Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: Rspencer91 on March 15, 2016, 10:37:49 AM

Title: How Old Are These, How Could I clean them
Post by: Rspencer91 on March 15, 2016, 10:37:49 AM

Hello,
I recently went through my grandfather’s toolbox who passed away when I was young. I found two cool tools, a chisel marked Gray Bonney C3 Made In Canada, and a pair of pliers marked with the v in shield logo, Vlchek, as well as Forged in USA. One side has the number 25, the other says 19. I was wondering if anyone could tell me approximately how old these tools are. Also, how would I go about cleaning the pliers?
Thanks,
Rspencer91
https://s3.amazonaws.com/vs-lumberjocks.com/o4374uh.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/vs-lumberjocks.com/o4375rk.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/vs-lumberjocks.com/o43798r.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/vs-lumberjocks.com/o4379j2.jpg

Title: Re: How Old Are These, How Could I clean them
Post by: thiggy on March 15, 2016, 11:40:07 AM

Here is a little info I found searching for Gray-Bonney:
n 1930, Gray undertook a joint venture with the Bonney Forge & Tool Works of Allentown, Pennsylvania, a partnership which lasted until 1961.  (After being in business since 1877, the Bonney name disappeared from the market in 1995).

Title: Re: How Old Are These, How Could I clean them
Post by: gibsontool on March 15, 2016, 05:51:07 PM

An overnight soak in vinegar would clean them up, it has worked well for me on rusted up items. Keep an eye on them and don't leave them in any longer than you have to. After they are done wash them off and give them a coat of WD 40 or some kind of light oil. With vinegar you will loose what ever patina there is but I don't think I see much there other than rust.

Title: Re: How Old Are These, How Could I clean them
Post by: mikeswrenches on March 15, 2016, 06:09:17 PM

I would probably start with 0000 steel wool and see what they looked like after rubbing with that.  If you aren't happy you can always go the vinegar route.

If you use the vinegar, leave your tools in it for an hour or so and then use the steel wool again. A lot of the time that short soak will be enough to loosen the rust.  If it doesn't you can always put it in longer. As gibsontool pointed out, don't leave anything in longer than you have to.

Mike