Western Tool Works (automobile company)

{{short description|Defunct American motor vehicle manufacturer}}

{{Infobox automobile

| image = 1906Gale.jpg

| caption = 1906 Gale Model C

| name = Gale

| manufacturer = Western Tool Works

| production = 1905–1907

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| successor =

| class = Entry-level car

| platform =

| body_style = Roadster

| engine =

| transmission =

| wheelbase =

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}}

Western Tool Works was an American brass era automobile manufacturer in Galesburg, Illinois. The company made Gale automobiles from 1904 to 1910.{{Sfn|Georgano|1971|p=86}} Early Gale runabouts were notable for having bodywork hinged at the rear of the car that could be lifted to ease access to the engine,{{Sfn|Georgano|1971|p=86}}{{Sfn|Clymer|1950|pp=56, 178}}{{Sfn|Sedgwick|1972|p=26}} essentially making the entire body the hood.

In 1905 Western produced the Gale Model A runabout for sale at {{Currency|500|USD}}. This was less expensive than the high-volume Oldsmobile Runabout at $650,{{Sfn|Clymer|1950|p=32}} the 2-seat Ford Model C "Doctor's Car" at $850,{{Sfn|Clymer|1950|p=37}} or the Holsman high wheeler,{{Sfn|Clymer|1950|p=83}} but more expensive than the Black at $375,{{Sfn|Clymer|1950|p=61}} and the Success at $250.{{Sfn|Clymer|1950|p=32}}

The Model A came standard with a {{cvt|5|x|6|in|mm}} water-cooled engine mounted beneath the tilting body,{{Sfn|Clymer|1950|p=178}} chain drive, {{cvt|34|in|mm}} elliptic springs, {{cvt|28|x|3|in|cm}} spoke wheels with tube tires, and repair kit.{{Sfn|Clymer|1950|p=51}}

The same year, Western offered the $650 Gale Model B. Its water-cooled engine, springs, wheels, and tires had the same dimensions as those of the Model A, and it also had chain drive and a repair kit.{{Sfn|Clymer|1950|p=51}} It offered available leather buggy top, clincher tires, horn, and brass headlights.{{Sfn|Clymer|1950|p=51}}

In 1907, Western offered the {{cvt|26|hp|kW}} Gale Model K-7 phaeton at $1,250.{{Sfn|Clymer|1950|p=56}} The K-7 was a five-seat touring car with a two-cylinder {{cvt|5.5|x|5.5|in|mm}} engine, a wheelbase of {{cvt|95|in|mm}}, and {{cvt|32|x|3.5|in|cm}} wheels.{{Sfn|Dluhy|2013|p=139}}