Spreading the Bonney affliction!
- Thread starter bonneyman
- Start date
Good evening.
Looking for an opinion.
This images are from 1947 catalog (the MCI set and the A sockets (1/2 drive). The reason why I am looking at 1947 catalog is that MCI set in it has A sockets instead of D sockets (and the prior catalogs have D sockets for MCI set and use A sockets for AB set (different box...))
I have a lead on the sockets in the picture (trying to see if I can buy them)
Corrected... Do you think that the sockets are from the 50s or from the 40s? It's hard to guess, but I do not see dots in USA (U.S.A.) in the pictures which is probably earlier (corrected from later) period (Post 5812 by Lesser Son and note from Private LugNutz )
Do you think it's worth trying to get this sockets and get the set which is close, but not exactly the same or should I wait?
Correction: I found an angled image from the seller - the sockets are marked U.S.A. (I do not see made in above it) - you can see partial USA signs in the right pictures)
Looking for an opinion.
This images are from 1947 catalog (the MCI set and the A sockets (1/2 drive). The reason why I am looking at 1947 catalog is that MCI set in it has A sockets instead of D sockets (and the prior catalogs have D sockets for MCI set and use A sockets for AB set (different box...))
I have a lead on the sockets in the picture (trying to see if I can buy them)
Corrected... Do you think that the sockets are from the 50s or from the 40s? It's hard to guess, but I do not see dots in USA (U.S.A.) in the pictures which is probably earlier (corrected from later) period (Post 5812 by Lesser Son and note from Private LugNutz )
Do you think it's worth trying to get this sockets and get the set which is close, but not exactly the same or should I wait?
Correction: I found an angled image from the seller - the sockets are marked U.S.A. (I do not see made in above it) - you can see partial USA signs in the right pictures)
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Oldtuleguy
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Are they just marked usa? If do probably later
Oldtuleguy
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They made those for a while, just usa is usually later
Those look to me to have been made post-WWII (because no “MADE IN”), and likely before 1957. Can we be more specific? I don’t know. Even if they were originally purchased together, they may not have all been manufactured at the same time, or with identical marking tools. (If Alliance OH started production in 1957 with all new tooling, did Allentown PA continue production with same old tooling? Distinguishable types may not indicate different eras.)
The periods in “U.S.A.” probably indicate the earlier part of that range (maybe 1946-1951). The “BONNEY” logo (with larger B and Y) is pretty consistent through that range, but there look to be two alternate forms - “BONNEY” and “BONNEY” - both of which I have also seen combined with “MADE IN U.S.A.”, again suggesting to me that they were made early in the 1946-1956 range.
If there is a universal adapter (Pratt 1942 patent) in the collection marked “4095”, I think that strongly argues for early in the range. If marked “A760”, then later.
Overall, they seem in good condition, and appropriate for a post-war “time capsule.”
JMHO
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Thank you, LesserSon! I looked through the picture of other sockets in his box (he send me a picture of other things he has) - there is a universal adapter there which I did not notice before which is not imaged too good, but appears to be BonneY (the last letter not seen). I will try to get more information (though I will never know if it's from the same set).
3baygarage
Well-known member
An old Bonney universal joint with raised letters.
1/2” drive
No. 4095
Also looks like AT below the number.
1/2” drive
No. 4095
Also looks like AT below the number.
3baygarage
Well-known member
Interesting. I wasn't aware of Bonney even having (potential) date marks. I just went over to AA and see there is a huge section on it. That is something I need to read up on some more before forming an opinion! It is an old piece for sure.
Oldtuleguy
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Private Lugnutz
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Lots of examples and discussion right here on this thread going back forever, too, 3bay, if you would like a larger sample size to analyse and judge. Gun to my head I'd have to say well over half of my Bonney tools are date coded and therefore the same proportion of my posts cite and discuss them. Same goes for LS and a few other guys.
At least two cycles (M-Z: 1921 to 1934, and M-Z: 1935 to 1948) and parts of a third IIRC, although I don't collect those. It may not seem long, but it did encompass several production trends. So you have to have some awareness of early vs later production features to discern which cycle the date codes are from.
An update on a long-delayed project:
In May2022, I got hold of this nice MB82, but the logo was almost gone.
That August, I got the idea to make a stencil and paint a logo onto the blank space.
A year later, I finally got started on the project. I masked it off and sprayed a warm white background.
Somehow it got a hair to the right of center. But it is good enough for me.
Then it sat again till today (almost three years later), when I brushed black acrylic paint where it needed to be. I started with the letter outline and drop shadow. I probably should have started in the center, but I worked from the largest letters to the smallest.
The tartan background was mind-numbingly tedious.
I will address a couple goofs, apply a little distressing, then seal it under clear acrylic.
In May2022, I got hold of this nice MB82, but the logo was almost gone.
That August, I got the idea to make a stencil and paint a logo onto the blank space.
A year later, I finally got started on the project. I masked it off and sprayed a warm white background.
Somehow it got a hair to the right of center. But it is good enough for me.
Then it sat again till today (almost three years later), when I brushed black acrylic paint where it needed to be. I started with the letter outline and drop shadow. I probably should have started in the center, but I worked from the largest letters to the smallest.
The tartan background was mind-numbingly tedious.
I will address a couple goofs, apply a little distressing, then seal it under clear acrylic.
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NoahG
Well-known member
Used my grandfathers 1/2DR 31/32” 12pt to install some rain barrel hose bibs on Sunday. Sure, they’re probably “meant” to be 24mm, but the Bonney fit like a glove, and I finally got to use it 14 years after he passed.
Thanks to this thread I took note of the ‘CV’ logo.
Thanks to this thread I took note of the ‘CV’ logo.
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I have a couple like this in 1/4dr and maybe 3/8dr. This is my first 1/2dr example. (EDIT - actually, second: I have a deep I had forgotten) I think this smooth-bottomed trough band type is from the Cooper Industries era, 1993-1996(?). Anyone actually recall buying them new, let me know dates for the socket type study I’ve been picking at.
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Here it is with my tiniest DOE, an H-9 Armstrong 15/64" x 13/64".
That set is amazing. The scale is deceiving, because the little DBEs look bigger than this tiny little guy; but I'm sure you know what you've got there!
Based on the raised lettering on your examples, I'm guessing mine is also later-era, am I right? Do you suppose the EY date code refers to May, 1947?
I like digging to the bottom of the wrench bins, because it's fun to find little surprises and prices are usually based on size. In this case, he said "you can have that one." As if I was silly for wanting it.
HERE is a c1935 No21 set in original box on eBay. The cardboard box (I love that it has “cardboard” stamped on it for those unfamiliar with that exotic packing material) and the consistent M/1935 date codes on the wrenches elevate its value as a set beyond what I would ever pay for the components separately, but for me, they also pose a problem: I’m really only interested in two of the wrenches - I have two each of the other two already. I’d have to break the set to use them in my two-sides display, and I’d still want another E40. This set in its box deserves its own display. I thought it through, made an offer that was auto-declined, and I’m not too sad about it.Thanks. I don't splurge too often, but when I do, I preferDos EquisBonney.
If you use the same link and keep scrolling I unpack the box and post more photos of all the tools, including the E40 thru E46 (1935 "M" codes), and cat cuts.
Yes. As you intuited, Tom, the way to distinguish which 14-year M-Y cycle a tool is from is the construction and marking features, including branding (logos, which come into play on DOE wrenches, sockets, etc), forged-in vs. stamped, and also MADE IN U.S.A. vs just U.S.A..
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RTM
Well-known member
We should all do that, with slowly declining numbers. Maybe he’ll reconsider your offer.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
^ I know you're interested in two of the wrenches, too, but that box would be easy to replicate applying and distressing copied-and-printed labels on a similar box, which is the approach I took, you may recall, on my Pexto radio set. You should download the pics.
Private Lugnutz
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^ If you have Publisher or Photoshop or something better, that would be best. I'm one of those cheap, stubborn guys who likes to use what he gets proficient with, regardless of how crude. Ppt saves to jpeg.
firstyearchevelle
Well-known member
Bonney torque adapters. Notice the small decals still present. Anyone know if this is a full set?
The five box-end ones were all that was available in 1940. There are six more open-end ones out there. EDIT - actually, no - your open-end one is a 3/8dr, so not among the ones shown below.
Apparently, I only have two: 2870 & 2874.
Apparently, I only have two: 2870 & 2874.
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I must have posted these tie bars at some point, but can’t find it. Yesterday, I found the third Zenel-shaped one, and couldn’t think of where the box was. Today I remembered, so took a group shot, before sticking them back in the box.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
You might be a nerd if....
I must have posted these tie bars at some point, but can’t find it. Yesterday, I found the third Zenel-shaped one, and couldn’t think of where the box was. Today I remembered, so took a group shot, before sticking them back in the box.
RTM
Well-known member
You wear those to work
You wear those to church
You wear those to a wedding
You wear those to a funeral
You wear those to anything besides a factory tour, or a tool collector party?
d42jeep
Well-known member
I normally don’t collect Bonney tools but this came home from a recent estate sale. 
After it came out of the evaporust some of my Bonney sources IDed it as being made in 1944 and being GMTK correct.
-Don
After it came out of the evaporust some of my Bonney sources IDed it as being made in 1944 and being GMTK correct.-Don
I had been ignoring a Zenel wrench on eBay because I assumed it was a shop-modified dbe, maybe originally a 2820.
Then I spotted it in the 1932 & 1933 catalogs - a factory 2854 Chevy6 starter cap wrench! Okay - didn’t have one of those, but now I do.
The date code FX is either 1932 or 1946 - either very early or very late for Zenel steel. Zenel is introduced in catalogs in DOE wrenches, doesn’t show up as DBEs (in catalogs) till 1937. And the description for the 2854 doesn’t specify alloy till 1938, which states CV. Then it’s dropped from the catalogs and price lists. Hmmm. I guess I think 1932, then.
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I did not find this AI-generated answer particularly helpful:
Crocodiles have a narrower, V-shaped snout and their teeth are visible when their mouths are closed, while alligators have a wider, U-shaped snout with their lower teeth hidden when their mouths are closed.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Snerk.
I didn't find your username on the Roebling thread, so if you have not been watching and reading it, you may have missed my commentary on Bonney (and other mfgrs' attempts) to avoid trademark infringement...
A splendid Wednesday trip to the flea market yielded a c1960s MB76. It was on the ground, so I may have failed to recognize the tote tray up on a table with nonBonney USA socket in it. Just another red tray, ha. Still, after some catalog research, I think without the sticker, it’s a Union MC20, so finding a tray that fits won’t be impossible.
Oops! I just spotted something odd - the bottom drawer is wrong! Both the middle and bottom are about 2” high, but the bottom should be 5/8” higher. Hmm. So a factory mistake no-one noticed, a factory mistake someone noticed (maybe discounted), or a owner replacement (seems unlikely).
The drawer lips look very similar to MBC - I suspect that with some luck you might find a parts box with the drawer of needed height.
Consider at some point pulling one of the drawers out, getting exact measurements and adding it at the bottom of the original box. A lot of us have some extra drawers from part boxes (I have 3 rusty ones from SO KRA-429 (the box itself was beyond repair, got it for free hearing the tools inside the stuck drawer) + Crafsman rally box drawer...)
Consider at some point pulling one of the drawers out, getting exact measurements and adding it at the bottom of the original box. A lot of us have some extra drawers from part boxes (I have 3 rusty ones from SO KRA-429 (the box itself was beyond repair, got it for free hearing the tools inside the stuck drawer) + Crafsman rally box drawer...)
Mintgrun
Well-known member
702K Trifecta! I found the little V-702K 1/4"er yesterday. The T and hinge handles were recent finds too. T-30 and T-36. I am happy the three ratchets mats as well as they do. There can be a lot of variation in the chrome plating process.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
The distinctive Bonney DBE look caught my eye this morning, but disappointment followed swiftly.
I don’t know how these Zenel 2540 Chevy main bearings wrenches broke, exactly, but given their proximity in a single toolbox, I think they were broken trying to do the same job, and probably NOT anything they were intended for.
I don’t know how these Zenel 2540 Chevy main bearings wrenches broke, exactly, but given their proximity in a single toolbox, I think they were broken trying to do the same job, and probably NOT anything they were intended for.
Mintgrun
Well-known member
I'm thinking the T36 is thin chrome, but could be wrong. It doesn't have any markings on the head, just the handle. I'm pretty sure the T9 has a thin coat of cadmium, but could be wrong there too. I found it at the same time as the LT26 13/16" socket, which has a matching dull finish, with a bare steel end. I left the speeder behind the first time I saw it, thinking it was too long to fit inside my (current) Bonney box, but it turns out I was wrong. It just barely fits diagonally, corner to corner.
I think the T-26 ratchet may have the same coating, but.... The RF22 seems like thin chrome too.
There are different types/colors of cadmium plating, so it gets a bit confusing.
Tom
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2001ZR2
Well-known member
7/8" and 3/4" flare wrench...hadn't seen it before.
