wrenchguy
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at this point heat side of casting and under 1 screw and cold water quench it righta way several times then try it. do 1 at a time. u could try dremel if u want.
Lowell Wrench Co. Worcester Mass #1
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AntiqueBen
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I wandered about heating it up then a cold quench & do that several times. I even thought about putting the head in boiling water for a while too. I'm throwing everything but the kitchen sink at this thing, but I'm determined.
wrenchguy
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not the head, it'll break off. maybe later.
Shown here is a Lowell ratchet "No.1.O.S.B.B. WRENCH". Previously posted as a mystery ratchet, I've since uncovered the Lowell ID on the cover plate, and brought it into this Lowell thread. Cast lettering on the handle says "No.1.O.S.B.B. WRENCH". I don't know yet what "O.S.B.B." stands for, but "Bridge" could surely be one clue. I've included a 1936 Lowell ad (thanks Jabberwoki & four.cycle). Mentioned in this ad are "Bridge Builder's" wrenches which could explain the "B.B.", but what about the "O.S."?
The ratchet is 39" OAL, and the present insert is a 1" square female drive that's been weld-repaired but not finish-machined. I may call in a favor and have it broached back to size. The 3 position selector is a cool feature. Choosing the center position turns the ratchet into a fixed wrench (shown in one of the pics). Interesting that Lowell included this locked center position in only some of their ratchets.
Next I'll try to see what category/era this wrench fits into (see Lugz' consolidation info post #25). At this point, I haven't seen another Lowell that matches this one. It does have the same length & weight of the #1 Bridge Builders as shown in the ad.
The ratchet is 39" OAL, and the present insert is a 1" square female drive that's been weld-repaired but not finish-machined. I may call in a favor and have it broached back to size. The 3 position selector is a cool feature. Choosing the center position turns the ratchet into a fixed wrench (shown in one of the pics). Interesting that Lowell included this locked center position in only some of their ratchets.
Next I'll try to see what category/era this wrench fits into (see Lugz' consolidation info post #25). At this point, I haven't seen another Lowell that matches this one. It does have the same length & weight of the #1 Bridge Builders as shown in the ad.
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AntiqueBen
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Nice ratchet. I'm a big Lowell fan & collector but I've never seen a Lowell with graduated holes in the handle like that. They're still in business today & offer to make a custom tool for your job. I don't believe they offered that option back when your ratchet was made (just guessing). That's why I'm wandering if the holes are factory? They look clean & uniform, so I guess it's possible they're factory. I know I've seen the O.S.B.B. before. If I find something on it I'll let you know.
AntiqueBen
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I forgot to mention, I "think" the Bridge Builder ratchets only had one screw in the face plate. I noticed yours has two. Most Lowell's either have 1 screw in the center of the face plate or 2 screws on each side below or next to the female opening. You have 2 screws but one is above the opening at the top. This will be a major clue while doing research.
AntiqueBen
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Here is an ad from 1920 stating that Lowell will do a special order tool for even a single customer. Also added a few other pics. They wouldn't forge the O.S.B.B. in the handle though for just one person. That would be on all the handles of the ones like yours. Maybe the holes were a custom order.
The other difference is Lowell Bridge Builder ratchet handles are flat with a hole at the end. Your handle at the end looks round with no hole on the end. Another clue while doing research.
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Private Lugnutz
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On the thread where you first posted this ratchet, back in July 2021, I opined here that "O.S.B.B." might stand for something like "Otis Smith Bridge Builders" and I posted an ad of a Bridge Builders wrench that looked very similar. Now I think it might literally stand for "Old Style Bridge Builders." Click here and read. It's a Lowell ratchets ad in the 1915 Sweets catalog. It explicitly identifies and shows four types of ratchets, called, by name, 1903 Pattern, Old Style Bridge Builders', Lag-Screw, and Steel Socket Bridge Wrench. I am 100% positive they branded the Old Style Bridge Builders' ratchet as "O.S.B.B."
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It's perplexing. With the cover removed, the internals look an awful like the Pat# 1798194 wrenches. However, there are two major differences:
The 1798194 patent states: "The pawls and reversing lever are arranged so that neither pawl is engaged when the reversing lever is in the middle". However, on the "OSBB" ratchet, both pawls engage when the lever is in the middle.
The 1798194 patent states: "The cover for the pawl mechanisms is also included in the patent." However, the cover on the "OSBB" wrench is different. It is a full cover with 2 screws as opposed to 1 screw and a half cover.
The holes that you see in the handle are definitely as-cast, originals.
The first pic shows the OSBB in the middle position. The next two pics show two different 1798194 ratchets in the middle position. Actually, there really is no "middle position" for the 1798194. It detents to either one side or the other (2nd, 3rd pic). I carefully balanced the selectors for the pics. The OSBB wrench crisply detents to the middle position when selected.
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AntiqueBen
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I agree. The ad I posted above says "Old Style Bridge Builders." The only thing is PSCo1867's ratchet has a round handle with no hole at the bottom & a screw configuration on the face plate that doesn't match the standard Bridge Builders Wrench. But I definitely think the O.S.B.B. is solved.
Agreed. You had gotten me thinking Bridge-Builders and now I see that "Old Style Bridge Builders" is a real thing. Seems a bit wacky to cast that acronym, but I'm with you......I'll go with it until proven different! Your Lowell consolidation post is a major help. Still trying to nail down a patent.
I doubt I'd ever stumble onto that ad you found!
Private Lugnutz
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Thanks. Also quite old and may be in dire need of updating, though. I haven't thought about it in awhile.
AntiqueBen
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What perplexes me the most is your round handle & one of the face plate screws being on top above the opening.
Actually, the round handle was a normal thing, at least early on. (Edit: Agreed. Round handle NOT normal for a "bridge-builder").
The photos show the OSBB on top and a #3 Red Socket Patent# 1798194 on the bottom. Pretty darn similar, right? The differences remain: full cover & 2 screws vs. half-cover & 1 screw, and 3 position selector vs. 2 position. And, the holes cast into the handle: have not seen this on another Lowell.
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AntiqueBen
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Like you said, the earliest ones had round handles with the exception of the 1864 flat handle version that matches D.M. Moore's patent pic. I think I could find hens teeth under a rainbow before I could find another one. Probably didn't make them long until they switched over to the round handle. They all have the 3 position selector.
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Wow, those are some sweet pieces!
Ok, by "round handle early on", I meant "early on" strictly for a patent no. 1798194 (the ratchet that most resembles the no-patent-found OSBB wrench). I've seen plenty of flat-handled 1798194's (like your new acquisition monster Lowell 2 1/2), but not many round handled ones (like the Red Socket #3 that I posted beneath the OSBB). So, I'm talking 1930s era. Why? Because the round-handled 1798194 (shown in the 1936 ad) is the Lowell that most matches the OSBB (refer to my comparison pics). It's like the OSBB is almost a "Red Socket" era Lowell ratchet. I'm simply trying to fit this OSBB wrench into an established Lowell category, and failing.
Bottom Line, so far: The "No.1.O.S.B.B. WRENCH" Lowell ratchet is probably a "No. 1 Old Style Bridge Builders Wrench", possibly 1920s/1930s vintage, with ratchet mechanism and handle similar to an (early?) round-handle 1798194 patent Lowell ratchet. It is, however different enough that more research is needed.
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Lugz, thanks! I didn't read your edited (updated) post until now. It is indeed the definitive answer to OSBB.
Private Lugnutz
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No worries.
It's one of the coolest markings I know of - the sheer and simple functional literalness, frankness and earnestness of the name to begin with (i.e., 'this is our ratchet for building bridges, but it's our old style, and we're just going to call it that'), and then they are so confident in the straightforwardness of their approach, that they abbreviate it on top of that! It reminds of Hibberd Spencer Bartlett's "Our Very Best" (often seen as "O.V.B.") marking, but without the superlative bravado.
I can see you agonizing over its features not quite making sense with everything else, but we have to put more credence on the name and model number matching the ads, I would take Lowell at their word for marking it that way, and not stress too much over it being a unique variant that is not an easy alignment in the sequence based on what we think we know about some of its other features. These are differences that would be important is if wasn't marked and we were trying to identify it empirically. They can't cast doubt on the marking, regardless of the ads we have.
As for this...
It's one of the coolest markings I know of - the sheer and simple functional literalness, frankness and earnestness of the name to begin with (i.e., 'this is our ratchet for building bridges, but it's our old style, and we're just going to call it that'), and then they are so confident in the straightforwardness of their approach, that they abbreviate it on top of that! It reminds of Hibberd Spencer Bartlett's "Our Very Best" (often seen as "O.V.B.") marking, but without the superlative bravado.
I can see you agonizing over its features not quite making sense with everything else, but we have to put more credence on the name and model number matching the ads, I would take Lowell at their word for marking it that way, and not stress too much over it being a unique variant that is not an easy alignment in the sequence based on what we think we know about some of its other features. These are differences that would be important is if wasn't marked and we were trying to identify it empirically. They can't cast doubt on the marking, regardless of the ads we have.
As for this...
I think you are reading too much into the sentence. What the patent means by neither pawl being engaged is that it is neither in forward or reverse, and neither pawl is engaged while the other is not. The end result is the same. If they were both disengaged it would free wheel.
Private Lugnutz
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Me neither. I opined on your first thread that it might be to reduce weight.
AntiqueBen
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I thought the same thing but he said up thread it weighed the same as what the ad said for that size bridge wrench.
The web is only 3/16" thick, so that's little weight savings. The holes in the web are original Lowell, so who knows. I think they look kind of cool!
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I'm totally cool with, and understand the OSBB designation, the wrench's purpose, the ads, etc. It just bugs the **** out of me that I can't find a patent for this wrench! More things to get used to
. I tried to force it into a 1798194 with no avail.Not sure what you meant regarding the pawls. The 1798194 free-wheels when the selector is centered. The OSBB locks when centered to mimic a static wrench. Was merely stating that difference between the two.
I'm off my 1798194 kick! It may be time for me to return it to the crypt where it was found.
Private Lugnutz
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Sorry, I misread. I don't have either ratchet, I wasn't tracking that they were different from each other or from later ratchets, in which the middle position locks it into non-ratcheting wrench-like place.
NOS square socket that fits size 2 1/2 Lowell ratchet (the BIG one, Like AntiqueBen's wrench, pictured with a hex socket). The internal square is 2 1/4", I'm guessing it was from the "Red Socket" era (1930s). "R-9" is cast into the face, and part is 4 1/2" long overall. I might use this red color to paint one of my "Red Socket" era Lowells.
I've also included a typical square-head bolt that the socket would have fit: A 1 1/2" X 16" long BSCo square head bolt.
I've also included a typical square-head bolt that the socket would have fit: A 1 1/2" X 16" long BSCo square head bolt.
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wrenchguy
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hold on to that square boy, i'll send this back with u when we meet up this summer. i don't collect lowell's.
That's a generous offer, but I must tell you that I already have one! Which type of socket is in yours?hold on to that square boy, i'll send this back with u when we meet up this summer. i don't collect lowell's.
AntiqueBen
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I might be interested in that socket if your willing to part with it.
wrenchguy
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2 3/8 hex. did you post your red ratchet here?
Mintgrun
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I mentioned this in another post/thread about this ratchet, but I am going to put it out there again. Small battery powered impact drivers can work miracles. Find or make a bit that FITS the screws and use the impact to break it free. They're capable of a lot of torque, but also very little, depending on how you work the trigger. Sometimes working it in both directions helps loosen it up.
You can use a bit like this to spin a socket and grind a large slotted screwdriver out of an Allen wrench, if you don't have a bit big enough to fit those screws.
You could also use it to try to break the driver free, if you had the appropriate adaptor. If the shock will break things loose, the oil will have a better chance of wicking into the problem areas.
Tom
You can use a bit like this to spin a socket and grind a large slotted screwdriver out of an Allen wrench, if you don't have a bit big enough to fit those screws.
You could also use it to try to break the driver free, if you had the appropriate adaptor. If the shock will break things loose, the oil will have a better chance of wicking into the problem areas.
Tom
wrenchguy
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might want to tag antiquebenI mentioned this in another post/thread about this ratchet, but I am going to put it out there again. Small battery powered impact drivers can work miracles. Find or make a bit that FITS the screws and use the impact to break it free. They're capable of a lot of torque, but also very little, depending on how you work the trigger. Sometimes working it in both directions helps loosen it up.
You can use a bit like this to spin a socket and grind a large slotted screwdriver out of an Allen wrench, if you don't have a bit big enough to fit those screws.
You could also use it to try to break the driver free, if you had the appropriate adaptor. If the shock will break things loose, the oil will have a better chance of wicking into the problem areas.
Tom
Mintgrun
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Thank you. When I clicked into this thread, it took me to the first unread message and that was back when he was asking about it. After I posted, I saw that a whole bunch more posts had been made since then. Hi @AntiqueBen . It's me again.
Provincial
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Several places sell an attachment to an air hammer for breaking loose screws. You have to be quite careful with them, since the hammer can distort the screw if you hit it too hard. The impact breaks loose the rust and you apply torque with the hand lever.
Mike, my big Lowell size 2 1/2 Steel Socket Bridge Wrench (duplicate of yours pictured & AntiqueBens) is in pieces at the moment. I'll post it up in "Lowell red" paint hopefully in a month or so. I'm not usually a tool painter, but mine's in fantastic condition and doesn't have any cool patina on it to speak of. Don't get me wrong, I also love the hard-knocks user look of weathered old beasts that are left as-is.2 3/8 hex. did you post your red ratchet here?
AntiqueBen
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I'm with you on liking the old used look & aged patina...but ...I'm the type that thinks painting an old tool basically ruins the look. I would understand painting it if it's just in horrible unfixable condition. If yours is in excellent condition due to lack of use, I would consider this a rarity. Most of these type of wrenches have been rode hard, have issues & in a lot of cases bent. What are the odds of being able to see a wrench like this in "like new" condition? Pretty slim.
This is just my opinion. If you want to paint it, go ahead & paint it. But I would rather see a cool old vintage ratchet wrench in its original steel finish condition compared to a big red wrench like you currently see at the big box stores. If it was me, I would just clean it up real good & then wipe it down with Boiled Linseed Oil
Noted. Will consider this for sure.
I'm totally with you! The only reason that I'm even considering it is that I think this ratchet could very likely have been painted red when new, as evidenced by the "Lowell Red Ratchet Wrenches" ad, and by the red paint on the spare socket. I'm not aware of an original red-painted example, but these clues are telling me that there was a period in which they were actually red. I'm sure the paint never lasted long, which is understandable for any user, including mine.I'm with you on liking the old used look & aged patina...but ...I'm the type that thinks painting an old tool basically ruins the look. I would understand painting it if it's just in horrible unfixable condition. If yours is in excellent condition due to lack of use, I would consider this a rarity. Most of these type of wrenches have been rode hard, have issues & in a lot of cases bent. What are the odds of being able to see a wrench like this in "like new" condition? Pretty slim.
This is just my opinion. If you want to paint it, go ahead & paint it. But I would rather see a cool old vintage ratchet wrench in its original steel finish condition compared to a big red wrench like you currently see at the big box stores. If it was me, I would just clean it up real good & then wipe it down with Boiled Linseed Oil
Bottom line: I believe I'm not viewing the "original condition" of this wrench until it's painted "Lowell-red".
Edit: Ok I took a closer look at the ad. Look at the lower right drawing of the "Red Face" and The Red Socket" Wrenches. Obviously a black & white ad, the drawing looks to be trying to show the red areas only on the face (Red Face), and socket (Red Socket). What do you think? You may have saved me from painting the whole wrench.
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wrenchguy
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i agree, going by the lower right illustration i don't think the "heavy red socket" bridge ratchets were painted red, only the sockets for them were.
same with what i call standard red socket wrench, top right.
the red face ratchet looks to only have the milled face plate painted.
i think my wrench was bent on purpose because of wall like close quarters condition.
123 go!
same with what i call standard red socket wrench, top right.
the red face ratchet looks to only have the milled face plate painted.
i think my wrench was bent on purpose because of wall like close quarters condition.
123 go!
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Yes, this is how I interpreted it. This must have been an advertising dilemma back then. How do you depict a color in a black & white add? In this case, it was done with shading and placing the captions "red face" & "red socket" right next to the shading. Interesting that Lowell chose to have a "Red Ratchet Wrenches" campaign, which I think was relatively short-lived (circa 1930s). They even went so far as to cast "Red Socket" into some of the ratchet handles, and leave the "Lowell" off completely.
Thanks to AntiqueBen to get me thinking about it. I'll give the handles on mine the BLO or Fluid-Film treatment. Note: the ratchet in the pic is NOT the big size 2 1/2 that we've been discussing (pics soon). I included it as a "Red Socket" example.
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Private Lugnutz
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I was confused because you actually have a "Red Socket", no? Post #105. Or is that not original finish?
I indeed have a "Red Socket" socket in post #105, with factory paint. Upon seeing this, I assumed that the entire wrench must have been painted red, but was wrong. It appears that only the actual sockets were painted red, with the handles bare.
I was going to paint my entire wrench to match the red on the socket, but now I'll leave the handle bare. Hell, the ad says "Lowell Red Ratchet Wrenches"! But, indeed, they do also mention "Red Socket" also. I'm starting to get a headache...