Tool Talk
Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: lauver on August 28, 2014, 06:02:14 PM
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Gang,
I picked a small group of Ford script wrenches, an 8" adjustable and 3 DOE's. I paid $5.00 total, or about $1.25 per wrench, a fair deal for both parties given the volume of these wrenches in the wild and the general condition of the tools (i.e. rusty & worn). I was surprised to find all four wrenches were marked "M" (Moore Drop Forge) which means these tools are all related, or kin folk so to speak.
Here's a few photo's of the foursome:
(http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo109/lauver_photos/FordWrenches1_zps637f1cbb.jpg) (http://s366.photobucket.com/user/lauver_photos/media/FordWrenches1_zps637f1cbb.jpg.html)
(http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo109/lauver_photos/FordWrenches2_zps606b0835.jpg) (http://s366.photobucket.com/user/lauver_photos/media/FordWrenches2_zps606b0835.jpg.html)
(http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo109/lauver_photos/FordWrenches3_zps2938e9ab.jpg) (http://s366.photobucket.com/user/lauver_photos/media/FordWrenches3_zps2938e9ab.jpg.html)
I've done a little research on the Ford sites, but ran into some conflicting information regarding what tools would have been included with what models of cars, and the corresponding date ranges.
Here's my best guesses:
1) 8" adjustable/monkey wrench, N-series tractor era, wrench # 01A 170121A (not marked on the wrench),
2) 9/16" x 5/8" DOE wrench, Model A era, wrench # A-17016 (not marked on the wrench),
3) 7/16" x 1/2" DOE wrench, Model A era, wrench # A-17015 (not marked on the wrench), and
4) 11/16" x 3/4" clutch band adjuster wrench, Model T era, wrench # T1917 (not marked on wrench).
Am I close? What say ye old Ford wrenchers?
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They have been used , keeping the auto on the road.
The bottom one can be squeezed closed in a vise.
I just did one , expected it to snap , but they are pretty flexible.
The Ford Barn forum covers those thoroughly.
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I have learned one thing about old Ford wrenches. There is more old Ford wrenches than there is old Fords. Fordson wrenches are much harder to find.
EvilDr235
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As a proud Model A owner, but not much of a "T" expert, I believe that you have got it right. The comparable Model A adjustable wrench has a 3/8 square key at the end of the handle that fits the hollow head pipe plugs in the differential housing (fill and drain). And I thank you for clearing up the question as to the use for the rather wimpy looking open end Model T wrench... brake adjusting wrench. I had figured that it had to be for some special application not requiring high torque. For a bit of "A" trivia... the brake adjustment fittings on the (four) wheels of the Model A have 1/2" square heads, the tool supplied is the butt end of the tire iron that has a 1/2" square hole punched through.
Joe B
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The adjustable wrench you have is for the N series tractors. The Model T adjustable wrench did not have the USA on it.
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JoeCB-- I'm sorry, I wrote brake band adjusting wrench in error; it was supposed to say clutch band adjusting wrench.
BRwrench-- Thank you for that important piece of information. Do you also know the approximate date range for the N series tractors?
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The 9N came out in 1939. The 2N in 1942, and the 8N in 1948.
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The clutch band was sorta' the brake on a Model T in any case , was it not?
Joe B
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The 9N came out in 1939. The 2N in 1942, and the 8N in 1948.
BRwrench,
So the same adjustable wrench was likely used from 1939-1948+?
What and when was the successor to the 8N? Did it also use the same adjustable wrench?
Sorry about all the questions, I'm just trying to estimate the likely date range for this particular adjustable wrench. And you seem to know your Ford tractor history.
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Gary, there was early production of the Fordson tractor in the teens when that script was used on the adjustable. I have no solid proof yet but by '39 that logo was well out use. I believe the later N series used the typical A type adjustable as the drain plugs have the square hole for the end of the A wrench.
The T1917 is the earliest version and not broken yet, a nice find. I have one myself but it is cracked so I have not tried to straighten it.
The N tool kit was evolved over time, in the early years it had 5 tools and by 1950 Henry had double-dutied tools such as the screwdriver being a pliers handle as well as changed fasteners on the tractor to reduce the sizes you'd need.
The last ones had the head and spark plug wrench, the plow wrench and the pliers with the screwdriver end. Three tools total. He saved a bundle doing that.
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Ford started putting Ford USA on wrenches during Model A production (1928) The N series adjustable wrench did not have the square lug on it. 1952 was the last year for the N series tractors. The part number for the wrench is 01A 17021A. It is thought to be true that the adjustable wrench may not have been part of the tool kit during the last few years of N series production.
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strik & BR,
Thanks for the info. Very helpful.