Just another alligator wrench, but I don't recognize the logo.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Coveted jobs of the past
Monday, October 27, 2025
No better name for a motorcycle
In 1931 bicycle manufacturer P.J. Meijer offered a variety of motorcycle models under the None Better marque, all of which were re-badged British machines from Wolf and Sun. The name was short-lived, a year or two later, they were called New Rapid.
Snatch block evolution
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Lead pipe expander
Here's a plumbing tool for working with lead pipes, it appears the cone is inserted into one end of a pipe, the handle squeezed to spread the cone to flare the end of the pipe to make an overlapping joint, presumably then soldered up to make a watertight seal.
![]() |
| Datamp.org |
![]() |
| Cdn patent |
Saturday, October 25, 2025
We used to make things in this country, #373 "It" Khaki web cleaner
True cigarettes
Catchy ad from the mid eighties, back when cigarette sponsored race teams, though I don't remember any motorcycle sponsorship by True.
Friday, October 24, 2025
Primitive carburetor controls
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Crosby Laughlin hook
Just another beautiful object in an antique store, it would be a shame to put this large old hook back into service, put it in a frame and just enjoy the visuals. Not sure how old this is but Crosby and Laughlin started in 1836 and seem to be the industry standard even today. Here is a link to an odd blog entry that reads like AI though it dates back to 2012. Constructionclampsdigest.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Portable bandsaw mill
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
We used to make things in this country #372 J&J Taylor Safes
Monday, October 20, 2025
FICON (updated)
The Fighter Conveyer was an unusual approach to the problem of bombers flying without fighter escort. Utilizing a trapeze mounted in the bomb bay of a B-36, an F-84F could be launched and retrieved when needed during flight. I'd like to see the arrangement on the ground, (or maybe the F-84 took off separately.)
Update, here's a view of the fighter mount from underneath. The B-36 is up on blocks. Very limited ground clearance.
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Chevy Citation
Road & Track really trying to put a bold face on one of GMs lesser cars. Awful things. Maybe they were what was needed at the time, (Remember that the K-car saved Chrysler) but I bet there isn't a big collector following for them now, even if it will outslalom a Ferrari....
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Friday, October 17, 2025
Erie railway
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Marsland Pipe wrench
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Bikes in the 'hood, RV90
I never saw these oddball fat tire Suzukis back when they were new, but they must have sold enough of them because they keep turning up, and Suzuki has reintroduced the bike as a VanVan. I still don't get them.
.jpg)































.jpg)






