Author Topic: Wrench it is but I would love to know more about it  (Read 1948 times)

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Offline Okey dokey

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Wrench it is but I would love to know more about it
« on: October 18, 2017, 09:02:19 AM »
Hi good folks
I bought this wrench for a nominal amount in a local odds and ends store today and would love to find a little about it - anyone know who made it where and when --- that sort of stuff.
Its made in the USA but I cant find a makers logo fingers crossed the photo attached and is readable - I'm a newbie and this is the first attempt at photo upload and btw its hard trying to make one small enough!

Offline Okey dokey

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Re: Wrench it is but I would love to know more about it
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2017, 09:07:54 AM »
Another photo

Offline mikeswrenches

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Re: Wrench it is but I would love to know more about it
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2017, 09:41:51 AM »
The logo looks like Whitman & Barnes. The Alloy Artifacts web site can probably provide more information.

Mike
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Offline Papaw

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Re: Wrench it is but I would love to know more about it
« Reply #3 on: October 18, 2017, 10:47:10 AM »
It is a Whitman & Barnes logo. Look here- http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers-p3.html#whitman

Alloy Artifacts is a treasure for wrench collectors !
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Offline Bill Houghton

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Re: Wrench it is but I would love to know more about it
« Reply #4 on: October 18, 2017, 02:21:44 PM »
You've got what's called a "monkey wrench," an adjustable-jaw wrench.  Versions are still made, but they're kind of specialty wrenches now; the more common version is often called a "Crescent" wrench, after one of the major manufacturers of the design (if you're new to using tools, or your area uses a different term for crescent wrenches, this is what I mean):
.
Also known as an adjustable wrench, but that's a bit vague.

You've got a good one: the jaws pinch closed at the tips, rather than splaying out.  Many monkey wrenches are made from iron or steel that's not spring-tempered, and frequent use will lead to the jaws splaying out, making for frustration.

One of the sad-but-all-too-true sayings about any kind of adjustable-jaw wrench is that they're perfect for rounding off nuts.  A splayed monkey wrench is especially good at this task.

Hold on to it.  You may use it infrequently, maybe even never; but if you ever encounter a really large nut/bolt that needs turning, this is a good tool for the job.

Offline Okey dokey

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Re: Wrench it is but I would love to know more about it
« Reply #5 on: October 18, 2017, 02:47:55 PM »
Thank you all for advice and comments, never heard of Whitman and Barnes (have now!) how old is the item likely to be  --- 1950's?

Bill in UK we would call a Crescent wrench an adjustable spanner or adjustable wrench thanks for the info.

So coming back to the alloy artefacts site I found also listed under the Whitman/Barnes a reference to Bull Dog brand, which opens another can, as I also have from same source another small but Bull Dog Branded adjustable wrench photo attached of the brand mark no other markings as far as I could see. The wrench itself is only 4" overall is this another W.. B.. product? Same sort of vintage?
regards


Offline Okey dokey

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Re: Wrench it is but I would love to know more about it
« Reply #6 on: October 18, 2017, 02:52:54 PM »
another photo guess I will work out how to d0 2 at a time in due course.

Offline mikeswrenches

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Re: Wrench it is but I would love to know more about it
« Reply #7 on: October 18, 2017, 04:23:04 PM »
I think this one is British. I have one with the same shape and knurling on the adjuster. While not marked "bull dog" it is British.

Follow the link below, for how to post pictures.

http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php?topic=61.0

Mike
« Last Edit: October 18, 2017, 04:27:28 PM by mikeswrenches »
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