Show us your vintage speed wrenches

[Rileysan]

I was organizing a bit this weekend and decided to photograph something at random for the purposes of starting a new topic. I may have missed it, but after searching GJ, I was unable to find a topic that was dedicated to speed wrenches.

Why do I care, do you ask? at the age of 15, I had few tools to work with and needed to change a head gasket on the 283 in my 60 Chevy Bel Air. Unfortunately, the only 1/2" drive tool I owned at the time was a speed wrench given to me by a former neighbor. So using the speed wrench and the handle of a 10" adjustable wrench to turn the speed wrench, I tore apart the top-end of that 283.

That speed wrench disappeared long ago, but I have others to take its place - because they remind me of my humble beginnings ... my speed wrench collection.

Pic 1 from the top:

SK 1/2"
Craftsman 1/2" (my personal favorite)
Craftsman 3/8"
Craftsman 1/4"
Snap-on 3/8"

Pic 4:
Williams 1/2"

Brian

 

[snapmom]

some SO speeders

 

[nine4gmc]

Snapmom

Good thread Rileysan, I'll try to grab a pic later but it will be a total disappointment after seeing the second post.

 

[zkling]

I have a couple, nothing special. Wish I could find one in 3/8 with the center spinner. Use the 3/8" quite often as it is a good size. I find that a universal joint, 3/8 to 1/2 and 3/8 to 1/4 adapters cover most applications for least ammount of space. O and a ratcheting adapter is handy.

 

[Rileysan]

Snapmom

Good thread Rileysan, I'll try to grab a pic later but it will be a total disappointment after seeing the second post.

I know! My jaw just dropped. Fantastic collection, Snapmom!!!

 

[94_C/1500]

I have two old craftsmans and I use them. I used the 3/8ths last week doing spark plugs.

 

[toolmutt]

I'm always in awe of snapmom's collections!

 

[Rileysan]

Added two more to my collection ...

1: Penens 1/2"
2: Craftsman 1/2"

 

[DuroChrome]

Here are some of mine...Craftsman, Snap-On, Wright Field Plomb, rusty Plomb, and an Indestro Super.

 

[Ponchoguy]

I have one that a guy retiring gave me that he had in his locker probably since 1980 when he started the job. 1/2" vintage "V" Craftsman.

I think I have an old Husky rom a yard sale too.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

Top to bottom: Snap-On 3/8 that's actually 25" long, my step father gave it to me a long time ago. a V =Craftsman= 3/8. And lastly a "MADE IN USA" 1/2 with no other markings.

 

[safariknut]

Here's a few:
Blackhawk 1/2 inch and crank;Craftsman pre-48 1/2 and 3/8ths;Duro 1/2 inch;Hinsdale G-20 12 inch
Snap-On 1/4 inch.

 

[McFarmer]

I used to have a Proto with a flexible head, actually used it a lot.

 

[r_olson_06]

Are they all snap on?

Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk

 

[snapmom]

Snap on, and two par-x. Still have a lot to go.

 

[Gary in NY]

My modest "collection". Not much when compared to some others here!

A 1/2" Craftsman and a 3/8" S-K.

 

[Rileysan]

Here are some of mine...Craftsman, Snap-On, Wright Field Plomb, rusty Plomb, and an Indestro Super.

Great speed wrenches, Durochrome! BTW - where are you in Oregon?

Brian

 

[toolmutt]

This is one of mine. "Western" brand. I have a Proto somewhere but can't locate it at the moment.

 

[stage20]

This is one of mine. "Western" brand. I have a Proto somewhere but can't locate it at the moment.

i got stuck on collecting the western stuff. grew up fondling tools at western auto. long after wizard and westcraft, but i still hold onto whatever i can find. makes me think back to my childhood.

 

[toolmutt]

i got stuck on collecting the western stuff. grew up fondling tools at western auto. long after wizard and westcraft, but i still hold onto whatever i can find. makes me think back to my childhood.

I inherited a socket set from my dad. I got this speeder in a lot of sockets I needed to fill some gaps. I discovered that Western stuff is hard to come by. I still need a 1/2" drive 6" extension if you know where there are any extras.

 

[stage20]

I inherited a socket set from my dad. I got this speeder in a lot of sockets I needed to fill some gaps. I discovered that Western stuff is hard to come by. I still need a 1/2" drive 6" extension if you know where there are any extras.

Ill gikve a look through my stuff but I have very little western. It seems the hardest to acquire

 

[nickelmore]

Just found this while swapping some tools.

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[paulm12]

similar to the Walden wrench I picked up this summer.

 

[3baygarage]

Very nice guys.

Fulton Service Wrench 4100

Patent 1922

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

I know! My jaw just dropped. Fantastic collection, Snapmom!!!

Ditto + Whow!

 

[safariknut]

CORRECTION! I posted a picture of what I thought was a 1/4" drive Snap-On speeder wrench earlier in this thread. After discovering that the Williams ratchet and J O Mfg ratchet were in fact 9/32" drive I went back and checked the speed handle and....SURPRISE! It also is 9/32"! Model # is M-44.

 

[jim whitney]

Ever heard of a new Britain speed wrench?

 

[Rileysan]

Ever heard of a new Britain speed wrench?

Yes! I recently acquired one - just haven't managed to post a pic yet.

Brian

 

[Gear Wolf]

Why do I feel like I was just hit by a semi when viewing Snapmom's Speeder collection?

 

[d42jeep]

Here are three Duro Chrome 1/2" drive speeders.

 

[Rileysan]

I have no idea why but I'm having fun looking for speed wrenches - maybe it's because they're cheap?

I found these two p&c speeders on eBay for $14.95 + shipping.

 

[paulm12]

I don't know what this one is.

 

[safariknut]

I don't know what this one is.

Looks like an lug nut wrench for an old car.

 

[ajchien]

Looks like an lug nut wrench for an old car.

Or possibly an old engine crank?

 

[rmalkow2]

Probably not an engine crank. Looks more like something from a machine adjustment or large valve tool to open close plumbing, etc.

 

[paulm12]

I am guessing not a lug wrench, since the 6 sides are not equal (3 are smaller, sorry for bad picture). Still has me baffled.

 

[BoonDockSaint]

My one and only. Seems I'm the only person I know that actually uses a spinner anymore. They came in EVERY craftsman set in the 70's and 80's.

 

[northwoods]

From one cranky collector to another, HOLY CRAAAP!

 

[Richard Cranium]

Wow, I love to see snapmom's collection.

 

[Rileysan]

My one and only. Seems I'm the only person I know that actually uses a spinner anymore. They came in EVERY craftsman set in the 70's and 80's.

Yours dates from the 50s or 60s. Fortunately, their lack of popularity makes them easy and cheap to find - unless, of course, your collection looks like Snapmom!

Brian