RTM
Well-known member
Whatchamacallit for the win!
Show your vintage Bridgeport tools!
- Thread starter LesserSon
- Start date
Left behind today, at flea mkt. I was ogling this, a Syracuse Wrench Co wood-boxed 1/2” sq dr ratchet set of Mossberg extruded sockets, and a Duro ell-driver socket set, when unexpectedly, I realized I didn’t want any of them, not even enough to ask prices. So I snapped these pics and moved on. (I’ll take my temperature when I get home.)
bmwrd0
Well-known member
Not wanting that wrench set? That's crazy talk!
Seriously, that thing is gorgeous. But I get you on the feeling of not wanting something, sometimes that is how it goes.
Seriously, that thing is gorgeous. But I get you on the feeling of not wanting something, sometimes that is how it goes.
Oldtuleguy
Well-known member
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- Nov 4, 2017
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Nice. They came in a set of 3 in a little pouch.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ Yeah.... "Radio Lectric" was a Bridgeport thing.. I have a set of those wrenches, and I believe I acquired a Bridgeport "Radio Lectric" socket and driver kit from another member here recently... need to get over to the post office and pick it up!
(Can't believe you passed on that "Hy-Power" set... that latch on that holder is one of the coolest latch mechanisms on a wrench holder I've seen!)
(Can't believe you passed on that "Hy-Power" set... that latch on that holder is one of the coolest latch mechanisms on a wrench holder I've seen!)
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Bridgeport Hy-Power 53 6 pc SAE metric open end wrench set 01.jpg -
Bridgeport Hy-Power 53 6-pc SAE metric open end wrench set 02.jpg -
Bridgeport Hy-Power 53 6-pc SAE metric open end wrench set 03.jpg -
Bridgeport Hy-Power 53 6-pc SAE metric open end wrench set 04.jpg -
Bridgeport Radio Lectric 475 end wrench set - 1930 Bridgeport catalog No. 25 pp 52.jpg
It’s true - the latch had me mezmerized for five minutes. But the wrenches are pretty bland: not a “BHMCo” on them.
Having also passed up some other things (pretty full set of C’man Vanadium DBEs) early in the day, and considering the dullness of what was available later, I would probably buy them if I had a do-over.
Having also passed up some other things (pretty full set of C’man Vanadium DBEs) early in the day, and considering the dullness of what was available later, I would probably buy them if I had a do-over.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ yeah... only distinguishing feature on the wrenches is that they're marked with both SAE and metric sizes - no "Bridgeport", no logo.
Lesserstore
Well-known member
I have these two: a 5/16x6 cushion grip and a Reed & Prince 4". Neither of these are branded, but the patents on both of them leads to Bridgeport. The slotted is only marked Pat. No. 2871899 U.S.A., and the R&P is marked with the same patent and Made in USA on the handle and NO. 2 R&P, U.S.A. The R&P looks like a "Leader" from the catalogs. Another thing is I thought R&P only came in one size, but I saw another Bridgeport on Worthpoint marked NO. 4 R&P, odd.
Attachments
four.cycle
Well-known member
looks like Woody did a write-up on that patent number here:
www.garagejournal.com
John H. Coyle, Julius L. Vargovicsik Improved screwdriver Handle.
The patent Date was April 16th,1958 and the invention was a new and improved tool handle that can withstand greater torque when turning screws. The original assignee was the Bridgeport Hardware Mfg. Corp and I am assuming that the name "PRIDE" must have been assigned to that screwdriver line...
www.garagejournal.com
Oldtuleguy
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- Nov 4, 2017
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Here is pat drawing
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Picked this up this morning at the flea. These were two-tone black and red and it still has remnants of the black on some of the jaw pieces and red inside the handles.
Bridgeport sure was enamored with giving everything a name, weren't they?
Bridgeport sure was enamored with giving everything a name, weren't they?
Mintgrun
Well-known member
Neat tool, Lugz. Catchy name too.
Since this thread popped up again, I'll share the little stubby I found recently. The handle was covered in tan paint, so I did not know the maker until I washed that off with Simple Green. I really like the old butterscotch handles. They look edible. Tom
Since this thread popped up again, I'll share the little stubby I found recently. The handle was covered in tan paint, so I did not know the maker until I washed that off with Simple Green. I really like the old butterscotch handles. They look edible. Tom
d42jeep
Well-known member
I found this little DOE yesterday that I assume is Bridgeport.
-Don
-Don
I have a very similar one myself!!!!!I found this little DOE yesterday that I assume is Bridgeport.
-Don
I run into all three styles of those metric/SAE DOEs all the time, but rarely find my notes pertaining to them while in the field. Apparently, I need the next size down in the style Don showed (8mmx10mm) to complete a set, and I probably had my hand on one today, but couldn’t find the right note on my phone. I did wind up buying this one. 
Probably, it is yet another dupe. MrsLS distracted me with questions as I was going through a pile of 3-for-a-dollar wrenches at the flea today, and I left several in the pile that I meant to purchase, including a forged-in asterix/daisy (PS&W or Vlchek design patent?) on a scooped-box Barcalo combo. There were several Bridgeports in the pile, too.
I wonder if MrsLS intentionally distracts me in such moments…
Probably, it is yet another dupe. MrsLS distracted me with questions as I was going through a pile of 3-for-a-dollar wrenches at the flea today, and I left several in the pile that I meant to purchase, including a forged-in asterix/daisy (PS&W or Vlchek design patent?) on a scooped-box Barcalo combo. There were several Bridgeports in the pile, too.I wonder if MrsLS intentionally distracts me in such moments…
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Mintgrun
Well-known member
I only have one of their metric/SAE wrenches and it is a little different. It is marked HY-BAR, with that web in the middle and offsets on both ends. I wonder if the patent they applied for has to do with the offsets on a DOE, or the combination of metric/SAE. Does anyone know?
I do not know. A quick check of DATAMP and Alloy Artifacts does not indicate if it was granted.
My guess is yes, the angled open ends, but it could be a design patent for the web. I had a beautiful example of a HyBar in my hands Saturday, but that seller wanted 3-for-five-dollars. I didn’t need it for a set, so it remained.
My guess is yes, the angled open ends, but it could be a design patent for the web. I had a beautiful example of a HyBar in my hands Saturday, but that seller wanted 3-for-five-dollars. I didn’t need it for a set, so it remained.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
It was definitely the offsets in the shank. They promoted the hell out of it (quite literally!) as a new clearance design in ads and in the 1940 catalog, and there is a little 'PAT. PEND.' notice on the graphic. They re-used the same exact graphic in the 1953 catalog and it still has the little 'PAT. PEND." notice. I researched this a long time ago. I looked in the index of every patent report from 1940 through 1955, even though that made no sense, and I figured they just carelessly re-used the same graphic. If it was ever issued, I couldn't find it, and it never appeared on a wrench as far as I know/recall.
Provincial
Well-known member
In my experience, DOE wrenches often need to be "flipped" when there isn't enough clearance to swing the wrench through one full flat of rotation. An offset DOE doesn't allow that.
I have an unbranded offset DOE with 7/16 and 9/16 openings. The bends appear to be done by the factory. The only markings are raised, forged-in ones: the sizes and "FORGED IN USA", and the shape of the jaws looks like alloy Vlchek.
I have an unbranded offset DOE with 7/16 and 9/16 openings. The bends appear to be done by the factory. The only markings are raised, forged-in ones: the sizes and "FORGED IN USA", and the shape of the jaws looks like alloy Vlchek.
Now that Lugz re-posted that ad, I remember the discussion.
Prov’s point about limitations of swing or throw is borne out by the vast majority of DOEs - or a quick glance at a combo (where only the box end is angled) - but in the scenario of the illustration (securing panels with bolts), the main obstruction is nearby bolts.
The HyBar is not a solution to every problem, and not as good a solution to the problem depicted as a ratchet, extension & socket (deep or crowfoot), but cheaper.
Prov’s point about limitations of swing or throw is borne out by the vast majority of DOEs - or a quick glance at a combo (where only the box end is angled) - but in the scenario of the illustration (securing panels with bolts), the main obstruction is nearby bolts.
The HyBar is not a solution to every problem, and not as good a solution to the problem depicted as a ratchet, extension & socket (deep or crowfoot), but cheaper.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
My conclusion was and remains that it was never awarded, and if I had to guess why, it would be not unique, with so many shanks on end wrenches (granted not open, but box) being routinely offset.
I have only three items, but they were fun to get. The hatchet came from a flea market years and years ago, and I cleaned it up and put a cutting edge on the head and bought an after-market belt sheath. (Back in Boy Scouts I had one of these, but painted red, with a rubber grip and the First Class Scout design forged into the head. It has long since gotten lost.)
The turnscrew-style screwdriver came from the Garfield Farm tool meeting this past August (near St. Charles, Ill.), and the Tomahawk #99 was from the Ottawa (Ill.) Mid-West Tool meeting in October.
The decal on the Tomahawk's handle intrigued me — as did the "KNOX" branded into the wood handle on the other side — so I did some digging at The Goog on "Knox" with trucking as a modifier.
Well, Ebay turned up a matchbook (thanks to somebody!) with a nearly identical design and even better, the matchbook's inside showed the route map for the company, Knox Motor Service, based in Rockford, Ill., not far actually from the tool meeting. (The seller had no idea what the thing was used for; to be fair, it was pretty rusty.)
Looks to be an advertising item given away or sold cheap to good customers or for use by the company's staff.
Searching on the company's name brought up a little history:
history.rockfordpubliclibrary.org
The turnscrew-style screwdriver came from the Garfield Farm tool meeting this past August (near St. Charles, Ill.), and the Tomahawk #99 was from the Ottawa (Ill.) Mid-West Tool meeting in October.
The decal on the Tomahawk's handle intrigued me — as did the "KNOX" branded into the wood handle on the other side — so I did some digging at The Goog on "Knox" with trucking as a modifier.
Well, Ebay turned up a matchbook (thanks to somebody!) with a nearly identical design and even better, the matchbook's inside showed the route map for the company, Knox Motor Service, based in Rockford, Ill., not far actually from the tool meeting. (The seller had no idea what the thing was used for; to be fair, it was pretty rusty.)
Looks to be an advertising item given away or sold cheap to good customers or for use by the company's staff.
Searching on the company's name brought up a little history:
Knox Motor Service – RPL's Local History
Posts about Knox Motor Service written by
history.rockfordpubliclibrary.org
Attachments
four.cycle
Well-known member
What could be in the box?
It's the model 485 Bridgeport "Radio-Lectric" 1/4" hex drive socket wrench set I got from Roy a while back! WoW!
Bridgeport Hardware Mfg. Co. model 485 "Radio-Lectric" 5-pc SAE socket wrench set ca. 1920s-1930s
The box was in pretty rough condition, which necessitated some minor repairs.
The set contains five little unmarked heat-treated bare steel sockets which slip onto a plated and polished 1/4" hex shaft which is slit up the middle about an inch up from the end.
There's a small dimple pressed into the side of each socket on the drive end, the inner side of which creates an interference fit when the socket is slid onto the hex shaft. The sockets are held tightly onto the shaft without employing the (Reginald Sedgley designed) detent ball most of us are familiar with.
Bridgeport Hardware Mfg. Co. model 485 "Radio-Lectric" 5-pc SAE socket wrench set
1930 Bridgeport Hardware Mfg. Co. Catalog No. 25 pp 78
It's the model 485 Bridgeport "Radio-Lectric" 1/4" hex drive socket wrench set I got from Roy a while back! WoW!
Bridgeport Hardware Mfg. Co. model 485 "Radio-Lectric" 5-pc SAE socket wrench set ca. 1920s-1930s
The box was in pretty rough condition, which necessitated some minor repairs.
The set contains five little unmarked heat-treated bare steel sockets which slip onto a plated and polished 1/4" hex shaft which is slit up the middle about an inch up from the end.
There's a small dimple pressed into the side of each socket on the drive end, the inner side of which creates an interference fit when the socket is slid onto the hex shaft. The sockets are held tightly onto the shaft without employing the (Reginald Sedgley designed) detent ball most of us are familiar with.
Bridgeport Hardware Mfg. Co. model 485 "Radio-Lectric" 5-pc SAE socket wrench set
1930 Bridgeport Hardware Mfg. Co. Catalog No. 25 pp 78
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Ricky Joe
Well-known member
Love that the devils are military!It was definitely the offsets in the shank. They promoted the hell out of it (quite literally!) as a new clearance design in ads and in the 1940 catalog, and there is a little 'PAT. PEND.' notice on the graphic. They re-used the same exact graphic in the 1953 catalog and it still has the little 'PAT. PEND." notice. I researched this a long time ago. I looked in the index of every patent report from 1940 through 1955, even though that made no sense, and I figured they just carelessly re-used the same graphic. If it was ever issued, I couldn't find it, and it never appeared on a wrench as far as I know/recall.
d42jeep
Well-known member
Another before and after series of pictures. I had no idea of the brand before my restoration efforts.
-Don
-Don
Stillgottimefor1
Well-known member
. The Devils are all high-ranking OFFICERS!!….thats funny!!
Another before and after series of pictures. I had no idea of the brand before my restoration efforts.
-Don
What method did you use to get that so nice!???
d42jeep
Well-known member
I cleaned the handle with some Formula 409, masked the handle off right up to the metal and used my 3M 220 rotary brush on the metal parts. I wiped fluid film on the metal to keep it from rusting again.
-Don
-Don
You did a damn good job on that Don!
Which Fluid Film product do you use and like the best for tools?
I've been using gun oil until now, military style CLP. I might switch to Fluid Film but I'm not sure which one?
d42jeep
Well-known member
I just buy it in spray cans and apply it with paper towels. The aroma offends some people but it doesn’t bother me.
FLUID FILM | Powerful Corrosion Protection & Lubrication
FLUID FILM® is Eureka’s own unique lanolin-based brand of corrosion preventive and lubricant, used worldwide in a multitude of industries and applications.
www.fluid-film.com
Thanks Don!I just buy it in spray cans and apply it with paper towels. The aroma offends some people but it doesn’t bother me.
-DonFLUID FILM | Powerful Corrosion Protection & Lubrication
FLUID FILM® is Eureka’s own unique lanolin-based brand of corrosion preventive and lubricant, used worldwide in a multitude of industries and applications.
Neat tool, Lugz. Catchy name too.
Since this thread popped up again, I'll share the little stubby I found recently. The handle was covered in tan paint, so I did not know the maker until I washed that off with Simple Green. I really like the old butterscotch handles. They look edible. Tom
This is my Bridgeport USA No448 1 1/4. I guess a more recent example?
Mintgrun
Well-known member
I'll bet you're right. I think butter-scotch is earlier than lemon-drop.
This No. 302 is has a handle style similar to yours and they both have the black-licorice paint on the end.
(edit -- see post #1 in this thread for more examples of this style - Rhino Amberlite).
The script on this one is different, but that may be due to size constraints on your stubby.
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