Guys, what do I have?

[codydoss82]

First off, this if my first post on here after about 6 months of lurking after I found the site. My names Cody, I'm 23 years old and work in the Heavy Civil construction industry as a Safety Manager. I restore late 70s through late 80s Toyota 4x4s as a hobby. I know none of that matters for this, just trying to introduce myself. I've always been interested in old things and the history behind everything. So this site has become my second home after learning about the vast and complex USA and Foreign tool history (another tool nerd thanks to GJ). My Dad who always taught me about appreciating history has been wrenching since the 70s and has acquired a lot of tools (mostly craftsman) since then so it's been fun to dig through and actually know some history behind all of them.

But here's the reason I have you here.
So I'm now I'm always looking for old tools and even new tools for good deals and what not. I found a 5 month old post where a guy was selling a 1/2 electric impact on Facebook in a cool *** old case for $10 and it was still available for some reason.




So after seeing the name "Sioux", I did some quick online searching and found some basic facts about Sioux Tools and figured I'd go get it.

The guy told me he got it from his grandpaw 20-30 years ago and it just sat in storage until recently when he tried to repair it. He then told me that it works but it was shocking him so he quit because he didn't feel like fooling with it.

I didnt ask any questions, I just grabbed the box (after opening to see if the tool was actually inside) and then paid the guy and went home.

 

[codydoss82]

Once I got home, I went to the shop and started to look at what I had. I was (and still am) amazed at the leather cover over the tool and pulled the impact out the box to further inspect it. When I pulled the tool out, I found the old Soiux paperwork that came with the tool (sales brochure, parts list, parts diagram, service centers, a packing slip that I guess was from the QC in the factory, etc.).












I know this is all very old and I'm amazed at the condition of the coloring and ink due to Louisiana humidity through the years.

But that brought me to my first problem.

How old is all of this if they were using colored ink?

And I haven't seen any dates on the paperwork so if you guys see something that I overlooked, please let me know.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

That brings back some memories! When I first got into framing back in the early 70's I used to use the same impact. To switch forward or reverse, you would twist the red end cap. Too cool to see one again.

 

[codydoss82]

My next issue.

Once I inspected the tool itself, I noticed that it was actually an Ingersoll-Rand.

The impact on the paperwork and on the box are very similar to the cosmetics on the Ingersoll, but they are noticeably different.

So here is the tool and any words or numbers I could find on the tool. (which I can't find any information online about at all).











If you guys can help at all, please do. I have it torn apart at the moment to replace the previous owners wiring nightmare and to clean the motor and brushes. So if you might need internal pictures to help, I have them and will be able to send them.

Thanks guys.

Edit: I think I fixed the picture issue

 

[codydoss82]

That brings back some memories! When I first got into framing back in the early 70's I used to use the same impact. To switch forward or reverse, you would twist the red end cap. Too cool to see one again.

Early 70's! Already on the right track. Thanks so much! It's definitely very cool to tear it apart and see how everything worked back then compared to the modern stuff

 

[four.cycle]

How old is all of this if they were using colored ink?

on the Sioux paperwork:
dates on the most recent paperwork indicate it's 1957 vintage.
four-color presses were in operation way back.

nice set up.


It's possible you've got an Ingersoll-Rand gun in a Sioux box.

 

[codydoss82]

on the Sioux paperwork:

dates on the most recent paperwork indicate it's 1957 vintage.

four-color presses were in operation way back.



nice set up.





It's possible you've got an Ingersoll-Rand gun in a Sioux box.

Yeah I'm pretty upset about the IR impact being in there but I'm still so interested in learning about both the IR impact and the Sioux now. I don't know why I can't find any information about either of them.

 

[Tundruz]

Nice find. Did you even see if it worked before you tore it apart? btw your pics are HUGE to view.

 

[codydoss82]

Nice find. Did you even see if it worked before you tore it apart? btw your pics are HUGE to view.

Yes, I actually put on some non conductive gloves and plugged it in. It worked well in both forward and reverse. I was surprised.

Sorry about the pictures. I'm very new to posting on the forums.

 

[Bronson]

I have that Sioux, you should send me the box it goes in.
I inherited it from my grandpaw.
Pic are so huge I can only see part of the tool.

 

[codydoss82]

I have that Sioux, you should send me the box it goes in.

I inherited it from my grandpaw.

Pic are so huge I can only see part of the tool.

I think I just fixed the photo issue. I may be willing to part with the box, although it was one of my main reasons for getting it. The girlfriend doesn't share the passion for cool things.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Cody, FYI, I just googled the 'Albertson and company' and found this...

http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=1980

 

[Provincial]

My next issue.

Once I inspected the tool itself, I noticed that it was actually an Ingersoll-Rand.

The impact on the paperwork and on the box are very similar to the cosmetics on the Ingersoll, but they are noticeably different.

So here is the tool and any words or numbers I could find on the tool. (which I can't find any information online about at all).











If you guys can help at all, please do. I have it torn apart at the moment to replace the previous owners wiring nightmare and to clean the motor and brushes. So if you might need internal pictures to help, I have them and will be able to send them.

Thanks guys.

Edit: I think I fixed the picture issue

It is likely that Sioux sold rebranded Ingersoll impacts. Any warranty work would have been done by the Ingersoll network. If a replacement was necessary, an Ingersoll unit probably was substituted. The units were probably identical except for the data plate.

Cool find! Too bad about the GF.

 

[disston]

Welcome to the forum. Nice find.

BTW, you ****. (that is an honorary in the garage journal forum for getting a terrific deal at a low price.)

 

[codydoss82]

Cody, FYI, I just googled the 'Albertson and company' and found this...



http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=1980

I found that on my initial searches and couldn't really use it to help me date anything or figure out specifics to the tool or box. The dang pneumatic tools keep getting in the way. Thank you for showing interest in trying to help me!

 

[codydoss82]

It is likely that Sioux sold rebranded Ingersoll impacts. Any warranty work would have been done by the Ingersoll network. If a replacement was necessary, an Ingersoll unit probably was substituted. The units were probably identical except for the data plate.



Cool find! Too bad about the GF.

I would LOVE to find something that would back that up. The thought has crossed my mind a few times, so it feels nice to know I'm not the only one that might be crazy lol

 

[codydoss82]

Welcome to the forum. Nice find.

BTW, you ****. (that is an honorary in the garage journal forum for getting a terrific deal at a low price.)

Garage Journal has taught me everything I know about what keywords to search for on local adds [emoji38]

I'll just go ahead and take the "you ****" as you just being jealous of my luck.

 

[thehorse13]

After seeing that fantastic wiring job, it's very clear why the previous owner was being shocked by the tool. Once you have the thing grounded with a new wire, it should solve that problem.

As for the tool itself, even though it's an IR, that thing will clean up beautifully. I would be very happy with the IR gun just as I would if the Souix was in the case. You have a high quality tool and at the end of the day, that's what is important.

I wish you luck with the girlfriend. Life is much easier when your better half understands your mania for old junk.

 

[22george]

Junk is just good stuff you haven't found a use for YET

 

[codydoss82]

After seeing that fantastic wiring job, it's very clear why the previous owner was being shocked by the tool. Once you have the thing grounded with a new wire, it should solve that problem.

As for the tool itself, even though it's an IR, that thing will clean up beautifully. I would be very happy with the IR gun just as I would if the Souix was in the case. You have a high quality tool and at the end of the day, that's what is important.

I wish you luck with the girlfriend. Life is much easier when your better half understands your mania for old junk.

When I first saw the IR in the box, I was sad due to the fact I thought I had a 100% set up. Once I started doing research, I realized how cool it is to actually have a little of both Sioux and IR so I could learn about both brands electric tool history.

But yes, I had a small OSHA power tool safety melt down when I saw the wire nuts being used. When I thought it couldn't get worse, I saw where he had only connected the white and black wires instead of using his ground as well. I wired everything up correctly but temporarily to see if it dives the issue, and it did.

I don't plan on ever using it really... I've got all the modern impact tools I need, so I decided to just clean it up real well and as original as possible(cord and grommet). So I fought with myself on sanding it down smooth and polishing it, or to just polish over the scratches and battle scars. I decided the scratches helped make it the cool tool that it is, and I just polished over the scratches on a piece of the handle (until I get some time to finish).


Still happy to accept any info you guys might be able to help me dig up. Both the box/paperwork and the Impact interest the hell out of me.

 

[Cope]

Back in the day, I-R made a stout electric impact. What brand are the sockets?

 

[codydoss82]

Back in the day, I-R made a stout electric impact. What brand are the sockets?

The impact itself feels incredibly dense and heavy duty. The Ingersoll quality back then (whatever year it may be from) was to notch.. Unfortunately he kept the sockets because he would be able to use them with his other impacts. I didnt even get a chance to look at them.

 

[Cf mtn]

hi, on the page of sevice centers. it might help

In 1956 current owner Harland Aanderud brought on Sioux Power Tools which eventually lead into the power tool service and repair center we are today. Currently we sell and service over 20 major brands of electric and pneumatic tools. We are the certified/authorized factory service center for these brands as well. This relationship with manufacturers allows us to service and warranty the tools that we sell. The products, quality and service have been an integral part of The Charles H. Day Company since our inception, which continues to be what we are today.

 

[codydoss82]

hi, on the page of sevice centers. it might help



In 1956 current owner Harland Aanderud brought on Sioux Power Tools which eventually lead into the power tool service and repair center we are today. Currently we sell and service over 20 major brands of electric and pneumatic tools. We are the certified/authorized factory service center for these brands as well. This relationship with manufacturers allows us to service and warranty the tools that we sell. The products, quality and service have been an integral part of The Charles H. Day Company since our inception, which continues to be what we are today.

Wow I didn't even think of trying to look into the service centers... I found "Chas. H. Day Co." on the service center page. It's so cool to know y'all are still around.
If you find anything out, please let me know!

 

[2oolhound]

Didn't I see a photo of the sockets closer up than the 1st photo?
The whole set is pretty nice. I bet it would buff up like chrome. Looking forward to see it rewired and cleaned up.

By the way -You ****! I'd paid that for just those sockets and fast.

 

[codydoss82]

Didn't I see a photo of the sockets closer up than the 1st photo?
The whole set is pretty nice. I bet it would buff up like chrome. Looking forward to see it rewired and cleaned up.

By the way -You ****! I'd paid that for just those sockets and fast.

The photo with the sockets was actually from the previous owners sale ad because I forgot to take one for you guys once I got it home. He was very firm on not letting me get the sockets with the box.

So far it seems to be polishing out very nicely. Once I get the entire thing cleaned up properly, I'll get it nice and polished up. Still debating on re-painting the red on the selector or leaving it alone.. Opinions valued!

 

[slip knot]

years ago we had one of those IR electric impacts at a shop I worked at. the impact was surprisingly strong for an electric. I wouldn't be afraid of putting it to use.

 

[codydoss82]

years ago we had one of those IR electric impacts at a shop I worked at. the impact was surprisingly strong for an electric. I wouldn't be afraid of putting it to use.

That's awesome to hear. Im so glad so many people have seen these and recognize them. What ***** is that none of you Tool Nerds have any info on them [emoji30]

 

[four.cycle]

^ You could always try contacting the factory. There is a possibility they may be able to provide you with some tidbit of information.

It's worth a try - I did it with a 1938 Porter-Cable belt sander years ago and got a nice letter back from the factory with their recommendation for the correct oil to use and a set of brushes that they said "might work with some modification".
Better than a poke in the eye with a stick, anyway.
Give it a shot. Contact them via snail mail. A postage stamp is only four bits.

 

[codydoss82]

^ You could always try contacting the factory. There is a possibility they may be able to provide you with some tidbit of information.



It's worth a try - I did it with a 1938 Porter-Cable belt sander years ago and got a nice letter back from the factory with their recommendation for the correct oil to use and a set of brushes that they said "might work with some modification".

Better than a poke in the eye with a stick, anyway.

Give it a shot. Contact them via snail mail. A postage stamp is only four bits.

You're right actually. If both of the companies are still in business, they should be able to give me some sort of information, even if it's them telling me to leave them alone with all of this discontinued foolishness haha.

I guess I can write to both Sioux and Ingersoll and tell them both what I have and what they can tell me about them. Worth a shot. I'll try it out Monday morning

 

[four.cycle]

You'd be surprised. Deal directly with headquarters, and do it via snail mail - hard copy stuff. Shoot them a few photos of the unit.
I've done stuff like that on items other than the belt sander and sometimes have gotten pretty surprising results; old companies rely on their reputations for repeat business. Taking time to deal with "discontinued foolishness" is a small investment to make on their part to preserve what (reasonably) could be assumed to be a long-term relationship. (i.e., Maybe you inherited it from your grandfather.)

 

[codydoss82]

So many of the vintage threads I read on here mention contacting the manufacturer. I have no idea why it didn't occur to me that I could do the same thing.

At the moment, the impact is working extremely well. I've got it temporarily rewired to test everything and see what may need cleaning and what may need adjusting. I had to tighten up the reverse/forward contacts a slight bit, but I can't find any other issues with it's performance.

Maybe I'll just sell my pneumatic Snappy impacts and start making an Ingersoll transition [emoji38]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[codydoss82]

You'd be surprised. Deal directly with headquarters, and do it via snail mail - hard copy stuff. Shoot them a few photos of the unit.

I've done stuff like that on items other than the belt sander and sometimes have gotten pretty surprising results; old companies rely on their reputations for repeat business. Taking time to deal with "discontinued foolishness" is a small investment to make on their part to preserve what (reasonably) could be assumed to be a long-term relationship. (i.e., Maybe you inherited it from your grandfather.)

Wow that sander is nice! The PC letter just makes it THAT much cooler. Congrats on that. I'll definitely let you guys know if I get a response from either manufacturer.

 

[Derek420]

It ***** it's not 100% Sioux you got excited and didn't check it out good enough before purchase but it happens getting new tools you really dig is like being a kid on Christmas and with dealing with buying stuff of craigslust usually it's a quick transaction usually in a parking lot or outside their home it's quick here ya go thanks. Now the IR is still a cool impact old power tools are cool that's for sure you didn't do bad I love buying mix lots of tools like a socket set made up of 2 or 3 brands most don't but I like having a mixture to check out the differences in them. I have some old B&D aluminum bodied tools any they shine up like chrome they are beautiful cleaned up. I have a newer well from 2002 a B&D 85the anniversary cordless drill with special soft case and battery it is all aluminum bodies and gorgeous with a throwback design with emblems but all modem with 2 speed traps and battery voltage level display it's only 14.4v like most tools from then but works but I've never used it and battery is still great. My step dad had one and it git stolen but seeing it made me fall in love with the design I thought having a metal drill would be way better than plastic well...... I was wrong in that aspect it's so heavy and not enough power for me I have since upgraded to 18v makita set in white and a 14.4v Hilti set which is my best set yet they, are a set of beasts even stronger than the makita.

 

[codydoss82]

It ***** it's not 100% Sioux you got excited and didn't check it out good enough before purchase but it happens getting new tools you really dig is like being a kid on Christmas and with dealing with buying stuff of craigslust usually it's a quick transaction usually in a parking lot or outside their home it's quick here ya go thanks. Now the IR is still a cool impact old power tools are cool that's for sure you didn't do bad I love buying mix lots of tools like a socket set made up of 2 or 3 brands most don't but I like having a mixture to check out the differences in them. I have some old B&D aluminum bodied tools any they shine up like chrome they are beautiful cleaned up. I have a newer well from 2002 a B&D 85the anniversary cordless drill with special soft case and battery it is all aluminum bodies and gorgeous with a throwback design with emblems but all modem with 2 speed traps and battery voltage level display it's only 14.4v like most tools from then but works but I've never used it and battery is still great. My step dad had one and it git stolen but seeing it made me fall in love with the design I thought having a metal drill would be way better than plastic well...... I was wrong in that aspect it's so heavy and not enough power for me I have since upgraded to 18v makita set in white and a 14.4v Hilti set which is my best set yet they, are a set of beasts even stronger than the makita.

Yes, the transaction was so fast. I flipped the lid, saw the red cap on back of the impact and the leather cover, then asked about the sockets and he got all pissy and we parted ways.

We use Hilti at work a lot. Their powder actuated line is fantastic. Their electric power tools are every bit as great. I don't know if any of the guys ever had a real big issue with the batteries or tools themselves. (Wish I could say the same for my Dewalt 20v batteries).