British Tool Manufacturers

[Durango]

I read that Ambrose Shardlows made cranks for the Spitfire during the war, and had the biggest machine shop in the world, at the time.

Paramo Tools, Chapeltown made woodworking tools, their planes were similar quality to Record and they made castings for their vises. Worked there for a short while.

Worked at James Neils for a time too, in the magnet shop where there was a row of small grinders facing up small magnets by hand and on piece -work. They nearly all had bandaged fingers!

Once saw a rep from Sanderson- Kayser open his demo case which had their brass-backed tenon saw and a panel saw, superb quality.

My father worked as a scissor assembler all his life from 1925.

I think I have a James Neil plane-blade holder for sharpening the blades.

 

[Dave455]

Eclipse were originally (and still are) a hacksaw blade manufacturer. I think the logic was that if they were making blades they might as well make frames too. Magnets and magnetic tools were another speciality. Their magnetic chucks are common in British machine shops. They ended up making all manner of sharpening accessories and small tools too.

Both Eclipse and Moore and Wright ended up being part of the James Neill group. Moore and Wright used to make a lot of tools that didn’t really fit into their range of inspection equipment. Things like screwdrivers, punches, tap wrenches etc. Most of these continued to be produced, but were sold under the “Eclipse” name.

I have identical tap wrenches, some bearing the Moore and Wright name, some Eclipse. Generally, quality became poorer over the years, and the huge range of tools once offered has been drastically reduced, although the quality of some lines (magnetic tools) remains high. This accounts for some of the variations noted.

The older Eclipse tools are good value used. Saw frames, for example, are very solidly made. Older ones even have nickel plated handles, and nothing as good can be found today. Some Eclipse patterns, such as their No.55 and 56 sheet saws, are not made at all today, yet I find mine invaluable and use them every week.

I believe that there are a range of tools being sold in the U.S. branded “Eclipse”. None if the tools seem to be “Eclipse” patterns and I don’t think the company has anything to do with Eclipse in the U.K.

Some British Eclipse tools below

 

[Dave455]

I read that Ambrose Shardlows made cranks for the Spitfire during the war, and had the biggest machine shop in the world, at the time.

Although Shardlow tend to be thought of as a micrometer maker, I believe you are correct.

They continued to make crankshafts well after the war. I believe they made the crankshafts for many of the big post war engines - including things such as the big English Electric diesels.

Considering that Class 37 Railway Locomotives were originally built in the late 1950’s, and are still in service, still with the original engines, I think we have to assume that Shardlow’s work was first class!

A British “Class 37” shown below - annoying the Greta’s for over six decades…!

 

[Durango]

I find it all interesting, especially with working in it and living all my life in the middle of it!

 

[DAustin]

Didn't BSA make tools also ?

 

[Dave455]

Didn't BSA make tools also ?

I don’t know about hand tools. While I have seen tools marked “BSA” I believe they were all made by other makers and supplied as manufacturers tool kits.

BSA did make both machine tools and small cutting tools.

Both businesses were separated (don’t know the full history) but are still in business. BSA tools are machine tool makers and supply Herbert lathe spares too. Needed a new capstan mount for a Herbert 4 some years back and I think it was BSA Tools who supplied it next day.

BSA Regal are the cutting tools business. Don’t know the full range, but their “Robert Charles” countersinks are the best I’ve used. They make a lot of aerospace tooling.

 

[four.cycle]

1963 Eclipse catalog
Eclipse / (England) / James Neill & Co. Ltd., Napier St., Sheffield / acquired by Spear & Jackson /

any idea what year Eclipse was acquired by Spear & Jackson ?

 

[four.cycle]

any clues on this one?

1938 Toga Tool catalog front cover

 

[Durango]

Heres my Eclipse angle block, an Enox drill-bit stand and 2 Rabone Chesterman rules.

 

[drtyler]

Speaking of British tools, does any company make 3/16W flare wrench?

 

[four.cycle]

1937-1939 Enox / Wo-Tan tool catalog

still don't have a location

 

[Dave455]

Speaking of British tools, does any company make 3/16W flare wrench?

I can’t think of any company that currently offers these, which is slightly odd, because, while regular Whitworth fasteners are becoming obsolescent, BSP (British Standard Pipe - which use Whitworth hex sizes) are probably the most common worldwide.

I suppose the majority of plumbers use adjustables (or now, a Knipex Pliers Wrench) and don’t even know what the sizes actually are.

Personally, I use Whitworth Flare Nut Wrenches more than Metric, and I can’t remember the last time I used SAE. Thankfully, used ones seem to be abundant. My local used tool dealer generally has them, although prices are creeping up.

My favourites are the classic Britool, or the old Blue Point single end. The Blue Points have some age, and I only seem to use a few (plumbing) sizes, but they excel in confined spaces. The Britool are awesome. Probably one of the heftiest tools they made. In a few sizes I have both Britool and Snap On, and the Snap On (love ‘em as I do, great compact tool for automotive use) feel like midget wrenches compared to the Britool.

Many other makes can be found, but I prefer these two over all others!

 

[drtyler]

I can’t think of any company that currently offers these, which is slightly odd, because, while regular Whitworth fasteners are becoming obsolescent, BSP (British Standard Pipe - which use Whitworth hex sizes) are probably the most common worldwide.

I suppose the majority of plumbers use adjustables (or now, a Knipex Pliers Wrench) and don’t even know what the sizes actually are.

Personally, I use Whitworth Flare Nut Wrenches more than Metric, and I can’t remember the last time I used SAE. Thankfully, used ones seem to be abundant. My local used tool dealer generally has them, although prices are creeping up.

My favourites are the classic Britool, or the old Blue Point single end. The Blue Points have some age, and I only seem to use a few (plumbing) sizes, but they excel in confined spaces. The Britool are awesome. Probably one of the heftiest tools they made. In a few sizes I have both Britool and Snap On, and the Snap On (love ‘em as I do, great compact tool for automotive use) feel like midget wrenches compared to the Britool.

Many other makes can be found, but I prefer these two over all others!

Thanks for the info!

The steel line for the clutch hydraulics on my 71 MGB has flare nuts which are larger than 7/16" and smaller than both 1/2" and 12mm. I looked up the Whitworth possibilities, and it seems that 3/16W is likely the size. One is located such that only a short flare wrench or crowsfoot will fit.

Unfortunately, sourcing said 3/16W wrench here in US is problematic. The replacement lines have 7/16" SAE fittings on the hex, so I may just end up replacing the metal line.

 

[DAustin]

Thanks for the info!

The steel line for the clutch hydraulics on my 71 MGB has flare nuts which are larger than 7/16" and smaller than both 1/2" and 12mm. I looked up the Whitworth possibilities, and it seems that 3/16W is likely the size. One is located such that only a short flare wrench or crowsfoot will fit.

Unfortunately, sourcing said 3/16W wrench here in US is problematic. The replacement lines have 7/16" SAE fittings on the hex, so I may just end up replacing the metal line.

Samstag Sales carries that size wrench but not a flare nut wrench. Also Moss Motors sells Whitworth tools they might be able to help you find a flare net wrench .

 

[Dave455]

Thanks for the info!

The steel line for the clutch hydraulics on my 71 MGB has flare nuts which are larger than 7/16" and smaller than both 1/2" and 12mm. I looked up the Whitworth possibilities, and it seems that 3/16W is likely the size. One is located such that only a short flare wrench or crowsfoot will fit.

Unfortunately, sourcing said 3/16W wrench here in US is problematic. The replacement lines have 7/16" SAE fittings on the hex, so I may just end up replacing the metal line.

I think you are right, and I think I have used the same.

The theory is that post ‘58 cars should be all Unified threads, but… I‘m not convinced there is such a thing as a Unified pipe thread. (Everything I see is generally BSP or American NPT, or some variation thereof).

So, your vehicle will be all unified, except for the small threads which are BA (the U.K, never adopted the Unified numbered series) and the pipe threads (which will be BSP)!

I seem to recall some other weirdness on BMC vehicles of the time, such as pipes of the same diameter having different size pipe unions so they couldn’t get swapped!

The tool you probably need is a Britool 4301 shown below, but I appreciate it’s not much good to you here, assuming you are in the U.S.

You could try a Whitworth open ender - just having the better fit might help. The size you need is 3/16 W / 1/4 BS (using the old terminology, which most wrench makers still do) or just a 1/4 BS in post war language (which Snap On, quite correctly, call it)!

 

[Durango]

I once slotted a standard combiation spanner which did the job, but of course it depends on the wall thickness and rigidity of the neck.

 

[DAustin]

Do yourself a favorer and change it over to SAE.

 

[mr.lemons]

I've noticed that a lot of 'stanley' type blades from various brands sold in the UK are made in England, including some from Stanley. Some are marked Sheffield. Anyone know who the manufacturer is? Assuming one manufacture is making blades for multiple brands.

Happened to spot some British made Halford's spanners on Ebay.

A Set of Metric Gordon Made Halfords Ring Spanners 10-19mm | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for A Set of Metric Gordon Made Halfords Ring Spanners 10-19mm at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Dave455]

I've noticed that a lot of 'stanley' type blades from various brands sold in the UK are made in England, including some from Stanley. Some are marked Sheffield. Anyone know who the manufacturer is? Assuming one manufacture is making blades for multiple brands.

Happened to spot some British made Halford's spanners on Ebay.

A Set of Metric Gordon Made Halfords Ring Spanners 10-19mm | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for A Set of Metric Gordon Made Halfords Ring Spanners 10-19mm at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

I was having a chat with some guys from Swann Morton, the surgical instrument makers, a while back. (Decent blokes and obviously a good firm, by the way).

They told me that historically they used to make some of the blades for Stanley Tools, namely the slimknife blades. I can well believe this as the old blades are awesome quality.

They told me they lost the contract as Stanley wanted them too cheap. Not surprised. I’ve used the later ones and they are rubbish! You can still buy the Swann Morton blades though, if you take the trouble.

Not sure who makes the larger blades, but they are worth obtaining. I tend to buy up the older Stanley blades if I see them, as I don’t think all of the original patterns are available!

 

[dutchgray]

Happened to spot some British made Halford's spanners on Ebay.

A Set of Metric Gordon Made Halfords Ring Spanners 10-19mm | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for A Set of Metric Gordon Made Halfords Ring Spanners 10-19mm at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

You know they are fairly old metric when the ends are consecutive sized pairs instead of being the common standards run with the odd sizes on others.
Anyway got that set bought as I could do with a set of short metric rings for the machine shop and they are really local to me.

 

[Durango]

I was having a chat with some guys from Swann Morton, the surgical instrument makers, a while back. (Decent blokes and obviously a good firm, by the way).

They told me that historically they used to make some of the blades for Stanley Tools, namely the slimknife blades. I can well believe this as the old blades are awesome quality.

They told me they lost the contract as Stanley wanted them too cheap. Not surprised. I’ve used the later ones and they are rubbish! You can still buy the Swann Morton blades though, if you take the trouble.

Not sure who makes the larger blades, but they are worth obtaining. I tend to buy up the older Stanley blades if I see them, as I don’t think all of the original patterns are available!

It's likely to be JEWEL BLADE LTD further down the road from Swann Morton's, I pass it every other day.

UPDATE Passed this morning and I noticed a sign on side of building that says it's a subsidary of Swann Mortons, seems they bought them out in 2005.

 

[four.cycle]

can someone clarify something for me:
Was Halford a branch/division/brand of Gordon?
Or?

 

[ozaudio]

halfords is an auto parts store that sell tools that are mad by others, thy dont make any tools

Home | Halfords UK

Visit Halfords for Bikes, Sat Nav & Audio, Motoring & Car Maintenance, Touring & Camping Equipment, and lots more. Order online for Home Delivery or Click & Collect in store.

www.halfords.com

tools are from the APEX group mostly

 

[four.cycle]

I am assuming then the set posted above labeled "Gordons" was manufactured prior to Halford's beginning to outsource product from Apex, correct?
And the "Halford" thing is strictly a private-label deal, like "Craftsman" was for Sears? (Or "Mastercraft" for Canadian tire?)

 

[dutchgray]

Halford's is a big box store, known for car tat (accessories and service items), automotive tools, bicycles. They do service work and fit stuff to cars now as well. Most big towns have one.

Their tools are private label and they have a pretty good warranty which is why they are liked by many.
They would have had Gordon on the package because Gordon were very well respected and I think a rare source for a Halford's tool but I bet they aren't as nice as actual Gordon's, they sold a lot of Bedford stuff private label as well, also good tools, if a little on the industrial heavy duty side of things.

The Halford's logo on that pouch is 1980 to 87 so that set is quite old.

 

[four.cycle]

thank you.
THIS should then be correct:

Halford / private label brand manufactured for Halford by Gordon, Bedford, Apex, others /

yes?

 

[dutchgray]

Yes
I will update when that set arrives since I bought them.

 

[Dave455]

thank you.
THIS should then be correct:

Halford / private label brand manufactured for Halford by Gordon, Bedford, Apex, others /

yes?

Sort of.

Originally, I’m talking 1970’s here, Halfords sold tools, but they were not “Halfords“ branded.

They certainly sold Bedford tools in this era, together with things like Stanley screwdrivers. There was some Halfords branded stuff, but as I recall it was things like grease guns not tools. The names of the tool manufacturers were probably better known than Halfords.

I think the Halfords tools appeared maybe late 70’s / early 80’s, and I think that’s the era Mr Lemons tools date from. Note the packaging says both “Halfords”, and “Gordon”, the latter name still counting for something.

From the late 80’s / early 90’s the tools were just marked “Halfords”, and from pretty much that era were generic Taiwanese. They did stock Facom for a bit, but by the time they had added their mark up they were too costly to sell.

 

[four.cycle]

Can any of you gentlemen help me with identifying this beauty? Something about it makes me think it's probably of British origin.


CC Gear AD7865-1 wrench

Vaughan / Vaughan Bros., Wood Street, Willenhall, England / est. 1856 / wrench marked with stylized "VBW" logo / see https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/british-tool-manufacturers.197480/page-5#post-9323468 / http://www.historywebsite.co.uk/articles/Willenhall/Industry.htm / https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Vaughan_Brothers /

see Dave455's post just below for description of this item.
Thanks Dave!

BK

 

[Dave455]

Can any of you gentlemen help me with identifying this beauty? Something about it makes me think it's probably of British origin.


CC Gear AD7865-1 wrench

Yes, it has certainly seen British service. The “AM” mark with the crown stands for “Air Ministry” which was the government department responsible for the RAF from 1918 to 1964.

The tool is probably of British origin, since most were, but the Air Ministry did occasionally use imported tools, most usually from the U.S.A.

Not every tool marked ”Air Ministry” is necessarily an aircraft tool. If an air station had a vehicle, then both the vehicle and the tools to maintain it were ”Air Ministry” and so marked. In this instance however, I know it is an aircraft tool.

The style and finish of the tool suggest some age. Pre war I’m thinking. Most air ministry tools are dated, but I’ve found a good number that are not, and they are generally older tools, well pre war, which further suggests this tool has some age.

I have seen that makers mark before, also on AM tools, but don’t know the maker. A lot of the pre war makers were companies I’m less familiar with, so even more evidence it’s a pre war tool.

To me however, as a pilot from a family of pilots who have been flying since the first world war, “CC Gear” means only one thing - Constantinesco and Colley Interrupter Gear. This was a mechanism used to synchronise a machine gun that fired through a propellor.

The “CC Gear” wasn’t the first interrupter gear, but it was in use in the first world war. The same design was in use between the wars, and I think it continued till the last fighter with synchronised machine guns left the service. I’d have to scratch my head a bit to work out what that would have been, probably the Gladiator!

So, you have a spanner (wrench) from post 1918 (formation of Air Ministry) probably from the 20’s or 30’s, used on machine gun interrupter gear!

Edit - there will be a list somewhere, of all those part numbers, that will tell you exactly what the tool is for! It occurs to me that the Constantinesco and Colley mechanism is hydraulic, and includes some pipe unions. Your spanner is most likely for one of those.

 

[Dave455]

It's likely to be JEWEL BLADE LTD further down the road from Swann Morton's, I pass it every other day.

UPDATE Passed this morning and I noticed a sign on side of building that says it's a subsidary of Swann Mortons, seems they bought them out in 2005.

That’s very interesting!

A firm I hadn’t heard of, but looking at their range, I think you are right, those blades look to be what I’ve used.

They offer a huge range too, and some of the styles I’ve been hoarding are actually easily available.

 

[four.cycle]

Thank you, Dave455!
That wrench is not mine - it's currently listed on Ebay. I am just trying to determine who the maker's marks belong to as part of the list project and the logo project.
Every day I find more stuff I've never heard of before, that unit was one of several yesterday.

 

[four.cycle]

After I posted that wrench last night, I came across "Shelley", which I'd never heard of before:

Shelley / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/shelley.434827/ / https://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/2014/06/shelley-wrenches.html /

Unfortunately, I can't make heads of tails from any of those links where their factory was located. Birmingham? Aston?
Any ideas on that?

 

[Dave455]

After I posted that wrench last night, I came across "Shelley", which I'd never heard of before:

Shelley / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/shelley.434827/ / https://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/2014/06/shelley-wrenches.html /

Unfortunately, I can't make heads of tails from any of those links where their factory was located. Birmingham? Aston?
Any ideas on that?

I’m not familiar with the company, but the second link mentions a factory in Phillips St / Bracebridge St. Both are in Aston, a suburb of Birmingham. Someone more local might know the site.

 

[four.cycle]

thank you.

I am clueless about English geography.

 

[Dave455]

thank you.

I am clueless about English geography.

I’m generally better on aircraft, tools, or small arms than geography! I’m betting that your question on the “CC Gear” wrench above, will be the only one this month that involved all three…!

 

[f121]

thank you.

I am clueless about English geography.

It’s about 1/3 the way up England, on the left.

Very interesting history to that spanner

 

[humber2]

Can any of you gentlemen help me with identifying this beauty? Something about it makes me think it's probably of British origin.


CC Gear AD7865-1 wrench

The pretzel styled symbol contains the letters V B W

The maker’s name is Vaughan Brothers (from) Willenhall

 

[Ton ton]

King **** were originally the Abingdon Engineering Company.

They were a Victorian firm, and did all manner of things.

”King ****” was, I believe, the owners pet bulldog, and the name was chosen for the companies range of hand tools. They continued to make all sorts of things though, and I think were suppliers to the motor trade between the wars.

After the war, hand tools accounted for most of their production so the company name was changed to Abingdon King ****.

Nice bit of info on King ****. Thank you.

 

[humber2]

There’s plenty of info on most UK firms to be found on Graces Guide.