Rolls Royce and Bentley pliers and adjustable spanners
This is not one of the burning issues of our day, however I thought I would attempt to clarify and communicate a minor issue. There are a number of folks who apparently do not know, and do not care, about this accuracy.
Pre-WWII only Lucas was used for both tools. The pliers are the bevel nose type. The adjustable spanner is the Girder “91” without the Crown on the reverse side. The Minor and “93” Major were not supplied. The pliers are plain steel finish, on the far left.
Early Post WAR (EPW) 1946-1956:
ONLY the “91” girder was used; some had the Crown, some were plain. I cannot find a pattern of usage. The girder with the small hole in the lower jaw, is an aftermarket tool, that had accessory jaws. The pliers are Lucas ELEC, with the single side wire cutters. Plain steel finish and then later, white cad was used. Second from the left.
1956-1965:
ONLY Wilkinsons snub nose type pliers (narrow .75 inches); were used. Not the bevel nose. Also some dealers represent the wider Wilkinsons as being correct, but they do not fit the insert. Third from the left. Notice the narrow jaw area, that fits the insert properly. For 1956 thru 1962 Royce and Bentley used the 8 inch Garringtons adjustable spanner. The 4 headlight motorcars, 1963-1965; used the 8 inch King Dick. Not photographed.
1966-1975:
The Lucas ELEC, with double wire cutters, and chrome plating was used. “Rolls Royce” was stamped in the middle, for both marques. Far right, in photo. The Draper girder, with a dark brushed finish was also supplied. I have seen some with no brand. I believe King Dick to be incorrect; however I am not absolutely certain. I really invite information on this!!!
1975-1980
This is not one of the burning issues of our day, however I thought I would attempt to clarify and communicate a minor issue. There are a number of folks who apparently do not know, and do not care, about this accuracy.
Pre-WWII only Lucas was used for both tools. The pliers are the bevel nose type. The adjustable spanner is the Girder “91” without the Crown on the reverse side. The Minor and “93” Major were not supplied. The pliers are plain steel finish, on the far left.
Early Post WAR (EPW) 1946-1956:
ONLY the “91” girder was used; some had the Crown, some were plain. I cannot find a pattern of usage. The girder with the small hole in the lower jaw, is an aftermarket tool, that had accessory jaws. The pliers are Lucas ELEC, with the single side wire cutters. Plain steel finish and then later, white cad was used. Second from the left.
1956-1965:
ONLY Wilkinsons snub nose type pliers (narrow .75 inches); were used. Not the bevel nose. Also some dealers represent the wider Wilkinsons as being correct, but they do not fit the insert. Third from the left. Notice the narrow jaw area, that fits the insert properly. For 1956 thru 1962 Royce and Bentley used the 8 inch Garringtons adjustable spanner. The 4 headlight motorcars, 1963-1965; used the 8 inch King Dick. Not photographed.
1966-1975:
The Lucas ELEC, with double wire cutters, and chrome plating was used. “Rolls Royce” was stamped in the middle, for both marques. Far right, in photo. The Draper girder, with a dark brushed finish was also supplied. I have seen some with no brand. I believe King Dick to be incorrect; however I am not absolutely certain. I really invite information on this!!!
1975-1980
The same pliers were used, but somtimes a different shaped handle, so that some earlier pliers do not fit the "bump" tool kits. The adjustable spanner is a chrome 6 inch King Dick.
After 1980 pliers are a "V" shape, in 2 sizes. The adjustable spanners are 6 inch King Dick and then Gedore after about 1995.
