A new pivot bolt for an old Hercules

[Plyerman]

If you didn't know already, I like old combination tools, the crazier the better. And the craziest one by far is the Hercules (also sometime Herkules) Patent tool. I've had an old beat-up one for several years. Then recently I acquired another one, this one from England believe it or not. Overall it is in a lot better condition, with most of the shiny nickel finish still in place. But unfortunately the original pivot bolt had been lost years ago, according to the owner. Somebody had substituted a regular 3/8 hex bolt and a big wing nut:





This simply would not do. I set about making a replacement today. Luckily I had an original pivot bolt from my old beat-up Hercules to pattern after.

nut and stud fresh off the lathe





old stud at top. New one at bottom, ready for mill work





milling the hourglass shape





milling the flats





new set on top, old set on the bottom





my old beat up Hercules on the left, new one on right

[oldtools]

Wow!  Nice job!!!

[Papaw]

Good job! You could make the pin for the wrench sets I collect.

[Plyerman]

Good job! You could make the pin for the wrench sets I collect.

I'd be happy to take a crack at it. Can you send me a sketch of what it looks like?

[Lewill2]

Did you make more than one set of those? believe it or not I'm in the same boat, one good pair and one pair missing the bolt.

[Papaw]

Here is the patent drawing and a picture of the pin. These are often missing and it would be cool to have some made, but if a guy would want to sell them, it would be absolutely with a disclaimer that the pin is a reproduction!
I think I'd have to send you that pin in order for you to copy it.

 

The patent- https://www.google.com/patents/US2083131?dq=patent+2083131&hl=en&sa=X&ei=g189U4ukIcbhsATnioKoCA&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAA

[mikeswrenches]

I'm in the same boat as Les, mine are missing the correct bolt too, although I only have a single pair.  Mine also came with a hex nut and bolt holding things together.  Not knowing what an original looked like, I guessed...and was totally wrong.  I ground a flat on a shoulder bolt so it couldn't turn and then used a wing nut.  Better than what I had but obviously not correct.

Mike

[HeelSpur]

Beautiful job.

[Plyerman]

Did you make more than one set of those? believe it or not I'm in the same boat, one good pair and one pair missing the bolt.

I'm in the same boat as Les, mine are missing the correct bolt too, although I only have a single pair.  Mine also came with a hex nut and bolt holding things together.  Not knowing what an original looked like, I guessed...and was totally wrong.  I ground a flat on a shoulder bolt so it couldn't turn and then used a wing nut.  Better than what I had but obviously not correct.

Mike

I did indeed make a couple extra. (just in case I screwed up the first one, which luckily, I did not) So if you gents would like to send me your mailing address I'll send you each a stud and a nut, no charge.

[Plyerman]

Papaw, yours looks doable too. But you are correct, I'd either need detailed blueprints with all the correct diameters & lengths, or an original bolt and nut. I'd be happy to spin up a few of them for you, my treat.

Bob

[Papaw]

Bob came through! I salute him for his ability to make things like these!
He made a brass pin to set up, and then made some exact copies of the original tapered pin and knurled nut for my Auto Kit set.


Here are two sets- top set with original pin and nut and bottom set with reproduced pin and nut .

[turnnut]

Bob, that is real fine work that you did on yours & the sets for Papaw.
have a good day, Frank

[oldtools]

Nice work!!

[bonneyman]

No kidding! Great work!

[gibsontool]

Very well done, looks great.