Herbrand C550 - what is it?

[markbugno]

Assuming this is an automotive specialty tool... can anyone tell me what it is and if it was designed for specific vehicles? When the knob is twisted it turns the internal drag link.

Mark

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[four.cycle]

It's a 1/4" square drive flexible driver handle.
Originally came with an assortment of (usually four) "bits" that attached to the drive end: 1/8" hex (for GM Delco distributors), slotted special socket (for adjusting carburetor idle screws), and other bits that varied depending upon the manufacturer.

Here's another thread where the member was asking the same question you are right now:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157861

Here's the catalog image for a 2820 Indestro kit which would have been the equivalent:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5932865#post5932865

twertsy might have a Herbrand catalog uploaded to his site (ToolArchives.com) that you can download that might have it in the catalog. My 1966 Herbrand catalog does not show that particular item.

Handy gizmo in its day. Probably not a lot of applications for it in the current era.

 

[Cope]

I have one with Blue Point markings. Not a lot of use for it any more.

 

[Billy Jack]

I have one with Blue Point markings. Not a lot of use for it any more.

I do too, as well as one with a rigid curved housing. In the 60's and 70's, it was invaluable. You could balance the carb on most cars with the air cleaner still in place, which saved plugging multiple vacuum ports. They're mostly just taking up space in the box now, but come out occasionally to balance carbs on multi-cylinder motorcycles, in most cases without removing the gas tank .

Bill

 

[Cope]

I do too, as well as one with a rigid curved housing. In the 60's and 70's, it was invaluable. You could balance the carb on most cars with the air cleaner still in place, which saved plugging multiple vacuum ports. They're mostly just taking up space in the box now, but come out occasionally to balance carbs on multi-cylinder motorcycles, in most cases without removing the gas tank .

Bill

I had the chrome plated rigid shaft labelled Snap-on. Sold it on eBay a couple of years ago because I couldn't remember when I used it.