Odd 1/4" Drive Spinner Handle, Could be Rare

[lauver]

Gang,

I picked up a strange looking spinner handle at the dirt market this weekend.  The only markings on it are "Deco" and "44B8809". 

Here's a couple of photos showing it as I found it and after a good cleaning and polish:







The handle appears to be made of two seperate pieces that are pressed together.


Has anybody heard of or seen the Deco brand before? 

Any thoughts on OEM or possible date range?

[1930]

Great cleaning job, how did you do it?

[Fins/413]

Holy cow I though it was wood, we may have to change full Elroy to full Lauver. I assume those holes in the handle are to hold bits. Real neat.

[HeelSpur]

Thats nice and a great job on making it sparkle.

[geneg]

Wow!  You did a great job with the clean & shine.  What's your secret?  I think I have seen some Deco screwdrivers, but nothing like that.  I also like your key fob.  Is it silver soldered on the back?

[rusty]

Is it 1/4 ...or 9/32 ? Others I found are 9/32.....

[lauver]

Is it 1/4 ...or 9/32 ? Others I found are 9/32.....

rusty,

Damn it, it is 9/32".  Good catch.  Every 9/32nd tool I have was bought thinking it was 1/4".  I have got to start carrying my vernier calipers in my back pocket when I go to the dirt market.

[lauver]

Holy cow I though it was wood, we may have to change full Elroy to full Lauver. I assume those holes in the handle are to hold bits. Real neat.

Fins,

You may be right, but I think the holes may just be decorative.

[Papaw]

I have got to start carrying my vernier calipers in my back pocket when I go to the dirt market.

Or a 1/4" socket.

[lauver]

1930 & geneg,

Ok, here's the procedure for refurbing old plastic handles:

1) knock down any raised spots and molding seams with a fine flat file.

2) sand the entire plastic surface with 220 grit sandpaper to remove oxidation, scratches, and other blems, but stay clear of any stampings or lettering on the plastic.

3) resand the entire plastic surface with 400 grit wet sandpaper to a smooth frosty finish, but avoid any stampings or lettering on the plastic.

4) polish the entire plastic surface with automotive rubbing compound until the plastic surface begins to take on a shine.

5) polish the entire plastic surface with automotive polish until the plastic takes on a high polish.

6) spray the entire plastic surface with WD40, and take a soft tooth brush to all the crevices and lettering, then wipe it down with a paper towel.  This will remove all the excess rubbing compound, polish, and clean out all the crevices, lettering, or stampings.  You're done...

note-- this is time consuming, so it's best to save this procedure for your most favorite and highest valued plastic handled tools.

   

[lauver]

Wow!  You did a great job with the clean & shine.  What's your secret?  I think I have seen some Deco screwdrivers, but nothing like that.  I also like your key fob.  Is it silver soldered on the back?

geneg,

The key fob is home made from a Korean/Viet Nam era Army Medical Corps stainless steel spoon handle.  I liked the insignia on the handle and decided to make a fob with it.  It's not silver soldered, just bent over.

[1930]

1930 & geneg,

Ok, here's the procedure for refurbing old plastic handles:

1) knock down any raised spots and molding seams with a fine flat file.

2) sand the entire plastic surface with 220 grit sandpaper to remove oxidation, scratches, and other blems, but stay clear of any stampings or lettering on the plastic.

3) resand the entire plastic surface with 400 grit wet sandpaper to a smooth frosty finish, but avoid any stampings or lettering on the plastic.

4) polish the entire plastic surface with automotive rubbing compound until the plastic surface begins to take on a shine.

5) polish the entire plastic surface with automotive polish until the plastic takes on a high polish.

6) spray the entire plastic surface with WD40, and take a soft tooth brush to all the crevices and lettering, then wipe it down with a paper towel.  This will remove all the excess rubbing compound, polish, and clean out all the crevices, lettering, or stampings.  You're done...

note-- this is time consuming, so it's best to save this procedure for your most favorite and highest valued plastic handled tools.

 

Thanks, I would not have guessed that

[RedVise]

Lauver, I saw your post today at work and thought, I got one of those (not shined up nicely tho!). Danged if  can find it now.
But searching for info on a Plomb 4749 bought me to this post...   from Tool Talk.
Interesting ratchet on his spinner, cant see if there are any holes on his.

http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?topic=5392.0


Brian L.

[RedVise]

Lauver, this is a 2 for 1 special for you!

Here is a pic of the 9/32 spinner and also an offset Walden Worcester 3/4 wrench!

Brian L.

[1930]

Now you dont have any excuse ( well except the time factor ) to not clean up that handle :)