So what is with the Plomb fascination?

[yotaRunner4]

I have just inherited a very nice collection of Plomb and Wright tools from my Grandfather. These were always promised to me ever since I was a kid (I'm 33 now). He passed two years back and my Grandmother just passed in November. I finally took possession of my tools, but up until this morning, I had never heard of Plomb or Wright Tools before, and the Plomb seems to be quite sought after. I have yet to go through everything, but there are 4 small toolboxes filled with all Plomb tools. Ratchets (several sizes), wrenches (from very small to over 1 1/4"), breaker bars, files, punches, pliers, sockets etc, etc. Then there is a Kennedy tool storage cabinet (6 or 7 drawer I think) filled with more. I have no intention of selling anything, I just want to learn more about what I have and why everyone is crazy about Plomb tools.

[Uncle Buck]

I have just inherited a very nice collection of Plomb and Wright tools from my Grandfather. These were always promised to me ever since I was a kid (I'm 33 now). He passed two years back and my Grandmother just passed in November. I finally took possession of my tools, but up until this morning, I had never heard of Plomb or Wright Tools before, and the Plomb seems to be quite sought after. I have yet to go through everything, but there are 4 small toolboxes filled with all Plomb tools. Ratchets (several sizes), wrenches (from very small to over 1 1/4"), breaker bars, files, punches, pliers, sockets etc, etc. Then there is a Kennedy tool storage cabinet (6 or 7 drawer I think) filled with more. I have no intention of selling anything, I just want to learn more about what I have and why everyone is crazy about Plomb tools.

Glad to hear you are taking the wise approach. I cannot explain the draw except for the fact that they are great quality, handsome in appearance, and just have a look and design like no other hand tools you will encounter. It sounds like gramps was sold on them and as a result you are inheriting a collection that few like me or others here may be able to equal!

Read and learn, PLEASE POST MANY PICS all Plomb junkies will want to see your treasures. Congratulations on your windfall! :thumbup:

[T56 Impala]

You have GOT to post pictures! You may have some REAL treasures in those boxes. Not that any of us wouldn't love to buy some, but we also respect the fact they are part of you family and would never ask you to do so. We would simply love to see them!

Check out http://www.alloy-artifacts.com and read up on Plomb and Wright. (Actually, there isn't much about Wright.) You should be able to date the tools after reading about them. I can answer a few things about Wright. Others are much more knowledgeable about Plomb than I am.

As for why people like them, its kinda like why some men prefer blonds and others prefer brunettes. Its very subjective. I like the history of the WF Plomb stuff. I like the rugged feel of the Wright stuff (and possible history to boot). I like the history of the Bonney, VlChek, Duro, New Britain, etc... all brands that are long gone and, in my mind, reflect a better time in American history.

[yotaRunner4]

Thanks for the feedback. I will definately post some pictures when I get a chance to do so. I first priority is to find a top and intermediate tool chest (probably a Craftsman) to stack on top of the Kennedy roll-around. I need places to put all these tools. Once I get it setup, I'll get pictures. For a little hostory on my Grandfather, he was a WWII mechanic for the Navy. He worked on the airplanes on the ground and aboard the ships. After the war, he worked for Western Electric as an Electrician. He was a great man, and I'm glad that I have his tools. He's the biggest reason why I became an Electrical Engineer.

[mickeyone]

I think the collectable popularity of plomb tools is in their industrial design.Many manufacturers employed prominent designers of the time to give their product a unique look.The art deco logo and pebble finish make the plomb tools stand out from the pack.They have a cache similiar to the miller falls tools designed by Garth Huxtable that are now referred to as Buck Rogers style.Some proto,barcalo,and snap on are also very eye catching compared to the more straight forward designs of the day.Keep your old plomb China will never duplicate that era in tool making.

[wrenchr]

Can not wait to see pics!!!!

[mkdive]

Can not wait to see pics!!!!

:+1: :thumbup:

[v8garage]

I am putting this in my subscribed threads. Can't wait to see pics!:)
V/8

[zuspiel]

Also subscribing for pics :beer:

Reason people like them: they are purty...

[Tool Pants]

Until I signed up in October never heard of Plomb. Thought people were talking about the hammer company Plumb. Then there was Plvmb. The arrows sometimes pointing up or down or in opposite directions. The WF. The pebble finish. The lawsuit tools. Made in Los Angles where I thought they only made smog. Then Plomb changes its name to Proto. Then they open up in Mexico. And now, sadly, the name is now owned by Stanley.

The history of a tool company is not exactly exciting reading. Plomb however is a bit different and quirky.

About 2 months ago when I entered a local flea market I saw a pebble finish Plomb combo in almost perfect condition for $2 in a pile of junk tools. If you could call a wrench "pretty" that is it. But I did not buy it as my first Plomb.

2 hours later as I was about to leave the flea market I went by the seller because I decided to buy it. It was gone.

[riley.m]

Wow that is awsome,glad to hear that you appreciate what you have.Just wait though,once you realize what you actually have you will appreciate them that much more.

[Uncle Buck]

Until I signed up in October never heard of Plomb. Thought people were talking about the hammer company Plumb. Then there was Plvmb. The arrows sometimes pointing up or down or in opposite directions. The WF. The pebble finish. The lawsuit tools. Made in Los Angles where I thought they only made smog. Then Plomb changes its name to Proto. Then they open up in Mexico. And now, sadly, the name is now owned by Stanley.

The history of a tool company is not exactly exciting reading. Plomb however is a bit different and quirky.

About 2 months ago when I entered a local flea market I saw a pebble finish Plomb combo in almost perfect condition for $2 in a pile of junk tools. If you could call a wrench "pretty" that is it. But I did not buy it as my first Plomb.

2 hours later as I was about to leave the flea market I went by the seller because I decided to buy it. It was gone.

That was a lesson learned the hard way eh! I bet you don't make that mistake twice! :thumbup:

[Tool Pants]

Off topic.

On a different day I also learned an Easco lesson the hard way. The seller had a pile of ratchets. As a Craftsman guy I was looking for a Craftsman ratchet just before the quick-release came out.

I saw this in the pile and thought it was a Craftsman without the quick release. The top one of course is a Craftsman.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/ToolPants/Easco1390.jpg

It was an Easco, but it did not have the standard Easco round knurled handle. The Easco had a Craftsman style raised panel handle.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/ToolPants/Easco1382.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/ToolPants/Easco1389.jpg

Guy wanted $10 for the Easco or Craftsman, the name means nothing to him. He is there almost every Saturday and 1/2" drives are usually $10.

On the Craftsman Club BBS this has been called one of the "smoking proofs" Easco made ratchets for Craftsman in the old days.

I went back the next Saturday to buy the Easco. It was gone, but the Craftsman was still there. I snoozed. I lost.

Someone is following me around the flea market.

[wrenchr]

They are cool is why!!
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk173/wrenchr/CAMERAPICSFEB088.jpg

[yotaRunner4]

OK, so I went through a couple boxes and drawers, but I don't have any pics yet. All in all, there are probably about 75-100 pieces of Plomb wrenches (open ended, box ended, and combo), breaker bars, ratchets, sockets, socket extensions etc. I haven't come across any pliers or crescents yet. Most of the wrenches are the "Pebble" finish, but there are some "War Finish" pieces in there as well. There are 2 large combo wrenches in the Pebble finish that are larger than 1 1/4" - I can't remember exactly what the size is, but they're probably 16-20" long.

I'd like to clean these up a bit so I bought a brass wire wheel for my bench grinder. Is this OK to use if I follow-up with a coat of WD-40/oil?

[fatfillup]

No, DO NOT USE BRASS WHEEL:shocking::shocking:. Search threads for EVAPORUST and cleaning tools. You will learn how to clean collectable tools with out damaging the finish. There have been several threads recently on this subject. A wire wheel will put a nasty finish on a tool compared to cleaning properly. Also, once a tool is wheeled, the damage is done.

As far as your tool box, there was a thread yesterday on kennedy box set just completed. Very nice look and he spent little money to have cool storage. Check your local craigslist and be patient, you'll find what you need.

Welcome aboard, and realize how blessed you were to have a relationship with your Grandfather. That's one thing I never had.

[yotaRunner4]

Thanks for the info. I'll search for EvapoRust. A friend of mine also mentioned cleaning with Muriatic acid - any feelings on this?

I actually bought a new tool box yesterday. A neighbor actually bought the MasterForce from Menards and it is a pretty solid box. I went out and got one too. More bang for the buck than a Craftsman. I plan on keeping the Kennedy, but I will need to clean it up a bit.

[Uncle Buck]

OK, so I went through a couple boxes and drawers, but I don't have any pics yet. All in all, there are probably about 75-100 pieces of Plomb wrenches (open ended, box ended, and combo), breaker bars, ratchets, sockets, socket extensions etc. I haven't come across any pliers or crescents yet. Most of the wrenches are the "Pebble" finish, but there are some "War Finish" pieces in there as well. There are 2 large combo wrenches in the Pebble finish that are larger than 1 1/4" - I can't remember exactly what the size is, but they're probably 16-20" long.

I'd like to clean these up a bit so I bought a brass wire wheel for my bench grinder. Is this OK to use if I follow-up with a coat of WD-40/oil?

Absolutely, these tools are not museum pieces. I clean mine with a steel wire wheel with no problems whatsoever! :beer: Don't pay any mind to the alarmists. :pimpflash

As for chemical cleaners, I would leave them alone, in particular muratic acid.

[Major Ramifications]

I have never understood the attraction to these tools. They aren't pleasant to touch. When I see them at garage sales, I feel like I need to wash my hands after I handle them. I prefer smooth surfaces. Oh well, more for you guys.

[jerk_chicken]

I think the logo looks pretty cool.

[Uncle Buck]

I have never understood the attraction to these tools. They aren't pleasant to touch. When I see them at garage sales, I feel like I need to wash my hands after I handle them. I prefer smooth surfaces. Oh well, more for you guys.

You should buy them cheap, and make a few bucks per piece here to help support your other tool addictions! :thumbup:

[48548]

That is what I am talking about, look at my signature, you will see what I am missing.

[T56 Impala]

Please stay away from the acid cleaners and the wire wheels. IF, after you use the Evaporust you feel they are not clean enough, then you can try more drastic measures. Always use the least damaging method first.

FYI, if any of these tools are Cadmium plated, do NOT use a wire wheel. Cadmium to poisonous. It will also seriously damage the tool by removing it. It will no longer have any rust protective coating. Oiling them is fine, but who, other than Merc, oils his or her tools every time?

[Scooterfish]

T56 ImpalaQuote
"Oiling them is fine, but who, other than Merc, oils his or her tools every time?"


I think Merc and others should consider switching to Synthetic oil for maximum tool protection, wear, and longer use between oiling.:thumbup::beer:

[48548]

That is why when I wire brushed some really dirty/greasy/extreme rusted plomb tools, and didn't use my full mask respirator, I was blowing my nose and black stuff/blood kept coming out... I wish I would have known this 6 months ago. Oh well I going to die of cancer one way or another, I just wanted enough time to have my tools put in the ground with me.