vlchek odd wrench

[jimwrench]

 Anybody ever see this one before. Has a 3/4 six point socket on one end and a 1 1/16 open on other end. At first glance I suspect someone has modified a wrench for some unknown reason, at second glance it is not obviously welded and don't see signs of heat for straightening. Not found in Alloy. Don't see much use for socket end as torque would not be easy to apply. Guess it could be used in place of socket and extension .

[keykeeper]

Looks to me like an aftermarket head bolt/spark plug wrench for the model T fords, that someone has heated up and straightened out the socket end.

There were several aftermarket manufacturers of these type wrenches-Diamond Tool & Horseshoe and Walker-Turner come to mind.

[stanley62]

Looks like it was straightened to me too.  The whole wrench could have been heated up, so there would be no HAZ (heat affected zone) and no local discoloration.  It also could have been done so long ago that the rust has eradicated any evidence of heating...

Jim

[keykeeper]

I also base my head bolt/spark plug wrench theory on the fact that the shank tapers from a wide/flat shape at the open end, to a narrow/round shape at the socket end. Most all of these type wrenches I have seen are made like that.

[jimwrench]

 Agree it looks like Ford usage. Agree age could disguise reworking. Now only question (Why?)

[rusty]

1) old ford wrenches at one point were common as dirt and cheap as dirt too
2) If you straighten the end, you can put a pipe on it.

[jimwrench]

 Duh. Of course you are right Rusty, I got so focused on the socket end I completely ignored the open end. An open end with a cheater would be useful.

[Branson]

it is not obviously welded and don't see signs of heat for straightening.

The neck just behind the socket has definite marks of having been worked, probably with an anvil and hammer.   Definite forge marks.

[Lostmind]

So , if you want to modify it to use a cheater bar , why not just cut off the end?
Just wondering.You can put the socket end on a bolt and use your bar in the open end for leverage.
I see what looks like an "owners " mark , put in with a pointed punch.
Interesting.Only he knows for sure.

[oldtoolman]

Never say SOME UNKNOWN REASON.. someone had a reason the trouble is no one else knows..  Larry

[bird]

For every action there's a reaction.  ....   I suppose there's a purpose for every tool around.......  we just have problems figuring out the exact purpose a tool has......  that's half of the fun to collecting old tools.  Tools only exist because they served a spacific purpose. ...  finding out what that purpose was is the "joy of the hunt!".
cheers,
bird.

Never say SOME UNKNOWN REASON.. someone had a reason the trouble is no one else knows..  Larry