[GreenKeys] 2 WU tools and one thing like a key but bet it is really a switch device...??

[Roy Morgan]

On Apr 21, 2015, at 12:37 PM, Ed Sharpe Archivist for SMECC via GreenKeys <greenkeys at mailman.qth.net> wrote:

> 2 WU  tools and one  thing like a key but bet it is really a switch  device…??

The two-handled pliers like thing is an "Adjustable-Jaw Cut Nipper" piano wire nippers, made by the L.S. Starrett company.  They are still made as far as I know and are priced at some hundred dollars or more. They were/are made in two different sizes. The jaws are very hard steel and are both replaceable and adjustable.  If you search the L.S. Starrett web site you may find both the nippers and the replacement blades offered for sale. At least they are shown, whether they actually have any I don’t know.  I can’t find any price shown.  I would not expect any current product to be up the quality of the original UhMerrican made tools of years ago.

The smaller size (5-1/2 inch) is shown at:
<http://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/1-Precision-Measuring-Tools/11-Precision-Hand-Tools/1116-Precision-Shop-Tools/111611-Other-Shop-Tools/1X-5%201~2>
and the larger size (7 inch) is at:
<http://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/1-Precision-Measuring-Tools/11-Precision-Hand-Tools/1116-Precision-Shop-Tools/111611-Other-Shop-Tools/1X-7>

It appears to me that your tool is the smaller one.

Basically, there is no more capable or strong wire cutters made on the face of the earth.

Some examples of these nippers I have seen (very few!) have broken or even missing jaws.  It appears that all parts of the nippers are available from Starrett.  It’s quite possible that your tool will have Western Electric tool markings.  If so, it was made by Starrett for them with specific markings.  

I have a linesman wire pliers tool of this sort: made by Utica Tool Company and marked “Lubring Patented”. Maybe the “Lubring” mark was used by Utica,  abut 8-1/2” long.  Classic linesman’s plier form with serrated jaws and wire cutter jaws.  Very heavy.  I thought I had such a tool marked for WU but I may have been mistaken in that.

(If you want to “de-access” your pair of nippers, let me know!) HAH!

Roy

Roy Morgan
k1lky68 at gmail.com
K1LKY Since 1958