I loved seeing the British WW1 bob wire cutters. I like the idea of the folding handles. I have a pair of WW 2 U.S. military issue bob wire cutters that are for cutting electrified bob wire. As you might of guessed they are H.K.Porter brand parrot beek style cutters that have rubber handle grips. They have been in my dad's tools as long as I can remember. He probably got them as army surplus from when he worked at their Somerville plant! Its wicked cool to see them cut through wire like butter! Old school is seems to last forever!
Thanks for beginning a shop tour series, my first shop was in our basement with the laundry room. Many times my wife would have the machines running while I was working on a project, watching and listing to this video I sware I can smell detergent and bleach!
Scoutcrafter, you have really spoilt me today with two of my favourite things, files and old British tools. Your description of files and uses should become the industry standard, these Cinderellas of the workshop are so under valued yet so very, very useful. The way you put the file handle on should remind everyone that you should never use a file with a bare tang. The wire cutters are evidence that necessity is truly the mother of invention. You can imagine the guys in the trenches asking for a tool that was convenient and portable rather than some bolt cutter arrangement. As you said, whoever came up with the folding design was pure genius. A HUGE thumbs up.
Hi Tony! A thought that comes to mind is that the inventor of those bolt cutters had to probably mock up some prototypes out of wood then metal... There was no CAD or Computer simulators to check the design. Very impressive! Thanks so much Tony!!!!!!
I just love it hen you take us to school! I learn so much form you, thanks! BTW I went to my first Midwest Tool Collectors meet here in Georgia over the weekend. It was better than great! I told several people about your channel! I came home with a significant tool haul by employing some of your strategies for looking in the $1 bins. I actually had people literally giving me tools. A totally positive experience. Thanks!
Thanks for showing us this great piece of history Scout. Those wire cutters look like they have a really good feel to them in hand. I also am impressed with how smooth operating the tool looks to go from closed to open.
Man I'm happy to hear that I'm not the only strange cat in the herd that enjoys the smell on a new shower curtain lol! That a very nice setup you have there in your basement Scout. After my kids all grew up and left the nest and once I retired I moved from a four bedroom house with a full basement that I had my old shop in into a pretty small 2 bedroom apartment so now I've got my shop crammed into one of the small rooms and my folks came over to visit and my Dad looked at my little tinkering shop and said "Well I guess you don't ever have to worry about losing anything in here cause all you'd have to do is take 2 steps and you'd trip over it" lol! Yep its small but actually I like it cause I have all my tools wall mounted and all I have to do is a 60 deg turn and I can reach everything behind me and turn back around and I'm back at my bench ready to go to work. I enjoy the "shop talk" content and it gives up a little behind the scenes look at where you work your magic. Keep up the great work my friend and as always thank you!
Hello MMMinc! You know it's funny you say that because as we get older we have to downsize, it's the nature of things... I remember my first "Shop" was the coal bin in my basement... Remember those? LOL It was a small boarded "room" in the back corner of the basement. I asked my Dad if I could make it a shop and he said sure! I remember cleaning out all the junk and the dimensions were about 10'x8' and I had a set-up much like the washing machine set-up... I remember having some awesome times in that shop and some great projects... By no means is it the size of the shop it just the fun tinkering in the shop!!!! I used to call it the "boat" syndrome... When you first get a boat you get a small outboard boat and are out all day having the time of your life, always dreaming of a bigger boat... Then as time goes by you upsize to a bigger boat and now you need 2 people because docking it is a pain and it eats gas like crazy so you never go out on it you just sit at the dock... Sooner or later you sell the boat and maybe wind up with another small one just to putt around in and you realize boating is fun again! LOL Thanks so much!
Great explanation on the files. I think something like files could take on a series of videos depending on how detailed someone decided to dive into the subject, but your overview was spot on for any DiY or hobbyist. Just the right amount of information to get someone started and start paying just a little bit more attention to a tool that most people tend to overlook. Those WW1 wire cutters are phenomenal examples of enginuity, leverage and strength in a ‘small package’. Can you imagine the stories tied up in those pliers?
I enjoy the shop tour part of your videos. I have very limited space myself and am always looking for new ideas to better use what limited space I have. Also I'm heading straight to my toolbox to inspect my files after watching this video to take note of exactly what I have. Thanks for the tutorial!
Hi Chris! File work is something that really is relaxing and so rewarding... I have screwed up stuff trying to use the grinder and belt sander but files are slower and more controlling... Thanks!
More shop tours please! You have lots of cool stuff. I love those mechanic's toolboxes. I would love to see what else you've accumulated over the years.
Hello Scott!!!! We don't see to many of these around the States.. These were a eBay find listed under "tool nippers" lol I paid $10 and $11 shipping. The lady selling them didn't know they were military. As you know Scott, some times you can get great deals on eBay when tools are mis-listed. Thanks so much!!!!!!!!
I have a old 'Record' No.83 vise I bought used off a guy locally that he had cleaned up and painted (wish he hadn't!!), and it has the broad arrow stamped in front of the moving jaw with a 1972 date!
You have a great eye for quality! That is a forged vise that is super strong and just a joy to use! Did you notice unlike modern vises this vise the front jaw is stationary and the back jaw moves... Most vises are opposite! Thanks so much!!!!!!!
Couple of things: 1) With our present weather, I told my friends to keep their Brass Monkeys indoors. 2) It's interesting that the piece has a broad arrow marking. I Don't think its still done, but British prison inmates had a broad arrow on the backs of their uniforms. Also, Eric Sloane, in one of his books, writes about England claiming trees for the crown in the colonies with a broad arrow chopped into the tree, and many, many years later there were still trees in New England with those marks.
Hello Carver! Yes! My UK friends say it's still used and every single thing the Govt. owned had that mark! Even silverware!!! LOL Your right about the trees too! Amazing! Thanks so much!
Thank you for the shop tour you made use of all available space. Thanks for the explanation of all the types of files. Nice cleanup and explaining the wire cutters. I always look forward to your videos. Thanks!
Yes Sir and they did that to try and prevent theft of Government property...now a days we just have the "CROWS" Common Remotely Operated Weapon System it doesn't prevent theft of Gov property but it sure does make a lot of noise and will leave one hell of a scar lol!
I don't know how you keep finding these awesome tools. Great content as usual. Thanks for sharing your knowledge..and your shop! looking forward to the future shop tour vids
Always a treat to see so many greatnvintage tools "Scout, I bought me a file a couple of years ago to use for sharpening the blade on my lawn mower, but now ya got me thinking about a kit like the one you sbowed. lol, thanks
I’ve always wondered why they call some files “bastard” files so I went and googled and found this interesting excerpt from Practical Machinist and thought I’d share: Why is a “bastard” file so named? The etymology of words is certainly an interesting study. The arguable “coarseness” of such a file [with the underlying implication that one of illegitimate birth was of "coarse" birth] is probably coincidental. The more accurate [and certainly more romantic] theory says that the term “bastard” most likely derives from heraldry. This analysis is certainly the etymological “short course”. Illegitimate births were not so stigmatized during the Middle Ages…for arguably they were the norm. Indeed, there were a many, highly notable “bastards” among the ruling classes of Europe during the Middle Ages. In the English coat-of-arms such a persons status as a “bastard” was signified by a bar…the barre sinister… which ran diagonally from the upper left corner of a heraldic shield to the lower right corner. In the medieval period files were the most common method of metal working… including the fashioning of swords, dirks, shields, and armor. The manufacture of files was a leading industry during that period. A file with teeth running diagonally across the cutting face closely resembled the diagonal barre sinister on the coat-of-arms of the “bastard”.
Hi Katie! That was awesome! Very interesting! Now I have to look up "Rat Bastard" to see why my Dad always referred to his Boss that way... =P Thanks Katie!!!!!!!
Was a bit tense when day's project came up. Thank God u didn't give it ur magical touch of mirror finish. And thanx for sharing the tip of storing away such tools. My few tools require it.
Hello SS! If these were very common it would be OK to customize but there aren't too many of these around, especially in the states and I always respect the military background! =) Thanks!!!!!!!!
@@ScoutCrafter yup they hv a history &their appearance shud depict it. I bet u won't find a single one of those in my country. I got two 4" C-clamps from scrapyard, managed to free them up, cudnt straighten the threads fully. First timer, hope done sumthin good.
LOVE your basement shop! I thought I was the only one in America with a crowded “make-do” basement shop. I don’t have as many tools as you, Scout, but I’m vying for second place!
LOL It's funny how quickly the shop gets over-crowded... I always preferred a basement shop. Garage or barn shops are so hard to keep warm/cool Thanks so much!
@@ScoutCrafter I have a BIG one that's dull as a froe I'm going to try Unc's sharpening on, a 6-incher for saw drags, a combo I got for doing the dogs toenails I got back when she had to go, bless her and 2 saw files,on for the 440 and one for the electrics and the Poulan. The rest is hammer modified. The DeWalt does 9/10 of my 'filing'.
war department tools still used on uk fire appliances today ive used those cutters a few times great resto again freezing here to mate -7 deg c last night lol
I found something very similar at a car boot sale two or three months ago, it was dated 1917 on one handle and 1916 on the other (If memory serves) and the had what looked like a French manufacturers mark. The guy selling them wanted £15 but I only had £10 left but he wouldn't take it! Hopefully if I keep looking I will find another set to purchase. Great channel and I always look forward to your next upload. UK viewer.
Hi Nash! I hate regretting not getting something I saw... I remember a few things I passed by that I wished I had bought and some still haunt me! LOL Thanks so much!
wynn timmins id bet, a good pliers manufacturer in the UK, Birmingham, theres many a ww2 escape movie featuring these cutting the wire at night. people forget barbed wire is a high strength steel, made even tougher by its hard drawn manufacture, its not mild coat hanger steel, metallurgy at the time meant pliers wont cut it, remember how older pliers the cutting edge would chip or shatter, doesnt happen on modern ones!. bolt cutters would but werent light enough to carry, look at older record bolt cutters and they were a very heavy design, not like modern tubular ones, also barbed wire was often in bunches , not an easily accessible single strand, the folding handles were indeed used in ww2 by commandos etc, same design
Hello Jusb! You're so right about the wire toughness and being drawn to achieve such strength. As you know WW1 was such a horrible war... That generation was much tougher then those following and it really took a toll on anyone involved. I read horrible accounts of men caught in barbed wire, under fire and it's even hard to read! The WW2 cutters were designed more like bolt cutters we know today. Thanks!!!!!!
Jusb, nice tidbit - it also explains the prevalence here in cattle country of the ubiquitous fencing plier which cuts by a different means than blade-and-anvil wire cutters.
@@ScoutCrafter The British army were still using these in the mid 80s when I was stationed out in Germany, I had a pair on the inventory for the Ferret scout car I used to drive and funnily enough they are now hanging on my tool board in my garage, they were also still being manufactured as the pair I have are stamped 1984.
Great video as always. You do good work and your commentary is always informative. Your knowledge of what the tool is used for and where it came from is always fascinating. It is cold up here in Canada as well. -22 C (-8 F) tonight and -27 C (-17 F) tomorrow night . I'll have to remember to cover the pumkins or they may get a touch of frost =). Michael from Canada
Hi Michael! You know I actually do like the cold when it's above freezing... when it drops to the teens and close to zero I'm not a fan... Stay warm! Thanks!!!!!!!
M. Bradley - hi from Australia. we had +46 deg C last week and tomorrow expecting 39 C. Fun fact : only at -40 deg. Fahrenheit = Celsius . (they read the same temp.)
Very cool. Great long term storage tip. Wish I would have known that a few years ago. Could have prevented some rust on some tools I put away for later use. Wd-40 doesn't last.
Definitely an excellent design on the cutters. In my experience a file is a lot like air. You don't think about it too much until you need one. If you don't have it your life gets way harder.
One of my favorite files is one I picked up at a yard sale for less than a dollar! I feel your pain - my basement shop is COLD! I think we got some relief coming next week!
Hi Blackie! The best part to me is you know some guy had to build a few sets out of sticks, then metal and so on to get it right..., No Computers back then to simulate function! LOL Thanks!!!!!!
I was lucky to have had a Father who taught me the value of a file. What that Man made with a hack saw and files was AMAZING! I have all his files and use them long before I would plug in my grinders!!! ...Newk from Kentucky
Hi Newk! There is something about working with a file that is unmatched with any other tool. My only gripe is why files were never made with handles instead of tangs... No reason for it in my eyes. Thanks!
This was super neat always learn something new every video scout your videos are always full of neat information :3 these could tell you some very good stories if they could talk 😃
Great stuff👍😎 🤠 Also reminds me, my files in my service van need to be replaced. I have that same grey Craftsman utility knife, that hangs over your washer.
Hi Jim! Funny story! That was the first Utility knife I bought! I am going to do a video on the ones I acquired and I am sure you will laugh. They are running re-runs on "The Big Valley" now on the western channel... I have a few in the DVR and today's episode featured Jill St. John... I don't think I blinked the entire time she was on screen! LOL
@@ScoutCrafter : Look forward to it 😎 Yes, The Big Valley, another one of my favorite TV Westerns. Always especially nice when they have a great guest star 🌟 😉👍😎🤠
I/we still use them today in the British Army, good cutters as long as you look after them, the only upgrade to the cutters is the carry case they come in, nice vid pal
Hi Paddy! You know I don't often see the case they came in... I bet there are some floating around the UK but here in the states not too many!!!!! Thanks so much!!!!
ScoutCrafter, I about broke a rib when you appeared in your Maine ear warmers down in your basement shop! When that cold front comes off the North Atlantic, boy oh boy can it get cold - the humid cold chills to the bone in a way folks here in the western states aren't as familiar with. Well all laughing and sympathy aside, one thing came to my mind you might know - is there a good way to clean files after use? Lately, I've been using a stiff brass coated steel brush and that seems to work fairly well, but when you turned me onto the giant eraser to clean sandpaper trick, I suspect you might have another handy trick up your sleeve!
It might not be a makers name, it might mean war tool. Just a guess. Great job built to last. Unlike the stuff we don't make anymore. Keep up the good work, from Britain.
Great cutter! Nice Survivor, really enjoyed your shop tour. I feel I need to come over there and help you do a makeover, pretty good at organizing small spaces. I am unfortunately going to have to call file abuse, you're good files clanking around in a drawer. I hang all mine up. And put handles on them. Nicholson has wooden panels that are nice for a couple dollars each. You got your Chinese files in a pouch and your good files clanking around on each other. Haha. Good video!
LOL Usually I'm very careful about banging them off one another... In my next shop I will have a larger area just for files... It's amazing how quickly they add up! =) Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's funny how when we see something interesting today we tend to think of it as a new invention but looking back at some older patents it seems everything today was already designed 100 years ago! LOL Thanks!!!!!
Man I feel for you, basement is only 48 degrees. Then again the -26 outside was worse. Those wire cutters were really important during the wars. Maybe more so during WW2. They used a lot of wire for making expedient roads.
Hello 57W- I have a real respect for military tools... I always wonder with some of the older ones about their history. Makes you wonder... Thanks P!!!!!
Nice wire cutters, you never see them cleaned up like that. However, I don't think you have German barbed wire for your test. WWI German wire was a heavy gauge, single-strand that was very difficult to cut. In addition, the barbs were very long and much more closely spaced. It was vicious.
Hi scout,nice collection of files in the snap on chest ,hope you don't mind me saying, but nothing blunts a file quicker than rubbing against another file, I built a rack like your screwdriver rack ,so my good files could all hang separate ,that way preserving the sharp teeth.just an idea!. The ww1 wire cutters are in great condition,good find scout. Looks like your in for a cold spell over there, hope thing go OK for you. Still OK here, but some snow in the south, regards to you and your's. STUART.
Hello Stuart! You are so right! That drawer used to have a lot of room for the files to breath but over time I acquired more and more and now they are over crowded! In my next shop I will have a dedicated space for my files that will keep them separate! Thanks Stuart!!!!!!!!
They are still making rulers after all these years! We always had one of these rulers in the kitchen drawer and when bored I would make a wooden Gigantor with it... To this day I never used one for measurement. =) Thanks!
Hey John my neighbor just gave me a pair of folding pliers for my birthday, just like yours he bought on line I have no idea how much he paid but it came with a cord hanging off one end.
i like the way you store them in the wax paper i might have to steal that from you do to i dont have a garage just have a open car port bbut i do store my really good tools inside. but i was wondering if the design of these plyers is what made the leathermans / multi tools the way these fold . might not be but its almost similar
Hi Steve! I wish I had some of that old time wax coated brown paper they used in WW2! That paper and cosmoline kept everything rut free for many years! However cosmoline is a pain to remove where the mineral oil/Vaseline mix wipes off easily. I agree about the design similarity to Leatherman!! Thanks !!!
My garage is an orphanage for lost and misfit files. I can’t help but buy them at garage sales lol most the time a bath in muriatic acid gets them back to useable condition
Soldiers were tougher in WW1 so they didn't need the extra leverage, you know this is true if you've seen any of the testosterone commercials. 😁 Nice restoration and file dissertation too, thanks for the video!
Hi George! I do believe that! My Father was the toughest man I ever knew and had MITS for hands and he said his Father's hands were bigger! =O They were some tough SOB's back then! =) God bless them! Thanks George!
Hello Omar- I know Nicholson and Simmons were very big here but I have a few Keen Kutter files that are very interesting too! Nicholson is probably the best! Thanks !!!!!!
The arrow mark seen on prisoners uniforms, does that mean prisoners were/are government property? My first thought seeing the arrow mark on the wire cutters was, "prison escape wire cutters, folding for easy concealment". I do enjoy ScoutCrafters posts!
Scout, I noticed in the beginning when you were filing the rod in the vise, you had a rag below the jaws of the vise over the bottom of it. Is that to keep filings from getting where it would gum up everything in the vise? - Kathie
Hello Kathie! You always amaze me with your observations! Yes! My Great Grandfathers Vise is awesome but never had a thread protector. So I always have a small rag that covers the threads to stop filings, chips and sawdust from like you said "Gumming up the works" it works well! The Vise is so nice... Thanks!!!!!!!!!
ScoutCrafter wera is cheap enough lol, in price not necessarily quality even though sometimes they goof. How much could you have possibly saved getting a wera knockoff lol? You're so cheap Scout!
Hi Tim! I think the official originally was "4 in 1 Hand file" and thru the years people shortened it to "4 in Hand"! In fact I think Nicholson might call it that!!! =) Great stuff! Great File! =) Thanks!!!!!!!!
I resently heard a great thought (in french) that your video is the exemple of ! " the present impact the past" (le présent agit sur le passé). I think you making this tool a video change the wildenesse of is story. War only have loosers.
I loved seeing the British WW1 bob wire cutters. I like the idea of the folding handles. I have a pair of WW 2 U.S. military issue bob wire cutters that are for cutting electrified bob wire. As you might of guessed they are H.K.Porter brand parrot beek style cutters that have rubber handle grips. They have been in my dad's tools as long as I can remember. He probably got them as army surplus from when he worked at their Somerville plant! Its wicked cool to see them cut through wire like butter! Old school is seems to last forever!
They really made some great stuff years ago before Planned Obsolescence! =)
Thanks for beginning a shop tour series, my first shop was in our basement with the laundry room. Many times my wife would have the machines running while I was working on a project, watching and listing to this video I sware I can smell detergent and bleach!
Scoutcrafter, you have really spoilt me today with two of my favourite things, files and old British tools. Your description of files and uses should become the industry standard, these Cinderellas of the workshop are so under valued yet so very, very useful. The way you put the file handle on should remind everyone that you should never use a file with a bare tang.
The wire cutters are evidence that necessity is truly the mother of invention. You can imagine the guys in the trenches asking for a tool that was convenient and portable rather than some bolt cutter arrangement. As you said, whoever came up with the folding design was pure genius. A HUGE thumbs up.
Hi Tony! A thought that comes to mind is that the inventor of those bolt cutters had to probably mock up some prototypes out of wood then metal... There was no CAD or Computer simulators to check the design. Very impressive! Thanks so much Tony!!!!!!
I just love it hen you take us to school! I learn so much form you, thanks! BTW I went to my first Midwest Tool Collectors meet here in Georgia over the weekend. It was better than great! I told several people about your channel! I came home with a significant tool haul by employing some of your strategies for looking in the $1 bins. I actually had people literally giving me tools. A totally positive experience. Thanks!
Wayne Miracle it was in Georgia this weekend? Where?
Kevin wheeler Madison Georgia, east of Atlanta.
Thanks for showing us this great piece of history Scout. Those wire cutters look like they have a really good feel to them in hand. I also am impressed with how smooth operating the tool looks to go from closed to open.
Hi Lee! I was surprised at how smooth they operated and how nice the design was! Those Brits don't play! LOL =) Thanks Lee!
Man I'm happy to hear that I'm not the only strange cat in the herd that enjoys the smell on a new shower curtain lol! That a very nice setup you have there in your basement Scout. After my kids all grew up and left the nest and once I retired I moved from a four bedroom house with a full basement that I had my old shop in into a pretty small 2 bedroom apartment so now I've got my shop crammed into one of the small rooms and my folks came over to visit and my Dad looked at my little tinkering shop and said "Well I guess you don't ever have to worry about losing anything in here cause all you'd have to do is take 2 steps and you'd trip over it" lol! Yep its small but actually I like it cause I have all my tools wall mounted and all I have to do is a 60 deg turn and I can reach everything behind me and turn back around and I'm back at my bench ready to go to work. I enjoy the "shop talk" content and it gives up a little behind the scenes look at where you work your magic. Keep up the great work my friend and as always thank you!
Hello MMMinc! You know it's funny you say that because as we get older we have to downsize, it's the nature of things... I remember my first "Shop" was the coal bin in my basement... Remember those? LOL It was a small boarded "room" in the back corner of the basement. I asked my Dad if I could make it a shop and he said sure! I remember cleaning out all the junk and the dimensions were about 10'x8' and I had a set-up much like the washing machine set-up... I remember having some awesome times in that shop and some great projects... By no means is it the size of the shop it just the fun tinkering in the shop!!!! I used to call it the "boat" syndrome... When you first get a boat you get a small outboard boat and are out all day having the time of your life, always dreaming of a bigger boat... Then as time goes by you upsize to a bigger boat and now you need 2 people because docking it is a pain and it eats gas like crazy so you never go out on it you just sit at the dock... Sooner or later you sell the boat and maybe wind up with another small one just to putt around in and you realize boating is fun again! LOL Thanks so much!
Great explanation on the files. I think something like files could take on a series of videos depending on how detailed someone decided to dive into the subject, but your overview was spot on for any DiY or hobbyist. Just the right amount of information to get someone started and start paying just a little bit more attention to a tool that most people tend to overlook.
Those WW1 wire cutters are phenomenal examples of enginuity, leverage and strength in a ‘small package’. Can you imagine the stories tied up in those pliers?
Cool pliers. A great explanation of files and a great restoration.
Fascinated by the history of the wire cutters. Thanks for the info.
I enjoy the shop tour part of your videos. I have very limited space myself and am always looking for new ideas to better use what limited space I have. Also I'm heading straight to my toolbox to inspect my files after watching this video to take note of exactly what I have. Thanks for the tutorial!
Hi Chris! File work is something that really is relaxing and so rewarding... I have screwed up stuff trying to use the grinder and belt sander but files are slower and more controlling... Thanks!
More shop tours please! You have lots of cool stuff. I love those mechanic's toolboxes. I would love to see what else you've accumulated over the years.
Sure thing! Little by Little I will get it done! LOL Thanks so much!
Those are MAGNIFICENT, Sir! I think they look perfect the way you did them. I love historical items like that. Thanks for preserving them!
Hello Scott!!!! We don't see to many of these around the States.. These were a eBay find listed under "tool nippers" lol I paid $10 and $11 shipping. The lady selling them didn't know they were military. As you know Scott, some times you can get great deals on eBay when tools are mis-listed. Thanks so much!!!!!!!!
Thank you for showing about your file set John , much appreciated Sir . Cool restoration on those antique folding wire cutters as well .
Hi Dave!!!! I always like to start off with a "set" of anything then see what items are good for my use and what isn't... =) Thanks so much!
I have a old 'Record' No.83 vise I bought used off a guy locally that he had cleaned up and painted (wish he hadn't!!), and it has the broad arrow stamped in front of the moving jaw with a 1972 date!
I am amazed at the tools that you have in your collection! TRULY AMAZING! Thankya Sir!
Great explanation !Great information ! great stuff ! Great show - as always !!!
I love all of the old tools you show us. Gives me something to look for. Thanks
Thanks so much!!!!!!!
Great video. Cool piece. Love old tools.
Looking forward to seeing the rest of the shop. Love the pliers! Have a good weekend SC.
Very informative, as always! Love the wire cutters.
That's why we love you, Scout, you'll do whatever it takes.
Thanks for the shop tour, making use of all space. I enjoyed the info on files. Nice job on the wire cutters.
Vaughn
Thanks Vaughn!!
I really like your great grandfathers vise...that's so cool it stayed in your family for that many generations
You have a great eye for quality! That is a forged vise that is super strong and just a joy to use! Did you notice unlike modern vises this vise the front jaw is stationary and the back jaw moves... Most vises are opposite! Thanks so much!!!!!!!
Couple of things: 1) With our present weather, I told my friends to keep their Brass Monkeys indoors. 2) It's interesting that the piece has a broad arrow marking. I Don't think its still done, but British prison inmates had a broad arrow on the backs of their uniforms. Also, Eric Sloane, in one of his books, writes about England claiming trees for the crown in the colonies with a broad arrow chopped into the tree, and many, many years later there were still trees in New England with those marks.
Hello Carver! Yes! My UK friends say it's still used and every single thing the Govt. owned had that mark! Even silverware!!! LOL Your right about the trees too! Amazing! Thanks so much!
Always great to see something you have never seen before.
Great video Scout
Thanks so much Joe! =)
Thank you for the shop tour you made use of all available space. Thanks for the explanation of all the types of files. Nice cleanup and explaining the wire cutters. I always look forward to your videos. Thanks!
Hi Frank!!!! Thanks so much! It's 4am and I am half way thru the special wrench for Wednesday! =D
The broad Arrow mark was also known as the crows foot growing up in Army married quarters it was on most of the furniture even the tea spoons.....
Awesome!!!!!! Thanks Daniel!
Yes Sir and they did that to try and prevent theft of Government property...now a days we just have the "CROWS" Common Remotely Operated Weapon System it doesn't prevent theft of Gov property but it sure does make a lot of noise and will leave one hell of a scar lol!
Those wire cutters don't look like they would be very hard to reproduces yet still so effective. Great vid
HI Abe! Yes! Very easy to remake!!!!! I'm sure the patent is long over! LOL Thanks!!!!!
Great seeing some more of your shop!
Thanks Alex!!!!
I don't know how you keep finding these awesome tools. Great content as usual. Thanks for sharing your knowledge..and your shop! looking forward to the future shop tour vids
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much!
Large tool! I like the fold up design. I agree with the simple resto. Great job as always n thanks for sharing
Hi Bernie! I could always at anytime spray them Black but it's such a pretty tool in it's own right! Thanks!!!!!!
I like the hat, the file education and the work area. Very tidy. Interesting folding wire cutters.
Hi Jill! LOL Little tidy area in a sea of confusion! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!!
ScoutCrafter how are you possibly moving?🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
@@jill552 I budgeted 50K for the move... I hope it's enough! LOL
S🗜, are you moving up north? Is that where you’re building the Scout🗜rafter tool museum?🤗
Great tutorial! Thanks for sharing this. We had -9 degree temperatures with -36 wind chill factor this week so my basement was really cold too!
Holy cow! That is COLD!!!!! Good news is the Groundhog says early Spring this year!!!! =)
Always a treat to see so many greatnvintage tools "Scout, I bought me a file a couple of years ago to use for sharpening the blade on my lawn mower, but now ya got me thinking about a kit like the one you sbowed. lol, thanks
Really a great set for the money... Lots of variety... Thanks!!!!!!
..great resto. a lot of tools were designed out of necessity, for a specific job..good find..
I’ve always wondered why they call some files “bastard” files so I went and googled and found this interesting excerpt from Practical Machinist and thought I’d share:
Why is a “bastard” file so named? The etymology of words is certainly an interesting study. The arguable “coarseness” of such a file [with the underlying implication that one of illegitimate birth was of "coarse" birth] is probably coincidental. The more accurate [and certainly more romantic] theory says that the term “bastard” most likely derives from heraldry. This analysis is certainly the etymological “short course”. Illegitimate births were not so stigmatized during the Middle Ages…for arguably they were the norm. Indeed, there were a many, highly notable “bastards” among the ruling classes of Europe during the Middle Ages. In the English coat-of-arms such a persons status as a “bastard” was signified by a bar…the barre sinister… which ran diagonally from the upper left corner of a heraldic shield to the lower right corner. In the medieval period files were the most common method of metal working… including the fashioning of swords, dirks, shields, and armor. The manufacture of files was a leading industry during that period. A file with teeth running diagonally across the cutting face closely resembled the diagonal barre sinister on the coat-of-arms of the “bastard”.
Hi Katie! That was awesome! Very interesting! Now I have to look up "Rat Bastard" to see why my Dad always referred to his Boss that way... =P Thanks Katie!!!!!!!
Katie, great explanation. Thanks
@@ScoutCrafterhahaha! Great video as usual!
Katie - thanks for this interesting bit of history. Its fascinating how much in out language we use without having any idea of the origin.
A fellow lover of etymology! Very nice.
The “WT” may stand for Wolverhampton where Chllington Tool Works made these during WWII. My similar pair was made in 1940.
It's a maker's mark. It stands for Wynn Timmins.
You always find the deals, i need to get a set myself.. John I really love this channel of awesome cutters! 👍 👍
Hi Bert! These are one of those tools I will surely never use but I am going to make up a box of all military tools! Thanks Bert!!!
Good video. You always get very interesting tools!
Great video. Great advice on the files.
Love those pliers I have to say I’ve seen the arrow many many times but never knew what it meant. Best wishes as always
very cool cutters
Great video. Very interesting with lots of information.
Was a bit tense when day's project came up. Thank God u didn't give it ur magical touch of mirror finish. And thanx for sharing the tip of storing away such tools. My few tools require it.
Hello SS! If these were very common it would be OK to customize but there aren't too many of these around, especially in the states and I always respect the military background! =) Thanks!!!!!!!!
@@ScoutCrafter yup they hv a history &their appearance shud depict it. I bet u won't find a single one of those in my country. I got two 4" C-clamps from scrapyard, managed to free them up, cudnt straighten the threads fully. First timer, hope done sumthin good.
LOVE your basement shop! I thought I was the only one in America with a crowded “make-do” basement shop. I don’t have as many tools as you, Scout, but I’m vying for second place!
LOL It's funny how quickly the shop gets over-crowded... I always preferred a basement shop. Garage or barn shops are so hard to keep warm/cool Thanks so much!
Great video! The vasoline/mineral oil is a great tip. Cheers
Thanks Joe!!!!
Great Show!! Stay safe up there!!!! 🥶🥶🥶🥶
Thanks for the information on the files (Doug in Ga) keep warm , in the 50' here today 🌞
Hi Doug! I Love 50! =) Thanks!
That's an old pair awesome Scout heep on brother love your channel you always got something new
Totally agree with you on the files,. and thanks for the history lesson Scout.
Hi Michael! Thanks so much!
Yay scout crafter. It’s always a beautiful great day when mr scout crafter uploads.
Liked the cutters and I have 5 files and 3 are for the chain saw. And I saw that Estwing hammer, Pal! Stay warm and hid inside!
Hello Lewie! Go on now!!!! LOL I am thinking you might be pulling me leg here! =D
@@ScoutCrafter I have a BIG one that's dull as a froe I'm going to try Unc's sharpening on, a 6-incher for saw drags, a combo I got for doing the dogs toenails I got back when she had to go, bless her and 2 saw files,on for the 440 and one for the electrics and the Poulan. The rest is hammer modified. The DeWalt does 9/10 of my 'filing'.
war department tools still used on uk fire appliances today ive used those cutters a few times great resto again freezing here to mate -7 deg c last night lol
Hi Robert! Whenever it gets this cold I always have tremendous respect for the animals who brave it! Thanks!
I found something very similar at a car boot sale two or three months ago, it was dated 1917 on one handle and 1916 on the other (If memory serves) and the had what looked like a French manufacturers mark. The guy selling them wanted £15 but I only had £10 left but he wouldn't take it! Hopefully if I keep looking I will find another set to purchase. Great channel and I always look forward to your next upload. UK viewer.
Hi Nash! I hate regretting not getting something I saw... I remember a few things I passed by that I wished I had bought and some still haunt me! LOL Thanks so much!
wynn timmins id bet, a good pliers manufacturer in the UK, Birmingham, theres many a ww2 escape movie featuring these cutting the wire at night. people forget barbed wire is a high strength steel, made even tougher by its hard drawn manufacture, its not mild coat hanger steel, metallurgy at the time meant pliers wont cut it, remember how older pliers the cutting edge would chip or shatter, doesnt happen on modern ones!. bolt cutters would but werent light enough to carry, look at older record bolt cutters and they were a very heavy design, not like modern tubular ones, also barbed wire was often in bunches , not an easily accessible single strand, the folding handles were indeed used in ww2 by commandos etc, same design
Hello Jusb! You're so right about the wire toughness and being drawn to achieve such strength. As you know WW1 was such a horrible war... That generation was much tougher then those following and it really took a toll on anyone involved. I read horrible accounts of men caught in barbed wire, under fire and it's even hard to read! The WW2 cutters were designed more like bolt cutters we know today. Thanks!!!!!!
Jusb, nice tidbit - it also explains the prevalence here in cattle country of the ubiquitous fencing plier which cuts by a different means than blade-and-anvil wire cutters.
@@ScoutCrafter The British army were still using these in the mid 80s when I was stationed out in Germany, I had a pair on the inventory for the Ferret scout car I used to drive and funnily enough they are now hanging on my tool board in my garage, they were also still being manufactured as the pair I have are stamped 1984.
by the way they came issued in a canvas webbing pouch.
@@jimjobson1958 Wow! A design that is so good there is no need to change it!!!! Awesome!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!
The frozen tundra of the scout basement! Enjoyed this one.
LOL I should have panned down to the MUKLUKS! LOL
Those pliers are huge, with a lot of leverage.
I don't think I will get on the plane with these! LOL
I just bought a "Husky" brand file set. All of the files were great except the large rasp. Somebody totally forgot to harden it!
Great video as always. You do good work and your commentary is always informative. Your knowledge of what the tool is used for and where it came from is always fascinating. It is cold up here in Canada as well. -22 C (-8 F) tonight and -27 C (-17 F) tomorrow night . I'll have to remember to cover the pumkins or they may get a touch of frost =).
Michael from Canada
Hi Michael! You know I actually do like the cold when it's above freezing... when it drops to the teens and close to zero I'm not a fan... Stay warm! Thanks!!!!!!!
M. Bradley - hi from Australia. we had +46 deg C last week and tomorrow expecting 39 C. Fun fact : only at -40 deg. Fahrenheit = Celsius . (they read the same temp.)
Wow... I can't imagine how temperatures that high must feel. During our summer I like it around +20 C. Good luck....
@@michaelbradley8508 I'll take 20 C all 365 days a year. Even today (36 C) I'm inside at home all day - these are absolutely wasted days.
Very cool. Great long term storage tip. Wish I would have known that a few years ago. Could have prevented some rust on some tools I put away for later use. Wd-40 doesn't last.
Hello SY! Yes! The 50/50 Vaseline/Mineral oil is great! Goes on easy, protects the tool and leaves your hands nice and soft! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!
Definitely an excellent design on the cutters. In my experience a file is a lot like air. You don't think about it too much until you need one. If you don't have it your life gets way harder.
Hi Allan, As a blacksmith you know even a worn-out file is a treasure! Free quality Steel!!!!! =)
great video...
One of my favorite files is one I picked up at a yard sale for less than a dollar! I feel your pain - my basement shop is COLD! I think we got some relief coming next week!
Hello 357 MD! They are talking almost 60 on Tuesday! Sweet!!!!!! =)
@@ScoutCrafter I know! I hope I can get out and wash all of the road salt off of the cars!
Pliers...looks like a folded chameleon... great leverage..looks great
Hi Blackie! The best part to me is you know some guy had to build a few sets out of sticks, then metal and so on to get it right..., No Computers back then to simulate function! LOL Thanks!!!!!!
@@ScoutCrafter Excellent point of view...100% correct...
I was lucky to have had a Father who taught me the value of a file. What that Man made with a hack saw and files was AMAZING! I have all his files and use them long before I would plug in my grinders!!! ...Newk from Kentucky
Hi Newk! There is something about working with a file that is unmatched with any other tool. My only gripe is why files were never made with handles instead of tangs... No reason for it in my eyes. Thanks!
I always prefer your "red carpet" to the red carpet show in Hollywood.Hope you received the pictures i sent to you .Great video again John.
Hi Lou! I just saw them! OMG Just beautiful! You are a real craftsman! Thanks so much!
This was super neat always learn something new every video scout your videos are always full of neat information :3 these could tell you some very good stories if they could talk 😃
Hello LV! Imagine!? WW1... The worst conditions and hardest war ever! Thanks!
@@ScoutCrafter indeed it would be something else you are welcome 😃
Great video, very interesting, the only thing I would have added about the files is file care and using a file card etc.
Great stuff👍😎 🤠 Also reminds me, my files in my service van need to be replaced.
I have that same grey Craftsman utility knife, that hangs over your washer.
Hi Jim! Funny story! That was the first Utility knife I bought! I am going to do a video on the ones I acquired and I am sure you will laugh. They are running re-runs on "The Big Valley" now on the western channel... I have a few in the DVR and today's episode featured Jill St. John... I don't think I blinked the entire time she was on screen! LOL
@@ScoutCrafter : Look forward to it 😎 Yes, The Big Valley, another one of my favorite TV Westerns. Always especially nice when they have a great guest star 🌟 😉👍😎🤠
Hey Scout, was that music Les Baxter? Great video as always. Your enthusiasm is infectious.
I/we still use them today in the British Army, good cutters as long as you look after them, the only upgrade to the cutters is the carry case they come in, nice vid pal
Hi Paddy! You know I don't often see the case they came in... I bet there are some floating around the UK but here in the states not too many!!!!! Thanks so much!!!!
ScoutCrafter, I will send you out the latest carry case. Where do I send it too!!!
ScoutCrafter, I about broke a rib when you appeared in your Maine ear warmers down in your basement shop! When that cold front comes off the North Atlantic, boy oh boy can it get cold - the humid cold chills to the bone in a way folks here in the western states aren't as familiar with. Well all laughing and sympathy aside, one thing came to my mind you might know - is there a good way to clean files after use? Lately, I've been using a stiff brass coated steel brush and that seems to work fairly well, but when you turned me onto the giant eraser to clean sandpaper trick, I suspect you might have another handy trick up your sleeve!
It might not be a makers name, it might mean war tool. Just a guess. Great job built to last. Unlike the stuff we don't make anymore. Keep up the good work, from Britain.
Great cutter! Nice Survivor, really enjoyed your shop tour. I feel I need to come over there and help you do a makeover, pretty good at organizing small spaces. I am unfortunately going to have to call file abuse, you're good files clanking around in a drawer. I hang all mine up. And put handles on them. Nicholson has wooden panels that are nice for a couple dollars each. You got your Chinese files in a pouch and your good files clanking around on each other. Haha. Good video!
LOL Usually I'm very careful about banging them off one another... In my next shop I will have a larger area just for files... It's amazing how quickly they add up! =) Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So are these the inspiration for the leatherman or other folding multitools? You never fail to educate me and impress! Keep warm.
It's funny how when we see something interesting today we tend to think of it as a new invention but looking back at some older patents it seems everything today was already designed 100 years ago! LOL Thanks!!!!!
Man I feel for you, basement is only 48 degrees. Then again the -26 outside was worse. Those wire cutters were really important during the wars. Maybe more so during WW2. They used a lot of wire for making expedient roads.
Hello 57W- I have a real respect for military tools... I always wonder with some of the older ones about their history. Makes you wonder... Thanks P!!!!!
I think the WT stamp could stand for Wireless telegraphy perhaps a UK MOD dept.
Glenn Drewett I agree, but think it could be “wire telegraph”
Nice wire cutters, you never see them cleaned up like that. However, I don't think you have German barbed wire for your test. WWI German wire was a heavy gauge, single-strand that was very difficult to cut. In addition, the barbs were very long and much more closely spaced. It was vicious.
I had a pair of those in original olive paint
Hi scout,nice collection of files in the snap on chest ,hope you don't mind me saying, but nothing blunts a file quicker than rubbing against another file, I built a rack like your screwdriver rack ,so my good files could all hang separate ,that way preserving the sharp teeth.just an idea!. The ww1 wire cutters are in great condition,good find scout. Looks like your in for a cold spell over there, hope thing go OK for you. Still OK here, but some snow in the south, regards to you and your's. STUART.
Hello Stuart! You are so right! That drawer used to have a lot of room for the files to breath but over time I acquired more and more and now they are over crowded! In my next shop I will have a dedicated space for my files that will keep them separate! Thanks Stuart!!!!!!!!
Check out
Hultafors
folding ruler originating from 1883.. Very nice
They are still making rulers after all these years! We always had one of these rulers in the kitchen drawer and when bored I would make a wooden Gigantor with it... To this day I never used one for measurement. =) Thanks!
Excellent job sir as always...I' cracked my right hand so ı dont write so long but ı:m watching as always :)
Hey John my neighbor just gave me a pair of folding pliers for my birthday, just like yours he bought on line I have no idea how much he paid but it came with a cord hanging off one end.
i like the way you store them in the wax paper i might have to steal that from you do to i dont have a garage just have a open car port bbut i do store my really good tools inside. but i was wondering if the design of these plyers is what made the leathermans / multi tools the way these fold . might not be but its almost similar
Hi Steve! I wish I had some of that old time wax coated brown paper they used in WW2! That paper and cosmoline kept everything rut free for many years! However cosmoline is a pain to remove where the mineral oil/Vaseline mix wipes off easily. I agree about the design similarity to Leatherman!! Thanks !!!
👌👌👌
My garage is an orphanage for lost and misfit files. I can’t help but buy them at garage sales lol most the time a bath in muriatic acid gets them back to useable condition
Hello Brad! The great thing about old files is one day when you want to make a knife you have some awesome steel on hand!!!!!! =) Thanks!!!!!!!!
Nice scout
would be neat to get a leather pouch made for it.
Good job. I am familiar with this type tool and it is a winner. It is 65 here today....captjack
Oh Jack! You lucky dog! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!!!!
Soldiers were tougher in WW1 so they didn't need the extra leverage, you know this is true if you've seen any of the testosterone commercials. 😁 Nice restoration and file dissertation too, thanks for the video!
Hi George! I do believe that! My Father was the toughest man I ever knew and had MITS for hands and he said his Father's hands were bigger! =O They were some tough SOB's back then! =) God bless them! Thanks George!
Fantastic review Mr scout crafter 👍..what's your favorite American made file maker?
Hello Omar- I know Nicholson and Simmons were very big here but I have a few Keen Kutter files that are very interesting too! Nicholson is probably the best! Thanks !!!!!!
The arrow mark seen on prisoners uniforms, does that mean prisoners were/are government property? My first thought seeing the arrow mark on the wire cutters was, "prison escape wire cutters, folding for easy concealment".
I do enjoy ScoutCrafters posts!
Scout, I noticed in the beginning when you were filing the rod in the vise, you had a rag below the jaws of the vise over the bottom of it. Is that to keep filings from getting where it would gum up everything in the vise? - Kathie
Hello Kathie! You always amaze me with your observations! Yes! My Great Grandfathers Vise is awesome but never had a thread protector. So I always have a small rag that covers the threads to stop filings, chips and sawdust from like you said "Gumming up the works" it works well! The Vise is so nice... Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Snow here in the UK too.. It's 'snow joke'🤣 What a fine collection of tools.. Are those yellow handle screwdrivers Wera?
Hello TD! No, but they are a Wera copy (asian) very well made!!! One of my favorites! Great handle design! Thanks!!!!!!!
@@ScoutCrafter They look great.. Never seen Wera's with a cellulose acetate handle hence my question...
ScoutCrafter wera is cheap enough lol, in price not necessarily quality even though sometimes they goof. How much could you have possibly saved getting a wera knockoff lol? You're so cheap Scout!
@@kevinwheeler5595 I liked these because of the acetate handles... They are really good screwdrivers regardless of brand!
Nice hat 😁
If you wear this in LA it means you're homeless! LOL
The File is your Friend!!☺
Man I like those cutters, Do you know if they were issued with a pouch.
Hi Tommy! I think I saw a pic of one with a pouch but hardly ever see them for sale! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!
WT may stand for Wolseley Tools
Thanks!!!!!!!
My father taught me to call the 4 way file a "four in hand" file.
Hi Tim! I think the official originally was "4 in 1 Hand file" and thru the years people shortened it to "4 in Hand"! In fact I think Nicholson might call it that!!! =) Great stuff! Great File! =) Thanks!!!!!!!!
I resently heard a great thought (in french) that your video is the exemple of ! " the present impact the past" (le présent agit sur le passé). I think you making this tool a video change the wildenesse of is story. War only have loosers.
Hello NJ! That is a wonderful saying... So true too about war having only losers. I don't think we will ever be free of it. Thanks so much...