c. 1980 U.S. Army GMTK Outlines

[Private Lugnutz]

I picked up this U.S. Army General Mechanic’s Toolkit (GMTK) Contents Layout last week.

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It’s hard to tell in the light and faded now with age, but it’s NATO green in color. These were made of some kind of waterproofed fabric. If you’ve never seen one before, the silhouettes are actual size. It measures ~40” x 44”. These were folded up and kept with the GMTK and used for inventories and inspections. You’d literally lay the tools out on each outline to make sure (and demonstrate) that you had them all.

I have another one that I got from GJ member HeelSpur dated May 1980 from my Army regular duty era.

View media item 80921
After doing a detailed one-for-one comparison between the two, the number, types, and sizes of every tool is exactly the same on both layouts. So the faded NATO green one is exactly the same GMTK from the same era. Late 1970’s to early 1980’s. The layout is different, but the tools are all the same. Eighty-eight (88) of them on each sheet.

I don’t collect that vintage, but it might be fun at some point in time to try. Ironically, I have put five WWII-era GMTK’s together in about seven years, and this one would definitely be much more challenging for me. I’d be starting from scratch as a collector in this 1980 era.

For now they’re just neat wall hangers.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Close-ups of the faded green layout.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Close-ups of the white one...

 

[jd_1138]

That's cool as heck. A guy on ebay has some of the GMTK's for sale for $400. It's mostly Proto, Klein, Blue Point, CM USA, etc..

I guess vendors put these together for the military from all the brands. I guess the larger tool co's like Craftsman, Stanley or SO had their own GMTK kits for sale consisting of mostly their own products.

 

[2mJps]

Very cool i have always wondered if the guys useing these kits wished for more tools and what it would have been. Also if they did have extra tools what would be said.

 

[DadsTools]

Close-ups of the faded green layout.

You never cease to amaze me with this stuff, Lugz. For awhile, you inspired me to start learning about these WWII service tools. But I'll admit I gave up shortly into it. It is so highly specialized that unless your really into these as you are, the time one must rob from other pursuits to devote to this is too much for me. I'm sure I pass by this stuff all the time. Probably have some on hand but wouldn't know them from a goose. Don't get me wrong--I'm neither envious or critical, just awed.

BTW, I find that I do miss Rat Fink. Just sayin'

 

[jd_1138]

Very cool i have always wondered if the guys useing these kits wished for more tools and what it would have been. Also if they did have extra tools what would be said.

I believe the GMTK was just a basic assortment of core tools for a wide variety of trades in the military. There were add-on sets and kits for more specialty fields.

 

[3baygarage]

Nice acquisitions. Neat how they were used to check off all the pieces. I sure wouldn’t want to be that guy who showed up missing something.

That crowfoot wrench outline looks like the wrench I asked about a while back:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374272

 

[jd_1138]

Nice acquisitions. Neat how they were used to check off all the pieces. I sure wouldn’t want to be that guy who showed up missing something.

That crowfoot wrench outline looks like the wrench I asked about a while back:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374272

They'd take the $24 out of your $120/week wage as an E-2. Or toss ya in the stockade.

"What are you in for?"

"Um, a 3/4 deep Blue Point socket and a 1/2 Craftsman combination wrench."

 

[3baygarage]

They'd take the $24 out of your $120/week wage as an E-2. Or toss ya in the stockade.

"What are you in for?"

"Um, a 3/4 deep Blue Point socket and a 1/2 Craftsman combination wrench."

 

[MadMechMaster]

As a 63B in 90-93, the kits weren't much different by then.

The toolbox inspections were pretty informal at my post, but did result in somebody saying "hey that's mine!" every few minutes.

 

[shanny19]

Attached are the contents list from a 1993 GMTK that I purchased sealed and unopened about 4 years ago. I took no pics of the unboxing, sorry haha.

Manufacturer notes: (all USA)

Files: Nicholson
Pliers and Adjustable Wrenches: Crescent
Punches and Chisels: Mayhew
Screwdrivers: Wright, red plastic handles w black rubber cushion
1/2 Sockets: SK
Socket Drive Tools: Mix of SK and JS SK clones w/ SK part numbers
(Note: I don't wanna argue the JS /SK thing with anybody....been down that path )
Box: Stack On red metal hip roof
Wrenches: SK
Ball Pein: Woodings Verona, the late great

 

[southalabama]

Cool post and piece of the american military

 

[James-W]

The mechanics get issued these tool boxes but the unit would also have a tool room with what is called the No. 1 Common which is a whole bunch of tools and equipment. If you need a specialty tool, the tool room should have it. You just go there, sign for it, and when finished using it you clean it and return it.

 

[Farmer J.]

Fascinating thread, thanks for posting this Lugz. For civilians like me it gives an insight into the wonderful organisation and systems of the military.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

That's cool as heck. A guy on ebay has some of the GMTK's for sale for $400. It's mostly Proto, Klein, Blue Point, CM USA, etc.. I guess vendors put these together for the military from all the brands. I guess the larger tool co's like Craftsman, Stanley or SO had their own GMTK kits for sale consisting of mostly their own products.

You’ll see them pop up on eBay from time to time. Also at pawn shops outside of military bases. Some of them may have been legally decommissioned or surplussed, others not so much.

When I was writing a guide on collecting the WWII GMTK (first established by the Quartermaster Corps in 1938, actually, as a Motor Vehicle Mechanics Tool-Set, changed to the name General Mechanics Tool-Set by the Ordnance Dept in 1942, from which the term "GMTK" was later derived), I did some research on the modern portable Pelican case versions. This could now be outdated but there were two kits, a Kipper/SK/Crescent and a Danaher/Allen/Armstrong at that time. My guess is the Army wanted to avoid a contract protest and controversy and just awarded two contracts. These newer sets incorporated this layout inventory/inspection system into the drawers, which had shaped-molded cavities for each tool.

..you inspired me to start learning about these WWII service tools. But I'll admit I gave up shortly into it. It is so highly specialized that unless your really into these as you are, the time one must rob from other pursuits to devote to this is too much for me.

No truer words have ever been spoken! Just ask the commander-in-chief-of-my-house!

I believe the GMTK was just a basic assortment of core tools for a wide variety of trades in the military. There were add-on sets and kits for more specialty fields.

No. The GMTK was only for 63’s (MOS 63A, 63M, etc). Automotive mechanics in Career Management Field 63. It was a basic common set, issued to every mechanic. Other types of mechanics had their own tool sets. Special sets were issued to specialists and there were sets of special or large equipment that were issued at the unit level, kept in the depot, which every mechanic could sign out. As James W discusses in his reply here \/

The mechanics get issued these tool boxes but the unit would also have a tool room with what is called the No. 1 Common which is a whole bunch of tools and equipment. If you need a specialty tool, the tool room should have it. You just go there, sign for it, and when finished using it you clean it and return it.

Same thing during WWII through Vietnam, and there was also a No. 2 set at every echelon, and a whole bunch of other sets.

As a 63B in 90-93, the kits weren't much different by then.

That’s true. They jumped up to 136 items in the 2000’s or thereabouts.

Attached are the contents list from a 1993 GMTK that I purchased sealed and unopened about 4 years ago. I took no pics of the unboxing, sorry haha.

Thanks. Potentially very helpful, shanny.

Ball Pein: Woodings Verona, the late great

One of my all-time favorite mfgrs’ logos.

Fascinating thread, thanks for posting this Lugz. For civilians like me it gives an insight into the wonderful organisation and systems of the military.

Thanks. It has its drawbacks, too, and its foibles, as you can well imagine!

I did a thread on one of my WWII era GMTK's a few years ago. It can be found here.

 

[Ryan]

Wow. That is really, really cool. That would be neat blown up really big and used as a sort of wall paper in a shop...

 

[Private Lugnutz]

That would be neat blown up really big and used as a sort of wall paper in a shop...

I can see that. Even outside the military context, no nomenclature, just the tools. Black on white. Repeating pattern wrapped all around. Checkered flag floor.

 

[d42jeep]

I am choosing to ignore this thread. You’ve been a bad influence on me too many times!
-Don

 

[Private Lugnutz]

HAHAHAHAHA!

I'd say we could have a race, but (a) we'd have to do a ton of research to identify the verifiably correct brands, models, and markings for that timeframe first, and (b) you'd probably kick my *** with late 70's and early 80's stuff you probably already have laying around your garage!

 

[Roberts210]

I was an army Sgt. in 1970-71. I can tell you the reason those were used was because of the propensity of Uncle Sam's tools to walk off the job. If the NCO in charge could see every stinkin' tool on it's designated place he had a little more confidence that the jeep/APC/ambulance, etc. would not be left high and dry because the starter wrench, etc. was gone.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Oh, no doubt. All inventories and inspections were to reduce or prevent pilferage and loss. The outlines were a clever way of making the process more efficient and paint-by-numbers mistake-proof. The new GMTK's have molded shapes in the drawers for every tool for the same reason, the contractors and Army promoting the idea as enabling quicker inspections.

 

[misterbill]

I'm trying to think of the best way to throw some more gasoline on this fire...

You know you want to. There's got to be a lot more photographic evidence available. I mean, Kipper and Armstrong have GLOSSY COLOR photos of the current "GMTK" versions on their web sites.

Bill

 

[Private Lugnutz]

HAHA. Ironically, Bill, we know much more about the original (WWII) version and the current version than the 'tweeners. (Although shanny's list is an interesting start.)

EDIT: But, you know me. It's not like I haven't thought about it a little. For example, look at the speeder on the green sheet. It has an interesting profile. An unusual speed grip on the swing, first of all, and a rather smallish knob. I have to believe those are telling features. I don't know the brand. But I bet it's distinctive enough to identify it.

 

[misterbill]

So what do you think it looks like? ::

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I was hoping someone with a fondness and expertise for '80's tools would recognize it, Bill.

 

[M_George]

I remember the motor Sargent having one like that on the wall in the motor pool.
Brings back old memory's.

 

[alton1911]

I have always enjoyed Military Surplus items from around the world due to its workmanship and quality. I have had many shelters and packs and boxes. I am amazed at how detailed the tool kit layouts are. With those layouts anyone could become “regulation”.

 

[ttpete]

Nice acquisitions. Neat how they were used to check off all the pieces. I sure wouldn’t want to be that guy who showed up missing something.

That crowfoot wrench outline looks like the wrench I asked about a while back:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374272

The gasoline vehicles that were fording-capable had aircraft style shielded plugs and distributors that were waterproof. That wrench was needed to remove the plug lead connections.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Yup. I have two of them with Federal Stock Numbers. But they're too old for this tool layout. One from the 40's and one from the 50's.

 

[gpw_42]

[Lugz] inspired me to start learning about these WWII service tools. But I'll admit I gave up shortly into it. It is so highly specialized that unless your really into these as you are, the time one must rob from other pursuits to devote to this is too much for me. I'm sure I pass by this stuff all the time.

DadsTools, it CAN be done! Being retired helps, and being patient is even more important. Talk to one of the WW2 guys to get one of their partial GMTKs, so you don't have to learn it all at once. Then hang your acquisitions on that "skeleton" as you go, and it'll take a year to have a decent GMTK. Takes a lot of time, but it's fun. Maybe it'll take 2-3 years if you have job and family.

..i have always wondered if the guys using these kits wished for more tools and what it would have been. Also if they did have extra tools what would be said.

2mJps, I asked a buddy who is a retired Army mechanic about extras in his box, besides his GI tools. His response was: "extra nuts bolts cotter pins, electrical tape if that's period relevant, hose clamps, fuses maybe, I had extra light bulbs for my flashlight...Oh and I kept a strip of emery cloth for cleaning up points and spark plugs"

Lugz, these layouts are awesome, thanks for sharing. I'd love to have a WW2 equivalent, if there ever was such a thing. The comments in this thread have been interesting, too...and every time we discuss the topic, I'm amazed how few substantive changes there've been since 1942.

Steve

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I'd love to have a WW2 equivalent, if there ever was such a thing.

I don't think there was. I have found no evidence of the materials or practice, and period photos of tool layouts and inspections don't show anything like that in use. Just tarps. I do believe that the photographic-based figures of tool layouts in the Technical Manuals produced by the Ordnance Dept's Raritan Arsenal Publications Division (RAPD) were an inspiration.

...every time we discuss the topic, I'm amazed how few substantive changes there've been since 1942.

Technically, since 1938. And yes, it is amazing. It's a testament to the lasting design and utility of basic automotive hand tools first conceived and made in the middle of the last century. The differences amount to a multi-meter, a test light, spring tension clips, and combination and flare nut wrench sets, and of course the virtually unbreakable, four-drawer, injection-molded plastic Pelican case on wheels.

 

[notlob]

Hey Lugz & Don -

If you post up pics of harder to find tools for the military tool kits, I'd be happy to be on the lookout for them. Maybe start a vintage military tools thread?

Cheers!

Snotlob

 

[d42jeep]

That's a great idea because we sure do know which are the hardest ones to find.
Tin Medic, GPW_42, mrbill and username are also very well informed on the WW2 tools.
-Don
Edit
Most GMTK tools are shown on the Tool Archives. Here is a link to a tool that is one of the most difficult to find.
http://www.toolarchives.com/41-S-1400

 

[DadsTools]

Hey Lugz & Don -

If you post up pics of harder to find tools for the military tool kits, I'd be happy to be on the lookout for them. Maybe start a vintage military tools thread?

Cheers!

Snotlob

I like this.

 

[DadsTools]

That's a great idea because we sure do know which are the hardest ones to find.
Tin Medic, GPW_42, mrbill and username are also very well informed on the WW2 tools.
-Don
Edit
Most GMTK tools are shown on the Tool Archives. Here is a link to a tool that is one of the most difficult to find.
http://www.toolarchives.com/41-S-1400

Darned! I think I've seen the Goodall-Pratt before! I normally pass these offset screwdrivers up as generally not worth very much/not much in demand.

 

[Htscheg]

Very cool i have always wondered if the guys useing these kits wished for more tools and what it would have been. Also if they did have extra tools what would be said.

The answer is yes, those of us that used them daily wished for alot more tools. This is a barely adequate tool kis! I spent 24 years in the Army as a mechanic (including time as an instructor and equipment evaluator at APG). It was always viewed as barely adequate!

 

[555]

When I was a 1SG, I walked the Motor Pool every evening after duty hours. I'd generally find 10-12 tools left where someone was working on a piece of equipment. My command conducted inventories every quarter and our Group Log Officer loved to write a statement of charges for missing items. A week before the formal inventory I would have my own inspection/inventory. I'd trade my "found" tools for a few hours of extra duty, sometimes I'd get an entire Saturday out of someone.

 

[d42jeep]

Darned! I think I've seen the Goodall-Pratt before! I normally pass these offset screwdrivers up as generally not worth very much/not much in demand.

There are a couple of specifications that make the search particularly difficult. The 8-1/2” length is all important, the 3/8” width of the blades and the shaft has to be hexagonal. They are NOT common.
-Don

 

[Private Lugnutz]

It's 3/8-inch octagonal steel.