Who can ID this Model A brake Wrench?

[Tom Wesenberg]

I stopped at the used tool store today to buy some drill bits and saw a small box of tools that had just come in. I spotted this wrench right away and asked the boss how much for this Model A brake adjustment wrench? He looked it up on the internet and said," I guess you know your tools, how about $6. I don't see any name on it but it does have 2332 in the center within the half twist. I'm thinking a previous owner may have heated the tool and put the half twist in it, but am not sure. If the factory put the twist in it, I'd think the number would be in a flat spot of the forged tool. It's forged and has the correct 7/16" and 1/2" 8 point box openings and is 11" long. Does anyone know who made this tool? Thanks

[Mitch//pa]

there are a couple like it on ebay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ford...item1e7891f067


http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-FORD...item485325896b

[Tom Wesenberg]

Mitch, I have the first one you listed, which says for Ford Brakes. I found it at the neighbor's garage sale for 50 cents. He was a retired Ford mechanic and moving into an apartment. Sure wish I knew about the garage sale during the first two days. I'll bet a lot of nice Ford tools went cheap.

[John LaVoy]

Several years ago I reviewed several of these wrenches. They go from the simple ones you are looking at to much more elaborate with off sets etc. Always good to have along on a long tour, they work much better than the original one included with the Model A tools.

[zzlegend]

Tom, dont know if this helps but this is one i have. Still looking for the other. This is made by Herbrand and it is numbered 2333. I will look for the other one.

[Rich in Tucson]

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I think it is a modification of a standard, non-twisted brake wrench by a mechanic with a vise and torch and time on his hands who decided to make it clear whose wrench it was.

In the past I have "twisted" MY food and drink in a communal refrigerator (excess salt is easy, but be prepared to clean up spew!) to try to determine who was pilfering everyone's food. In one place of employment, the thief was found to be an overnight-shift security guard who presented himself to the emergency room and described exactly what he ate and where that caused him gastrointestinal discomfort....

[Tudortomnz]

These brake wrenches were made by Herbrand [ 2333 & 2333V for v8], Bonney [ 2857],Zenel [?], Durochrome [268],Williams [ 1984X] & Chrome X Quality.
There were probably more manufacturers than these.

There is a very good website called Alloy Artifacts which has photos & info on thousands of US Toolmakers.

[Rowdy]

I have a simular wrench in the shop, will look tommorow to see which one I have. I am thinking it is likely a Willians. Rod

[Ray64]

Don Turley has a couple on the swap meet section

[V4F]

i also have one & will have to look at it ............

[Tom Wesenberg]

By putting the half twist in the wrench the end used as a handle will have more clearance from the tire or backing plate. That's why almost all the double box wrenches have the ends offset on opposite sides.

[John LaVoy]

Plumb, Mac, along with the others shown are what I have. The Mac is the one that is offset and longer. I checked Western Auto and they offer a different version than I have seen it is more like a socket.

[Mitch//pa]

tom i am curious to what special application it was needed on to be twisted

[Jim Parker Toronto]

Tom, you have some of the nicest finds, and cheap too.....

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

tom i am curious to what special application it was needed on to be twisted

I just tried it on the front of my Model A, and the half twist does give my hand more room to grip the end of the wrench. It's not a must, but it does make it a bit easier.

[Rowdy]

Looks like mine is a Lectrolite Corp. Defiance 6000.