1929 Gun Wrench [Patent Remake]

Possibly the best example of something everyone wants but no one needs.
I came across this patent for a pistol grip wrench while randomly scrolling through an antique tool group where someone made a post saying they found a production model of this wrench made by the Rex Engineering Co.. Immediately intrigued, I messaged the person who had it and asked if they wanted to sell it, to which they never responded. A year or two later it popped up again in the same group, but under a different owner, who must have purchased it. The new owner was a well known wrench collector, whose name I'll keep private. I messaged him in hopes of getting some more information on the tool. He responded with some fantastic photos and dimensions to help me get started on this project, but I began to realize that the production model was quite different than the patented design. You can see the original patent here: patents.google...
I'd like to thank @joshsfick on Instagram for once again helping model this tool digitally so some templates could be produced that were invaluable during the manufacturing process.
This was the most complex tool I have machined so far, but also the most fun. I got to use a variety of machining tools and techniques that I have been wanted to try for a while. The choice of using 4140 steel made the machining a little more difficult, but it was not a major issue. I decided against heat-treating the finished wrench as I was too concerned about the risk of warping or cracking ruining the wrench forever. I chose to use jatoba for the wooden handle scales.
Once finished, there is just something about holding this insane design in your hand that makes you laugh as you can't believe it's real. I think it came out fairly well and I honestly wish I had made more of different sizes. I also hope I could have a few of these remade in the CNC machine shop to share with all of you.
Wrenches, screwdrivers, and socket drivers are now for sale at www.handtoolrescue.com
Watch narrated videos and help secure more tools for future videos (if you want):
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Podcast (with @jimmydiresta and Andrew Alexander) - anchor.fm/fitzall

[@HandToolRescue]

Depending on when you see this comment, a replica of this wrench will be for sale here: www.handtoolrescue.com/

[@RkRk-xi7wi]

If I get that magnificent makers stamp on my gun wrench, then yes please.

[@derekquiram]

Ever think of auctioning the crazy patent build prototypes to viewers? It would be cool to maybe get the one from the video, even if you decided to make more for sale later.

[@kurtinsgiran8147]

In the end I was expecting you to walk up to the camera and use the wrench to turn the camera in circles. Missed opportunity I say.

[@henkka8517]

Aaand it's gone. At least tell us for how much!

[@blodpudding]

You should make an improved version with a trigger like those quick clamps. I think it would be ridiculous and awesome. This first one was cool too sure but it can always go more ridiculous! ❤

[@W4iteFlame]

Honestly, if you are a machinist with 3000 years of experience and still have all of your original fingers intact - you are a good machinist

[@mikehughesdesigns]

"there are old machinists and there are bold machinists. But there are no old AND bold machinists" (with apologies to b.o.b. of "the black hole")...

[@bmxerkrantz]

by then you are just making new appendages as needed.

[@e2298sg]

He's just machined himself new fingers. Still, that also means he's a good machinist

[@imaxinsertnounherex]

Personally on my 3rd set of index fingers.

[@rjwood6314]

Thats a lot of experience

[@_Solaris]

I have absolutely zero idea why you would do this. ...but I'm glad you did.

[@matthewnardin7304]

"I feel like I don't know what metric is anymore when I hold this" 🤣

[@caleschley]

Love that line.

[@Phil_Cleaver]

That is the most imperial wrrench that has ever been made.

[@TreyCook21]

Then proceeds to throw out some Trump descriptions.

[@shanepowers7566]

It goes by caliber.

[@smashyrashy]

Wasnt even funny

[@pauloalvesdesouza7911]

Some people might say "just because you can do it doesn't mean you should". I love that Tool Rescue does exactly the opposite.

[@PatrickPease]

Complex though all others can do everything else, they should not do it meaninglessly (First, I turned everything into the literal opposite, and then smooth it over for readability... Now I know what Bible translators have to go through) (in this case, double positive language such as "can do" becomes "can't don't" which becomes double negative and is returned to positive "can do")

[@LittleGreyWolfForge]

Because you can’t means you should?

[@МаксимИванов-ч1у2к]

A rare combination of a humorist, a romantic and an engineer in one person. You never cease to amaze!

[@allthings2allmen]

Yep! No smoke & mirrors, no hype, no gimmicks, no false humility, no sirree bob! It's just good old fashioned shop fun!😁🔧🛠🪛🗜

[@goatpepperherbaltea7895]

I’d imagine you’re terrible to be around

[@LittleGreyWolfForge]

@@goatpepperherbaltea7895shut up

[@LittleGreyWolfForge]

Engineer?

[@nathanparker5378]

Glorious. I am from rural Tennessee myself and can see the value of this weapon/tool. You don't have time to dig in your tool box when attacked by a stampeding harvester or rabid Camaro.

[@NeroNyte]

I'm glad someone else appreciates the beauty of those smoking metal shavings flying away. I always watch them in these videos

[@cskilalillabich9059]

They are a thing of beauty. Remember to never wear shoes without socks when machining. Especially hard steel. Machinist dance

[@unrepentantbastard9088]

@@cskilalillabich9059 actulol'd ty

[@maryclarafjare]

I love watching the metal shavings too

[@bgood2010]

That's why I watch CEE. 🙂 Edit: Or rather, CEEA (Cutting Edge Engineering Australia).

[@emiliodelgado9976]

They are fuckin haaawt

[@stevenstewart3414]

Beyond the exquisite machining and the peerless execution, this video is first and foremost a stellar example of cinematography that can only be the result of two millennia of personal and collective experience.

[@2400Baud]

When you shouted "this is illegal, never do this" I was immediately reminded of the time I bored out new exhaust ports on some old Volvo Penta outboard engine cases using an entire set of hold-down clamps, a bottle jack, and a two foot long boring bar I made with some 1" round stock and an old HSS turning tool. Seat of your pants machining lol. (Fellow was converting them to GM small-blocks, good times.)

[@Oregonduck09]

Absolutely no other repair channel comes within 10000 miles of Hand Tool Recuse. He's the greatest.

[@LittleGreyWolfForge]

Real

[@squidikka]

He's the funniest, but MyMechanics is in a league of his own.

[@tomb4045]

Combine irreverent humor with thousands of eons of machinist experience and you have the makings for great videos. Please keep the unique content coming.

[@moomae1]

Not sure about feeling an aura but at 23:17 I can feel my ears ringing all the way down here in Cincinnati OH. Always nice to hear a hometown shout out. Another brilliant video!

[@nunyabisnass1141]

Was he using a keyway cutting tool for that semicircle relief? If so i don't understand the issue.

[@hekios888s6]

The scene at 8:45 brought back memories of working in my grandfather's tool and die shop in the morning. Sun coming in from the shop windows...machine running. The smell of metal and oil. I was 14 when I started there on weekends and summers. My job was cleaning up. Putting away tools and resizing rough stock.

[@joehall1114]

"Caliber of tool" 😂 I see what you did there you wordsmith, nice dad pun.

[@lethrington]

This is one of the sketchiest episodes and I love it

[@PJGalati]

So many glorious moments during this video, the brass knurling, the brass emblem stamping, the naked brass woman...and of course the Double Oh Dancing at the end.

[@Ravenousjoe]

Your 31,726 years of machining experience is really showing here. This is absolutely beautiful!

[@MarkoDash]

just needs another 8274 years and then he can make a really nice warhammer

[@Ravenousjoe]

@@MarkoDash hell yeah brother. That's a good one haha

[@UbersEnhancedGaming]

This is the only channel that I will all-stop and watch the instant I see a new video. True mastery of content and presentation.

[@thePavuk]

“I know what you’re thinking. ‘Is it sixteen Nm or fifteen?’ Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is a 1929 Pistol Grip Wrench, the most powerful adjustable wrench in the world, and would blow your screwhead clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?” - Clary M Tune

[@kamurray67]

You win the world for the day!

[@ryangross5446]

amazing

[@gorillaau]

Dirty Clary?

[@makinwaves8147]

This comment is by far the best so far. Perfection.👌 😂

[@gabor7928]

Eric should act it out and add it to the video.

[@SillyCyclist29]

The slow-mo of smoking chips was a nice touch. Thank you sir.

[@allthings2allmen]

I totally agree!

[@jeffreynerdin3522]

Some KZbin makers make cool stuff, some provide good entertainment, some do both. You take it a few steps further and make the world a better place. Thank you.

[@paulalvarez7602]

I have over 923 hours of video viewing experience… and always find your videos both entertaining and informative!!! Keep’em coming!!!

[@markmaynard6218]

My son introduced me to your channel roughly 5 years ago. I love watching you make and retore old tools that I have never seen or heard of.

[@ronm3245]

I, on the other hand, was introduced to the channel quite smoothly.

[@markmaynard6218]

@@ronm3245 okay, I guess I should have said approximately 5 years ago.

[@manuelnavarro6459]

Lol

[@jeffreyshepherd8488]

​@@ronm3245 that made me exhale loudly through my nose

[@cyntax_error]

I can just picture ABom on the floor of his workshop just rocking back and forth crying "wrong, it's all wrong!" 😂

[@SethKotta]

Without even seeing the video yet. He doesn't know why his soul cries; only that it does.

[@trevelynbrown4444]

That's Who I was thinking about .

[@Spinatbroetchen]

You're not only a gifted craftsman, but also an brilliant artist and comedian. I love your channel!

[@insederec]

in the world of high precision machining youtube content it is glorious to see a channel of a guy, just making the thing, as good as it needs to be without being able to split atoms on non chamfered press fit edges it's comforting

[@ronwingrove683]

Not only are you sharing your 62,743 years of machining experience with us, but also your dulcet-toned voice! Truly we are blessed beyond all measure today!

[@topspeed250k5]

I love how you stayed believably serious while extolling the wonders of this...abomination of a design.. One could not detect that you had your tongue absolutely jammed into your cheek. Great job creating it! It looks beautiful!

[@jaysonstinson9458]

let me guess... it's an abomination because it's shaped like a gun and designed by a White guy from the South.

[@stephlrideout]

There's something so delightful about an over-engineered novelty item, prohibitively complex and expensive but still technically functional. Great video.

[@jasonkeyes474]

You sir, are a mad genius. To even learn of, and then re-create this incredibly powerful and sophisticated wrench is one thing. To share it with us is quite another. Thanks for sharing your mastery!

[@TheHatHareAcademy]

Probably the single greatest video on the greatest wrench design to have ever been made. The whole video, I kept asking myself, “why am I not watching this on Netflix or Hulu or NBC (right before Saturday Night Live)? And why is this the first time I am ever seeing a gun wrench? Those capitalists dorks over at Craftsman probably had their “wrench mafia” make the inventor an offer he couldn’t refuse, so that they (the capitalist dorks) could peddle inferior wrench designs to the masses…” Amazing build as always! Love your content and the world needs more of it!

[@jwsaxe]

As a film school survivor and one time machinist, I gotta say your composition, editing, and lighting are fantastically great. And your projects are pretty cool, too!

[@kristbane]

Just watching this added several decades of machining experience to my resume. Thanks, Hand Tool Rescue Man!

[@basmoq7]

Your humorous fireside analysis of the patent is spot on. Love the lighting and background music. I happily purchased one of your wrenches a couple years ago and appreciate that you continue producing quality content!

[@MrJabramo]

Am I the only person who thinks Mr. Tool Rescue deserves a nicer lathe? Give this men a lathe!!!!

[@alun7006]

He'd have to clean it then..!

[@Alex_whatever]

He'd have to get a broken one and rescue it!

[@jimfry3]

I want to see him do a Machine Tool Rescue and fix that lathe on camera for us!

[@claredriscoll5092]

And nary a caliper in sight. This man has skill beyond his 400 combined years of experience.

[@stevebabiak6997]

17:46 for the caliper in sight ;)

[@iTeerRex]

In your antique library with a crackling fireplace, a smoking jacket on a leather couch, divine music filling the atmosphere. Mesmerizing designs dancing on the pages. Smoke rising from a cigar and your lady friend brings a bottle of fine whiskey, but you send her away, for you’re enchanted by your work…

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

First class commentary that I thoroughly enjoy. As a former metal, grinder, cutter, welder, tapper, and sander. I only wish I had your many more years experience. Such great videos!

[@SaladMan68]

I love watching you work, you always make me laugh. It is a privilege to learn from someone with 400 years of machining experience.

[@IntrepidsRus]

Hand Tool Rescue, you are an absolute legend! 🙌 Your creativity and skills are off the charts, and that gun wrench made from an old patent is pure genius! 🔧🔫 Your dedication to repurposing and rescuing forgotten tools is truly commendable. A million subs is just the beginning - you've earned every single one, and here's to many more on the horizon! 🎉 Keep the amazing content coming, you're making a real impact in the DIY community. Cheers to Hand Tool Rescue and the million-strong family!

[@VanDamArtisan]

The most experienced machinist on KZbin! Probably the world!

[@MarrockV]

Jeremy Clarkson: "The most experienced machinist... in the world!"

[@curtis_chip]

seriously ?

[@VanDamArtisan]

@@curtis_chip Yeah, didn't you hear him? He has 2 or 300 years of combined experience. Nobody can beat that! Except maybe old Tony could match it, but nobody else for sure!

[@curtis_chip]

@@VanDamArtisan ok old tony in any case! but he ? the best in the world ? ahh ... give me a break i'm tired

[@civicboomer2135]

You've made Uri Tuchman proud! Well done.

[@Nobe_Oddy]

This one of my FAVORITE CHANNELS of ALL TIME!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH JUST FOR BEING YOU!!! You are HILARIOUS and You make the STRANGEST, yet COOLEST THINGS!!! - Never stop being you!

[@davidgibson5756]

At 30:35 I hear AvE saying “it verks, it verks”. Wonderful build!

[@shawnpgorman]

I love these bizarre tool builds.

[@Nipplator99999999999]

As a mechanic and gunsmith, I have an entire wall of special tools I've made over the years, but this really does put the special in special tool.

[@sillysad3198]

this patent gave me a sane idea: a good ajustable wrench could benefit from a "stopper" nut that locks the current setting fixed.

[@johnmcanulty7341]

Yes, it exists. "SUPERJUSTABLE" J H WILLIAMS & CO - I have the 8in one. The 'stopper' is pin that the adjustable screw rotates around slides up or down to lock or unlock the jaw width. Works. Well, it works ok.

[@5isalivegaming72]

I have one, there's no name on it. There's a pin you push through the center of the adjustment screw that lock and unlocks the screw. There's still the standard amount of play in the jaw but it's incredibly convenient 😂

[@sillysad3198]

@@5isalivegaming72 if we "stop" the jaw with an screw perpendicular to the ajusting motion it would remove the play too. or worse... if we make a Wedge that is forced into the "sliding" path.

[@reedrenfro9086]

Proto makes one called a click stop, it’s hit a ball decent that holds it, they work really good

[@lolatmyage]

search for "locking adjustable wrench", it's like a cross between vice grips and an adjustable wrench

[@nortyfiner]

Now imagine this with a ratchet action. The world could not contain that much awesome. Well done as always.

[@richardtabor8686]

History major by training, trader by profession. I LOVED the Black Tuesday reference. Ty so much for your chill and fun content. Xoxoxo

[@wiresmith2398]

Ah, a Bridgebort! Such beautiful plumage.

[@mutualexcrement]

I love all the random sounds and stuff, always gets me chuckling. However, sometimes I nap to these and I will also wake up to the random sounds, but, I still chuckle even then! I remember one time it was a scream and I jumped up hahaha

[@bvalt1]

Ok, a Hand Tool Rescue episode is so much more than just a youtube video, Comedy, Drama, Documentary, Cue the dark ominous music, the metal shavings flying like bombs with smoking tails in slow-mo, and of course the James Bond Intro ending, I'm laughing hysterically at a tool video, Nobody Does It Better, Makes Me Feel Sad for the rest.......

[@stanleydenning]

What a beautiful creation! I love it!!!!!! You must do blueing and a caliber marking on the 'barrel'. The caliber would be the maximum opening size. Manufacture stamps and tax stamps too. Why not? I could only imagine the price of this gem. Maybe around $300 USD

[@traymuse]

The outro montage really sealed the deal. Breathtaking!

[@SoutheastSam3]

1,600 years of watching Hand Tool Rescue videos.

[@paulcooper9135]

Love your patent recreations! These and a few of Fireball Tools' Retro Popular Mechanics builds are awesome!

[@NOLAfugee]

I have a feeling you should have saved this for your first video of April 😉 If you make another one, design it to use some standard Smith & Wesson revolver grips, or something like a 1911.

[@rastenator]

Don't question the ways of a man with a combined experience 50 generations of yt creators. ;)

[@brandonpalmer4069]

He probably needs money for his next antique store outing.

[@steveishere7909]

"Lot's to consider when you're considering things" Words more TRUE have rarely ever been uttered.

[@FishHeadly1]

"Lots to consider when you're considering things" Hand Tool Rescue

[@kkupsky6321]

I trust this man. Sure. The opening song wasn’t included and we’re not sure it’s him. But he put some time in to file. Respect. Much respect. 700 years.

[@JCWren]

W00t! Finally another video from HTR. I wish they were weekly :)

[@frtsnfr7504]

The only video I look forward to. Never a disappointment. Always top notch from start to finish.

[@deephorizon1365]

Was just thinking that it must be time for another hand tool rescue video and here he is!

[@RegularGuyLures]

This is your crowning achievement! (Both the tool and the video editing) Thank you for the inspiration and entertainment. Keep up the great work good sir.

[@jamessisk8380]

Another fantastic creation from the best machinist on the Internet. Always excellent talent demonstrated.

[@davepost7675]

Look out, he's got a wrench!

[@BudderTak0]

that cinematic shot was beautiful. i almost started to tear up.

[@zxxvcc]

For the historical record: the news reported that the UK and Japan went into recession on the day this video was released.

[@RyleaLynn706]

Today on Hand Tool Rescue: a patent remake of a tool that looks like it belongs in Team Fortress 2.

[@Sarafimm2]

Definitely should be a gift to a handyman! A shadow box with a poster of the patent and a mount for the tool itself.

[@richardrolph6166]

You sir are legendary

[@kathylecluyse7820]

That was glorious! Smoking oil, flying sparks, growing spirals... GLORIOUS!

[@stephmaccormick3195]

I love how this makes zero sense.

[@stemdeckesupreme164]

It's so I can hold a wrench in my gun holster, freeing up room in my toolbelt for another gadget

[@boriss.861]

Great piece of engineering. Hats off to the Guy who Patented the design in the first place!

[@perrystoll6122]

The name of your bond film is - "The Man with the Golden Gun Wrench". Absurd in the extreme. Well done.

[@d1gardner]

The comments are far more hilarious than anything I can come up with!!!! Nice job making the inventor's over the top, needlessly complicated ADJUSTABLE WRENCH! He obviously never followed the "kiss" principle.

[@jski76]

“You can touch… with your eyes…” Best thing I’ve heard all day!

[@Sasqadian]

Pure genius. Thank you for your creativity. 😊

[@joakes33]

The Cinematic shots of the hot chips flying through the air who was perfect

[@jennessalynam7682]

That's sooo freaking badass! I was super excited when I got the notification that there was a new video from your channel. I absolutely enjoy watching your videos to find out what you're gonna make, restore, or whatever it is that you're gonna do next. Thank you so much for the fascinating and humorous content.

[@davidsicca2352]

When you get closer, you realize no one is normal, and when you are far away seems that you are close too!! Isn't that the case Eric? You are the best...

[@Antony_Jenner]

I had an eargasm listening to the delightful tones of Erics voice!

[@sawliss]

Your most ambitious patent project to date. Despite your mediocre machining skills you managed to pull it off. Congrats!

[@charleykeenan6171]

So the pictures did no justice at all to the final process. WOW.. That is a literal work of art.. Well done sir and BRAVO 👏

[@ronwalsh]

Another great project done by HTR. I am always amazed by some of the weird patents that are out there.

[@justme3971]

I love watching you disect/fix/construct, all manor of things. A added bonus is your humour.

[@megakiller999]

It was genuinely cool seeing the vortex shedding on the chunks of metal flying off the wrench

[@Konspirantas]

That exquisite clearance, that meaty turning down, the boring - Its metal.

[@mikeregan3174]

Thank you Eric. Great video as always. And no pizza was injured in the filming of the video this time. Congratulations.

[@ThingsICantFindOtherwise]

i always appreciate how much weed you put into your videos

[@vannygun]

Awesome job! Very respectable build and as always appreciate your humor! Thanks for putting in the time to record it and share it with us.

[@Nunya_Bidnez]

You are the best Hand Tool. I love you're intro so much. That smile makes me giggle every singe time.

[@Zinstalls]

Love when you struck your name on the inserts. Beautiful

[@washtap]

I simply cannot love that enough. You must make a second. Dueling wrenches.

[@t3ck3r]

My wife found a picture of the original, and it made this even more fun seeing what changes you have made with your new one. 🙂

[@benholmes5474]

God yes, I've been waiting a lifetime for another patent recreation video

[@ludovicschneider6190]

A few "cosmetic" changes i could see, but needing a bit more machining : - Rouding the corners on the top, to suggest the idea of a barrel - Ironsights on the top of the front "jaw" - 3 flutes on either side of the body, were the cylinder would be on a real gun - Maybe a spring washer where the straight gears are, to get rid of the play Great job, keep up the good work!

[@Sheksare]

You are "Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni" of our time. It's so beautiful to see how someone can make something out of nothing. Please do more videos like this in future.

[@ronm3245]

Michelangelesque, but not a butt nor a weenie in sight.

[@Caracal-lm6es]

What's insane is you tackling projects like this one. Edit: The montage at the end is killer.