Interesting Old Wrench

[leg17]

Saw an interesting old wrench on a Woodwright's Shop episode "Pinch Rods and Squeezy Blocks" the other day.

http://www.pbs.org/video/2365309184/

Jump ahead to about 15:30.

Can anyone identify this adjustable wrench?

Thanks
Tom

[Papaw]

That is a Wizard Wrench by Richards. I have one, but don't find a picture, so I captured one from Meeker's.

[leg17]

Thanks Noel.
I wasn't familiar with it.

[amecks]

Pretty neat.  Roy is using it like a mini machinist vise.  It's a ratchet wrench?  How does the ratchet work and what is the screw or knob inside the handle.

From AA;  "the Wizard Adjustable Ratchet Wrench is the handiest tool in the world".  I want one!

[Lewill2]

You turn the knob in the middle of the handle to change the ratchet action. If I remember correctly if you pull back on the knob it free wheels in either direction. I haven't played with mine lately.

[Papaw]

That is correct, Les.

[EVILDR235]

Anybody else notice that Roy always has cuts and band aids on his hands ? I started watching the show when Roy still had dark hair. Most of all i miss Norm, the woodworker and Norm the beer drinker on Cheer's. NORM.

EvilDr235

[leg17]

Anybody else notice that Roy always has cuts and band aids on his hands ?.....EvilDr235

Ya gotta love it.
Once there was an episode of highlites of all the times he made himself bleed on air.

[amecks]

Here's some interesting notes.
There's a Wizard on eBay Buy It Now price $69.95 + shpg.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Vintage-Antique-WIZARD-Multi-Adjustable-WRENCH-RICHARDS-MFG-CO-Works-VG-/361888700504?hash=item54423f5858:g:J0kAAOSwUKxYh7HH
There's a Crescent RapidRench for $62.61 or offer. It's an adjustable ratchet wrench - but does not open to 1" and is kinda (way) cheap looking.

There's a 1909 ad for a Wizard where the price is $24.00.  That was a lot of hard earned cash in 1909.  How much would that be now? According to an inflation calculator $1  in 1909 is $25.55 in 2017 - 24 x 25.55 = $613.20!!!  Now the $69.95 one on eBay looks like a bargain!

[turnnut]

 amecks, look again, that was $24.00 per dozen.     $2.oo  each

many ads of yesteryear had the prices listed for a dozen.  and they were shipped to you in a nice wooden box.

I have a nice little box that is 7" long, 3 1/2" wide and 2 1/4" deep.  it has what I believe is called dovetail joints
and a sliding top like the old cheese boxes.  on one end is the paper label.
it is made out of 1/4" wood and the cover has the thumbnail indentation to slide it open.
on the label;  1/2 dozen No. 48 improved 6 inch Adjustable "S" Wrenches
Manufactured only by Bemis & Call Hardware & Tool Co. Springfield, Mass.  U.S.A.   

[amecks]

Doh!  Thanks turnnut.  That price is more reasonable.  I thought $24 was awful high. 

Nice wood box.
I have an Eveready radio battery crate I saved from the garage of my old house.  It's not a nicely made box but one sold on eBay for $50.

[leg17]

.....
I have a nice little box that is 7" long, 3 1/2" wide and 2 1/4" deep.  it has what I believe is called dovetail joints
and a sliding top like the old cheese boxes.  on one end is the paper label.
it is made out of 1/4" wood and the cover has the thumbnail indentation to slide it open.
on the label;.....

More likely 'finger joints'.  Are all the edges straight rather than tapered like usual dovetails?

[turnnut]

Leg17

   I believe that you are correct on the finger joints,  yes, they are straight cuts.

   I should have known better, seeing as I watch Roy Underhill. but that is what happens after turning 80.
   or at least me.

   thanks for the refresher, Frank

[johnstone]

does anyone have any information about an 18'' 1903 Ellis S-shaped swivel adjustable wrench

[Papaw]

We mentioned them here- http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?topic=17029.msg105778#msg105778

And here- http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?topic=21621.msg124164#msg124164

And here- http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?topic=1262.msg7373#msg7373