Rediscovering an Old Tool

[Ken Hamilton]

These have been sitting on the shelf for over 20 years.  The last time I used them was
to make turnbuckles for the tracklaying machine.  Don't have a clue where I got them, but
I haven't seen any others since.  They probably could be found at a watch-making web site.
The smallest tap & die combo is .010".



Anyway, I'm going to use them to make the steering linkage for the Lumber Carrier.
The tie rod ends are the first thing I threaded tonight.  This is 3/64" brass rod:



The "Close Enough" factor will be coming into play here.  I drilled out a piece of 1/16" tubing
so the tap would fit inside just enough to cut some threads:



The end result is a working, threaded rod & tube.  It's a little loose (IE: close enough)
but the "adjustable" tie rod ends won't be functional anyway.  They're just for show.



So much for keeping this build simple............

[Krusty]

Snap!

I have the exact same set, purchased from a local jeweller/watchmaker supplier, probably the same vintage as yours. Only difference is that the plastic tray in mine is a lighter shade of yellow and the taps refuse to stay in their compartments – it's just as well they have the size stamped on the shank.

Treat them with care – they're a little on the brittle side.

[lab-dad]

WOW!!!
I could really use those!
I guess I will check that crummy auction site.
Any one know where I can find them?
-Marty

neat work by the way Ken!

[Ken Hamilton]

Snap!

HA!  You DO have the same set!  No doubt you, too, have closed
the "spring action" lid and everything inside was ejected from the trays.

(...and they ARE brittle....)

[jacq01]

   Ken,

   I know the type of box..... It must have been a very sadistic designer, to come up with such a construction.

   Jacq