Xcelite Tool Case with tools

[turbowoodworker]

My dad had a couple of Xcelite screwdrivers he used for working on TVs and radios (back when they were all tubes). I never thought much about them, as they are small but very long and not much use unless you're fixing an old radio. They are marked "Orchard Park NY".

Fast forward to last weekend when I attended an estate auction and recognized a 99.9% complete electricians tool attaché with all the tools marked Xcelite, Made in USA, Apex, NC. Now I think from my reading on the GJ that Xcelite (maybe Cooper by then) was involved in the Bain takeover of Apex tools et al. Nonetheless, this case is pretty cool. The bottom section was filled with the detritus of a repairman's career (dirt, dust, wire shards, old fuses, wire nuts, screws etc.). But there was also some good quality additional USA made tools like a set of Crescent screwdrivers, a CM adjustable wrench, barlow knife, lots of tape, etc.

The attaché is in good shape on the outside (and the keys were in an envelope inside), but there is some wear and some tears on the inside with torn fabric around the hinges. The tools are odd though. Some are in perfect condition while the one in the slot next to it is rusted/corroded to a considerable degree. But all the slots are filled. One screwdriver slot has a replacement no name USA made black handle. But the rest is complete from the nut drivers to the T handles, ratchet screwdrivers, mini nut drivers and micro, precision screwdrivers. Lots of stuff in here.

Any one have an idea as to age? My guess is 70's?? The set looks like it was not abused but rather neglected to some degree.

Also another question. There is a complete set of hex-like bits that fit the screwdriver handles that are not true hex bits but look like 6 sided clover leaf with the grooves extending all the way to the bit shank. Any one tell me what they are called and their use?

I paid $65 plus the 10% buyer's premium. Good deal considering a new price on the internet and the COO of the new sets, but the condition ranges from good to not so good depending on the piece. I'm not a travelling repairman so it really is a novelty item for me but still pretty cool. Overall a very colorful, fun auction find.

Thanks for reading, Rick

First two pics are my dad's Orchard Park drivers for comparison. I'll try to load some more individual pics.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Here are some more pictures of the individual tools.

 

[turbowoodworker]

And a couple more. The case is only in fair condition. You might also note in the previous post that the slip joint pliers are nice and shiny and the larger version next to it is "patinaed". They are both marked Xcelite, Apex NC but they even seem to be of a different plating method or concoction.

Thanks again for looking. Rick

 

[relic7680]

That is a really sweet find, especially being so complete. I'm not an electrician either, but I would have had a hard time passing on this set.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Here are some pics of the "cloverleaf hex-like" things I need help with. The largest one is equivalent roughly to a 5-6mm Allen.

 

[JEEPLESS]

Nice tool kit. I have a similar set, however mine did duty on a television production truck and the tools are well worn.

Is your tool in question a reamer/set of reamers?

http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/xcelite/screwdrivers/reamer.htm


- just saw your pictures - those are Bristol multi-spline drivers

http://www.bristolwrench.com/

- Jeepless

 

[Exceller8]

That is a really nice score!

 

[Craptain]

And a couple more. The case is only in fair condition. You might also note in the previous post that the slip joint pliers are nice and shiny and the larger version next to it is "patinaed". They are both marked Xcelite, Apex NC but they even seem to be of a different plating method or concoction.

Thanks again for looking. Rick

That case is exactly the same as the one I used when I serviced juke boxes and such. And most of the tools are the same too. I still have it but most of hte tools are now in other kits and boxes

 

[turbowoodworker]

I don't think they are reamers. They are not sharp or tapered and they come in tiny sizes that would be easily destroyed if you put any pressure on it. The smallest is probably one millimeter.
I'm wondering if they are tools for adjusting something inside a TV like the old horizontal thing in tube sets. Just a guess but I'm sure there are some sharp guys out there who have used them.

 

[JEEPLESS]

Check my edit . . .

 

[kc-steve]

Very nice! From my own background and experience, the first case with the sides, was likely used by a local Xray Tech or similar. I ran across those guys a lot. I worked on medical instruments in laboratories back in the late 1970s but we traveled extensively so were issued an Xcelite 99-series roll up pouch. I can't help with the other question.

Back then there was not a lot of traveling electronics techs. Most people avoided that type of job.

The tool that is missing in that tool case which would make it a TV tech set is a long extension for getting TV tuners out of the older TV sets. Even in the home, the tuners and contacts needed to be cleaned (spray on contact cleaner) after removing it from the TV set.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[turbowoodworker]

Jeepless. Nice job. I've always wanted a complete set of Bristol spline drive wrenches. Now everyone on GJ is cursing you because even though they/we will never use them, everyone will have to have a set for the top drawer on the "Show Us Your Toolbox" thread. LOL

 

[JEEPLESS]

Who knew that information would some day be useful? Lol

 

[kc-steve]

Now check MY edit.

Steve

 

[turbowoodworker]

KC. What does it look like, where does it fit? How does it work. Now my OCD tells me my set is not complete. I have to find one fast or Ill be a wreck.

 

[kc-steve]

If I recall correctly, based upon my experience again, the extension I used was at LEAST 12 to 14-inches long, 1/4" drive. I used a socket on one end and a driver on the other. Some of those old console TVs were huge and the tuner was attached on the front inside, so a longer one would be better. I also worked as a TV bench tech briefly so I am sure that would be necessary for any TV tech, bench or in-home. The in-home techs worked on the big consoles more than I did.

Techs would simply loosen the tuner screws and then move the tuner up and then out of the TV set (slotted holes).

But like I said, it looks more like an Xray or medical tech tool set to me, if that helps your OCD any.

Steve

 

[WWIIjeep]

I worked on medical instruments in laboratories back in the late 1970s but we traveled extensively so were issued an Xcelite 99-series roll up pouch.

I still have my Xcelite Service Master tool roll from the '60s.

If I recall correctly, based upon my experience again, the extension I used was at LEAST 12 to 14-inches long, 1/4" drive.

The Xcelite extensions I remember were about 6 or 7" long. They fit the drive handle and then you could put whatever nut driver or other tool you wanted onto the working end to reach to about 12" or gang 2 together for more reach.

Aside from dealing with the tuners being a long reach, it was a good idea to keep your hands out of the chassis as much as possible. I moonlighted for RCA for a while back when our kids were born just to help pay the extra bills. I'd swear RCA had a designer back then who hated the techs and he specified extra sharp metal parts on the chassis, especially around the high-voltage cages.

Any one have an idea as to age? My guess is 70's?? The set looks like it was not abused but rather neglected to some degree.

Also another question. There is a complete set of hex-like bits that fit the screwdriver handles that are not true hex bits but look like 6 sided clover leaf with the grooves extending all the way to the bit shank. Any one tell me what they are called and their use?

I paid $65 plus the 10% buyer's premium..

'70s is a pretty good guess. I didn't look closely at every photo, but of what I saw, the tools don't look older than that. Bristol spline was popular for industrial electronics equipment in the '60s and '70s, so those being included makes '70s vintage about right too.

$71.50 for that is a good score. Xcelite was one of my favorite tool brands back in the days when I was doing electronics work. I would have easily paid more than that just for the nostalgia effect.

 

[kc-steve]

The Xcelite extensions I remember were about 6 or 7" long. They fit the drive handle and then you could put whatever nut driver or other tool you wanted onto the working end to reach to about 12" or gang 2 together for more reach. . . .

I suppose you could gang the smaller extensions together to get an adequate length, but it wouldn't be rigid. It was difficult enough to get the socket on the screw head as it would be with the extension wobbling around. But it could also be a matter of preference as well.

I thought since the guy has a (near) complete set, maybe it isn't a TV tech's tool case, but a medical tech's case instead. It was only the OP's assumption that it was TV tech's case.

I would also expect to see non-metallic hex tuning wands and a high-voltage probe in a TV tech's case if not for measuring volts at least for discharging the CRT.


Steve

 

[Dave455]

Here are some pics of the "cloverleaf hex-like" things I need help with. The largest one is equivalent roughly to a 5-6mm Allen.

Those look like Bristol splines to me - used with Bristol socket screws used a lot in the electronics industry!

Nice find! Xcelite tools are hard to date as they havn't changed much for years, but in my opinion are seriously under rated! Their full size screwdrivers are really nice. Hard handles, inch sizes, good quality and still made in the USA!

 

[Higgins]

Yup! Had one of those in the mid 70's when working in Telecommunications! Still have the case and some of the tools!!!!!!!!!!!1

AL

 

[racingtadpole]

Are the clover leaf things magnetic?

One of the places I worked a long time ago had one of those cases exactly the same for when we did service calls to one particular business. We had to sign for it in blood, go do the job and then sign it back in. It was a PITA to work from because it didnt have any ceramic screwdrivers or some of the other specialty tools I was using at the time (nice set just not overly useful for the task at hand).
Also a PITA that the business owner wouldnt allow us to bring our SnapOn cantilever boxes into the business because he reckoned we were there to fix electronic things not service his trucks and our tool boxes should reflect this, but thats a whole different story and hey if the customer has money, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I am very jealous!! I have a handful of Xcelite screwdrivers and nutdrivers.

 

[kc-steve]

I am very jealous!! I have a handful of Xcelite screwdrivers and nutdrivers.

Yeah me too. I've been trying to reconstruct an old set and they are expensive buying a piece at a time.

Steve

 

[Steinmetz]

Here are some pics of the "cloverleaf hex-like" things I need help with. The largest one is equivalent roughly to a 5-6mm Allen.

I believe they are used to perform alignment of the transformers in the IF stages of television and radio receivers.

 

[Steinmetz]

Those look like Bristol splines to me - used with Bristol socket screws used a lot in the electronics industry!

Nice find! Xcelite tools are hard to date as they havn't changed much for years, but in my opinion are seriously under rated! Their full size screwdrivers are really nice. Hard handles, inch sizes, good quality and still made in the USA!

Bristol--Yes. Used on some radio knobs. I had thought that they were alignment tools until I looked closely.

 

[LEVE]

Back in the 60's I used to fix TVs/Stereos for a living.. and in the 70's through the 80's I was a Field Engineer. I used use thoses tool all the time. I used to drool over their catalogs. VACO was their competition and also made good quality tools. It was amazing how many different tool set configurations they'd sell. It was true, you're only as good as your tools... so best buy a set that was configured for your usage.

It would be nice to have a complete set, even now, if you did electronic work. I purchased a VACO set in 1976 and IIRC, the price was about $125. A similar tool set today would be about $600.

 

[turbowoodworker]

To answer a few questions from above posts:
No the Bristols are not magnetic.
Yes there are a couple of the plastic, nonmetallic slot driver type things for adjustments, and the bottom of the case had about 10 of those really cheap plastic, almost disposable continuity testers. Most had one probe pulled off the wire. These are the type where a row of bulbs (doubt LED) correspond to voltage (110, 230, 440, and so on). But I would be afraid to stick one of those cheap probes in anything with juice. I'll stick to my dad's old Simpson or Triplett for that.
There is actually a set of 4 insulated screwdrivers, Phillips and slot, of good quality and condition.

I want to thank everybody for the good responses and info.
Now I kinda wish I still had my dad's oscilloscope and tube checker. Loved to play with those things when I was a kid.

 

[turbowoodworker]

LEVE. I did a search on the net for Xcelite tool cases with the case number above and I got some hits. Some said "discontinued", others still had prices, like on ebay. But the price ranged from 400 to 750, and I'm not sure if Xcelite, purchased toady wouldn't be Chinese.

I also searched GJ before posting the original. Believe it or not there are over 10 pages of result threads for that search. I kept seeing Jeff Moss's name in the search too. Thanks for your responses.

 

[crankshaftdan II]

LEVE. I did a search on the net for Xcelite tool cases with the case number above and I got some hits. Some said "discontinued", others still had prices, like on ebay. But the price ranged from 400 to 750, and I'm not sure if Xcelite, purchased toady wouldn't be Chinese.

I also searched GJ before posting the original. Believe it or not there are over 10 pages of result threads for that search. I kept seeing Jeff Moss's name in the search too. Thanks for your responses.

I don't think that I posted these items on here before?? All three pictures are Xcelite, Vaco and other older items that are for Trade/Sale if there is any interest PM me back with what you are interested in. I would like to trade/sell in sets or partial sets if at all possible. LMK..........Cranky

 

[jeffmoss26]

Some of those screwdrivers are now in my basement

 

[crankshaftdan II]

Some of those screwdrivers are now in my basement

Yes Sir! You have been a faithful customer in the past!!!!!!

 

[Biomed]

I did a search on the net for Xcelite tool cases with the case number above and I got some hits. Some said "discontinued", others still had prices, like on ebay. But the price ranged from 400 to 750, and I'm not sure if Xcelite, purchased toady wouldn't be Chinese.

I had a few of those tool cases in the 70-90's when I worked on x-ray and laboratory equipment. One supplier back then was Jensen Tools (who is still in business today.)

The big problem I had with those cases was they were constructed on a thin wooden frame. Couldn't take the punishment of the airline baggage handlers. The newer cases made of plastic and aluminum are much more durable.

 

[kc-steve]

I had a few of those tool cases in the 70-90's when I worked on x-ray and laboratory equipment. One supplier back then was Jensen Tools (who is still in business today.)

The big problem I had with those cases was they were constructed on a thin wooden frame. Couldn't take the punishment of the airline baggage handlers. The newer cases made of plastic and aluminum are much more durable.

ALRIGHT! A com padre! I did use the Halliburton ZERO luggage for a while (~1980). Impressive, but not really designed for tool organization. It was always a guess whether I had everything I needed. I could have created something but it belonged to the company and I wasn't planning on sticking around that company since they were bouncing me all over the country.

http://www.zerohalliburton.com/collections/aluminum-business-cases.html

Steve

 

[loranger]

That is pretty much what comes with our basic tool kits where I work. I did find a few Xcelite screwdrivers that were different from the standard yellow handled ones though. They are marked Made in Germany and look a lot like the Wera drivers I have except a different color. I have used these things professionally for years without any problems.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Well that answers the COO question for newer Xcelite stuff. My earliest is Orchard Park NY then Apex NC. Now Made in Germany. Do you think most of the later or current stuff is Germany? What's happened since Bain took over?

 

[jeffmoss26]

Found this on the back of a pair of pliers (picture) in an ebay auction.
Things sure have changed...

 

[kc-steve]

It's good to see that in print. I am sure the same can be said for most if not all older U.S.-made hand tools of the past. So next time someone says there's no difference, then whip it out! Whip it good!

I think I'll save that and post it on my own website, with your permission.
http://junkyardtools.com/

Steve

 

[jeffmoss26]

I took it from an eBay auction so go ahead! lol

 

[WWIIjeep]

Old Xcelite set of "patent pending" nut drivers I got at an estate sale several years ago that I'd guess are '30s or '40s vintage.

 

[nanofrog]

Xcelite has multiple COO's, including USA (cutters & pliers for example are US, and IIRC, the nut drivers are still US as well). A lot of their products are rebranded BTW.