Bought 3 buckets of tools, starting the sorting.

[socaljohn]

I found a local guy who was selling his elderly fathers tools. Dad worked on lawn mowers and the son has no interest in these dirty really old tools. I am sorting through literally hundreds to see if I have anything of value. These are the tools that I have identified so far that I think may have some value or desirability. I have been cleaning with soapy water and wondering what else I should do to get off surface rust and grime of some of these. The Plomb 3045 has a patina that I think I should just leave on. Looking for advice for a total novice. My desire is to have a set of USA or well made tools, not a fan on the made in China ****. Here is a partial list of what I have sorted through.
Plomb 3045
Fuller Made in Japan KTC wrenches
Blackhawk sockets made in usa
Autocraft sockets made in usa
Stanley wrenches made in Taiwan Chrome Vanadium
KC tools wrench
Renault Wrench
PM Poplular Mechanics wrenches

 

[jd_1138]

Be careful, some of it might contain cadmium or lead which can be bad to your health if you grind on them. Sounds like a great haul. White vinegar can be used to soak them in.

 

[BLUE72CAMARO]

Evaporust works pretty well given time for it to work at removing rust.

 

[Gmonkee]

None of that seems all that old to me.

Paid for and in your hands may be more important than USA made for now.
The Blackhawk and Stanley can be good users. Very good if in a DIY situation.

Mix and match the best of the socket set stuff to a good usable set and put it to work. Use what feels right to you. Bling up later if something just *****.

Above all take your sweet time and enjoy the thrill of discovery. You might find unlikely gems to play with the next few decades.

 

[socaljohn]

Thanks for the tips, been soaking batches in white vinegar, too many for all at once. I also found a N.A.S.A. Combination wrench, I saw NASA mentioned, but not this one. It is a combination pat no. 2500835

 

[woody 73]

Very interesting John W. Lang out of Racine, Wi. Feb. 17th 1947.

http://datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=2500835&typeCode=0


Some more reading for you tonight:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=343907&highlight=nasa

 

[socaljohn]

Some more pics of what was in the buckets.

 

[bonneyman]

Sad but it's more and more common for yougin's to not be interested in their dads "old" tools. that just means more for those of us who do!

I agree - take your time and enjoy the sorting. You're bound to find a gem or two in a lot that big. What you can use, keep. What you don't want try and assemble sets and get into the hands of someone who will use them. Young or old-er.