emr454's vintage tools thread

[emr454]

So I figured I would start a thread to post any updates on cool vintage tools I find. This will give me a place to post updates as needed without starting a new thread every time I find something cool. Anywho, here are my first two entries:

First is the Yankee 31A screwdriver I bought today off Craigslist. It's missing the spring but seems to work ok otherwise. I'll probably get the hex bit adapter from Lee Valley at some point to make it useful. $12.

Next is the Proto wrench that came with my Snap-on KR-537/557 stack. 1218 B stamped on the handle. Had some surface rust on it but a wire brush removed the loose stuff and revealed a nice patina that only age can provide. Free with the toolboxes.

 

[Milton Shaw]

They actually made a Yankee screwdriver without the spring. They were used by cabinet makers where the spring back of the bit could cause the bit to dig in next to the screw when you removed the driver. I have one that did not come with a spring but don't use it much any more. The original cordless screwdriver is the Yankee.

 

[emr454]

They actually made a Yankee screwdriver without the spring. They were used by cabinet makers where the spring back of the bit could cause the bit to dig in next to the screw when you removed the driver. I have one that did not come with a spring but don't use it much any more. The original cordless screwdriver is the Yankee.

Thanks for the info! I took the Yankee apart and cleaned and lubed it. After a half dozen attempts to reassemble the darned thing she slides freely!

 

[emr454]

So I'm finally getting around to going through the tools that came in my Snap-On boxes. Being idle for years, some of them developed a healthy coating of surface rust, so with wire brush and steel wool, I made out to find out what exactly I had. Here are the US made sockets that are most likely "vintage":

Craftsman 11/16 =v= socket

L-R: Fleet, Herbrand, Billings?, New Britain, Husky, P&C

L-R: Westline, Thorsen, Proto, Stanley

More to come as I clean up/organize my ****!

 

[emr454]

Mystery wrench #1:

9/16 and 5/8 double open end. Barely legible "made in USA" on this side, and "drop forged" on the other. The only other mark is an "8" with a dot/dash underneath.

Proto 9/16 combination wrench:

Powr Kraft 13/16 and 25/32 double open end wrench. "Forged USA" on the reverse side

Mystery wrench #2:

15/16 and 1" double open end wrench. Can't make out any other markings.

Truecraft 12mm combination wrench: