Tools ID help

[Private Lugnutz]

I found these wrenches/holders in a large Army surplus lot I just picked up. The rest of the lot suggests 1940s or 1950s. They look like special service tools to me, perhaps on the electrical/ignition side. The shorter one is supposed to have a longer shank (it's been broken off). Someone I trust suggested distributor and starter tools, but those were best guesses. Can anyone identify them with more definitiveness?

 

[MShaw]

What size are they? They look like aircraft spark plug wrenches if they are big enough.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

The half hex opening is 13/16". The half double hex is 3/4".

 

[MShaw]

That is what they are. Check this url.
http://www.championaerospace.com/products/champion-tools/t-handle-open-box-wrench

They come in 3/4" and 13/16"

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks, M. That was quick! I am 90% convinced by both your almost instantaneous conviction and the link. My only reservation has to do with the construction. The examples at your link are fully broached, like flare nut wrenches. Mine are broached almost all the way, but they left a lip at the back end, and the opening is a half oval slot at that end. See what I mean? What are your thoughts on that?

 

[Milton Shaw]

The lip at the back would keep the spark plug or nut from being pushed out of the wrench as you had to force/align the plug or bolt to get it to start threads.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Or anything with a protruding terminal, I agree. I guess what I'm saying is I'd be 100% convinced if the modern versions (at your link) looked the same. But that's a quibble. I'm going with aircraft spark plug wrenches. There was a bunch of USAAF marked tools in the lot, which increases my confidence. Thanks again,

 

[MShaw]

I had a set of those years ago. It does not show in the picture but there is a shallow counterbore at the handle side of the opening. After broaching a "C" ring was brazed into the counterbore to equal what you see in your wrenches.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks.

 

[ttpete]

Those are for removing the shielded ignition leads from the top of the plugs. The plugs themselves can be removed with a socket. The 3/4" one is for 14mm plugs, and the 13/16" one for 18mm plugs.

 

[Provincial]

To expand on ttpete's correct identification, the open nature of the working end is to allow the wrench to straddle the ignition wire as it engages the nut that holds the lead to the top of the spark plug.

Aircraft spark plugs, especially on large engines, can be buried deep in baffles, cooling fins, and other obstructions. These wrenches are designed to slip straight down to the top of the spark plug while following the wire down into the hole. It is often impossible to remove the lead nut using an open end wrench.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks, guys.