Bonney wrenches

[bareass172]

Many years ago, before I started turning wrenches, I used to pickup military surplus stuff pretty regularly. Often in that stuff I got tools, and as stupid as it might sound I didn't pay them much mind at the time. I knew they were good, but back then I didn't know a lot of the USA brands like I've gotten familiar with since I spend more time on this forum. I had most of these tools tucked away in my toolbox and I rarely accessed them unless a need arose.

So recently I've been going back and digging through and finding I have some really nice tools that I just never realized. I've discovered that my daily use 12" adjustable is a Proto, I have a nearly untouched set of 1/2" deep, full broach, 12 point Wright sockets complete with metal box, a whole mess of old military SK stuff badged "JS", some misc Thorsen sockets, and recently when reorganizing my wrench drawer I realized that I have a complete set of Bonney wrenches in their original tool roll.

So this brings me to my reason for posting - what is a set like these Bonney's worth? I have no interest in selling, but now that I'm realizing what I have tucked away in my toolbox I must admit I'm curious.

What's crazy to me now is realizing that this stuff sat unused in my box while I reached over them to grab lesser names.

Edit: No sooner did I post then Ebay gave me my answer:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bonney-USA-...320?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cdf833378

 

[wrenchr]

The v notch combo wrenches from Bonney are more sought after.

 

[3baygarage]

I see you aren't trying to sell them but there was a guy looking for a 12 point flare nut set within the last couple of weeks.

I know what you mean about forgetting what tools you have sometimes.

 

[rallenc]

Anyone ever seen a 13/16" in the Bonney Flare Nut Combination wrench as was shown by the OP?

 

[dlcwent]

Nice set bare...I wish I owned 'em.

 

[Pumpman1968]

Have any pics of the military S-K sockets? I've been collecting S-K for a couple of years and I don't think I've come across any with that marking.

 

[NathanB]

A nos set of those just sold for ~$50 on eBay last week

 

[lauver]

Bareass,

The Bonney set you have are some of the best flare/box end combo wrenches ever made (ca. 1964-1967). These exact same wrenches were also sold under the Utica and Kelsey-Hayes brands. In addition, these wrenches featured the patented "loc-rite" broach on both ends. You probably can't find a better combo wrench.

That said, I have found quite a few of these wrenches in the $2-$5 range at my local flea market. Also have seen these wrenches in the $5-$6 range on the local CL. There is also a local tool dealer in my area that only sells higher grade tools; he prices the Bonney/Utica/Kelsey-Hayes flare combo wrenches at $6-$10 per wrench, depending on size.

Hope this helps answer your question.

 

[lakota]

The v notch combo wrenches from Bonney are more sought after.

Got a 3/8, 7/16 and 1/2 this year at an estate sale for $1 apiece and their great and I seem to be using them often.

 

[bonneyman]

Anyone ever seen a 13/16" in the Bonney Flare Nut Combination wrench as was shown by the OP?

Nope. For some reason, Bonney didn't offer their flare/box combo wrench in 13/16". Maybe you're seeing the 15/16"?
It depends on the price. Sometimes the intact sets go for big bucks. I've been assembling my set piece by piece when the price is right. 3/8 thru 3/4 has cost me $25. As I find the last 4 biggest sizes for the right price I'll snag them.

 

[3baygarage]

Pumpman, there's a JS (S-K) ratchet here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82495&showall=1

 

[bareass172]

Thanks so much for the info. I found some auctions on Ebay so I guess I figured out the value right after I posted, but I appreciate the background. I snapped some pics of the JS stuff for Pumpman, I actually have a few loose sockets I'll probably put for sale here soon once I figure what I need and don't. Sadly I don't have a full set. I guess I should be happy that I have the long and short breakers and 3 different extensions that are all JS. I wonder if any of the info mentioned by Lauver about all the different companies has any ties because I also have a lot of stuff that looks identical to the JS sockets but they say "KAL" instead.

One more question - the last pic is another piece I must have gotten with that military stuff, but it's labeled "ProAmerica". I have a 3/8" breaker and a long extension, maybe a couple other things. Never heard of or seen these before - any ideas?

 

[dlcwent]

Bare.. just did a search talked about here on GJ 9/11/2009 by Blacknwhitepit and others.

 

[bareass172]

Thanks for that, I did some searching and found this:

http://proamericatools.com/aboutus.sc

They seem kinda mickey mouse from their website. I know mine came from government surplus, so this kinda has the feel of a friend/family member of a senator or something getting a big government contract with no real experience. Just my $.02, but I can't complain the 2 tools I have from them work. But then, how hard is it to screw up an extension and a short 3/8 breaker bar?