You All Are a Very Bad Influence

[J.A.F.E.]

But then I'm sure most of you already know it. I admit a weakness to tools, especially SO. Since joining this forum in September I have begun to be become educated on many other brands especially vintage stuff. This has of course sparked an interest. I had a handful of old stuff collected through the years but I was in control. Then two weeks ago a SO dealer gave me an old 9/32 ratchet and that was the beginning of the end. Krusty knew what would happen and it didn't take long. Today was that day.

Williams 1/2 Drive Speed handles. Top S-15, bottom S-15A

http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/mcpfstevo/100_1037.jpg

These operate very smooth and the 15A is very similiar to a 1950 SO speeder except of course for the design of the end handle.

Left SO TMR739 1/4 thumb ratchet (01 date code), left most ratchet Plomb pre pebble WF-21 3/8 ratchet, right top SO Ferret F-70M (40?), Ferret F 70N (??), Bonney 2805 1/2 9/16 offset box and SO R-712 ratcheting 3/8 box.

http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/mcpfstevo/100_1040.jpg

The thumb ratchet is the only newish item beside some noid lights and some Lisle stuff. The Plomb is really sweet it is so smooth and the ratchet sound is pure music. The Ferrets are tough to date. The one looks like it might be a 40 date code but I really am guessing it does have a brass selector swtich. The other has a backward E between On/OFF but has a Regular E on the handle. It is also chrome plated. The R-712 does not operate. Tomorrow I will give it an ATF/acetone bath.

So I'm blaming all of you.

~Steve

[Deafautotech]

sorry... you are starting like us because we use tools to fix and investment it instead waste it...

[J.A.F.E.]

sorry... you are starting like us because we use tools to fix and investment it instead waste it...

I have always believed in using tools rather than just leaving them in the drawers. That is why I was never all that interested in old tools in the historic sense. I wanted lots of tools but ones I would use.

But I have begun to see the beauty in the design and manufacture of these old tools. Some of these other brands are really amazing. I saw a Herbrand ratchet that almost came home too but he wanted way too much money.

I fear I have wandered too far down the slippery slope.

~Steve

[Adam McLaughlin]

Pffft! Before I got here, I used to just buy a few things from S-O and the rest from Sears. Like 10 / 90 ratio. Just bought the SO ratchets, everything else was C-man.

Now I hit up eBay every day and fill up my Matco box with S-O hardware, usually buying about four or five times per week. I also am interested in old Plombs and early SO. I used to be into MAC because my friends were, but now I am thirsty for a set of Knuckle Saver wrenches to compliment my flank drive.

I used to have two 1/4" ratchets. Now I have:

Two 72 Teeth short handle version
Two 36 teeth long handled flex
One 36 teeth long handled
Two MAC MR4C ratchets
Two MAC SpinFlex 1/4"
One 60 tooth round head with offset head

etc. etc.. etc...

Adam


Yeah - these fellas made me into an addict.

[billymade]

You might be able to start relating to this thread then: "You KNOW your a tool ADDICT when...."
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18014

[mkdive]

When it comes to tools & motorcycles, I am my own worst enemy!

[eschoendorff]

Tools are different. There will always be a need for tools to keep the other toys (and the wife's stuff) working. And then you can pass the tools down to future generations. It's a win-win. :beer:

[J.A.F.E.]

You might be able to start relating to this thread then: "You KNOW your a tool ADDICT when...."
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18014

You know that's scary. It's very funny but it also describes much of my thinking and behaviour. Both in your original post and in the remaining thread.

I have given (laminated) SO date charts to the friends I spend the most time with. They now are all identifying items by date codes too.

Every year we go to a Christmas tree decorating party at my wife's best friend's house. Mrs. J.A.F.E. always gives our hostess a new tree ornament. I give her a small tool to be hung on the tree.

Thanks for making me laugh,

~Steve