The vintage Blackhawk Thread

[Oldtuleguy]

Nice drain plug wrench mintgrun. They made those for a long time.

 

[thehorse13]

I found this drain plug wrench yesterday. I think it was made in 1952 and I am guessing the finish is cad plated. It's nice that no one grabbed the adjuster with pliers, or hit the handle with a hammer. It looks like it's barely been used. That will continue to be the case around here, I suppose. Cool tool though.

That 151 is in great shape. I have had a few pass through my hands over the years but none looked as good as yours.

Great find and if you ever consider moving it down the road please keep me in mind.

 

[one8t]

It would have been produced after the New Britain takeover in 1954 or 55. Here's a pic of a New Britain model.
Sorry for the graininess. Here's a link to that catalog:
https://archive.org/details/new-britain-machine-co-catalog-58-m/page/16/mode/1up

THANKS! Exact match, "market tested and approved by thousands of mechanics". My sense is that ball mechanism wouldn't hold up against alot of torque and i'm not sure what rebuild would entail - if that ball strips it's dead. Maybe that or the 16 tooth design cut its production lifespan.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Here's a vintage Blackhawk branded tool you don't see every day. Undoubtedly made for them by someone else. A little late for me. Still, I was happy to spot it at the flea market this morning.

 

[Shelbylex]

I got my top box!

For the intertaining story and more pictures please check this
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=464264

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Looks good!

 

[Mintgrun]

I don't see a lot of Blackhawk tools, so I got excited when I found the name on these. It's not stamped very deep and was hard to see. I wish they'd put a date code on them. For some reason, I get a kick out of knowing how old things are. Does the lack of chrome plating indicate wartime production?







Tom

 

[RWDfan]

Just bought this over the weekend. I felt like a kid finding it. I have been looking for this or an S4 for a few years to restore with my sons. And, yes, we will use it too...but gently. (I would still love an S4 too)
It is complete, functional, not broken or welded, and even has the lock and key. Really only down side as I can tell is the thin metal "Blackhawk" cover is pretty badly rust-pitted. It will be very hard to restore and bring out the letters cleanly. But it will be a fun project.
Best part is that I had a long drive (almost 10 hours total) with my oldest son and met a great guy who I bought it from. We looked at and bought some other "treasures" while we were there! It was a great trip to see the NY and PA Fall foliage.

Of course I have some questions too.
1. Any good over-the-counter red paint color suggestions? I have some codes from CRTDI for another Blackhawk he did. I have seen that International Harvester 50 (older red) may be close.
2. Anyone have a decent top cover to replace mine...let me know.

Thanks for all the info I have learned from searching on here. It is nice to know that other insane tool guys exist and like keep old USA equipment alive. It also helps me to convince my wife that I am crazy but not sick!

Peter

 

[y'sguy]

RWDfan,
Congrats. Maybe, IMHO you will be able to save that front pan. careful sanding, and filler primer. Repeat & repeat. It can be done if it's worth it to you. Easier I bet than finding a separate cover. Check out Don Longs "My Big Party Garage" work on painting and restoration of these, if you haven't already.

 

[RWDfan]

RWDfan,
Congrats. Maybe, IMHO you will be able to save that front pan. careful sanding, and filler primer. Repeat & repeat. It can be done if it's worth it to you. Easier I bet than finding a separate cover. Check out Don Longs "My Big Party Garage" work on painting and restoration of these, if you haven't already.

I agree that it is salvageable...just lots of layering and sanding almost all away. That'll make it fun! I started the post you mentioned...gotta work my way through the 100+ pages! But I do appreciate the info.

 

[thehorse13]

Just bought this over the weekend. I felt like a kid finding it. I have been looking for this or an S4 for a few years to restore with my sons. And, yes, we will use it too...but gently. (I would still love an S4 too)
It is complete, functional, not broken or welded, and even has the lock and key. Really only down side as I can tell is the thin metal "Blackhawk" cover is pretty badly rust-pitted. It will be very hard to restore and bring out the letters cleanly. But it will be a fun project.
Best part is that I had a long drive (almost 10 hours total) with my oldest son and met a great guy who I bought it from. We looked at and bought some other "treasures" while we were there! It was a great trip to see the NY and PA Fall foliage.

Of course I have some questions too.
1. Any good over-the-counter red paint color suggestions? I have some codes from CRTDI for another Blackhawk he did. I have seen that International Harvester 50 (older red) may be close.
2. Anyone have a decent top cover to replace mine...let me know.

Thanks for all the info I have learned from searching on here. It is nice to know that other insane tool guys exist and like keep old USA equipment alive. It also helps me to convince my wife that I am crazy but not sick!

Peter

I am absolutely jealous of your find. I've been hunting one of these jacks for years and years. I either miss it by 5 minutes or the seller lives where I have no local contacts.

I restored an S4 a few years back. You can see the paint that I used and the thread isn't very long.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=331221

 

[RWDfan]

Just looked at your post. WOW. That S4 turned out great. Like you just bought it new. I think I have some of the Rustoleum 7762 Sunrise red around here from doing either a SnapOn box, or paint to nearly match either an old BMW or Triumph.

I was trying to reach a guy about an S4 when I saw "my new" SJ18 on CraigsList. I drove about 5 hours each way to get it...but have also been looking for the SJ18 for a while. They either sell in minutes or want $1000 which I can't do. I am still thinking about the s=S4 since the guy now emailed back...whats another drive? Would only be about 4 hours this time! I would love to have the S4 and SJ-18 combo.

 

[thehorse13]

If anyone is in the Spokane area...this is the only one I've ever seen for sale. What a shame that it's damaged.

https://spokane.craigslist.org/tls/d/colbert-old-blackhawk-automotive-jack/7209733030.html

 

[c1504]

That is very tempting

 

[Farmer J.]

I got my top box!

For the intertaining story and more pictures please check this
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=464264

Congratulations on getting the box you have been looking for.

I have a question for the folk here who have a lot more Blackhawk experience than I.
Are boxes like this VERY rare?
I have one in my barn, similar condition to this but no badge or decals, it's been repainted, some light surface rust, one of the drawers has been repaired but overall it's solid and would restore easily. I bought it at auction a few years ago for someone else but he has never come and got it, but he got a new girlfriend.
I don't actually need this one as collecting Blackhawk here would be an expensive and difficult here. Recently feeling a bit guilty for not offering it to shelbylex!

 

[y'sguy]

I bought it at auction a few years ago for someone else but he has never come and got it, but he got a new girlfriend.

Well I guess that is "blinded by love"

I hesitate to call them rare, but I've never seen another like mine other than in photos, usually on here or ebay. And it's debatable if this makes them more valuable of course.

Would you mind telling what (he) you had to pay?

 

[Farmer J.]

Well I guess that is "blinded by love"

I hesitate to call them rare, but I've never seen another like mine other than in photos, usually on here or ebay. And it's debatable if this makes them more valuable of course.

Would you mind telling what (he) you had to pay?

Ha, I don't mind, and value your opinion. After discussing it with him on the mobile 'phone I paid £175 for it. Which is certainly not a 'steal' and not what Americans seem to call a 'YOU ****' price, but is 'fair' to me for a very solid old USA tool box on this side of the Atlantic.
I paid for it, and still have it in a cardboard box in my barn..

It's odd, but the Blackhawk boxes seem to be very similar to the old Britool ones. Never have found out if they were built under licence or something.

 

[Shelbylex]

Farmer J, do not feel guilty - may be it's the fate that you keep this box and use it?
Please post the pictures!

 

[Farmer J.]

Farmer J, do not feel guilty - may be it's the fate that you keep this box and use it?
Please post the pictures!

Thanks. After reading your story I felt as though I should at least have given you a chance! I don't actually need another box, but if I end up keeping it it could possibly hold lathe tooling..

Here's some pics, look forward to comments..

 

[Farmer J.]

Here's the rest of the pics. The interior paint is quite fresh but outside has been varnished over the rust and crud.
It's got felt stuck to the bottom of the drawers, I have no idea why but I suppose some people like that sort of thing..

 

[3baygarage]

Blackhawk labeled version of what’s often a New Britain ratchet.

It appears Blackhawk lent this part number 34995 to several tools.

 

[y'sguy]

Farmer J., Thanks for sharing the pics! Even though it's a different model than the one I have it's still interesting to see the manufacturing similarities. I first noticed the hinges on the lid are several across the back whereas mine has one continuous piano style hinge.

 

[Shelbylex]

Looks nice, Farmer J
I think both of our boxes might benefit from the emblem reproduction in the future. I think it would be nice at some point to see who needs Blackhawk emblems (and which) - we might get a better deal. I think there is a person on ebay who does it with vinyl and there is a person on GJ who does it in a different technique (the old grinder sticker reproduction thread I think)
Another option for you might be to get a new emblem which attaches with screws (not original, but looks like you already have 2 holes drilled in the front and it could look nice) . There was somebody on GJ who made at least one and I think the person was asking for $30.

At some point I will probably try to see how expensive would be to powdercoat it and put on the proper emblems (I am still keeping it as is as some of my emblems are in relatively good shape, but the pain weathered out too much). As I have both top and bottom, I would like to have them both restored at some point by somebody who can make them look great and fix some dents on my bottom one.

 

[y'sguy]

Looks

FYI, I was the one reproducing the winged emblem and the circular medallion. I would be willing to have some more done, but it would take an order of around six each to make it worthwhile for the production setup. They came out quite nice I think. I was missing the round one but had the winged versions.

View media item 93109
View media item 100099​

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Still need two round ones if you make more!

 

[Farmer J.]

Thanks for the input chaps.
I'm not sure I want to do a restoration on this box, maybe will be more enthusiastic as time goes on. The slightly Art Deco styling isn't what I usually go for. I have it on a table in my office whilst I think about it! It needs a coat of paint on the outside at least to smarten it up.
I don't know much about Blackhawk, just what I remember reading on this thread.
A couple more questions:
What age is this box likely to be?
Did these boxes ever come in any colour other than the red?

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Here it is in 37 catalog

 

[Farmer J.]

Here it is in 37 catalog

Thanks. I was thinking it would be 1940's. Possibly yet another piece of solid American iron that came here around that time!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Blackhawk had a decent prewar English catalog, and I have purchased a few blackhawk whitworth sockets from across the pond.

 

[Farmer J.]

So quite likely this box was just supplied here from new.
I have seen Whitworth Blackhawk sockets and the 1/2" drive handles for sale here on eBay but the sellers always seem to want a lot of money for them so it would be expensive to fill the box with period tools!
A couple of times members here have made very kind offers to sell me Blackhawk stuff and ship it from the USA at very reasonable prices, but the customs import duty is a killer and just made it too expensive to pursue.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I would just enjoy it as is. Looks perfectly usable and has great patina!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Blackhawk labeled version of what’s often a New Britain ratchet.

It appears Blackhawk lent this part number 34995 to several tools.

Another odd product of the new britain blackhawk union!

 

[Shelbylex]

FYI, I was the one reproducing the winged emblem and the circular medallion. I would be willing to have some more done, but it would take an order of around six each to make it worthwhile for the production setup. They came out quite nice I think. I was missing the round one but had the winged versions.

View media item 93109
View media item 100099​

I forgot about it. Sorry. It looks great!!!

 

[Shelbylex]

Here it is in 37 catalog

Oldtuleguy, now I am on a dangerous slope for the future. I have a list from bottom box and a poor copy of the list for the top box. I think I will ask you to scan me this picture and content list if you do not mind
I will PM you
If you need a list for Red Rover, I converted it to Word format but could not attach it due to size limit...

 

[Oldtuleguy]

The 37 catalog is on archive.org if you want to check it out.

 

[Shelbylex]

Thank you, Oldtuleguy! I guess working on the weekend makes one forgetful - I used this site before

 

[Farmer J.]

I would just enjoy it as is. Looks perfectly usable and has great patina!

Thanks for the input, and to Shelbylex and y'guy.
I may well just use it as it is for now, that's the logical thing to do as it is perfectly usable.
If another batch of the round front medallions does get made up please include me for one!
I have too many projects on the go just now to start another one restoring this box, and it really only needs an exterior paint job and badges.
I prefer 'bright and fresh' to 'rusty patina' appearance, as my everyday surroundings have quite a lot of patina and it can look rather dull.
So, conclusion is I will do the paint job when the medallion front badge becomes available.

 

[RWDfan]

I bet that could be repaired better. It stinks that my son just got back two weeks ago from Spokane buying an old Volvo. That easily would’ve fit in the trunk. That is a very cool Jack. I agree I’ve never seen anything like that.

 

[Tarnished]

Picked up this guy recently and wondering if any one has any info on this model.
Seems to work good, but the handle may take some getting used to.
Anyone know the approximate age? Or where I could find out? Thanks.

 

[don long]

Well I finally started a new project: A blackhawk hydraulic jack totem pole

DSCN3564 by don long, on Flickr

I have collected all the jacks and now I need a display piece for them

Using the dimensions I got from one offered on Ebay I have been able to recreate this rare piece

s-l1600 (8) by don long, on Flickr

Here is my current project

2020-10-22 17.21.48 by don long, on Flickr

More progress this weekend

check out my totem pole build thread https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=465464