Plomb tool picture thread - show your stuff!

[Smokeshow69]

Ok you guys can’t have all the hammer fun. Here are mine!
Newer proto professional octagonal handle 24 and 32 oz hammers. They are my favorites and can be counted on when it gets real [emoji16]


My plomb and proto body hammers, all have original handles and I am proud of them [emoji3]
Plomb 425, proto 1421, 1428, 1427! Just got 2 last week!


Also I scored this puller from tinmedic last week, I was very excited to get it as I have no pullers like this - new or older...all parts are p&c except for the wedge which is plomb!



Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Stuart in MN]

My plomb and proto body hammers, all have original handles and I am proud of them
Plomb 425, proto 1421, 1428, 1427! Just got 2 last week!

I have a Plomb 1421 body hammer (pictures were posted in this thread back in 2014): https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4052733&postcount=317 I assumed it has its original handle, but the handle shows no sign of green paint and is rounded instead of octagonal. Maybe that's something that was changed during the transition from Plomb to Proto.

 

[Smokeshow69]

I have a Plomb 1421 body hammer (pictures were posted in this thread back in 2014): https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4052733&postcount=317 I assumed it has its original handle, but the handle shows no sign of green paint and is rounded instead of octagonal. Maybe that's something that was changed during the transition from Plomb to Proto.

I would say that your handle has been replaced. Some of the hammers I posted are proto hammers and all have octagonal handles. Proto used that design well into the 80’s. Still a very cool hammer and hopefully you will post a picture or 2 of it in this thread?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Stuart in MN]

I would say that your handle has been replaced. Some of the hammers I posted are proto hammers and all have octagonal handles. Proto used that design well into the 80’s. Still a very cool hammer and hopefully you will post a picture or 2 of it in this thread?

Those pictures are actually in this thread, they're back on page 16.


There's plenty of 'patina' on the handle but considering the age of the hammer, who knows - it could have been replaced 60 years ago.

 

[DD T/A]

Sometimes I get a little lucky at the swap and find some good stuff, and on the even more rare days I get what I consider to be really lucky and get a good deal on some unusual stuff.

I got all of the later-Plomb sockets, a Lincoln "Lubrigun", and a small Chicago Simplex jack for $8. The sockets are the best condition chrome Plombs I have ever seen in the wild, with zero rust and only minor chipping. I scrounged to make sure I got every one he had.

The Rope-braided 1-1/16" was a little dirty in a pile of **** and only $1

Honestly the highlight of the day(or even month) was the $2 16" flathead driver in what appears to be perfect condition. I wonder if some screwdrivers weren't painted at all with the little red stripe, there isn't a single inkling of paint left.

 

[DD T/A]

And one more.

 

[RubiconJK]

Plomb Pickins for the last few days!

1036 copper plated DBE

I've never found one of the copper plated wrenches. Nice!

Sometimes I get a little lucky at the swap and find some good stuff, and on the even more rare days I get what I consider to be really lucky and get a good deal on some unusual stuff.

Nice finds especially the older socket. Hard to find.

 

[jwitt]

I picked this up the other day. Has normal Plomb 1/2 drive numbers, handle extends to 2 positions. I’ve collected Plomb for quite a while and had heard of landing gear handles and handles on gun mounts. I’ve had the Bell telephone tool with the knob handle but this is different.

 

[3baygarage]

Nice find! The markings are slightly different than the one I have. Funny thing how the 5450 is supposed to be a long handle ratchet.

 

[montanafordman]

Re-hung the toolboards to fit another one on the wall

Well life has kept me pretty busy with a newborn son. (If you're going to have distractions this is a good one. )- but I finally got a few moments to reorganize my wall so I could fit all three plomb/proto toolboards I have up there. I did a fair amount of cleaning on the combination wrench board, and cleaned the pegs pretty well on the DOE board - and have not yet done anything with the 1/2"drive socket board yet. At a later time I will pull everything off and clean them properly - and maybe even a coat of varnish.

As some of you might remember they came from my great-grandfathers hardware store that burned down in the 50's. You can still see the charring shadowing some of the wrenches on the DOE board. My grandfather from the other side of the family had them in his garage.

I threw up what 1/2" drive plomb/proto I had between the farm and my swap meet find last march to see what I"m missing. The list is long but if anyone has any of these numbers laying around I'm interested! It would be especially great if someone has a lot of several missing things that I could purchase.
5486, 5446, 5444, 5464, 5466, 5460, 5353, 6523, 5453, 5447, 5485, 5475, 5476, 5469

*8 point sockets - 5412-s, 5414-s, 5416-s, 5418-s 5420-s

View media item 84013

 

[montanafordman]

Dang Smokeshow! I like your body hammers! I wish I was more practiced at replacing handles or had better luck at the swap meet but I caved and bought new Martin Hammers to fill the need on my Model A project. I'm happy with the martin USA hammers I got, they are far superior to the cheap import junk they pass as "autobody tools" but they don't have the vintage cool factor like some plomb/early proto green handled ones.

Also - nice find DD/TA on the plomb sockets! I had similar luck a few months ago. I struck out on finding any original car parts for my Model A (I'm pretty well set there though) and was thrilled to find some clean plomb sockets. I have yet to find plomb screwdrivers in the wild.

 

[RagTopTA]

Re: Re-hung the toolboards to fit another one on the wall

Well life has kept me pretty busy with a newborn son. (If you're going to have distractions this is a good one. )- but I finally got a few moments to reorganize my wall so I could fit all three plomb/proto toolboards I have up there. I did a fair amount of cleaning on the combination wrench board, and cleaned the pegs pretty well on the DOE board - and have not yet done anything with the 1/2"drive socket board yet. At a later time I will pull everything off and clean them properly - and maybe even a coat of varnish.

As some of you might remember they came from my great-grandfathers hardware store that burned down in the 50's. You can still see the charring shadowing some of the wrenches on the DOE board. My grandfather from the other side of the family had them in his garage.

I threw up what 1/2" drive plomb/proto I had between the farm and my swap meet find last march to see what I"m missing. The list is long but if anyone has any of these numbers laying around I'm interested! It would be especially great if someone has a lot of several missing things that I could purchase.
5486, 5446, 5444, 5464, 5466, 5460, 5353, 6523, 5453, 5447, 5485, 5475, 5476, 5469

*8 point sockets - 5412-s, 5414-s, 5416-s, 5418-s 5420-s

View media item 84013

Those boards look great! and that Model A coupe looks great also! Is that your project? just finished a 30 coupe with my dad, and am currently working on a 30 pick up for myself.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Re: Re-hung the toolboards to fit another one on the wall

Well life has kept me pretty busy with a newborn son. (If you're going to have distractions this is a good one. )- but I finally got a few moments to reorganize my wall so I could fit all three plomb/proto toolboards I have up there. I did a fair amount of cleaning on the combination wrench board, and cleaned the pegs pretty well on the DOE board - and have not yet done anything with the 1/2"drive socket board yet. At a later time I will pull everything off and clean them properly - and maybe even a coat of varnish.



As some of you might remember they came from my great-grandfathers hardware store that burned down in the 50's. You can still see the charring shadowing some of the wrenches on the DOE board. My grandfather from the other side of the family had them in his garage.



I threw up what 1/2" drive plomb/proto I had between the farm and my swap meet find last march to see what I"m missing. The list is long but if anyone has any of these numbers laying around I'm interested! It would be especially great if someone has a lot of several missing things that I could purchase.

5486, 5446, 5444, 5464, 5466, 5460, 5353, 6523, 5453, 5447, 5485, 5475, 5476, 5469



*8 point sockets - 5412-s, 5414-s, 5416-s, 5418-s 5420-s



View media item 84013

I might have some of the sockets you need as well ! Let me check and I can get back to you when I know about the tappet wrenches as well .


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Smokeshow69]

Dang Smokeshow! I like your body hammers! I wish I was more practiced at replacing handles or had better luck at the swap meet but I caved and bought new Martin Hammers to fill the need on my Model A project. I'm happy with the martin USA hammers I got, they are far superior to the cheap import junk they pass as "autobody tools" but they don't have the vintage cool factor like some plomb/early proto green handled ones.



Also - nice find DD/TA on the plomb sockets! I had similar luck a few months ago. I struck out on finding any original car parts for my Model A (I'm pretty well set there though) and was thrilled to find some clean plomb sockets. I have yet to find plomb screwdrivers in the wild.

I love those body hammers and it has taken me years to find them but when I do they are not cheap! You can find them on eBay as well as a guy on there sells them with new handles.... they average around $45-55 a hammer on the bay but feel very good in your hands and are well balanced which is why they are still in high demand today


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[RagTopTA]

Found this on the bay last week. 3/8 drv 7/8 swivel socket. Part number looks to be US 52 .... weird part number isnt it? anyone else got one of these ?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Based on the cadmium plating remains, the fact that Plomb didn't make 3/8-inch square drive swivel sockets with 7/8" service openings in their normal civilian production (largest was a 5279 with 3/4" opening*), or for their US Army Air Corps production (WF-72 with 3/8" opening through WF-78 with 3/4" opening), and the model number looking martial (with the "US" in it) and alluding to Plomb's 3/8-inch drive series ("52"**), my guess would be special contract for a different military agency, possibly US Army Ordnance Dept. But that's all just a late morning coffee-high hunch.

* I have a home/shop-made jobbie where someone welded a 7/8" socket onto a 3/8-inch drive uni joint, probably, I speculated, because there weren't many available with that opening in that drive size. I'll try to see if I can find it.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

1036 copper plated DBE

I think this might be a Plomb KOP-R-KLAD Safety Wrench, the first I have ever seen. According to Plomb catalog No. 18-A (which I date to 1940 through at least October 1941), a KK1036 should have 11/16" and 7/8" openings. That "3/8 U.S.S." marking refers to the U.S. Standard nut and bolt size that the milled opening size (11/16") would fit. How is it marked on the flip side?

 

[RagTopTA]

I think this might be a Plomb KOP-R-KLAD Safety Wrench, the first I have ever seen. According to Plomb catalog No. 18-A (which I date to 1940 through at least October 1941), a KK1036 should have 11/16" and 7/8" openings. That "3/8 U.S.S." marking refers to the U.S. Standard nut and bolt size that the milled opening size (11/16") would fit. How is it marked on the flip side?

Heres the other side.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Yup. Same deal with the "1/2 USS" marking referring to a 1/2" U.S.S. nut, which has a head with a 7/8" Across-the-Flats diameter size. It's a KOP-R-KLAD 1036 safety wrench for sure. Post #18 in my Curious Copper Caper thread has the full KOP-R-KLAD page from the Plomb cat No 18-A posted in it if you’re interested in seeing it. Link here.

Did you see my reply on your odd swivel? Just want to make sure. Sometimes those last posts on the bottom of a page get missed when it jumps to the next page.

 

[RagTopTA]

Yup. Same deal with the "1/2 USS" marking referring to a 1/2" U.S.S. nut, which has a head with a 7/8" Across-the-Flats diameter size. It's a KOP-R-KLAD 1036 safety wrench for sure. Post #18 in my Curious Copper Caper thread has the full KOP-R-KLAD page from the Plomb cat No 18-A posted in it if you’re interested in seeing it. Link here.

Did you see my reply on your odd swivel? Just want to make sure. Sometimes those last posts on the bottom of a page get missed when it jumps to the next page.

Awesome! Ill check it out! I want a whole set of those now! And yes sir, I saw it Im at work and thought I replied then got busy. Ill post some better pics of it tonight. I have never seen just a US part number like that. strange... I want to know more of course!

 

[Catfishdan]

Only 1 plomb piece so far this week. A 1/2" Los Angeles universal.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[montanafordman]

Re: Re-hung the toolboards to fit another one on the wall

Those boards look great! and that Model A coupe looks great also! Is that your project? just finished a 30 coupe with my dad, and am currently working on a 30 pick up for myself.

Thanks RagTop! Yep it was my grandfathers coupe. I've been working on it for the last 7 years and I've rebuilt EVERYTHING mechanical on it, and now I'm learning my hand at autobody. I've been really active in the local model A club and they've been a great help for motivation, parts, and expertise/knowledge. Its a long project since I still have to work for a living but its a fun way to decompress. I'm trying to stay focused and keep moving on the project so that it will be done within a few more years. (due to time and budget constraints of course). I will try and add some more pictures of the car and my progress to my gallery sometime.

A couple plomb/proto tools I'm glad to have working on an "A" are my Plomb ford brake wrench which has a nice long reach to it and 8 points so you don't have to crawl under the car completely to adjust the mechanical brakes like the short stubby square drive tool the parts vendors sell. I have a couple Bonney ford brake wrenches too.

Another good one to have is a Proto torque adapter for early Ford engines. Its 11/16 and allows you to torque the head nut under the distributor without having to pull the distributor. Again the vintage tool is much better than the modern equivalent sold by the vendors - the modern tool works I suppose it just looks home-made and is painted green instead of chrome.


View media item 84026
View media item 84028
View media item 84027

I might have some of the sockets you need as well ! Let me check and I can get back to you when I know about the tappet wrenches as well .

Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

Sounds great Smoke. Let me know if you find anything. We all know what poor luck you have attracting plomb goodies.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Re: Re-hung the toolboards to fit another one on the wall

Thanks RagTop! Yep it was my grandfathers coupe. I've been working on it for the last 7 years and I've rebuilt EVERYTHING mechanical on it, and now I'm learning my hand at autobody. I've been really active in the local model A club and they've been a great help for motivation, parts, and expertise/knowledge. Its a long project since I still have to work for a living but its a fun way to decompress. I'm trying to stay focused and keep moving on the project so that it will be done within a few more years. (due to time and budget constraints of course). I will try and add some more pictures of the car and my progress to my gallery sometime.



A couple plomb/proto tools I'm glad to have working on an "A" are my Plomb ford brake wrench which has a nice long reach to it and 8 points so you don't have to crawl under the car completely to adjust the mechanical brakes like the short stubby square drive tool the parts vendors sell. I have a couple Bonney ford brake wrenches too.



Another good one to have is a Proto torque adapter for early Ford engines. Its 11/16 and allows you to torque the head nut under the distributor without having to pull the distributor. Again the vintage tool is much better than the modern equivalent sold by the vendors - the modern tool works I suppose it just looks home-made and is painted green instead of chrome.





View media item 84026


View media item 84028


View media item 84027






Sounds great Smoke. Let me know if you find anything. We all know what poor luck you have attracting plomb goodies.

It pays to have rileysan in your corner [emoji16]




Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[RubiconJK]

Found this on the bay last week. 3/8 drv 7/8 swivel socket. Part number looks to be US 52 .... weird part number isnt it? anyone else got one of these ?

RagTop you are on a roll with all the cool Plomb finds! I've never seen this particular "US numbered" marking before. I still occasionally refer to the Vannatta Bros page and in their Contract Stampings section, they do show a US stamping and simply describe it as "Plomb Special Tools designed for the aviation industry". It would be interesting to see if Plombob had any mention of these in his old information that Twertsy now has.

 

[Bockscar]

Picked this ratchet up today

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[Bockscar]

And add these two to my small wf collection

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[RagTopTA]

Thanks RagTop! Yep it was my grandfathers coupe. I've been working on it for the last 7 years and I've rebuilt EVERYTHING mechanical on it, and now I'm learning my hand at autobody. I've been really active in the local model A club and they've been a great help for motivation, parts, and expertise/knowledge. Its a long project since I still have to work for a living but its a fun way to decompress. I'm trying to stay focused and keep moving on the project so that it will be done within a few more years. (due to time and budget constraints of course). I will try and add some more pictures of the car and my progress to my gallery sometime.

A couple plomb/proto tools I'm glad to have working on an "A" are my Plomb ford brake wrench which has a nice long reach to it and 8 points so you don't have to crawl under the car completely to adjust the mechanical brakes like the short stubby square drive tool the parts vendors sell. I have a couple Bonney ford brake wrenches too.

Another good one to have is a Proto torque adapter for early Ford engines. Its 11/16 and allows you to torque the head nut under the distributor without having to pull the distributor. Again the vintage tool is much better than the modern equivalent sold by the vendors - the modern tool works I suppose it just looks home-made and is painted green instead of chrome.


View media item 84026
View media item 84028
View media item 84027


Sounds great Smoke. Let me know if you find anything. We all know what poor luck you have attracting plomb goodies.

What a great story with your coupe! Looks like you did a great restore on it! I just set the cab on my pickup project a few days ago to mock things up a bit!

RagTop you are on a roll with all the cool Plomb finds! I've never seen this particular "US numbered" marking before. I still occasionally refer to the Vannatta Bros page and in their Contract Stampings section, they do show a US stamping and simply describe it as "Plomb Special Tools designed for the aviation industry". It would be interesting to see if Plombob had any mention of these in his old information that Twertsy now has.

I have gotten some great stuff lately! I'll post a couple better pics of that swivel socket. I like the rare stuff!

 

[RagTopTA]

Heres some better pictures of the US 52 marked 7/8 swivel 3/8 drive. I does look to be factory made but not near as nice a job as most production tools I have from them. Of course, the Owner/user might have been very rough with it for a long time.

 

[RagTopTA]

Picked this ratchet up today

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

And add these two to my small wf collection

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

great finds!

 

[ssdave]

Got a Plomb hammer today, since they're not real common, thought I'd post a picture. $2 for it, and $1 for a 4" Proto adjustable.

 

[RagTopTA]

Got a Plomb hammer today, since they're not real common, thought I'd post a picture. $2 for it, and $1 for a 4" Proto adjustable.

Killer score on that hammer for $2!!

Looks like it had a blue painted handle at one point. Has anyone noticed, some Paschall and some P&C have both colors? green or blue painted handles? Anyone have any idea or know the info about that? I used to think P&C were blue and Paschall/Proto were Green.

 

[d42jeep]

Here are my Plomb and Proto LA/Proto finds at a Minden, NV garage sale today. The first shot is the 1/2” drive deep Plomb, the second 3/8” drive Proto and Proto LA.
-Don

 

[StinkinEngine]

Man, I almost bid on that Plomb Brass hammer. First one I've seen.

Gratz to the bidder.

 

[RagTopTA]

Man, I almost bid on that Plomb Brass hammer. First one I've seen.

Gratz to the bidder.

I was about to when I noticed the handle wasnt what I thought it should be. what did it end up going for ?

 

[StinkinEngine]

 

[RagTopTA]

that a caulking tool? Heythere fellow Texan!

 

[StinkinEngine]

Leatherwork Strap-End Punch, I’ve only seen this one.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[StinkinEngine]

Thanks RagTopTA, by chance do you have a spare 3/8 Plomb Pebble combo wrench?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[RagTopTA]

Leatherwork Strap-End Punch, I’ve only seen this one.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

wow how cool didnt know they made leather working tools! thats awesome! My uncle is a boot and saddle maker has been for 40 years. I should look at all his tons of tools when I'm there next. Ill look through my spreadsheet later and see what I have got!

 

[Catfishdan]

Missed out on some good plomb stuff by showing up at a sale a little late. The pictures showed a large pile of wrenches, but it was not to be. I did find a few things though. This wf37 breaker bar and three 1/2" drive sockets that are out soaking in the evaporust.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk