Plomb tool picture thread - show your stuff!

[Private Lugnutz]

What's the difference with the green and red boxes? Different contents?

My educated hunch is different suppliers. Both sets should have more or less the same tools (I don't have any 1950's Signal Corps manuals, and I didn't buy it for the midget set - the guy wouldn't sell me just the brake bleeder wrench, I had to buy the whole thing for $5 (the wrench is worth hundreds of $$$! )) - consequently, I don't know the contents exactly. Looks like either yours is missing ignition wrenches or those don't belong in mine.

 

[dungeoncrawler]

Someone on eBay lucked into what looks like a perfectly preserved bunch of NOS Proto LA stuff.

Very interesting to look at these photos as a window into what it all looked like brand new, like labeling on hammer handles!

https://m.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ssn=...4.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xprot.TRS2&_nkw=proto

 

[davethorik]

Someone on eBay lucked into what looks like a perfectly preserved bunch of NOS Proto LA stuff.

Very interesting to look at these photos as a window into what it all looked like brand new, like labeling on hammer handles!

https://m.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ssn=...4.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xprot.TRS2&_nkw=proto

That stuff has been on the bayfor a while, and will stay there until the end of time at those prices. $250 for a 2-3" micrometer???
Well now we know who has the good weed

 

[dungeoncrawler]

Oh yeah, the prices are outrageous - unless someone just has to have a museum-quality Proto hammer But I am glad for the photos.

 

[davethorik]

Anyone interested in a trade for some Plomb WF sockets?

I got these a number of years back with a bunch of other random stuff, all of it fairly interesting and pretty old. Re-discovered them yesterday...But the "all the Plomb WF tools collection" is a rabbit hole I most certainly do not need to go down. Trade for...?

L to R:

9/32" drive:

Hinsdale SM6, 3/16" (yeah not a Plomb but it is the only other 9/32 anything I have, may as well divest myself of the size drive...only 6 pt socket in lot, and due to the super thin wall design, the 4 corners of the female drive have accompanying noticeable ridges on the OD of socket. Even tho it's only 3/16, I wouldn't want to use it, but being my only Hinsdale piece, I couldn't throw it out. Didn't even know they made stuff in 9/32...but it goes with the Plomb)

Now for the Plomb. The 'Plomb' bobs follow the mysterious down, up format...meaning 1st bob points down, 2nd points up...except for 2 sockets as noted. All are 12 point.

WF-12, 5/16
WF-13, 11/32
WF-14, 3/8
WF-15, 7/16 (this socket has both bobs pointing down, and there is a "C" after 2nd bob, before the 7/16)

3/8:

WF-25, 1/4
WF-29, 1/2 (like the WF-15 above, bobs down, "C")
WF-30, 9/16
WF-32, 11/16

 

[Username already in use]

Yesterday I went to the recycling yard to drop off 21 pounds of aluminum cans. +$10. While I was there, I bought a bucket containing 30 pounds of 'scrap steel' hand tools. -$9. My drinking problem basically paid for a pile of tools!
In the bucket were 15 pieces of 1/2" drive Plomb made Craftsman (U). Ratchet, short and long extension, breaker bar, and eleven sockets.

 

[r_olson_06]

I think that is a good save. Just like they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure

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[Private Lugnutz]

In the bucket were 15 pieces of 1/2" drive Plomb made Craftsman (U). Ratchet, short and long extension, breaker bar, and eleven sockets.

That's a terrific looking set. Late 40's sweetness!

 

[Smokeshow69]

Yesterday I went to the recycling yard to drop off 21 pounds of aluminum cans. +$10. While I was there, I bought a bucket containing 30 pounds of 'scrap steel' hand tools. -$9. My drinking problem basically paid for a pile of tools!

In the bucket were 15 pieces of 1/2" drive Plomb made Craftsman (U). Ratchet, short and long extension, breaker bar, and eleven sockets.

You **** majorly !


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[RubiconJK]

Yesterday I went to the recycling yard to drop off 21 pounds of aluminum cans. +$10. While I was there, I bought a bucket containing 30 pounds of 'scrap steel' hand tools. -$9. My drinking problem basically paid for a pile of tools!
In the bucket were 15 pieces of 1/2" drive Plomb made Craftsman (U). Ratchet, short and long extension, breaker bar, and eleven sockets.

Talk about being in the right place at the right time!! Yep, thats a you **** deal! Congrats!

 

[Catfishdan]

I've got my little 3/8 challenger set relatively complete and correct. I resorted to eBay for the breaker bar and BMW helped out with the 7/16". The t-bar is generic, but I don't see me finding the correct one anytime soon, so done for now...



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[d42jeep]

Dan,
That looks great and you finished completing it quickly. I have had no luck finding Plomb crossbars and am using generic substitutes as well.
-Don

 

[Private Lugnutz]

That hinge handle looks like it's been with those sockets from the factory, Dan. The bar, too. Nice set.

 

[Rileysan]

also, here's a Penens set I got off the bay. Need to find a 1/4 Penens sliding T bar !

Nice! I was bidding on that set as well. You got me by a penny! I'm glad it went to a GJ member. Here's a picture of my partial Penens set, sans sliding T-bar as well.

Brian

 

[Rileysan]

And speaking of Plomb. This is a #1164, 1 5/8" x 1 11/16" DBE that followed me home from a swap meet. Somehow Ed (OregonRockCrusher) missed it even though he visited that vendor before I did. He must have been bedazzled by that Plomb top chest he bought from the same vendor before I arrived

Brian

 

[Smokeshow69]

And speaking of Plomb. This is a #1164, 1 5/8" x 1 11/16" DBE that followed me home from a swap meet. Somehow Ed (OregonRockCrusher) missed it even though he visited that vendor before I did. He must have been bedazzled by that Plomb top chest he bought from the same vendor before I arrived [emoji3]



Brian

I would be too if I had that box! I won’t steal his thunder but he needs to post that jewel ! Alas he had snatched it before I got there but can’t blame him [emoji51]


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[RagTopTA]

Nice! I was bidding on that set as well. You got me by a penny! I'm glad it went to a GJ member. Here's a picture of my partial Penens set, sans sliding T-bar as well.

Brian[/QUOTE
its crazy how we all seem to bid on the same stuff all the time. I found a couple of plomb pieces at an estate sale yesterday in a huge old carpentry building. Im going back there again today after the flea. I found the tinniest plomb BDE by accident under a table in a corner in a huge mess. Ill post it up later today after the flea and another trip over there!

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

And speaking of Plomb. This is a #1164, 1 5/8" x 1 11/16" DBE that followed me home from a swap meet. Somehow Ed (OregonRockCrusher) missed it even though he visited that vendor before I did. He must have been bedazzled by that Plomb top chest he bought from the same vendor before I arrived ��

Brian

I did get a little out of sorts for a few minutes after finding the box but I did leave several wrenches behind yesterday... just trying to share some Plomb goodness with my GJ buds.

I would be too if I had that box! I won’t steal his thunder but he needs to post that jewel ! Alas he had snatched it before I got there but can’t blame him [emoji51]

I really haven't had time to sort through yesterday's haul from the Great Oregon Steam up yet but here are a couple pics of the box I got to before the rest of the clan made it all the way to the back where this vendor was. It has quite a few vintage tools in it but only a half dozen or so are Plomb pieces. First owners tag from Plomb I've seen in person on a box....a pretty good day at the swap and good seeing you all again. Ed.




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[Catfishdan]

I did get a little out of sorts for a few minutes after finding the box but I did leave several wrenches behind yesterday... just trying to share some Plomb goodness with my GJ buds.

Oh my... What a beaut.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Nice snag, Ed! Whether that's the price for the box, or the box and the tools, y'all got some magnanimous swap meet sellers out there! I'd be sorely tempted to shave that name tag down and have my name etched in there instead!!!

 

[notlob]

Awesome box. Love the name tag!

 

[DD T/A]

Just under 15½", I have been looking for a new punch/chisel like this for a while after getting myself into some sticky situations and having to get out of them by destroying a long screwdriver(A Proto no less).

Looks to be in fantastic condition.

Sorry for the pictures being upside down.

 

[48548]

A few others i had hidden




looking for a pebble 4766 or any 47xx pebble hinged handle

 

[Zrxrunner]

I jus bought the same craftsman set "username" found from craigslist in the original box. Thanks for answering the "U" mfg code for me too! Wouldnt have guessed plomb. Couldn't find it anywhere. Looks like bout all ur missing is the spinner wrench and t-handle bar

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Nice snag, Ed! Whether that's the price for the box, or the box and the tools, y'all got some magnanimous swap meet sellers out there! I'd be sorely tempted to shave that name tag down and have my name etched in there instead!!!

Thanks Dan, Lugz, and Notlob. The tools were in the box and included at that price. I thought I had a lot more Plomb sockets there as the first one I picked up to look at was Plomb. After that I didn't reach for another thing in that box...I was reaching for my wallet by then and not even thinking about negotiating the price. Most the sockets seem to be vintage Indestro but a lot of other neat stuff in there too. I love cleaning out old tool boxes. I need to do a little more detail work on that name tag and will try to resist the urge to scratch in my own. Maybe just a label maker strip over the top....... Ed.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Thanks Dan, Lugz, and Notlob. The tools were in the box and included at that price. I thought I had a lot more Plomb sockets there as the first one I picked up to look at was Plomb. After that I didn't reach for another thing in that box...I was reaching for my wallet by then and not even thinking about negotiating the price. Most the sockets seem to be vintage Indestro but a lot of other neat stuff in there too. I love cleaning out old tool boxes. I need to do a little more detail work on that name tag and will try to resist the urge to scratch in my own. Maybe just a label maker strip over the top....... Ed.

Yes ORC *****! I do think by looking at the photos that a fair amount of the paint drips would come out with some carefully applied acetone to a rag and then some spot rubbing. I got a ton of both sides of my tool mobile


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[drivesitfar]

ORC: nice find on the red Plvmb box and good to hear you got some good tools inside it too.

I wonder if there's any way you can change the name on that brass badge to your name to even make it COOLER especially since you probably weren't buying the box from the person who's name was on the tag.

ALL: i'm totally JEALOUS of all your finds at STEAM UP cause i was hoping to get down there this year, but hopefully with all that i'm doing i'll have more control of my time and be able to come down next year.

cheers everybody and keep posting up that PLUMB GOODNESS!!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I wonder if there's any way you can change the name on that brass badge to your name

Way ahead of you, Drives!

Nice snag, Ed! ...[ ].... I'd be sorely tempted to shave that name tag down and have my name etched in there instead!!!

I am a conservative purist with collectibles (sometimes, I know, to an annoying extent), but I would not even hesitate to grind the tag down on THAT Box, buff it, have it re-etched at a trophy shop (not having a machine or trusting my own freehand!) with MY name as the current owner, and show it off every chance I could get!

Vintage Blackhawk 'Treasure Chest' boxes came with a very similar brass owner's tag. I have only seen one of them and never in the wild.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I am making progress on getting some of the white paint and **** off the top of the box and the owners tag. When I picked it up it was so bad I could barely make out the shape of the tag let alone what it said. Taking it slow and letting the red paint rest between wipe downs. Some of the drops are latex and I have to scrape them down to translucent and then scrub or they pop the red off with them. I could surrender and just repaint the top but for now I'll probably just leave it with the scars of life it's earned.

I have an New Hermes engravograph and may try to make thin brass tag that would just adhere right over the original owners name. Not sure I can bring myself to go for the grind it down approach but it's tempting....I've been searching for owners tags latley and found a pic of a different style from the early pages of this thread. Now I wonder how many different styles of tag Plomb had. This one definitely shows the plomb bob as a major logo feature. Still a ways to go but it's cleaning up. Ed.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

...but for now I'll probably just leave it with the scars of life it's earned.

A classy approach, in my opinion, Ed.

I have an New Hermes engravograph and may try to make thin brass tag that would just adhere right over the original owners name.

That's a great solution! Looking at the close-up, I change my mind about grinding. I thought the "ribbon" was raised, for one thing, and also, not sure any grinding would buff out as shiny and plated as that finish looks. Eager to follow your progress whatever you do and I am sure it will look great.

 

[RagTopTA]

And speaking of Plomb. This is a #1164, 1 5/8" x 1 11/16" DBE that followed me home from a swap meet. Somehow Ed (OregonRockCrusher) missed it even though he visited that vendor before I did. He must have been bedazzled by that Plomb top chest he bought from the same vendor before I arrived

Brian

I see your 1164, and raise you a TINY 1069 2 3/8 - 2 3/16 DBE. Found both of these at the old messy carpenter's shop buried in junk under a work Bench!

 

[d42jeep]

I found an eBay lot with a plated 3/8” drive flex handle to replace the dark finish one in my postwar 3/8” drive set. The lot came with some other random tools.
-Don

 

[SilverDeck]

I am making progress on getting some of the white paint and **** off the top of the box and the owners tag. When I picked it up it was so bad I could barely make out the shape of the tag let alone what it said. Taking it slow and letting the red paint rest between wipe downs. Some of the drops are latex and I have to scrape them down to translucent and then scrub or they pop the red off with them. I could surrender and just repaint the top but for now I'll probably just leave it with the scars of life it's earned

On paint that is latex (NOT oil-based) household ammonia on a Q-tip and rubbed on the paint should readily remove it without affecting the underlying baked enamel. Kind of cool to watch it “melt” away onto the Q-tip as you rub.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Thanks for the tip on the ammonia SilverDeck. I'll give that a try on some of the remaining drops. The Paint is good where it wasn't already scratched or had rust spots and buffs to a good bright color. Making progress on the tag too but still some details on it to finish. Very light relief makes it hard to get a clean line on the little bobs. I should be able to clean up the tops of the letters a little better after the paint hardens up....but probably do it early in the day when my hands are steadier. Ed.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Pfffft! Screw the Plomb chest. I am jealous (all over again!) seeing the bottom of the huge military cabinet in that photo! Seriously now, the chest and the tag has cleaned up incredibly well!

 

[r_olson_06]

So I have crazy busy with work and had little to no time for sales. In my spare time I have been working on cleaning up the garage and starting organization. Here is the start of the wall of plombs. I have some of the wrenches up. I have been working on the pebble DBEs and now getting down to the nitty gritty and willing to trade some extras to help complete my set. Still need an 1155 1160 1161 and 1164.

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[d42jeep]

Wow! Those look great. Just a little ways to go. Here is a wartime drag link bit and an offset screwdriver from 1933.
-Don

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Nice wrench collection r olsen. Having them all in order on the wall sure helps keep the focus on the missing wrenches. Looks like you're well on your way to several full sets. Ed.

 

[r_olson_06]

Nice wrench collection r olsen. Having them all in order on the wall sure helps keep the focus on the missing wrenches. Looks like you're well on your way to several full sets. Ed.

Thanks. I think I am going to run into the same issue as Stormking waiting years to fill in the last little bit.

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[notlob]

I'm liking this collection with the rare 5449 extended ratchet. For sale in W. Sacramento - $200 (not mine).

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/tls/d/wwii-vintage-plomb-ratchets/6659379348.html