The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Questions for vintage tool experts

A couple of questions for anyone who knows their antique (pre-WWII) wrenches (I seem to have the wrenches, but I am not familiar with these terms or what the wrenches were designed for):

1. Tool Post Wrench?

2. Textile Pattern Wrench?

3. Slugging Wrench?

Thanks for any help.

John

vintage tool descriptions and pics, at least the first 2 are there [1/2-3/4 down] .... I think the slugger is an impact wrench [hand or hammer] for tight spaces, still common from tool suppliers, apparently used on turbines

Bill

The Tool Post wrench has 1 or more small 1/4" or 5/16" open ends or socket style ends for use on a lathe tool post. The tool holder has bolts with a small square head on it.

The slugging wrench looks like half of a very heavy box end wrench and has a heavy square opposite end which is struck (or "slugged") with a hammer. Used in heavy mechanical work.

The textile pattern wrench (I'm guessing here) would be used on a loom for setup work?

Examples of the Tool Post and Textile Pattern wrenches here:

J.H. Williams tools

Slugging Wrench here:

Proto Slugging Wrenches

most of the tool post wrenches i have have a one square box end so they can stay on the bolt when you let go of it. i have used a few box end wrenches as slugger wrenches a time or two!

Thanks gents -- The Alloy Artifacts site was great and where I started before I posted the question. That's where I figured out what the wrenches were. The site, though, assumes you know what a Tool Post Wrench or a Textile Pattern Wrench is because it doesn't go into any detail beyond just the nomenclature.

These wrenches I have are J.H. Williams tools. And early ones, too, judging by the patent stamps.

The slugging wrench is called a hammer wrench where I worked.
Used to tighten very large nuts on 1 to 1 and 1/2 inch size bolts. Pipeline valves etc.
If you encounter a combination wrench that has a pointed end it's a spud wrench. Used to align flanges that bolt together on piping systems.

Cool! I'd seen those wrenches, too, and wondered what they were designed for. Now I know. Thanks!

John

Hey John. If any of your tools have a U.S. Patent number stamped on them, you can do a U.S. Patent search, through the U.S. Patents & Trademarks office. I learned this, through the patent process and it may help you discover the date, used & description of your tools, as well as, the original manufacturer and origin. I hope this information is helpful and good luck.

Tony -- Thanks. I bet that will be very helpful! It seems there's a couple of us researching old wrenches at the moment.

Regards,
John