Plomb tool picture thread - show your stuff!

[RubiconJK]

Thanks. There weren’t very many GMTK suppliers that made the shorty 5/8” x 3/4” DBE wrenches and I had a Barcalo one on hand. I added Arcturus because I was recently reminded that they were in the “wynmkr set”, which was a rare probably mostly original GMTK found some years back. This one will be a placeholder until I find a Plomb 3027.
-Don

How many of the tools included in the GMTK carried the part number on them like your Arcturus?

 

[d42jeep]

How many of the tools included in the GMTK carried the part number on them like your Arcturus?

Actually, very few. GJ member gpw_42 keeps a log of tools with marked FSNs here on g503.com.

FSN Marked Tools & Their Dates of Production - G503 Military Vehicle Message Forums

Walden 1/4” drive boxes with the FSN included are much sought after.
Don

 

[JjKk40]

Actually, very few. GJ member gpw_42 keeps a log of tools with marked FSNs here on g503.com.

FSN Marked Tools & Their Dates of Production - G503 Military Vehicle Message Forums

Walden 1/4” drive boxes with the FSN included are much sought after.
Don

I have 3 or 4 sets of those Walden, Cad and black oxide! I lactually love these by the way!!! Started when I found a set in my late Dads stuff, was probably my grandfathers!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

How many of the tools included in the GMTK carried the part number on them

Not to take this GMTK side-track even further, but I like to nickname all my GMTK's, and I call my current one "The Numbers Racket" for a reason - because of all the stock numbers, part numbers, and other numbers it includes. I have posted photos of it in my Lugzsonian thread, but I have called out all the numbers on a G503.com thread, linked here. Besides the Walden midget boxes that Don alluded to, other WWII tools that had the phonetic FSN include the kit itself, the flip-top box itself, an ignition wrench set (OEM undetermined), and a pair of Mossberg 1/2-inch drive extensions, all in my kit. There were other stock numbers in use during WWII (too many, in fact, prompting the federation of the new 11-digit FSN format in 1953, which much later became the 13-digit NSN we still use today), and I have a few of those in my current kit as well. I am not going to post photos here, but follow the link if you're interested.

 

[RubiconJK]

Not to take this GMTK side-track even further, but I like to nickname all my GMTK's, and I call my current one "The Numbers Racket" for a reason - because of all the stock numbers, part numbers, and other numbers it includes. I have posted photos of it in my Lugzsonian thread, but I have called out all the numbers on a G503.com thread, linked here. Besides the Walden midget boxes that Don alluded to, other WWII tools that had the phonetic FSN include the flip-top box itself, an ignition wrench set (OEM undetermined), and a pair of Mossberg 1/2-inch drive extensions, all in my kit. There were other stock numbers in use during WWII (too many, in fact, prompting the federation of the new 11-digit FSN format in 1953, which much later became the 13-digit NSN we still use today), and I have a few of those in my current kit as well. I am not going to post photos here, but follow the link if you're interested.

Thanks Lugz. I've managed to stay out of the GMTK rabbit hole but between you and Don putting out these tantalizing posts of a set on which I haven't purposely worked, I am feeling an urge to at least take a peek.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

TL; DR: Be forewarned! It will never let you go!

The first tools I ever collected were for my '43 Willys MB. Wow! An on-board toolkit! Driver's preventive maintenance! This won't be too hard. Just a few tools. HAHA. Boy, was I wrong. The hobby was afflicted with a bad case of shoddy first wave research and protectionism. After immersing myself so deeply in that topic I ended up co-authoring a chapter on the toolkit in a book series on the MB, I discovered that most jeep tools never made it to the ETO, were lost, or discarded by the receiving units. I also discovered that the real motor vehicle mechanics were scrambling around in CCKW "depots" or makeshift motorpools, just behind the guys on the front, that they each got their own hefty do-all 119-piece general maintenance toolkit, and that it came in a cool flip top box with a tray with a hole in it for the oiler spout, in other words - the grandpappy of the Pelican case kit all modern Army mechanics still tote around, now on wheels. That was it. I was a goner. Within a year or so I had not only collected my first GMTK, but created a handy-dandy laminated guide for other collectors.

Then I discovered GJ! As you can probably tell, my interests have significantly diversified and also gone backwards in time since coming here. And yet, I just put together my 5th GMTK without really trying, having moved the former four to other collectors. Hooked. For. Life. There's just something about the kit - a little something to do a little of everything - and the mid 1940's that is just a sweet spot for vintage hand tools and collecting. If you take that peek and get hooked, I have some extras if you need them. So do Don and UNIAU and others. And it sounds like you might be half way there with stuff you already have sitting around anyway! I know you have the drag link bits! Just sayin.

 

[RubiconJK]

TL; DR: Be forewarned! It will never let you go!

The first tools I ever collected were for my '43 Willys MB. Wow! An on-board toolkit! Driver's preventive maintenance! This won't be too hard. Just a few tools. HAHA. Boy, was I wrong. The hobby was afflicted with a bad case of shoddy first wave research and protectionism. After immersing myself so deeply in that topic I ended up co-authoring a chapter on the toolkit in a book series on the MB, I discovered that most jeep tools never made it to the ETO, were lost, or discarded by the receiving units. I also discovered that the real motor vehicle mechanics were scrambling around in CCKW "depots" or makeshift motorpools, just behind the guys on the front, that they each got their own hefty do-all 119-piece general maintenance toolkit, and that it came in a cool flip top box with a tray with a hole in it for the oiler spout, in other words - the grandpappy of the Pelican case kit all modern Army mechanics still tote around, now on wheels. That was it. I was a goner. Within a year or so I had not only collected my first GMTK, but created a handy-dandy laminated guide for other collectors.

Then I discovered GJ! As you can probably tell, my interests have significantly diversified and also gone backwards in time since coming here. And yet, I just put together my 5th GMTK without really trying, having moved the former four to other collectors. Hooked. For. Life. There's just something about the kit - a little something to do a little of everything - and the mid 1940's that is just a sweet spot for vintage hand tools and collecting. If you take that peek and get hooked, I have some extras if you need them. So do Don and UNIAU and others. And it sounds like you might be half way there with stuff you already have sitting around anyway! I know you have the drag link bits! Just sayin.

Ok, you got me interested enough to at least go over to G503.com and see if I can find the inventory list. The drag links will be first in the kit!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

There's a sticky with very good links. The very first one is mine (I am Wingnutt there). Mudbox (who is UNAIU here on GJ) copied and pasted the manual info in my first post into the body of the Sticky, but look at the table in page 2. That is all the overview/inventory you'll ever need. The other links are for deep diving into specs, mfgrs, examples, alloy restrictions, etc.

 

[d42jeep]

It was like a late Christmas when the mailman arrived today. First I opened a package from RubiconJK and found a Plomb DOE that will be perfect in the Plomb GMTK.


Next was a package from Smokeshow that had a nice wartime Plomb DBE that I needed.
Along with a nice Plomb GMTK correct cold chisel. Thanks, guys! I really appreciate it.
-Don

 

[Smokeshow69]

D42- glad to help out with such a worthy cause! I am sure they will look great in there!

 

[four.cycle]

listed four hours ago:

The Plomb Tool Co. Catalog No. 4821 Proto Tools | eBay

THE plomb tool Co. catalog. No. 4821 Proto Tools. Punched hole top left seems original. No other issues noted.

www.ebay.com

 

[Smokeshow69]

listed four hours ago:

The Plomb Tool Co. Catalog No. 4821 Proto Tools | eBay

THE plomb tool Co. catalog. No. 4821 Proto Tools. Punched hole top left seems original. No other issues noted.

www.ebay.com

Oh that one… curious to see which version it is

 

[four.cycle]

not a clue, but that's out of my price range for catalogs.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

That is a bizarre publication number.

In 1946, Plomb started using a 4-digit publication number on all publications. The first two digits were the year, and the second two digits were a unique, sequential identifier. Everything they published - catalogs, pamphlets, flyers and ads, got a number. The lower the number the earlier in the year it was used and vice versa. I first noticed this with ads with numbers like 4833 appear in periodicals and trade mags iwith spring dates, ads with numbers like 4842 appear in summer-dated periodicals and trade mags, and ads with numbers like 4887 appear in fall winter periodicals and trade mags. Ditto 49XX ads. But tin medic really blew this wide open with his 19-R SECOND AND THIRD PRINTING buys. There are bulletins and supplements with 47XX numbers. And I believe what might be the earliest so far is the Veterans kits bulletin marked 4624-R. And to return to catalogs, Catalog 4922-M, copyright 1949, has a Price List in it, with a publications number of 4905, dated February 15, 1949.

Catalog No. 4820 is in the public domain. I don't recall if it's on IA/ITCL or Bartlett Street. It was most likely published very early in 1948.

If I am correct about the publication numbers - and again, it all tracks, then Catalog No. 4821 came quite literally on the heels of Catalog No. 4820. Almost like an immediate update.

But even if I'm wrong - let's say there was a sub-system in which the numbers distinguish ads from catalogs etc, Catalog No. 4821 was clearly published in 1948 and we already have a good 1948 as a reference. And we have a 1949 as a reference.

Long story short, the need is not at all dire for that catalog from a research perspective.

If someone wants it as a collector's item, that's different.

 

[four.cycle]

I sent the seller an offer of $35.00, but have not yet gotten a response. 01/07/22 15:21 PST

 

[honza.vosalik]

Recently I was fortunate to purchase pebble wrenches from several collectors here and on FB. Once all the packages arrive over the next couple days, I'm only going to miss 1210, 1238, 1242 in order to have the complete pebble combo wrench set. I'll post pics once packages come in mail

 

[Smokeshow69]

not a clue, but that's out of my price range for catalogs.

Agreed. Bit spendy for my cheapo budget

 

[Smokeshow69]

I’m rich! I bought this signal corp paint per Don and his recommendation and they paid me 100grand! Heck yeah!

 

[d42jeep]

I’ll take 50%.
-Don

 

[Smokeshow69]

I’ll take 50%.
-Don

Wouldn’t we all be so lucky. I ordered the low gloss sheen you recommended and they sent me these with the hand written labels. Using this to paint some dividers I am making that are missing from my 9998 top chest and to also repaint some carry boxes as needed.

 

[bmwrd0]

I need to order a can or two of that, I have a WWII Snap-on chest that badly needs some love.

 

[gpw_42]

It's good paint, I think. REALLY like the color. Just make sure to knock down the primer with some OOOO steel wool before painting. I redid a civilian box to appear military WITHOUT the steel wool and the lesson stuck. TM9 in the front, original in the back (it's somewhat in a shadow).

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I ordered the low gloss sheen you recommended and they sent me these with the hand written labels

Hmm. I buy it all the time and it never comes that way. Usually has a label that reads "Synthetic Low Gloss Signal Corps Green Type I" under the "ENAMEL". Can you read through the tape? I'm guessing they mixed up a batch and canned it in other cans with different labels. That's kind of cool actually. Like you got some super secret customized forumla.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Hmm. I buy it all the time and it never comes that way. Usually has a label that reads "Synthetic Low Gloss Signal Corps Green Type I" under the "ENAMEL". Can you read through the tape? I'm guessing they mixed up a batch and canned it in other cans with different labels. That's kind of cool actually. Like you got some super secret customized forumla.

I had don’s picture pulled up to compare the label when I ordered it. They sell a few different similar sounding sheens but I made sure to get that type 1 !

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Oh, I figured. I was just musing on the handwritten tape labels.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Oh, I figured. I was just musing on the handwritten tape labels.

I thought they were funny as well As long as it sprays out well, I am fine with the home brew labels Maybe it is something cool we dont even know about yet

 

[Private Lugnutz]

No, seriously, I'm very intrigued, hence my earlier theorizing.

 

[Smokeshow69]

No, seriously, I'm very intrigued, hence my earlier theorizing.

It certainly is interesting. I am using the paint to spray on some of the drawer dividers I am making for my top chest. Got some 18 gauge sheet steel to cut more dividers for the drawers to match the originals

 

[RTM]

I bought some a few months back, it had the taped label as well. I thought the writing was the same on both, but smoke has two different scripts in his.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

What is the label on the can under the tape?

 

[Smokeshow69]

What is the label on the can under the tape?

It says to place label in the square… so really no technical info at all.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Hmm. Maybe they just ran out of labels.

 

[saukit]

Took a few Plomb pieces out of the Evaporust this afternoon. 5440-L socket, 5260 extension, very corroded 1126 (I think) DBE, 5265 breaker, and WF-37 breaker.

 

[d42jeep]

This backwards assembled 3/8” drive pebble ratchet arrived from an eBay seller today. I had made a low best offer that was accepted. While it had been taken apart and reassembled incorrectly, it certainly hadn’t been cleaned. It’s all better now.
-Don

 

[honza.vosalik]

They say the time to buy is when you see it.

 

[Smokeshow69]

They say the time to buy is when you see it.

You are correct! Way to go! You are getting closer for sure

 

[MR.X]

Speaking of markings, what is on that other thing in the picture?

Speaking of markings, what is on that other thing in the picture?

It's the Plomb AT-8027 version of the tappet adjuster for the Packard built Rolls Royce Merlin V-1650 engine toolkit. Not great pics but you should be able to see the major difference from the standard 6734 /2034... the round knob handle rotates a small 4 pt. socket rather than a screwdriver. I got it in the Rolls Aero box with some other toolkit items as well as a bunch of cool shop made tools common to Radial engine tool boxes.

 

[bmwrd0]

Radial engines are the coolest.

 

[Smokeshow69]

It's the Plomb AT-8027 version of the tappet adjuster for the Packard built Rolls Royce Merlin V-1650 engine toolkit. Not great pics but you should be able to see the major difference from the standard 6734 /2034... the round knob handle rotates a small 4 pt. socket rather than a screwdriver. I got it in the Rolls Aero box with some other toolkit items as well as a bunch of cool shop made tools common to Radial engine tool boxes.

So much cool stuff in this box! Can't be more than a handful of these probably left in the world. Beyond rare. Wonder who made the RR box ? Looks kinda like Mcleer?

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Added some 8 point, carb and screwdriver bits to midget master set