steel.
Most beryllium tools were made from casting and then were heat treated to give them hardness. Stanley's beryllium copper tools exclusively were wrought from beryllium bars that had been found through laboratory tests and actual experience to have the best physical properties, especially in toughness and tensile strength. The level of quality of this material resulted in a greater manufacturing expense.
Sales literature gave examples of the strength and hardness of Stanley-wrought beryllium copper tools: "A Stanley Beryllium copper cold chisel cut off the heads of 3 1/4 in. steel rivets [with] no damage to [the] edge of [the] chisel; sheared off [a] section of 1/8 in. thick cold-rolled steel 3 in. long [with] no damage to [the] edge of the chisel; using [the] corner of [the] chisel edge [it] scored a groove one in. long in [the] surface of wrought iron pipe ... ; using [an] undamaged chisel edge [it was driven] end-wise splitting [the] wall of 1 in. wrought iron pipe down a distance of 1 1/2 in. Pipe wall [was] approximately .140 inch in thickness. No damage [was done] to chisel edge."^sup 1^
Wrought beryllium copper tools were almost as durable as similarly designed steel tools, but were non-sparking and non-magnetic. Stanley-wrought beryllium copper tools were manufactured for use in industrial plants where flammable liquids or gases were used. A spark from a conventional tool could set off an explosion or fire. Lacquering plants, processors of cellulose nitrate, oil companies, and public utilities are examples of companies where these tools were used.
In May 1936, Stanley issued a twelve-page pocket catalog illustrating their...