Tool Talk
Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: Yadda on October 15, 2014, 09:57:46 PM
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My main tool collection is focused on Plierenchs. So as a way of further introducing myself I decided to share a few photos of my collection.
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And more...
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These are Masterform and Vaco versions.
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Very nice collection!
Have you found more of the 8 1/2 in. versions than the 7 in. ones? I got my first 7 incher last Sunday, but have had many more of the larger size.
Mike
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The very top photo is 7inch sets. I also have a Masterform, Heyco and Nopak 7's.
The 8.5 is more common because more were manufactured. The 8.5 was made fom 1919 to 1932 in different version and the into the 1980's or later by different companies. The 7 in was manufactured starting in1933. In addition. the 7inch only has three jaws.
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The specialty jaws,
Heyco, Nopak, and a version I bought from the U.K.
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My oldest plierenchs. 1922"B"
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Don't sound like a tool problem at all, not yet, there is still time, maybe. When a pile falls over and blocks the shop door so you can't get out, now that is a difficulty but not a problem, so they say. I have seen one set of Plierench in the wild, and they wanted real money for it, there is something about these.
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Very nice collection!
Have you found more of the 8 1/2 in. versions than the 7 in. ones? I got my first 7 incher last Sunday, but have had many more of the larger size.
Mike
Let's see a photo of your 7 inch... Plierench.
I saw a Vaco ad that show a 7 inch Vaco branded plierench, but I've never seen one in the wild.
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Don't sound like a tool problem at all, not yet, there is still time, maybe. When a pile falls over and blocks the shop door so you can't get out, now that is a difficulty but not a problem, so they say. I have seen one set of Plierench in the wild, and they wanted real money for it, there is something about these.
No doubt John, there is something quirky and desirable.
I've paid more for the sets, but most of my three jaw basic sets including the 7 inch sets were gathered relatively inexpensively.
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Yadda, that's a pretty impressive collection. I found exactly one at a flea market, and it came home with me. Just the standard jaw, of course, but what a useful as well as quirky tool. Thanks for sharing.
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Yadda, here is a picture of my 7" Plierench. It is dated 1942...my birth year also. It's in decent condition although a previous owner got carried away with his wire wheel.
Mike
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Don't overlook the 2 small stamped screwdrivers. The one from the UK is sure different.
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Here are three more Plierench examples, although these are the 8 1/2" versions. The top two appear to be identical, the bottom one is newer, and with the exception of some minor pitting, appears to be unused.
I never paid much attention to the construction details on these things until you posted about them. I noticed that the two early examples I pictured, are heavier and the jaws thicker than on the later example. Possibly because they were using alloy steels by then.
Mike
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Here are three more Plierench examples, although these are the 8 1/2" versions. The top two appear to be identical, the bottom one is newer, and with the exception of some minor pitting, appears to be unused.
I never paid much attention to the construction details on these things until you posted about them. I noticed that the two early examples I pictured, are heavier and the jaws thicker than on the later example. Possibly because they were using alloy steels by then.
Mike
Hi Mike,
Nice examples.
The two older versions are generally referred to as "World Flight" models. I can't tell from the pictures. Are the gears angles or straight? Angled gears were manufactured after December 1924(?) until 1932ish and the straight gears were manufactured prior to that time in this model and then again starting in 1933. Technically speaking the pre December 1924 models really aren't World Flight models, but is a small quibble.
The later version was the new version with the new patent. You may notice it has two patent numbers on it. There is less detail in the handle in the later models and the stamped date of manufacture is also a key indicator. As you noted, the later models are thinner making them weigh less. The World Flight model as well as the 1921 A, and the 1922 B are beasts in comparison. I suspect Joseph Eifel realized he could cast more tools if he cut down on the width. The decreased level of detailing in later models compared to the 1921-22 era models is much different. The cost of manufacturing for later models was probably lower.
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Yadda, here is a picture of my 7" Plierench. It is dated 1942...my birth year also. It's in decent condition although a previous owner got carried away his wire wheel.
Mike
Nice! I'm looking for my birth year (1962) and for my Dad's (7/1940). The 7 inch is much rarer and harder to find with all the jaws.
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Yadda, that's a pretty impressive collection. I found exactly one at a flea market, and it came home with me. Just the standard jaw, of course, but what a useful as well as quirky tool. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! The jaws often are lost to the annals of time and space. Occassionaly you see them for sale separately. There was a stash of 10 jaws for sale on the 'bay a few months back. They were mislabled and I thought I was going to get a deal, until the last day..... then the price took off for parts unknown. I let someone else own them.
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Don't overlook the 2 small stamped screwdrivers. The one from the UK is sure different.
Good eye Charles! I have a half dozen or so of the Eifel Multitool and one each of the E-F Angle Scredriver and the Plierench version of the Eifel Multitool (found it on ebay in Australia).
The U.K. version is unique. The jaws are attached with hex bolts so they can be removed. Looks like a set of pliers for Vacuum Hose. I'm hoping someone knows more about it. I've seen one other just like this one on U.K. ebay. When the second one came up, I couldn't let it stay in the U. K. I brought it home. The seller picked it up in a boot sale so he didn't know anything about it.
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Hi Yadda, In answer to your question: the two older ones have angle cut gears, the newer ones, both the 8 1/2" and 7" have the straight gears.
I wasn't aware they had changed back and forth over the years. I'll have to watch for the old ones with the straight gears.
Mike
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Hi Yadda, In answer to your question: the two older ones have angle cut gears, the newer ones, both the 8 1/2" and 7" have the straight gears.
I wasn't aware they had changed back and forth over the years. I'll have to watch for the old ones with the straight gears.
Mike
Everything I've seen since 1933 has the straight gears.
I have several with the angle gears including a full set with three jaws and the case. I also have a older set with the straight jaws. I'll post separate photos later.
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That is the most Plierwrenche's I've seen in one spot ever. A big thumbs up!
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The Eifels all were forged not cast. The 1920 was the first production and was 8" and had smooth handles. The straight jaw models before the angle jaw model were slightly different due to an anti rattle spring in handles and later straight jaws don't fit well.
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The Eifels all were forged not cast. The 1920 was the first production and was 8" and had smooth handles. The straight jaw models before the angle jaw model were slightly different due to an anti rattle spring in handles and later straight jaws don't fit well.
You are correct. Forged not cast. I misspoke. Those 1920's are like hen's teeth....
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That is the most Plierwrenche's I've seen in one spot ever. A big thumbs up!
Thanks bonneyman!
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Glad to see more pics of your Plierench collection Y!
That is the most Plierwrenche's I've seen in one spot ever. A big thumbs up!
Y is the Plierench man. He has quite a good collection of them.
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Glad to see more pics of your Plierench collection Y!
That is the most Plierwrenche's I've seen in one spot ever. A big thumbs up!
Y is the Plierench man. He has quite a good collection of them.
Thanks David!
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While researching plierenches on the web I found this ad from Popular Mechanics in 1954. This ad is for the rare Eifel Geared Pivoting Plierench. I've only seen photos of two of these. I've never seen one in the wild.
BTW, just in case you see one, this is one of the big items left on my plierench search list.
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I picked this set up recently on the big auction site. This is the Masterform Plierench Set with the standard 6 jaws. This one is missing the pipe jaw V-clip, but I do have one of those. This one was probably made in the early 70's. I don't believe it was ever used. There is no wear on any of the jaws that I can see.
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I have long thought that I once saw a VACO advertisement stating plierenches in two sizes. Stupid me, I didn't snag a shot of it at the time and wasn't able to find it again. Today there is success. This advertisement shows that VACO did produce the Plierench in two sizes. To date I haven't seen a 7 inch VACO branded plierench. The search is on for the VACO 7 inch plierench......
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Dang, how did I miss this thread earlier? Very impressive collection Lyndon!! Makes my few Eifels look pretty sad by comparison. If I stumble across any pivoting plierenches or 7-inch Vaco's, I will definitely give you the heads up.
EDIT: By the way (and maybe you've told me previously) was there a patent for the pivoting plierench?
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Thanks Bob!
I've stared at thousands of pliery tools to get to this place. I appreciate the second set of eyes.
Indeed, there is a patent. I don't think we've talked about it.
Patent - US 2727417 A
Filed - 10/13/1951
Published - 12/20/1955
http://www.google.com/patents/US2727417?dq=2727417
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Thanks Bob!
I've stared at thousands of pliery tools to get to this place. I appreciate the second set of eyes.
Indeed, there is a patent. I don't think we've talked about it.
Patent - US 2727417 A
Filed - 10/13/1951
Published - 12/20/1955
http://www.google.com/patents/US2727417?dq=2727417
Man that thing looks complex. Pretty cool that they actually made some though.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Bobbys%20II/Eifel%20pivot%20plier_zpstdymms2z.jpg)
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New addition to my collection. 1949 Plierench. 8.5 inch version. Maybe for piercing tubing?
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Whoa, that's a weird one. At first glance I thought they just added a punch (or whatever) to a standard jaw, but upon closer examination it looks like both jaws are special/unique. Is that correct?
Yeah, and I wonder what it was intended to be used on?
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Yep, both jaws are modified. The concave portion of the fixed jaw leads me to believe it is for tubing, but it is just a guess. First one like this I've seen so I bought it.
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Hmmm, does the little punch piece appear to be readily removable, or is it pretty well fixed in place? And is the end of the punch flat, or is it pointed? (It looks to be flat in your photo)
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Definitely flat on the end. It appears to be removable.
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I saw a tool on Etsy today that reminded me of this plierench. It's not a perfect match, but it might be a clue; look at how similar the flat punch part is.
Antique B. Lawrence Stationery Co. Bernard's Leather Eyelet Punch & Set Plier
https://www.etsystudio.com/listing/125765757/antique-b-lawrence-stationery-co
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How about something similar to the Singer Sewing Machine Belt Punch?
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I totally missed the thread also and have to tell you that's a NICE collection. I don't believe i've ever seen one of those in the wild. That other punch looks like a typical Sargent parallel jaw plier that was made for doing holes (very much like the current craft plier for doing holes and eyelets - brand as Crop-a-dile). Something about those parallel jaws appeals to me. :embarrassed:
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I totally missed the thread also and have to tell you that's a NICE collection. I don't believe i've ever seen one of those in the wild. That other punch looks like a typical Sargent parallel jaw plier that was made for doing holes (very much like the current craft plier for doing holes and eyelets - brand as Crop-a-dile). Something about those parallel jaws appeals to me. :embarrassed:
Thank you!
Yeah, I agree with everyone. Definitely a punch, but for what I do not know....
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Love the collections, guys!
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Love the collections, guys!
Thanks!
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I paid too much, but I really wanted this one. This the Eifel Geared-Pivot 1000% Plierench.
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And more pictures...
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Yadda, thanks for the tool lesson on your collection, very interesting.
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Yadda, thanks for the tool lesson on your collection, very interesting.
It's a strange passion. Except for modified tools I have most of the regular Plierench versions that were sold under different company names. It has been fun chasing them down.
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Congrats Lyndon! Awesome that you were able to land that one! And given how scarce they seem to be, I think you got it for a great price.
So what are your initial impressions of the geared-pivot mechanism? Functional, or too gadgety?
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So what are your initial impressions of the geared-pivot mechanism? Functional, or too gadgety?
Thanks Bob! I wanted it 1 cent more than the other guy. :grin:
More gadget than genius is my initial opinion. It resides in that weird world between channel locks and slipjoint pliers with a disfunctional geared pivot. Not a speck of rust after 63 years. In fact, I've seen photos of two others and none of them have rust. Possibly coated? They are light gold. Maybe TiN coated? Is there any way to determine this? I think Bus has one maybe he has some perspective? In 1953-55 it sold for $3.50 to $4. Regular pliers were probably less than $2 at the time and would have worked just as well.
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Interesting thoughts on the mechanism, thanks. Plating wise, titanium nitride (TiN) coating is relatively recent technology, only becoming common on consumer goods in the last 15 or 20 years, so it's probably not that. Possibly zinc cadmium, which can appear in various shades of gold? Sometimes it is bright yellow, other times it is "faded" looking, although I don't know why that is.
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Finally posting a pic of the pretty one I got several months ago. The case is marked CHROM, the tool doesn't have any special markings on it. I've got a photo of a chrome-plated one that says FORGED CHROM-MOLLY! ALLOY on the back face, but mine is blank.
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nice. very nice. you suck. :embarrassed: :grin:
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Heh heh, thanks! :grin:
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Nice find!!!!!!!!
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Strange coincidence -- just today came across a Febr. 1951 ad for the Eifel which lets us know that the jaws were interchangeable since 1933, and that the 4X "long jaw" was a recent addition to the ensemble. I digitized the ad & put it in FLICKR to accompany the 1927 Eifel ad that has been there since 2015. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mvwcnews/39739531972 ) = 1951 ad.
( https://www.flickr.com/photos/mvwcnews/20415294673 ) = 1927 ad.
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Strange coincidence -- just today came across a Febr. 1951 ad for the Eifel which lets us know that the jaws were interchangeable since 1933, and that the 4X "long jaw" was a recent addition to the ensemble. I digitized the ad & put it in FLICKR to accompany the 1927 Eifel ad that has been there since 2015. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mvwcnews/39739531972 ) = 1951 ad.
( https://www.flickr.com/photos/mvwcnews/20415294673 ) = 1927 ad.
The new ad mentions "up to 8 jaws in the Master kit". This includes the Grip Clamp jaw which in my personal experience is very rare. I've only seen a few photos and a couple of mentions in advertisements like this.
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I like the free bottle opener they gave you when ordering in the 1951 ad. Has anyone ever seen one? In my travels I don't remember ever seeing one.
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I looked thru all the pictures but didn't see any with the threaded lock stop or what ever it was for?..*
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I like the free bottle opener they gave you when ordering in the 1951 ad. Has anyone ever seen one? In my travels I don't remember ever seeing one.
The "free bottle opener" was the EIFEL MULTITOOL. Examples come up on the "bay" every now & then, but sell for a lot more than the original price of 15 cents.
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I like the free bottle opener they gave you when ordering in the 1951 ad. Has anyone ever seen one? In my travels I don't remember ever seeing one.
The "free bottle opener" was the EIFEL MULTITOOL. Examples come up on the "bay" every now & then, but sell for a lot more than the original price of 15 cents.
There are three different versions. The first one if the E-F Angle screwdriver tool. It looks very different. It was given away with the kits in the mid 20's to the late 20's. The second, The Eifel Multitool was given away with kits and via mail request in magazine ads from 1932ish to around the late 40's. Th third looks similar to the second and was made after the company moved from Chicago to Chicago 40. I have one of the two third versions I have ever seen. I bought it out of an eBay store located in Australia. I have a hand full of the second and a couple of the EF Angle drivers.
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I like the free bottle opener they gave you when ordering in the 1951 ad. Has anyone ever seen one? In my travels I don't remember ever seeing one.
The "free bottle opener" was the EIFEL MULTITOOL. Examples come up on the "bay" every now & then, but sell for a lot more than the original price of 15 cents.
There are three different versions. The first one if the E-F Angle screwdriver tool. It looks very different. It was given away with the kits in the mid 20's to the late 20's. The second, The Eifel Multitool was given away with kits and via mail request in magazine ads from 1932ish to around the late 40's. Th third looks similar to the second and was made after the company moved from Chicago to Chicago 40. I have one of the two third versions I have ever seen. I bought it out of an eBay store located in Australia. I have a hand full of the second and a couple of the EF Angle drivers.
Hey Lyndon if you get a sec could you post a picture of your three side by side? Thanks!
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I like the free bottle opener they gave you when ordering in the 1951 ad. Has anyone ever seen one? In my travels I don't remember ever seeing one.
The "free bottle opener" was the EIFEL MULTITOOL. Examples come up on the "bay" every now & then, but sell for a lot more than the original price of 15 cents.
There are three different versions. The first one if the E-F Angle screwdriver tool. It looks very different. It was given away with the kits in the mid 20's to the late 20's. The second, The Eifel Multitool was given away with kits and via mail request in magazine ads from 1932ish to around the late 40's. Th third looks similar to the second and was made after the company moved from Chicago to Chicago 40. I have one of the two third versions I have ever seen. I bought it out of an eBay store located in Australia. I have a hand full of the second and a couple of the EF Angle drivers.
Hey Lyndon if you get a sec could you post a picture of your three side by side? Thanks!
I should be able to do that.... :grin:
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Here you go. E-F Angle Screwdriver on top, Eifel Multitool in the middle and Plierench at the bottom with the Chicago 40 address.
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Thanks for the pic. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for them .
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Hello, Yadda. Thanks for posting. I'm hoping to find one soon, and I hope that I have never left one behind!!!! Regards, Lou
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Yes, thank you for posting! I'll add that info to my Plierench data file
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Found this unused, pristine, NOS Plierench kit today for $30!
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I sold a set like that to Bus Haury.
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Hello, Twertsy. Very nice!!! Regards, Lou
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Hooooly cow!
Where has that set been for the last umteen years?
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Seventy-one years and four months to be exact. Master set only missing the reversible jaw, including the pipe adapter and the clamp. Very nice indeed and a great price!
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Seventy-one years and four months to be exact. Master set only missing the reversible jaw, including the pipe adapter and the clamp. Very nice indeed and a great price!
Yadda, what does the missing jaw look like and, might you have an extra? I would have sworn this kit was complete as I don't think there was ever even a jaw installed into the wrench. It's pristine.
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Hi Twertsy,
You set is probably complete as ordered. The Master set could be ordered with 3 to 8 jaws. Finding a Master set with the clamp and pipe clip is a great accomplishment. Most sets are missing those pieces.
This link shows the specific internal/external jaw not included in your set.
https://picclick.com/Plierench-Model-8%C2%BD-Tool-Adjustable-Pliers-Wrench-w-302739532211.html#&gid=1&pid=7
I'll check to see if I have any extras.
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Plierench Girl ad.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5_d8AxH2LW/?utm_medium=copy_link
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Very cool add. Any idea of the date? Kidda looks like something from the 1960s in Mechanics illustrated or a similar magazine.
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Very cool add. Any idea of the date? Kidda looks like something from the 1960s in Mechanics illustrated or a similar magazine.
No, but I think you are on the right track.
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I got a copy when the oil-soaked directions pamphlet was posted. I have one that belonged to my Grandad.
Have 2 or 3 extra jaws with it. However, had no idea there were two sizes or that they came with snazzy
pouches. Will take a look next time I walk in shop.
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Hi Yadda, In answer to your question: the two older ones have angle cut gears, the newer ones, both the 8 1/2" and 7" have the straight gears.
I wasn't aware they had changed back and forth over the years. I'll have to watch for the old ones with the straight gears.
Mike
[ I'm jumping in to this point in the thread because Google Books provides clue to the "angle gear" question.
"Angle Gear" appears in 1928 - 1929 Eifel ads in POPULAR SCIENCE & POPULAR MECHANICS. I edited an extract from one ad for use in the forthcoming Sept. 2021 MVWC Newsletter. -- Stan S. ]
Everything I've seen since 1933 has the straight gears.
I have several with the angle gears including a full set with three jaws and the case. I also have a older set with the straight jaws. I'll post separate photos later.
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Something else for PLIERENCH fanciers -- { https://www.google.com/books/edition/Federal_Trade_Commission_Decisions/7GwhAQAAIAAJ } search for "American Plierench" - text starts at pg. 1351 in that volume. The Federal Trade Commission weighed in on the "make money selling these" and other aspects of Eifel's advertising.
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What can you buy for $1.00? Last Saturday went to Menard's to get some LED work lights. On the way home traffic came to a halt because someone was turning left. I noticed a garage sale on the right (was 2:00 PM) thought just a bunch of junk, but for some reason stopped anyway. It was junk for the most part, there was some stuff on the ground and the guy mentioned that anything on the ground was $1.00. Just junk, but what is that OD pouch--touched it with my foot. Something inside, looked, Oh Crap, held it up guy said $1.00. OK.
It appears it is NOS and counting the jaw in the plier there are eight. I had never seen the two jaws to the right in the picture before. I suspect it was a special military order. How lucky can you get!!
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It's official. YOU SUCK!
Wow! I'd be happy to double or triple your money and pay shipping. :grin:
The top jaw on the far right is reversible. You can stick it in from the back side and use the Plierench as a spreader. The lower far right appears to be the rare clamp jaw. The only piece missing is the jaw clip cover that helps center pipe when you use the pipe cutter.
Wow! Just wow!
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Nice score! In addition to all the neat jaws the good folks at Eiffel also stamped the year of manufacture in amongst all the stampings on the other side. I don’t remember ever seeing the clamp jaw before.
Mike
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The one in the pouch is dated 54 and another one I have is dated 59. Now I have another one that is marked Vaco plierwrench and is the same as both the 54 and 59 except for the markings and the plastic on the handles.
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Vaco and Masterform made plierenches in the late 60's and 70's before the company was sold to NOPAK in 1980.