Just picked up this old tool roll full of King Dick wrenches and such. The roll seems to be oiled burlap with a leather strap, due to it's age it's... um, shedding bits of dinosaur every time I unroll it. 2 open end wrenches, 3 nut drivers with T-bar, and a tire iron all marked King Dick. There are a couple empty slots in the tool roll, I'm guessing for an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver?

Does anyone have a set like this, or can point me in the right direction to figure out it's age and what vehicle it may have come with? English tools are a mystery to me, like why after the size it says A/F. As an American I know what AF means, but I doubt that's what the Brits meant.    My more modern English tools have Whitworth stampings... what does A/F stand for?

A/F might mean Across the Flats in England too. 

Jim C.

I have a lot of exprience with British motorcycles and yes, A/F means "across the flats" over the pond. 

Jim,  what is the story behind the tool kit photo you posted?  Looks a lot like moparthug's kit.

Hey Al,

That tool kit is what would have been included from the factory if you had purchased a brand new 1955 MG.  The tools are the real deal in terms of originality.  Also included but not shown was a jack with a collapsing handle/crank, a small grease gun, a brake line bleeder kit, a tire iron and an engine crank wrench.  The burlap tool role is a faithful reproduction of the original.  The only tool I'm missing is the middle size tube spanner.

Jim C.

that's amazing Jim.  Would it be possible to list any markings on the tools?  I imagine they are not all King Dick brand.  Is that a 7" adjustable?  I have one, maybe two, marked Made In England.

Al,

Let me dig them out and I'll get the list for you.  Most of them are King Dick.  The tire tools are Dunlop I think.  The grease gun is another manufacturer.  Like I said, let me get them out and I'll give you a better answer.

Jim C.

Al,

Here's the list.  The only tool I'm missing is the 5/16 W x 3/8 W tube spanner. Everything else is factory supplied original and issued with the car.  The burlap tool role is a top notch reproduction.

Engine crank wrench manufacturer unknown
Jack with collapsing two piece handle - King Dick
Tire iron manufacturer unknown
Tire air pump - I know it's original but I can't recall the manufacturer
Lockheed brake bleeder tube
Grease gun - Enots
3 DOE spanners - King Dick
3 tube spanners - King Dick  (missing one)
Screwdriver- King Dick
Cylinder head closed spanner unknown manufacturer
7" adjustable wrench - King Dick (marked Made in England)
3/4# hammer unknown manufacturer
2 tire removal bars - Dunlop
6" pliers - King Dick
1/4 W hex closed spanner - King Dick
Small screwdriver w/feeler - Lucas
Feeler gap gauge - King Dick
Small brass tire air valve wrench - Dunlop

There you have it Al.  I'm just one wrench short of a complete set.  I hope this information is helpful to you.

Jim C.

Thanks Jim. I'll keep an eye out for the tube spanner.

Many thanks Al. I've been looking for that tube spanner for a few years now.  Most of the tools came with the car, but I've had to track down a few too.  As you know, authentic original factory supplied tools are tough to come by and when they do show up, they're expensive.  There's a guy in Pennsylvania that specializes in old British car parts, factory supplied tool kits and auto paraphernalia.  I did buy a few things from him including the reproduction tool role.  He sells nice stuff and he's extremely knowledgeable about what he sells.  But that comes with a price.  If you ever do find that tube spanner, let me have the first shot at it if you don't need it. I'm not looking for a freebie!!

I've collected some other Whitworth tools over the years, that I actually used to restore the car, and still use to maintain it.  I don't use any of the original tools supplied with the car.  Back in the early 1960s, Sears/Craftsman offered a set of Whitworth wrenches and sockets. The sockets were all 1/2" drive.  I collected the set in anticipation of eventually buying the car.  When the time finally came to do some restoration work, I found that the Craftsman 1/2" drive stuff was too big to effectively use, and the wrenches were too long.  In a mad scramble to find some Whitworth tools, I came across Koken sockets in 1/4" and 3/8" drives.  Those were great to use and the quality was very good.  They were a bit pricey but not as expensive as Snap On.  I also came across a set of Whitworth SuperSlim wrenches that are okay and a set of Proto wrenches that I used and still use.  The Whitworth tools are out there, you just have to find what works best with the British vehicle you're working on.

Jim C.

dimensions or writing on the missing tube spanner?

"missing is the 5/16 W x 3/8 W tube spanner"  -  I checked my tube spanner stuff for sale and do not have one. 

I have a (I think) complete set of T Williams SuperSlim wrenches and box ends.  Having older British motorcycles they are a neccessity.

Regards
Al