Is this a spark plug socket?

[MIKEY14]

Trying to figure out what what these are. Found them mixed in with a craftsman BE socket set. Haven't been able to find any markings. Thank you.

 

[Stadger]

Looks like it to me.

 

[twertsy]

Nope, they are old sockets for a female ratchet. The small end fits into the hole in the ratchet. Most likely 5/8 but they made all sizes (practically) in the early 1900s.

 

[r_olson_06]

Yes it is a press steel socket. Mossberg was a very common manufacturer of these.

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Looks like a 1930-40's era spark plug wrench to me. They came in all kinds of sizes. Edit: Here's one in a NOS Dodge Weapons Carrier toolkit. This one had a 13/16 hex opening.

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[Richard Cranium]

I agree with twertsy

 

[Gmonkee]

It was both. Even after stamped tin sockets were bettered by forged sockets they still made some sizes as spark plug sockets for low bid tool kits.

Most they didn't bother to brand mark.

Loving that Dodge tool kit. Patina makes it perfect.

 

[ttpete]

It was both. Even after stamped tin sockets were bettered by forged sockets they still made some sizes as spark plug sockets for low bid tool kits.

Most they didn't bother to brand mark.

Loving that Dodge tool kit. Patina makes it perfect.

That patina is Cosmoline rust preventing grease. Wash it off, and those tools will be as new.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

That patina is Cosmoline rust preventing grease. Wash it off, and those tools will be as new.

.
The best way to remove cosmo is gasoline-soaked rags, which was SOP back in the day. In these more cautious days, a less flammable solvent.

Removal or not is actually a subject of great debate in the WWII collecting community. Purists refrain, and it can affect value, depending on personal preference. I have cleaned a few tools, and I have kept others caked in cosmo and cheesecloth, on a case by case basis, often depending on the other tools and the purpose of the display.

A NOS on-board toolkit such as the Dodge WC above (all Vlchek, btw, except for the heavy duty integral handle screwdriver, which is an IRWIN, and the spark plug wrench, which was supplied by Dodge but almost certainly contracted out), wouldn't be issued to and stowed on the vehicle in that long-term storage condition, so it would be inappropriate for a WC at a show or parade all geared up for action. Used tools would be better. It might look good displayed with a mint condition factory class truck, no unit markings, no pioneer kit, etc, as if it hadn't been shipped out yet. That would be cool.

If it was mine, I wouldn't touch it.

 

[d42jeep]

A carpenter friend made me this beautiful wooden toolbox which was too nice to actually use so it houses my mini cosmoline museum. Several are WW2 repacks.
-Don

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Very nice, Don. It has a museum-like look to it.

 

[tym]

^ They look like little tool-mummies! LOL.

 

[misterbill]

Very nice box Don. The lighter wood is cherry, yes? I can't tell what the darker stock is. Either way, nice work and let me be the first to suggest a larger version for the Barcalos!

Bill

 

[Rick B.]

A carpenter friend made me this beautiful wooden toolbox which was too nice to actually use so it houses my mini cosmoline museum. Several are WW2 repacks.
-Don

Very cool box!

 

[d42jeep]

Thanks, guys!
Bill, The Barcalo is currently taking up two toolboxes and one of them I can't lift up. It may be time to eliminate some duplicates.
-Don

 

[DuroChrome]

Very cool tool kit and interesting spark plug socket history. I didn't know any of that, I'll have to look for those from now on! On board ship WD-40 is our go to for removing cosmoline from spare parts.

 

[JohnDeere1]

I have one myself I collect old turn of the century tools they are neat I love collecting the evolutionary stuff from the dawn of automobiles.

 

[Gmonkee]

I have a late 30's CM quarter drive socket set still in cosmolene. At least most of it. I added a few missing bits to make the deluxe set.

Cool history in unused vintage stuff.