Ford Wrench Redone

[NateHiggins]

I bought this wrench for $5 and tried my best cleaning it, but since I couldn't take it apart due to the pin being peened in place, it wasn't quite good enough. It ran all kinds of rough and required two hands to use. So I drilled out the peening, really cleaned what I couldn't previously reach, and ran it through a tumbler to make it nice and smooth. Then I drilled and tapped a 5/16 - 18 hole for a set screw to keep the pin captive. Now it runs like a dream, and I can take it back apart with a hex key.
I wanted to do the set screw in brass, but didn't have any 5/16 brass bar stock kicking around. Maybe next time.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Nice work. Ready for another 100 years of service! A brass set screw would really pop.

 

[Farmer J.]

Now, that looks nice and must be a pleasure to handle. The 'Ford' script logo always looks interesting and draws the eye, however many of them there are.

 

[leg17]

Brass would not hold up to the allen wrench as well as steel.
You could black oxide the set screw.
There is a cold process that is suitable for small pieces.
Think 'gun bluing'.

Great job!

 

[NateHiggins]

Oh I mean if I was gonna do a brass screw I'd make it myself and do a flathead slot. I don't really posess the skill to cut a hex shape into anything. As long as I don't overtighten it wouldn't be too much of a problem

 

[Ralf11]

What is the history of Ford wrenches?

 

[Lassen Forge]

Made by a couple different companies back from before the the early teens (Moore was one of Ford's suppliers for these - yours is a later Moore, the telltale is the "M" casting mark on the upper jaw) for Ford, specifically the Model T, as part of the supplied tool kit. Then in 1926 (when they FINALLY put an inspection and fill plug in the differential) they added that little square plug on the end (before that they were round). You got one per car, and could also get them from the parts counter... because they were such an awesome tool (and had a huge adjustable jaw) they became popular with a lot of people.

I have one (on the wall of my shop) which is both a Ford Script AND has the full Moore tool co stamping on it (making it an early survivor) - we found it when we were looking at our former house before we bought the place. Lived there for almost 2 decades, so it's a good omen.

What else? They came in bare steel, were slammed out by the literal millions over the years, and are usually prety worn out - especially the jaw faces, which had no special treatment whatsoever, or are tweaked from putting a cheater on the end. If you find a good one (they're still out there by the millions, BTW) it's a keeper.

 

[38Chevy454]

I have one of those myself. Have it hanging on the wall with a couple other Ford script wrenches, all Model T era. Just fun to have for nostalgia, my father had a 1917 Model T touring car.

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