Tool Talk
Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: Jimmy Joiner on August 23, 2019, 01:20:15 AM
-
I am interested in your sockets and wrenches (spanners for us) after reading how much you love the hunt and showing them off. There are USA tools down here so I can keep an eye out for anyone and forward the site details.
Which brands/models are top shelf for you guys?
Jimmy
-
This is every Saturday morning, near my daughters sport, these all look fairly modern, but there are trays of older wrenches, I’ll look for older items looking made in USA.
-
Hello, Jimmy. Looks like it's your turn to do some diving (into that basket)!!!! Regards, Lou
-
Jimmy, check out the Alloy Artifacts website for an extensive list of American and other made tools. Everyone here has their favorites. Maybe ask about favorites and why....
-
Do they still count as favorites if i like them all? :embarrassed:
-
I’m starting to see a trend here fellas.....
ha ha
-
I prefer SnapOn, I've been working on aircraft for more that 40 years. In descending order, SnapOn, MAC, Proto, Bonney, SK, Craftsman. I own some of all after SO, because the other brands have individual tools that are best for unique jobs. As a collector I focus on Plomb, and I wouldn't hesitate to use them in a travel kit.
-
Thank you T11, that gives me something to go by next time at the markets, there are literally thousands of wrenches there every Saturday. I’ll see what I can find.
Jimmy
-
I prefer SnapOn, I've been working on aircraft for more that 40 years. In descending order, SnapOn, MAC, Proto, Bonney, SK, Craftsman. I own some of all after SO, because the other brands have individual tools that are best for unique jobs. As a collector I focus on Plomb, and I wouldn't hesitate to use them in a travel kit.
I was humorously commenting on a Craftsman facebook site that they should go over to Proto, and another fellow commented that he favored Wright and S-K. I know S-K rats are fine tools, the basis for all roundheads, but don't know anything about modern Wright rats. He said they are solid, heavy, and strong.
What say you?
-
Do they still count as favorites if i like them all? :embarrassed:
Of course!
-
When I was wrenching for a living, I used SK because they were often available in the pawn shops. Now I use whatever comes to hand, but I still like SK over Craftsman.
-
Northwoods, never used any Wright tools. I heard Pennens ratchets were bullet proof. I just have had such good luck with SnapOn, and their usually thin enough to get into tight places in the planes. I'm still using my original OEX wrenches I bought in 1976. They're like old friends.
-
I have an SK socket set from the early 1980's still working fine, as well as two sets of Bonney combo wrenches. With the explosion of outsourcing and foreign imports since the 90's metric tools have become a necessity, so metric tools of these brands are always worth looking for.
-
Australia’s famous brand is Sidchrome, they have been doing both Metric and imperial for decades, look on Australia’s EBay if you’re interested in good metric products.
Jimmy
-
I prefer SnapOn, I've been working on aircraft for more that 40 years. In descending order, SnapOn, MAC, Proto, Bonney, SK, Craftsman. I own some of all after SO, because the other brands have individual tools that are best for unique jobs. As a collector I focus on Plomb, and I wouldn't hesitate to use them in a travel kit.
I pretty much agree with this list. When I was wrenching for a living back in the dark ages my favorites were Snap-on, S-K, Proto and I really liked Cornwell ratchets. I collect vintage Snap-on, Plomb, S-K and Thorsen. I also have odd brands like Barcalo, Duro Chrome, Walden, Dunlap and Powr-Kraft, although I’m not sure exactly why. My main focus is WW2 vintage tools.
-Don
-
Wow cool list also thank you Don! There are so many obviously well made US brands, we didn’t have that capacity to produce with less population and smaller economy. I’m finding it very interesting. Jimmy
-
Hello Jimmy, I'm not doing much anymore, but I still hunt for anything Perfect Handle or Plomb.
-
Australia’s famous brand is Sidchrome, they have been doing both Metric and imperial for decades, look on Australia’s EBay if you’re interested in good metric products.
Jimmy
Hi Jimmy,
Any ideas for low cost shipping to and from down under?
-
Yadda you ‘do’ have a tool collecting problem!!! I’m supposed to buy all your tools and bring them here not the other way around!!!
I’ll make some enquires there. A possible option, if you really want it, send them to me or I buy them and I can forward them for you or something. I’d be happy to help out. I’ll get back to you re your question. Postage is a killer!
Jimmy
-
My first ratchet was a wright (which was available at Ontario stores at the time). When my spark plug socket split, they just sent me a new one. Still have that and use it when needed. :smiley:
-
That’s great service by Wright, you’re talking highly of them years later due to that response. I’ll look for Wright items tomorrow morning.
Thank you
Jimmy
-
Loads of fun at the market this morning, digging through a few crates of spanners and sockets, looking for Made in USA!
No idea what they are or worth. I paid $15 Aus D ($10 US) for the nine pieces. Which includes 4 Aus Sidchrome 1/2” drive 14 series, sockets, 23mm, 15/16, 1”, 1 1/4”. These are sort after here, so should get a return if I ever wanted to let them go!! Which won’t happen!
What interests me due to your guys passion is the American stuff.
Top to bottom:
Billings Vitalloy 5/8 combo
Blackhawk Armstrong 4727 Hexite 9/16 - 5/8
SK F-1618 1/2”- 9/16 (interesting ends)?
Heyco Mercedes Benz W-Germany 14mm-17mm
Dufor (USA?)
Totally fun time had thanks to you guys!
Any information or stories regarding these wrenches appreciated.
Kind regards
Jimmy
-
(http://)
-
(http://)
-
DUFOR (USA?)
DUFOR is an Australian Brand from DULY & HANSFORD Pty Ltd. NSW. They made Pliers, Socket with Wrench sets in Metal Boxes, Socket sets, Ring & Open end Spanners, Ratchet Wrench's.
Cheers.
-
Thanks Danks, I wasn’t convinced on it being USA.
I just didn’t see China Taiwan or Australia, cast, which most were.
Jimmy
-
The S-K is a flare nut wrench.
-Don
-
Flare nut wrenches are somewhat special application wrenches used on tubing nuts. Refrigeration, air conditioning, oil burners, etc....
-
@Jimmy " if I ever wanted to let them go!! Which won’t happen!"
Been there, done that. Got the tools (somewhere) to show for it.
Last time i recall using a flare nut wrench was on the water line going into my furnace humidifier. They're handy, but not usually the first thing i reach for.
I may have posted an "overall" picture before of some of the wright wrenches that came with a tool box i purchased, but i will pull them out and post a newer pic.
-
Per Alloy Artifacts the Blackhawk Armstrong Hexite wrench is 1940's-1950's era. Take a magnifying glass to the label and you will see the tiny muscle arm logo.