"I don't how many times my dad asked my mom to hold a flashlight for him when he was working on a car."

That's from Clifford Wright, whose father, Rollo "Buddy" Wright, restored vintage automobiles: Cords and Duesenbergs and such.

"One day, as a kid, I remember him telling me, 'If you can't find or buy a tool, you just have to make it yourself,'" Clifford recalled, adding that his father often had to create his own unique tools to complete a restoration project.

And, as they say, like father, like son.

Clifford is an inventor and engineer whose latest venture, San Diego-based Bossco International, produces lighted tools for mechanics.

They include the new and patented Hi:Beam-lighted open-end wrench set that has LEDs (light-emitting diodes) built into the open crescent so you can see your way in to reach bolts in dark, tight places.

Clifford Wright was doing biomechanical engineering in a hospital neonatal care unit when he started inventing his own equipment.

He spent 20 years working for companies producing medical equipment, beauty products and even toys.

After his father died, Wright decided to start his own company. In 2007, he and a partner launched Bossco International, which took its name from Wright's Rottweiler.

Wright said the biggest challenge in developing a lighted wrench was finding a way to create not only a design but a forging process that would make the tool strong enough while providing the holes and passages needed for the lights and batteries.

Wright, who recently received his patent for that process, is selling the wrenches through the Bossco Web site and is talking with major retailers about widespread distribution.

The wrenches are made of chrome-plated, drop-forged, hardened steel.

Each LED has three settings: high- or low-beam strength or blink. Wright said the blinking function can be seen from a quarter-mile distance; wrenches not used for repairs can serve as warning lights for oncoming traffic should your vehicle become disabled in the dark.

A set of Hi:Beam-lighted open-end wrenches sells for $99.99 and includes seven double-ended wrenches -- standard measurement ( 3/8 to 3/4 ) at one end and metric (10-20 mm) at the other. The wrenches come in a recharging stand. The LEDS can shine for five hours before needing a recharge.

For information, visit www.bosscointernational.com or call (866) 933-2595.