the way grand dad did it, old wrenches

[strik9]

Another living history experiment that worked.

   Take one old unknown relic and make it new again.  It is good steel and made me work for results.

  File down forging flash and smooth the shank.  Clean up hammer marks and other abuses.
    Then choose sizes.  This was an old Whitworth that was near 18-21mm and I want 18-22mm for my work kit. 

  Clamp it in a vise and carefully file back 85 years of damages equally in the open end using two or three nuts as sizing gauges to make sure it fits stuff in the real world.

   Debur and dull sharp edges then put it to work.
  And you have turned a quarter bin rustball into a front line soldier.  Best part at a small part of buying new.  No shipping and no Ebay roulette to deal with.

  Dealer techs need not attempt this but us diy and indy shop guys can.  No one to impress with the bill or chrome glare.

[muddy]

Good work Brian!

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

[J.A.F.E.]

Must have been a lot of work. Well done!

[strik9]

Thanks guys.  I have time in the shop during the day so it was a bit at a time over a few days.    Between paying jobs it kept me busy.

  A shot of the 22mm end.

[fatfillup]

Cool save. 

[bonneyman]

Whatever it takes to keep you sane.

[fatfillup]

Whatever it takes to keep you sane.

Lot of truth there.  I find it quite relaxing and fulfilling to save a tool even if the effort doesn't justify the cost.

[strik9]

Some like this are because use is the first intention.  This was to use past tools and technique to do what men did in the past for future tool users to see.   Much in the spirit of Roy Underhill. 

  But I suspect a forum and Amazon will still resolve far more epic issues of missing tools than elbow grease and thinking. 
   We are losing that 'I can make that!' process for a market full of endless options that come close.

   Most aren't bothered by it either.

[cherrybomb]

Those that grew up on the poor side of town hear you Brian!

[lauver]

Strik,

I've repurposed more than a few old wrenches to fit my needs or applications.  Hell, my grandfather used to make butcher knives out of old saw blades and a section of aluminum or copper pipe.  He was known in his small town for his knives.