Tool Talk

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: amecks on May 24, 2019, 09:56:38 PM

Title: Coworker's tools
Post by: amecks on May 24, 2019, 09:56:38 PM

Fred has learned that I have an interest in old tools and he showed me these.  He found them in an old basement near Ithaca NY.  The pliers came from a file cabinet with a lot of old tools and the wrench was in the dirt on the floor.
(https://i.postimg.cc/tC3TfZbr/IMG-8260.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
AA says these are rare... Utica pistol grip pliers...
(https://i.postimg.cc/Gmb21Lhb/IMG-8261.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
The bicycle wrench is in remarkable condition.  I guess these qualify as a multitool because of the "hammerhead" on top.
(https://i.postimg.cc/wBvj7wmP/IMG-8263.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
The only mark is a circle or oval - the stamping inside the circle is hard to read - the above line contains an "N" and the lower line appears to be "GERMANY".  It could say "made in Germany" or possibly a makers name and "Germany".  Not even 100% sure it says Germany.  Anyone seen these before and maybe has one that the mark is legible?
Al
(https://i.postimg.cc/2ST5ksVh/IMG-8262.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Title: Re: Coworker's tools
Post by: EVILDR235 on May 24, 2019, 10:37:46 PM

Those pliers are the bee's knees. looks like you could get a real good bite with those. Never seen like that before.

EvilDr235

Title: Re: Coworker's tools
Post by: bonneyman on May 25, 2019, 12:08:30 AM

I'm willing to bet that wrench says "Made in W. Germany". I kinda see the barest evidence of a "W" on the left edge. So probably post war, and good quality as the Germans know how to forge steel and are smart cookies with design.

And those Utica pistol-grip pliers are primo as well.

Title: Re: Coworker's tools
Post by: Plyerman on May 25, 2019, 08:25:47 AM

I'm loving those pistol grip pliers. I've seen pictures before, but never laid hands on a pair. Seems like they would be pretty handy in certain situations.

Hmmm, I found this Utica patent from 1945 over on Datamp. I had been thinking this design was older than that..?

http://www.datamp.org/patents/advance.php?pn=D142867&id=52690&set=15

(http://www.datamp.org/images/52690-1.jpg)

Title: Re: Coworker's tools
Post by: mvwcnews on May 25, 2019, 04:33:45 PM

1951 UTICA No. 550 Pistol Grip Pliers ad / write-up was shown on pg. 18 of the March 2018 MVWC Newsletter.  So the implication is they came into production just after WWII.

Title: Re: Coworker's tools
Post by: cody6268 on May 28, 2019, 08:35:14 AM

Huh, I thought pistol-grip pliers were a modern and mostly German (NWS) thing. Might be looking for a pair myself--they look quite handy. Most sold today seem to be more focused around electrical work.

Title: Re: Coworker's tools
Post by: lptools on May 28, 2019, 08:57:41 AM

Hey Al. Those are pretty nice tools!!! Glad to see the Utica pliers stayed in the area!! Regards, Lou

Title: Re: Coworker's tools
Post by: amecks on May 30, 2019, 07:59:47 PM

The Utica Pistol Grip Pliers regularly sell on eBay fro 48 to 58 dollars!  (Includes shipping).  If you could find them at a flea market or swap meet I bet the price would be reasonable.  Something to watch for.
Al