B&C Adjustable Wrench Restoration

Bemis and Call antique Wrench Restoration

[@13thworker45]

I haven’t witnessed you give up yet. Nice save. Thank You

[@vllrrql]

You are a miracle worker with restoring tools. It’s great to bring new life and usefulness to once well made tools! Keep up the good work! Thanks.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Thank you very much!

[@davidharris6581]

That wrench will never know how lucky it is that you picked it. It is fun to speculate on it's journey and where all it's been. It might have been around the world ten times.

[@stephenkent8903]

Wonderful job Scoutcrafter! Never give up on a tool challenge. I love the color red. Tools from long ago need to be treated better than they have been! Thanks for restoring these well made tools! I just got through painting some 8 " H.K. Porter strapping cutters today made in Somerville Mass where my dad worked. Red Engine Enamel is my color.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Stephen! The warm colors (Red, Yellow, Orange) always go so great with chrome or polished steel!!!!

[@FGX318]

Great ! You’re the first on my google search for monkey wrench disassembly ! Good stuff , cheers

[@ScoutCrafter]

Thanks 👍

[@johnkelley9877]

What a difference in the before and after photos! It looks great. Thanks for sharing this restoration.

[@GuntersGarage]

Wow what a difference a little love makes. The inlay you do on the handles is really cool and unique. It puts a new twist on an old tool. I have an affection for all types of adjustable wrenches & wood handled screw drivers and this inspires me to restore some of the ones in my collection. Not too many tho as I like some in their work clothes, lol. Anyhow, nice job I enjoy watching :)

[@bkind2182]

I stumbled across this video of yours that I'd missed. It was funny because at first I couldn't figure out why you weren't using the flap disk, why you didn't call it "ScoutCrafter red" and why your closing statement was different, then I remembered that all of those things came about in your later videos. Great stuff buddy!

[@OIFEagle]

I'm glad you stuck with it, it turned out great! Thanks for posting the video!

[@tonyholt90]

That was a great restoration! There's some really good quality in some of the older tools . and i think that a lot of people have abused wrenches by using them for a hammer and then they don't fully function. I have brought a few in a car boot sale ( yard sale ) for really cheap and filed out the damage and got them working. But your restoration is is pretty dam excellent! Gonna have to follow suit! Nice work!!!

[@michaelpugh4894]

I have an 8” B&C crescent wrench. Nice clean up and a beautiful restoration.

[@uktony1525]

As always a great restoration and brilliant documenting of the process.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Tony! I almost gave up on this one! lol Thanks very much!

[@timothymassina6138]

Beautiful job as always! Thanks for the video.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Tim! Thanks very much!

[@rawbacon]

It's funny how things show up better on camera than they do in person, I could actually see an indication of a screw slot and that it just wasn't a slotless pin.

[@DavidLopez-ho2mb]

Simply beautiful, you always do a great job on all these tools.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello David! Well, we were able to take this out of the junk box and put in the good box! LOL Thanks so much!!!!!!

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. Very nice, I really like how you highlight your tools with the red paint. Nice work.

[@ScoutCrafter]

The Red grows on you after a while! Thanks so much!

[@mikepugh6483]

I have the 8” model. Nice clean up and restoration.

[@adude7050]

Great job ! Very true it is always important to get the best fit with your screw driver bit.

[@michaelbradley8508]

Great job... You are an inspiration... Michael

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Michael!!!! Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the project!!!! =)

[@DirtandRust]

Great Job On the Wrench!!...just found one of these at the Flea-market...mine is a No. 80 but its a 12" version...and thanks for the info :]

[@wyattoneable]

Your going to have to start a museum of tools. :) Nice one, I like the design.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Wyatt, I always wonder what story an old tool could tell... All the cool projects it worked on or who used them... It's fun to give them a second life.. I feel if you make them nice looking they will be less likely to be beat on! 😃👍. Thanks!

[@iancameron1662]

ScoutCrafter can you tell me what to use on tools to unfreeze them from rust.vinegar and what. Thanks

[@willkirk486]

Hey, I really like your restoration videos. I’d watch them head to toe, but I do think that you need to show more of the detail of the steps for how you get from start to finish. Keep up the good work

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Will, I agree, I wish I could put the entire process into one video but the problem is if the length of the video is too long people like me with short attention spans get bored. So what I try to do is keep the videos at 5 minutes (so hard to do) and explain one tip in detail per video! After you watch a few you will have it down pat! Thanks very much!!!!

[@hd108a2]

Great tip. The older tools and furniture all require those special screwdrivers. Chapman mfg makes great kits.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello HD108a - You're so right!!! That's one of those things you learn the hard way, after stripping a head or two... The set I showed here is just a basic set but I also have a nice Wagner gunsmithing set that is better... Those are the type tools you don't want to cheap out on, nothing worse then twisting a cheap Chinese bit on a project! Thanks very much!!!

[@christopherumberger6142]

Beautiful restoration!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Christopher - This isn't a rare or expensive wrench but sometimes it helps to practice on these basket cases so when something really nice comes along you have acquired enough experience to do a decent job... Thanks very much!!! 😃👍

[@daviddaddy]

It came Out Beautiful! What a great job you did. Nice video to watch and relax to on my Birthday. Lol have a Blessed day my friend.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello David!!! What a coincidence!!! All the work on this wrench after the vinegar bath I did on my birthday!!! That is so funny! I thought to myself "look what I'm doing on my birthday!" Congratulations and happy birthday David! Enjoy!!! 😃👍🎂

[@daviddaddy]

ScoutCrafter haha Hey man, Thanks! Happy Birthday to you as Well, I Hope youre having a Great one! Thanks Again!

[@daviddaddy]

That is a Funny Coincidence lol

[@jacobusjohannescaspers4476]

daviddaddy Happy birthday

[@daviddaddy]

Jacobus Johannes Caspers Thank you Very much! I truly appreciate that. Have a great Day!

[@parlenkow]

A challenge this restoration but very good results looks beautiful I learn with you and I become your fan thanks!!!!!!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Wladimir! This one was a mess but turned out very nice at the end!!!! Thank you again!!!!!!!!!!

[@adude7050]

Looks great

[@benb5764]

Learned something new. I thought the B&C was Brink and Cotton all this time. Now I’m going to have to go through my garage and see how many tools are actually Bemis and Call.

[@robertfairburn9979]

A hundred years old and ready for another century of service.

[@tonybrannen1740]

Thanks, great job.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Tony! Thanks very much!!!!!!

[@hackjobfixit]

I have a 12in No.80 it was in poor condition and the adjustable jaw would not fully close. This was due to the top of the fixed jaw being hammered and peened over preventing closure, much like yours but a lot worse. Still, all that abuse and it was repairable. It's a solid piece of kit that's for sure and worth the effort. Interested to see your painting technique.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Sometimes the practice is worth the price of the wrench! You are so right!

[@mr.cliffordjohnson6304]

Nice restoration.......Will apply your know how to my resent crescent wrench thrift store purchase....

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Clifford! There's nothing more satisfying then bringing back a tool to life again. Thanks very much!

[@kadmaster]

Nice work again sir...

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Kadir , Thankyou very much! 😃👍

[@JackScurlock]

Great job. A question please. Do you shellac prior to painting to seal the tool? Hope you are having a great New Year. captjack

[@mantaship]

Thanks, Scout! This made by Columbus Day. Are my eyes tricking me? I thought the Dake was getting a shot at this one.

[@nolangaudreau]

For someone that uses his bench grinder a ton, what are some good ones you recommend? I'd like to buy a reliable one. Thanks!

[@kodiham7532]

Nice restored, what rpms on wire wheel?

[@whatchacookin1096]

I like these.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Watcha cookin! B&C was a big tool maker years ago now not many people even know of them! Thanks very much!!!!!!

[@johnhartley3596]

I’m glad you didn’t toss it. I have a cast C-clamp I’m going to restore but it has area of hardened concrete. Any thoughts on how best to remove it. I can’t get at it with a grind wheel.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello John, That's funny you mention that, I too had a C-Clamp that was encrusted with cement! As you know soaking it won't help so I had to chip it off using small cold chisels and punches trying hard not to gouge the clamp. Once I got close to the surface of the clamp I used some brass square stock and even some hard wood to chip away the rest! A six inch long by half inch square hardwood "chisel" worked really well and I didn't have to worry about scratching the clamp!! Chip away! Thanks! 😃👍

[@stuartlockwood9645]

I have had good results using lime scale remover, I recently used it on a cement encrusted level,brush it on, leave to soak and it softens it,some scrubbing with an old tooth brush an jobs a good one. Stb

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Stuart! Lime Scale remover! Brilliant! I never thought of chemically breaking down the cement! It makes perfect sense now that you mentioned it! Those old levels were awesome weren't they!? Thanks very Much!!!!!

[@jamesd.6577]

I have a crestoloy 12" , and yeah it locks up around 1/4 inch

[@AYDiNHAKSEVER]

perfect things.

[@bigdog4173]

Nice restoration,glad you didnt throw it out,its a antique..! The lower jaw seemed a bit loose,and rattley..How much sideplay was there ? I am currently having a disappointing episode with a BAHCO Ergo 8073 wrench ( we call them shifters down here..) The wrench is lovely,perfect fit and movement of the lower jaw,but the knurled adjuster (thumbwheel) and its pin are missing..Tried contacting BAHCO distributors for a spare but unfortunately my wrench is a original Swedish made one,and now BAHCO is owned by Snap-on,Swefish production has ceased,wrenches niw made in Spain,have same part number,but Spanish parts wont fit Swedish tool...tsk tsk

[@MRNVCDIY]

I will make video restoration

[@WalkerOutdoors]

What type of vinegar do you use to soak the tools and is it straight vinegar?

[@ScoutCrafter]

Distilled White Vinegar, the stuff really works for rust. =)

[@mentholman3201]

Hi there, Another great restoration! I went through and watched most of your videos and it seems that we have similar interests in old tools and gadgets. I love anything old, but primarily focus on antique farm/garden/lawn tools, equipment, and related advertising. Hand and animal powered. A big part of my collection are wrenches, pruning tools, and planet jr type of seeders/cultivators. Anyways, do you have any other social media accounts or an email that i could use to send some photos to? Id love you to see my stuff. Take care. -Mike

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Mike! That is awesome! Do you visit any Tractor shows? That's where people like us feel right at home! I live in NY there are some great shows in Pa, and Ct... Where do you reside?

[@ScoutCrafter]

Also Mike if you live in Maryland- www.mdihcc39.org/calendarofevents.htm

[@mentholman3201]

ScoutCrafter ScoutCrafter Thanks for the MDIHCC show calendar. I live in Prince George's Co, MD on our family's old farm property. I actually dont get out to many shows, unfortunately. Id surely be broke if i did though. Do you ever get on Facebook? I run a group for planet jr and similar farm/garden tools and there are several great wrench and tool groups.

[@paulealer2186]

I have a No. 75 8" I did just like yours but with blue

[@jusb1066]

excellent!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Jusb1066 - I was so close to chucking this one! Lol. Thanks! 😃👍

[@jusb1066]

yep it was the removable pin that turned it around!

[@norherman]

I'm glad you didn't toss it. Keep those very high standards. The sign of ScoutCrafter RED HANDLES. All right!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Norherman, LOL I'm going to have to add more colors to my restorations! Thanks very much!

[@ratikkakuskikuski1630]

It is like new one! :D

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello RK! This wrench works great again! It was a fun project and I really appreciate you liking it! Thanks!!!

[@ratikkakuskikuski1630]

You have the skill and the red paint highlights well the forms of tools.

[@corydriver7634]

When did hex nuts come into use?

[@ScoutCrafter]

In the US they were widely being used by the mid 1800's however they have been around for hundreds of years before that! Believe it or not the square nuts and bolts are of a superior design because of a larger gripping surface! The only drawback being the wrench had to be rotated 90 degrees on each application. I have a nice assortment of square nuts and bolts that I always enjoy using! Thanks!

[@lordjimbo2]

Can you imagine the guy who made this in the 1800s hearing that, over a century later, people around the world would be watching you restore his wrench? Would he even be able to process the concept?

[@ScoutCrafter]

I often think about the designer of these awesome tools! They would be astatic!!!!

[@mattthomas4026]

Adjustable wrench? Oh you mean a nut rounder! I've used nut rounders as hammers as well.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Matt! Lol. You know that years ago there was a lot of square nuts still used thru-out the industry and these wrenches were perfect for square nuts!! Can't round them off!!! Lol. 😃👍

[@lathropedition]

What paint are you using?

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello RCTID - Rustoleum! This s Regal Red... Can't beat that paint! Thanks!

[@Dirtyharry70585]

Sure did have the crap beat out of it. Still guys out there that abuse tools like that.Nice restore job!

[@thejim3501]

What's the age of a Bemis & Call 75A 10" ? Straight, not S.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Jim, I wish I could tell you! The wrench in this video is a No. 80 which dates back to around 1915 I am guessing the No.75A preceded it being the model number was lower! Hope that helps! Thanks!!!!!!!

[@thejim3501]

@@ScoutCrafter That's what I thought. Thank you. I got one in good shape for $3.00! Love your videos!

[@drmodestoesq]

Let me just throw this out there......Gold electroplating.

[@ScoutCrafter]

LOL... =D

[@brandonmurphy4657]

Lots of people think b&c is brink and cotton

[@stafvanopstal]

What I wonder (for a while): why do you always talk about yourself in the first person plural? As far as I can see you do all this wonderful work all by yourself. American modesty? ;-)

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Gustaaf! I know it sounds strange but I was a Scout leader for over 20 years and when giving a class or instruction it was a way to be inclusive. As scout we were a team and all part of the same group. When I started making videos I tried to force myself to say "I" but it was very uncomfortable and caused me to stutter and lose my train of thought! I did try, but after a while I just gave up and went back to what seemed natural for me.. =) Thanks very much!!!!!

[@stafvanopstal]

Ah so! Now we understand. :-)))

[@alanr4263]

I call these wrenches a Adjustable My Pop calls it a Cresent Wrench.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Alan! You are both right! I too call them adjustable, but all the older mechanics and machinists would call them Crescent wrenches because they dominated the market for so many years! Just like us calling a adhesive bandage a "Band-Aid" =) Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!

[@alanr4263]

@@ScoutCrafter ha ha ha your the best.Pop worked for Pan Am as a mechanic.

[@rossandersen942]

My buddy who is an aircraft mechanic calls them thumb-wrenches.

[@Landrew0]

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