Tool Talk

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Bill Houghton on April 28, 2019, 03:58:05 PM

Title: Questions: Blackhawk torque wrench and Bell System scissors; and a gloat
Post by: Bill Houghton on April 28, 2019, 03:58:05 PM

Some finds in my travels this month, with some questions:

Early in the month, I found this 1/2" drive Blackhawk torque wrench, #49860, range 30-250 foot pounds (a range that coordinates nicely with my existing torque wrench), for all of $10:
(http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=24645.0;attach=54873;image)
The ratchet moves smoothly.  I haven't figured out what already-tightened bolt to test the "click-torque" function on, but I'm hoping it works.  Stanley/Proto says that, for a "nominal" fee, they'll calibrate it at any of their repair facilities.  I also haven't asked what they consider "nominal," but am wondering
(here's Question #1) whether, for the home shop, I really need to get it calibrated.  Since it came from an estate sale service, I have no idea of its past life/abuse history.

Mid-month, on a free pile, I found these little scissors, marked "Wiss/Bell System."
(http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=24645.0;attach=54875;image)
They're nice and sharp, and a useful size for cutting paper and the like in the shop.  But
here's Question #2: Am I correct in thinking that Ma Bell determined that scissors were better than cutting pliers for cutting the fine wires used in hooking up telephones to a system?  There are some little notches apparently intended for stripping fine gauge wire.

This was, it seems, Blackhawk month for me.  At an estate sale yesterday, for about 50 cents each, I found this 1/4" ratchet (#24991) and flex handle (#24999):
(http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=24645.0;attach=54871;image)
That's just the pure gloat part of this post.  My only real question is how these survived the Friday purchase rush at the sale.

Title: Re: Questions: Blackhawk torque wrench and Bell System scissors; and a gloat
Post by: lptools on April 28, 2019, 04:14:39 PM

Hello, Bill. Nice finds!!!!  Regards, Lou

Title: Re: Questions: Blackhawk torque wrench and Bell System scissors; and a gloat
Post by: mikeswrenches on April 28, 2019, 06:01:03 PM

Bill, a friend of mine gave me a pair of those along with a blunt tip knife, that came in a nice leather belt sheath. He was a cable splicer for GTE and he used the scissors for both cutting and stripping the wires. Mine are Wiss also and marked 175E. They have no notches for stripping.

Mike

Title: Re: Questions: Blackhawk torque wrench and Bell System scissors; and a gloat
Post by: Yadda on April 28, 2019, 07:48:10 PM

Great finds!  BlackHawk month indeed!