Author Topic: Does anyone collect fixed socket wrenches?  (Read 1532 times)

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Offline coolford

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Does anyone collect fixed socket wrenches?
« on: December 06, 2019, 10:48:00 AM »
Years ago I picked up fixed socket wrenches and threw them in a file drawer.  A few years back I had filled a couple of drawers so decided to catalog them. The groups shown are all Walden and all different numbers (59) total.  I have no idea how many different ones that Walden made.  I also have well over 100 made by different makers such as Blackhawk, Ray, Mossberg, Ford etc.  I also have a large number of duplicates, so if anyone is interested send me a PM.

Offline Northwoods

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Re: Does anyone collect fixed socket wrenches?
« Reply #1 on: December 06, 2019, 11:01:45 AM »
Think of the storage system a mechanic had to have in order to keep things straight!
What do you think?  Boxes, racks, or piles?
The ORIGINAL Northwoods.

Offline Bill Houghton

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Re: Does anyone collect fixed socket wrenches?
« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2019, 12:01:13 PM »
I've got a few and don't use them, and sureasheck don't need to start a new pile of interesting but unused tools.  But, if I had a nut/cap screw I needed to loosen and tighten regularly, I'd definitely see if any of the sizes I've got fit, and hang one on a nail convenient to the nut/screw.

Storage would certainly be a challenge for an active mechanic, although I suspect there were fewer sizes and head styles in use back when those were shop tools.
« Last Edit: December 06, 2019, 02:48:10 PM by Bill Houghton »

Offline coolford

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Re: Does anyone collect fixed socket wrenches?
« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2019, 02:53:56 PM »
The common sizes are 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 25/32, 7/8 and 1 inch.  Hardly anything smaller than 7/16 and some larger than 1 inch.  Storage for everyday use would be difficult at best.  Maybe a hanging rack??

Offline mvwcnews

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Re: Does anyone collect fixed socket wrenches?
« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2019, 04:09:46 PM »
In the automotive trace journals from the 1920s, one will find accounts of repair shops with complete sets of speed wrenches -- with the wrenches on wall mounts, with a designated place for each wrench.

Offline lptools

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Re: Does anyone collect fixed socket wrenches?
« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2019, 04:52:30 PM »
Hello, Coolford. Very nice collection!!! Regards, Lou
Member of PHARTS-  Perfect Handle Admiration, Restoration and Torturing Society

Offline gibsontool

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Re: Does anyone collect fixed socket wrenches?
« Reply #6 on: December 06, 2019, 08:09:13 PM »
I have several Walden speed and T wrenches hanging on a wall out in my shop,I'll have to check what sizes I have and I'll get back to you re what sizes I may need. Thanks for the post. I'll be in touch. Jim.

Offline leg17

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Re: Does anyone collect fixed socket wrenches?
« Reply #7 on: December 06, 2019, 08:57:18 PM »
PM Sent

Offline d42jeep

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Re: Does anyone collect fixed socket wrenches?
« Reply #8 on: December 18, 2019, 09:27:36 AM »
These may be of interest here.
-Don
« Last Edit: December 18, 2019, 09:39:29 AM by d42jeep »
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Offline JoeCB

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Re: Does anyone collect fixed socket wrenches?
« Reply #9 on: December 22, 2019, 08:54:16 PM »
I believe that the fixed speed wrenches were often used in production assembly operations "back in the Day" before the proliferation of pneumatic and electric tools
If you view old automotive assembly videos , like from the Model T era you will see a lot of these type tools in use. 

Joe B
« Last Edit: December 25, 2019, 11:13:27 PM by JoeCB »