Rehabbing socketed chisels --- handles w/ traditional leather washers

[William Adams]

Just picked up a tool chest

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First candidate for research and restoration is two chisels (and a spare handle)

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Can't make out a name or insignia for all the rust. Planning on getting Evapo-rust and dropping them in.

Debating on re-using the original handles or making new ones to match another chisel I've already re-handled.

Any concern for collectability? Historical value? Or just users? The top one seems to be a mortise chisel which I'm very glad of since I've wanted one for a while now.

[Jim Koepke]

More pictures of the top chisel would be necessary to say whether or not it is a mortise chisel.

The handles look like one that came on one of my Swan chisels.

jtk

[William Adams]

This sufficient? Or is another view necessary?

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Thanks for the Swan lead!

[Jim Koepke]

This sufficient? Or is another view necessary?

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Thanks for the Swan lead!

Yep, that does look to be made heavy enough for mortising.

jtk

[William Adams]

Thanks! They've gone into a container of Evapo-rust --- guess I'll just clean up the handles w/ a knife where necessary, then wash off and then refinish w/ walnut oil and beeswax.

[Jim Koepke]

Depending on what kind of dirt is on the handles I have had luck cleaning them with mineral oil furniture polish (oil & wax mixture).

jtk

[William Adams]

You've a good eye!

Each says:

THE JAMES SWAN CO.
BEST TOOL STEEL

and has the swan logo.

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Next up is polishing w/ Simichrome and oiling the handles w/ walnut oil and then waxing w/ beeswax.

[Jim Koepke]

You've a good eye!

A lot of my time has been spent looking and remembering. Except where my glasses might be hiding.

My mind is like a steel trap, rusty and illegal in 37 states.

jtk

[William Adams]

First one cleaned up nicely:

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[Mike Henderson]

Swan is a good brand of chisel. The steel is plain carbon steel but they sharpen up well. The fact that it says " Best Tool Steel" and not "Best Cast Steel" means they were probably made after about 1900.

The ones made earlier were marked "Best Cast Steel".

Mike

[William Adams]

Thanks! Wasn’t aware of that distinction ― that helps a bit w/ the dating.