Help and question with old Fairmont Monkey wrench

[dclark2171]

About 25-30 years ago, I borrowed these wrenches from my Dad (now deceased). Like any good son, I never ended up returning them. One is a Fairmont, the other is not labeled. However, both still work great and I've gotten great use out of them (even with heavy pounding). I see no reason to buy new ones since I sparingly have use for such. Anyway, I would like to clean them up, lubricate, etc. What is the best method, chemicals, lubrications, etc to clean these up a bit? Also, can anyone identify the smaller wrench? The only marking says the word "Auto". I believe these type of wrenches were once commonly referred to a "auto wrenches"

 

[dclark2171]

A Facebook user said it may be a Vlchek Auto wrench

 

[d42jeep]

The wrenches you have are commonly referred to as Auto Wrenches rather than Monkey wrenches. The Fairmount wrench is probably more desirable and may have been very similar to the Auto Wrench included in every Willys WW2 Jeep. The shape of the other unmarked wrench is similar to one of my Vlchek wrenches as well as a Craftsman wrench that may have been supplied to Sears by Vlchek. Here is my Fairmound auto wrench.

Here is a Vlchek auto wrench.
And a Craftsman -v- marked lookalike.
-Don

 

[RPH]

I was always told they were known as fordson wrenches.

 

[d42jeep]

Here is an excerpt from the WW2 Navy NAF catalog. They clearly spell out the difference.
-Don

 

[dclark2171]

Here is an excerpt from the WW2 Navy NAF catalog. They clearly spell out the difference.
-Don

That's interesting.

 

[four.cycle]

@dclark2171 -
There are different methods of "cleaning" and "restoring".
Each of us has a different way of approaching the question.

Keep this link handy at all times.
Down toward the bottom of post #4 in that thread, you will find several links to various "cleaning" thread discussions.

Here is yet another "cleaning" thread in which you will find some examples I've re-worked recently (starting at post #13.)
You'd be amazed what you can do with a can of WD40 and a little brass brush.
No reason to drag out the heavy artillery to kill flies.

YMMV

 

[dclark2171]

@dclark2171 -
There are different methods of "cleaning" and "restoring".
Each of us has a different way of approaching the question.

Keep this link handy at all times.
Down toward the bottom of post #4 in that thread, you will find several links to various "cleaning" thread discussions.

Here is yet another "cleaning" thread in which you will find some examples I've re-worked recently (starting at post #13.)
You'd be amazed what you can do with a can of WD40 and a little brass brush.
No reason to drag out the heavy artillery to kill flies.

YMMV

Thanks so much

 

[DAustin]

I was always told they were known as fordson wrenches.

We always called them Ford wrenches because most of the ones we saw had Ford on them. But their real name is an Auto Wrench. They are still handy; I keep a new Crescent one in the toolbox in my car.

 

[dclark2171]

We always called them Ford wrenches because most of the ones we saw had Ford on them. But their real name is an Auto Wrench. They are still handy; I keep a new Crescent one in the toolbox in my car.

yes. I've used these thing for everything. Loosen foundation bolts, plumbing fittings, bend metals..you name it..or anything that just needs a good whack. Very handy. I was actually calling them pipe wrenches (I got corrected on FB) because, a many times I used them on pipes.

 

[d42jeep]

Some Navy NAF marked auto wrenches.

Some Ford marked ones.
-Don