To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

"Lugnutz's Learner" - a WWII GMTK Collector's Guide/Aide

Private Lugnutz

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 30, 2012
Messages
30,955
Location
The Authentic Jersey Shore
Location
New Jersey 07704
Price
$30.00 (incl shipping) Cont US / $40.00 (incl shipping) Europe
Have you been itching to collect a WWII-era "General Mechanics Tool-Kit" (GMTK), but find yourself intimidated by the number, variety and specifications of the tools? Get yourself a "Lugnutz's Learner" - a self-contained WWII-era GMTK Collector's Field Guide/Aide that you can carry to flea markets or estate sales.

LL8.jpg

LL1.jpgLL3.jpgIntro 1.jpgIntro 2.jpg

As you can see, it's laminated for durability and weather, and it folds up, making it easy to carry or tote in a shoulder bag. When you need it, just lay it out on a table and place a prospective tool on top of it to check if it meets the spec or to look up the Mfgr’s name and markings. NOTE: Always ask for a price first! With the "Lugnutz Learner" in your hand, you’re sure to look like a professional picker!

LL2.jpgLL4.jpg

The photos tell the whole story, but let me describe it for you.

That field of enameled OD green with the subtle one-inch grid pattern you see in the background measures exactly 21” L x 8-1/2” W, which is the size of a 41-B-1840 toolbox.

Illustrated in white on top of the background is an outline – in actual, specified sizes – of every tool ever issued in the Motor Vehicle or General Mechanics Tool-Set (more commonly known by its later name, the "GMTK"), from the November 1938 OQMG Circular 4 to the July 1945 ORD 6 SNL G-27. Amidst the outlines, you’ll find other specifications, such as the number of points on a midget socket, jaw capacities, wrench openings and other markings, such as patents, to look for. You’ll also find timeline annotations, letting you know when a certain version of a tool was discontinued or added.

On the front side, in the black margin area to the right, is a short introduction by yours truly, the references I used, and a key for how to read the diagrams and annotations.

Intro 3.jpg

On the flip side is a Verified Suppliers Index, which is much more than just a list of names in alphabetical order. Following each tool suppliers name you’ll find shorthand tips and cues about vintage identification markings, which wartime brands and logos to look for, and which pre- or post-war brands to avoid, as well as contract information, for every verified government supplier. (Even though it was only the QMC and ORD that fielded the “GMTK” I have been as liberal as possible – including Air Corps, Signal Corps, and even Treasury Dept acquisitions. Collectors may use their own judgment.)

LL6.jpg

Inspired by vintage tool mfgr’s advertising peg boards, aircraft recognition cards, tool inspection layouts, and other Army graphical training aids, I developed this aide for my own use in 2014. I tested the prototype myself, and I sent a beta version to a couple notable GMTK collectors for further user testing. There are a few dozen of those floating around at fleas and jumbles in the US and Europe, known as "Wingnutt's Whiz" based on my G503.com username. "Lugnutz's Learner" is the same as "Wingnutt's Whiz", just re-named for GJ.

I don't know why I never offered it here before, but here it is.

I make these myself by hand, involving printing, trimming, laminating, and clear pack taping, so some imperfections are expected.

Price includes the cost of shipping.

$30 anywhere in the US / $40 anywhere in Europe

PM me.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
P

Private Lugnutz

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 30, 2012
Messages
30,955
Location
The Authentic Jersey Shore
Only 4 left but I can make more... ;)

Someone asked for photos of an entire GMTK, which my ad, ironically, doesn't show.

Here is a figure of an early GMTK from a WWII era manual... This is the kit the 'Lugnutz Learner' helps you collect...

MVMTS RAPD Figure.jpg


Here is a GMTK I collected and put together about 5 years ago laid out in that configuration...

Keeper Set MVMTS Style Figure.jpg

Here is a link to an entire GJ thread I devoted to that GMTK back in 2015 that has a list of the tools keyed to that configuration.

And here are some photos of my current GMTK...

10.1 GMTK inspection.jpg10.4 GMTK inspection.jpg10.5 GMTK inspection.jpg
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom