OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

176254 "wmy2@f..." <wmy2@frontiernet.net> 2008‑01‑12 Bio and Re: re: cold chisels
Greetings Galoots: I have been lurking for some time, in fact enjoying
learning from you by rummaging in the archives. I believe I qualify as a
galoot because I enjoy "rescuing" usable hand tools, although I am a self-
confessed bottom feeder . I learned of the list while in search of
information about some old tool or another which I had found undervalued
by its then current owner. I am 60, and employed as a playground
installer. This occupation has encouraged my galootish tendencies. As we
occasionally supervise volunteers in erecting playgrounds, extra tools-
mostly wrenches come in handy. BTW these are metal and plastic
playgrounds, not wood. I was considering subscribing, but had delayed
until I saw John Ruth's post inquiring about a dog leg chisel. It sounds
like one used by mechanics engaged in repair of exhaust systems. The
usual warning about protective eye ware is especially appropriate when
used in this manner, DAMHINT. It is used to free a rusted muffler from a
usable exhaust pipe by cutting a couple of slits in the old inlet after
removing the clamp. Check the tools which come with pneumatic hammers to
see if they don't include something similar. I can also contribute an
observation on protective rusting. While a schoolboy, with mountain man
aspirations I trapped furbearing game. There might have been a rabies
epidemic/scare involved. The procedure for preparing new traps was to
degrease, lightly rust, then boil in a "blacking solution". Commercially
prepared Logwood chips were available but my Dad advised me to use Sumac
bark and berries. I scraped a quantity of bark and got no results until
I added the berries. Now I suspect it was the tannic acid which produced
the black coating. The preparation was complete when some
parrafin/beeswax was melted on top of the boiling solution and the traps
were hung in a tree to remain scent free until the season opened.
Respectfully, Bill Yanda .

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Recent Bios FAQ