H N Bigler incorporated the Gripstick Company in Canton, Ohio in 1923. Gripnstik appeared the following year in Dover, Ohio. There is no available information on the change but Chicago Belting did own the Gripstick name. Karl Potschner was also associated with the company.
Karl Potschner received patent number 1,494,015 on May 13, 1924. The tool itself carries the date April 13, 1924. Marketing for Gripnstik pliers was through dealer networks. Ads were placed in Popular Mechanics magazine soliciting individuals to sell the pliers. Those individuals would be given an exclusive area. Ads appeared from 1924 to 1927.
Speculation is that Hammel Riglander acquired the patent in 1927.
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