It's a wrench.... is it interesting?

[Mac53]

I was at the flea market this weekend and came across a guy with some very nice old tools. Apparently he is thinning out his collection. Most of the prices were pretty normal, but he had 4 tiny wrenches layed out. I got 3 of them for a dollar and was quite content.

Here is the only one I found particularly interesting, the other 2 were pretty typical.

It reads on one head "Dura-Chrome" (which I recognize), "Forged in USA". On the opposite head it reads "1821" ... What does that mean?
On the other side, both heads are marked 3/8.

What is up with it? Why are both of the heads the same size?

[jimwrench]

 The 1821 is the model number. Sometimes an angle other than 90 degrees fits better.

[Papaw]

Typical ignition wrench.

[lbgradwell]

These aren't ignition wrenches, Papaw; they're full sized...

What you've got there is an angle wrench with 45° and 90° angles.

You will see the same set marked as Duro-Chrome, Indestro Super and "Cross Country" (a brand used by Sears). All have the same model numbers and date from the mid-1930s.

Here's my set:

[Fins/413]

Oh my, Lorne you have been holding out on us

[lbgradwell]

You should post your Cross Country examples, Eric, if you still have them...

[lbgradwell]

I recently scored a set of Snap-on angle wrenches off kijiji. They feature 30° & 60° angles.




And, of course, a standard combo wrench has a 15° angle on the open end, so combined I have many options to deploy against an uncooperative nut!

Other companies still offer angle wrenches too, but they are most often 15°/60°. I consider that a waste given that everyone already has a set of combos with that 15° angle...

[Mac53]

Thanks all and very nice wrenches. Is there anything I should do to mine besides a bit of wire-wheeling?

[sumner52000]

Most of us don't like wire wheeling.  Many people use vinegar, evaporust or many other methods

[Mac53]

Really? Why is that?

[lbgradwell]

Because wire-wheeling removes the coveted "patina" along with the dirt, grease, rust, etc.

I'm a bit of a heretic for largely not caring!

[anglesmith]

I'd also fit into the heretic mould when it comes to cleaning! But I would rather give some tools a light wire brushing FIRST than use vinegar or any other acids (never used evaporust or electrolysis ) as there is certainly no patina left after vinegar!
Mac53,  For your spanner I would just use a stainless pot scourer (the coarse one) and detergent water plus elbow grease, you might be surprised how well it looks! If it doesn't come up to your liking, then you can try other methods.
Graeme