Shuster Speed Wrench pat. Feb 2 1915

[bryanrj]

Came across this wrench this morning at a yard sale.  Cannot find much about the manufacturer (other than what is on the wrench):

 "8 In. Drop Forged Steel, Clip Bar Mfg. Co., Philadelphia, PA. USA."

On Nov 1 2011 it was reported on this forum that one sold  http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?topic=2167.msg12669#msg12669

A little bit of history from the WorthPoint captured listing is available at WorthPoint, apparently written by the seller.

Another auction site, bonanza had a recent sold listing.

Anyway, Clip Bar is not mentioned in Alloy Artifacts, and Shuster wrench searches yields only a couple other wrenches on eBay, one of which refers to SECO Shuster Engineering Corp, also of Philadelphia, so there is likely a relationship.  But I am not finding out much about SECO so far. 

Patent number 1127100:
http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=1127100&typeCode=0

[mikeswrenches]

Nice find Bryan, not a common wrench. COPES lists the “Clip-Bar Mfg. Co’’  of Philadelphia, Pa as the maker of the wrench and notes it as “Schulz #530. None of which answers your question.

Mike

[Lewill2]

I can't add any information to what you already have but I have one in my collection. They don't come up very often, an early attempt of a ratcheting adjustable wrench.

[bryanrj]

I am planning an Evaporust bath for the wrench and a light going over with a fine Scotchbrite pad.  While not a good video editor, I may film and post on Youtube.  It certainly had little use, the only fault is some light pitting in the handle.  Not sure if I am going to keep this one or trade it for the vintage 1/4 or 9/32 drive socket sets that I really like...

[lptools]

I recommend caution on the cleaning!!! I'm hoping the wrench guys weigh in on this, but I believe it is more valuable to you, and, or, a collector, as it sets!! I would do a light wipe down with a soft cloth and a light machine oil, for now!!!

[bryanrj]

Perhaps I will hold off a bit and solicit some advice.  The two sales I found puts the wrench around $100.  It definitely needs oil to get the mechanism to work smoothly.  I know there are various opinions on how far to go in a restoration or cleanup, and that value can be lost if one goes too far.  But at some point it would seem that the surface rust should be dealt with, and the gentlest I can think of would be the Evaporust and fine scotch brite.  Thanks for the reply to my post.

[wvtools]

I bead blast tools with moving parts with walnut shells, which are very mildly abrasive.  They will only remove dirt and light rust.     

For very nice, high dollar pieces, I like to use the dish soap/warm running water/fine soft wire brush or steel wool method.  Be careful not to overdo it, and follow up quickly with drying and oiling.