1955-1959 Archive
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Automatic electric toasters, 1956
In our tests of 22 models, three that are otherwise high in overall quality also present a serious shock hazard. We rate them
Not Acceptable.
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Blue jeans, 1956
Blue jeans are tested for resistance to tearing. The wedge-shaped part with the numbered scales of this device is released,
and then drops and tears the blue-jean fabric.
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Kids' sneakers, 1956
Our two-month test of 29 brands of sneakers is conducted with the assistance of more than 300 boys and girls living in four
New England orphanages. Among our incidental findings: City kids wear out the soles first; country kids wear out the uppers
first.
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Fishing rods, 1957
An angler who wants to be ready for anything, we determine, should buy two good rods. One rod should be stiff enough to cast
a heavy lure without "overloading" its tip; the other rod should be flexible enough to bend properly when the situation calls
for a light lure.
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Hand luggage, 1957
In our static-load test, we place a 180-pound weight for five minutes on each side, on each end, and on the top and bottom.
Some suitcases bend considerably, but all recover when the weight is removed.
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Room air conditioners, 1957
An air conditioner is mounted for tests inside our special test chamber. Note the maze of thermocouple wiring used in determining
uniformity of air temperature in the room to be cooled.
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Soaps, 1957
To determine which soaps are used up faster than others, we spray the bars with a controlled amount of warm water and rub
each one with identical force.
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Air-drive motors, 1958
These motors are at their best in calm water; against strong winds and currents they make little headway.
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Automatic coffee makers, 1958
Of the 21 models we test, only three score high in performance and convenience. This isn't one of them.
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Automatic electric toasters, 1958
Toast piles up as thousands of slices of bread are used to test automatic electric toasters for toasting ability, convenience,
and durability.
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Car tires, 1958
After this tire was inflated to its normal pressue, a 1 1/4-inch steel plunger was forced into it to test the toughness of
the tire.
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Coffeemakers, 1958
To establish the percentage of dissolved coffee solids, which determines a brew's strength, measured samples of filtered coffee
are oven-dried and weighed.
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The Edsel, 1958
Of the automatic transmissions we evaluate, the Edsel's Teletouch is the most difficult to get used to: The controls consist
of a series of nearly identical push buttons at the center of the steering wheel.
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Toys, 1958
Safety is the first consideration. Toys for infants and toddlers should not have parts that might come loose and be swallowed.
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Carpet sweepers, 1959
Most are relatively easy to empty: Spread newspapers on the floor, tip up the sweeper with one hand, and reach down with the
other hand to pull on a metal tab. Empty the sweeper each time before you store it, we add, or whenever it gets too full.
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Fans, 1959
An oscillating fan is tested while running to measure the pressure it exerts on the air. All oscillating fans tested are capable
of providing a good breeze, when placed fairly near the user.
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