restoring some of grandpa's tools

[motorheadjohn]

Anybody have old family tools they still use?

To a collector, it would probably be better to leave them in the natural patina, but it's not like I'm going to sell these -- they belonged to my grandfather I want them clean and good working order. So I've been degreasing then bead-blasting them, and clear-coating (flat finish) the plain steel items. Much nicer to use now.

This square/level is one of my all-time favorite tools, and is used often. The ruler was so rusty, you could not read the numbers or tick marks on the ruler. Now it's good as new.

http://www.1970roadrunner.com/pics/dscn0470e.jpg

A couple adjustible wrenches:

http://www.1970roadrunner.com/pics/dscn0427e.jpg

I use these punches and nail sets all the time on house projects:

http://www.1970roadrunner.com/pics/dscn0426e.jpg

This is an old Craftsman hatchet:

http://www.1970roadrunner.com/pics/dscn0425e.jpg

[wythors]

I've got a bunch of similar-aged tools from both my grandfather and my wife's dad. Her dad was a dry lakes racer in the late 40's and early 50's and painted cars for over 60 years, so he had some pretty cool stuff. All I've done is clean them up, no restoration. Your stuff looks really nice.

[rdnkjeeper]

I usually just soak "old" tools in ATF and then buff them up...makes them look really good!

[motorheadjohn]

Here's a couple more....Craftsman oil can, cleaned up only, no bead blasting....

http://www.1970roadrunner.com/pics/dscn0451e.jpg

and some pliers, bead blasted and clear coated. The top one is the only tool that appeared to have been chrome plated originally.

http://www.1970roadrunner.com/pics/dscn0453e.jpg

[byrdman]

I have GOT to get myself a blast cabinet!!!

[dink]

You did great work on the clean up...everything looks real nice