Search results

I was digging through some old knurled sockets, and I’m mystified by these two unbranded 1/2” drive sockets. They are marked: 25/32 T-25 13/16 T-26 They came to me with a clearly marked Milwaukee Tool and Forge socket, and have similar knurling, but that’s where the similarity ends. Any idea...

This socket looks like Duro Indestro, but I’ve never seen one with simple dots on either side of the size. Duro Indestro usually has stars or trapezoids. I’ve got six 1/2”-drive sockets with similar markings. Can you help me? Thanks so much!

These pliers (?) came my way last week. They appear to be some sort of specialty forming tool. No cutters. A single hole for a wire or pin. Curved jaws for forming something. Unmarked. Any ideas about their purpose? Thanks so much for your wisdom! Bob Johannes

I had a great week, and picked up 20+ pounds of interesting tools. These two have me mystified. This is the largest lineman’s pliers I have ever seen, 10.5 inches long. But no mark that I can recognize. Do these pliers look familiar to any of you? And this level tube. It’s obvious New...

I happened on these rusty pliers headed to the scrap bin. They were too strange to let go. They cleaned up a bit, but I can’t find a maker’s mark or any mark at all. Tried photo search, and found nothing. Any ideas? I know that there are unusual shoemakers’ pliers. Any idea? I know that...

This is obviously my week for mystery tools, and I can’t resist a mystery. This is a Reed & Prince 719, which I cannot find anywhere online. It appears to be some sort of a nut driver. Does anyone know its purpose? Thanks so much!

I hate to burden you all, but I know you love a mystery tool like I do, and I have 2 of them. One is some sort of a scope, marked, “TACRO INC. Made in Germany,” and “40X.” Measures about 5” long and 1/2” diameter. Seems adjustable, but I can’t seem to focus it. And then a pair of mystery...

Just came across what appears to be an unmarked 5 inch side cutter with 4 sets of teeth. Does anyone have any idea what this is for? Who made it? Google and Ebay photo search turn up nothing. I always love a mystery tool. Can you help? Many thanks!

I hate to lean on you all with every mystery, but I love your knowledge. Came up with this combination wrench with a mark I can’t identify. Google and Ebay search failed me. It’s a beautiful logo of pouring steel. Who’s the maker? Thank you so much!

Ok, you all have never let me down, and I hope you’re not getting tired of my questions. Found what looks like a punch/nail set, marked, “BF Goodrich Silvertown.” I’m assuming it’s some type of tire tool. Or if it’s a punch/nail set, why the large head? Thanks for solving another mystery for me!

Picked up this awl/punch yesterday. It is unmarked save for these 3 arrows. Is this a tool company mark? Is it a hand-made tool? I’m mystified, and I always appreciate your opinions/expertise!

Found this hammer last week, and can find almost no information about Calumet Tools. Only info is from someone on Ebay who has one for sale for $125 because it is so rare. Doesn’t seem to be selling, so I wonder about the information. Any help would be appreciated. It’s going on Ebay...

Picked up these pliers yesterday. Marked “J. Caspers” “Lancaster, Wisc.” Very heavy and measuring 12 inches long. Does anyone know this manufacturer? And what are they for? Farriers’ pliers? Plumbing? I always appreciate your expertise! Thank you.

Picked up this planishing hammer yesterday. Can’t find the mark online. Is it an obscure, foreign mark? Any help is so much appreciated! Thank you.

Came across this hammer last week. It’s obviously a masons’ hammer, with no hammer, but with 2 bits set at 90 degrees. The head is large 10x1x1 and weighing over 2lbs. Is it for dressing stone/brick? It has 2 marks, one on the head that’s vaguely the shape of a wheel, and a Milwaukee mark on...

Just sorting some knurled sockets in my accumulation, and these had me stumped. All 1/2” drive. The set of 5, are they Duro/Indestro or someone else? And the single, with the worn mark, does that look familiar to any of you? Thanks so much for your help!

I'm new to Garage Journal, but I've been loving vintage tools for years. It all started with my cousin who collects vintage Hudson cars and trucks. I was helping him empty a huge garage full of Hudson parts, tools, etc, and I've been hooked ever since. In my retirement I volunteer at Habitat...

Never seen a socket like this before: 1/2” drive, 11/16 male, 4-point on top. What’s it for? Who made it? I went down the rabbit hole and had to buy it just because I was so mystified. Any info would make me happy! Thanks much.

I love collecting, buying, selling vintage tools. Four.cycle reached out to me with great advice on an Ebay post—thank you! Pictured is an automatic, adjustable wrench. Still works smoothly, ingenious! But who made it? The only mark is “J.R.G.M” Maybe everything else is rusted off, but I...