RagTopTA
Well-known member
Im gonna keep on doing that. I put an add in Dallas CL Looking for PLOMB tool boxes and tools. You never know
What on Earth would that be used for?
Brian
It is for adjusting eccentric anchor pins on shoe brakes from the late 1930's into the '50's. There is a flat on the threaded end of the anchor pin that the thin slots in the wrench fit. You rotate the anchor pin to establish the desired gap between the shoe and the drum surface.
http://ep.yimg.com/ay/yhst-33652407...-1949-cj2a-1948-1953-cj3a-1950-1952-m38-9.jpg
Here is an illustration of 1939 Ford brakes that shows the tool in use:
http://www.btc-bci.com/~billben/39RearBrake.jpg
Just thought I would join in with the Plomb stuff I have found, they probably have been seen already. The 3/4" and two 1/4" ratchets have their selector switch but the two 1/2" ratchets don't.
I came across the 3/4" rat about a month ago at a garage sale, some gentleman was trying to to reduce because he and his wife will be moving (ohio to florida).
He asked 10$
wow you got a steal congrats!
Yes can't complain with that price. Paid alot more for mine.I came across the 3/4" rat about a month ago at a garage sale, some gentleman was trying to to reduce because he and his wife will be moving (ohio to florida).
He asked 10$
Smokeshow69, as you requested pictures. I got the Proto box last year and then had a place to put my plumb and proto stuff. For the proto sockets, top row 1/4" next row is 3/8" and bottom 2 rows are 1/2" - two of the sockets say Los Angeles

It was. I remember about 2 years ago it was that. Not sure when it changed.My curiosity finally got the better of me. Every time this thread pops up in new posts I wonder... wasn't this thread originally titled "~Plomb tool picture thread - show your stuff!" with the tilde as the first character? Why was the tilde removed?
I thought you all would enjoy this. As I do on occasion, I've been going back through the histories of tool manufacturers because information is constantly being digitized and more and more information becomes available. During my Plomb scan, I ran across a great article on Mr. Pendleton explaining his rise with the company. If you have a subscription to newspapers.com, you can read the article here. I'm posting this tiny excerpt because I recall somebody finding a key chain screwdriver with his name stamped in it. Thought everyone would like to know that this was his "business card" so that screwdriver was indeed likely directly in his hands at some point.
Yup, they are my main target in antique shops. I just thought it was neat that he used them as his business card. I know somebody posted one with Morris Pendleton's name on it.The little 'key ring screw drivers' were a popular item in the Plomb, and later Proto, line for many years, and are now a popular collectible piece of history.
They were sold as 'generic' from the supply house tool boards, but are more often found, these days, as ones which were ordered in quantity lots as advertising souvenirs, stamped with this or that firm's name..
cheers
Carla
ALL: i don't think i've found or own a Plvmb or old PROTO screwdriver, but i'd like to.
Smoke: thanks for the labels and when i find a good use for them i'll have them ready to use. are you ready to sell me back the Plvmb box yet?
cheers
ALL: i don't think i've found or own a Plvmb or old PROTO screwdriver, but i'd like to.
cheers



SP: i'd like to know for sure too, but i'll take a stab at it for you. Plvmb was ok doing business with that name until they started making and selling hammers and PLOMB that was a company before PLVMB sued Plvmb to change it's name. they won so Plvmb became PROfessional TOols or PROTO and they must have had the o's all as v's still in the tool room.
so to answer your question i bet your wrench was made about the time the lawsuit was in progress and maybe PLVMB already knew they might lose.
start with one little key chain screwdriver and then find another but i do like your positive attitude that they are easy to find. i can't recall how much they are on EBAY, but i think you might be able to find one or a few on there.
I have never seen a distributor wrench(not that that means much), until I owned one! Lol

To my knowledge that dual marking was only used in 1948.
Now you have to buy a car with a distributor![]()
Here are my Proto and Plomb wood handled screwdrivers.
-Don

Maybe is was just the advertising that was allowed to mention both names?No, it was not allowed. The Plomb name should not have been used. Plumb sued again and the logo changed in 1949.
Maybe is was just the advertising that was allowed to mention both names?