Tool Time: Alloy Artifacts separates spanners from sockets
In the deep recesses of untold numbers of sheds and workshops, sit an even greater quantity of old toolboxes filled with long-unused hand tools. Over time, those tool-filled treasure chests will eventually be discovered and emptied by new owners, some of whom will wonder when and where the grease-encrusted wrenches and pliers were manufactured and how they might have been used. To most people, the letters, numbers and small geometric shapes forged into the tools' handles give few clues as to their provenance. Luckily, there's Alloy Artifacts, a website dedicated to documenting the implements that kept America's machines running smoothly through the 20th century.
Not sure what you've found? The site has numerous photos of tools along with their intended uses; sometimes you'll even find links to their original patent filings. The odd tool you see above was made by Blackhawk Manufacturing in the early 1920s. According to Alloy Artifacts, it's a "model 6218 9/16 speeder socket wrench with a sliding extension" used to remove the engine base bolts of Model Ts.
Several toolmakers are profiled on the website, including Hindsdale Manufacturing, which made the socket set you see here sometime between 1919 and 1924. You'll also find myriad photos and descriptions of products made by Snap-On, Hinsdale, Duro, and Cornwell just to name a few.
Block off a couple of hours and lock yourself away in the garage. Looking through the site and imagining using the antique tools is time-waster on par with YouTube and eBay.
[Source: Alloy Artifacts via Hemmings Auto Blogs]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
artandcolour 11:05AM (9/06/2009)
what an AWESOME site. i've inherited probably 5000 old tools of all sorts, and being the last of my line with no living family members, had no one to ask what they did or why they bought them in the first place. being tool-challenged as well, i've always thought i would make art out of them. at least now, i might be able to ID some of them.
Reply
Joseph 11:35AM (9/06/2009)
I have some proto ratchets and sockets that date somewhere between 1900-1925. Built very solidly, but very crude castings/forgings however.
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LiveandLetDrive 12:30PM (9/06/2009)
Vintage tools - especially complete sets, Craftsman, whitworth sizes, etc. - can be fairly valuable. See eBay. I never knew there was a following for this until I started trying to buy British sizes for my old Triumph bike and came up against some unexpected prices!
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fishguards 1:56PM (10/14/2009)
i have a hinsdale 3/8sq drive socket set virtually unused in the original box which is immaculate since day of delivery. 3/8 sets unusual but this one has gold writing "WHITWORTH",inscribed whit along with us fractional sizes. informed that this may have been a one off to be sent with fordson tractor as a special celebration#
regards
jim j