I have some somewhere.I'll see if I can dig them upWow! Great find. I agree, the smallest wrenches are often the hardest to find. I’m not sure whether I just overlook them, or whether they are actually scarce.
I’ve been slowly building two sets of the early E4x DBEs to display both sides.
My two sets have no E40s (just a single later-era placeholder) and only one E44 (w another later-era placeholder). Similar issue with Zenel E18 and E20 DOEs.
Spreading the Bonney affliction!
- Thread starter bonneyman
- Start date
Mikeske
Well-known member
Oh yeah and I have a few of the pre-Loc-Tite and a lot of the Loc-Tite flare wrenches. The open-box on the right were from a military set I got off eBay several years ago and the ones in metric and SAE in the red vinyl roll ups were from my original set of Bonney I bought in 1984.
Raineman
Well-known member
If anyone wants these, I can send them to you. Maybe help with postage. They don’t fit in with my preferred Bonney collection and I’m purging a lot of my collection of other brands as well.
Free to anyone that wants this batch. If you feel inclined to help me with shipping cost, okay.
Free to anyone that wants this batch. If you feel inclined to help me with shipping cost, okay.
2001ZR2
Well-known member
1/2 - 9/16 DBE with PWA markings apparently for Pratt Whitney Aircraft...interesting tool for 75 cents.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Picked up another suspected postwar stud puller. This one does not show any signs of having any number resembling a Snap-on date code, unlike the first one I found, which looks like a Snap-on, and had an "8" resembling a Snap-on 1948 date code, in a location where other Snap-on and other identical stud pullers with other brands (e.g., Hastings) had date code numbers. Loooong and as I recall inconclusive discussion back in 2019 if anywhere cares to re-visit.
Cleaned up well.
Cleaned up well.
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I added a fourth and fifth No199 utility knife to my collection recently, and didn’t expect any surprises, but I got one when I opened them up to remove the dull and rusted blades. Inside, one had a single Stanley No1992 and several General No852, the other had several Millers Falls No3325.
The one with the MF blades was more heavily-constructed than the one with the General blades!
This led me to open up the NOS examples, which were stocked with unmarked blades, sharing the size and angle of the MF and General blades, but with two notches (like the Stanley, but not sharing the length or more acute angle of it) instead of three. Hmmm. I had hoped to use the blades to establish whether the heavy knife was older or newer, but the blades may not help. Neither NOS examples, nor another earlier acuisition shared the heavy construction.
I’m favoring the “heavy is older” theory for now, but will have to see if Stanley utility knives show a similar internal redesign.
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Raineman
Well-known member
I had one of those and forgot it was in a box of stuff I sold as a lot. Regretting that, and haven't been able to find another since.
This led me to open up the NOS examples, which were stocked with unmarked blades, sharing the size and angle of the MF and General blades, but with two notches (like the Stanley, but not sharing the length or more acute angle of it) instead of three. Hmmm. I had hoped to use the blades to establish whether the heavy knife was older or newer, but the blades may not help. Neither NOS examples, nor another earlier acuisition shared the heavy construction.
I’m favoring the “heavy is older” theory for now, but will have to see if Stanley utility knives show a similar internal redesign.
View attachment 2550551Another surprise when I opened up two Stanley No199 utility knives.
Neither is identical to either type of Bonney, though they all share some characteristics.
From comparing elements, I say the order of development is
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
^ Interesting deep dive, LS. I did a "Curator's Corner" on Utility Knives linked HERE, and a few updates after that, which you can find in the Lugzsonian thread index in post #1, but while I included a Bonney and Stanley and noted the identical production, and took a quick stab at the No. 199 history, I did not do a close comparison.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I was elated to pluck this Bonney Champion No. 112 (1-1/2" jaws) out of a wooden drawer this morning at the flea. I couldn't reach it leaning from the front of the table and tried to not dance too excitedly around the corner with anticipation as soon as I spotted it. It has a gorgeous 'Princeton' logo.
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Photos of the markings, including a very oddly placed "U.S.A.", obviously stamped when the jaws were closed. It could just be my brain doing some instinctive wishful thinking, but a very reasonable expansion of the "O.D." stamped just above it, and quite probably at the same time, if not the very same stamp, is Ordnance Department! 
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
1914 Catalog excerpts...
Good afternoon.
Sorry for being lazy, does anybody remember where the black and white picture of Bonney tool boxes within the garage was posted? Most likely this thread...
Answering my own question: posted by MRITCHIE77, post 5252
www.garagejournal.com
Sorry for being lazy, does anybody remember where the black and white picture of Bonney tool boxes within the garage was posted? Most likely this thread...
Answering my own question: posted by MRITCHIE77, post 5252
Spreading the Bonney affliction!
I am intrigued by those two sockets. I can’t think of anything automotive that they could be. The decidedly offset drive broaching of the drive end is very curious, combined with the odd configuration of the fastener. I’m interested to see how this turns out.
www.garagejournal.com
Wow! Great find. I agree, the smallest wrenches are often the hardest to find. I’m not sure whether I just overlook them, or whether they are actually scarce.
I’ve been slowly building two sets of the early E4x DBEs to display both sides.
My two sets have no E40s (just a single later-era placeholder) and only one E44 (w another later-era placeholder). Similar issue with Zenel E18 and E20 DOEs.
eBay provided a No21 set of E- 40, 42, 44, 46, and I was quick to break it up and put the E40 and E44 under glass today. Still subbing one latter-day E40.
Now just need the flex heads!702K Trifecta! I found the little V-702K 1/4"er yesterday. The T and hinge handles were recent finds too. T-30 and T-36. I am happy the three ratchets mats as well as they do. There can be a lot of variation in the chrome plating process.
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Mikeske
Well-known member
Ahh only one. How about two. I had these from several years ago when I found both on e-bay and of course I had to get separately get them. The chrome one is a replacement for my broken flex head I had when I originally bought my entire Bonney set from Grainger in 1984.
Mintgrun
Well-known member
I had assumed this CHAMPION PLUG-MASTER CT-405 ratchet was made by BLACKHAWK, but after seeing the BONNEY examples above, I'm leaning towards it fitting into this thread. Both ratchets give sixty clicks per revolution, but the clicker is smoother and quieter in the CHAMPION.
RTM
Well-known member
Mine are in the Champion thread, where someone else said NB made, might change your mind.
Champion Spark Plug Rachet
Thanks guys! I was thinking about the peening option. I will see how it goes and if it starts to slide i will take care oft that. I wonder if anyone has any history on this tool. I cant find any information on Champion tools. I understand these were made by New Brittain but there is little info...
www.garagejournal.com
Mintgrun
Well-known member
Your March example resembles my Blackhawk and the December one looks like my Champion.
I can't keep track of who made what - for who - when... but do appreciate the input.
I can't keep track of who made what - for who - when... but do appreciate the input.
It's too bad Bonney didn't make the 1/4" in a flex head. With the way the industry went they probably would have sold a million of 'em.
At one point I considered mating a 1/4" flex handle with the head of a 1/4" ratchet. But decided against it as I'd have to sacrifice one of my V702-k's for the project.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
I have the socket set to go with your faux-gold-plated Chrysler Award wrench--in Metric.Ahh only one. How about two. I had these from several years ago when I found both on e-bay and of course I had to get separately get them. The chrome one is a replacement for my broken flex head I had when I originally bought my entire Bonney set from Grainger in 1984.
Mikeske
Well-known member
I have a swivel socket set in faux-gold that I got and never used. I never looked that hard back 5-6 years ago when I was rebuilding my set of Bonney tools. If a faux-gold set shows up and it is fairly priced on eBay I might consider grabbing it but also have not looked that hard once I got to a completion of what I originally had as those tools are now only used when I work on my equipment and pickup truck.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Snerk.
So it appears I have basically 3-5 each of these exact sets (with minor differences) for at least Bonney (4 or 5 sets) billings (2 or 3 sets) Vlchek (probably like 6 sets) Williams (at least 3 sets) barcalo Buffalo (like 6 sets) Fairmount (3-5 sets) w&b (1 set) herbrand and duro (about one set each) unidentified (over 10 sets) I'm sure I'm missing some, but then I also have some stubby and longer offset double box wrenches and a stubby and long screwdriver for most of the corresponding sets I have. Plus some other oddball tools and none of this stuff is stuff I want to keep, but I don't want to split up a specific tool set if that's what these belong to. If anyone has any advice that would be great! If not then here's some cool pictures
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Nice find. I've been looking for a Mack 83-A (by Bonney, Williams, or Billings, not picky! 
) for a few years now to complete my set.
What's the T-handle?
) for a few years now to complete my set. What's the T-handle?
RTM
Well-known member
Gonna guess 9/16”, seems like all the t handles I find are there to 3/4”
Thank. Old Billings with a Billings brace socket jammed in it.Nice find. I've been looking for a Mack 83-A (by Bonney, Williams, or Billings, not picky!
What's the T-handle?
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I have Tee handles from 3/8" to 1-1/4", RTM, but I wasn't asking about the size. I meant the mfgr, and an explanation for what's going on with those spindle-like ends. Only the "S" wrench is a Bonney.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Thanks. Very cool looking.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
@MR.X
I have you all set up on the Billings thread. That is a very nice find!
www.garagejournal.com
I have you all set up on the Billings thread.
That is a very nice find!Let's see your Billings and Spencer goodies
Here's an interesting pocket multi blade screwdriver I missed this somehow until @Ayrhead replied. Fantastic find (or acquisition), OTG! In case you didn't realize it, this is the tool that inspired the famous and much more common Shelton FOUR-IN-ONE and later Versatool, and...
www.garagejournal.com
Kinda look like the 2 on the left in this picThanks to gifts and continued hunting, I now have nicely-matched S-wrenches ABCDE, the full set shown on pp32-33 of the 1914 catalog.
The B has a cracked jaw, so the hunt continues.
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Got an addition to my tools today (this is cross posted in the tool pick up thread, but with lower resolution pictures)
Bonney MB60 box
3/4 drive sockets: Bonney 1 5/8, 1 1/2, 1 7/16, 1 7/16 (newer), 1 5/16, 1 1/4, 1 1/16, 1, 15/16; Blackhawk 1 3/8,
Bonney 3/4 to 1/2 adapter
Bonney 3/4 to 1” adapted – two
Bonney R617 17” extension
Bonney R60 8.5” adapter
R730 T-bar
Bonney 1/2 drive
A701 ratchet
A730 T bar
A722 flex bar
A776 cross bar – happy about this one – it was placed with a different set where it did not belong, but I got it
A610 10” extension
A034 speeder
4082 Bonney CV T handle
Sockets: deep LD22 (11/16), LD 18 (9/16)
A760 universal socket
A786 link socket
3/8 drive sockets: TR 16 (9/16, 8 point), LT 18 (9/16), TL16 (1/2, marked (put it away to skip, accidentally in the pile I was putting together)
SK Sockets
1/2 drive knurled: 7/16, 7/16, 1/2, 1/2, 9/16, 9/16, 5/8 (two will fill the spots I needed)
Deep 9/16, 5/8
3/8 drive 1/2, 9/16, 3/4 (narrow distance between rings – for RTW set)
Deep 3/8, 9/16
Interesting: the 2 images from M-2 catalog refer to the same box, but one box has a tray and another does not (and does not appear to have a "shelf" to hold the tray
... Does anybody have a similar box with the tray? Can you make a picture (or even better - anybody with the parts box with the tray present?)
... The person had a 1/2 socket set as well - the box was quite rusty and some sockets had rust through the chrome... He had more random pieces as well (I had to go - may be should have bought more though). I might be tempted to return in a week and see if I will buy more from the random set and try to make a good deal on the rusty box ...
... One more thought - the ratchet will need to be taken apart and serviced (and derusted outside). Does anybody have a picture of this ratchet opened? Anything flying out when you open it or it's as simple as taking apart an SK ratchet?
Bonney MB60 box
3/4 drive sockets: Bonney 1 5/8, 1 1/2, 1 7/16, 1 7/16 (newer), 1 5/16, 1 1/4, 1 1/16, 1, 15/16; Blackhawk 1 3/8,
Bonney 3/4 to 1/2 adapter
Bonney 3/4 to 1” adapted – two
Bonney R617 17” extension
Bonney R60 8.5” adapter
R730 T-bar
Bonney 1/2 drive
A701 ratchet
A730 T bar
A722 flex bar
A776 cross bar – happy about this one – it was placed with a different set where it did not belong, but I got it
A610 10” extension
A034 speeder
4082 Bonney CV T handle
Sockets: deep LD22 (11/16), LD 18 (9/16)
A760 universal socket
A786 link socket
3/8 drive sockets: TR 16 (9/16, 8 point), LT 18 (9/16), TL16 (1/2, marked (put it away to skip, accidentally in the pile I was putting together)
SK Sockets
1/2 drive knurled: 7/16, 7/16, 1/2, 1/2, 9/16, 9/16, 5/8 (two will fill the spots I needed)
Deep 9/16, 5/8
3/8 drive 1/2, 9/16, 3/4 (narrow distance between rings – for RTW set)
Deep 3/8, 9/16
Interesting: the 2 images from M-2 catalog refer to the same box, but one box has a tray and another does not (and does not appear to have a "shelf" to hold the tray
... Does anybody have a similar box with the tray? Can you make a picture (or even better - anybody with the parts box with the tray present?)
... The person had a 1/2 socket set as well - the box was quite rusty and some sockets had rust through the chrome... He had more random pieces as well (I had to go - may be should have bought more though). I might be tempted to return in a week and see if I will buy more from the random set and try to make a good deal on the rusty box ...
... One more thought - the ratchet will need to be taken apart and serviced (and derusted outside). Does anybody have a picture of this ratchet opened? Anything flying out when you open it or it's as simple as taking apart an SK ratchet?
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Addendum:
I think I will go with the newer set to put together - as posted in 1960 catalog since all the 3/4 drive sockets are R
I am looking at the bottom set AA20B.
... Will need to put together 1/2 drive set. .... I will have to text the person tomorrow - I saw a more modern speed driver in one of the toolboxes - his tools are not listed for sale, but he offered me to buy this one. I think it was 1/2 drive, but I will need to check...
The box matches it too - there is no tray...
I think I will go with the newer set to put together - as posted in 1960 catalog since all the 3/4 drive sockets are R
I am looking at the bottom set AA20B.
... Will need to put together 1/2 drive set. .... I will have to text the person tomorrow - I saw a more modern speed driver in one of the toolboxes - his tools are not listed for sale, but he offered me to buy this one. I think it was 1/2 drive, but I will need to check...
The box matches it too - there is no tray...