Bonney Tools

[rjamesohio]

Hello all -

I guess I've been a 'lurker' here rather than a mass contributor, but enjoy the site very much.

The topic that really intrigues me has been the vintage tool discussion.

So why not just go buy new Chinese tools? You've probably figured it out just by that statement: while I have SOME tools in my shop made in China, I certainly want the ones that I use frequently to look and feel right in every possible way.

For years I had a single full polish Bonney 1/2 combination in my tool chest. One day it finally occurred to me that I REALLY enjoyed using that wrench, and I've been trying to populate my personal collection with full sets of the Bonney full polish tools. It's been a fun pursuit, and both my metric and SAE combination collections now are almost 100% Bonney full-polish.

I am missing a few sizes 8,9, 10 and 17 MM on the metric side - but hopefully someday I'll locate those.

Thanks everyone , I look forward to spending a bit more time here and exploring some of the fabrication and general garage threads!

Ron James

 

[woody 73]

Ron good to see you posting instead of lurking, we need more members to keep posting the more the better.

Can you tell me of some nice tool places to look out for in your area; seeing that you are not that far away for a road trip when the weather gets warmer.

Welcome to the GJ.

 

[Mintgrun]

Hi Ron, the first 'spare' wrench I added to my box of Craftsman tools was a polished Bonney wrench. I found I always reached for that one first, if I needed a 9/16". Well, over the years I have gathered a box full of 'spares' and the craftsman wrenches have been moved to a box off to the side.

It is difficult to say exactly what makes a wrench REALLY nice to use, but some of them have just 'got it'. In my years of collecting a wrench here and there, I've found that my preference is not brand specific. I have some old Craftsman DOEs that are just as inviting as my Bonney wrenches, unlike the newer, angular, heavy ones I've set aside.

I realize that it is merely a matter of personal preference, but there is something Right about a well balanced tool and I share your appreciation for Bonney wrenches.

I will try and post a couple of pics of the few I have, later on.
Tom

 

[Richard Cranium]

Ron, good to see that you are starting to post again, I hope you continue posting. Welcome a second time.

 

[6PTsocket]

Hi Ron, the first 'spare' wrench I added to my box of Craftsman tools was a polished Bonney wrench. I found I always reached for that one first, if I needed a 9/16". Well, over the years I have gathered a box full of 'spares' and the craftsman wrenches have been moved to a box off to the side.

It is difficult to say exactly what makes a wrench REALLY nice to use, but some of them have just 'got it'. In my years of collecting a wrench here and there, I've found that my preference is not brand specific. I have some old Craftsman DOEs that are just as inviting as my Bonney wrenches, unlike the newer, angular, heavy ones I've set aside.

I realize that it is merely a matter of personal preference, but there is something Right about a well balanced tool and I share your appreciation for Bonney wrenches.

I will try and post a couple of pics of the few I have, later on.
Tom

I had a set of black, Bonney, inch, combos at work that I really liked. After they went under I saw somebody selling them off but the popular sizes were gone. It is sometimes hard to say why you will grab one wrench before another but those Bonneys were nice

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[Empty Pockets]

Welcome, Ron. I, too, have developed a fondness for the older hand tools. I have picked up a few Bonney and Plomb tools. In my part of the world, they are tough to find in the wild.

Half of the fun is in the hunt.

Welcome again to GJ. Lotsa good folks here

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[notlob]

As you may already know, Epstein's has a modest selection of NOS Bonney wrenches in stock, especially flare nut and obstruction wrenches.

Also, I may be able to fill in one or more of your missing wrenches. I'll check my hoard and let you know.

 

[bonneyman]

Glad to see another poster and Bonney fan to boot!

Check out our Bonney tools thread, and post pics of your tools.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Check out our Bonney tools thread, and post pics of your tools.

Link, just in case

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=273680

 

[rjamesohio]

As you may already know, Epstein's has a modest selection of NOS Bonney wrenches in stock, especially flare nut and obstruction wrenches.

Also, I may be able to fill in one or more of your missing wrenches. I'll check my hoard and let you know.

Not lob, thanks would really like to add the missing Bonneys and may have some others that you'd be interested as I have been buying the quality US made stuff when I see them....



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[rjamesohio]

Ron good to see you posting instead of lurking, we need more members to keep posting the more the better.



Can you tell me of some nice tool places to look out for in your area; seeing that you are not that far away for a road trip when the weather gets warmer.



Welcome to the GJ.

Woody, unfortunately it's a hit and miss thing as most people just go to HF and buy so many used specialists just don't spend the time. If I feel like killing time I'll check into flea markets or garage sales - fun but not real productive.

I created a second thread about hoping to start a group to get together to discuss fabrication and other related topics in Dayton, perhaps you could join in?


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[bonneyman]

In my experience, Bonney tools in metric are harder to find. The double box end and angle wrenches in metric are really tough to find, especially in nice condition. Not trying to depress you - there are still finds out there - just a little encouragement if you hit a dry spell for several months.

Bonney collectors have to be in it for the long haul. It took me 10 years of dedicated looking to finally find the last two DBE metrics I was needing for my set.

 

[rjamesohio]

In my experience, Bonney tools in metric are harder to find. The double box end and angle wrenches in metric are really tough to find, especially in nice condition. Not trying to depress you - there are still finds out there - just a little encouragement if you hit a dry spell for several months.



Bonney collectors have to be in it for the long haul. It took me 10 years of dedicated looking to finally find the last two DBE metrics I was needing for my set.

I keep reminding myself that I don't really NEED more tools [emoji3]


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[notlob]

Not lob, thanks would really like to add the missing Bonneys and may have some others that you'd be interested as I have been buying the quality US made stuff when I see them....



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Hi Ron -

So far I have found a 7mm Bonney full polish combo, which it appears you already have. Not done digging yet. I also have a couple large SAE combos I don't need, which, if not NOS, are as close as can be (the pics for some reason show what looks like rust, but the wrenches are virtually spotless).



Here's a pic of a full SAE set for the Bonney fans.