fordmerc Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 What tools were available for work on cars of that era?Specific concerns about bolts and nuts:Were sockets common? Were ratcheting socket wrenches used?I assume box wrenches were common.(Based on placement of some nuts and bolts I find it hard to believe that socket wrenches were used; access permits only a box wrench.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R Walling Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 The one tool that stands out in my mind was the big 2' Tee wrench that made removal of the Ford flat head a pleasure. You just stood by the fender and spun it, and off the head came. No air compressor needed! And who could forget the curved 5/8" wrench for the starter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Lichtfel Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 Most tools we have today are similar to those of 100 years ago. Hand tools have become slimmer and stronger. And there have always been special tools made for certain applications over the years including buggies. I have a complete set of sockets with rachet and universal joint in the original box dated 1910. My Grandfather started plumbing in 1895 and I have most of his original tools. The tools changed when we went from lead to cast iron and steel then on to plastic. Most of our hand tools do the same as years ago they just look newer.RHL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandy Dave Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 With that said, how about the torque wrench. a lot of early car books tell you to Snug the head bolts down evenly with no mention of a torque wrench. A tool that a mechanic could not be without today. Dandy Dave! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlLaFong Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 Snap On started making sockets in 1920. There were hundreds of specialty tools built for Ford "T"s. Special wrenches for the #4 rod, band changing tools for the trans, double ended speed handles for the pan bolts just to name a few. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Lichtfel Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 Torque specifications years ago: one quarter turn before it shears Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Schramm Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 Here is a great link to the date codes for all of the Snap-On tools starting with 1927 - 2029. Over 100 years of Snap-on.Snap On Date Code Chart up to 2029! - The Garage Journal Board Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 Socket wrenches were definitely available and in common use in garages. You need to get some old MoToR magazines, a trade magazine of the era. The ads are fascinating and so are the articles.The ads for socket wrenches featured a crank shaped speed wrench or speed handle, something you do not see anymore since air wrenches became popular. I think air wrenches were available but too expensive for most mechanics.Power tools in general were expensive and found mainly in dealerships and big city garages. But there were a lot of hand tools you don't see anymore. Like a special stand for rivetting brake linings to brake shoes, and equipment for vulcanizing tires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DeSoto Frank Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 I have a little 10-piece socket set that my grandfather bought from Montgomery Ward in the 1930's... the whole outfit lives in a stamped-steel tray that uses the "Strong-bar" to keep everything in place.The sockets are 12-point and range from 7/16" to 3/4", and are 3/8" HEX-drive... there is a stamped steel ratchet handle that adapts to the sockets via a stubby 3/8" hex drive pin; to reverse the ratchet, you flip it over ! The "strong-bar" is a fairly standard 3/8" "Allen"wrench.Grandad carried it till he stopped driving in 1984. I have it now, no plans to use it, but it's a neat artifact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seldenguy Posted January 22, 2010 Share Posted January 22, 2010 How about the special "feeler gauge" to set the valve stem gap on a model"T". "Use a worn dime" was quite precision in 1915, and would work today if you could find a worn dime.---Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Lichtfel Posted January 23, 2010 Share Posted January 23, 2010 The dime years ago was silver and when the edge wore down it would mic at exactly .032, exactly what the points on the Model T spark coils were set at. I used to carry a couple of them in my pocket when I had a T. They worked great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tom in Illinois Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 Old time Ford mechanic I worked with in the '50s, told me" if you didn't have a dime, use two nickels." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talarico8447 Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 2010 is the 90th anniversary for Snap-On Tools. Sockets and box wrenches were commonly used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Schramm Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 Here is a date code chart for snap on tools.Snap On Date Code Chart up to 2029! - The Garage Journal Board Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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