Tool Talk
Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: stanley62 on April 27, 2021, 06:30:52 PM
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Anyone know what kind of wood the handle of this Utility Wrench Co would have been? This one has seen better days. I recently purchased a small wood lathe and I am going to try my hand at making a replacement handle.
Jim
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Hi Jim, My 2 cents worth. Since it’s not going to be original and you’re not going to use it, why not make it out of something you have or like? I made chisel handles out of all kinds of wood and in many shapes and finishes. I liked most of them, even the oddball ones.
Mike
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Not sure what variety of wood it is, but this is mine.
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I imagine birch would have been common, or perhaps one of the similar but cheaper woods like poplar. The ones I own have a dark finish - generations of sweaty hands covered with oil and dirt can do that - so I'm not sure exactly what the wood might be.
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I have some maple that i think i will try for the first shot.
I'll send pictures as i progress. I'm getting ready to head east for the MVWC Spring meet, so it may be a couple weeks before i have something.
Jim
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See you there, I'm heading West Tuesday morning.
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On original wood -- if not imported woods (like ROSEWOOD, etc for hardness & smooth finish) probably some tough & local wood like hickory or chestnut. Something that would turn to a smooth finish without too much difficulty but still be hard & tough enough to not fall apart on first use. The next MVWC Newsletter has a piece about COLDWELL lawn mowers made at Newburgh, NY. They got all their handles from Piqua, Ohio. You'll have to wait for the newsletter to see who supplied the "cutters."
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Well.... It took me a while, but i finally made a handle.
I used Claro (West coast domestic walnut). The shape is a little off, but it is pretty close to (what i have of) the original.
Jim
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I made another while I was at it. This handle is made from a piece of an old Stanley Cherry level. The level was in horrible shape when i found it. I think it looks pretty good (if i do say so myself).
Jim
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I was thinking the same. Good repurpose!
I used elm one time as an experiment. Elm is hard as can be.
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That’s a really nice job Jim!! Particularly since it’s your first effort. It looks like you’ve been doing them for years.
Mike
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I've been "thinking" of doing them for years...lol. It is good to "Actually" be making them. Now i'm on the lookout for nice wrenches with broken handles. I usually step right over them...
Jim
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Nice work, Jim!!