Friday, April 24, 2026

3D sander

This is a unique design for a palm sander, looks useful for uneven surfaces. Never seen one in person before, it must not have been a sales success.


 

La Moto 1922


 

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Bruning electric eraser


 I've made a lot of mistakes in my time, but not enough to justify a power eraser!

Transporting the future, Eames Tandem Sling Seating


  How do you transport a multi-seat bench for a waiting room? This sleek. modern aluminum and nylon airport seating system was introduced in 1962 by designers Charles and Ray Eames. The method of transport is more down to earth and not near as modern. 


Rain King D-1 sprinkler



 These common-item type devices were so much more interesting before plastic was invented. This 1932 patent lawn sprinkler is largely made of cast iron and brass.

Patent 1883264 applies to the design of the sprinkler nozzle, and is assigned to HORACE C. WRIGHT, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNED TO CHICAGO FLEXIBLE SHAFT COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ELINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS ADJUSTABLE NOZZLE 



Wednesday, April 22, 2026

W P Carter

A small (4" long) S wrench with W P Carter stamped on both sides and the letters EVO. After finding nothing online, I'm guessing maybe Mr. Carter was just making sure he didn't lose his tools?



 

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Norton Motors North America, 1948


If you wanted a Norton over here postwar, you had to talk to Mr. McGill, even if you were in the USA. 

Motorcycles on album covers, Loverboy


 If you're a certain age you'll remember such songs as
 "Turn Me Loose" and "Working for the Weekend"... 
(Thanks Anon)

Monday, April 20, 2026

Sta-kon terminal tool


  Quality crimp connectors need a quality crimper. This Thomas and Betts solderless connector system has been around since the mid-fifties, the company has been in the electrical connector business since 1898. Thomas and Betts was bought by the ABB Group in 2012. More on the crimp connectors here
Thomas and Betts are also known for their invention of the ubiquitous plastic cable tie in 1958.


 

Wyandotte dump truck