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Author Topic: Old Tool Design  (Read 3587 times)

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Offline FrankLee

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Old Tool Design
« on: January 16, 2012, 01:41:56 PM »
One of the reasons I like old wrenches is the unique ornamentation manufacturers would sometimes use in the production of their products. I’m not referring to their logos, but the actual body of the wrench. I am partial to Plomb’s pebble design, but there are so many more that have that distinctive one-of-a-kind patterns; old Bluepoint Supreme, old Duro Chrome, and some of Kraeuter’s pliers handles come to mind.

Over the weekend, I bought the wrench pictured below at an estate sale. I had never seen this design here on Tool Talk and had no idea who made it. It just looked cool and I knew I had to bring it home with me and learn more about it.

A few quick clicks on Google patents http://www.google.com/patents/USD97325?dq=d97325&ei=0nYUT8hkiIS2B5P3oIQC revealed that the manufacturer was Bridgeport Hardware Manufacturing and it appears that the patent was specific to the ornamentation.

Alloy Artifacts provided additional information about Bridgeport http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/bridgeport-hardware-mfg.html#bhm-nickel.

You don't see this level of creativity today. I thought this BHM wrench was very different and I'd like to see some of your favorite tool designs.




« Last Edit: January 16, 2012, 01:49:37 PM by FrankLee »
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Offline Wrenchmensch

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Re: Old Tool Design
« Reply #1 on: January 16, 2012, 01:58:33 PM »
Many of us share your enthusiasm for the exuberant variation found in American wrench designs. 
« Last Edit: January 16, 2012, 08:33:47 PM by Wrenchmensch »
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Offline Papaw

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Re: Old Tool Design
« Reply #2 on: January 16, 2012, 04:52:54 PM »
I like that design. I'll have to pick out my favorites and post them.
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Offline john k

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Re: Old Tool Design
« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2012, 08:56:56 PM »
Here are two designs that always catch my eye.  The Kraeuter from the 20s, and the New Britain from 1950, which thanks to this board am slowly building a set of.  I've seen (1) of this Bridgeport design, some time ago, but could not identify it.  Has a nice appealing look to it.
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Offline Branson

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Re: Old Tool Design
« Reply #4 on: January 17, 2012, 07:59:06 AM »
I had never seen this design here on Tool Talk and had no idea who made it. It just looked cool and I knew I had to bring it home with me and learn more about it.
A few quick clicks on Google patents http://www.google.com/patents/USD97325?dq=d97325&ei=0nYUT8hkiIS2B5P3oIQC revealed that the manufacturer was Bridgeport Hardware Manufacturing and it appears that the patent was specific to the ornamentation.

I have a DOE like this, but the X is ... more X-like.   I don't remember if I posted a picture, but I asked about the patent number. Somebody replied that it was for the design pattern, and was sought after in some circles.  Mine appears to be quite a bit older.
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Offline rusty

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Re: Old Tool Design
« Reply #5 on: January 17, 2012, 05:39:42 PM »

The X on the open ends seems to be wider than on the box wrenches for some reason....

The composition of those wrenches is unusual also, very few manufacturers tried Nickel Moly steel for wrenches, it's expensive, and hard to work with...
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Offline kxxr

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Re: Old Tool Design
« Reply #6 on: January 17, 2012, 07:19:18 PM »
I know where one of these is, I think it's a combo. I balked at the $10 asking price though. Maybe I'll go see if he'll come down a bit. I do like the design.
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Offline crankshaftdan II

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Re: Old Tool Design
« Reply #7 on: January 17, 2012, 08:13:03 PM »
I believe I have a Bridgeport screwdriver-don't know if it has a Xn it?  Will have to check it out and report back!
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Offline fflintstone

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Re: Old Tool Design
« Reply #8 on: January 18, 2012, 08:04:03 PM »
cool!
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Offline Tool Pants

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Re: Old Tool Design
« Reply #9 on: January 22, 2012, 01:16:52 AM »
I have 2 from the flea market.  I also liked the design.

The ugly design award goes to Kraeuter/S-K for the handle.

I do like Vacuum Grip pliers.

I also like the looks of the S-K produced ratchets from the 1930-40s.
« Last Edit: January 22, 2012, 04:42:43 AM by Tool Pants »
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