Blackhawk ZT-1005 Brake Spoon

[lauver]

Gang,

This last Sunday at my local dirt market was a near bust. It was cold, cloudy, windy, and there were almost no tool vendors. I thought I was coming home empty handed. But, at my last stop, I found one lone gem hidden in a cardboard box full of rubble; a Blackhawk ZT-1005 brake spoon that dates from the 1940's - 1954 (i.e. pre-New Britain ownership), and it only cost me a few shekels.

For the record, I need another brake spoon like I need another hole in my head. I've got enough brake spoons to last several lifetimes.  But, there was something about this piece of vintage alloy that spoke to me.

So, here's a couple of photo's for your viewing pleasure:





This spoon is just over 8" OAL and is finished in black oxide with the business ends lightly polished bare steel. Hope ya like it half as much as I do.

Comments and questions always welcome...

[Nolatoolguy]

I know its a weird question that really doesn't matter but its one that I don't get...does anyone know why its called a "brake spoon". Were the original ones more of a spoon shape but as over time cars changed as so did the tools?

[lauver]

Nola,

I don't know why they are called spoons; perhaps because they somewhat resembled tire spoons and were used in a similar manner.  Many tire spoons actually look more like a spoon.

Back in the day, early drum brakes could be adjusted externally with a brake wrench.  But, when the star adjusters became common, a new tool (i.e. the brake spoon) was required to reach thru the backing plate to turn the star adjuster.  That's all I know.

[Chillylulu]

I like how it thickens in the middle of the body.  How's it feel in your hand?

Some of my favorite tools came at the the end of a day when I thought I wouldn't find a thing.

Chilly

[lauver]

Chilly,

It's just basically a piece of 3/8" square stock that's tapered, widened, and bent on the ends.  They got the angles just right and it's nicely balanced end to end.  It works well on my old Toyo pickup.  It's too short and lite for my 2-1/2 ton Isuzu Truck.  But, I've got a MAC 10" x 5/8" spoon that works on that bad boy.

To my way of thinking, a brake spoon is basically just a specialized prybar; I have a couple of generic brake spoons that I'm thinking about cutting one end off and putting a screwdriver handle on.
But, I think K-D Tools may have beaten me to the punch on this idea about 40 years ago.

[Ken W.]

I have this thing for brake spoons and brake tools as well. I think I have about 15 of them and only found 2-3 useful. I still buy them when I see them.

[Plyerman]

She's an elegant beauty for sure lauver, thanks for sharing.

[lauver]

I have this thing for brake spoons and brake tools as well. I think I have about 15 of them and only found 2-3 useful. I still buy them when I see them.

Ken W,

I've noticed that most brake spoons have similar common angles to them, while others have unusual angles and bends to them.  These spoons with the unusual bends & angles are the ones I look for, because I'm sure they were developed for odd and unusual applications.  And they tend to come in handy when you're working on something that is less common.

The only brake spoons I don't like are the modern cheap shiny Chinese ones; they have no character and are absolutely no fun to look at, handle, or use.

[jabberwoki]

Gary you are going to have to post a pic of all your brake spoons!

[Nolatoolguy]

I have this thing for brake spoons and brake tools as well. I think I have about 15 of them and only found 2-3 useful. I still buy them when I see them.

At least you have a use for yours.

To be totally honest I have bought 8 but never used any of them.

[lauver]

I have this thing for brake spoons and brake tools as well. I think I have about 15 of them and only found 2-3 useful. I still buy them when I see them.

At least you have a use for yours.

To be totally honest I have bought 8 but never used any of them.

Nola,

You're buying the right tools but the wrong vehicles.  You need to buy older vehicles with drum brakes... then you'll have lots of use for your brake spoons.

Get crackin...