Private Lugnutz
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Just one of the many reasons Ma Bell was often compared to the military.
Bell system
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southalabama
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Everyone who worked with dad at AT&T were ex military, including him.
Old Radar
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Cue the military version.
Change 27 to a 9 year old manual.
We didn't always get new pages--lots of times we just had write-in changes that were then consolidated when a printed change came in.
Pubs check during an evaluation could fail you before you even got in the air...
Change 27 to a 9 year old manual.
We didn't always get new pages--lots of times we just had write-in changes that were then consolidated when a printed change came in.
Pubs check during an evaluation could fail you before you even got in the air...
jeffmoss26
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I joke that the BSPs told you which hand to hold the screwdriver in!
Miss the Pontiacs
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@jeffmoss26 It may have said something to the effect and mentioned your dominant hand.I joke that the BSPs told you which hand to hold the screwdriver in!
Sorry guys for the previous entry. This is more of a business like thread and I digressed.
So for my penance I located an old Bell Canada binder. They were tossing it and I decided to rescue an empty binder. I made a copy of an Apple printer document that I also rescued along with other old Apple equipment. My old Apple stuff was given to our local University where they supposedly were setting up a computer museum. Don’t know if the museum ever came to fruition.
if some one would like the documentation you can have it. But the binder stays with me.
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southalabama
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I’ve probably told this story before and not going thru 20 pages to see,
Dad told the story they were always encouraged to submit ideas for job improvement and efficiency. A particular job required two tools, descriptions of which are lost to history, so an employee cut the two tools and joined them together making a double ended tool. No need to pick up one and put it down before grabbing another. The employee submitted his tool up the chain of command. He received a bill for destroying both tools. Later the company produced that very double ended tool however they no longer submitted ideas up the chain of command.
Dad told the story they were always encouraged to submit ideas for job improvement and efficiency. A particular job required two tools, descriptions of which are lost to history, so an employee cut the two tools and joined them together making a double ended tool. No need to pick up one and put it down before grabbing another. The employee submitted his tool up the chain of command. He received a bill for destroying both tools. Later the company produced that very double ended tool however they no longer submitted ideas up the chain of command.
Want the ultimate Bell System item?
bringatrailer.com
I sent this to my dad as a joke and he told me stories of his first van when he started with NY Telephone in 1970... A 1964 Ford Econoline... Three on the tree and a total POS. Said he remembers hitting the brakes in lovely Manhattan traffic and the whole back of the van lifting up due to all the weight being in the front of those things.
No Reserve: Ex–Bell System 1972 Ford Econoline E300 SuperVan 3-Speed Project
Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: Ex–Bell System 1972 Ford Econoline E300 SuperVan 3-Speed Project at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #137,543.
bringatrailer.com
I sent this to my dad as a joke and he told me stories of his first van when he started with NY Telephone in 1970... A 1964 Ford Econoline... Three on the tree and a total POS. Said he remembers hitting the brakes in lovely Manhattan traffic and the whole back of the van lifting up due to all the weight being in the front of those things.
Outlawmws
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I liked the PG&E 60-66 Econoline "pickups" better, While probably more comfortable and had options for AC, those follow on vans were not easy to work on and deal with.
Miss the Pontiacs
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We had a few older Fords, even older Dodges newer ones were GMs. I remember having about 3 rolls of drop wire and anything else heavy enough at the back for traction in the snow. .After a blizzard I was doing an install. Had to hit a pretty big drift and got stuck pretty damn good. Since I was pretty well at the installation decided to get on with the install instead of digging out the truck. Radioed in for a tow truck and came out just in time to see the tow truck pulling and the passenger door opening and slicicing into the drift. Since it was being pulled backwards but caught the tow truck drivers attention. Just in time as much more the door wouldn't have closed very well anymore.Want the ultimate Bell System item?
No Reserve: Ex–Bell System 1972 Ford Econoline E300 SuperVan 3-Speed Project
Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: Ex–Bell System 1972 Ford Econoline E300 SuperVan 3-Speed Project at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #137,543.
I sent this to my dad as a joke and he told me stories of his first van when he started with NY Telephone in 1970... A 1964 Ford Econoline... Three on the tree and a total POS. Said he remembers hitting the brakes in lovely Manhattan traffic and the whole drop back of the van lifting up due to all the weight being in the front of those things.
southalabama
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In the 80’s dad occasionally drove a four wheel drive AT&T van.
Miss the Pontiacs
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We had 4WD 3/4 ton trucks and AWD Safari /Astro vans when I retired. Along with standard sized rear wheel drive vans in urban centres. They were just trying out those Dodge / Mercedes Sprint type vehicles when I retired. By the time you added the ladder rack you probably should have been well over 6’ tall to operate. 
Those didn’t exactly catch on, wonder why? Remembering seeing many vehicles with the step attachment instead of a hitch ball.
Those didn’t exactly catch on, wonder why? Remembering seeing many vehicles with the step attachment instead of a hitch ball.Miss the Pontiacs
Well-known member
I probably walk by this cabinet in the basement storage room at least once a day.
Bought it surplus from work many years ago. If I remember correctly it was for line cards that every circuit had with current phone number records in the old key sort days. Now I use it to pile up my junk that just can’t make it to the garbage or recycler.
Bought it surplus from work many years ago. If I remember correctly it was for line cards that every circuit had with current phone number records in the old key sort days. Now I use it to pile up my junk that just can’t make it to the garbage or recycler.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Found these dykes today at a yard sale. I can't make out the full name only "NDSTROM" and Sweden. Also, NY Tel. Co. I sent a pic to my dad to see if he recognizes them. Without looking he said they were probably before his time because he used Klein tools.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Almost assuredly Lindstrom. They were in Eskilstuna with E.A. Berg. Very high quality.
Only if it comes with a bed in back with monogramed sheets and pillows!Want the ultimate Bell System item?
No Reserve: Ex–Bell System 1972 Ford Econoline E300 SuperVan 3-Speed Project
Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: Ex–Bell System 1972 Ford Econoline E300 SuperVan 3-Speed Project at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #137,543.
I sent this to my dad as a joke and he told me stories of his first van when he started with NY Telephone in 1970... A 1964 Ford Econoline... Three on the tree and a total POS. Said he remembers hitting the brakes in lovely Manhattan traffic and the whole back of the van lifting up due to all the weight being in the front of those things.
Miss the Pontiacs
Well-known member
I'd have bought that. Might have to change up the plaque.Spotted at a Sale yesterday, but wasn't paying 40 for it. Guy worked for Illinois Bell for 40 years. No Bell Systems tools found at the sale either!
That's 1973-7, MECHANICS' SIDE CUTTING SLIP-JOINT PLIERS
Outlawmws
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Yep, model No. and Length (7")
rustyzman
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Estate sale find today. Pens and a package of refills. The retractable one has the Bell System Property nearly completely worn off. Very nice action to the clicker though.
genog
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Found a cool pair of Klein dykes that are ex-Bell System
Miss the Pontiacs
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I bought this Graybar Phone System on an online auction. I’d never seen any Graybar phones much less something like this interphone. I haven’t opened it up yet but plan on finding a spot for it on a wall in the future.southalabama
Well-known member
As we clean dads shop and I find a Bell property marked item I pull them and add to the collectionEstate sale find today. Pens and a package of refills. The retractable one has the Bell System Property nearly completely worn off. Very nice action to the clicker though.
Cooter Brown
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I took some time and photographed a few things some might find of interest. These were tools my father and grandfather had from their time at Western Electric and the Bell System. I've got a few things so I'll do this in multiple posts
The first is an interesting device creatively called a "Listening Stick". The telephone exchange was largely an electro-mechanical affair and this device was used to listen to switches and relays. The ear was pressed against the round part, the end of the stick pressed against the device being assessed. It's much like holding a screwdriver handle against your ear with the blade on a starter solenoid or some such. It works beautifully.
Six inch rule for scale.
The sounding board or diaphragm is very thin and appears to be mahogany. The stick itself might be as well.
The end of the stick seems to be something like phenolic--the hot needle test indicates that it's artificial at any rate.
I found this somewhere:
The first is an interesting device creatively called a "Listening Stick". The telephone exchange was largely an electro-mechanical affair and this device was used to listen to switches and relays. The ear was pressed against the round part, the end of the stick pressed against the device being assessed. It's much like holding a screwdriver handle against your ear with the blade on a starter solenoid or some such. It works beautifully.
Six inch rule for scale.
The sounding board or diaphragm is very thin and appears to be mahogany. The stick itself might be as well.
The end of the stick seems to be something like phenolic--the hot needle test indicates that it's artificial at any rate.
I found this somewhere:
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Cooter Brown
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Most of us with an interest in Bell System tools have seen these boxes. Bell called this the "D Wrench Kit".
Below is a picture of a partial kit. Shown is a 3/8" ratchet, a 3/8" drive 3/16" hex driver, and three 9/16" 3/8" drive sockets. The ratchet is a Herbrand, two of the sockets are Challenger, one is a Snap-on, the hex driver is Proto. I'm pretty sure all these came out of a D Kit, though I've seen very little Snap-on Bell System stuff. None of this is marked Bell System. I might have a couple more of the pieces around, or they might have gone to one of Dad's grandkids when I put together tool kits for them.
The brands of the tools in the kit surely varied--the original ratchet could have been Proto, Herbrand, Cornwell--I've seen all these associated with Bell and Western Electric. My father had a Cornwell ratchet he loved which I gave to his grandson that might have come out of this kit.
I have a PDF from Bell showing this kit and giving a description. I can't figure out how to attach a PDF here but I'd be happy to send it to any who are interested. I can't figure out a good way to post it here as my printer is dead and a screen shot would be near unreadable. It's a cool document, which shows the contents.
Here's the list of items called for:
Reversible 3/8" ratchet
3/8" socket
7/16" socket
1/2" socket
9/16" socket
3 1/2" extension
3/16" hex
9/16" combination wrench
The following language describes use of the kit:
"The 3/8-inch socket is used to facilitate tightening B and C Sealing Clamps having hex-head bolts. The 7/16- and 9/16-inch sockets and the 9/16-inch combination wrench are used to tighten bolts in splice closures. The hexagonal screwdriver is for use in assembling 8-, 9-, and 10-type splice enclosures. The 1/2-inch socket is used to tighten the V-band clamps on 460- and 470- type apparatus cases."
Below is a picture of a partial kit. Shown is a 3/8" ratchet, a 3/8" drive 3/16" hex driver, and three 9/16" 3/8" drive sockets. The ratchet is a Herbrand, two of the sockets are Challenger, one is a Snap-on, the hex driver is Proto. I'm pretty sure all these came out of a D Kit, though I've seen very little Snap-on Bell System stuff. None of this is marked Bell System. I might have a couple more of the pieces around, or they might have gone to one of Dad's grandkids when I put together tool kits for them.
The brands of the tools in the kit surely varied--the original ratchet could have been Proto, Herbrand, Cornwell--I've seen all these associated with Bell and Western Electric. My father had a Cornwell ratchet he loved which I gave to his grandson that might have come out of this kit.
I have a PDF from Bell showing this kit and giving a description. I can't figure out how to attach a PDF here but I'd be happy to send it to any who are interested. I can't figure out a good way to post it here as my printer is dead and a screen shot would be near unreadable. It's a cool document, which shows the contents.
Here's the list of items called for:
Reversible 3/8" ratchet
3/8" socket
7/16" socket
1/2" socket
9/16" socket
3 1/2" extension
3/16" hex
9/16" combination wrench
The following language describes use of the kit:
"The 3/8-inch socket is used to facilitate tightening B and C Sealing Clamps having hex-head bolts. The 7/16- and 9/16-inch sockets and the 9/16-inch combination wrench are used to tighten bolts in splice closures. The hexagonal screwdriver is for use in assembling 8-, 9-, and 10-type splice enclosures. The 1/2-inch socket is used to tighten the V-band clamps on 460- and 470- type apparatus cases."
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Cooter Brown
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Here's a Williams Superwrench, 1 1/16" x 31/32". I suspect it was a specialty tool for Western Electric. As you can see if you look closely in the second pic, it's got an "R" number electro-penciled on it. Western Electric tools were not stamped like Bell System, but many were marked with a property/tool number prefixed with an "R". If you see this on an old tool of high quality, in all likelihood it's a Western Electric tool.
The 1 1/16" side of this wrench fits the arbor nut on my Powermatic 66 tablesaw very well and I use it for blade changes.
The 1 1/16" side of this wrench fits the arbor nut on my Powermatic 66 tablesaw very well and I use it for blade changes.
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RTM
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Up thread there is a telecom archive link I posted. They might be very interested in having a copy, if yours is not a duplicate.
Cooter Brown
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The most common brands for Bell System pliers and wire cutters, at least in the era with which I'm familiar which is up to the early 80s, were Klein and Utica. These small dikes are the only Bell System stamped Channellocks I have:
This is a nifty little first aid kit:
This is a nifty little first aid kit:
southalabama
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Adam Savage is a fan of Bell System tools
Cooter Brown
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This is another example of a Western Electric tool with an electro-penciled tool/property number. It's another one of the few examples of a Snap-on tool I've seen from either Western or Bell.
I had a pre-war Snap-on 3/8" drive 6" extension with an "R" number on it, but I lost it. Misplaced while using might be a better way of putting it. Most all of the tools I've pictured have been users for three generations. Some have gone to a fourth.
I had a pre-war Snap-on 3/8" drive 6" extension with an "R" number on it, but I lost it. Misplaced while using might be a better way of putting it. Most all of the tools I've pictured have been users for three generations. Some have gone to a fourth.
Private Lugnutz
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Thanks, sa!
I don't watch YouTube channels, as a routine, so I had no idea who Adam Savage or TESTED was, but I watched that one, and it's well done. Frankly, he and his content seem exactly like the kind of thing a few of us I can think of around here would probably do if some of us were so inclined to do YouTube videos. I don't mind saying he's a man after my own heart in the sense of his motto as a collector and "conservator", which he states rather poetically as, "Not to seal an object in amber, but prevent further decay."
His "nostalgia," as he calls it, for analog phones and the tools that maintained the entire Bell System, represented for him in the custom lineman's bucket, is a well-known and constantly demonstrated feeling on this thread. Somebody more knowledgeable about YouTube (hint! hint!) should probably reach out to him and let him know about us, if only to relieve him of his perceived loneliness, because he's obviously mistaken when he says, about 3:26 in, that "Noone as far as I can tell is collecting Bell System stuff."
I also thought it was funny when he said, at 6:20 in, "I'm not sure I possess a complete Allen set here in the shop" in response to his amazement about the Hex-E-Case set the former lineman affixed to his custom lineman's bucket, and I'm thinking the Curator of the Lugzsonian should send him one of ours!
Old Radar
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Savage was one half of the MythBusters duo, along with Jamie Hyneman, that aired on the Discovery Channel from 2003-2016.
I'm sure that 99-44/100% of the GJ members loved that show.
Cooter Brown
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I put my little brain to work and took a screen shot of the AT&T document regarding the D Wrench Kit. Also attached is a photo from a Fakebook Marketplace listing of what appear to be NOS tools, including Crescent pliers and cutters and what he calls "Proto D Wrench Kit(s)", all in the box. The kits do appear to consist of Proto tools--the ratchet sure looks Proto. There is no Bell System stamp on the boxes.
It gives a good idea what one of these kits would have looked like as they appear to be complete. What looks like a short socket in the bottom kit is the hex driver.
He's selling the pliers, two D Kits, and some drills; it appears he wants to sell it all together. It's some nice American made NOS stuff, but I need it like another hole in my head. The listing is in Marietta, GA. This is not my listing.
Here are the two pages of the document:
It gives a good idea what one of these kits would have looked like as they appear to be complete. What looks like a short socket in the bottom kit is the hex driver.
He's selling the pliers, two D Kits, and some drills; it appears he wants to sell it all together. It's some nice American made NOS stuff, but I need it like another hole in my head. The listing is in Marietta, GA. This is not my listing.
Here are the two pages of the document:
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ Those are definitely 5249 Proto ratchets. The knurled 3-inch extension certainly matches Proto. I can't see enough detail on the sockets to make a call.
The BELL "D" boxes I have are both embossed on the top "BELL SYSTEM D". I have another BELL D box that is stamped "THORSEN TOOL CO".
One of the BELL sets came with NOS Thorsen tools: 77JC ratchet, 51C extension, and the various sockets and hex bit listed on your document there.
The BELL "D" boxes I have are both embossed on the top "BELL SYSTEM D". I have another BELL D box that is stamped "THORSEN TOOL CO".
One of the BELL sets came with NOS Thorsen tools: 77JC ratchet, 51C extension, and the various sockets and hex bit listed on your document there.
Attachments
Cooter Brown
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Yep--the first nice tools I bought for myself was a Proto socket set and it came with that ratchet--and a bigger red box. It would have been sometime in the 80s. That little ratchet's been a workhorse.
Cooter Brown
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This ohmmeter appears to be unused. The leather case is almost without scuffs and scratches, and the chassis of the meter itself is pristine. The leads are still supple and without cracks. The crimped on terminals appear to be newer than the meter itself. There's no manufacturer labeling, stamping, etc. Maybe it was made by Western Electric?
The meter is 3 1/2"W, 5 1/2"H, 2 1/2"D. The case is a good bit bigger since it also contains the leads which are around 48" and terminated with alligator type clips.
Inside the case:
The leads stow in the leather case behind the meter. They are a bit dusty from sitting on a shelf for several decades:
Meter in case:
The terminal crimps might be more modern than the meter:
The innards are pristine. The battery is an odd size, the connections for it are similar to what would go on a 9v. The battery holder has initials in the lower left corner, likely from an inspector:
The case is pretty heavy duty. Strap attachment:
The meter is 3 1/2"W, 5 1/2"H, 2 1/2"D. The case is a good bit bigger since it also contains the leads which are around 48" and terminated with alligator type clips.
Inside the case:
The leads stow in the leather case behind the meter. They are a bit dusty from sitting on a shelf for several decades:
Meter in case:
The terminal crimps might be more modern than the meter:
The innards are pristine. The battery is an odd size, the connections for it are similar to what would go on a 9v. The battery holder has initials in the lower left corner, likely from an inspector:
The case is pretty heavy duty. Strap attachment: