The vintage Blackhawk Thread

[z28lsc]

The release key is one of the hardest things to find. I spent years looking for one and I happened upon one recently. You can use it without fear. It's much stronger than it looks.

As for the set itself, that's how you buy things. I don't know how you could improve that set it's so nice.

Thanks. The only issue with the set it's the box. it is rusted bad on the outside so much that it lost all the paint in the bottom part and it is also rusted on the top. I'm considering painting only the outside semi gloss black and living the inside as is.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Not a bad plan

 

[thehorse13]

Semi gloss will match up well. The inside looks almost new so I can't fault this touch up idea. Just be sure that you protect that original label from over-spray. Tape paper around it. Be sure not to catch any of the water decal with tape.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

My recent score. Blackhawk 13PD set.

Interesting set.

Without any intent to rain on your parade, I will point out that the box and the pieces in it do not match. The box is for a Quick Disconnect socket set. That's what the "Q.D." on the decal refers to. The pieces inside the box are Lock-On, as you already know. You didn't say anything about that, so I am not sure if you recognized it or not. And nobody else said anything, so I guess I am the unlucky stuckee who can say something or keep looking at the king with no clothes.

I will hasten to add that it does not detract from the set. It may even make it more interesting as a conversation piece.

As you may already know, Q.D. sockets and tools preceded Lock-on sockets and tools. Their set numbering scheme was agnostic. The "13" refers to the number of pieces, the "P to the type of box, and the "D" to Double-Hex. Blackhawk made 13PD sets in the Q.D. era, and 13PD sets in the Lock-On era, and, there was a time in the mid-30's when they were making both, still offering the Q.D. socket drive tools, just like they were still offering all their early fixed socket wrenches in black satin finish, but in the back of the catalog.

The way I see it, there're two possibilities here. Someone either replaced the original Q.D. pieces with Lock-on pieces, or, perhaps Blackhawk actually shipped some sets out this way when they ran out of boxes with Lock-On labels. EDIT: Better yet, to use up a surplus of older boxes with Q.D. decals when they finally discontinued the Q.D. line.

Again, either way, nifty set.

I can't say i've ever seen a RELEASE KEY and always wondered what the hole in the side of the sockets was for. I guess it's use is in it's name, but never seen or used one.

Discontinued in the mid-30's after they added a captive push button inside each hole.

 

[z28lsc]

Semi gloss will match up well. The inside looks almost new so I can't fault this touch up idea. Just be sure that you protect that original label from over-spray. Tape paper around it. Be sure not to catch any of the water decal with tape.

Yes. I will take good care of the label since it is the main reason i'm only repainting the outside. Thanks for the Advice.

 

[z28lsc]

Interesting set.

Without any intent to rain on your parade, I will point out that the box and the pieces in it do not match. The box is for a Quick Disconnect socket set. That's what the "Q.D." on the decal refers to. The pieces inside the box are Lock-On, as you already know. You didn't say anything about that, so I am not sure if you recognized it or not. And nobody else said anything, so I guess I am the unlucky stuckee who can say something or keep looking at the king with no clothes.

I will hasten to add that it does not detract from the set. It may even make it more interesting as a conversation piece.

As you may already know, Q.D. sockets and tools preceded Lock-on sockets and tools. Their set numbering scheme was agnostic. The "13" refers to the number of pieces, the "P to the type of box, and the "D" to Double-Hex. Blackhawk made 13PD sets in the Q.D. era, and 13PD sets in the Lock-On era, and, there was a time in the mid-30's when they were making both, still offering the Q.D. socket drive tools, just like they were still offering all their early fixed socket wrenches in black satin finish, but in the back of the catalog.

The way I see it, there're two possibilities here. Someone either replaced the original Q.D. pieces with Lock-on pieces, or, perhaps Blackhawk actually shipped some sets out this way when they ran out of boxes with Lock-On labels. EDIT: Better yet, to use up a surplus of older boxes with Q.D. decals when they finally discontinued the Q.D. line.

Again, either way, nifty set.


Discontinued in the mid-30's after they added a captive push button inside each hole.

Hello Now that you say it, it makes sense. I found a picture of the 1933 catalog and it shows my set but in a smaller box. I attached the pic. And who knows what real story is but It still a great complete set. Thanks for the info.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

It still a great complete set.

Of course. A perfectly complete 13-PD Lock-on set, in mint-y condition, inside a box with a matching 13-PD set banner decal. As I said, it being inside a box with a "Q.D." main decal doesn't detract; it makes it more unusual and remarkable. I'm leaning toward factory in obsolete surplus box. Cool set to own.

 

[thehorse13]

I have finally found a clean example of a torkflash 1/2 inch drive setup. All original, the bulb works and the torque test shows that she is still spot on. The nice thing is that you can use this with or without the flash. I think I will use it without the flash simply because even the bulb is original.

Many of you know that I use all the vintage tools that I have because I drag home old things that require old tools. I can't wait to put this to work on a Ford flat head motor.

 

[z28lsc]

I have finally found a clean example of a torkflash 1/2 inch drive setup. All original, the bulb works and the torque test shows that she is still spot on. The nice thing is that you can use this with or without the flash. I think I will use it without the flash simply because even the bulb is original.

Many of you know that I use all the vintage tools that I have because I drag home old things that require old tools. I can't wait to put this to work on a Ford flat head motor.

Nice Find.

 

[don long]

With the help of CRTDI I chased down this old porto power bench. 800 mile road trip. It's full of old iron for using the press and several porto power pieces.

It is now in it's new home in my Blackhawk collection area in the party garage

2021-03-10 14.35.53 by Ann Long, on Flickr

It sits next to the tool box that showed up last week.

2021-03-10 14.35.36 by Ann Long, on Flickr

.

 

[thehorse13]

With the help of CRTDI I chased down this old porto power bench. 800 mile road trip. It's full of old iron for using the press and several porto power pieces.

It is now in it's new home in my Blackhawk collection area in the party garage

2021-03-10 14.35.53 by Ann Long, on Flickr

It sits next to the tool box that showed up last week.

2021-03-10 14.35.36 by Ann Long, on Flickr

.

In one week you've chased down two things that I've been hunting for 10 years...lol.

Another fantastic find.

 

[930dreamer]

Searching FB MP;

 

[JoCoSawdust]

It just keeps getting better and better Don. Nice!

That's a great looking tool board 930, going to snag it?

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Your on a roll Don!

 

[Shelbylex]

Don, it's getting better and better! Congratulations!

 

[thehorse13]

Searching FB MP;

That would already be home in my garage, damn the consequences from Mrs. Horsey.

 

[930dreamer]

Boards are too far away, if it was porto power cabinet I would.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

A 4 pinch 110 and some old single offset wrenches

 

[elidas]

New today from Facebook.

 

[outofbounds]

Must. Check. Emails!! Forgot about this bookmarked live auction last night. Someone got this lot for $3.00 (+BP) without a fight from me.

 

[drivesitfar]

Going thru a few bins and this showed up. Boy I hope I find more of this style.

 

[thehorse13]

Going thru a few bins and this showed up. Boy I hope I find more of this style.

That's a home run find you have there. Nice stuff.

 

[z28lsc]

My new addition to the collection. It took me a while to find it.

 

[thehorse13]

My new addition to the collection. It took me a while to find it.

That's the nicest one I've seen in a very long time. What's the story on the find?

 

[z28lsc]

That's the nicest one I've seen in a very long time. What's the story on the find?

I found it online. I wish I had found it local in person. The condition is very good. I won't need to upgrade.

 

[Shelbylex]

Drivesitfar, this is probably one of the best designs for ratchets and breaker bars! 7/16 drive?

Z28Ics: fantastic condition!

Congratulations, gentlemen!

 

[z28lsc]

Drivesitfar, this is probably one of the best designs for ratchets and breaker bars! 7/16 drive?

Z28Ics: fantastic condition!

Congratulations, gentlemen!

Thank you.

 

[don long]

z28lsc
Did you get the porto power that goes with that case?

 

[z28lsc]

z28lsc
Did you get the porto power that goes with that case?

Unfortunately no. It came empty.

 

[drivesitfar]

Z28: I saw a few of those years ago when they weren't too spendy and never grabbed one and wish I did cause they do have that look. if I would have seen one in the condition of yours it would have followed me home if I had enough cash in my wallet. nice find!!

Horse: i'm not sure about a HOME RUN, but I do like it. thanks

Shelby: I'll have to measure, but thinking it's 3/8

ALL: I may have posted this a few years ago, but not sure and still don't exactly know what it's for or how to use it. any ideas?

 

[Old Radar]

ALL: I may have posted this a few years ago, but not sure and still don't exactly know what it's for or how to use it. any ideas?

Stud Wrench.
https://archive.org/details/BlackhawkMerchDisplays1953/page/n15/mode/2up?q=punch
Look at the center of the display board on the right.

My guess is you tighten the jaws around the post of a stripped bolt and back it out.

 

[drivesitfar]

OLD RADAR: thank you for the 411 and guess about how it was used and the catalog or tool board pic!!

that was my guess either a stud or pipe and it looks like it works on items 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

man what didn't go on a tool board? I barely have room for one tool board now that I've filled my garage/shop up with cabinets and bins and toolboxes.

 

[Shelbylex]

Anybody wants to save a Blackhawk toolbox in Mt Airy, MD? It is on facebook.
Bad condition, overpriced at 85 and will require some skills, but complete (minus the emblem)
Listed for 2 weeks. If it was close to me, I would have offered a low price and considered gettng it
Please post if you get it

 

[Oldtuleguy]

That's a rough one.

 

[thehorse13]

Anybody wants to save a Blackhawk toolbox in Mt Airy, MD? It is on facebook.
Bad condition, overpriced at 85 and will require some skills, but complete (minus the emblem)
Listed for 2 weeks. If it was close to me, I would have offered a low price and considered gettng it
Please post if you get it

I've already looked at that one. It's about 30 minutes away from me. It's worse in person. Hard pass for me.

 

[Shelbylex]

Thehorse13, I almost wonder if somebody should low ball that person and get the box for parts if it’s so bad. I forgot who was restoring a similar Caterpillar box on this board and had to make a drawer. I lost a caterpillar box bid on eBay which was missing 1-2 small draws as well.

I wonder why so few Blackhawk boxes survived in good condition. There is one which I am aware of 40 min away from me - similar model with 3 drawers on the left (missing), open design on the right, multiple dents and door hinges used instead of regular ones. (Never mind spray bombed black...).

I am not sure, but sometimes it seems to me that we should start random drawer sell/exchange/donate thread. I have an old Craftsman Rally box drawer which I found (owner probably used it under the bench judging by hardware) - keeping it in case I find somebody needing one for restoration... Few years ago I also posted MAC side cabinet for parts I found for$15 (did not feel like driving 50 min) which had only 2 left but drawers were good), passed a large SO for 350$ which was missing a drawer as well (forgot the model, called SO but it was NLA)...
I also wonder why so many people loose drawers...

 

[Oldtuleguy]

No slides on those. People just pull them out and carry them around, occasionally they are lost.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

This used, handsomely-aged, well-maintained Q.D. Wrench Set No. 11-N - a surprise gift from 4.c that arrived at the Lugzsonian yesterday, presents us with a number of intriguing, enigmatic features.

Let’s start with the model number. The “11” indicates the number of pieces – eight (8) sockets and three (3) handles, a 1521 Obstruction Offset, a 1523 Midget Grip Handle, and a 1525 Extension Bar. So far so good. The “N” indicates the type of box. While the compartment configuration changed somewhat over the years on this midget box, which was also used for the 16-ND set (they tucked the open end wrenches in that compartment in the back…), again, so far so good. The lack of a “D” (i.e., 11-ND), which was used to indicate Double-Hex/12-point sockets, is very conspicuous. Blackhawk wasn’t terribly consistent or exclusive about that designation (despite the “D”, plenty of catalogs, ads, and collected examples of No. 11-ND sets often show a couple Hex/6-point sockets, and later, in 1939, six Hex/6-point sockets and a couple Double-Hex/12-point sockets), but intentionally leaving off the “D” is supposed to indicate all Hex/6-point sockets. This set has ALL Double-Hex/12-points.

None of the pieces except the spinner (Midget Grip Handle) are marked. There is little to no doubt they are Blackhawk, but the sockets, extension, and obstruction offset handle bear no Blackhawk branding or model numbers, and there aren't even sizes on the sockets.

I could be wrong, but I don't remember seeing this extension before in a catalog, ad, or actual specimen. The female end is press-fit! I considered the possibility that it was perhaps not Blackhawk, perhaps not even factory, and not original to the set, but it is exactly 5” OAL, which is spec for the 1525, has a collar on the male drive stud end identical to the collar on the 1523 spinner, and has the same highly-polished chrome finish as the other pieces. Even the knurling matches the knurling on the spinner and the obstruction offset handle.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

With all that in mind, I believe this set is very early, maybe even the earliest 1/4-drive they made.

Blackhawk midget socket drive tools are peculiar to begin with. They didn’t make the size for years, then introduced it in 1930 as they were moving away from “Quick-Disconnect” (Q.D.) toward “Lock-on.” It was too small for Lock-on technology, and has traditional friction balls instead, but the construction, materials (chrome vanadium, chrome plating, highly polished), and style are identical to the larger Lock-on line tools, and look nothing at all like the black satin Q.D. tools. They were considered “Q.D.” only by virtue of not having Lock-on detents. And they always look funny, to me anyway, in the Q.D. label boxes. Later they were marketed in the “Chief” line with the larger “Lock-on” sizes.

Pics 1, 2, & 3 are cat excerpts from 1930, 1935, and 1939 for context. You can see the label change from "Q.D. Wrench Set" to "Wrench Set" to "Chief Wrench Set." Pic 4 is an ad from a 1934 hardware store catalog that has a clearer image of the pieces than any of the Blackhawk catalog scans.

Among my complete, special midget sets, I am awfully fond of my Williams NOS cosmo set, the Phila Mfg Corp set, the Heath & Pond Athol Superchrome set, and the SK Carb-O-Mang set. But this set just went right into that rarified air for me.

Thank you, 4.c!

 

[four.cycle]

You're quite welcome, and I'm happy to see that you were able to figure out the "what/when" part of it, which has puzzled me for quite a while.

I'm assuming that the 24991 ratchet that was in the box was not part of the set, but was added at some point by a previous owner.

What does make me curious is that even after poring through everything "Blackhawk" that I could find, I never did find that set listed in any catalog or advertisement. I found all kinds of model 11-ND sets, but no 11-N.