1920s Power Hammer [Restoration] (Part 1)

This is a tool restoration I have been wanting to do for a while! It is a A. B. Jardine & Co. power / trip hammer from around the 1920s. These were called "Canadian Giant" hammers as they closely resemble the "Little Giant" hammers made by a different company.
Out of the two models they made, this specific hammer is the 25lb model vs the 50lb model. This hammer was $150 in 1915, so it puts the value at almost $4000 USD in 2018 dollars!
I picked this up locally about a year ago with plans to restore it once I had the space. In this video, I take everything apart and inspect all bearing surfaces. The babbitt bearings are in fantastic condition and must have been re-poured at some point recently in its life. The other moving parts of the hammer are not in good condition. Many parts have been poorly welded back together and every single hole is worn out. In the next video I will repair all these pieces and add bronze bushings to all the holes so this machine is safe to use again. Even the die blocks need replacing as I cannot trust the welds to hold.
You can actually still buy new parts for these hammers since they are so similar to "Littie Giant" hammers, but the parts are quite expensive.
I am definitely excited to see this thing running, but I do plan on selling this hammer, since I have found an even larger one!
I'd like to thank Evapo-Rust for sponsoring this video.
Wrenches are now for sale at www.handtoolrescue.com
Help secure more tools for future videos (if you want):
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[@belzebubbybear]

"This guard stops the spring from killing you" removes it, and proceeds to actuate it anyway - a true hero

[@Kylev2]

I like that the guard was clearly smashed off by the spring at some point in the past too because of all the welds on it.

[@philipB31]

It never ceases to amaze me how much work you put into your restorations, you obviously have a great deal of skill and knowledge and a love of what you do - your sense of humour makes your restorations and rescues particularly entertaining. I am aware other rescue channels are available, I accidentally clicked on one the other day and felt like I was cheating on you. Your videos are great and I don’t think I can be alone in appreciating how much work goes into them too. Be well, stay safe and thank you.

[@notthisguyagain8557]

The king has returned.

[@29lookingood]

- update - Just finished watching and not disappointed, even though it ended on a cliff hanger 😁 . So good to have you back man. To all you others out there, take note. No terrible techno music, or talking, or half hearted botch jobs, just the sweet sound of a Man and his tools at work.

[@essentialcraftsman]

been looking forward to this!

[@HandToolRescue]

Should I forge a smaller hammer with one?

[@bazwillrun]

so thats 900lb pre clean and around 800 after de-crudding !...

[@Psyrecx]

That's not crud... It's proper seasoning.

[@RagingDong]

A lot of that weight would be oxygen so mayby 2% of metal lost due to rust

[@leathernluv]

How the spring mechanism for the hammer works was the only part I couldn't work out in my head. Still watched the whole video. Gonna look great when you're done.

[@bobferranti5222]

They really knew how to build things back then. Simple, efficient and solid enough to last for decades with no issues. So glad to see you restoring all these tools to their former glory.

[@samfallow18]

YOu always have the most intereting items to restore. Best restoration channel out there.

[@HandToolRescue]

Thank you!

[@bjornedyr-]

I removed a wisdom tooth today, and this long video was exactly what I needed to feel better. Thank you and the Canadian giant!

[@HandToolRescue]

Next time you can hammer them out.

[@bjornedyr-]

@@HandToolRescue thats what it felt like they did. The cracking sound from my jaw really added the effect, haha!

[@GuntherRommel]

I was thinking to myself "Dude, just use a pressure washer." When the "It's too cold" statement came up on screen. Glad to know we're on the same page, Hand Tool Rescue.

[@jhealy3110]

Not entirely sure why I find these so mesmerizing - after a long day of programming I seem to like nothing more than turning off the sound and watching these like a calming screen saver...

[@RichardCraniumRules]

Having done a 50lb little giant I can appreciate you project.

[@Dr_V]

Almost 100 years old and still reparable... that's quality right there, most modern tools won't last half as much.

[@maggs131]

Half? Most garbage shat out today is engineered to fail in less than a decade to keep the buying cycle eternal

[@basecitizen]

Woah...this one I actually had to slow down rather than speed up! Was making me anxious and dizzy. A little too much caffeine this morning? LOL. Thanks for the great content. I enjoy binge watching.

[@kiltedsaint]

Still can't figure out who would dislike these videos.

[@wdfwgagyfgagyga]

I can't explain how much i enjoy these videos!

[@HandToolRescue]

@Christopher Stout Yes...exactly.

[@yuricorrea2491]

Major Scratches is a great name for a cat.

[@tedderjason]

Mines name is Pants the third

[@fouroakfarm]

Or a DJ

[@nickkk420]

Mine was jack, so when he was on my furniture I could tell Jack off!

[@nathanbinns6345]

I would go with Sgt. Scratches just for the alliteration

[@tedderjason]

@@nickkk420 my dogs name is Jax, I say Jax Off! Every day hahaha

[@darrenjattan4277]

I'M LEARNING ALOT CAUSE YOUR TEACHING IS ON SPOT

[@fireantsarestrange]

Old machines always are cool. That thing took some major casting.

[@jm7983]

Awesome looking forward to your "part 2"!!!

[@saartal4524]

Love your hobby. Great vidros and superb results...not to mention getting these old and lovely machines back to work...

[@BruceBoschek]

What a stroke of good fortune to find a nearly 100 year old power tool that complete. Love watching this. Thanks for sharing.

[@jdsstegman]

Don't worry about my 100 year old tool that still works.... bet it needed some repairs here and there bit still worked. We can't get things to last more than 3 years these days! I do the same thing you do but for paying customers and there is no shortage of stuff to repair. Love the videos keep them comming. And thanks to evapo rust. Amazing product right there!!

[@geraldolmstead1335]

You set the standard for restoration.

[@douglaslambert6109]

To preficon of setting restoration!

[@toomaskotkas4467]

There are so many copycat channels on KZbin now it's not even funny.

[@littlemetermacgamer4011]

Especially with the silence part. That is my favorite standard

[@TheSasquatch33]

Just because there isn't a "Part 1" in the title, doesn't mean I'm not gonna try and NOT watch this until "Part II" comes out so I can watch it all at once. Spoilers: I watched it anyway, hurry up with that Part II.

[@Syrkyth]

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing decades of grime that looks like part of the machine "pop" off a bolt.

[@thebatman911]

These videos should be required viewing in every school in the U.S.

[@derkisdonenow6472]

That gel looks more like cow snot

[@chevellechris1]

Came down here to comment ' I don't think I could use the Gel Remover, looks too much like snot ' XD

[@fouroakfarm]

Shhh don't give away the secret ingredient!

[@andrewrobotbuilder]

Good to know, I just hope I won't mix the two in the near future

Well, have you ever seen a rusty cow nostril?

[@braydenh190]

We all know what you wanted to say

[@kalebwait1651]

"This guard prevents the spring from killing you" *Removes Guard*

[@Crush777]

The amount of dirt on this must make it all the more satisfying to see this come back together to it's former full glory.

[@TheVwgolfmk1]

As a carpenter, watching you use a wood chisel as a scraper does pain me a little. Since I love the work you do and fantastic results you achieve I am willing to let it go. Can't wait for the next video.

[@HandToolRescue]

Hahaha. Everyone has a set of shit chisels. I am definitely not going to use my antique Stanley Sweetheart chisels on this.

[@MichaelSteeves]

Lead paint, asbestos brake shoes -- does it have any Radium on it?

[@HandToolRescue]

I should get a Geiger counter, just to check!

[@buckbundy8642]

Just as long as you don’t grind on or eat any of it you’ll be fine. 😉

[@kiiiisu]

@@buckbundy8642 or smoke :D

[@WeirdHarold49]

I think the asbestos is clutch shoes rather than brakes. Still potentially bad news.

[@MoraFermi]

If it had, it'd be long gone. Uranium hammer head, now that's something that would be interesting!

[@eidaot]

Do you ever have to look back on your videos during the re-assembly process? So many different parts and pieces...

[@HandToolRescue]

Yes, all the time.

[@stokeburner6730]

I've always wondered that myself. Thanks for asking. lol I know I would have to.

[@weezerfan999]

When I do home repairs I will take a picture of what it looks like and then as needed through the process, masking tape and a sharpie are nice too if you gotta label, because sometimes I forget the damn order

[@Tictacpanter]

I want to let you know that I've watched your videos for some time now. And about 10 months ago my daughter we as born, since then it has been a household tradition that she and I watch your videos early on Saturdag mornings, sometimes even go through a couple "re-runs". I hope to instill a curiousity that cartoons will never generat, through content like yours. -a fellow Canadian

[@HandToolRescue]

That is awesome to hear! I love that!

[@antoniocaia2620]

Really wanted to see the project completed. Left me hangin

[@jaceyho6733]

Waiting for part 2

[@Entropy72]

Now there's a man who appreciates the value of greasy nuts.

[@scottadler]

"Greasy nuts" -- they must be made by hippies!

[@gorillaau]

@@scottadler nah... hippies try and use vegetable oil, it doesn't work as well.

[@serenity6415]

I saw the first 5 seconds of this and thought, this will be an innuendo-fest..

[@walmartdog1142]

I stumbled up-on part two, and it was so engaging I stopped the video and found part one, in order to soak up more of your knowledge!

[@HandToolRescue]

Haha perfect!

[@nathanbinns6345]

The thing that amazes me most is that he’s able to remember where everything goes when he’s putting it back together!

[@tomtruesdale6901]

That is an impressive looking machine. I was kinda worried when you had your face right next the that spring during the disassembly but figured if you were posting the video it didn't spring out and kill you. :-)

[@user-rz9dk7wx7l]

Молодец!!!Руки у тебя от Бога!!

[@SazanovDmitry]

это автопереводчик не переведёт на английский из-за отсутствия пробела между предложениями. а автор -- канадец)

[@user-rz9dk7wx7l]

@@SazanovDmitry ну, главное переведёт слово Молодец )))

[@jagardina]

I watch these videos at 1.5x. Blows my mind!

[@chadmorris9940]

I just wanted to say thanks for all that you do. When I’m having a bad day your channel lifts me up.

[@OSUCharger]

As I'd imagine AvE would say...."Lotsa Shmoo!"

[@ionut5316]

I bet that bench top can burn for the whole winter :)

[@benthomas8849]

You know you have a well taken care of machine when the Babbitt bearings are as good as those are. Nice find.

[@bencox7934]

Absolutely love these videos, can bring a day from bad to great just watching HTR disassemble and then completely rebuild anything. And yes as anyone who's ever smoked knows, lead paint is truly the answer to brilliant flavour

[@Ejrupolsen]

you read my mind on width the power washer 👍👍. and i you ever sat your worktable on fire it would problely burn for a whole week !!! 😂😂😂.

[@lukahierl9857]

Just cut a bit out of the tabel and light it!

[@tomtruesdale6901]

I have always said that work bench is a "Super Fund" site

[@sachajanssens8576]

I've been waiting for another vid :D thx! loved your DIRESTA cameo when he was working on the canoe :p

[@cecilgore495]

I have never seen any one work as fast as you, you are truly a great mechanic.

[@dragsys]

Watching your knowledge and techniques improve over the years has been enlightening. I always look forward to your next project.

[@puddinhead99]

"These holes are worn out" or as we say in the south "wallered out"

[@Kolajer]

Got lead? Smoke 'em if you got 'em!

[@tenshi7angel]

This is why I go to the comments section. ❤️

[@Kingkong22335]

I don't know if you are aware of the fact that you make the best ASMR to fall asleep to! Sooo relaxing! But i have to watch videos multiple times lol

[@YaMomsOyster]

Restoring old power hammers (and other kit) is very soothing and satisfying

[@bendingsands87]

Oh I like this one. Was the quarter inch thick casing of grime and dirt coating the whole thing what sold you on it? It's the adult version of a hatchimal. The mystery of what lies underneath was probably too much to pass up. I can't wait for the next part. Ps:this was one of those long ones that could have been longer☺️

[@HandToolRescue]

When I bought it, it was just a large stone. I had to chisel away like an archeologist just to get down to the castings.

[@andrew5792]

Nothing worse than having a worn out hole!

[@ThomasBarone]

Omg, llol!

[@matthewsmith2592]

So...how did your hole get worn out?

[@tenshi7angel]

Typically baby creating does this.

[@TheRabbit1971]

I want one. I'm trying to be a smith, and the first major tool, besides the anvil, is the Triphammer. My friend owns a working "Little Giant" and it is one SERIOUS time saver.

[@napkin5974]

Absolutely no offense intended. This video was the most exciting to me to date. Saw the title and was hyped you finally got your hands on something huge. Best one yet.

[@TheRocknRolla84]

I would pay like $2 to be able to watch Wranglerstars face as he watches this video and watches the way you use a chisel! LMAO it would be priceless!

[@HandToolRescue]

There is just no better tool for the job...haha

[@TheRocknRolla84]

Hand Tool Rescue haha I know that’s right! 🤣

[@RobbyJHope]

That guy is a clown anyway.

[@ianide2480]

@@HandToolRescue I've been using wood chisels as scrapers for 30+ years. There is truly no better tool for the purpose. I think that some people don't realize that you don't buy the finest available chisel for this purpose. Just go buy the cheapest thing you can find, put a semi decent edge on it and you have a great scraper. My favorite use is for engine gasket removal, no struggling to remove stuck on material...

[@ianide2480]

@@RobbyJHope Clown would be an improvement....

[@royal_ish]

What's the point of using it if there isn't a chance of spring death?

[@HandToolRescue]

I need to come up with a nicer looking way to not die.

[@jonathangofast559]

Brings new meaning to spring break

[@curm1778]

It's so soothing watching you work. I must go now. Nap time...

[@leonwrede9213]

I have the utmost respect for your courage to disassemble complex machines like that. I am always completely afraid I won't be able to put things back together.

[@christopherdrzal3672]

Awesome video again, sir. Question. What do you do with the tools that you restore? I can't imagine a power hammer would be a cheap purchase.

[@HandToolRescue]

Thanks! I am actually planning on selling this one! Want it? haha

[@christopherdrzal3672]

@@HandToolRescue If it's 35 bucks to ship a wrench here, I don't even want to know what it would cost to get a power hammer here.

[@HandToolRescue]

@@christopherdrzal3672 $35?! It's only $15 to ship a wrench. It's would probably be around $500 to ship this power hammer to the USA...

[@christopherdrzal3672]

@@HandToolRescue OOPS! My memory sucks. The wrenches were 35 bucks after Patreon discount.

[@hemivivencia7670]

I very anxious watching the next video!! Loves from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@Papa-Kev]

1920 Color Palette: Olive Green & Black.

[@celticguy6405]

That's quite the work load you took on there, I applaud you because I definitely don't have the patience

[@georgeclooney4218]

Brother, you're the king of tool and machine rescues!

[@crowlord]

If there is such a thing as restoration porn... this is it.

[@ThomasBarone]

That's exactly how I explained it to my wife when she asked why I watch those stupid videos. Then I gave her a choice........ She chose the restoration videos.

[@getyourkicksagain]

ThomasBarone 😂 and that is why I don't give my wife a choice. The risks are too great! 😂

[@29lookingood]

🤤🤤🤤 Darn rooty tooty right. This channel the only one who does it for me. I'd break out my credit card to watch the premium Chanel 😂😂

[@sexymonkeygod]

So he would be the Ron Jeremy of restoration?

[@jasonminion3129]

Dont tell my wife!

[@TheCoffeehound]

If you are wanting to sell this, you might consider contacting another KZbinr, Alex Steele. He's in Bozeman, MT, and seemed to be distraught about having to sell his Pilkington power hammer when he moved from the UK. He may be interested.

[@ericsprado4631]

Pilkingtons and the Star are worlds apart in style....I like both mechanical and the self contained hammers but There's something about running my old Star and Little Giants that just feels RIGHT somehow.

[@rodrigogonzalez9264]

I do not speak English but I love this channel, very good content!!

[@craigcolavito5606]

That tear-down table just oozes character. It probably oozes other stuff too tho.

[@warddman]

How much coffee do you drink to move so fast?

[@douglaslambert6109]

Lol! Like that!

[@epicdeuce]

please do Any type of steam engine please.

[@miguero]

your videos are like Zen relaxation to me.. this one was worth like an hour of meditation

[@misoman]

Nicely done as always! Every time I see a similar channel you are the one I measure them against. Thanks so much for your humor and awesome videos!

[@kvsteve]

Ewwwww, Evapo-Snot!

[@neerdowells1]

Be careful with the paint stripper. You're ruining the patina on your workbench!

[@lukahierl9857]

No it forms part of the patina

[@lv2xlr8NOW]

The sound effects make it so interesting, nice, like your videos, good lessons to learn

[@jcramond73]

Who here like me, loves watching dirty bolts and other metal components, get dipped in cleaner and come out like new again and freshly painted.

[@olivialambert4124]

Why did I watch this? I enjoyed it sure, but I still can't understand why i clicked on a video of an ancient tool being cleaned.

[@HandToolRescue]

Just accept it, haha.

[@clydebalcom8252]

Because you have a great respect for old machines?

[@olivialambert4124]

@@clydebalcom8252 I'm probably not the right person to be fascinated by tools. I don't think I could use even basic tools safely to be honest.

[@alanmullock381]

Some minor assembly required! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@aerinallenbual3617]

The great king restoration is back.

[@McFunnyBone]

Jesus man. Unreal. This is gonna beeeee duh BELL OF DA BAAALLL. Cant wait to see part 2!!! Gonna be a sweet addition.

[@TheGoodoftheLand]

HA! foot..

[@kingwilliam985]

That..uhhh “gel” rust remover is a questionable looking substance..........

[@TASTYTREATSPLS]

Gosh I love this channel. I had hit a wall on a project I was working on and now I am all motivated to go back out in the shop and finish it.

[@feynthefallen]

You know what? I just realized I don't even mind your product placement. First time in ages I see some advertising that doesn't get my quills up. Keep it up, it's just the right amount!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

All the bearing surfaces on that bad boy are amazing

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Awesome job of taking all the parts off the hammer machine an getting them cleaned for restoration. Can't wait for part 2.

[@austindorf83]

I’ve been in the process of building a power hammer. Seeing you disassemble one very much helped me. Subbed!

[@vernabink2865]

What a job. I was exhausted by the time you got that apart. Looking forward to part 2.

[@carykolstad4351]

This is the best thing I have ever seen! I have a little giant I’m trying to bring back to life and this video is what I needed.

[@Scottie1152]

I know it’s not how you roll, but once in a while it would be really cool if you could slow it down and talk us through what you’re doing. I’m a huge fan of tool restoration and love your videos thanks!

[@Ashuraizumi99]

Taking it apart with all the dirt and oil had to be so much fun I would've had fun.

[@marcmckenzie5110]

I’ve read a lot about the Little Giant hammers, and if I had a dream workshop I’d have one! You are so inspiring - it takes a lot of confidence, knowledge, determination, and creativity to tear into this size of a restoration. The only thing that would have made this more challenging is if you had to do it in a 140 ºF greasy hole with people shooting over you. We could arrange that! Ha ha!! Anyway, I learn a tremendous amount from each of your videos. This one and the belt lacer I will be watching over and over for all the ideas and insight. From the first video I ever watched on your channel, the biggest thing that hit me wasn’t the creativity of your film production, or the many other things you are doing right - but you have an amazing intution around metal and machinery. You have a lot to offer the world, and we look forward to seeing where you go!

[@HandToolRescue]

Thanks again Marc, and for the email!

[@davewebb5737]

This is the largest restoration I have seen you do Such a lovely piece of engineering

[@jimensign2514]

I can imagine an old machinist going around this tool with his oil can, giving al the moving parts a shot on a regular basis. Kind of made it an Ugly Dirty Duckling, but underneath, it was all well-protected!

[@Alexkobein]

Heavy duty machinery. Thats next level!

[@steveprice2096]

sawdust was put into those old machines a lot of times for many reasons, it helped seal grease leaks, provided lubrication, tighten up worn shafts and clean out dirt and debris which helped it equipment like that run smoother. I worked for many years in an old saw mill where many old gear boxes with worn seals kept going packed with saw dust, grease and pure hope..