Model T Ford Wrenches?

[Ed in Virginia]

I’ve run across a few Ford marked tools. I don’t know much more about them.
-Don

The two open end/box end wrenches are to r/r spark plugs and cylinder head nuts - the standard part # is 17017 and the prefix/suffix will indicate which model Ford they are intended for. The double box end 01A-17017-B above (aka "suitcase wrench") was issued from 1941 - mid 50's for both Ford cars and tractors. There are a bunch of variations of this type alone - see the attachment.
The two open-end wrenches were 17015 (7/16 x 1/2) and 17016 (9/16x5/8) and were included in owner tools kits from the Model A era through the Ford cars and tractors through the mid 50's.
The adjustable wrench with the tang was intended for Model A and later cars. The tang was used to remove the drain plug in the rear axle. Ones without the tang were issued with Model T's and Ford tractors from 1939-54.

 

[d42jeep]

Thanks for the info. So this auto wrench made by Moore Drop Forge is earlier than the wrench with the tang?
-Don

 

[Ed in Virginia]

Thanks for the info. So this auto wrench made by Moore Drop Forge is earlier than the wrench with the tang?
-Don

Not necessarily - this version was also offered in Ford tractor owner toolkits from '39 through maybe '54. The ones issued with Model T owner kits had a T-1387 part number on them.

 

[Ed in Virginia]

The part number is typically on the other side of the head from the Ford script.

 

[don long]

I ran across this old box of ford wrenches

I cleaned up the wrenches but the box is what I liked so I spent some time restoring it for the Big Party Garage


Here are the wrenches on display

 

[Ricky Joe]

Here's an old brake wrench

That is actually for adjusting transmission bands. The size is 11/16”.

 

[alfadan]

I have a plier/screwdriver, and I think 3 ignition buzzboxes. Dad probably pulled them from a scrapyard car.

 

[Farmer J.]

I ran across this old box of ford wrenches

I cleaned up the wrenches but the box is what I liked so I spent some time restoring it for the Big Party Garage


Here are the wrenches on display

Nice one Don, that looks great. I have a box the same as that, but my restoration is not as good..!

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

So what would these Ford tools have been for?

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

I have Plumb and a Buffalo to trade for any Ford wrenches.

 

[Ricky Joe]

So what would these Ford tools have been for?

Pictures 1&2 are spark plug-head bolt wrenches. 3&4 are for Ford tractors. The measurements are for sticking the tank.

 

[Ricky Joe]

I have Plumb and a Buffalo to trade for any Ford wrenches.

I have a blue million Ford wrenches. What do you want?

 

[23ford]

OK Guys and Gals I have owned Model t's for over 60 years and collected tools for them just as long. The long bent handle spark plug/ headbutt wrench has over 30 varieties this wrench was produced into the Model A era. the first pictured of this is a tractor wrench, the car double end wrench was short and marked ford 1917. The silver long handle rachet wrench is a band adjustment as guessed. As far as collecting all Ford wrenches Ford will have the script
and a 3z or 5 z number on it, with over 350 different
ones. ................

 

[Farmer J.]

3&4 are for Ford tractors. The measurements are for sticking the tank.

This is news to me but could be possible, does the small end of those wrenches actually fit through the tank filler hole? I always thought the measurements were for setting plough coulters. I think my wrench like that actually came with a plough and not with a tractor.
We always used a wooden stick for fuel tanks, I was told when a kid to use wood to prevent sparks.

 

[humber2]

The plough wrench would have been supplied with the Ferguson or Ford(son) tractors to wrench front and rear wheel nuts as well as gauge the depth setting of the plough.

 

[Ricky Joe]

You guys are probably right. I was told probably forty years ago that it was for sticking the tank. I have no firsthand experience with tractors other than repairing them, so I defer.

 

[Farmer J.]

You guys are probably right. I was told probably forty years ago that it was for sticking the tank. I have no firsthand experience with tractors other than repairing them, so I defer.

Well, it's always interesting to learn something new about Mr Ford's clever design details, and it looks like the old Fordson wrenches could indeed have served as fuel gauges if necessary and that you were told correctly.
Stand by whilst i take some measurements and pictures, I have 3 wrenches 2 filler caps and a section of tank so will investigate further between farm jobs whilst I am waiting for seed peas to get moved..

 

[Ed in Virginia]

So what would these Ford tools have been for?

The first wrench (open end - box end) is a spark plug/cylinder head nut wrench for 1940 Ford cars and early 1939 Ford 9N tractors.
The 9N-17014 double open-end wrench is actually a plow wrench, used to adjust the Ford Dearborn plows. It's a common misconception that it was used to measure gas in the tank - probably not a good idea to be banging a metal wrench against a metal gas tank near gas fumes.

 

[Ed in Virginia]

I have Plumb and a Buffalo to trade for any Ford wrenches.

I'm selling my 30-year collection of Ford wrenches. Not really interested in trading as I'm trying to shed "stuff" as we prepare to downsize but I'll be fair in my dealings. Depending on the year of your Ford vehicle, I can probably fix you up with open-end wrenches, adjustable wrench, pliers, and spark plug/cylinder head nut wrenches with Ford script, and all correct for your vehicle.

 

[Farmer J.]

My old wrench has EN18 on it, the other one is too rusty to see. The small ends would fit in the fuel tank filler and the wrench would be long enough to neatly gauge fuel with. The old tank end I used was from an E27N. If it's a good idea to use them as such is another matter, I suppose Diesel would be safe enough and probably TVO but Gasoline may be just a bit too volatile!
I have another DOE tool kit wrench with measurements and i think that came with some MF machine, it's made in Germany by Matador.

 

[Ed in Virginia]

The two largest, open-end wrenches are plow (plough) wrenches for Fordson tractors. BTW, love Cornwall!!!

 

[Farmer J.]

Whilst we're at it and I have the camera out in the sunshine what do we know about this little Fordson DOE wrench?
It has 2095 stamped in to one side of the large end, and what I assume is a maker's mark I don't recognise..

 

[Ed in Virginia]

Whilst we're at it and I have the camera out in the sunshine what do we know about this little Fordson DOE wrench?
It has 2095 stamped in to one side of the large end, and what I assume is a maker's mark I don't recognise..

 

[WisJim]

My Ford wrenches are in the tool box on my Ford 9N tractor, which is where I got them, and they'll probably go with the tractor when I sell it, along with the original advertising and manuals. I'll have to see if I have any pictures.

 

[Ed in Virginia]

My Ford wrenches are in the tool box on my Ford 9N tractor, which is where I got them, and they'll probably go with the tractor when I sell it, along with the original advertising and manuals. I'll have to see if I have any pictures.

An early 9N had the most complete tool kit as Ford started eliminating them as the N model progressed. This is a list of what came with early 9N's:

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

I'm selling my 30-year collection of Ford wrenches. Not really interested in trading as I'm trying to shed "stuff" as we prepare to downsize but I'll be fair in my dealings. Depending on the year of your Ford vehicle, I can probably fix you up with open-end wrenches, adjustable wrench, pliers, and spark plug/cylinder head nut wrenches with Ford script, and all correct for your vehicle.

Thank you men for that information. I am new to collecting and finding the history of them. Ed I will take you up on that as soon as I get a few things out of the way. Got to keep the wife happy.

 

[Farmer J.]

Thank you men for that information. I am new to collecting and finding the history of them. Ed I will take you up on that as soon as I get a few things out of the way. Got to keep the wife happy.

Always fun to find new history and information, welcome to the world of collecting this stuff. It can lead to some interesting discussions and new friends, that's for sure!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Calling @Ed in Virginia, @Ricky Joe or any other Ford Model T and A era tools guys...

Little help needed, please.

I found this in a mess of old tools at the flea market yesterday.



I don't collect Ford tools and normally I don't even give them a second glance, much less pick them up, and never bring one home. But anyone who has ever walked through a flea market in an industrial state knows the familiar bowed shape of a Ford spark plug and cylinder head bolt wrench, they're so ubiquitous.

But I did a quick Wait...what? when I saw the panels on the shank and the flare nut type opening in the box end. I have some specialty automobile and aircraft spark plug wrenches like that, but I have never seen a classic typical Ford suitcase wrench with that end. It's possible it was user modified. I did not inspect it that close.

Secondly, I have never heard of 'Walker Turner' in any capacity other than machinery, that 'Walker-Turner' had a hyphenated name, and, as far as I know, was always located in NJ - at first in Jersey City, then the Plainfield area - not New York. I DO have some Walker-Turner wrenches, but they are marked 'DRIVER' and unmistakably for tool posts and such on their machinery.

I am guessing there were a bunch of variants and plenty of knock-offs of the 17017, but searches on Google Books on 'Walker Turner' just returns documents referencing the machinery company, adding 'New York' to the search string also returns only the machinery company, and adding 'Ford' does nothing.

Is this a 17017 knock-off? Have any of you seen it before?

It's 1" (open) x 5/8" (flare nut).

 

[Ricky Joe]

New to me, just another reinforcement of the fact I don’t know it all, or even much.

 

[Ed in Virginia]

Calling @Ed in Virginia, @Ricky Joe or any other Ford Model T and A era tools guys...

Little help needed, please.

I found this in a mess of old tools at the flea market yesterday.



I don't collect Ford tools and normally I don't even give them a second glance, much less pick them up, and never bring one home. But anyone who has ever walked through a flea market in an industrial state knows the familiar bowed shape of a Ford spark plug and cylinder head bolt wrench, they're so ubiquitous.

But I did a quick Wait...what? when I saw the panels on the shank and the flare nut type opening in the box end. I have some specialty automobile and aircraft spark plug wrenches like that, but I have never seen a classic typical Ford suitcase wrench with that end. It's possible it was user modified. I did not inspect it that close.

Secondly, I have never heard of 'Walker Turner' in any capacity other than machinery, that 'Walker-Turner' had a hyphenated name, and, as far as I know, was always located in NJ - at first in Jersey City, then the Plainfield area - not New York. I DO have some Walker-Turner wrenches, but they are marked 'DRIVER' and unmistakably for tool posts and such on their machinery.

I am guessing there were a bunch of variants and plenty of knock-offs of the 17017, but searches on Google Books on 'Walker Turner' just returns documents referencing the machinery company, adding 'New York' to the search string also returns only the machinery company, and adding 'Ford' does nothing.

Is this a 17017 knock-off? Have any of you seen it before?

It's 1" (open) x 5/8" (flare nut).

Lugz, that's a new one on me. I've never seen one like that with the flare nut type end, nor have I seen that mfg name on a Ford tool. Pretty cool!!!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Pretty cool!!!

Thanks.

Lugz, that's a new one on me. I've never seen one like that with the flare nut type end, nor have I seen that mfg name on a Ford tool.

Are we sure it's a Ford tool? Are the openings consistent? If the openings are right, I would love to be able to claim a rare and possibly heretofore unknown or unrecognized variant. But I am trying to eliminate any possibility that it could just look like one in shape and general configuration.

 

[Ed in Virginia]

Thanks.

Are we sure it's a Ford tool? Are the openings consistent? If the openings are right, I would love to be able to claim a rare and possibly heretofore unknown or unrecognized variant. But I am trying to eliminate any possibility that it could just look like one in shape and general configuration.

I'm not sure it's a Ford tool at all. The open end on many spark plug/cylinder head nut wrenches is 1-1/8". Is the flare nut end on yours an owner modification or does it look like it came from the factory like that? The attached document represents research done for the National Assoc. of Ford Tool Collectors but is not the final word on this topic by any stretch.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

The open end on many spark plug/cylinder head nut wrenches is 1-1/8".

Thanks, Ed. So, a 1/8" shy. What is the specified diameter of the box end? If it's not documented, please measure a few of yours.

Is the flare nut end on yours an owner modification or does it look like it came from the factory like that?

Looks pretty clean to me, but I am not sure.

 

[Ricky Joe]

Actually there were two sizes of spark plug wrench: 1” and 1-1/8”. So 1” is still in the running. I used to have a set of Craftsman Ford wrenches. I believe Scott Carter has them now. Perhaps he could measure.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Actually there were two sizes of spark plug wrench: 1” and 1-1/8”. So 1” is still in the running.

Good to know. Thanks.

Perhaps he could measure.

You don't have a single Ford suitcase wrench in that "blue million" strong trove of Ford wrenches you said you have!? I'm going to have to mentally strike you off my 'old Ford guy' list.

Seriously, though, someone please tell me the size(s) of the box ends. I already found it odd that the references Ed posted only mention the open end as if the box end didn't matter.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Looks like we picked up a bilingual 1-post troll from the ether.

//// BREAK ////

It's hard to believe just how many scattered threads we have had on Ford Model T and A wrenches, literally dozens, but not a single dedicated thread where we can consolidate information and examples. I'm not even a collector and I think it's nuts. Maybe we should just get the title of this one changed.

Calling @ttpete! Please read post #68 and thereafter and share your wisdom and references!

Calling @Oldtuleguy! Please measure the openings in the box ends on the 4 or 5 **-17017 wrenches you picked up back in April 2019.

In addition to far-flung 'Look what I found' old Ford tools threads in which nobody provided the opening sizes, searching GJ on 'Ford spark plug and cylinder head wrench' also turned up an old @Leviton post in the 'Buffum' thread, of all places, linked here, in which he shows a Buffum wrench and says the following...!

Looks to be a Ford spark plug and cylinder head wrench (I'm assuming it would be a T-5893). I didn't know Buffum made these.
Has 5/8" and 15/16" openings and is 10.9" long.

Pretty darn close to mine, and exactly the same opening on the box end.

That made me scrounge around from one corner of the Lugzsonian to the other, looking hither and yon, with the little gears grinding and cobwebs and smoke coming out of my ears, hoping it would come to me...and it finally did!

I have this very early double offset Herbrand...



...with the exact same measured openings - 1" (open) x 5/8" (box) - as the Walker Turner!



By 1937, the earliest Herbrand catalog I have, model No. 2336 was used on a puller. It does, of course, advertise a Ford spark plug and cylinder head wrench and it does, of course, provide the openings. That's a bad scan, but those fractions read 5/8" (box) and 15/16" (open).



I am starting to think my Walker Turner wrench - which may be a little oversized on the open end, or I am measuring a tad coarsely, is, indeed, a Ford spark plug and cylinder head wrench.

The question remains by whom?! By the famous machinery company? (Lo and behold, according to the experts on the W-T thread, it was originally incorporated in New York!) Or for the famous machinery company made by someone else?

 

[Ed in Virginia]

Good to know. Thanks.

You don't have a single Ford suitcase wrench in that "blue million" strong trove of Ford wrenches you said you have!? I'm going to have to mentally strike you off my 'old Ford guy' list.

Seriously, though, someone please tell me the size(s) of the box ends. I already found it odd that the references Ed posted only mention the open end as if the box end didn't matter.

Lugz, I pulled several spark plug/cylinder head nut wrenches out this morning and measured them for you. Ricky Joe is right, there are two versions of the early ones that are 1 or 1-1/8 AF on the open end. I only pulled wrenches with the hex box ends - Ford mandated a change to 12-point BEs in 1940.
The hex BE on the Model T (1908-27) is 21/32"
On the 81-A 17017 ('38-39) it is 3/4"
On the 40-17017 ('33-38 85hp V8) it is 23/32"
Hope this helps some..........Ed

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Hope this helps some..........Ed

It does. Thanks for doing that for me. I appreciate it. None of those box end measurements line up exactly with the Herbrand catalog, but they're all close.

I'm thinking @ttpete will be able to untangle this.

 

[Ed in Virginia]

I am starting to think my Walker Turner wrench - which may be a little oversized on the open end, or I am measuring a tad coarsely, is, indeed, a Ford spark plug and cylinder head wrench.

I would agree and I also think it was user-modified. I have seen more than a few Ford wrenches, some with decent collector value, that were ruined this way (again, from a collector's perspective). As mentioned by another poster, folks would hang on the Ford script hand tools, but at some point may have needed a wrench with a size they did not have so they opened up the open end or in your case, converted the hex box end to a flare nut wrench. The "cut" does not look quite centered to me.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Agreed.