MAC-IT Hex Wrenches

[lptools]

Hello, Today is a good day for sorting, it's raining!. I have already gone through a few hundred drill bits and taps, so today is Allen Wrench day. These, like the drill bits, and taps ( mostly from machinist box clean-outs) go through a pre-sorting, damaged, bent and broken go in the scrap bin. Then I separate the imports and the non-labeled ones from the USA labels, and the rusty ones (USA) go in the tumbler. I use these to create sets, or fill in sets. I came across these 3 stamped MAC-IT, a company in Lancaster PA, that has been around for a long time, and still in business.Looks like a great source for fasteners for machinists, and they still make/sell Hex wrench kits. Regards, Lou

[p_toad]

"I use these to create sets,"

ok, i'm a little slow.   how do you know how many are in a set and what sizes?

[lptools]

Hello, p_toad. Most fractional "sets" range from 7/32" to 3/8" The middle photo shows an Allen T-handle set that I use in the workshop, I use that as a guide. I have a few empty holders , pouches, rolls, that I have come across, and I use those to create sets. Regards, Lou

[amecks]

I need to sort out an accumulation of allen wrenches, enough to fill a small shoe box.  I am keeping an eye out for wrench holders.  Only found the one so far.  Lou, do you have any interesting holders?

Here is a wrench holder copied from a commercial holder that my boss owned.  I don't remember what his looked like but the general idea is copied exactly as to size and function.  Two washers were precisely marked out and drilled (by hand), then brazed onto a spacer.  Its possible the original used a metal spring to secure the wrenches (can't remember back that far - about 35 years).  The o-ring will wear out but its easy to find a replacement and I've only changed rings a couple times in all those years.
Each hole is lightly countersunk to make entering the wrench easy.

The other holder is a recent find. Simple device, no size markings, no makers name.  You can see an inner plate about 5/16 below the outer plate.  I started stripping the paint off but didn't finish.

[Lewill2]

Al, I have seen the round set similar to what you have pictured, I think you are correct in saying that they had a spring to apply tension on the hex keys to keep them in the holder. I also have one of the steel boxes like you have pictured. Mine is stamped 5120 203 7064, Made In U. S. A. By Upland Indust. INC Upland Penna.

I have 2 more boxed sets, first is an Unbrako Hex Key Kit No57 it is a 13 piece set in a steel box, 1/16 - 1/2, the hex keys just lay loose in the box. All metal box with a hinged lid and a clasp to help keep the box closed. The last boxed set I have is from McMaster Carr it is a 13 piece set in a metal case, .050 - 3/8, the box folds out to make a stand for the set. Each hex key has a hole to keep it like a drill index. These are the newer ball point hey keys, the ball point is only on the long end of the hex key.

The  other sets I have are various plastic keepers or plastic pouches.

[amecks]

I thought I remembered a spring on the original holder.  The metal holders or boxes are so much more interesting than the plastic modern holders.  And the plastic wears, then the wrenches flop around and fall out.
Al

[amecks]

I felt I was forgetting something... so the last trip out to the garage I checked and found this holder.  Its made by Phoenix Gage Co. Phoenix, NY (very nearby to Jordan, NY) and is stamped Pat. Pend. 

Sizes are stamped on the retaining strap, but hard to figure.  Lower row is stamped "C" and begins with 4, 5-6, 8, 10, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8&7/16, 1/2.
Upper row stamped 4, 5-6, 8, 10, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4.  Weird - maybe the upper row ("S") is Screw Size?  But what would "C" stand for?

[lptools]

Hello, Here are a few of the sets that I am trying to fill, or, have filled, or collected. . At top left is a Dunlap, next is an advertising pocket sized holder for 8 short Allen wrenches.Top middle is a Phoenix Gage holder like the one Al posted. Top right are a couple Craftsman sets.Around the center of the photo is an Allen brand pouch that I plan to fill.  Bottom left are my everyday ball drivers, and a Craftsman folding set. At bottom near the middle are a couple with a label I have never seen before, Blue Devil. Regards, Lou

[lptools]

Hello, Al.   The "S" is the Set Screw Size that the wrench fits. The "C" is for the Cap Screw that the wrench fits. The 3/8  ( C ) is the easiest one for me to read, so I tried that on a 1/2" Cap Screw, and it fits. Then I found a 3/8 Set Screw, and the corresponding wrench in the "S" column is a 3/16" wrench, and it fit. I hope this helps, Lou

[amecks]

Thanks Lou!  Now it makes sense.  I'm not too surprised that you have one of those Phoenix Gage holders, since I know you have an interest in local tools.