Thursday, August 18, 2016

Keller Pneumatic Tools



Julius Keller arrived from Germany in 1880 and for thirteen years he worked as a tool maker in Philadelphia. In 1893 he invented a new piston valve for the pneumatic drill, which made the drill a tremendously efficient tool. This technology is still being used today. To make use of his invention, he started his own company, the Philadelphia Pneumatic Tool Company. During his life he patented over 17 tools and motors. 
In 1912 he moved his family and Co. to Fond du Lac, WI, and renamed the company Keller Pneumatic Tool Co. 
 Five years later he gave control to his son William who immediately moved the company to Grand Haven, Michigan. The company was again renamed, this time to William H. Keller Tool Co. 
Seems like the son might have been distancing himself from his father? The 1921 scan above mentions Chicago as a head office which doesn't seem to fit the other info I've found. 
In any case in 1954 the company merged with Gardner-Denver.

6 comments:

swansonjana52@gmail.com said...

We have found a William H Keller pneumatic SCREW DRIVER MODEL #1086. MADE IN Grand Haven ,Michigan. It only goes backwards so was wanting to know if it was an airplane tool?

Unknown said...

I have a William H Keller pneumatic 1/4inc. Drive impact wrench. Looks lick model number 10176. Pat no.19130. I would like more information about it if anyone can help me.

Unknown said...

Please help with info on the 1/4 inch ratchet. My email is peachnmitt.4321@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I have a tool made by keller tool, patent no. 2099280. I found it years ago in a box car I was unloading steel from. It works, but looks like it,s missing something. Would like to know w
hat it is.

Mister G said...

You can send me a picture or two, I'll post it. Gerald@vanwyngaarden.ca

Anonymous said...

Still looking for information about the 1/4 inch impact made by William H Keller pat. No. 191030 I can send pictures to anyone interested in helping me with collectability and rarity. My email is peachnmitt.4321@gmail.com. Thanks!