Weird pliers farmers HandyBoy found in box

[Lump]

I saw a post about an odd old plier/wrench combo tool not too long ago, but couldn't find that earlier post just now.

It SEEMS to me that I remember someone saying that they had been searching for one like it for 10 years or so? Well, a week ago I went to an auction and bought a bunch of nostalgic WWII aircraft stuff from an old gentleman's estate, and a couple of boxes of tools. But this one old odd tool was in the bottom of a cardboard box filled with WWII Bomber "Erection and Maintenance" manuals, etc (REALLY cool old original stuff). So I didn't find this weirdo tool right away.

It seems to be in beautiful shape. Does someone want this, before I put it on eBay or something. Not expensive. Let me know.

In stamped words stacked vertically on the side, it reads, "DIAMALLOY" and "HANDYBOY" and "DULUTH" and "DH 15". Then on the inside of the handle it has raised letters reading "Made in USA".

 

[Diesel-Mech]

I'm interested, how much?

 

[Lump]

I'm interested, how much?

How 'bout $10 plus shipping? Should fit easily in small size flat rate USPS box.

 

[Diesel-Mech]

I would happily do that, I'll send a PM.

 

[Lump]

Deal. Thank you.

 

[bchee]

What is the purpose of the tip?

 

[King Bojack]

What is the purpose of the tip?

Question generator!

 

[Lump]

What is the purpose of the tip?

It looks to be an ordinary tip, such as that found on any pair of common pliers. The reason it seems to "stick out" is that the area immediately below the tip is thinner steel, as though it had been relieved for some reason.
There are wire cutting edges in the usual place, but that doesn't explain the reason for the thin jaws.

At first I thought the jaws were thin because they were the same thickness of flat steel as the handles, except at the tip. But that was an error, as the adjustable wrench head is much thicker, and the other handle is thicker like normal plier handles.

Who knows?

 

[ZRX61]

a cardboard box filled with WWII Bomber "Erection and Maintenance" manuals, etc (REALLY cool old original stuff).

Details......

 

[Papawswrench]

Cool find! Those are still being made, but in China, and not Diamond.
If Diesel-mech doesn't buy it, I will.

 

[bchee]

It looks to be an ordinary tip, such as that found on any pair of common pliers. The reason it seems to "stick out" is that the area immediately below the tip is thinner steel, as though it had been relieved for some reason.
There are wire cutting edges in the usual place, but that doesn't explain the reason for the thin jaws.

At first I thought the jaws were thin because they were the same thickness of flat steel as the handles, except at the tip. But that was an error, as the adjustable wrench head is much thicker, and the other handle is thicker like normal plier handles.

Who knows?

Maybe it allows the handles to open completely, unobstructed, so the adjustable end has full clearance.

 

[bchee]

Question generator!

What's wrong with questions?

 

[Tool Pants]

Third in line.

I should be first because I am weirder than both together.

 

[blue dog]

Third in line.

I should be first because I am weirder than both together.

What is the deal with that bahco?

 

[Lump]

Details......

Don't want to get yelled at for being off of the topic of tools... But I can tell you for now that the old guy was a WWII combat pilot, and then a postwar test pilot and flight engineer, and later an FAA inspector. He last flew a plane (recently...a small private plane) in his 90's. So he had some really cool stuff. The two coolest items were, FIRST: a 1944 and 1945 dated original B-29 Manual marked "Restricted", and titled "B-29 Bomber Erection and Maintenance Manual". It is about 900 pages, with lots of illustrations, and even some color stuff. Second, was a thick photo album filled with large photos of various tests being performed on military aircraft, plus experimental USAF aircraft (hover-glider, etc), throughout the late 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's. Most of the photos had his personal notes written on the back, telling the subject matter of the photos, and often naming the people featured.

There were more manuals, etc,...but I had better post about that stuff in Free Parking, or someone will yell.

And getting back to tools, there were two old tool boxes with a few nice tools, and some of them were aircraft related...like safety-wire pliers and early cleco fasteners, etc. And I got several little "hardware" cabinets filled with some very interesting hardware. Frankly, I haven't really even had time to look through the tools yet. I just saw a few nice tools in there, and started bidding. Everything went pretty cheap, so I didn't worry what else was in there. Who knows WHAT I'll find in those old tool boxes?

 

[Papawswrench]

What is the deal with that bahco?

That is the standard BAHCO adjustable that was in Volvo and SAAB toolkits some years ago. Nice adjustable with an alligator end on the handle. They still make something similar.

 

[Indy_500]

Wow that thing is cool. It's in mint shape too!!!

 

[hoopty388]

i was the guy that got the other one. paid the same. glad you got one too deisel since you didn't get mine.

would love to have one of those double headed cresents


btw after looking at mine i think the thinner part is because of the wire strippers. it is probably an early version of the indent on current linesman pliers

 

[ZRX61]

Don't want to get yelled at for being off of the topic of tools... But I can tell you for now that the old guy was a WWII combat pilot, and then a postwar test pilot and flight engineer, and later an FAA inspector. He last flew a plane (recently...a small private plane) in his 90's. So he had some really cool stuff. The two coolest items were, FIRST: a 1944 and 1945 dated original B-29 Manual marked "Restricted", and titled "B-29 Bomber Erection and Maintenance Manual". It is about 900 pages, with lots of illustrations, and even some color stuff. Second, was a thick photo album filled with large photos of various tests being performed on military aircraft, plus experimental USAF aircraft (hover-glider, etc), throughout the late 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's. Most of the photos had his personal notes written on the back, telling the subject matter of the photos, and often naming the people featured.

There were more manuals, etc,...but I had better post about that stuff in Free Parking, or someone will yell.

And getting back to tools, there were two old tool boxes with a few nice tools, and some of them were aircraft related...like safety-wire pliers and early cleco fasteners, etc. And I got several little "hardware" cabinets filled with some very interesting hardware. Frankly, I haven't really even had time to look through the tools yet. I just saw a few nice tools in there, and started bidding. Everything went pretty cheap, so I didn't worry what else was in there. Who knows WHAT I'll find in those old tool boxes?

I'd be all over that stuff, get the album scanned.

 

[Diesel-Mech]

Received my adjustable wrench/pliers today.

Thanks Lump.

 

[mrholeshot]

Wow! Those are nice

 

[hoopty388]

pretty cool when they come out of that box huh?

my 5 yo daughter thought they were the greastest thing ever

 

[bonneyman]

Epstein is selling the Chinese-made ones, if you want the tool to do work with. I have one. Not bad quality, though not as comfy to hold as the original Handyboy. FWIW

 

[Lump]

Received my adjustable wrench/pliers today.

Thanks Lump.

That's GREAT news! Glad you like them!

 

[SweetD]

Resurrecting an oldie, I found one of these "multi-tools" while helping go through my brother's late father-in-law's stuff...it's in excellent shape. I gave it a quick light cleaning / oiling:











Probably will clean up the nut a bit more. There's one on ePrey right now with many bids, currently at about $30, so it must be fairly rare? Anyone else found one since 2010?



Dave

 

[DenisG]

What is the purpose of the tip?

It might be used for removing fishing hooks after making a catch:
http://www.toolexchange.com.au/our-tools/wrenches/D1117

 

[cm_osu]

I want a pair of these to go with the rest of my diamond tools but haven't been willing to pony up the eBay prices yet. Cool find.

 

[woody 73]

Not really rare I have a pair somewhere I think I paid $3.00 dollars for them, most people hold on to them for a conversation piece.

 

[Farmall 1066]

Got a set myself. Diamond brand, for $12 off EBay, last winter. Nobody must have been watching.
Not that handy, but I like Diamond stuff.

 

[bonneyman]

Cool find! Those are still being made, but in China, and not Diamond.
If Diesel-mech doesn't buy it, I will.

I bought one of the Chinese ones from HJE. Chrome isn't bad, tool works as it should. For $10 it isn't bad - just not a vintage handiboy!

 

[Stuart in MN]

I think they're pretty rare. I've been looking for years but have yet to actually see one, and Diamond Caulk tools are relatively common in Minnesota.

 

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