Tool Talk

Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: Lewill2 on July 09, 2017, 07:56:17 PM

Title: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: Lewill2 on July 09, 2017, 07:56:17 PM
My chain pipe wrenches, The one pictured is a complete kit with the cable and flat chain along with a pipe handle extension in a leather case.

Left to Right, unknown maker, Vulcan kit with cable chain attached to the handle, Vulcan with flat chain, New Champion, Trimo Bull, J. H. Williams Agrippa, J. H. Williams Vulcan Superior.

Some call these salesman samples and some used them for small pipe applications like gas lamp work.
Title: Re: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: Plyerman on July 09, 2017, 09:19:52 PM
Oh wow, I didn't grasp right off just how small those were. Neat! The ones I've seen have been much larger.
Title: Re: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: turnnut on July 09, 2017, 09:25:39 PM
 nice group you have there,  I have a 6 incher that took me a long time to get.

  verrrrrry small compared to what we had to work with at my job before retiring.
Title: Re: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: Lewill2 on July 10, 2017, 05:37:49 AM
These are all around 7 inches, if you click on the picture it will enlarge and you can see the 1 inch grid on the cutting mat they are on.
Title: Re: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: john k on July 10, 2017, 08:53:02 AM
I glanced at these and was about to say ho hum, but these are way smaller than any I have seen.   Does the chain seem tough enough to do any work?   Or just for looks.   Awhile back a guy in the old oil fields of Arkansas displayed his grandfathers chain wrenches, the handles were five and seven feet long. 
Title: Re: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: Lewill2 on July 10, 2017, 10:47:35 AM
They could be functional for light work, some of the duplicates I have do show wear and bent handles so they were used.
Title: Re: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: Chillylulu on July 11, 2017, 08:18:37 AM
We would use chain wrenches on big threaded pipe in the day, 4-6-8" stuff.

But those tiny ones are really cool!

Chilly
Title: Re: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: 3baygarage on August 04, 2017, 02:08:48 PM
Hi Lewill, that is an amazing collection!  :cool: :embarrassed:  I know that took some work. I don't know if you've ever seen these pictures over at the Journal or not.   

These three Williams/Vulcan pieces I managed to gather from three local estate sales over the years.

The little vise was found with the tubing held in it. I thought that was cool. Not sure if someone added it in the past.
Title: Re: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: 3baygarage on August 04, 2017, 02:14:01 PM
Pic
Title: Re: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: lptools on August 04, 2017, 04:36:54 PM
Hello, Lewill2 and 3baygarage. Those are awesome pieces!!!!!!!!!!!  Regards, Lou
Title: Re: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: Lewill2 on August 04, 2017, 06:58:54 PM
I have one of the chain pipe vises too. I also have another small pipe vise that has a poor repair. I'll get a picture up of those too.
Title: Re: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: turnnut on August 04, 2017, 07:30:26 PM
 that is one heck of a cute little vise, never seen one that small.

 could it have been a salesman's sample to  show how they work ???
Title: Re: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: 3baygarage on August 04, 2017, 08:07:25 PM
I believe they are samples. Probably why that example in the pouch has different chains, to show what options were available.

All work just like the full size versions though.

Never seen any catalog documenting these. Also, I have an old pamphlet dedicated to Williams chain wrenches, and no mention of these little guys.
Title: Re: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: Lewill2 on August 06, 2017, 10:06:55 AM
My pipe vises as mentioned the other day. The "T" handle has been repaired on the adjusting screw on the double "V" jaw one. No Markings on the double "V" jaw.
Title: Re: Chain Pipe Wrenches
Post by: 3baygarage on August 06, 2017, 05:07:37 PM
Pretty cool. Not sure I've seen a mini pipe vise that style.