The knurled handle is for leverage. The cross-drilled holes are for a bar, if needed. (And they were often needed to help free the drill when stuck, a frequent occurrence.) The pointed pin is called a center. It was inserted into a tapered opening in a sort of gallows shaped bracket that would hang over the work to help keep the ratchet-drill steady and square when turning. Similar to an early drill stand with the advent of drill stands for portable electric drills. The bracket, at first home-made and later made and sold commercially, came to be known as an "old man." Because only old men using ratchet-drills needed them, ostensibly. Seriously.
Agreed. Mine are simply knurled. See posts #57 and #61. And by the way, see post #57 for the patent diagram.
I found this wrench last week while relic hunting, buried about a foot down. I finally have it cleaned up enough to see Keystone imprinted on it. Still a lot of rust to remove, but what markings will help identify it? Thank you so much!Here are numbers 76-84, there is no #83. Missing the 74 and there's another ******* numbered supposedly.
DSCF2461 by wvwheaties, on Flickr
Very cool! I have finally it gotten clean enough to read “10 inch Keystone Drop Forged Steel”. Looks to be kinda rare.My 3 keystone adjustable, a 74, 76 and 78
These are great! I’m having a hard time finding anything on a 10” straight wrench made by KeystoneMy 3 keystone adjustable, a 74, 76 and 78
DSCF3894 (2) by wvwheaties, on Flickr
DSCF3895 (2) by wvwheaties, on Flickr
DSCF4226 (2) by wvwheaties, on FlickrKeep at it, you're making impressive progress. A mission similar to my T Williams Superslim collection!
I'd absolutely be interested in helping you get yourself out of it, starting with that H.D. SMITH, if you want to put my name on it for future trade considerations. I have an 8-incher.
Never heard of a Keystone 73. Any pics or catalog reference ?
Don just posted a pic. That's what I was replying to. He was very casual about it, cracking a joke about it not being a Barcalo (he is a Barcalo fan), and perhaps just being coy, but he may not realize how rare they are. He did not identify it as a No. 73, but unless I'm mistaken, it appears to be a No. 73. I was not aware of them either until @3baygarage posted pics of one earlier in the thread. See posts #52, 53, and 54 on page 2. That one (not his) is reportedly solid gold! Don's looks steel, but it might be worth its weight in gold!
Oswego Tool Co.
DSCF0716 by wvwheaties, on Flickr
DSCF0717 by wvwheaties, on FlickrIf talking of an adjustable wrench, somewhere on GJ there was a suggestion to whack the wrench, away from where the pin would come out, on the edge of a board. Sudden stop at the end is more effective than whacking w a hammer. On mine the pin slid part way out, pulled it out w pliers. Make sure you can see where the pin might go if you whack it too hard.
Hi Everyone: I came across this today. It looks to be complete. To make it ratchet the opposite way you need to pull the knob at the back and then turn it.
I also have the brother/sister to the one I just got yesterday. The ratcheting knob is on side. It’s a small lever instead of out the end of the shaft like the newer one. Here are some pictures. The patent date is in the handle which makes me think this one is slightly older. Take Care, Ayrhead
Someone was serious about completing that wrench setLooks like someone made out pretty good selling this wrench
Vintage 4" Westcott Keystone, Buffalo NY Curved Adjustable Wrench - No.74 - Rare | eBay
Wrench works & opens / closes easily & smoothly. Cast into the handle is "4 IN MO 74".www.ebay.com
