Oldest tool you still use?

I have a belt-drive bench grinder with a wire wheel mounted on one side. When I was 13 or 14, I built it on a piece of 1 1/8" p;wood about 16" X 24". The motor is a 1/2HP Century that, near as I can tell, was made in 1915. It's about the size of a modern 5HP.....and about as heavy. It's repulsion-start induction-run. I don't think they had AC capacitors back then........

My Grandfather bought the motor when it was new and used it on something, then in the early 60s, my Dad used it on a booster pump to water the garden, then I built the grinder. I still have it and use it often.

Me!

Maybe five years old. I either lose tools, scorch them or they get stolen.

I have a hammer and hand saw from my grandfather that worked in the Brooklyn Navy shipyard back in the 40’s, he retired from there in 66 after 40 years.The saw has gotten smaller over the years as I sharpen it by hand.

"Grants" brand automobile battery charger, 1976

i have a very old battery charger from the late 60's early 70's
transformer and diodes, that's it

I still carry my original awl and terminating screwdriver that I bought as an apprentice in the mid to late 80s.
In the garage I have to many to mention.
Tim.

RAD COM said:

I have a pair of Vaco crimper bolt cutters in my bag that my father bought in the early 70's that I use frequently. View attachment 176697

Click to expand...

I have a pair just like that at the barn that came in an old grain combine we bought in the mid 90’s.

Almost Retired said:

i have a very old battery charger from the late 60's early 70's
transformer and diodes, that's it

Click to expand...

That charger will do far better at desulphating a battery than any modern one plus it might bring a 'dead' battery back to life where an electronic one won't even try.

Just be careful to not boil all the water out.........

Mellow said:

What's the oldest tool you still carry in your bag? I picked up these chain pliers up for $1, and they will probably outlast me. They're heavy! If your hand gets close to the front during operation, you will recieve a guaranteed blood blister! Otherwise, they work great. Old USA tools were made to last!

View attachment 176695

View attachment 176694

View attachment 176696

Click to expand...

Those were made for chain back when it was heavy duty! Sweet

I carry the very first hammer (16oz Estwing) str claw) my Uncle bought me in 1965 to remove all the form boards and pull nails from framing lumber on one of his jobs. He bought me tools, coffee, and lunch, I provided free labor for jobs nobody else wanted.

In my toolshed I have tools that go back to my Great Grandfather.

I carried a set of 7 inch linemans to begin with
they were my gfathers, i managed to burn two places in the jaws, but i still have them

it didnt take me long to get a set of 9"

I have a 50-year-old pair of Kleins and I HAD a 55-year-old 1/2" all-cast Alum and steel Milwaukee drill. Left it at home when I walked out and never was able to retrieve it.

That bad boy would spin you in circles if you hit a nail while drilling. Hence why I have wrist damage.

I have my first pair on Klein linesman’s, swapped out the grips for the red journeymen handles. Still carry them in the pouch every day. Been through a few pair of ***** yet the linesmen’s are unscathed except for the marks left from when the were used as a hammer.

99cents said:

Maybe five years old. I either lose tools, scorch them or they get stolen.

Click to expand...

I was the same way until I got something like one of these...
Tech OT-MC Open Tool Bag for Tool Storage - VetoProPac

I color coded my tools, blue for ***** and linemans, Red for channel locks, Yellow for needle nose and strippers, etc. I have managed to hold on to the same tools for almost a decade now. I just look down and check to make sure I have 2 of everything in each slot. Now the only thing I loose regularly is my 11 in 1 screw driver. I always grab it to run around the clients house and leave it in random places.

Takideezy said:

I have my first pair on Klein linesman’s, swapped out the grips for the red journeymen handles. Still carry them in the pouch every day. Been through a few pair of * yet the linesmen’s are unscathed except for the marks left from when the were used as a hammer.

Click to expand...

How old?