Plomb

[t115145]

I had a few Plombs (all WF) in my tool kit.  I mostly bought them at flea markets so I could
bend them into the shape I needed for the specific application.  Many years ago I found a 9/16-5/8 pebble open end in a parking lot and used it as necessary.  My working set consists mostly of Snap-On, which have served me extremely well since the middle '70's. 

So, now I'm building a secondary kit to use while on the road, and I have discovered the collectability of the pebbles. I purchased a set of pebble combinations (7/16 to 1) that were missing the 3/8, and 3/4 wrenches for $50. They cleaned up well. I found a Barcalo 3/4 and I had a Proto 3/8 in war finish.  the set is serviceable. I also have been collecting the PWA series tools, (and I use them, I fix and fly) and got a 1/4 inch ratchet that I think is a Plomb (marked with only an "O") that needs the selector cam replaced.

The question is, are these tools valuable?  Would it lessen their value if I had them re-plated?  I intend on working with them and good plating sure helps the clean up.

Thanks and I welcome your comments.

[Papaw]

Welcome to Tool Talk!

You have chosen a good brand to collect and use.

As for plating, I wouldn't see any value gained by it, and if and when you try to sell them, I think it would lessen the value.

[t115145]

Come on friends, I need more guidance.  In the tool lot I purchased, I also got an IHC wrench and a small Ford script.  Any value there?

[skipskip]

IMHO  If you want plated wrenches,  buy a set of newish ones.

used Snap-on wont cost a lot

having your Plomb plated will be quite expensive and you will have plated wrenches made of early 20th century metal technology.

as for value,  very few wrenches or any other mechanics tools are worth big money, all were made by the tens of thousands

except for Ford wrenches, they were made by the millions.

really

most of us  are here for the fun and knowledge, our 'collections' are worth a bit more than scrap, but not a LOT more.

Skip

[t115145]

Thanks Skip! 

My Plombs are post WW II, most of them anyway.  They do have a weak chrome finish, nothing like my S-O's.  I've started to hand polish the 1/4 Plomb ratchet and a no-name deep off set box wrench. Where can I get a ratchet rebuild kit for the Plomb? I have a champion spark plug wrench that needs the guts also.  I'll post some photos soon.

Best wishes to all.

[t115145]

Maybe I'll get the pic right this time.

[Papaw]

For extensive ratchet info, look here- http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?topic=128.0