Klein Lineman's pliers

[augustus]

I got this Klein Lineman's pliers at a garage sale for $2. The pictures are after a quick bath in the electrolysis tank, I cleaned them a bit and decided they should be dunked in the tank a little longer. It appears that they were never used, just left to rust a bit somewhere. I'm going to clean these up for either my son, 8 years old, or my daughter, 6 years old, to add to their toolboxes. Were these always completely bare metal? Were they painted? Shined up? Regardless I'd like to hear some opinions on how to finish this tool up. I don't see any evidence that these were ever painted. Also, any ideas on when this tool was made?

Thanks!

 

[Davefr]

I got this Klein Lineman's pliers at a garage sale for $2. The pictures are after a quick bath in the electrolysis tank, I cleaned them a bit and decided they should be dunked in the tank a little longer. It appears that they were never used, just left to rust a bit somewhere. I'm going to clean these up for either my son, 8 years old, or my daughter, 6 years old, to add to their toolboxes. Were these always completely bare metal? Were they painted? Shined up? Regardless I'd like to hear some opinions on how to finish this tool up. I don't see any evidence that these were ever painted. Also, any ideas on when this tool was made?

Thanks!

Here's the "when":

http://www.ibew575.org/admin/docs/Scan_Doc0001.pdf

 

[augustus]

That's cool Davefr, thanks! I've studied this, I guess it's prior to 1972, but I have 4 letters, I think it's AMER or OMER, you can see it somewhat in one of the pictures....Hmm, the plot thickens! I'll take better pictures of the markings once removed from the tank.

EDIT: Here's the winner of the contest.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Yeah, that is a pretty old one. I have a couple of these too and love Klein. I tried sharpening the cutters on one of mine with just a diamond file but that didn't help it. Anyone know any good way to sharpen/improve the cutting on old Kleins a bit worn? I'm thinking never touch them at this point unless anyone has good advice. Just sharpening to a sharp edge on the cutters does NOT appear to be the thing to do with these. - Paul

 

[ecotec]

Just put on some Klein Tenite replacement grips and put them in your box.

 

[augustus]

I've not seen those replacement grips before, that might do the trick, do they cheap, although they would triple my investment

1949, thanks copilot, I think they're in pretty good shape for that much time.