Hand tool renovation and repair.

[NevadaBlue]

When we got the last ‘stimulus’ check, I decided to spend it on my grandkids. I think they deserve to have a good set of ‘vintage’ hand tools, and learn how to use and maintain them.
So, I started with some things that I know were fun for me as a kid (and still are) and moved on to handsaws, planes, brace and bit sets, screwdrivers, and all sorts of things like that.

I’l use this thread to show the tools and what I’ve done with/to them.

First the little gadget type tools, but some really nice OLD ones. I found most everything on ebay and then started the renovation and repair there.

This little hammer and an identical twin were purchased. The hammer has a hollow handle which contains tools to use when the hammer head is removed.

It was in decent condition for it’s age, but needed help. So, I disassembled, cleaned reassembled it.

The metal part was reinstalled using epoxy and the original pin. Now it is solid. The wood was sanded and oiled with multiple coats of boiled linseed oil and a beeswax/orange oil concoction. I also renewed the scribed lines around the screw-on end of the handle.

Once complete it became part of one of these kits. I’ll show the other parts next.

Each kit will get a leather case that will hold hammer, multi tool, another multi tool and a stitching awl.

 

[Peanut]

They look great. I'm a tool hound but I only have a few old tools that were my grandfathers. My family has been at this farm since the 1880's, I was born here. Almost all of the old stuff was lost in a tornado in '74 except for a few odds and ends. Looking forward to more of your posts.

 

[Neb]

When we got the last ‘stimulus’ check, I decided to spend it on my grandkids. I think they deserve to have a good set of ‘vintage’ hand tools, and learn how to use and maintain them.
So, I started with some things that I know were fun for me as a kid (and still are) and moved on to handsaws, planes, brace and bit sets, screwdrivers, and all sorts of things like that.

I’l use this thread to show the tools and what I’ve done with/to them.

First the little gadget type tools, but some really nice OLD ones. I found most everything on ebay and then started the renovation and repair there.

This little hammer and an identical twin were purchased. The hammer has a hollow handle which contains tools to use when the hammer head is removed.

View attachment 63978

View attachment 63979

It was in decent condition for it’s age, but needed help. So, I disassembled, cleaned reassembled it.

View attachment 63980

The metal part was reinstalled using epoxy and the original pin. Now it is solid. The wood was sanded and oiled with multiple coats of boiled linseed oil and a beeswax/orange oil concoction. I also renewed the scribed lines around the screw-on end of the handle.

View attachment 63981

Once complete it became part of one of these kits. I’ll show the other parts next.

View attachment 63982

Each kit will get a leather case that will hold hammer, multi tool, another multi tool and a stitching awl.

Thank you for starting this thread.

If you don't mind I will share the old tools I have restored.

If you like restoration projects, this YouTube channel does some amazing work.

https://youtube.com/c/mymechanics
"I make a new one." is a phrase that is used in most of the videos..

Ben

 

[NevadaBlue]

Yes, of course. I’m here to learn and share. This will be fun. Thank you!

 

[Neb]

Re:Brace

I don't know where I found this brace but it was in ugly shape. Cleaned it all up oiled and now works just fine.

Most of the bits shown bellow came from an auction and were rusted up.

This adjustable bit is still in the original box.

Not a hand tool but I plan to convert it to line shaft drive some day.

This drill press is still in operation was at one time converted to run off a washing machine motor.

Ben

 

[Neb]

This blow torch still needs some work. I am not even sure how to operate it or what fuel to use. I f you know please enlighten me.

Ben

 

[SheepDog]

Ben,
That looks like a gasoline blow torch. A bit of gas in the cup under the burner to heat the fuel then you light the flame and game on!
See if you can find the user manual on the web and start it outside until you get the hang of it.

 

[elkhound]

Ben,
That looks like a gasoline blow torch. A bit of gas in the cup under the burner to heat the fuel then you light the flame and game on!
See if you can find the user manual on the web and start it outside until you get the hang of it.

those things are scary when starting up...lol...shouldnt there be some tools to go with it that look like pointed branding irons. they were heated on flame and then used to solder with?

 

[elkhound]

logcabinlooms knows about old stuff because he uses it daily in his life.

 

[elkhound]

 

[SheepDog]

Elkhound,
Those would be the old standard copper soldering irons. I have used both but you can also use the blow torch for working with flat sheets to form them. The biggest problem is that they only get slightly hotter than a propane torch but the advantage is that they put out more BTU's.

 

[NevadaBlue]

Yep, soldering coppers, they lay on top of the torch to be heated. I have a torch but no coppers. I’ve never fired my torch.

I found this beauty of a brace, with the cone cutter on ebay, cheap. It is OLD.

I haven’t restored any more tools yet. This got put on the back burner when it started warming up. Hopefully I’ll get back to them soon. I’ll post pics of what I have to work with.

 

[Neb]

Thank for that link.

The follo-up video details what I will have do to mine.



The issue with dissimilar metals is what stopped me from proceeding. That should a fun project when I get around to it.

Ben

 

[Neb]

those things are scary when starting up...lol...shouldnt there be some tools to go with it that look like pointed branding irons. they were heated on flame and then used to solder with?

That explains the 2 cradles on the top. I may one of those irons around but don't ask me where.

Ben

 

[SLADE]

They look like carbide torches not modern gas.

 

[SheepDog]

Gasoline, not natural gas. Some were made to run on kerosene and others on alcohol.

 

[Neb]

Yep, soldering coppers, they lay on top of the torch to be heated. I have a torch but no coppers. I’ve never fired my torch.

I found this beauty of a brace, with the cone cutter on ebay, cheap. It is OLD.

View attachment 64053

I haven’t restored any more tools yet. This got put on the back burner when it started warming up. Hopefully I’ll get back to them soon. I’ll post pics of what I have to work with.

That is definitely older than mine. It looks like it has a wooden handle. My handle is phenolic. It will be interesting sharpening the cone.

Ben

B

 

[Cabin Fever]

Can I be your grandson? I think I would appreciate these tools much, much, more than any modern day grandkid would. Either that, or tell me how to get a hold of your grandkids, I bet they would trade all the tools for a new video game or an Apple I-something or other.

 

[Spikedriver]

I'll have my eyes on this thread. I don't "restore" old tools, but I love to buy old, American made ratchets that are frozen up. I'll get them dirt cheap at auctions, soak them in PBlaster for a couple days, and then have a good quality working ratchet. I've never found one I that didn't break loose yet...

 

[Neb]

I'll have my eyes on this thread. I don't "restore" old tools, but I love to buy old, American made ratchets that are frozen up. I'll get them dirt cheap at auctions, soak them in PBlaster for a couple days, and then have a good quality working ratchet. I've never found one I that didn't break loose yet...

I found a largish pipe wrench buried for maybe a century that went through a week of Evaporust

And is still has a way to go.

Ben

 

[Spikedriver]

@Neb a little buffing and that one will be good to go!

Ok, maybe a lot of buffing. I'd like to see it when it's done!

 

[NevadaBlue]

That is definitely older than mine. It looks like it has a wooden handle. My handle is phenolic. It will be interesting sharpening the cone.

Ben

B

The crank handle is wood, but the knob on the end is steel.
I’m looking forward to sharpening the cone. It is actually in pretty good shape. I decided to leave the cone in that brace, not removing it. I have 5 or six braces.

This ‘dowel cutter’ is really a tenon cutter for wagon wheel spokes. It has a large taper on the end and only fits well in one of my braces, so it will also be a dedicated brace for that tool. I believe the cutter is 1880s vintage.

I got it for making rustic furniture. The depth stop, which isn’t actually necessary, was missing. Of all things I found one on ebay.

 

[Neb]

The crank handle is wood, but the knob on the end is steel.
I’m looking forward to sharpening the cone. It is actually in pretty good shape. I decided to leave the cone in that brace, not removing it. I have 5 or six braces.

This ‘dowel cutter’ is really a tenon cutter for wagon wheel spokes. It has a large taper on the end and only fits well in one of my braces, so it will also be a dedicated brace for that tool. I believe the cutter is 1880s vintage.



View attachment 64068

View attachment 64069

I got it for making rustic furniture. The depth stop, which isn’t actually necessary, was missing. Of all things I found one on ebay.

View attachment 64070

That is nice!

This Video...



From Engels coach works ...

https://youtube.com/user/EngelsCoachShop
Talks about how he uses those in his work to rehabilitate wagons, coaches, and sleds.

He is a true tradesman and his videos go a long way toward preserving knowledge that would go with his passing.

Ben

 

[NevadaBlue]

Fascinating, thanks for the link. He is a true craftsman for sure.

I have two of the spoke pointers too. It is necessary in order to use the tenon cutter properly.

This video shows the tools in use.

 

[Neb]

Here are few more tools that I have restored and use or are candidates for restoration. I will also show things to let others ID them.

I picked a pile of sawa at an auction. I gave them some love and they get used regularly.

The one at the top was once owned by "Skeeter" and is a great saw. My buddy and I feel it is the best saw I own.

I found this draw knife at a garage sale. Boiled linseed oil for the handles are elbow grease to remove the rust and put a sharp edge on it. My go to tool for stripping bark when made walking sticks for us.

The next images are left for the reader to ID.

This propane torch case still has the original marketing propaganda. Note "thaw frozen pipes" as one of the uses. I still have all of the tools in the set but they have been moved to a bigger tool box dedicated to soldering.

Two more images for the reader to ID.

I hoe Yall find those interesting.

Ben

 

[NevadaBlue]

So, saw set and a couple of grease guns? Or are they oil suckers? Can’t really tell. Neat tools. I like the custom handle on the saw set.

 

[Neb]

So, saw set and a couple of grease guns? Or are they oil suckers? Can’t really tell. Neat tools. I like the custom handle on the saw set.

Yup!

I suspect some blisters prompted that upgrade.

Ben

 

[LadyLocust]

I was going to ask if any of y'all have used vinegar to break the rust off. Thank you Spike and Ben for showing/saying the product you use. I've used vinegar with good results - wondering if those products work better. I have a couple pieces on the docket. Will try to remember to take pix. I love old tools.

 

[Neb]

I was going to ask if any of y'all have used vinegar to break the rust off. Thank you Spike and Ben for showing/saying the product you use. I've used vinegar with good results - wondering if those products work better. I have a couple pieces on the docket. Will try to remember to take pix. I love old tools.

Yes I have tried vinegar but Evaporust works better and can used repeatedly.

Disclaimer Abom79 is sponsored by Evaporust




Evaporust is "green" and after you filter out the chunks us rust you dump it down the drain

Here is a video comparing diifferent options

Which Rust Remover is Best?!

Comment
Sand blaster is the fastest and leaves the steel shinny but... the shinny metal can rust again.

There are 2 oxides of iron Fe2O3 and another form. The red colored oxidation (rust) will crack and allow further oxidation. The black oxidation actually prevents oxygen from penetrating the steel and prevents further oxidation.

Choose your favorite.

Ben

 

[backlash]

I have one of those Bernz-O-Matic boxes and torch. I actually used the torch today trying to take the head off my frost-free hydrant. Did not get it off so I need another plan. I'm thinking it doesn't leak all that much so maybe I'll leave it alone.