JLC tools (sockets)

[majcd213]

Hi Everyone, Ive acquired a collection of pretty battered sockets in original tin case. They are 1/2" square drive, BSW in sizes and are marked JLC in a circular logo. In addition they are stamped "Made in England". They come in what I think is the original box although all paint aand markings have been lost. There is a circular recess in the lid which Im guessing once held the circular company badge.
Does anyone know anything about this company as Im coming up dry? I'd like to know when they were trading and what tools they made- particularly socket sets. What colour were their tool cases and what eventually happened to them?
All info gratefully received.
Cheers
Mike

 

[humber2]

I have some of this stuff, the Company is V L Churchill who supplied a lot of special servicing tooling to the motor trade.

I believe these socket sets were made by Britool.

compare with images in the Britool thread.

Graces guide will give you the company history.

 

[majcd213]

I have some of this stuff, the Company is V L Churchill who supplied a lot of special servicing tooling to the motor trade.

I believe these socket sets were made by Britool.

compare with images in the Britool thread.

Graces guide will give you the company history.

Thats great... where will I find the "Graces guide"? Sounds like just what I need. Ive looked up some of the vintage tools by VL Churchill and their logo doesnt look the same. Ill try and get a good pic of the one I mean although I only have it on the sockets which are worn so its hard to shoot properly... watch this space!
Thanks
Mike

 

[humber2]

www.gracesguide.co.uk

 

[majcd213]

I have some of this stuff, the Company is V L Churchill who supplied a lot of special servicing tooling to the motor trade.

I believe these socket sets were made by Britool.

compare with images in the Britool thread.

Graces guide will give you the company history.

 

[humber2]

A Whitworth set in 1/2 drive is normally 10 sizes but Britool went from 1/8 so had 11 in a set.

The image is from a 1950 Catalog for Rootes service tools. Later editions never showed socket sets so this is a lucky find even though WW Isn’t listed.

 

[majcd213]

Thanks great picture... do you know what colour their boxes were? That seems to be the set and case Ive got- although there's a lot missing. The manufacturer seems to be JLC engineering of Bedford UK, better known for pumps and hydraulics however I can't find a catalogue of their past products- althoigh they still exist they dont make socket sets anymore.

 

[gutt3d]

Thanks great picture... do you know what colour their boxes were? That seems to be the set and case Ive got- although there's a lot missing. The manufacturer seems to be JLC engineering of Bedford UK, better known for pumps and hydraulics however I can't find a catalogue of their past products- althoigh they still exist they dont make socket sets anymore.

Hi Mike,

I'm a newbie here (I'm a bit of a VLChurchill nerd - I came here trying to establish whether Britool and VLC tools were one in the same). I happened on this thread only because I wondered whether "JLC" might have indeed been "VLC". If it helps any, the logo on your picture is 100% a VLC - VL Churchill. My interest in Churchill tools is through my passion for 80s cars: Churchill made factory tooling for most (possibly all!) British cars from the 50s right through to the 90s and beyond - the range of tools that most interest me are those with am "18G" part number (typically this is for British Leyland, BMC, Austin Rover, Rover Group, MG Rover, etc. vehicles) though Churchill also made tools for Rootes Group, Nuffield, Morris, MOWOG, Triumph, Jaguar and a whole host of other British vehicle marques. They also made various other workshop tools (not just for automotive).

There were numerous logos over the years, and I struggled to find something definitive for you - but I hope this may be of use:

 

[majcd213]

Hi Mike,

I'm a newbie here (I'm a bit of a VLChurchill nerd - I came here trying to establish whether Britool and VLC tools were one in the same). I happened on this thread only because I wondered whether "JLC" might have indeed been "VLC". If it helps any, the logo on your picture is 100% a VLC - VL Churchill. My interest in Churchill tools is through my passion for 80s cars: Churchill made factory tooling for most (possibly all!) British cars from the 50s right through to the 90s and beyond - the range of tools that most interest me are those with am "18G" part number (typically this is for British Leyland, BMC, Austin Rover, Rover Group, MG Rover, etc. vehicles) though Churchill also made tools for Rootes Group, Nuffield, Morris, MOWOG, Triumph, Jaguar and a whole host of other British vehicle marques. They also made various other workshop tools (not just for automotive).

There were numerous logos over the years, and I struggled to find something definitive for you - but I hope this may be of use:

Thank for that- I agree about the logo, the logo I found is different though, and I suppose VJC must have changed later, or maybe been replaced. Im still looking for the toolbox colour so if anyone knows please pass it on. Ive bought some more bits and pieces towards a full set of these sockets but its tricky to know exactly what would have been included originally. Did VLC publish catalogues?
Thanks all
Mike

 

[RTM]

This thread might add a little info

V L Churchill & CoTools

I picked up this British Leyland Sterling tool board yesterday while cruising down the Oregon coast. All the tools are marked Churchill and have the part numbers, most matching whats on the board. Having owned a few MG's and continually tripping over my younger sons XKE project in the shop I...

www.garagejournal.com

And a catalog in ITCL

BMC Service Tool Catalogue : 1965 : V. L. Churchill & Co. Ltd. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

234 p., illus., 27.7 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

 

[bonneyman]

Wild looking logo! I like it!

 

[vlchurchill]

Thank for that- I agree about the logo, the logo I found is different though, and I suppose VJC must have changed later, or maybe been replaced. Im still looking for the toolbox colour so if anyone knows please pass it on. Ive bought some more bits and pieces towards a full set of these sockets but its tricky to know exactly what would have been included originally. Did VLC publish catalogues?
Thanks all
Mike

Yes loads of them