My small but growing DBE wrench collection

[bonneyman]

Wow, Todd, that single offset Bonney DBE is awesome! Definite vintage find there.

 

[LesserSon]

After passing by dozens of Lectrolites since joining the forum, I finally bought two this weekend. Still need some cleanup.

 

[BlueBomber]

After passing by dozens of Lectrolites since joining the forum, I finally bought two this weekend. Still need some cleanup.

Ooooh, those look early! I don't have any with "Defiance" on them. Neat find!

 

[BlueBomber]

Ooooh, those look early! I don't have any with "Defiance" on them. Neat find!

Yep, confirmed on AA, likely 1930s to 1940s: http://alloy-artifacts.org/lectrolite-corp.html#history

 

[twertsy]

After passing by dozens of Lectrolites since joining the forum, I finally bought two this weekend. Still need some cleanup.

Is there a separate number anywhere on the shank? It would likely be outside the depressed panel if there is one.

 

[LesserSon]

No numbers that I see. The other side has "C Chrome Vanadium Steel" and the model number. (3004 & 3005)

 

[twertsy]

No numbers that I see. The other side has "C Chrome Vanadium Steel" and the model number. (3004 & 3005)

They both have an extra C? That helps of so. Nothing definitive but could be 1935........working on those codes

Is there a separate number anywhere on the shank? It would likely be outside the depressed panel if there is one.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

 

[LesserSon]

Here's the reverse. Yes, both double - C.

 

[LesserSon]

and a small Vlchek

 

[BlueBomber]

I added another Lectrolite Tru-Fit to the collection, this one a 3006 15/16" x 1" with the distinctly hex-shaped handle.

 

[BlueBomber]

Do they both have "patent no. 97325" on the back? That should put them within 7 years or each other, right?

Here's the patent numbers, and you were right--they are the same.

 

[BlueBomber]

I nearly forgot about this eBay purchase.
Five DBEs, because I'm not counting the Great Neck Snap-on knockoff.





Forged steel (Indestro) deep offset stubby, 3/4" x 25/32"
Duro/Indestro 934AMM deep offset stubby, 18mm x 19mm
Walden 1459 deep offset, 9/16" x 5/8"--first!
Barcalo scooped stubby, 5/8" x 3/4"
Barcalo scooped 11/16" x 3/4"

I liked finding the two Indestro 934 variants in one sale--they couldn't be more different.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Couple Walden shorties with an S-K friend. The Waldens have identical stamping on both sides.

 

[Outlawmws]

I picked up a couple of DBE's thii AM: the Indestro is pretty routine, the Fairmount, is interesting as its 1/2 & 3/4" Possibly purpose made for some specific exquipment.

 

[four.cycle]

1/2" & 3/4" ?!?!?!

that's kind of an odd duck

 

[Outlawmws]

Yeah I thought so too. Its actually what tipped it over for me to buy it.

 

[BlueBomber]

Cool Fairmount, Outlaw. I love to see the oddballs.

 

[jakemac]

[repost from the Bonney thread]

Picked up some old Bonney DBE's today for about 32¢ each.

2804 3/8"-7-16" (offset)
2885 5/16"-3/8"
2886 3/8"-7/16"

2890 3/8"-7/16"
2890C 7/16"-1/2"
2891 1/2"-9/16"
2891C 9/16"-5/8"
2892B 5/8"-3/4"
2893B 3/4"-7/8"

 

[3baygarage]

Cool Fairmount, Outlaw. I love to see the oddballs.

Thought this was kind of odd.

I had to grab this old school Cornwell. It is 3/8 SAE by 7/16 SAE. Different measurement system, so larger 3/8 x 7/16 than we all know today.

^ Nice pickup Jake. Looks like a set.

 

[Outlawmws]

So actual size is more like 9/16 & 5/8?

 

[3baygarage]

So actual size is more like 9/16 & 5/8?

It looks closer to those sizes but I don't think its the same. Don't have an inside measuring tool handy.

 

[Outlawmws]

Just stick them on a bolt head.

 

[3baygarage]

Yes, the easiest test! Nothing handy right now Outlaw. I have read that the stamped sizes in those days corresponded with bolt diameter, not bolt head diameter.

Edit: the pictures don't show anything other than I found a 9/16" and 5/8" nut and put them in two other wrenches, but no they are not equal as far as I can tell. 7/16 SAE is larger than 5/8". 3/8 SAE is close but sloppier than 9/16".

This is a very, very scientific study by the way.

 

[twertsy]

Thought this was kind of odd.

I had to grab this old school Cornwell. It is 3/8 SAE by 7/16 SAE. Different measurement system, so larger 3/8 x 7/16 than we all know today.

^ Nice pickup Jake. Looks like a set.

Nice snag! 1927.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

 

[Rileysan]

I went to a "Moving Sale" at a farmhouse this past weekend. I have learned not to get my hopes up, but this one was over-the-top as the family was moving grandpa away from the family farm of 60 years. I had a heyday out there and could have spent all day. I came away with a trunk load of stuff including any DBE I could find. There were long C Craftsman, Indestro, and several others.

Sorry, you'll have to wait for me to sort through the box of stuff before I get pictures.

Until then, here's a photo of a few others I acquired in the past week.

Blackhawk 15818 (from a trade with another GJ member)
Penens 6428
Western Giant

Brian

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I did not find any DBEs this weekend, but I found a few at the flea market today.

Top to bottom: select steel, Penens, unbranded RP, wards lakeside, Ford.

 

[Rileysan]

I did not find any DBEs this weekend, but I found a few at the flea market today.

I just got one of those Ford DBE wrenches too! It's a part of the barn sale I went to this weekend.

 

[BlueBomber]

I went to a "Moving Sale" at a farmhouse this past weekend. I have learned not to get my hopes up, but this one was over-the-top as the family was moving grandpa away from the family farm of 60 years. I had a heyday out there and could have spent all day. I came away with a trunk load of stuff including any DBE I could find. There were long C Craftsman, Indestro, and several others.

Sorry, you'll have to wait for me to sort through the box of stuff before I get pictures.

Until then, here's a photo of a few others I acquired in the past week.

Blackhawk 15818 (from a trade with another GJ member)
Penens 6428
Western Giant

Brian

Dude, we're salivating out here!! Can't wait to see the pics in the Garage Sale thread!!

 

[Outlawmws]

I just got one of those Ford DBE wrenches too! It's a part of the barn sale I went to this weekend.

I have five of those Ford DBE's , (among over 30 Ford tools overall)

 

[twertsy]

I have five of those Ford DBE's , (among over 30 Ford tools overall)

I see those a lot but never grab them. I have only snagged the ones with off forge marks for research.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I see those a lot but never grab them. I have only snagged the ones with off forge marks for research.

Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

It was from a lot, with a couple of DBE, although it's my first I see they are common as dirt. I have had couple of sellers point out DOE ford wrenches in a box lot. They claim they are the gems in a box full of Herbrand, Williams, and Billings!??!

 

[twertsy]

It was from a lot, with a couple of DBE, although it's my first I see they are common as dirt. I have had couple of sellers point out DOE ford wrenches in a box lot. They claim they are the gems in a box full of Herbrand, Williams, and Billings!??!

A couple years ago those were bringing decent money.

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[BlueBomber]

It was from a lot, with a couple of DBE, although it's my first I see they are common as dirt. I have had couple of sellers point out DOE ford wrenches in a box lot. They claim they are the gems in a box full of Herbrand, Williams, and Billings!??!

I recently received two Ford wrench DOEs in a lot that I bought for the DBEs. A close up is in about the 3rd picture down.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=327403&page=9

I think I'm up to five Ford tools now (they are at work on my "trophy" table).

 

[Outlawmws]

I see those a lot but never grab them. I have only snagged the ones with off forge marks for research.

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I'll always get them if cheap. We used to get them for a buddy's father that collected them. I never got out of the habit except when people thought they were gold...

 

[BlueBomber]

Ten more DBEs off of Ebay arrived today. I averaged just under $3 per wrench. These are mostly rust free, so I'm pretty pleased with them.





Giller 2230 deep offset, 15/16" x 1"
2x Challenger 6432 offset, 15/16" x 1"
Thorsen deep offset, 7/8" x 3/4"
Thorsen 2280 offset, with a Vlchek star on the back, 15/16" x 1"
Duro-Chrome 2056 deep offset, 15/16" x 1"
S-K Wayne B-2224 offset, 11/16" x 3/4"
S-K Wayne B-2628 offset, 13/16" x 7/8"
S-K Wayne B-3032 offset, 15/16" x 1"
S-K Lectrolite B-3032 offset, 15/16" x 1"

The auction also included three combos. I have no interest in expanding to vintage combos, so if anyone wants to trade, PM me.

 

[BlueBomber]

Here's an illustration of a tidbit from Alloy Artifacts. Giller and Thorsen were acquired by the Hydrometal Company in the '60s and may have used the same production facilities. Take a look at these three and you'll likely be convinced as I am that there's no "may" about it.

 

[Outlawmws]

My understanding was that much if not all of Giller's sales (primarily to the Gov.) were subcontracted out to other companies. So not unusual at all to see Giller on what is clearly other mfg's tooling.

 

[BlueBomber]

The bit on AA says that Giller "appeared to be" a defense contractor due to the government contracts they were on record as having won. They were acquired by Hydrometal in 1963 and when Hydrometal bought Thorsen in 1969, they made Giller an operating division of Thorsen. AA then conjectures that's why so much Giller stuff looks like Thorsen stuff.

I think its neat that the other Thorsen has a Vlchek star on it. I know they contracted for a lot of brands, but wow--did they get around!

 

[four.cycle]

Thorsen was manufacturing stuff in Oakland California in the 1960s.
Giller was in Dallas Texas.
At some point Thorsen started manufacturing stuff in Dallas, Texas.
I do not know dates.
From other comments here, it sounds like Thorsen was selling to the public as well as GSA/military and private label contracts, and Giller was geared more toward GSA/military contracts. (Not confirmed, but I've seen at least two members here make comments to that effect.)

The later tools are exactly the same, including the part numbers. Only way you can tell which is which is the brand name stamped on the socket or ratchet or extension. I do not own any Giller wrenches, only Thorsen. I do have several Thorsen socket sets, and a couple Giller sets.

The Giller socket boxes are built like tanks - well designed and constructed. Better than most of the Thorsen boxes (at least those that I have.)

 

[BlueBomber]

Thirteen more for the collection from yet another Ebay buy, at about a dollar per.

Barcalo Buffalo deep offset, 1-1/8" x 1-1/16"
Barcalo Buffalo deep offset, 1" x 15/16"
Barcalo Buffalo deep offset, 7/8" x 13/16"
Barcalo Buffalo deep offset, 25/32" x 3/4"
Barcalo Buffalo deep offset, 11/16" x 5/8"
Forged Select Steel deep offset, 5/8" x 11/16"
Sears deep offset, 11/16" x 5/8"
Craftsman angled, 5/8" x 3/4"
Craftsman angled, 11/16" x 13/16"
Lectrolite Tru-Fit hex-handled 3002 deep offset, 1/2" x 9/16"--slowly filling out this set!
Bonney Bonalloy 2806L deep offset, 5/8" x 9/16"
Bonney B- shield 6481, straight thin box on one end, deep box on the other, no size markings but checks out as 9/16" x 5/8"
Bonney 2804 deep offset stubby, 3/8" x 7/16"