Plomb tool picture thread - show your stuff!

[Private Lugnutz]

I wonder if it would be possible to put a GMTK together using Wright Field labeled tools. I've got a WF-40 1/2 Speeder and a box of random WF's... Hmmm.

The GMTK had over 100 pieces. While no single mfgr made them all, there were three or four mfgrs who could at least provide all the wrenches (1/4-drive, 1/2-drive, DOEs, ignition wrenches in 15* x 60* configuration, stubby offset DBEs, long 15* angle pattern DBEs), and Plomb isn't one of them.

In WF, none of the 1/4-drive pieces, none of the stubby DBEs, none of the DOEs (wrong sizes), and none of the ignition wrenches (wrong configuration). You could probably get the 1/2-drive set and maybe the long 15* angle pattern DBEs out of WF, but that's it.

You can do a little better with standard Plomb if my charts are correct. Don would certainly have a closer and updated idea now that he's trying to build one. The 1/2-drive set, most of the 1/4-drive set, the ignition set, and the long 15* angle pattern DBEs, but not the stubbies and not all the required DOEs.

 

[d42jeep]

In terms of unavailable conventional Plomb wrenches, Plomb didn’t offer two of the DOE wrenches and one of the shorty DBE wrenches. In the 1/4” drive socket set they didn’t offer one socket. Apparently they made the 1/2” drive Ell handles but the only two that have ever been found are in Lugz’ and Tin Medic‘s collections. If I owned the unicorns in the middle of this picture I would have all of the DOE wrenches covered but they live in the UK and I don’t think that they are going anywhere.
-Don

 

[AK4570]

What are the part numbers on those, Don? I run into a surprising number of DOEs up here.

Best regards,
John

 

[d42jeep]

They don’t have part numbers. if I hadn’t been sent the picture, I would say they didn’t exist. It’s possible that they were sent to the UK as part of Lend-Lease. I’m not aware of any of the wrenches in the picture ever being found in the US.
-Don

 

[RubiconJK]

In terms of unavailable conventional Plomb wrenches, Plomb didn’t offer two of the DOE wrenches and one of the shorty DBE wrenches. In the 1/4” drive socket set they didn’t offer one socket. Apparently they made the 1/2” drive Ell handles but the only two that have ever been found are in Lugz’ and Tin Medic‘s collections. If I owned the unicorns in the middle of this picture I would have all of the DOE wrenches covered but they live in the UK and I don’t think that they are going anywhere.
-Don

Don, what is the distinction for the 1/2" drive ell handle you mentioned? I have a 5486 in my 1/2" set and have seen a few others. I'm assuming the ones you are referring to in Lugz and Tin Medic's collections are different?

 

[d42jeep]

They look more like these than the normal Plomb version.
I think Lugz found one in this box of surplus Ells in 2016.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Mine came in a 1957 dated repack box out of the Ordnance Depot in Columbus, Ohio. There were fifteen (15) of them, ten (10) of which were APCO-Mossberg, and three (3) Armstrong. The Plomb and one other I have never identified were the only two that were chromed. I don't know about Tin Medic's but I don't believe it was made during WWII. Which makes it inappropriate for Don's Plomb-Oriented GMTK, a story I am sticking to until I wear down or Tin Medic gives up his first!

 

[Mavawreck]

My screwdriver collection, mix of PLVMB and Proto. Hope to get them all someday

 

[Smokeshow69]

Been working on my 9998 plomb top chest. Getting really close to filling it up. Wiped down all the painted surfaces with this stuff. It smells really nice and actually works well. Blo and a few other chemicals mixed in. Brings out the colors without being permanent in case I want to go another direction. You can see before and after shots of the back of the box, as well as a treated and non treated drawer front

 

[JjKk40]

Picked this NOS tee handle. Plvmb cadmium finish was definitely a step above all the other manufacturers imho.

 

[RubiconJK]

Mine came in a 1957 dated repack box out of the Ordnance Depot in Columbus, Ohio. There were fifteen (15) of them, ten (10) of which were APCO-Mossberg, and three (3) Armstrong. The Plomb and one other I have never identified were the only two that were chromed. I don't know about Tin Medic's but I don't believe it was made during WWII. Which makes it inappropriate for Don's Plomb-Oriented GMTK, a story I am sticking to until I wear down or Tin Medic gives up his first!

They look more like these than the normal Plomb version.

Ok, got it. Thanks.

 

[AK4570]

They don’t have part numbers. if I hadn’t been sent the picture, I would say they didn’t exist. It’s possible that they were sent to the UK as part of Lend-Lease. I’m not aware of any of the wrenches in the picture ever being found in the US.
-Don

That definitely lowers the chances of encountering one in the wild… definitely a unicorn-level search!

I spent a fruitless hour or so last night coaming through catalogs trying to find them and came up with bupkiss. Your post at least provides a bit of closure on that front.

Best regard,
John

 

[Shelbylex]

I have a lead on this box for $30, will see it tomorrow and consider buying.
Can somebody tell me the model and how old it is (I think 40s)
I assume it was repainted.
There was a picture somewhere on GJ with the catalog page of this and another box. If anybody knows where it is, can you point me to it or repost it?
Thank you

 

[honza.vosalik]

I have a lead on this box for $30, will see it tomorrow and consider buying.
Can somebody tell me the model and how old it is (I think 40s)
I assume it was repainted.
There was a picture somewhere on GJ with the catalog page of this and another box. If anybody knows where it is, can you point me to it or repost it?
Thank you

Not much to consider for $30, I'd just grab it...

 

[d42jeep]

Just grab it for sure. Without seeing the interior it’s hard to say but it could be one of these. There is a smaller one as well.
-Don

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I have a lead on this box for $30, will see it tomorrow and consider buying.
Can somebody tell me the model and how old it is (I think 40s)
I assume it was repainted.
There was a picture somewhere on GJ with the catalog page of this and another box. If anybody knows where it is, can you point me to it or repost it?
Thank you

Looks like a 9989. 30$ no Brainer grab it

 

[Stillgottimefor1]

Chrome is starting to flake on this tappet wrench I don’t know how old it is.

 

[Stillgottimefor1]

A 9/32-drive socket. Don’t know anything about the age of it either.

 

[Shelbylex]

Thank you, Don, Oldtuleguy and Honza.Vosalik!
I am meeting the seller tomorrow. I hope that rust is not too dip.
Don, I greatly appreciate the catalog pictures as well as your boxes. So, given the red color in catalog and your olive one, it confirms that the one for sale is repainted. Could not get more pictures from the seller - was not interested in doing it. Will have to see it in person
Unless there is something terribly wrong with it as I have very limited view with some rust, I will try to buy it.

 

[bmwrd0]

A 9/32-drive socket. Don’t know anything about the age of it either.

WWII. It's Cadmium plated, so don't use a wire wheel to clean it.

 

[Stillgottimefor1]

.

 

[d42jeep]

Earlier boxes came painted green.
-Don

 

[Smokeshow69]

Earlier boxes came painted green.
-Don

Don is correct! I have seen boxes painted green, maroon and a few very uncommon gray color it those were aircraft company contracts and I have only seen 2 on fb. They had contract tags riveted onto them but I wasn’t able to see if they had been repainted for the contact after being painted one of the mentioned colors above

 

[Shelbylex]

Thank you for more information, gentlemen. The box is in the garage. Sorry, no pictures - was a very long day at work and then had get the box. By the time I got to work it was already late. Will try to make some pictures tomorrow in the nice light and post an update. It's in worse state than I thought, but I decided to get it...

 

[Smokeshow69]

Posting this here because I know a lot of guys on this thread have spare Proto but don’t go to the Proto thread. I need a lot of Proto mfd marked 1/4 and 3/8 drive tools for this board I just picked up! Everything I have pictured but still need a ton. Now is your chance to unload your spares. It was missing its logo but luckily I had some still leftover from the batches I have had made in the past.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming

 

[Stillgottimefor1]

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming

I would give fifty for either of those sign now…

 

[Smokeshow69]

I would give fifty for either of those sign now…

I would guess to the right collector those may be worth well over $500 per sign! Very uncommon

 

[Shelbylex]

Some pictures of the box. It's not in the greatest shape and was repainted. I got it along with 3 GTD 3/8 x 16 taps in original box and 3 Winter 1/4x20 taps in original package. We agreed on $15
Thank you for information and images I received prior to buying it!

 

[c1504]

It looks pretty straight and it has got the tray. I would not have been able to get my $15 out fast enough!

 

[d42jeep]

Some pictures of the box. It's not in the greatest shape and was repainted. I got it along with 3 GTD 3/8 x 16 taps in original box and 3 Winter 1/4x20 taps in original package. We agreed on $15
Thank you for information and images I received prior to buying it!

You stole that box. Great job! Time to sand the top, refinish and fill it up.
-Don

 

[Shelbylex]

Thank you, Don and C1504
Unfortunately no sanding till the warm weather comes back to MA. Can not do it inside the house...
Don, I have a very long way to go till your collection of PLOMB. This picture definitely inspires!!!

 

[RagTopTA]

Heres my 3, 1/2" drv Plomb Ell handles and a little pouch that I acquired as well..

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Would you say it's natural steel or chrome, Rags?

 

[Smokeshow69]

Thank you, Don and C1504
Unfortunately no sanding till the warm weather comes back to MA. Can not do it inside the house...
Don, I have a very long way to go till your collection of PLOMB. This picture definitely inspires!!!

For $15 that deserves a you ****! Nice work.

 

[d42jeep]

Heres my 3, 1/2" drv Plomb Ell handles and a little pouch that I acquired as well..

I really like that Ell on the bottom. If you ever decide to let it go, please keep me in mind.
-Don

 

[3baygarage]

Nice looking stuff guys. I also stopped in to say that I should have something really neat to add to the thread soon! Something old but refreshing for this collector, and hopefully enjoyable for all you Plombers!

Looks like I‘ve got myself in deep trouble with this promise.
Don’t throw me out of here just yet though.
On second thought, I’d better speed my way out of here.
Unless of course I can crank out some good Plomb.
Sorry guys, all I have is this lame ratchet photo.

 

[RagTopTA]

Would you say it's natural steel or chrome, Rags?

I would say chrome... doesnt look like its ever had a socket on it.

I really like that Ell on the bottom. If you ever decide to let it go, please keep me in mind.
-Don

Will do! I think ill most likely keep it, it seems to be a rare item.

 

[3baygarage]

Ok, that was the two minute teaser.

Here we go, some exciting Plombity Plombness.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I would say chrome

Thanks.

Here we go, some exciting Plombity Plombness

Shhhweeeeet. Love the hints! Haha.