A few old tools

[Benner]

Back when I had just started posting on MTO (back when I actually had a life  ) I started a thread called "3 Old wrenches" http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,2412.0.html which included a picture of 3 wrenches that my late Grandad had left me.  As I have a decent camera now, I thought I'd take a few more, better pictures of them and also a few pics of some other old tools he left me as I know there are a few members here that are interested in old tools.

Firstly, lets start with my hammer.  This looks like it has been pretty well used in it's lifetime.  One thing I find interesting are the markings on the head that look like it has "melted" in places.  If anyone has any information on the manufacturing process of these I would be keen to hear about it.    I had to repair the handle the other day as the wood was rotting, hence the short handle.











Next up is one of the wrenches featured in my previous thread.  I have tried to show in the pics the markings on it, but it is quite worn so it is difficult to see.  What it says is " BRITISH MADE - KINGDICK H2414" and is entirely constructed from steel.  As it is shown in the pic, the wrench can be quickly and easily disassembled to be cleaned.











The next wrench is a comparatively small one and has proven handy on many occasions.  I have again tried to take a picture of the markings, but due to the corrosion, it is difficult to photograph.  This one is marked with " SPRINGFIELD DROP FORGING CO - SPRINGFIELD MASS U.S.A" and again can be easily dismantled by just removing 1 screw to aid cleaning.











This wrench is my favourite piece.  It is quite a brute of a tool and weighs a ton which results it in being as solid as a rock.  This has 2 pieces of wood added to the handle and as it can be seen in the pics, is marked with "COES WRENCH CO WORCESTER MASS U.S.A" on one side, and "MFD UNDER L.COES PATS STEEL" on the other side.  This really is a superbly made tool and still adjusts really smoothly.

















Lastly, is an old Stanley hand drill.  These are still available today and I am sure they still look pretty much the same. This is a damn handy tool to have and I actually use it quite a lot.  It would be interesting to find out how old it could be.

[NutSAK]

Those are really neat!  I especially like the Kingdick brand wrench--it has a really clean style to it.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Maybe the marks on the hammer are from the mold assuming it's cast of course

I really like the Stanley hand drill myself, it looks very reliable and tree hugger friendly

[Benner]

Those are really neat!  I especially like the Kingdick brand wrench--it has a really clean style to it.

Yes it is a pretty nice, clean smooth wrench.  Pretty comfortable to use as well.

[Benner]

Maybe the marks on the hammer are from the mold assuming it's cast of course

I really like the Stanley hand drill myself, it looks very reliable and tree hugger friendly

I'm assuming that it's from the castings as well.  It would be interesting to know how old it is.

Those drills are pretty handy.    I think everyone has used one at some point in their lives.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Maybe the marks on the hammer are from the mold assuming it's cast of course

I really like the Stanley hand drill myself, it looks very reliable and tree hugger friendly

I'm assuming that it's from the castings as well.  It would be interesting to know how old it is.

Those drills are pretty handy.    I think everyone has used one at some point in their lives.

I think most hammers were drop forged after the war (but I'm not at all sure) so It'd be at the very least 40 - 60 years old at a guess.

[hawkchucker]

My Dad actually worked a time for Coes in Worcester. the building is well gone now and the tools are still in the area.

Nice collection!

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Those drills are pretty handy.    I think everyone has used one at some point in their lives.

Yep, like a push bike for your hands

[Benner]

My Dad actually worked a time for Coes in Worcester. the building is well gone now and the tools are still in the area.

Nice collection!

That's interesting to know.   

Did you manage to get hold of any?

[hawkchucker]

Just one I will pick it later this weekend when I go to moms. However he then went to work For H&R firearms when they were still in Worcester. It seems we have too many factories and mills in the area.

[Benner]

Just one I will pick it later this weekend when I go to moms. However he then went to work For H&R firearms when they were still in Worcester. It seems we have too many factories and mills in the area.

It would be great to see some pics of it if you get chance. 

[hawkchucker]

Uh Yah and my house was the shop for the Douglas AXX mill. They had 2 forges and went belly up in 1876.

[J-sews]

Great pictures of some wonderful old tools Ben. It's fascinating to see these devices, and to think about how they were made and how they were used.

Antique wrenches have quite a following, although I don't know much about them. There is an entire field of collectors who prowl around looking for these things. Coes tools do seem to command a great deal of respect.

As regards the hammer, it looks like it was originally forged in good order, but then maybe someone hit it with an acetylene torch. Look how crisp the lines are leading up to the ball peen. It doesn't seem like they would be so crisp if the metal were still "runny" at the casting step. But then there is the pit with a glob of molten metal running from it, like a torch would make:




This spot looks like someone hit a piece of harder metal, causing a chunk to splinter off the head. Perhaps then over years of use the sharp edges of the splinter became rounded?



Just theories of course. 

[Leatherman123]

Hawk, there really was a TON of factories and mills in Mass!

[hawkchucker]

Yup you either farmed or were a millrat. My family comes from a long proud tradition of millrats.