Spreading the Bonney affliction!

[Private Lugnutz]

Lugz Yes, I recall reading some posts about them. Krieger had a government contract to supply wrenches (among other things), but wasn't a wrench manufacturer.

That is correct. I linked those posts, by me, in my post above.

Nice driver.

 

[potato]

saw this and thought someone might want it.not mine btw. https://www.ebay.com/itm/BONNEY-1-2...059819?hash=item2cd12eb3ab:g:-t4AAOSwhaBasXLr

 

[LesserSon]

I'm thinking there should be a type study of Bonney sockets, since they don't have date codes. Maybe there is, on Todd's site or elsewhere. I don't think I have the complete range yet, but here's a start:


1. CV script with "Forged", "B/Y" larger than “ONNE” all slab serif, overall frosted, no knurl, “MADE IN U.S.A.” after fractional size.
2. CV script without "forged", "B/Y" larger than “ONNE” all slab serif, overall frosted, no knurl, “MADE IN U.S.A.” after fractional size.

There is at least one type (looks like two) I am missing between 2 and 3. This would have a logo similar to 1 and 2, but instead of “Chromium (CV) Vanadium” under “BONNEY”, would be “Made (CV) U.S.A.” It would bear a diamond knurl band (but not in a trough), and a frosted base, polished walls.

3. CV after "BONNEY" uniform height slab serif, frosted base, gross raised-diamond knurl fills band, “MADE IN U.S.A.” after fractional size.
4. noCV after "BONNEY" uniform height slab serif, frosted base, fine raised-diamond knurl fills band, “MADE IN U.S.A.” after fractional size.
5. noCV, "B/Y" slab serif larger than “ONNE” sans serif, frosted base, gross raised-diamond knurl does not fill band, “U.S.A.” after fractional size.
6. noCV, "B/Y" slab serif larger than “ONNE” sans serif, "U.S.A." centered under "BONNEY", frosted base, depressed-diamond knurl fills band.
7. noCV, "B/Y" slab serif larger than “ONNE” sans serif, "USA" centered under "BONNEY", overall polish, markings inverted, depressed-diamond knurl fills band.

Next style change is loss of knurl in band, then loss of band. I have not included them here because while I have those styles in smaller drive sizes, I do not have them in 1/2dr, which is what is shown here. Ideally, all representative sockets would be the same part number or at least fractional size, but I do not have them. Additionally, the first two are tapered-wall (D-##), whiles the rest are parallel-wall (A-##) syles. In time, in time.

Edit - suggestion of Lugz led to more explicit descriptions. The square closeup image is of #4 & #5 to show the “MADE IN U.S.A.” versus “U.S.A.” markings and fine band-filling versus gross nonfilling raised-diamond knurls.

 

[twertsy]

I'm thinking there should be a type study of Bonney sockets, since they don't have date codes. Maybe there is, on Todd's site or elsewhere. I don't think I have the complete range yet, but here's a start:
Made In USA -
1. CV script with "Forged", larger "B/Y" height, overall frosted, no knurl;
2. CV script without "forged", larger "B/Y" height, overall frosted, no knurl;
3. CV after "Bonney" with uniform height serif, frosted base, incised diamond knurl;
4. noCV after "Bonney" with uniform height serif, frosted base, incised diamond knurl;
USA -
5. noCV, larger "B/Y" height, frosted base, incised diamond knurl;
6. noCV, larger "B/Y", "USA" centered under "Bonney", frosted base, depressed diamond knurl;
7. noCV, larger "B/Y", "USA" centered under "Bonney", overall polish, markings inverted, depressed diamond knurl

No doubt, an extensive exercise. I believe I have even more styles.

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[Mikeske]

Well the second time is a charm for having a 3/8ths ratchet and this showed up in the mail today.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I'm thinking there should be a type study of Bonney sockets

No doubt, an extensive exercise.

Indeed.

The only thing I have to add right now, LS, is that you don't have a wartime socket shown. I will post a photo later, but it would go between your current #3 and your current #4. It's basically like your #4, but not plated, and stamped "MADE IN U.S.A." instead of just "U.S.A.", which is a post-war tell.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I found a wartime Bonney "BW8" 8" adjustable crescent wrench today at the flea market. Unfortunately, some idiot drilled a hole through the handle. Luckily, it did not mar the branding. It did screw up the COO mark, but between that or the brand, I'll take the brand. Although the hole is unsightly, this is the first one I have ever seen or found, so I'm pleased.

 

[LesserSon]

Indeed.

The only thing I have to add right now, LS, is that you don't have a wartime socket shown. I will post a photo later, but it would go between your current #3 and your current #4. It's basically like your #4, but not plated, and stamped "MADE IN U.S.A." instead of just "U.S.A.", which is a post-war tell.

#4 is “MIU”. #5 begins “USA”.
I would guess that a wartime socket would be a subset of #4, and the thing to debate would be whether Bonney returned to plating them at the conclusion of the restrictions or immediately introduced #5.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks for the clarification on #4. You should edit "USA" to "MADE IN U.S.A." or "MIU". Agreed, then. The wartime socket is essentially an un-plated #4. As for the debate, an example of a plated MIU would effectively preempt it.

 

[LesserSon]

I found a wartime Bonney "BW8" 8" adjustable crescent wrench today at the flea market. Unfortunately, some idiot drilled a hole through the handle. Luckily, it did not mar the branding. It did screw up the COO mark, but between that or the brand, I'll take the brand. Although the hole is unsightly, this is the first one I have ever seen or found, so I'm pleased.

What is the wartime tell? I think I see some forged-in letter forms, but the photo isn’t quite clear enough to show what date codes, if that’s what they are.
That hole suggests the AutoKit-style wrenches. Maybe whoever drilled it was trying to keep an improvised set of similarly-drilled tools together with a pin or bolt. Hard to fathom why else, since the broached end affords ample potential for hanging on a hook or attaching a chain.

 

[LesserSon]

Thanks for the clarification on #4. You should edit "USA" to "MADE IN U.S.A." or "MIU". Agreed, then. The wartime socket is essentially an un-plated #4. As for the debate, an example of a plated MIU would effectively preempt it.

No, I mean do the unplated (wartime) versions fall at the beginning, middle, or end of the #4 style? If in the middle, it would be difficult to distinguish a 1941 socket from a 1946 socket. But if there’s a high certainty that “MADE IN U.S.A” ended abruptly with the war, then plated examples would always be prewar.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Er, let's try it this way.

Basically, I think Bonney dropped the "CV" composition, marking, and chrome plating all at the same time, in late 1941 or early 1942, when restrictions hit. There was no other reason for them to change any of those features, any more than there was a reason for them to drop the "CV" composition, marking and chrome plating on their DOE shanks, and move the "BONNEY / MADE IN U.S.A." marking to the face of the largest size head.

So, I think your #4 is a post-war MIU socket.

3. CV after "BONNEY" uniform height slab serif, frosted base, chrome-plated walls, gross raised-diamond knurl fills band, “MADE IN U.S.A.” after fractional size.

4a. noCV after "BONNEY" uniform height slab serif, frosted base, polished natural steel walls, fine raised-diamond knurl fills band, “MADE IN U.S.A.” after fractional size. //WARTIME//

4b. noCV after "BONNEY" uniform height slab serif, frosted base, chrome-plated walls, fine raised-diamond knurl fills band, “MADE IN U.S.A.” after fractional size.

5. noCV, "B/Y" slab serif larger than “ONNE” sans serif, frosted base, chrome-plated walls, gross raised-diamond knurl does not fill band, “U.S.A.” after fractional size.

 

[LesserSon]

Wow! These two eBay sales seem to illustrate two bidding extremes. Or maybe the box alone IS worth $280.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/312093033563
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/372263309401

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Holy Bonney, that TD set in the box is gorgeous! I'm not sure how the decal got so beat up when the tools are practically unused, but that's a quibble. That set is fantastic. (EDIT: While the seller has a 1934 catalog, which he used to date the set to early 1930's, he apparently doesn't understand Bonney date codes. Looks like all the pieces in the set were made in 1929 to me.) I don't think the box would go for that much by itself, but the second sale does show how important an original box is to a sense of a set's completeness.

 

[bonneyman]

saw this and thought someone might want it.not mine btw. https://www.ebay.com/itm/BONNEY-1-2...059819?hash=item2cd12eb3ab:g:-t4AAOSwhaBasXLr

Damn the chrome on those items is outstanding!

Judging from the tri-wing selector on the ratchet - and the non-Loc Rite sockets - I'd say the set is from the late 60's. (That's if the tools pictured are all from one set originally).
Bonney intro'd that style of -702K ratchet in 1967, and didn't change the selector knob to a single ridge until 1980-ish. I don't have a Bonney catalog in the early 70's, so, I don't know when their sockets got the Loc-Rite broaching. But those look like earlier, pre-Triangle Tools broaching, and I think that TT pushed out all the old inventory early on (after acquiring Bonney) before offering new stock. Hence my guess for late 60's.

 

[Mikeske]

I have never found anything in a Goodwill well until today. I walked in with the Mrs. as it was raining and I did not feel like sitting in the car to wait so I go to the tool section and was putting around looking at the various item and this wrench caught my eye. A Bonney Bonaloy a 2894C is what it appears to be a 13/16 X 7/8 double box wrench for $3.00. Not to bad and I got it on the cheap.

 

[zktk01]

Nice find for goodwill.

 

[Sunset_Z28]

I’ve had these two Bonney specialty tools in one of my boxes for a while but haven’t nailed down what exactly they are. The extension is a PWA number so I assume it’s a Pratt Whitney tool, but not sure about the other.


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[bonneyman]

I’ve had these two Bonney specialty tools in one of my boxes for a while but haven’t nailed down what exactly they are. The extension is a PWA number so I assume it’s a Pratt Whitney tool, but not sure about the other.


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I'd venture a guess that someone modified that extension for a specific purpose.....or the Hulk got into the tool box!

 

[Sunset_Z28]

I'd venture a guess that someone modified that extension for a specific purpose.....or the Hulk got into the tool box!

I originally thought it had been modified when I got it but I don’t think that’s the case. It’s probably hard to tell in the picture but there’s no indications that it’s been heated and bent, and the cadmium coating is still present. I’ll try to get a better pic of it tomorrow.

 

[Mikeske]

I originally thought it had been modified when I got it but I don’t think that’s the case. It’s probably hard to tell in the picture but there’s no indications that it’s been heated and bent, and the cadmium coating is still present. I’ll try to get a better pic of it tomorrow.

The T-handle is it a factional socket on the end? I would say it is WW II to Korea war era.


I have this thing that any tool has to earn its keep if it resides in my toolbox and this picture pretty well sums up where I do use my Bonney, Snap on and original Vise-Grips. I was replacing my yard light and snapped this picture from that. As you can see a Bonney ratchet, couple of Bonney sockets, a Snap on ratcheting screwdriver and extension and a el cheapo Chinese screwdriver used as a pry bar.

 

[LostBoy(IRL)]

Will need to look a bit more into these,
Today's finds were two manifold wrenches, I was fairly sure when I spotted them that there were only two in the catalogue that I had looked through. So thought great completed that collection in one go. But no.
The catalogue lists two under ' starter and manifold wrenches'
2700 which is 5/8 and 3/4
2701 which is 9/16 and 5/8
What I bought was a 2700, which is as above and
2699 which is 9/16 and 1/2?

 

[Mikeske]

Had a interesting day finding stuff as I found a Herbrand 70008 1/4" combo wrench and a Bonney 405 11/16" CV wrench. The Bonney has a date code of CT with 2 raised dots.

 

[Mikeske]

Couple things found their way to me. First a eBay purchase a 1991 Chrysler Master Technician award set of universal metric sockets. Second was at the semi-annual flea market was a Bonney Bonaloy 7/8 DBE wrench.

 

[bonneyman]

Ooooh, never seen gold Bonney universals before. Yum!

 

[dutchgray]

New stuff for me
Bonney made Matco imperial sultus wrench set
View media item 82542View media item 82543Well used black short metrics, missing 8 and 13, 10 and 6 are both spread on the open end, really nice long imperial set 3/8" to 5/8" with two 7/16, couple small ones and an E30 DOE
11 nos 9/32" hex in a box.

 

[dutchgray]

Found some more Bonney here in the UK
View media item 82696A 13mm short from one seller, the imperial DBE and 4 more 9/32 hex, very lightly used but all engraved with owners marks, from another.

 

[bonneyman]

Will need to look a bit more into these,
Today's finds were two manifold wrenches, I was fairly sure when I spotted them that there were only two in the catalogue that I had looked through. So thought great completed that collection in one go. But no.
The catalogue lists two under ' starter and manifold wrenches'
2700 which is 5/8 and 3/4
2701 which is 9/16 and 5/8
What I bought was a 2700, which is as above and
2699 which is 9/16 and 1/2?

A Holy Grail find right there!
I'm familiar with your two catalog numbers (and sizes), but the 2699 is new to me. Never seen one, not even in old catalogs. Though I did see an Ebay ad for a #2968 3/8 x 7/16 starter wrench. So I guess Bonney made the entire size range in half moon wrenches.

 

[bonneyman]

Dang nice finds, dutch! Bonney Saltus wrenches aren't seen much (I have one in 5/8"), and your assortment of wrenches is envious.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Found some more Bonney here in the UK
View media item 82696A 13mm short from one seller, the imperial DBE and 4 more 9/32 hex, very lightly used but all engraved with owners marks, from another.

that is a great looking set of wrenches

 

[LostBoy(IRL)]

Bonneyman, that is quite interesting. Will have to get a better look at it tomorrow. Assumed I was just being a ******* by not finding it in the catalogue. Particularly when there was no comment here.
And Dutchgrey, some great finds there again. There is a good reason I don't bid on any UK Bonney! We can't be competing with each other ;-)

 

[LesserSon]

May 1 post first on May first? Yes, 1 May...
A short dual-offset DBE arrived yesterday from eBay, completing a set of CV I've been building for two years [edit- oops, FALSE! Actually just since September]. I believe the date codes stretch from 1928 to 1931; they might be 1942 to 1945, but then the short dual-offsets would more likely be Bonaloy, and the single-offsets probably Zenel.
Most of the components have appeared here before, but I wanted to photograph them together. I'm also building a Zenel set of the same wrenches, but have had less luck filling the holes in the single-offset DBEs. And the search for a box begins...
A No33 set, PLUS a No29 set, EQUALS a No34 set:

 

[dutchgray]

Bonneyman, that is quite interesting. Will have to get a better look at it tomorrow. Assumed I was just being a ******* by not finding it in the catalogue. Particularly when there was no comment here.
And Dutchgrey, some great finds there again. There is a good reason I don't bid on any UK Bonney! We can't be competing with each other ;-)

I dont buy it all, I tend to buy the later stuff, the older stuff I generally leave.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

So I guess Bonney made the entire size range in half moon wrenches.

I'll have more to say about this tomorrow when I'm with my notes. If I had to provide a one-word preview to summarize their early production now, it would be "Squirrely!"

...completing a set of CV I've been building for two years. I believe the date codes stretch from 1928 to 1931;

That is truly impressive, LS! And I agree with your logic.

 

[bonneyman]

May 1 post first on May first? Yes, 1 May...
A short dual-offset DBE arrived yesterday from eBay, completing a set of CV I've been building for two years [edit- oops, FALSE! Actually just since September]. I believe the date codes stretch from 1928 to 1931; they might be 1942 to 1945, but then the short dual-offsets would more likely be Bonaloy, and the single-offsets probably Zenel.
Most of the components have appeared here before, but I wanted to photograph them together. I'm also building a Zenel set of the same wrenches, but have had less luck filling the holes in the single-offset DBEs. And the search for a box begins...
A No33 set, PLUS a No29 set, EQUALS a No34 set:

I've been working on a homemade holder for a set of single offset wrenches like that.
Now, I just have to get the wrenches.....

 

[Username already in use]

LesserSon, that's a very nice set of wrenches!

And the search for a box begins...
A No33 set, PLUS a No29 set, EQUALS a No34 set:

I've been working on a homemade holder for a set of single offset wrenches like that.
Now, I just have to get the wrenches.....

The box should look something like the one posted by u/linwood posted HERE in the DBE thread.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Going back to this...

Today's finds were two manifold wrenches, I was fairly sure when I spotted them that there were only two in the catalogue that I had looked through. So thought great completed that collection in one go. But no.
The catalogue lists two under ' starter and manifold wrenches'
2700 which is 5/8 and 3/4
2701 which is 9/16 and 5/8
What I bought was a 2700, which is as above and
2699 which is 9/16 and 1/2?

A Holy Grail find right there!
I'm familiar with your two catalog numbers (and sizes), but the 2699 is new to me. Never seen one, not even in old catalogs. Though I did see an Ebay ad for a #2968 3/8 x 7/16 starter wrench. So I guess Bonney made the entire size range in half moon wrenches.

I don’t recognize the 26XX, 27XX, or 29XX series part numbers you guys cited in these posts, so I am guessing they must be from the 60's or later. What is the date on the catalogs you are talking about seeing these part numbers in?

If you don't know, I am a Bonney guy, mainly from the 1920's through the 1940's. I also collect half-moon wrenches. No real affinity for them or anything. There's a pair of them (5/8 x 3/4, and 9/16 x 5/8) in a couple of WWII rear echelon maintenance depot tool-sets, so I started picking them up at flea markets. I found a Barcalo, then a Duro, etc etc, and it just sort of took off from there. Anytime I see a brand I don't yet have at a flea market, if it's wartime vintage, I pick it up. I'm trying to avoid dupes.

Ironically, I haven't found a Bonney yet. But I did put a chart together to help me figure out what to look for (see thumbnail below), which as you can see by the chart, wasn't easy when leafing through the older catalogs. I already called it squirrely. Let's just say it wasn't consistent.

Early on, Bonney made separate wrenches for starters and manifolds, and they weren't half-moon pattern, they were single or DBE's with offsets. Then they combined them in a half-moon pattern, one for manifolds (2881) and one for starters (2883). But the 2883 starter wrench wasn't really a half moon. It has one extra long end, if you can picture that. Until 1957, when they made a 2880, 2881, 2883, and 2884, and called them all starter and manifold wrenches, the catalogs are all over the place in terminology.

Probably way more than you needed to know - especially because you guys appear to be collecting later Bonney, but I had it on hand, so there ya go.

 

[LesserSon]

LesserSon, that's a very nice set of wrenches!
The box should look something like the one posted by u/linwood posted HERE in the DBE thread.

Yeah, I remember those. I think Twertsy bought/posted a complete set somewhere along this thread, too.

Lugz, that’s a nice piece of cross referencing on those squirrely *** wrenches

Here’s today’s eBay delivery: a 8” Stillson wrench from the B-shield “Vise & Tool” era. This one is in great shape, just needs cleaning. I was holding off, because it looked to be missing one of the two (usual) leaf springs. But I checked a different brand example I had and was emboldened to buy. Seems the sizes less than 10” only have one spring.
Fist step cleaning is get it apart. The wood handle will need different care than the metal. I won’t be removing the spring or the main rivet. Just a fine wire brush to remove crud and red rust from the steel, gentle enough to leave the black oxide. Try to dry wipe as much goo off the handle as possible, then maybe a light sanding and some shellac. Or just BLO.

 

[LesserSon]

The last catalog I have access to that shows the wood handle Stillson wrenches is 1926. It shows 6”, 8”, 10”, 12”, 14”, and 18”. So I’ve got the 6” and 18” to look for yet.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Lugz, that’s a nice piece of cross referencing on those squirrely *** wrenches

Thanks.

So I’ve got the 6” and 18” to look for yet.

Noted!