Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Please do check. Todd has a ratchet with the Circle-U mark, so some do. But JoCo's don't, so I'm not alone. As for sockets, Unaiu has a 1-1/8 and 1-1/16, but no /32nds.
Plomb tool picture thread - show your stuff!
- Thread starter GRX
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Smokeshow69
Well-known member
I found this partial Circle-U set at the flea market this morning. Oddly, the ratchet does not have a Circle-U mark anywhere on it. That "satin" finish is cadmium. I don't want to start an argument, but I already thought the Craftsman Long C era tools were the best in Craftsman history based on the New Britain BE and (H) series alone, with a nod also to the C Series. Other than a socket or two and a short extension, these are the first Plomb-made Circle-U tools I have found as a lot, a partial set, en masse, and this is the first time I have ever held a Circle-U ratchet. And now that I have, I am doubling down on my claim.
No argument from me on your long C opinion! By far I would say the Long C era in craftsman marketed tools was the most quality! In the heritage era and crown top era, there was quality pieces here and there but by far the best era was long c. I have never found a mostly full set like that but that ratchet is one of my five top all time favorites! You ****!
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txlonghorn1989
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Really great find Lugz! What do you use to clean up tools with a cadmium finish?
JoCoSawdust
Well-known member
I have three 1/2 drive U sets and no /32nds sockets but then again I don't have anything over 1" either. Didn't know U's went to 1 1/8. ****, now I have to find some.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
It is a stylish, substantial ratchet that also feels good in the hand. This one still works well, too!
I don't do anything drastically different, Mike, but that's because I have a light touch with all tools. Simple Green bath for grime, first. Evaporust bath only if the rust is really pervasive or corrosive (I didn't use any on these tools). Spray with WD-40 Penetration Formula. All my scrubbing is only done with a soft wire toothbrush style brush, 0000 steel wool, and/or 0000 sanding pad. I'll go very lightly on cadmium, which, in some cases when it's very loose and already deteriorating, you can visibly wear away if you scrub hard enough. But when a piece is that bad I usually don't clean it at all. I don't use tech wipes, I make all my shop rags out of old t-shirts, which I discard when they get too saturated, but I don't even separate those. I just make sure that I wash my hands well with grainy Go-Jo and then soap. I know some guys wear a mask and gloves, but I don't. Not to diminish the danger. It is some seriously harmful and potentially deadly stuff, but I don't make any dust to inhale or any substantial decomposition to absorb through my skin. I never use wire wheels or grinders to clean tools. I have used them and files to remove burrs and mushrooms etc, but never on cadmium tools.
EDIT: * One note on Evaporust. If you don't already know it, it will remove black oxide, and Plomb did use a light shade of black oxide (more like a dark grey) on some of their wartime tools. Don't ask me how I know!
I think we are coming to a quorum on the /32nds.
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RubiconJK
Well-known member
Agreed. Here is a link to the post I made recently regarding the set I found. No 32nd's in it and it went up to 1". I did later add a 1 1/8" to this set.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7871966&postcount=6426
Username already in use
Well-known member
The partial set I found last year had the 1-1/8 and the 1-1/16 sockets with it. I think I'm nearing a complete 1/2" drive set but I'm missing the speeder. As stated, no /32" sockets in the bunch or in my spares.
I think I may have a spare 1-1/8 and 1-1/16 socket if someone is looking for one. I've got a few other spare (U) sockets as well.
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twertsy
Well-known member
All the ones I can quickly get to are marked. I think I have a couple more in sets....also no x/32 sockets.
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Smokeshow69
Well-known member
Picked up a couple hard-to-find Plomb pieces this morning in this Simonsen cantilevered toolbox. I am sure you eagle eyes will beam in on them immediately without me even having to point them out..
I will post close-ups later.
You are kidding [emoji51][emoji849]
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
All the midget stuff you see in that Simonsen military mechanics box is 9/32-inch drive, including a Walden-Worcester flex extension and uni joint, a Williams extension, that knobby stubby spinner, the wingnut socket, and these two Plomb screwdriver bits.
Photos are a little fuzzy (sorry!), but the markings are v PLVMB v 4844, SIZE 1, and 3/16 and v PLVMB v 4845, SIZE 2, and 9/32. (EDIT: Not to be Captain Obvious, but the 1/4-inch drive pieces would be 47xx series numbers.) Finish is black oxide.
The wingnut socket is cadmium finish and unmarked but looks identical to a few JO Mfg wingnut sockets I have, although I now find the detent hole interesting.
Photos are a little fuzzy (sorry!), but the markings are v PLVMB v 4844, SIZE 1, and 3/16 and v PLVMB v 4845, SIZE 2, and 9/32. (EDIT: Not to be Captain Obvious, but the 1/4-inch drive pieces would be 47xx series numbers.) Finish is black oxide.
The wingnut socket is cadmium finish and unmarked but looks identical to a few JO Mfg wingnut sockets I have, although I now find the detent hole interesting.
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Guys,
An admission.
These two little screwdriver bits have made me suddenly doubt everything I thought I knew about Plomb wartime midget production.
My understanding was that Plomb started making 1/4-inch drive midget tools in the mid 30's and gave it 47XX part numbers. I know they made 9/32-inch drive midget tools beginning in 1940 for the USAAF and marked it "WF-" like the rest of the Wright Field contract tools. I have examples of both. My understanding was that they did not make 9/32-inch drive tools for commercial production or for other military customers. Apparently, I have been very wrong about that.
Does anyone else have any midget screwdriver bits? If so, are they 47XX (1/4-inch drive) or 48XX (9/32-inch drive) series? Has anyone ever seen 48XX screwdriver bits before? (As far as I know, there weren't any screwdriver bits in the 9/32-inch drive WF series.)
Does anyone else have any 9/32-inch drive tools with 48XX part numbers? I see a 4885 Sliding Tee on AA. What catalog are they in? Are they in any catalog? I guess now I am wondering what the line included. A Ratchet? Flex head? Extensions? etc
One thing I noted is that it's not an exact corollary with only the prefix (47/48) being different. At least as far as some of the bits go.
A 4744 screwdriver bit was 1/4"
A 4745 was 3/8".
My 4844 and 4845 are 3/16" and 9/32" respectively.
An admission.
These two little screwdriver bits have made me suddenly doubt everything I thought I knew about Plomb wartime midget production.
My understanding was that Plomb started making 1/4-inch drive midget tools in the mid 30's and gave it 47XX part numbers. I know they made 9/32-inch drive midget tools beginning in 1940 for the USAAF and marked it "WF-" like the rest of the Wright Field contract tools. I have examples of both. My understanding was that they did not make 9/32-inch drive tools for commercial production or for other military customers. Apparently, I have been very wrong about that.
Does anyone else have any midget screwdriver bits? If so, are they 47XX (1/4-inch drive) or 48XX (9/32-inch drive) series? Has anyone ever seen 48XX screwdriver bits before? (As far as I know, there weren't any screwdriver bits in the 9/32-inch drive WF series.)
Does anyone else have any 9/32-inch drive tools with 48XX part numbers? I see a 4885 Sliding Tee on AA. What catalog are they in? Are they in any catalog? I guess now I am wondering what the line included. A Ratchet? Flex head? Extensions? etc
One thing I noted is that it's not an exact corollary with only the prefix (47/48) being different. At least as far as some of the bits go.
A 4744 screwdriver bit was 1/4"
A 4745 was 3/8".
My 4844 and 4845 are 3/16" and 9/32" respectively.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Long story short, guys, I am having a major Twilight Zone episode. Am I the only one who didn't know 48xx tools existed?!
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
If it was just the 48xx bits I'd think well maybe they were additions to the 9/32-inch drive WF production. But the 4885 sliding tee on AA implies sockets and a whole line of handles. Or at least a flex head and some extensions. And note that the sliding tee is a different finish (cad). Which means two different factories or two different production times.
d42jeep
Well-known member
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Thanks, Don. Was it plain steel finish? Is it the only 48xx piece you've ever found? Do you remember seeing others? Has it even been discussed as a category? Do we have a list?
d42jeep
Well-known member
I don’t know of any others that I’ve had. It was plain steel finish. I probably sent it to him with some WF tools. He may still have it but I don’t know. That picture was taken around the end of 2017 so I sent it to him after that. I didn’t think much about it at the time. That’s all I know about conventionally numbered 9/32” drive Plomb tools.
-Don
-Don
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RubiconJK
Well-known member
Attached are a couple pics of my 4845 designated size 2, 9/32" and 4846 size 3, 3/8" bits. I double checked and they are indeed 9/32 drive. I believe your assumption about the WF line is correct as there are no bits identified in the current "known" list. This morning after seeing your post, I have scoured all the online copies of Plomb catalogs I can find and haven't seen any indication of a 48xx set.
I have seen them before, and like these two bits I have, I just assumed there was a 9/32" drive general public set, but have not found others to add.
To add to your theory, I do see a 5 3/4" extension 4861 listed on Ebay.
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Hey Lugz, I posted some 48XX stuff in post 13 of that recent Jo-line thread.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Thanks for the size of the 4846 SIZE 3. There is a set of three on eBay but the seller did not list the bit size. Strange how they were not the same bit sizes as the 47xx counterparts. Obviously different applications. Don pointed out those and the 4861 on eBay to me earlier this morning in a PM. Funny thing is, the guy selling the bits is 30 minutes away from me and I have zero doubt they also came out of Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station.
Thanks. Didn't even register with me at the time! For others, link to MR. X's post here.
Ironically, or tellingly, I see that one of the Phillips bits you have is a Deco (if I am reading that marking right). I found a Deco 9/32-inch knobby stubby spinner with the Plomb screwdriver bits. Also an unmarked wingnut socket, as noted above, with a "Hole-Tight" hole.
Running Empirical Tally:
4844 Screwdriver bit 3/16", black oxide (Lugz, Rubicon, MR. X)
4845 " 9/32" black oxide (")
4846 " 3/8" black oxide (Rubicon, MR. X)
4860 Short extension, black oxide (MR. X)
4861 Long extension, plated (eBay)
4866 Flex handle, plain steel (Tin Medic via Don)
4885 Sliding Tee, black oxide (MR. X), plated (AA)
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r_olson_06
Well-known member
Nice find Lugz.All the midget stuff you see in that Simonsen military mechanics box is 9/32-inch drive, including a Walden-Worcester flex extension and uni joint, a Williams extension, that knobby stubby spinner, the wingnut socket, and these two Plomb screwdriver bits.
Photos are a little fuzzy (sorry!), but the markings are v PLVMB v 4844, SIZE 1, and 3/16 and v PLVMB v 4845, SIZE 2, and 9/32. (EDIT: Not to be Captain Obvious, but the 1/4-inch drive pieces would be 47xx series numbers.) Finish is black oxide.
The wingnut socket is cadmium finish and unmarked but looks identical to a few JO Mfg wingnut sockets I have, although I now find the detent hole interesting.
Looking for the following Plomb Pebbles Wrench 3061
northwoods
Well-known member
Re: ~ Plomb tool picture thread - show your stuff!
I recognize the funny little OE at the top of one of your pix, just above the three line wrenches. I have its little brother: 1/2 by 9/16".
Wouldn't want to part with it after all these years, would you?
I recognize the funny little OE at the top of one of your pix, just above the three line wrenches. I have its little brother: 1/2 by 9/16".
Wouldn't want to part with it after all these years, would you?
northwoods
Well-known member
Wow! I recognize the C-man open rats. I have them in 3/8 and 1/2. And I see you have two BT's as well.
A C-man BT was one of my first real scores. I bought the other two I mentioned for a total of $30. A steal.
A C-man BT was one of my first real scores. I bought the other two I mentioned for a total of $30. A steal.
northwoods
Well-known member
Re: ~ Plomb tool picture thread - show your stuff!
I think one of those puller sets went for just over $80 on the Bay. I had one and sold it for $50 for quick cash.
I think one of those puller sets went for just over $80 on the Bay. I had one and sold it for $50 for quick cash.
r_olson_06
Well-known member
Here are 3 of my 4. The last one is buried in a pile of ratchets in the dreaded deep drawer. All stamped with circle Us.
Looking for the following Plomb Pebbles Wrench 3061
r_olson_06
Well-known member
Plomb Wall update:
Getting down to the end of the condensing. Making space for a wrench set arrival this week that I am super excited for. Should add 15 more to board. Additions of this scale are getting harder and harder to come by. This will probably be the last single addition of this scale on the wrench front unless I find a hord of LAs or strikers/sluggers somewhere (a long shot). One big change is I added all the 1/2" drive and under sockets to rails. The rails are hung from hooks in a verticle orientation. This saved alot of hooks and space.
Looking for the following Plomb Pebbles Wrench 3061
Getting down to the end of the condensing. Making space for a wrench set arrival this week that I am super excited for. Should add 15 more to board. Additions of this scale are getting harder and harder to come by. This will probably be the last single addition of this scale on the wrench front unless I find a hord of LAs or strikers/sluggers somewhere (a long shot). One big change is I added all the 1/2" drive and under sockets to rails. The rails are hung from hooks in a verticle orientation. This saved alot of hooks and space.
Looking for the following Plomb Pebbles Wrench 3061
r_olson_06
Well-known member
Thank you Dave. I really appreciate you parting with some if your collection to me.
Looking for the following Plomb Pebbles Wrench 3061
RubiconJK
Well-known member
Looks great Roy!
Oldtuleguy
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Wow!
Smokeshow69
Well-known member
Roy you plomb wall is looking fantastic! So glad I sent a few pieces to help the cause!
Since we are talking plomb walls, figured I would show progress on mine! I move earlier this year and have been wanting to get the wall set back up. This will be way better than my old setup because it has more light and also has some room for future finds[emoji51][emoji23] as you can see I also have Proto la and p&c laid out ! More work will be done tonight
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Since we are talking plomb walls, figured I would show progress on mine! I move earlier this year and have been wanting to get the wall set back up. This will be way better than my old setup because it has more light and also has some room for future finds[emoji51][emoji23] as you can see I also have Proto la and p&c laid out ! More work will be done tonight
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r_olson_06
Well-known member
Them boards look nice. I may have convert to plywood from peg boards once I find out the final layout for everything. I have switched it around 4 times now and still not 100% sure I am in love with it yet. Let me know what you are needing for P&C or Plombs. I have plenty of extra.Roy you plomb wall is looking fantastic! So glad I sent a few pieces to help the cause!
Since we are talking plomb walls, figured I would show progress on mine! I move earlier this year and have been wanting to get the wall set back up. This will be way better than my old setup because it has more light and also has some room for future finds[emoji51][emoji23] as you can see I also have Proto la and p&c laid out ! More work will be done tonight
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Looking for the following Plomb Pebbles Wrench 3061
Smokeshow69
Well-known member
Roger that. I need to make a spreadsheet like you sent me! That was very well done. I need to clean up my plomb from the swap meet in April and reinventory things. I sent some pieces to you and gained some things as well! Once I do that, I can start to fill holes again.
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r_olson_06
Well-known member
I just added some more items as well to it this past weekend. I have been trying to narrow what was available from what generation. I am also working on getting the pre 1930s part numbers that had an alpha character.
If you want to copy I'll the spreadsheet by all means go ahead. If you need me to send you an .xls for Excel let me know.
Looking for the following Plomb Pebbles Wrench 3061
RubiconJK
Well-known member
Smoke, you and Roy are making me feel inadequate with your Plombmahal and Wall O Plomb!! Awesome job!
Smokeshow69
Well-known member
I am fairly certain you could equal me in tool count and I have maybe 1/2 of the quality stuff Roy has! To me , I enjoy seeing and using my pieces as I learn the history behind them! I like walking into my garage and seeing all the pebbles in the wall and all the p&c that was made not far from where I live. Plus I also enjoy collecting brands most people don’t know about and also enjoy the thrill of finding a unicorn or a piece I have been looking for in the wild!
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Smokeshow69
Well-known member
I would love your xls document to create my own inventory . I will email you so you can send me your updated file! Thanks
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Smokeshow69
Well-known member
Made some progress on the wall tonight... got the boards hung and some tools up. I am finding tools I have not created hangers for yet [emoji23]
More to come maybe tomorrow???
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More to come maybe tomorrow???
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r_olson_06
Well-known member
Looking good. I can't believe how many screwdrivers you have.Made some progress on the wall tonight... got the boards hung and some tools up. I am finding tools I have not created hangers for yet [emoji23]
More to come maybe tomorrow???
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Should be in your inbox.
Looking for the following Plomb Pebbles Wrench 3061
bmwrd0
Well-known member
Looks good Smoke!