The vintage Blackhawk Thread

ShadowRuleZ · Aug 19, 2015

4 ton Blackhawk S13 for $20?

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/tld/5180552048.html

At least it's far enough away that I don't want to drive to get it or else I'd have another jack in my garage.

3baygarage · Aug 19, 2015

Nice set Gany. What's not to love about the knurling for finger tightening.

ganymede · Aug 19, 2015

3baygarage said:
Nice set Gany. What's not to love about the knurling for finger tightening.

Thanks.
It's really coarse, especially by today's standards but I wouldn't mind it on sockets I use.

3baygarage · Aug 26, 2015

Picked up a Blackhawk Freewheeling #9810

1/2" drive with knurled handle.

Before and after pics, the greasy handle cleaned up pretty well.

ganymede · Aug 26, 2015

^^^
Stealth ratchet.

DougB442 · Aug 27, 2015

found this locally. I'm pretty sure it's an early thirties Blackhawk S-1 Curb jack. The ad is out of a 1933 catalog

notlob · Aug 28, 2015

Cool old jack - we need more pics!

DougB442 · Aug 28, 2015

notlob said:
Cool old jack - we need more pics!

no can do...that pic is borrowed from a local C-list ad, and seller thinks its worth it's weight in gold...and I have enough floor jacks to suit my needs right now.

if anyone is interested in it, I'd be happy to forward them the link to the ad, just pm me.

I just posted the pic and info, because there hasn't been one in this thread yet... posted for the efforts of education

twertsy · Aug 28, 2015

Now these are vintage. Dug them out of a barn in PA that a gent in an antique store took me to after overhearing I was looking for tools.

CRTDI · Aug 29, 2015

DougB442 said:
found this locally. I'm pretty sure it's an early thirties Blackhawk S-1 Curb jack. The ad is out of a 1933 catalog

Doug,

Thanks for this info. Someone else was trying to I.D. this jack earlier. I was thinking that this might have been an early version of an S-3.

Now I'm wondering what an S-2 looks like.... :willy_nil

Colossus · Sep 6, 2015

Hi Doug,

I found your post while looking for info on that same little jack. I picked it up down in Fall River last week. I'd never heard of Blackhawk tools until last Sunday when I spied what turned out to be an S4 on Craigslist nearby. I whistled in to the Boston suburb and snagged a real beauty for less than a HF POS. Two days later I found your S1 "Curb".

The seller said that it was in his garage when he bought the house, which dates to the early 30's. It's a bit odd in that the handle operates between level with the floor and maybe forty degrees. Makes it hard to stash it out of the way when not in use (and also led to some corrosion of the aluminum knob on the end of the handle from 80-odd years of laying on concrete...)

The night after I bought it my #1 daughter brought her car by saying her brakes were squealing so I put the little guy to work... it lifted the car without hesitation! Also, it appears to be a two-speed pump, like the later S4. Unloaded, each pump of the handle raises the pad maybe two inches.

It's an odd looking old jack, but already kinda growing on me! Currently it's stewing in a tub of kerosene out in the garage, I'm deliberating on whether to restore it or leave it as is. Notice that it's orange in color, not the red of later Blackhawk jacks. I have no doubt that the paint is original.

Maybe now armed with the term "Curb" I'll be able to find out more about the S1, but up to this point I've only found that there is a dearth of information for what might be Blackhawk's premier hydraulic service jack.

Old and Older:

Bath Time!

Earning his keep around the garage:

DougB442 · Sep 6, 2015

That is the jack from my photo. I also saw it on the Fall River list

don long · Sep 7, 2015

I posted these pic's on my garage thread but thought it should be posted here too

I just scored another treasure for my black hawk tool collection
A NUGGIES tool kit

2020-02-05 15.49.49 by don long, on Flickr

2020-02-05 15.56.29 by don long, on Flickr

2020-02-05 15.48.49 - Copy by don long, on Flickr

2020-02-05 15.51.16 by don long, on Flickr

notlob · Sep 7, 2015

Beautiful set! Love the tools, but I can't help but think of diapers when I see the name "nuggies".

CRTDI · Sep 7, 2015

don long said:
I posted these pic's on my garage thread but thought it should be posted here too

I just scored another treasure for my black hawk tool collection
A NUGGIES tool kit

don,

Super nice Nuggies set!! :drool:

Please post some detailed pics of the ratchet. If it is what I think it is. It's not supposed to exist, at least according to the catalogs I've seen..... :beer:

don long · Sep 7, 2015

CRTDI
here is what I have
the number on the ratchet is 24991

2020-02-05 15.51.55 by don long, on Flickr

2020-02-05 15.52.00 by don long, on Flickr

what is special about this ratchet?

I had to fight to win these tools I wasn't the only one wanting them

CRTDI · Sep 7, 2015

Holy ****....it's a 1/4" "Bald Head" ratchet.. :willy_nil

I'll go out on a limb here and say that this is a very special ratchet. I've never seen one and I don't see it any any of my catalogs that stop at 1953. Is there a date code on it?

don long · Sep 8, 2015

well the small number is 1995009 with a 0 off to the side

CRTDI · Sep 8, 2015

Thanks for the extra pics. The "0" should represent a date of 1950, however the ratchet should have a broached tooth style head like jwitt's very nice example on the first page of this thread. You'll also notice that the head diameter is about the same as a dime, which I think is absolutely incredible for such and old ratchet design. Is this ratchet head about the same diameter or a bit bigger?

don long · Sep 8, 2015

Yes the ratchet head is smaller than a nickel and according to the ad brochure mine has the correct part number but the ad is from 1947

CRTDI · Sep 9, 2015

Well, I this guess this proves once again that you can't always really know for sure what was or what wasn't produced by a tool manufacturer based on old catalogs alone.

This is simply an incredible ratchet (at least for me). I've always wondered why the "Bald Head" style was available in every late 40s to 50s Blackhawk drive size except for 1/4".

Seeing yours gives me hope that others are out there. A truly big thanks for sharing... :thumbup:

safariknut · Sep 9, 2015

Posted this on another thread but someone suggested I re-post it over here so here it is. A Blackhawk tool set almost complete(missing 1/2-9/16-5/8 6 point sockets and a ratchet) with most of the original paint on the sockets.Also included is a speeder handle;a crank(?) handle and a sleeved extension;4 4 point sockets;a drag link socket;and a mystery socket(see last picture)marked T-11.Any idea what it's purpose is?
Box is in good shape(a few wrinkles along the edges straightened out easily)but the decal is gone.Price was very reasonable.

Private Lugnutz · Sep 10, 2015

safariknut said:
and a mystery socket(see last picture)marked T-11.Any idea what it's purpose is.

That's an adapter to lap a valve by hand. See the two points on either end of that cross bar piece held on with the cotter pin? Those were fitted into indentations on the head of a valve. The female drive end was fitted to an L-handle or speeder, and the valve was turned back and forth with some kind of grinding compound poured inside.

Here are some photos of a T-11 with a different style adapter to engage the head of a valve.

I think you may have missed my reply to your original thread.

I'm pretty sure that what you have there is a partial Blackhawk Quick Disconnect (Q.D.) set from the late 1920's to early 1930's at the latest.

How are the sockets marked?

The early 1930's was a big transitional period for Blackhawk. They were phasing out the Q.D. technology and phasing in the "Lock-On" technology. At that time most of their sockets were 9XXX and 8XXX series, although they were still offering limited sets with the older Q.D. "T" model handles and DXX series sockets.

If you go back to Page 4 of this thread, I posted photos of a Q.D. 32CD set I found a few years ago. There are some other photos of other similar general service sets on that page, which all came in that gangster style attache case. CRTDI posted a catalog from 1934 that includes a mix of "Lock-On" and "Q.D." based socket sets. None of them have the T-15 crank, so you may have an older (early 20's) set, but I am pretty sure your kit should have at least 32 pieces. The smaller sets (19 and 22 pieces) came in a smaller, different case, with socket trays on either side. I have some other catalog scans from that era that I will check later for you.

I restored my set, to include a reproduction decal. Here's a thread on that project if you're interested, which also includes some catalog excerpts: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2386150&postcount=1

Madc · Sep 11, 2015

Hello GJ,
In yet another example of how this forum makes you obsessively look for things you never knew you needed, I just yesterday checked another box off my Garage Bucket/Holy Grail list. Blackhawk SJ-18. I saw the craigslist ad and could hardly believe it, I have not seen one locally (NJ/NYC) in over two years of looking. So after an hour drive and way over paying, I had a working SJ-18 complete except for missing one caster. The seller- apparently surprised I was willing to drive and pay for his rusty old Jack told me of a friend nearby who had a similar one. Second one is functional but missing both casters (replaced by cheap dolly wheels) and the main body cover plate. Hoping some of the experts here can help me locate these parts. Thank you again folks, hope to document the restos.
MADC
-My apologies for the double post (in Floor jack thread)
In a perfect world I need 3 but would happily buy 4 casters like the one pictured and the missing body cover. Thank you again.

don long · Sep 11, 2015

I would suggest taking the good body plate down to a foundry and having one cast don't know about the casters.

Madc · Sep 11, 2015

Thank you for the suggestion Don, I was thinking the same or worst case having one Cnc'd. The casters are going to be tough, fingers crossed, but apparently these casters were shared by a few models.

safariknut · Sep 19, 2015

Today I acquired a Blackhawk 3/4 " drive ratchet marked 69945 with an Indestro 1 1/16th socket attached. Would like to know if there is an adaptor available from 3/4" to 1/2" drive or if they make a 13/16ths socket in 3/4 drive. I think it would make an excellent wrench for my wheel bolts as I am slowly losing strength in my arms and need all the leverage I can get. Haven't figured a good way to take a picture of it as it is quite long(20" OAL).

ganymede · Sep 19, 2015

Here's my T11 socket with a few bits and cotter pin.
I was hoping at least one would fit those stupid slotted discs that hold Williams superratchets together. They don't . :/

safariknut · Sep 19, 2015

Private Lugnutz said:
That's an adapter to lap a valve by hand. See the two points on either end of that cross bar piece held on with the cotter pin? Those were fitted into indentations on the head of a valve. The female drive end was fitted to an L-handle or speeder, and the valve was turned back and forth with some kind of grinding compound poured inside.

Here are some photos of a T-11 with a different style adapter to engage the head of a valve.

I think you may have missed my reply to your original thread.

I'm pretty sure that what you have there is a partial Blackhawk Quick Disconnect (Q.D.) set from the late 1920's to early 1930's at the latest.

How are the sockets marked?

The early 1930's was a big transitional period for Blackhawk. They were phasing out the Q.D. technology and phasing in the "Lock-On" technology. At that time most of their sockets were 9XXX and 8XXX series, although they were still offering limited sets with the older Q.D. "T" model handles and DXX series sockets.

If you go back to Page 4 of this thread, I posted photos of a Q.D. 32CD set I found a few years ago. There are some other photos of other similar general service sets on that page, which all came in that gangster style attache case. CRTDI posted a catalog from 1934 that includes a mix of "Lock-On" and "Q.D." based socket sets. None of them have the T-15 crank, so you may have an older (early 20's) set, but I am pretty sure your kit should have at least 32 pieces. The smaller sets (19 and 22 pieces) came in a smaller, different case, with socket trays on either side. I have some other catalog scans from that era that I will check later for you.

I restored my set, to include a reproduction decal. Here's a thread on that project if you're interested, which also includes some catalog excerpts: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2386150&postcount=1

Sorry not to get back to you sooner but there is a bit of drama and chaos around these parts lately. I checked out the thread you referenced and it was very informative. I will try and post a closeup of the socket markings. The T-11 tool almost looks like a face pin spanner setup with the different sizes posted although the thickness of the pieces would probably preclude putting any real pressure on them. I don't recall seeing any automotive valves that had indents in the head;the sharp edges would create really bad hot spots on the head and encourage pre-ignition.

Mr111 · Sep 23, 2015

Well after almost 5 years of searching and a short 3 hour drive each way, I finally scored the Blackhawk jack I've been searching for. It certainly has some needs, like the entire pinion gear and carrier assembly, but it actually works fine otherwise (have to reach down and release the jack by hand). It lifts and holds fine. Now onto the task of tracking down all these hard to find pieces. Madc, since I also need the cover plate so maybe we can get a volume discount recasting your cover. If anybody has any of the pinion gear parts (from the knob to the pump) they're willing to part with, even broken, I'd be interested even if just to measure and make my own. I really never even got a sniff at one of these jacks before finding this one so I'm really excited to get this and try to make it whole again.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

930dreamer · Sep 24, 2015

Here's one it's a S-? 2 ton;
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/5224872624.html

notlob · Oct 30, 2015

Picked up some nice 7/16 drive Blackhawk pieces today at an estate sale (Nuggies?) Heading for the ultrasonic cleaner.

twertsy · Oct 30, 2015

Damn you! Sweet haul of nuggets! If you'd be so kind, I'd love to get / use some good pics of those!

r_olson_06 · Oct 30, 2015

notlob said:
Picked up some nice 7/16 drive Blackhawk pieces today at an estate sale (Nuggies?) Heading for the ultrasonic cleaner.

How much did it set you back for will I just get sick to my stomach [emoji6]

Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk

CRTDI · Oct 30, 2015

notlob said:
Picked up some nice 7/16 drive Blackhawk pieces today at an estate sale (Nuggies?) Heading for the ultrasonic cleaner.

Nice snag... :thumbup:

Did they come with any version of a Nugget box for storing them?

notlob · Oct 31, 2015

CRTDI said:
Did they come with any version of a Nugget box for storing them?

No nugget box with these. I did, however, buy them in the box they were stored in - an apparently rare pre-WW2 ammo box for BAR magazines. :bigun2:

Following a good clean and lube, and likely even some polishing

deathmeta), they will be stored in (and occasionally used from) my New Britain era Blackhawk roll cab.

:3gears:

popparoach · Oct 31, 2015

don long · Nov 1, 2015

twertsy said:
Damn you! Sweet haul of nuggets! If you'd be so kind, I'd love to get / use some good pics of those!

twertsy;

If you are looking for a good pic. of those tools look at post 242 on pg 13

twertsy · Nov 1, 2015

don long said:
twertsy;

If you are looking for a good pic. of those tools look at post 242 on pg 13

Simply awesome set Don. If you ever get tired of looking at them, please contact me.

Now, I recently found a very cool item while researching Blackhawk that may interest you folks. Here's the link to a 1926 Blackhawk Catalog that I recently had photocopied for me by it's holder, the Henry Ford Museum. Enjoy!

3baygarage · Nov 1, 2015

Popparoach what's the story on the box?

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