Subscriber Sent Me His Grandfather's Wrench for Restoration
In this video I restore an antique wrench sent to me by a subscriber from Italy. The wrench belonged to his grandfather who later died.
This is a nice clean combination wrench for either nut or pipe work. It has a clear maker's mark and is made by Bemis & Call .The condition of the wrench is good with some minor dings and dents, but with a lot of rust. Has a solid hardwood handle with 3 hairline cracks near the heavy steel ferrule. The ferrule is missing , probably this caused the cracks. The handle is protected from splitting any further with a steel ferrule and an end threaded nut which is missing too. The pipe jaw is missing too but I bought a new one from eBay.
In the restoration process, I cleaned the steel parts, then polished and plated them with nickel. I made the parts that were missing from the steel by working on the lathe and I nickel plated too. The wooden handle was restored too and overall this wrench is now restored but kept the patina a lot. This was the owner's request.
I hope you will like this kind of restoration and please let me know in comments what do you think about. Thanks and cheers guys !
#restoration #wrenchrestoration #restorationvideos
I hope you like this kind of restoration. I am at your disposal with an answer to any question. Cheers guys !!
How much time do you need to record and edit a video in average?
You are the best my friend David. Big hug.☕☕
Not bad but can be better, your finishing normally is not up the mark, watch my mechanic
@@kenlumhemang7654 He literally said the subscriber asked to maintain casting marks etc. His finishing is normally of excellent standard - not far off My Mechanics at all.
Yeah, the owner of this wrench wanted to keep all the marks and characters. I made metalworking just for making the functionality of the wrench, better. My main goal on this restoration was to clean very well and to eliminate every drop of rust.
Very good restoration. The wrench turned out very nicely. The machinist work to make the ferrule and end cap is excellent. The letters GNRY stand for Great Northern Railway. This wrench at one time was used by this railway. The Great Northern ran along the upper tier states of the US and was absorbed into the larger Burlington Northern Railroad about 50 years ago. Thanks.
Wow , to be honest I never knew it what piece of history I had in my hands 😊thanks for the info
Thanks for sharing!
Yep, on the GNRY.
Great insight! Thank you👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
Thank you for sharing that info. 👍 See what you can learn on KZhead?😊
I'm sure Salvatore Romano really appreciates the work you've put into bringing his late grandfather's wrench back to life. Beautiful job 👏 👌
Thank you very much and glad you liked it 😊
thank you for covering up the flashing lights from welding, it makes it much more comfortable to watch!
Glad you liked it Manny 😊 thanks
Not only is it a restoration, it's a precious memory that you preserved for another generation to appreciate. Beautiful job, and thanks Mr. Romano for sending it here, you are in the best hands!
Thank you very much William 😊
The deep dimples from the corrosion look so interesting after being nickel plated. I love that you retained the character of the imperfections, it’s part of the story of this tool.
Thanks and glad you enjoyed so much 😊
Now this is how you restore something old and keep the character. I couldn't believe the amount of rust which came off during the electrolysis, even after sand blasting. Maybe one day you can restore one of my late dad's old tools. He as TONS.
Thank you very much for every time support you give me mate 😊
That rough finish with the nickel plating is just gorgeous
Thanks and glad you like it 😊
Turned out nice & your shop is always so clean and tidy
Thanks a lot mate 😊
Amazing work! The owner will be proud! GNRY - Stands for Great Northern Railway. I have a GNRY Intermediate Adjustable Wrench that I plan on restoring as well.
Came here to say the same!
Thanks for the infos guys 😊
A railroad wrench...even better. Thank you!
He knew already which is why he knew where to put the dots in the G.N.RY. inscription.
The dots was already there 👍
Super awesome stuff that you do, it's been a while since I've watched. But, I do enjoy it wholeheartedly! In some ways, I find it oddly soothing-- all these sounds, the tinkering of metals and other assortments of tools coming together to restore olden items. It, in a way, reminds me of my grandfather. He was a sweet man, and a handyman as well. Thank you for your videos. 🙌
Thank you very much and glad you liked it so much 😊 cheers
Now can keep it in the family for hopefully many generations. Well done.
Thanks a lot 😊
Well he has no excuse not to do the fine work his grandfather did and pass it down for next to keep up the good name, that will certainly put a big smile on grandfather as he looks upon them. Bless
Thank you very much Victoria 😊
Wow. I’m glad you kept the wooden handle. Far too many people make new ones when it’s not necessary. Very impressive piece
Thank you very much Ian 😊 glad you enjoyed
Can we take a moment to appreciate the decision and effort to both include the welding and filter it so we aren't blinded? 👏
Thanks and glad you liked it 😊
If the owner is not satisfied, I will gladly buy it. Great restoration and I love that you left some 'character'
Thanks a lot again , Steve ! 😊
You’re the only restoration KZheadr I watch who puts a filter over the welding process and I really wish more folks would do the same, watching welds hurts my eyes even on video
Thanks and glad you liked it 😊
There's others
My grandfather made ships for the Navy in WWII. He had a set of micrometers he used. Fifty years later I went into a similar line of work unaware of what my grandfather did. He didn't mention it when I told him about my new job. When he passed away I inherited his micrometers. They were in rough shape having sat around in his garage for over 40 years. A year after that I discovered my great, great grandfather was a machinist for Morse Twist Drill in New Bedford over 120 years ago. My cousin had his micrometers and other machinist tools and they were in even worst shape. He was going to throw them away so I rescued them. Mine I kept in pristine condition. The other two sets I had to restore. I now have all three in frames in my office.
Awesome 🤩 keep them safe 😊
That's fantastic. Three generations of tools making up a display of family history. That's something to be proud of.
Holy S**t What a great job you've done WOW! from a piece of junk to a collectors piece... I salute you.
Thank you very much Luis ❤️
Wonderful, absolutely wonderful.
Thank you very much 😊
When he said that you are very close to the quality of my mechanics, I am sure he didn't mean that my mechanics is better, but only that you are both from the same category. Btw when you do the sandblasting it looks like you leave the camera inside the cabinet, so satisfying 👍
I'm fairly certain he did mean that my mechanics is a bit better, for one pretty obvious reason.
And I don’t deny 👍 he is the best on restoration on KZhead.
@@CoolAgainRestoration Nahhh you're the best, always have been
@@CoolAgainRestoration It always depends on what you want to achieve. My Mechanics makes the tools look better than new, with making new parts and some mirror shine finishes. Hand Tool Rescue is keeping the old character by also using old techniques like japanning and such things. LADB Restorations even repairs wooden parts instead of making new ones. By Old Hand keeps the patina so that you can see the tools were used but also have been handled with respect and kept in honor. They all, together with you, are playing in the same high end league of restoration. But everyone with a different approach to the things. There is no "the best". As I said, it depends on what you want.
@thorsten , yeah, you have right 😊
Absolutely enjoyed this restoration. Such love and care, underlined by technical skill. Thank you.
Thank you very much Gerry 😊
G.N. RY. = Great Northern Railway.
Outstanding restoration!!! Great job. Thanks.
Thanks a lot Chris 😊
A beautiful restoration. It's nice to see a grandson who cares so much for his grandfathers tools. What a memory! !! !!!
Thanks a lot and glad you liked it 😊
I'm pretty sure Salvatore will be in tears when he lay eyes on this tool. It will only bring back such beautiful memories of his grandfather. You have out done yourself on this one sir. Awesome work👌
Thank you very much Neville 😊
Great restoration. Speaking to my father I knew we have 2 similar from his Grandfather! 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Wow awesome 👏 thanks Evandro 😊
Fantastic job!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you very much Samantha 😊
This is just a beautiful piece of art :-) I hope Salvo will be happy to have this precious memory of his beloved grandpa
Thank you very much and glad you liked it 😊
Wow!! This one became one of my favorites. I like the story behind it and the fact that you kinda let it tell that story.
Thanks a lot bro 😎👍
Very nice work C.A.R.. 2 things I wished I had learned to do when I was younger, operate a lathe and welding.. Thx for bringing us along on another Cool Again adventure... Take care my friend...
Thank you very much Gary 😊 be well and safe 👍
That's no longer a wrench. It's a work of art. Beautiful job.
Thanks a lot 😊
I love seeing the different styles of wrenches through time.
Great work on this once again! And thank you from saving me getting blinded by my HDR during the welding scenes :D
Thanks and glad you liked it 😊
Excellent restoration. Two thumbs 👍.
Thanks again 👍
My great grandfather’s axe is still in the family as it gets passed down from generation to generation. My grandfather had to replace the head, and my father replaced the handle … but there is something special about knowing I still have my great grandfather’s axe.
Awesome , keep it safe for the next generations 👍
looks amazing! another great job and I'm sure he'll love it!
Thank you very much Rhyssa 😊
probably a preference thing but this is much more satisfying of a look instead of it being completely smooth and shiny, it looks beautiful
Thanks and glad you liked it Jim 😊
That fresh nickel over the worn metal looks so cool. Best of both worlds.
Thank you very much Randy 😊
I have an antique microscope that my uncle left me when he died many years ago.. it’s over 100 years old.. i tried reaching out to My Mechanics but he said he couldn’t do it.. you and my mechanics are by far the best restoration channels on KZhead.. I would pay for restoration and it would make for amazing content ❤❤❤
Thank you very much for your feedback, support and for your comment. Unfortunately I can’t do it to because I have items for restoration in the workshop for the next 4 years. Some of them are from subscribers too. I have to finish them before taking new orders. I hope you don’t get mad on me. Thanks 😊
I know what it's like to be backed up on projects. I hope you can get your uncle's microscope restored someday, PJ.
13:06 the overall shape of the wrench looks so neat. The wood on the handle is the perfect color too
Yeah, I was lucky because I had the wood in good condition. I like more to restore than making new parts.
Nice video, now I only need to watch it
Thanks 😊
phenomenal, sir. simply phenomenal. It was a pleasure to watch you work.
Beautiful! You are a master craftsman. I also love the patina in this one too. A real functional show piece now.
Extraordinary work, you did a perfect job mate! I am sure that he really appreciates the restoration, it’s really a beautiful piece and memory!
Thanks a lot my friend 👍 danke
What you do is just so mesmerizing. I didn't grow up around machining and tools. I don't know what half the parts are or called, but it almost seems magical how you simply make everything back to it's original! What talent! Like an artist.
Thank you very much Sheri 😊 glad you enjoyed
The new handel is so beautiful. You did very well. 👍👍
Thank you very much MASI 😊
My grandfather was a steam engineer for the Great Northern Railway most of his life. It was a major rail system. In about 1969 the GN merged with Burlington, forming the Burlington-Northern (BN) now called BNSF. Equipment owned by the GN would often be marked G.N.Ry. I also own a coal shovel marked UPRR for Union Pacific Railroad
Awesome 🤩
Просто супер. Восстановление огонь. Спасибо было безумно приятно и интересно смотреть.
Thank you very much Aleks 😊👍
Very nice work as always, I think he will be really happy on how the wrench turned out. It's fun to see something in bad shape being brought back, but kind of like a good book you almost to skip ahead to see what were the missing pieces. I didn't do that, but wanted to.
Thanks again Richard 😊
I can actually smell metal shop class back in ‘87 by watching this haha. Great vid!
Thank you very much Tom 😊
Mr. Salvo will be in tears when he see his grandfather's wrench restored in fully operational state.
Personally I would have blued it rather than nickel-plating it. It keeps better the "old tool" looks. Just a sugestion, not a criticism.
I understand you but the owner wanted the shine from the wrench. To my old tools I apply cold or hot bluing too. It is more easy to keep them clean .
Wow, definitely top notch. You're very talented.
Thanks mate 😊
Brilliant work. The Italian fan will be ecstatic for sure.
Thanks a lot mate 😊
loved this one, cheers. i agree with the client who sent it for restoration, not to totally undo or fix the casting or pitting, it gives the wrench character.
Yeah, there are some items that need to remain like that 😊
Just beautiful! Well done! Your work is amazing.
Thanks a lot and glad you enjoyed 😊
another excellent restoration of a very unique tool. 👍👍👍
Thank you very much 😊
Beautiful work. I think keeping the patina was spot on. Nice job. And I’m sure the owner will love it.
Thank you very much 😊
Excellent restoration 👌
Thank you very much Rseletto 😊
Wow! How could they not be happy? Great job!
Thanks a lot J 😊
Class Act! Beautifully done!!!!
Thank you very much Fred 😊
Beautiful. What a joy to watch. Thank you.
Thank you very much Anand 😊
WOW!!! You really did a exeptional restoration!
Thank you very much Ronneby 😊
WOW! Very impressive restoration! Blown away on this one.
Thanks Tony and glad you liked it so much 😊
That is absolutely amazing!!! 🤯👍🏼👏🏼
Thanks Erik and glad you liked it 😊
Very good restoration. Meticulous work. I am officially impressed.
Thanks a lot and glad you enjoyed 😊
Thank you for another great video. Always makes my day better when when I see you in my timeline.
Glad to hear that Greg 😊 cheers
Wow. Very impressive. Watch several channels and don’t comment too often. I’m new to yours and had to say.. wow. Great attention to detail and skill.
Thank you very much Peter 😊 thanks you are here
The fidget trend is up, I'd like to encourage gen z to look for grand Papa and grand mama vintage tools, and have this man fix it, master. These tools are art functional and I just wanna turn screws....
What a Beautyfull Restauration Love it very ❤️❤️👍❤️
Thank you very much Jake 😊🤗
Thanks for the video, always enjoy watching!
Thanks a lot Mike 😊
Wow, you did an incredible job. I wish you could buy a wrench as nice as this one you restored. Hats off...👍
Thank you very much mate 😊 glad you liked it
Gap yo'q ishini bilarkan kelgusida omadlar. Toshkentdan salom 🇺🇿🇺🇿🇺🇿
Thanks a lot mate 😊
This kind of tool is a work of art.
Thanks and glad you liked it 😊
I think I have seen this video before but a good video is always worth a second look. Thanks for sharing.😊
Thanks for watching again 😊
A most excellent restoration sir, I enjoyed the video, thank you.
Thank you very much Terry 😊
Amazing job, I bet his father is beaming with pride
Thank you very much mate 😊
Wholesome, and oddly satisfying all in one! 👍😎👍😊💗
Thank you very much Michael 😊
That's a family heirloom to be proud of that'll be passed down for generations along with the photo.
Wow. Absolutely fantastic! Great job 👍
Thanks J 😊
Thx 4 saving a native handle!
Glad you liked it 😊
Perfetto , lavoro magnifico, bravo...👍👍👍
Amazing work , beautiful result 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻
Thanks a lot and glad you enjoyed 😊
Honestly, I really like leaving the pits and imperfections. For a family heirloom it's very fitting. Held preserve some of the history of the object and it's relationship to the family member.
Thanks and glad you enjoyed 😊
Beautiful job! Very tasteful and respectful of the tool’s history
Thank you very much Terry and glad you liked it 😊
This video had me remembering my great grandparents and some of their cool antiques. My great grandma had one of those lil sewing machines that's attached to a table? That would be a really cool, but difficult restoration.
Saving the handle was special. He can hold where his grandad held it. Beautiful work!
Thanks a lot 😊
I like how you show the different types of media for sandblasting. I don't know anything about tools or tool restoration but am learning a lot from your videos!
Thank you very much Janet 😊
Amazing job. A pleasure to watch.
Spectacular Restoration !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you very much Jerry 😊
G N R Y is Great Northern Railway. Excellent work 👍
Thank you very much Helen 😊
What a beautiful sympathetic restoration.
Thank you very much 😊
Класс! И ключ и работа!👍
Spasibo 👍
I love the metal rod in the tailstock, for catching parted off parts. I"ve seen people holding a pencil, or placing a cardboard box but those never seem as elegant as your trick.
Thanks a lot Tizona 😊 glad you liked it
You did an excellent job on restoring the wrench, I enjoy your videos
Thank you very much Bobby 😊
Beautiful workmanship. I hope the old plane comes out well as I try to restore it.
Thanks Cheryl 😊
You have some serious skills my friend! Love your videos. Nice job on the wrench. I'm sure he will be happy.
Thanks a lot and glad you enjoyed 😊
I doubt it ever looked that good when new, great job!
Thank you very much Dave 😊
Молодец ретромастер!-, отличная получилась работа!-, ключ выглядит как будто Новый!-, здоровья тебе и удачи во всём, новых творческих успехов и хорошего настроения 👍👍👍🤓🛠️⚙️🔩🔗🦾🤝🇷🇺👈!!!
Thanks a lot mate 😊
Quite the compliment to be compared favorably to my mechanics. Says a lot about the quality of your work, very nice.
Thanks a lot and glad you enjoy my videos ! 😊