What's the oldest hand or mechanic's tool you have?

[wolftree]

The date code symbol on my Snap-On 3/4" Ratchet head says it is 1950. It is still crisp and positive.

 

[jerrybob]

Got some old woodworking tools I use for wagon and carriage restoration. Compass plane, Hallow plane, spoke shave, No. 3 Smoothing plane, No. 80 Cabinet Scraper and No. 25 6 inch bevel. Some are 19th century....some are early 20th century. Fun stuff!

 

[RetiredCarGuy]

Some open end wrenches and pliers stamped Ford from pre-WWII. My dad gave me them in the 1950s, and I thought they really were old then.

Also some hammers stamped WPA from the 1930s.

 

[jaotguy]

set of metric and wentworth taps and dies from England ( 1943 -44 ) ... from an old friend that passed on

an old 1903 crosscut hand saw ( grand fathers )

my collection started in 67 with a Neon timing light and Vac/fuel pump gauge ( still in the toolbox downstairs )

 

[brin]

I have my Grandfather's level, blow torch and axe /// all over 100 yrs. old...

 

[Circle W]

I have a 2 man crosscut saw that belonged to my Grandfather; I suspect it's over 100 years old; I also have some old wooden hand planes and a draw knife that I suspect are in that age range also. I also have a couple old Craftsman 1/2" and 5/8" wrenches that I purloined from my Dad over 50 years ago; I am pretty sure they are pre-WWII.

I have an old draw knife as well...I'd like to know its age but its seen better days and has no distinct markings. I have currently been using it to try and make my own bow and arrows.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

I have an old draw knife as well...I'd like to know its age but its seen better days and has no distinct markings. I have currently been using it to try and make my own bow and arrows.

Funny you should mention that; a couple years ago I built a table out of Cedar to hold my Big Green Egg. I don't have a lathe, so I fashioned a handle out of Cedar using the draw knife. I of course used a rasp and sander, but it is nearly perfect...you would have to inspect it very closely to tell it was hand-made. I really surprised myself.

 

[turnkey4099]

8 lb. sledge purchased in June of 1978. I'm a ham fisted shade tree mechanic so it probably qualifies as the most frequently used as well

I have a sledge 10lb IIANM (Marks gone) that I inherite from my dad who inherited it from his dad. I first used it at about 10yoa backin the 40s, I had to replace the head as it was cracked. Still have the head though.

Harry K

 

[JDgreen227]

I have a large wood plane that belonged to my great grandfather. Pre 1900 for sure. I have a starett surface gage dated 1911. I also have Machinery handbooks dated to the 20's, 50's and 80's. 3rd generation tool & die maker here.

Irv....back in the dark ages of high school I explored learning the trade of tool and die work but with my lousy math skills they (teachers and advisors) kindly suggested I learn something else. I always think of tool and die as powertrain work but what did you accomplish during your career at GM?

 

[2LaneCruzer]

I have an early Craftsman "skill saw" that dates from the 40's or early 50's. It has an aluminum case, and is pretty unique. I figure it is an antique, so I don't use it. I also have B&D angle grinder that has a date of 1954 on the box. I use it all the time to sharpen my mower blades; it is a quality tool and powerful. B&D, to my knowledge, does not produce anything of that quality today.